Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“Until Proven Innocent” from Black Rose Writing is my second book for young adults. I have a domestic suspense novel, “Don’t Fear, My Darling,” coming out on May 4 from Black Opal Books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Until Proven Innocent” was inspired by an abandoned farmhouse in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where my father lived when I was a child. My brothers and I loved to explore it and imagine what we would do if we found buried treasure or something mysterious.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I pick out music for most of my characters and play it as background while I am writing their stories.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My earliest influences were mystery writers Joan Lowery Nixon, Joan Aiken and Phyllis Whitney. Sue Grafton’s alphabet series was a favorite, and I was privileged to meet her years ago. She was very encouraging and gracious.
What are you working on now?
My WIP (work in progress) is “The Write Way to Die,” a cozy mystery. Melanie would be thrilled at the chance to volunteer at her first writing conference and work with a big-name agent–except that Brandon is the Agent From Hell. When he turns up dead, no one is heartbroken. Melanie suspects foul play. She sets out to discover who had the best reason to want Brandon dead–and the answer is, everyone.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook has done well for me because posts work like a pyramid–someone shares your post to their friends, who share it again, etc. Nothing beats getting out to bookstores and doing signings. They are a fun way to meet old fans and make new ones.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never throw any of your old stories away. All three of my published novels were first drafts years ago. As I learned my craft, I realized I had the foundation for a good story, and the knowledge to execute it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Butt in Chair”–meaning, sit down and write. Period. I will add to that, FINISH what you write, because working with a sloppy first draft is much easier than working with a stack of notes.
What are you reading now?
“Incarceration Nation” by Baz Dreisinger, about prison systems throughout the world.
Also “A Murder of Magpies” by Judith Flanders, a fun mystery about the publishing business.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to turn “The Write Way to Die” into a series.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A dictionary (for entertainment), the Bible (to keep from losing hope), “The Mystery Writer’s Handbook” (for inspiration) and a blank journal–the kind with a pencil pouch.
Author Websites and Profiles
Laura Stewart Schmidt Website
Laura Stewart Schmidt Amazon Profile
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