Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, lived in Los Angeles in the late 1970’s but have called Central Indiana home since the age of four.
My writing journey began in 2002, when I happened upon and joined several author forums and writing/critique groups. There, I met many wonderfully talented writers. I studied the genre I love, mystery and suspense, and worked hard to fine-tune my craft. Within a few years, I wrote several short stories, novellas, and attempted to write a couple of novels. The short stories were published online at author forums, but the remainder of my work served as practice runs while I polished my craft.
I was fortunate a small British press agreed to publish the first two novels in my Sam Harper Crime Mystery series, SILENCED CRY (2007) and THE DEVIL CAN WAIT (2008) bronze medal winner of the 2009 IPPY award. When the publishing firm closed, I acquired the rights to my novels and plan to release them again in the Fall of 2017.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
SHROUD OF LIES was released on August 3, 2017, and came after a long break from my writing due to health reasons. The inspiration for this novel was my 94-year old father who was in the late stages of Alzheimer’s. I watched his wonderful, keen mind fade a little at a time until all he could recalled were his days as a young chemist doing what he loved best. My memories of those final days with him gave rise to Evy, the step-mother of private investigator Rhonie Lude and dementia patient. When Lude discovers that Evy was a witness to the cold crime she is trying to solve, it becomes a race against time to capture Evy’s memories.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do my best creative writing early in the morning, often before 6 AM. I’ll also set aside a block of time in the week for marketing and promotional efforts. On average, my novels are around 80,000 words and each have multiple subplots. When I begin a new manuscript, I don’t necessarily outline it, but I have a strong sense of plot and the direction I want the story to take. Although my novels are not classified as police procedures, I do a tremendous amount of research into it as well as anything else that will affect the characters.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy reading novels by Patricia Cromwell, Tess Gerritsen, Harlan Coben, and the late Robert B. Parker (to name a few). However, my writing has been equally influenced by classic Noir films like Sunset Boulevard (directed by Billy Wilder), The Maltese Falcon (written by Dashiell Hammett) and all of Alfred Hitchcock’s work. I’ve always gravitated toward edge-of-the seat mysteries and suspense novels and films and have worked to emulate that sense of suspense for my readers.
What are you working on now?
I have three novels in the works; two in the Sam Harper Crime Mysteries series and the next Rhonie Lude book. I’m also planning to write a collection of short stories.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media, my personal website, posting on blogs have been successful for me as well as talks/book signings at book clubs and libraries.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to aspiring authors is that it’s never too late to follow your dream. Learn the craft until it becomes second nature, edit, edit, and edit again. Read everything you can get your hands on to expand your mind.
And no matter what curve balls life tosses your way, grab them and throw them back.
In other words, never give up!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your book won’t write itself!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Now more than ever, writing feeds my soul. I write for the joy of it and in the hopes my twisted tales will entertain and delight my readers. Everything else, is icing on the cake.
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?
The Bible, Pride and Prejudice, and the next Dan Brown novel.
Author Websites and Profiles
Marta Stephens Website
Good to hear of Marta’s life and work.