Meet Woman of Mystery, Marilyn Meredith

Blog Address:
http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/

Marilyn Meredith is the author of the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series as well as over twenty published novels. The latest is, Kindred Spirits, from Mundania Press. Under the name of F. M. Meredith she writes the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, the latest, Smell of Death, from Tigress Press.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, EPIC and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. She was an instructor for Writer’s Digest School for ten years, served as an instructor at the Maui Writer’s Retreat and many other writer’s conferences. She makes her home in Springville, much like Bear Creek where Deputy Tempe Crabtree lives. Visit her at http://fictionforyou.com/

Kindred Spirits

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Trouble in Deputy Crabtree’s marriage is soon forgotten when the body of a murder victim is found in the wake of a forest fire. Sent to Crescent City in search of information introduces Tempe to the victim’s Tolowa relatives and friends–along with two stalkers and Big Foot.

Upon her return home, a pig’s heart on Tempe’s front porch serves as a warning. Detective Morrison becomes an unusual ally, and the victim’s spirit visits Tempe in the night. She and husband Hutch set off for Santa Barbara in an effort to flush out the murderer and once again she finds her own life threatened.

And Now, Here's What Marilyn Shares With Us Today...

Why on Earth Would You Do Something Like That?

Recently I flew all the way from California to St. Louis MO, rented a car and drove two hours to be a presenter at a small writers conference in Illinois. My husband went with me because I really don’t like to drive places I don’t know anything about. We suffered on the airplane in the extremely cramped seats and brought our own snacks because nothing is free on an airline flight.
This was an expensive proposition. I only sold one book and not to one of the attendees but another presenter. An $11 book didn’t come anywhere close to paying back what I’d spent for the airplane tickets, the rental car, the motel and meals. While there though, I signed a new contract for a book and went to dinner twice with my new publisher.

Like many other writers, I’ve gone to mystery conventions in Alaska, Chicago, Milwaukee and other places scattered around the country and I’ve never ever come anywhere near selling the number of books to pay for what the trips cost.

My best event happened recently when I launched my latest Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, Kindred Spirits. Hubby and I drove two days to reach Crescent City, CA. Two luncheons were held back-to-back in a lovely Victorian Bed and Breakfast. Included in the price was an autographed copy of the book. I spoke at both sessions and so did the Tolowa woman who had inspired part of the story. We also appeared at the library and I sold more books. That was the most money I’d ever made at any event, but still didn’t pay for all our expenses.
Most of my friends and family think I’m a bit crazy to do these things. Though most authors probably understand, here are my reasons.

When I go to a writers conference, I have the opportunity to help aspiring authors just like many others helped me over the years. There’s nothing I like better than talking about writing except discussing my latest book–which is what I have the opportunity to do when I attend mystery conventions.

At both of the above, I have the opportunity to meet a lot of potential fans and I always make new friends and get to see a lot of writing friends that I’ve made over the Internet and at various cons and conferences. Hubby and I’ve seen a lot of the country we’d never have seen any other way, we’ve made a lot of friends that we enjoy being with, and possibly most important, we’ve had a great time.

So maybe I am a bit crazy to spend so much money and time on such promotional endeavors, but I don’t think so–I think the pluses far outweigh the expense and discomfort.

Now it’s time to get back to writing my next Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery. You can find out more about her and read the first chapter of Kindred Spirits at http://fictionforyou.com/

Marilyn Meredith
http://fictionforyou.com/
http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/