Mystery author Hannah R. Kurz joins me today to chat about her newest cozy mystery novel, Prove It: Murder in the Mix.
Welcome, Hannah. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
A longtime lover of cozy mysteries, I decided one day to indulge in the fantasy of killing off my own fictional characters. As it turns out, it’s really fun. My first book Prove It: Murder in the Mix is the premier novel in A Likable Daisy Mystery Series. When not axing imaginary people in cold blood, I’m usually busy taking care of my two delightful daughters or indulging in another favorite pastime, baking.
Please tell us about your current release.
Prove It: Murder in the Mix is as much a cozy mystery as it is a story of new motherhood. As the main character, Stephanie Wu, pieces the picture of her neighbor’s death together, she’s also figuring out her own identity.
What inspired you to write this book?
After I had my two girls and took a break from a career in market research, I rediscovered myself, and in that rediscovery remembered how much I loved writing and desired a creative challenge. As my family considered our next move, I incorporated the things I loved about the place and people we were going to leave behind.
Synopsis for Prove It: Murder in the Mix:
When a tragic mixer mishap results in the closing of a beloved bakery, new mom and upstairs neighbor Stephanie Wu is sure of two things: One, she misses their cappuccinos. And two, it was no accident. But time is running out for the sleep-deprived sleuth. Can she solve the murder and figure out pumping before her maternity leave is up? With a baby at her breast and a killer at her back, life and living above The Likable Daisy will never be the same again.
What exciting story are you working on next?
I am cowriting a different series, another murder mystery featuring a chess-playing sleuth, with my husband and also working on the sequel to Prove It.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Now that I’ve finished my first book, I feel I can honestly call myself a writer.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I split most of my time between market research and motherhood. I hope I can commit more time to writing in the future. We’ll see what 2021 brings. I usually write after my kids go to sleep and on weekends.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
When I feel stuck in a story, I work backwards. For example, in the sequel I’m working on, I have about the first third and final third either written or plotted out. It’s the middle third that needs the most work and slowly gets fleshed out from one end or the other, whichever comes to me first.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Happy. Honestly, that’s what I wrote in a writing prompt on that topic. I didn’t have a clue what career I wanted to pursue.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I find writing to be really fun, even editing, though committing to finishing a book was hard work. The part I love most is with my husband, bouncing crazy ideas off of each other. I would encourage others looking for a hobby to give it a try.
Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads
Thanks for being here today! Happy writing.