Greetings, Noters!
I hope you are keeping cool as this heatwave continues. It’s been tough working outside because I am definitely feeling the heat, but I still set up my makeshift desk every morning because the sun is out. I love writing this time of year, although, it’s had its challenges.
As the deadline for Trending Topic Mystery #3 approaches, I find myself immersed in the final draft of my manuscript, carefully polishing every sentence and refining the narrative arc. The weight of anticipation hangs in the air as I scrutinize every word, ensuring the story unfolds seamlessly. Each chapter becomes a puzzle piece, intricately fitting together to create a captivating tale. With each revision, I inject more depth and personality into my characters, and every plot twist becomes more gasp-worthy and engaging. As I work towards reaching “THE END,” I savor the bittersweet blend of excitement and vulnerability that accompanies this stage of the creative process. Soon, my manuscript will embark on its journey into the hands of my trusted editor, ready to undergo the rigorous scrutiny that will shape it into a binge-able cozy mystery.
My guest this week knows how enjoyable the mystery-writing process can be! Without further ado…
A Bit About the Author: Kate B Jackson (KB Jackson) is an author of mystery novels for grownups and mystery/adventure novels for kids. She lives in the Pacific NW with her husband and has four mostly-grown children. Her debut middle-grade release is The Sasquatch of Hawthorne Elementary (Reycraft Books) about a twelve-year-old boy hired by the most popular girl at his new school to investigate what she saw in the nearby woods. Book one in the Chattertowne Mysteries series, Secrets Don’t Sink, (Level Best Books July 2023) introduces Audrey O’Connell, a small town feature reporter who, when her former boyfriend’s body is found floating in the local marina, uncovers the depths to which some will go to keep secrets submerged.
Her debut novel in the Cruising Sisters mystery series, Until Depths Do Us Part (Tule Publishing) will be released Spring 2024.
It’s so wonderful to have you here today, Kate. I always love getting to know my fellow literary agency authors better. Before we dive into your books and writing, can you share what book made you first fall in love with reading?
My very first book with chapters was Elizabeth Gail and the Mystery at Johnson Farm. I read it in the first grade and was so proud of myself. I often read out loud to my mom while she made dinner, so that was special bonding time.
How did your love of reading evolve into a love of writing? How did you begin your writing journey?
When I was seven, I was given a Hello Kitty diary for Christmas. I found there was something about taking my own thoughts and putting them on a page that somehow made them more real. Also, my grandfather was a published author of non-fiction books with Alfred Knopf and so we had his books on our shelves, including several editions in foreign languages. I even found one of his books in my high school library. That made me want to see my own books on a shelf in a bookstore or library.
Secrets Don't Sink is the first book in your new Chattertowne Mysteries. Tell us about Chattertowne, Washington. What makes it the perfect setting for murder?
Small towns in general are a great setting for murder because it doesn’t happen every day, it’s usually the result of an interesting setup/dynamic rather than just random, and the characters you meet in small towns tend to be quirky. I don’t know why that, is, but having grown up in a small town, I can tell you it’s true. Chattertowne is a place where news travels fast on the gossip line because there’s not a lot else going on, and while everyone’s happy to talk about other people’s drama or secrets, they desperately want to keep their own under wraps. It’s difficult to remake your image in a small town once they’ve decided who you are. Secrets are what feeds a place like Chattertowne.
Your amateur sleuth, Audrey O’Connell, is working for the local newspaper in Chattertowne. How did you “meet” Audrey? Why is she the right woman for the mystery-solving job?
Audrey began her existence as Maya, a woman who was lost in her fledgling career and her pathetic dating life. She was stalled out and burned out. When I brought her home, she couldn’t hide from those feelings or her perceived failure to “make it out” of her small town. The judgmental part of her saw the small town she’d been raised in as beneath her. In many ways she needed to fall back in love with her roots—this time by taking an honest look—in order to understand herself and to grow. Because she’s a curious person by nature, someone with a strong bent toward seeking justice, she’s going to be tenacious in her pursuit of the truth.
What is Audrey’s best character trait? Her worst?
I think Audrey’s best trait is that she’s curious…about other people, other ways of thinking, about what’s under the surface of things. Her worst characteristic would either be bad taste in men (but she’s trying to overcome it!) or being judgy.
What made you want to write an amateur sleuth/cozy mystery?
Amateur sleuths aren’t confined by the parameters that law enforcement officers are. They have an ability to blend in, develop trust or rely upon previously established relationships to gain insight. Plus, I needed it to have humor, and often police procedurals are more serious. I am a big fan of comedic mystery shows of the 70’s and 80’s, so I always knew I wanted to incorporate humor.
What does your workspace look like? Is there anything you need for a successful day of writing?
My workspace varies. I’ve petitioned for a she-shed because with my family milling about it can be difficult to get into the groove if people are constantly wandering into my space. Often, I’m sitting on my bed. For a successful day of writing, I need a cup of coffee and few distractions.
Love it - what I wouldn’t give for a she-shed! What is your favorite, can’t-live-without writing tool?
As a reformed pantser, my top tools are my bullet point journals (I use Leuchtturm1917) and my pilot G-2 07 pens. I refer to my plotting notes throughout each writing session.
Welcome to the plotting side! For our final question, you stumble across a crime scene. What book character are you alerting first? Why?
I’m going to go with Stephanie Plum. Despite her lack of training, she’s got good instincts and I know I’d be well-fed and laughing the whole time.
Being well-fed is a must! I agree, solving crime is more fun on a full stomach. Kate, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing a bit about yourself, Secrets Don’t Sink, and your writing. Noters, learn more about Kate’s new mystery below!
Secrets Don’t Sink: Loose lips may sink ships, but bodies and secrets inevitably float to the surface.
Audrey O’Connell has returned from Portland to her hometown of Chattertowne, Washington, a place where gossip is currency but knowing when to stay tight-lipped is priceless.
Procuring a part-time job at the local newspaper to keep an eye on her impetuous sister following Vivienne’s latest romantic scandal, Audrey is assigned a feature series for the upcoming festival which has her digging through the town archives.
When her former boyfriend is found floating dead in the marina not long after reaching out to her in hopes of utilizing her research skills, her investigation reveals his conspiracy theories about Chattertowne and corruption within its leadership might not have been so crazy after all.
As she plumbs the depths of the town’s 150-year history, she discovers that beneath the façade of this idyllic hamlet lie secrets long-submerged–including within her own family–and finds herself in the crosshairs of those who guard them.
Now with three dead bodies, a severe case of aquaphobia, and a narrow window before her deadline, Audrey looks to the handsome City Manager, the town’s octogenarian historian, and her enigmatic almost-boyfriend to help her discover the truth that will forever change her and Chattertowne.