Maybe you should tell us a little more about yourself. Who are you? Why did you decide to start writing?My mother was a World History teacher and part-time writer, and encouraged me to take a journalism class in high school. I served on the school newspaper as the Features editor and won a couple of writing awards (including one for a feature story and a UIL award in newswriting). In college (the University of Texas at Austin), I majored in magazine journalism and wrote for the college magazin. Originally I wanted to be a news reporter, but was more interested in the craft of writing than being the first to track down a story. Magazine journalism gave me the opportunity to explore topics more in-depth.I’ve worked as a freelance writer and editor most of my adult lifeI love Jasmine's character. She's an independent, free-spirited girl who likes adventure. How did you come up with her character? Like Jazz, I’m naturally curious, rebellious and restless, but Jazz goes places I’d never go! Personally, I have no interest in covering crime or murder.She’s a younger version of early TV/film female journalists like Rosalind Russell in His Girl Friday, Lois Lane and real-life crusader Nellie Bly.My novels tend to be soft-boiled since I want a break from today’s true crime stories. If I wanted hard-core murder and violence, I can just turn on the news!
Q. Can you tell us about the journey that led you to write your book?
As a magazine writer, I was getting tired of freelancing and constantly pitching ideas to new editors. I wanted to produce work that was more permanent and not yesterday’s news. I tried to think of each chapter as an article and that helped me keep going forward.
Q. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Research. I really enjoyed researching all the history, people and places as well as the slang, but it really interfered with the writing. I found it hard to maintain the flow of writing when I constantly had to stop and look something up to make sure it was accurate. Often I’d get carried away and start reading unrelated period magazine and newspaper articles and go off on tangents because the information was so fascinating. Also since I wrote about real people (Galveston gangsters and high society), I had to be careful not to write anything too offensive or incriminating.
Dialogue was also a challenge because too much slang can sound corny and outdated. Certain words like “teen” weren’t in use until 1930, while other slang words were more common in the North than South. I tried to make my characters sound authentic but not go overboard. Also I wanted to use words that readers could understand in context, but some expressions were so colorful and fun that I wanted to include them anyway.
Favorite writing snack?I drink Arnold Palmers (iced tea and lemonade) or iced coffee like crazy. No wonder I’m a night owl! Background music: yea or nay?Yes, I like listening to instrumental jazz. Singing just distracts me and I’m easily distracted. Advice to aspiring authors? Write what you love about topics that interest you. Don’t chase trends or try to write for the market. Writing and publishing are hard work,so you may as well enjoy the journey! Thanks so much for dropping in, my friend!
Formerly she's worked as a magazine editor, and in advertising and public relations. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Magazine Journalism. During college, she once worked as a cocktail waitress, a short-lived experience. FLAPPERS, FLASKS AND FOUL PLAY is her first novel. Currently she's working on the sequel, BATHING BEAUTIES, BOOZE AND BULLETS, due out this April.
"When you grow up in Houston, Galveston becomes like a second home. I had no idea this sleepy beach town had such a wild and colorful past until I began doing research, and became fascinated by the legends and stories of the 1920s. Finally I had to stop researching and start writing, trying to imagine a flapper's life in Galveston during Prohibition."Author LinksAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Website