Now it’s time to learn more about the authors we read. . .
What drew you to the genre your write?
I have always loved mysteries. I was an avid Encyclopedia Brown reader as a kid. I wasn’t inspired to write a mystery for a while though. Then, I read a cozy mystery that I hated and thought I could do better. I won’t ever tell which cozy it was, but the main character was carried away from danger not once, but twice, by a dude, and I hated that. I want my characters to run into danger and get out own their own. Sure, their circle of friends and family can help, but no one needs to be physically carried away as a damsel in distress.
How did you come up with your pseudonym?
March is my maiden name so that was an easy one to pick. Iris is a planty name and so went really well with my series. Iris is also a bit like my Grandma Irene’s name who I miss so much and am happy to honor.
Tell us how you got into writing?
I was an English major and have been a the main writer on all my teams at work. So I’ve always been writing. When I graduated from college, I thought I’d write a book someday, but didn’t have a long enough story idea. My first book was a fictionalized story of my sister’s journey of beating cancer while pregnant with twins (The Story That Made Us Stronger). Her story was the inspiration I needed. Once I got the book writing bug, I haven’t been able to stop!
What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
I work in the environmental field. I’ve worked in stream restoration, higher ed sustainability, as a sustainability consultant, a college professor, and now in local food.
How many books do you have published?
The Corpse by the Creek is my fourth published book but I also have some short stories, two which have been in anthologies.
Where do you write?
I prefer to write at my desk with a big monitor. It is nice to go to a library or coffee shop once in a while with my laptop, but I prefer the desk.
What’s your favorite genre to read?
All mysteries are my favorite!
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
When asked this sort of question, I usually say that I went to Space Camp when I was 14, but I’ve said that often enough. Also somewhat interesting: I was born almost three months early and because of that, I have poor hearing and wear hearing aids.
Who is an author you admire?
I’m obsessed with Katy Watson’s Three Dahlias series. I love both her characters and her baddies so much!
Have you any advice for aspiring or beginning writers?
I say keep going. Get to the end of that first story. Once it’s out of your head, you can edit and change everything so keep writing.
What is next for you?
I’m currently working on a new first novel in mystery series about a lady forester.
Where can we find you?
Irismarchbooks.com is the best place to find all my stories and social links. I’m most active on Instagram. Physically though, you’re likely to find me on a trail or sitting at my desk.
Now to have some fun . . .
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Lunch is my favorite because I don’t need to make something that everyone else in my family will like.
Fruits or vegetables
Broccoli is my favorite. I’m going with veggies.
Sweet or salty snacks
Salty – I eat popcorn daily.
Ice cream or cake
I know I’m a weirdo: neither! I’d much prefer a brownie.
Cooking or baking
Baking feels too rigid. If you don’t get the exact measurements, it might get really messed up. But in cooking, I can add as much garlic as I want and it will taste great.
Dining in or dining out
Dining out. I’ll probably order shrimp tacos.
City life or country living
I like nature so I’ll say country living. But I really prefer suburbia with both a grocery store and hiking trails nearby.
Beach or mountain
Mountains with pretty hiking trails and views.
Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall
I’ve really started to like winter a lot more than I used to. I love feeling cozy and snow is just so pretty.
Extrovert or introvert
Introvert who does like people most of the time.
And even more fun . . .
What is your favorite movie?
Princess Bride
You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
Kindle, my husband, tent
My bio:
Iris March has a reputation for killing house plants and now she’s killing people off in books? Coincidence? Perhaps not. Iris has spent two decades working in the sustainability field and is usually either reading a book or on a trail. She lives in Ohio with her husband, son, and three cats. Learn more about upcoming books and sign up for her newsletter at irismarchbooks.com.