Interview Mary Brockway
by
Kelly Mooney
1) How long have you been writing?
I
wrote and told stories when a girl, began earning prizes for short stories and
poetry as a teenager, dabbled with selling magazine articles in early adult
years, and finally sold two novels in 2001. So I had decades of practice before
I realized it was the longer pieces that most satisfied my soul.
2) Have you had other books published, and if so, are they all with
Wings?
Most are with Wings. Moonrakers, an English historical mystery with romance was
published in 2002. Then came my Menopause Murder series about a wild and
wonderful group of “mature” women who use their hot flash energy to solve
murders. First was Hostage, then came Harem. Hurdles takes the women from a
murder in
3) What attracts you to Hurdles’ genre?
The characters, all strong women with minor flaws, are fascinating. I love
seeing them grow as this six-book series goes on. I’m intrigued by mysteries and
humor and Menopause Murders gives opportunity for both. Plus, a little romance,
which is always the earthier touch in my stories.
4) Do you write, or have a yen to write, in other genre’s?
Since
I’m able to combine so many genres in my current series, I’m feeling pretty
fortunate to be stretching my wings in this way right now. I’m not sure if
there’s anything I’d enjoy more!
5) Is the setting for your novel inspired by where you live, or is it
totally
fiction?
Definitely inspired by a town where in school I watched the richer girls with a
certain sense irony. Turned out they were all great gals and many good friends I
still hold close. Which tells me you can never judge what you don’t understand.
6) Do you take inspiration from the people around you and incidents that
happen in your life?
Do I ever. I’d hate to put specifics in print, or I’d have a gang of friends,
family and semi-strangers ready to toss me in the nearest cow pond—mine!
7) Who are your favorite authors?
It’s hard to name just a few, but: Harper Lee for Mockingbird, Alison Pearson,
Sue Miller, Elizabeth Buchan and Elizabeth Berg for strong women in tough family
situations, Robert Crais for mysteries, M. C. Beaton for frothy humor, and
Barbara Kingsolver and Michael Pollan for non-fiction about food and values that
touches deep chords in me.
8) Is there any particular author who has strongly influenced your
writing?
I’m sure I’m forgetting someone important, but for now let’s just say everyone
on the list above.
9) How do you juggle your writing time with work and other commitments?
Not well—I tend to drop the balls one after the other. I haven’t found the
miracle answer. When I’m in the middle of a book I can’t bear to be torn away.
Thankfully I have a very understanding AND HELPFUL husband and family for those
times.
10) Do you forward plot with your novels, or do you write as the
inspiration takes you?
My early books were of the “I-don’t-know-where-this-is-going”
type. I counted on being lucky with all the ends being tied up. But with
mysteries, you have to have at least an erasable outline. And I do. Though I
rarely know who committed the murder until I’m well into the story. More fun
that way! Perhaps readers will catch a whiff of that eccentric approach in
Menopause Murders: Hurdles.