Romantic Mystery Author, Miss Mae Talks About Her Latest Book 'Catch Me If You Can'

Scribal Love Welcomes Miss Mae!


Miss Mae is an author of Romantic Mysteries.  Her newest work “Catch Me If You Can” is available from Amazon in print and Smashwords in digital format. 

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?


'Catch Me If You Can.'  I really have no idea how I came up with this title!  LOL I think, overall, I considered the whole theme of my plot and remembered that childhood story of 'The Gingerbread Man.'  All the way through, he taunted others to "catch me if you can!"  In a way, he’s similar to a particular character that I include and I could very well conceive of his mouthing this smug challenge.


What is this book about?  And what genre is the book? 


Romantic mystery/suspense.  The plot centers on a computer game called "Catch Me If You Can.”  It’s the latest release of a highly popular “Catch Me” series created by Stuart Harrington.  A convention for “Catchie” enthusiasts is scheduled at a historic South Carolina plantation house.  Only a few guests are able to arrive safely on the island before Brian, a category four hurricane, blows in.  One person, Lois Steinberg, washes ashore on the beach after a near disaster from her snorkeling incident.  Victor Helm, walking his dog named Mite, comes upon Lois and carries her to the house.  The storm strengthens, wrecking havoc and straining the guests over-taut nerves.  As if the situation isn’t dangerous enough already, the cook is found murdered.  Who did him in?  And why?  How can his death possibly connect to Harrington’s game?  Or does it?  




Who is/are the main characters?  And why did you choose them? 


Lois Steinberg and Victor Helm.  Why did I choose them?  Well, every story needs a hero and heroine!  LOL




What is the coolest or best part about your book?  


I like the climatic scene atop the lighthouse ledge where the culprit is revealed.  :)


Do you have a favorite character in the book?  If so, why? 


The dog, Mite. I love animals and he has a pivotal role.  I won’t say what exactly.  You need to read the story and find out what it is! 


Is this book part of a series?  If so? What can we expect in future books?  


No. This is a stand alone story.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?


I don’t think so right now. But ask me after a year, I might have changed my mind. *grin*


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? 


Be patient!  By far, this one took the longest to write.  I had to persevere and make myself keep at it.   It took nine months to complete, but what a joy when I typed, “The End”.


Do you have a publisher?  And if so, why did you choose them? 


I’ve had three publishers since being offered my first contract in 2007.  Through these experiences, I’ve decided becoming an Indie author works best.  Since Oct. 15, 2010, I am now totally independent. 




If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Hmm, I’m not really sure how to answer this. I have many favorite authors, but I don’t consider any of them mentors.  If I had to choose…maybe Agatha Christie?


What books are you reading now?  


I finished “Angel’s Requiem” by Kate Kindle.


What are the current writing projects that you are working on?


I am developing the plot for the second in my historical series of the “Dear Winifred” stories.


Do you write full time?  If not, do you hope to do so one day?


I write/market/promo.  All of it is full time! (whew!)




Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? 


Reading the Nancy Drew mystery books when I was a child.  I wanted to create wonderful adventures like Nancy was always involved in! 


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? 


Almost everything.  LOL I try to remember to “show” as opposed to “tell”; watching punctuation; adding lots of action, which requires good, demonstrative verbs; cloaking the subtle clues; keeping the hero masculine while the heroine is feminine -- the list goes on and on.  :)


Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time?


Be well informed on all the publishers you’re interested in submitting to.  Don’t just query them.  Also query the authors who are published with them.  Don’t be afraid to ask the important questions.  Are the authors happy?  How long does the contract run?  What rights does the publisher demand?  Do they respond to emails within an acceptable time frame?  Are royalties paid accurately and punctually?  Doing your homework upfront will provide valuable insight into choosing the publishing house that’s right for you.




Thanks Miss Mae for Dropping by!


Thank you for the interview!  :)


My site and blog (combined) is www.missmaesite.com.   Join my site as a member!  I’d love to have you.  :)


You can find “Catch Me If You Can” in digital format at Smashwords:


http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/17475


Or At Amazon for the print version with a “look inside” feature:


http://www.amazon.com/Catch-Me-If-You-Can/dp/1453659196/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_3/186-1691083-8585042