Interview Marja McGraw

by

A. J. O’Dell

1. How did you start writing and what did you write in the beginning?

I started writing because I had stories to tell and share, and I hoped to entertain readers in the process. I write lighter mysteries with a touch of humor. There’s absolutely nothing funny about murder, but you can find humor in the solving of crimes and the characters involved.

2. How long have you been writing?

I wrote my first book (Big Trouble For A Little Lady) in 1987 and published it in 2001. That was followed by Secrets Of Holt House the next year. There’s so much to learn about the publishing business before you can move forward.

3. What is your favorite genre?

Definitely mysteries. I started with Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and moved on from there. I also enjoy adventure and suspense. Time travel stories have always fascinated me, too. However, mysteries remain my passion.

4. How do you juggle your home life/job/family so you can write?

Very carefully. I try to keep everyone happy and write at the same time, which can be tricky. I’ve been known to wake up early in the morning and write, and I work on my lunch hour at work when time allows. Sometimes it just doesn’t seem like there are enough hours in the day. Holidays are usually devoted to writing. It helps to have an understanding family.

5. Do you write mostly in third person or first?

As a storyteller, I find that I generally write in first person. I let my protagonist tell the story. Unfortunately, this limits what I can write, because she can’t talk about things that are happening out of her sight. So far it seems to be working. However, at the moment I am working on something that is third person and not a part of my Sandi Webster series.

6. What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't working/ or writing? ie hobbies?

I enjoy photography immensely. I live in the desert and there are plenty of critters for subjects. My husband and I also enjoy boating and ATVing (All Terrain Vehicles, for those who aren’t familiar with the term).

7. If you are married/ or in a relationship, do you have any funny stories about them that you'd share? :>)

No one story in particular. My husband manages to keep me laughing a good deal of the time, and I really appreciate that trait in him. There’s too much drama in real life and he helps keep things light.

8. Any tips for brand new authors?

Grow a thick skin because not everyone is going to enjoy your writing, no matter how good you are. Do your homework and know what you’re doing before submitting to a publisher. Join writing groups and clubs and take writing classes, and pay attention to comments from fellow writers. They really are trying to help. Research, research, research, both your story and how to have it published.

9. What did you find hardest about getting published?

Finding a publisher to take a chance and look at my work, and the waiting. For me, the waiting was the hardest part of the whole process.

10. If you could go on a three week vacation to any destination in the world, where would that be, and why?

I’d like to return to Australia. It’s a beautiful country and I truly enjoyed the people on my last trip. There is so much to see and do that three weeks might not be enough. Can we make it a whole month?