INTERVIEW OF LAURINDA WALLACE By Cynthia Hickey

Laurinda has been writing stories since elementary school days and always has a good mystery book nearby. Life just isn't complete without books. There's nothing like a comfy chair, a cup of coffee, and all day to write or read. Since 2005, she has been writing for magazines such as Guideposts, The Upper Room, and a variety of online publications.

A native of the snowbelt in Western New York, Laurinda is a graduate of Houghton College, NY. Her career in administration has spanned over 30 years in the law office and education. She has two beautiful daughters, handsome son-in-laws, miraculous twin grandsons, and a new grandbaby on the way. The beautiful high desert of southeastern Arizona is now home, where her husband David and she, along with their large Labrador, Clancy enjoy lots of sunshine and mountain views.

When did you decide to pursue writing and eventually publication?

I began writing for magazines and online publications in 2005, which was a confidence building experience. My lifelong dream had been to write mysteries, and so in 2008, I began writing the first Gracie Andersen mystery. After working with a traditional publisher for a few years without progress toward publication, I decided the time was right to independently publish in 2011. After assembling my own publishing team, two inspirational books were published in 2012, followed by the mystery series in 2013 and 2014.

What is your writing process like?  Do you write daily?  Are you a plotter or a pantster? 

My day job situation has dictated much of my writing process.  When I was working part time, I wrote everyday on the current book, and also a weekly  blog.  That has been more difficult with my current full time job. I’m part plotter and part pantster.  Mysteries require lots of backstory plotting—murder, motives for suspects, and the killer. Once those elements are set, the story can take on a life of its own which is incentive to keep writing. I have to find out what happens next.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?  Least favorite?

I love putting together the puzzle of the murder and the multiple motives that crop up in the investigation. Writing the story so readers can experience small town life, get to know the characters, and untangle the mystery is loads of fun.  Revisions are my least favorite component, but my beta readers and editor are top notch in helping me polish the story.

What is one of the most interesting things you’ve discovered in your research? 

Local history from the 1700s and 1800s was used in the second of the mystery series, By the Book.  I was familiar with the events used, but my research into some of the Revolutionary War history of Western New York was eye opening. The Iroquois nation worked almost exclusively for the British, and the brutality the early settlers experienced to carve out a new life gave me a new respect for their perseverance.

Please tell us about your latest release. 

 Fly by Night, the third Gracie Andersen mystery was released in November, 2014. Kennel owner, Gracie Andersen gets caught up in a political and environmental controversy over a proposed windfarm.  UFO sightings, a cast of quirky characters, and a body found on the wind farm site have Gracie and her Labrador Haley investigating an interesting suspect pool.

Who or what inspired this special story? 

My hometown area was embroiled in a windfarm controversy a few years back, which inspired Fly by Night.  It was such a polarizing issue, it seemed like an excellent motive for a murder.

Is there anything else you would like to share?  What will you be working on next? 

Currently, I’m working on the fourth Gracie mystery which will take place in Arizona, where I now reside.  It was time for Gracie to get out of Deer Creek and explore a bit of the old West.

Can you tell us something about yourself that few people may know?

I love hiking and geocaching with my husband, David. The mountains in our area are full of caches or “treasures” as I prefer to think of them.  It’s such a great way to enjoy the beauty around us and geocaching has become a favorite activity with our 7 year-old grandsons.

What is your most treasured possession?

Relationships are true treasure for me. My relationship with God puts all of life and eternity in the right perspective. The people He has placed in my life are rich blessings I’m thankful for everyday.

If you had to leave your house suddenly, what is one thing you would grab, other than family and pets?

Without question - my laptop.

Thank you so much!  Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

Please visit my website, www.laurindawallace.com for information about my books. All of them are available at Amazon in Kindle or paperback. 

Please leave a comment for a chance to win a Kindle copy of Fly By Night.