Cozy mystery novelist Catherine Dilts joins me today to chat about her new amateur sleuth, The Body in the Cornfield.
Bio:
Catherine Dilts has lived in Colorado for decades now, but spent her formative years in Oklahoma. She must have left a little bit of her heart there, because her new Rose Creek Mystery series is set in the Ozark foothills in northeastern Oklahoma. Author of the Rock Shop Mystery series, Catherine also writes for Annie’s Fiction, including installments in the upcoming Mackinac Island Knitters and Heir of Mystery series. Her short stories regularly appear in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. Recently retired from a career as an environmental compliance specialist for a global corporation, Catherine now gets to do what she always dreamed of – write fiction full time. She and her husband enjoy traveling with their adult children and their families, camping, and the occasional crazy long running adventure.
Welcome, Catherine. Please tell us about your current release.
When Makenzie is led to a body in a cornfield by a mother cat determined to free her babies, her first worry is what to do with the kittens. Makenzie quickly pushes the Rose Creek Reads book club into action. To find homes for the kittens, and to solve the death of an obnoxious actor.
What inspired you to write this book?
I lived in central Oklahoma during my formative years. I loved horseback and bicycle riding in forests and along the Canadian River. I’ve wanted to set a novel in Oklahoma for a while. Writing the Rose Creek series lets me introduce readers to a part of the country they might otherwise overlook.
Excerpt from The Body in the Cornfield:
“You can be the designated driver,” Corey told Scott, as though it was the older actor’s idea, not his understudy’s. “That way you’ll be useful. I’m sure you’d be happy if I broke a leg so you could take over my role. That’s the only way you’re going to get noticed.”
“You almost fell off the stage today,” Scott said. “If you keep drinking on the job, you’re more likely to break your neck than your leg.”
Had Scott been the one saying he’d gladly give Corey a push off the stage?
Corey made a hand motion pointing at his eyes with two fingers, then aiming them at Scott. “I’ve got my eye on you. Don’t try anything stupid.”
“I don’t do stupid,” Scott said.
Corey opened his mouth to respond, but Teagan placed her hand on his chest.
“Stop it, boys,” she said.
The actors piled into the rental car, Scott in the driver’s seat, Corey riding shotgun, Annie and Teagan in the backseat. Kathleen trotted up at the last moment, flagging down the car.
At least Corey’s not driving, Drew thought. There was less chance he’d die in a fiery car crash. Now the only question was whether the loudmouth Hollywood actor would survive the rough clientele of Virgil’s Trail’s End Watering Hole. Drew had heard the rumors. If Corey wanted authentic, he was about to get it.
What exciting project are you working on next?
The third book in the Rose Creek series, The Body in the Hayloft, continues the adventures of the Rose Creek Reads book club. This time, an equestrian workshop event takes place at Callie and Clint’s ranch. Fussy owners and their high-strung, expensive horses make a mess of Callie’s peaceful horsey paradise. Especially when she finds a body in the hayloft.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve been a writer since the day I could hold a pencil in my hand. My siblings and I wrote and enacted plays for our doting great aunts. Many years later, I struggled to find my fiction voice. I finally considered myself a genuine author when my short story was published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. I couldn’t tell anyone in the office because they would surely realize I had killed my annoying coworker in the story.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Until April of this year, I juggled working a fulltime job with writing fiction. Some days I sat at my computer twelve hours or more. I was laid off in April. Thankfully, I am at a point where I don’t have to pursue another day job. I am writing fiction fulltime. This is new to me, so I’m still finding my rhythm. So far, I try to write six hours a day on weekdays. That doesn’t always pan out, but I’m okay with missing that goal on occasion.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I’m not a coffee shop writer. I need quiet. I wear headphones and play instrumental music to drown out my work-at-home husband’s business meetings.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A cowgirl. Probably because the first book I remember reading was Cowboy Sam. https://www.goodreads.com/series/222922-cowboy-sam
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Never give up on your dreams. You may experience delays due to life getting in the way. Sometimes there are lessons you need to learn on the path to achieving your goals. Be patient and persistent. You’ll get there.
Thank you Lisa, for allowing me to chat on your blog about my new release!