The Ludis welcomes author, Stacy Verdick Case to the arena for a chat about her latest release
A Grand Murder, and to give away a
signed print copy to one lucky reader! To enter just comment below for your name to be placed into the hat. The winner will be chosen and announced on Saturday, January 21st.
Now it's time to lean back in your chair with a nice hot cuppa and enjoy our chat with Stacy.
Tell us a bit about
your book A Grand Murder.
A Grand Murder is
the first book to follow Catherine O’Brien a St. Paul,
Minnesota homicide detective with a
monstrous coffee habit, frequent bad hair days, and in irreverent outlook on
life. It’s a fun, fast paced mystery, so if want to read something hardboiled
you’ll have to keep looking.
Did you learn
something new about yourself or the writing process while working on A Grand Murder?
Yes, I learned I was homicidal. Prior to this, I was writing romance. I
thought I was a lover not a fighter.
You have both fiction
and non-fiction works published. How is writing one different than the other?
Non-fiction is about writing with clarity, and a singular topic
in mind. For instance when I write articles on creating a hook at the end of
your chapter or scene to keep readers turning pages I don’t go off on a
self-editing tangent.
With fiction you get to be a little bit looser with focus.
You have your main plot of course which carries through the whole thing but you
can also throw in several subplots or vignettes throughout.
The language is different too. Writing non-fiction for me
takes on a more formal tone, unless it’s a blog post, where with fiction I get
to have a little fun with my word choices.
Non-fiction is faster for me to write, because I don’t have
to invent the wheel. It’s all facts. In fiction you have to create time and
place, which is a much slower process.
Where did you get the
inspiration for A Grand Murder?
I wanted to kill my former boss. See, I told you that I learned I was homicidal!
He absconded with a large sum of my money, and it was the first time I believed
that I was actually capable of killing another human being, so I did, on paper.
I think that’s healthier than actually killing someone.
I felt a lot better about that instinct after a former
detective told me that, for women, the number one reason they commit murder is
money. I would have thought love but no. Apparently, steal my man and I’ll
bounce back, but steal my money and may God have mercy on your soul.
The whole process was very cathartic for me. I no longer
wish to harm that person.
Do you have a daily
writing routine or process?
Yes, I write for a half an hour every morning before I leave
for work. I also carry my notebook with me everywhere so I can sneak in writing
time whenever I have a chance. Doctors who are running late, oil changes, long
bank lines, are all a blessing to me. I got a whole chapter written during a really
boring meeting once. I probably shouldn’t have said that.
Tell us three little
known things about Stacy Verdick Case
1)
I don’t think anyone outside my family knows that I’m
extremely sentimental. I have every card my husband’s ever given me.
2)
I cry at the drop of the hat. My family’s nickname for
me is the weeping willow.
3)
I’m afraid to fly but I once flew a plane for the
experience of it.
If you could spend
the day in your book would you? And what would you do?
Yes, I would love to be an observer in my book. Maybe an
office worker at the precinct, so I could watch the interactions of Catherine
and Louise the two main characters. I think that would be fun.
Do you have a
favorite part of A Grand Murder? If so please share it with us and why it’s
your favorite.
I love all the interactions between Catherine and her
husband Gavin. I think it gives a different perspective on the character and
shows her softer side. Of course, there’s also a scene where Louise accidently
knocks a man unconscious that I think is funny, and Catherine get’s a lot of
mileage out of it in the book.
Most writers are also
avid readers, what are you reading now?
I always have one print and one audio going at the same time
(my commute would be miserable without audio books). The print book is Web Thinking: Connecting, Not Competing, For
Success by Dr. Linda Seger. All of Linda’s books are like gold to me, and
I’ve read this one before but it’s worth reading over again. The audio of the
moment is The Taker by Alma Katsu.
The age old
question…… Coke or Pepsi?
Coke!
Any news to share for
upcoming events, new projects, or releases?
Yes, A Grand Murder
has an audio book release, which I’m really excited about. My Mom has macular
degeneration, so I lobbied hard for an audio book.
What would you like
to say to your readers and fellow writers?
To my readers, THANK YOU for choosing A Grand Murder, I feel so blessed that you would take time to read
my book. An extra special thank you to those who have reviewed it, clicked a
like button, or clicked on a star rating on various sites, doing so has given
my little book legs. I am so thankful and humbled.
To my fellow writers I wish I could hug all of you. I know
how hard it is to juggle everything in your life. If you are compelled to do
this then you must keep writing.
Thank you Stacy for joining us in the Ludis and sharing a bit of your book and life.
A Grand Murder is available in paperback, audio, and for the Nook at
Barnes&Noble
Don't forget to leave a comment for Stacy or Gladiator's Pen to be entered in the drawing for a chance to win a signed print copy of A Grand Murder. The winner will be drawn and announced on Saturday January 21st. Good luck and thanks for stopping by.
