Cathy Elliott Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A. Now retired from the day job as a Library Information Technician & Library Webmaster, I’m a full-time writer in northern California, creating cozy mysteries and more on my trusty laptop. I love being an author, but my favorite title is “Gramsey” to

Sidney Anne, who is a master at getting me to play with her, and the new guy, Nicholas Scott. So exciting to say, “Off to see the grandkids!” Plural. Oh, boy.

Like the protagonist in A Stitch in Crime and A Vase of Mistaken Identity, I’m an avid quilter. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, I enjoy hunting for antiques and claim several years of recovery from my eBay addiction. In the good old days, I played guitar and sang with a country rock band and later, a gospel trio. Now my 12-string acoustic guitar helps me lead music at church. On occasion, I’ll still pull out my violin and play with a few friends. NOTE: I once placed second in the Ladies Division of the local Old Time Fiddler’s Contest. No kidding. The trophy is dusty and I rarely attempt bluegrass now – definitely no Alison Krauss – but one day I’ll work up “Maiden’s Prayer” again. With double-stops.

I dearly love to read mysteries and suspense. And any book that is written well.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A. In high school, my friend and I used to write stories and swap them. We thought we were brilliant. But I didn’t know I wanted to be a writer until later in life. There was a longing inside to write. When I told a friend I had joined a writer’s group, she thought it was a good idea, since I always wanted to write.

I did?

Apparently, I’d told everyone except myself. But my actions were talebearers, too. For years, I read books about writing, poured over The Writer Magazine every month, and attended author talks. When I decided to formally begin, I’d already begun.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?

A. My writing career includes the publication of three cozy mysteries, including A Vase of Mistaken Identity, Medals in the Attic, and A Stitch in Crime. I’ve also written ten educational books for children, numerous book reviews, and contributed to various anthologies and other publications.

First Break: At a writer’s conference, I attended a “Night Owl” session on writing children’s books because I admired the instructor. During the evening, those of us who wished do to so, signed up to receive emails about future presentations, etc. A few weeks later, I got a generic email from a publishing company for a story need. Because I was a part of the list, and the instructor was also an editor at this house, I got the story call along with all the others. I put together a story, submitted it, and they bought it. The anthology collection was titled Stories for the Heart and it was my first big clip.

I was on my way.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release A Stitch in Crime?

A: A Stitch in Crime is a quirky, cozy mystery and the final book in the Quilts of Love series from Abingdon Press. According to Publisher’s Weekly (Nov. 7, 2014), “…Fans of inspirational fiction will enjoy the funny, feel-good whodunit.”

Here’s a summary:

Thea James thought working as co-chair for Larkindale’s first quilt show extravaganza would be a natural extension of her antique business. But while organizing the busy week’s premiere events would make anyone frayed, she doesn’t expect a complete unraveling!

At the opening soirée, local matriarch Mary-Alice Wentworth is knocked unconscious and robbed of her diamond brooch. Soon a rare quilt—the main attraction and a rumored key to great riches—goes missing.

Assault, larceny, anonymous threats. Who knew quilt shows could be this dangerous?

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for A Stitch in Crime?

A: I had purchased a book about Civil War quilts and the Underground Railroad and found it fascinating. It made me think about messages in quilts and legacies over time. That was the core spark for me to create the fictional Larkin’s Treasure, a quilt with a secret of great riches that is highly prized. And decide how someone might insert that message into it somehow, yet in a way that isn’t apparent and is mysterious.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: Overall, there is an underlying theme of forgiveness. Mary-Alice’s forgiveness and love for her unlovely nephew with little to recommend him, one who has “sinned” against her, is an archetype of God’s unconditional love for His own.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A: That’s hard to say; I had such fun writing every scene. But I think my favorite chapter to write was the afternoon tea out at the Lake House. Watching Gram thwart Thea’s desire to keep a secret in bumbling-Gram-style delighted my heart and caused me to anticipate the reader’s response, as well. I hope they agree.

Q: What inspires you to write?

A. Since I have a love of the written word and communicating through it, I am inspired by the stories of life itself. I see things, hear things, read things, and experience things as we all do. Things that spark story ideas. An idea might just simmer until worlds of folks are living out their dramas inside my head, longing for their stories to be told. Plus, I often utilize snippets from the real experiences of others. I’ll say, “What a great story about your sister.  May I use it in the book?”  If the person says “Yes,” then I’ll tweak it for my purposes.  I call myself a “thief of life.”  It’s my biggest vice.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?

A: Of course, it was much more work than I realized as an unpublished writer, though I was warned. One works so hard to get that first contract – afterward, isn’t it time to cruise along Easy Street? But worries about sales numbers, finding time to support the book, and expectations for a next book keep one from relaxing. Publication is not euphoria. It is a new set of concerns. But it is also very, very good.

I did not expect to form lovely friendships among other published authors. As a rule, writers are generous, always helping, sharing information, and supporting one another. This is true on both sides of publication, it seems. Still, I did not expect such a warm welcome from those who’ve “made it” already.

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A: Hone the craft. Join a good critique group, including some advanced writers, for input. Go to writer conferences. Make it your goal to write well over to be published. And then, enjoy your time in the waiting room. Anticipation is the sweetest thing of all.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A. The re-release of my first novel, A Vase of Mistaken Identity, also a Thea James mystery. It should be released about the same time as A Stitch in Crime (mid-January) and will provide readers who want more Thea adventures the opportunity to visit her world again. I’m very excited to give it new life.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A. Think about writing, research writing, read writer books, articles, and everything related to the craft. But I also enjoy quilting, playing my guitar in church, antiquing, and polishing my grandparent skills as often as I can.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A. I’d love to have you drop by my website & Occasional Blog at: www.cathyelliottbooks.com Or see what’s new with my Pinterest site: https://www.pinterest.com/cathyelliott10/

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A. I can’t think of anything to add. Except to thank you for hosting me on The Suspense Zone. It’s been a delight.