Monday, December 20, 2010

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



26 comments:

  1. Great interview, Miss Mae! I also grew up reading Nancy Drew! I still love those stories!

    Destiny

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  2. Great interview, Miss Mae! This book is on my list to read - sounds fascinating. I love romantic mystery books! I never guessed who did it in your other books I read. And I actually do guess sometimes in other mysteries. You are a talented mystery writer.

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  3. Thank you for having me today, Clare. :) Excellent blog site!

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  4. Nice interview. Any story set on a lighthouse is always going to be intriguing. Good luck with your books, I am a big fan of your mysteries.

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  5. Miss Mae I loved your interview and insite to your book. Your theme also reminds me of some of Agatha Christie's novels, and I just have to add it to my tbr list.
    I've promised myself a good long visit on Amazon on the 25th December :-) My Christmas presie to myself!! LOL
    Have a wonderful holiday.

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  6. I'm so glad that Miss Mae has come out with another book. I reviewed her ebook, "See No Evil, My Pretty Lady" and it was an outstanding first release. I also reviewed her second release, "It's Elementary, My Dear Winifred," which was a delightful mystery with delicious twists and turns. Miss Mae has a refreshing voice and style which, in my mind, sets her above most new authors. Her plots are witty, fun and fast-paced. I have followed her progress with much enthusiasm, and am so pleased to know she has a new release. I'm sure it will be winner.

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  7. Hi Miss Mae,

    I love a good mystery. I'll have to add this to my 'To Buy List' just so I can read the climatic scene atop the lighthouse ledge where the culprit is revealed. This has got to be good. :)

    Great advice for new authors, too.

    I wish you the best!

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  8. Hi Miss Mae: thanks for showing at my interview too. We're all busy today. Your new novel sounds intriguing. Well, I've read two of your novels and really liked them. I see I'm falling behind. Spider and Bough but how many more do you have now? Catch me and Winifred? I'm not informed and must ask you off list what an Indie author is.

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  9. Miss Mae, Congratulations on your latest release. I can't tell by reading your books that you have "any" difficulty writing them. The words flow, the characters pop off the page, and the plot thickens!

    May God continue to bless the gift He has given you.

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  10. Hi Destiny!

    Yes, Nancy was my favorite heroine when I was a young girl. :) I don't think any of the shows/movies portraying her capture at all what I envisioned in reading about her daring adventures. :)

    Thanks so much for stopping by! :)

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  11. Hi Diane,
    If you should read this one, I sure hope you can't guess the baddie at all! *gulp*

    Thanks for coming by, and congrats again on the IGA sales! :)

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  12. Hi Danielle,

    Appreciate so much your taking the time to come over. I am a HUGE fan of your delightful books! Am eagerly anticipating Josette! :)

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  13. Hi Sherry!

    I'm so happy you came over, thank you so much! :) Here's hoping you get yourself a whole cart full of goodies on your Amazon shopping spree. :)

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  14. Hi Linda!

    I'm so appreciative that you agreed to review my first two books. :) I'm touched by your words of encouragement and support. It's been rewarding simply to meet you and become your online friend. Thank you so much!

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  15. Hi Karen!

    So good to see you here. :) Thanks for coming by, and I hope others will enjoy that lighthouse scene too. :)

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  16. Larry, I wrote you off list. :) Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  17. Laurie, you say the sweetest, most gracious things. Thank you, my kind friend. From such a gifted author as yourself, I can only wish I could write humor as skillfully! :)

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  18. Great interview, Miss Mae!! I'm also a Nancy Drew fan (and Trixie Belden, of course!!). Sounds like a really fun book! I'll check it out!

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  19. Great interview, Miss Mae!! I'm also a Nancy Drew fan (and Trixie Belden, of course!!). Sounds like a really fun book! I'll check it out!

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  20. Catch Me If You Can sounds like another good Miss Mae mystery with twists and turns. I've read one of her books and thoroughly enjoyed it.

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  21. Enjoyed the interview, Miss Mae! Catch Me If You Can sounds like another great story. Best of luck to you, my friend!

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  22. Love finding out a bit more about MM! I know a celebrity!

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  23. Hi Chiron,

    I loved Trixie Belden too. LOL We sound like soul sisters! :)

    Thx for stopping by!

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  24. Hi Gail,
    I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my book. Thank you, dear friend, and for coming by too. :)

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  25. Hi Anne!

    So glad you enjoyed the interview. :) And you are an awesome suspense writer in your own right! Thanks for coming by. :)

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  26. Wonderful interview Miss Mae, and you know how I love and admire your books. 'Catch Me If You Can' is a thrilling read and I enjoyed it immensely, as I have all your stories. Congratulations and may the New year bring you even more success!

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