Interview with MJ Miller
Author of Grand Dames and a Vegas Heist
I have a passion for cozy mysteries with plot twists and humor, a touch of romance and always a happy ending. I love reading them and I love writing them! Life’s tough enough, and while great works of literature are a necessary part of the human experience, so is a little mind vacation to recharge. That’s what you’ll find in the pages of my books. A bit of distraction from the ordinary.
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Quick description of the book for a new reader - what should they expect?
- I like to say, when in Luckland, expect the unexpected. It's a lighthearted cozy mystery series, perfect for a day at the beach or a snuggle by the fire.
What was your inspiration for this book?
- Truthfully, and I hope some readers can relate to this, I began jotting down things about my mother as they were revealed to me. The older I got, the more I learned. I consulted with a dear dear friend, who has since passed, and we reminisced about our mothers, who'd been very close as well. After a few good laughs, I realized that there were stories to tell, in a roundabout way, and it was my job to do so.
Which authors do you admire? How have they influenced your writing style?
- Stephen King is one I admire, though admittedly have to close my eyes during some passages. His ability to infuse humor and irony is classic. I also love a good Agatha Christie. Whodunits are so much fun. Again, her wit and irony is second only to... wait for it.... Jane Austen. I know at first glance some my wonder where the wit and irony is? If you missed it the first time, go back and read again. She was a master at her craft.
Can you tell us a little about the locations in your book?
- Luckland is the main town, it's a fictional town in Colorado, built during the gold rush by a group of immigrants, who bought themselves a map with the last of their coins upon arriving in Boston in the 1850's. The thing is, nobody seems to be able to locate the mine.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
- Instead of dreaming about being a best-selling author, Just keep writing until the story tells itself, and then, go out and publish it. Today's publishing allows you to work for yourself, and make it happen.
Could you talk a little about your writing process?
- I'm what they call a pantser. I fly by the seat of my pants, and let the story take the lead. Though my new publisher requests pesky things like outlines, I usually draft the story first, then write the outline. Shh... it's a secret.
Which character has had the greatest impact on readers?
- Pippa has been the most talked about I think. She's the most impacted by all her mother's and friends' shennanigans. But the Luckland Ladies themselves are right up there. For them, 60 is the new 30, and they've learned that the only judging in life should be theirs. Women readers are loving the freedom they have.
