It
Adds Up To Murder by D.A.
Featherling
Our
guest blogger is D.A. Featherling, author of It Adds Up To Murder. Dorothy writes in
several genres including mystery, romantic comedy, futuristic suspense, and
romance. She has published two books to date and has several more in process.
She co-founded the CenTex Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW)
and served as its president for four years.
Welcome, Dorothy. Please tell us a
little about yourself.
I’m
a native Texan who’s lived in Central Texas for most of my adult life. I took
early retirement and decided to try my hand at writing full time. Life
intervened, but I continued to write up until several years ago when I became a
small business owner. I’ve owned a home staging and design business for over 4
years, but recently decided to make the writing a priority. I have one super
grandson about to go into 3rd grade. He and I collaborated on a book
this summer – I wrote and he illustrated “Danger in Dax.” I know it will be a
treasure for years to come.
What fun or unique things can you tell
us about yourself that we don’t know?
When
I was a child, I always wanted to be a spy. Perhaps that’s why I like writing
mysteries now.
I’m
a recovering shopaholic (well, sort of recovering ).
I
always wanted to backpack through Greece.
Please describe yourself with three words.
Independent,
determined, humorous
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not
writing?
I
love to cook, especially for friends and family; I do craft projects; and spend
time with my family. Most of all I love
to read.
How did you become involved in writing?
It
was actually rather cool. A number of years ago, I read an article in Reader’s
Digest. It posed a question to ask yourself – if you could do anything in the
world (regardless of education, experience, finances, etc.) what would it be?
My immediate answer without thought was…I’d write books. A year or so later, I
began my first novel on my lunch hour at my last ‘real’ job. That was the
start.
Where do you write? Do
you have a dedicated office or a corner or nook in a room?
I
actually have an extra bedroom that I use as an office. It has standard
computer/printer capabilities, a desk, couple of filing cabinets, etc. It’s
pretty much what you’d expect from any office. But I can be a bit cluttered if
I want to (and I still tend to let the filing stack up).
Do you always know the
title of your books before you write them?
Always!
Always! Always! I cannot write a book without knowing the title first. I have
no idea why, but that’s the way it is. Once I have the basic premise and a
title, I’m ready to write.
Please tell us about It
Adds Up To Murder.
I
write in multiple genres (mystery, romantic comedy, futuristic suspense,
romance) and wanted to try my hand at a mystery just to see if I could do it.
Turns out I could…and loved it. It’s what I read and what I like to write,
although the humor is also a favorite thing to write.
The
book is the first in the “It’s Murder at the Office” series. I hope to start book 2 soon. My heroine, Abby
Newhouse, loses her regular job through no fault of her own and decides to be a
temporary worker to pay the bills. She encounters murder on her first long term
assignment and it sets the pattern for future books in the series. Every time
Abby changes jobs, a murder (or murders) will follow. Lieutenant Nick Vaughn,
homicide detective is the hero and he cringes whenever she changes jobs.
Each
book in the series will feature an office machine or office procedure as the
means or reason for the murders.
What
takeaway value do you hope your readers receive after reading this book?
My
goal in writing is to provide a few hours of escape from the realities we all
face in our lives. If, when a reader finishes one of my books, s/he is smiling,
I feel I’ve done a good thing.
Where
did you get the idea for your book?
My
last job was as the administrator for a physics research center at a major
university. I started thinking…what if a woman had what looked like a secure
job, and then lost it and turned to temporary work? The murder weapon in It
Adds Up To Murder was also a legacy from my time in state employment
(‘nuff said – read the book).
Did
you have to do any research for this book?
The
only research I really needed to do was to ascertain how being a temporary
employee worked, plus I talked with a homicide detective to be sure of
procedural things.
How
long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?
I’ve
been writing for about 10-12 years. This first book was published this year
(but I had 7 books ready to be published).
What advice would you
give to writers who have been writing a few years but still haven’t interested
an agent or publisher in their novel?
These
days there are so many authors and so many possibilities for publishing. Decide
whether traditional or self-publishing will work best for you. Be aware that
both require a lot of marketing and learn something about it. Bottom line?
NEVER give up! NEVER! God is perfectly capable of matching you up with the
right house, the right agent, at the right time. The timing is key.
What
are you working on now?
I’m
editing the first book in a new mystery series, Staged for Murder – a series
that will feature home stager Ari Ames. Book 1 is Murder Outside the Box. I hope to have it published early this fall.
I’m also preparing to publish Book 2 in my romantic comedy series Second Time
Around. Book 1 – Sauce for the Goose
is available now on Amazon. Book 2 – Kissing
Frogs should be published within the next month.
What advice would you
give to writers just starting out?
Read,
read, read…what you want to write and anything else you can get your hands on.
See how the best writers do it and then learn how to write properly. Read books
on writing, attend conferences or 1-day seminars when you can, basically learn
the craft. If you don’t, you will never succeed.
Please tell our readers
where they can get your book.
My books are available on Amazon.com – or through a link on my website.
Please tell our readers
where they can find you online.
Facebook is: https:www.facebook.com/D.A.Featherling
Any parting comment?
Follow
your dream. If God has given you the dream, He intends for you to pursue
it…even if it takes longer than you’d like and takes you down unexpected paths.
Never give up.
Dorothy, thank you for this interesting interview. One of my commenters will win a copy of It Adds Up To Murder in a random drawing. Thank you for graciously offering a copy of your book.
The winner of last Monday’s
blog post for a copy of Speaking Confidence by Lisa Heidrich is JanetE. I'll email you to
get your mailing address and we’ll get the book out to you. Thanks all for
commenting. Watch for more book giveaways.
Till next time … keep on smiling.
Enjoyed the great interview. Book sounds interesting and intriguing. Would love to win and read this book. Please enter my name in the giveaway. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'm a follower and a subscriber!!
Barbara, glad you enjoyed the interview with Dorothy. Thanks for coming by and leaving your comment. You're entered. I appreciate you following my blog!
DeleteI love a really good mystery and this book looks great. I loved D.A's parting comment "Never Give Up" its so true and we all must try our best to acheive our dreams.
ReplyDeleteI follow by email.
Katie J.
johnsonk133(at)yahoo(dot)com
Katie, so glad you came by to read and leave your comment. Thanks for following my blog!
DeleteHi Jo. Good interview. New author for me. Third grade boy illustrating her book. Now, wouldn't that be interesting. I used to draw pictures on my letters and cards for birthdays, Anniversaries, etc. I would like my name in the drawing. I am also a subscriber and follower. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMaxie, your name's in the drawing. Thanks for coming by and leaving your comment. I appreciate you following my blog!
DeleteIt Adds Up to Murder sounds like an intriguing story. Thank you for offering a copy. I enjoyed the interview. It sounds like Dorothy has an interesting background from which to draw material for her writing. I am looking forward to reading this book.
ReplyDeletemay_dayzee@yahoo.com
I am a follower.
Kay, you're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks so much for following my blog.
DeleteHi Jo, and it's nice to "meet" you, D.A. I wish you the best of luck with your writing career. I write suspense as well, so I'd love to read a copy of It Adds Up to Murder. I love reading suspense!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Dianna T. Benson
www.diannatbenson.com
dtbenson@diannatbenson.com
Dianna, thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment.
DeleteThanks for this interview with Dorothy. I would think writing mysteries would be harder than general fiction. I do enjoy reading cozy mysteries so am thankful authors like Dorothy can write them. It Adds Up to Murder sounds like a book I'd like to read. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeletepmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Pam, you're welcome. I love reading cozies but I don't think I could write one. My novels are historical (1950s) romances. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment.
DeleteI know this author's name which means I've been to her site or read one of her books. Sure would love to win - enter me please.
ReplyDeletejrs362 at Hotmail dot com
squiresj, you're entered in the book drawing. Thanks for coming by and leaving your comment.
DeleteThanks for entering me in your giveaway. I would love to win Dorothy's book to put in our church library.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Janet, you're entered in the book drawing. Thanks for reading and leaving your comment.
DeleteJo, I love what you said about the takeaway for readers. I write, too, and you expressed it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win a copy of your book!
Ellen Kennedy
eekmystery@hotmail.com
Ellen, thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment.
DeleteI would very much like to start reading your books. Thank you for that opportunity with this giveaway to possibly win a copy of It Adds Up To Murder. I signed up on your Facebook page and also have been following this blog as well. Anxious to begin one of your novels. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCynthia
ceblain@tmlponline.net
Cynthia, thanks for coming by and leaving your comment. I appreciate you reading my blog.
DeleteGreat interview. Eager to read the book and look forward to more being published. bobbipad@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview with Dorothy. Thanks for reading and leaving your comment.
DeleteGreat interview! I'm looking forward to the book.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for leaving your comment. I NEED YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO ENTER YOU IN THE BOOK DRAWING--IF YOU SHOULD WIN I NEED TO CONTACT YOU.
DeleteEnjoyed the interview. I've never entered a book drawing before, but I love cozies and this one sounds fun. Thanks!
ReplyDeletebugman987@yahoo.com
Lora, glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for coming by and leaving your comment. You're entered in the book drawing.
DeleteHi, Dorothy!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your interview & would love to read your book - sounds like it has something for everyone.
Thanks for the opportunity to win one of your books!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a follower.
Bonnie, glad you enjoyed the interview.Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment. I appreciate you being a follower of my blog!
DeleteMany thanks to all who've entered to win It Adds Up to Murder! Do check my website: www.dafeatherling.com....for
ReplyDeletewhat's coming soon!
Best,
Dorothy (D.A.)
I love mysteries and the plot sounds wonderful! I'm a follower. shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteVeronica, thanks for coming by and leaving your comment. I appreciate you following my blog!
ReplyDelete