Pump Up Your Book Chats with Mystery Suspense Author F.M. Meredith

Marilyn Meredith is the author of over twenty-five published novels. Under the name of F.M. Meredith she writes the Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series. No Sanctuary was a finalist in the mystery/suspense category of Epic’s best in e-books contest. She also writes the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, the latest Dispel the Mist from Mundania Press. She’s a member of EPIC, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. She was an instructor for Writer’s Digest School for ten years, served as an instructor at the Maui Writer’s Retreat and many other writer’s conferences.

Thank you for this interview, Marilyn.  Do you remember writing stories as a child or did the writing bug come later?  Do you remember your first published piece?

Yes, I began writing when I was about ten years old. My first published piece was a short story I wrote in my late teens, though I don’t remember much about it except it was about a dog.

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

The most frustrating is the time it takes to promote. Interviews like this are fun, but going to book fairs and other events take so much time away from my writing. On the other hand, meeting readers who have actually read my books and liked them is extremely rewarding.

Are you married or single and how do you combine the writing life with home life?  Do you have support?

I’ve been married to the cute sailor I met on a blind date nearly 59 years and he’s extremely supportive. He comes with me to nearly all my events and helps sell books. He’s busy around the house and yard so leaves me to my writing. We have four adult children and many grand and great-grandkids who we enjoy spending time with.

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?  Where do you like to vacation?  Can you tell us briefly about this?

Hubby and I go to the movies and out to eat three or four times a month. We also watch movies on DVDs at home. I seldom write after dinner. As for vacations, they are usually what we do when we go to a mystery conference or conventions and we’ve visited many interesting places this way.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one hour right now, where would that place be and why?

Alaska to visit the native woman I met at a mystery convention one year and then went back to stay a few days with after another mystery con. We had such a delightful time together, I’d like to do it again.

Who is your biggest fan?

I have several, some police officers who acknowledge that because it’s my police department I’m writing about, I can do it anyway I want. Of course my husband is a fan, but my sister and my eldest daughter are big fans too.

Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

I always write in my office. Everything I need is close by. It’s kind of out of the way so no one has to walk into it unless they want to talk to me.

What’s your favorite library and why?

The Porterville Library—because they are so supportive. They have all my books, and the librarian is a big fan. They ask me to speak at the library at least once a year.

What’s your favorite bookstore and why?

We have no bookstores where I live. We have a new used bookstore in the next town. Hopefully I’ll be doing a book launch there sometime soon.

Do you have any pets?

Three indoor cats: Squeaky, Butch and Sundance and way too many outdoor cats. When we can catch them, we get them fixed. We also have one dog.

What are you reading right now?

A romance that I’m reviewing. I also have several books on my Kindle waiting to be read.

Tell us a secret no one else knows.

I don’t have one that anyone would be interested in. I suppose I could tell you that years ago, when I was young and thin, I went to a nudist colony with a friend and her family. Interesting experience—people certainly come in all sizes and shapes. My conclusion was—it’s a good thing people wear clothes.

What’s the first thing you notice when you meet someone?

Their smile. I love to smile at a grouchy person and see his or her face change when they smile back.

Have you ever won anything?

I’ve won several prizes for my books: Epic Finalists: No Sanctuary, Deadly Trail, Judgment Fire, Kachima Spirit; Bloody Dagger Award: Intervention; Best Mystery, American Authors Association: Wing Beat; Best Thriller 2006, American Authors Association: Wishing Makes It So; Best Horror USA Books: Wishing Makes It So.

What’s on your to do list today?

Fix the chapter of my work in progress I took to my critique group last night.

I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in March irtual book tour.  Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

I’ve used Pump Up Your Book Promotion several times. I enjoyed doing the tour and I’ve been pleased each time.

Thank you for this interview, Marilyn, and good luck on your virtual book tour!

Thank you for interviewing me. I should add, that the book I’m touring with I wrote using the name F. M. Meredith.

Website: http://fictionforyou.com

Personal Blog: http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com

Every Tuesday: http://thestilettogang.blogspot.com

First and Third Tuesdays: http://makeminemurder.blogspot.com