Now it’s time to learn more about the authors we read. . .
Why do you write the genre that you write?
Because everything I imagine always turns out to have someone dead. Heart-warming family saga? Mysteriously dead brother-in-law. Sexy romance? Happens over a body. Whacky rom-com? They’re on the run accused of murder. I can’t get away from it.
What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
I guess the quirkiest character would be Margie Van Alstyne, a late 70’s-something mom and grandmother who is also a peace and environmental activism. Her Sunday family dinners are always carbon-neutral and she was once arrested by her son, the chief of police.
Tell us how you got into writing?
Honestly, it’s the only thing besides mothering I’m really good at. And writing isn’t as exhausting as mothering.
What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
Oh, goodness. Actor’s Equity apprentice. Docent at DC’s Dumbarton House. Fundraiser for the Smithsonian and the DC Historical Society. Lawyer. And the usual waitressing and clerking.
How many books do you have published?
Nine, working on a tenth.
Where do you write?
Thankfully, I have my own office in This Old House; it’s the former parlor, with a Victorian tin ceiling and huge windows with loads of natural light. The downside: it’s COLD in the winter.
What is your favorite deadline snack?
M&Ms
Who is an author you admire?
Oh, gosh, do I have to pick just one? Let’s say Louise Penny; not just because she writes heartbreakingly beautiful prose, but because she managed to keep writing and meet her deadlines during some truly terrible personal trials. That’s a hard, hard thing to accomplish.
What’s your favorite genre to read?
Mystery / thrillers and science fiction.
What are you reading now?
Two great books in ARC form: THE COLDEST CASE by Tessa Wegert and BOOKED FOR MURDER by P.J .Nelson (new author) One on the very cold north and the other in the lovely warm south.
What is your favorite beverage to end the day?
Red wine if it’s sitting down to stream or read time, one last cup of black tea if it’s end of the working day.
What is next for you?
Finally finishing this bleepity-bleep book!
Where can we find you?
On Facebook at Julia Spencer-Fleming and blogging with the Jungle Red Writers.
Now to have some fun . . .
Chocolate, vanilla, or another flavor
Mint chocolate chip!
Ice cream or cake
Ice cream, unless it’s really good homemade cake. Like, carrot cake or pineapple upside down. Does that even count as a cake?
Fruits or vegetables
Honestly, I always fond it easier to make my quota of vegetables than fruit. Fruits have all these rinds and peels and stuff. I like instant-access food.
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Is brunch an option? Nothing better than lingering over omelets and pancakes for hours while reading the Sunday paper.
Dining in or dining out
My budget likes the former, but I prefer the latter.
City life or country living
Country living all the way.
Beach or mountain
Beach. I live in Maine!
Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter
I can’t do without all my seasons. That’s why I haven’t decamped to Hawaii yet!
Extrovert or introvert
Extrovert.
Early bird or night owl
Night owl trying to maintain a reasonable bed time so I can get up early and, you guessed it, finish the damn book.
And even more fun . . .
What is your favorite movie?
Die Hard.
You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
SPF 100 sunscreen, a solar-powered charger and a Kindle filled with enough books for the next ten years. (I’m going to sneak in my reading glasses as personal apparel.)
My bio:
A former military brat, New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Julia Spencer-Fleming grew up in places as diverse as Rome, Stuttgart and Syracuse. She used her army past and a keen eye for the goings-on at her Episcopal church to create Clare Fergusson, first female priest in the small Adirondack town of Millers Kill. The resulting series has won or been nominated for almost every American mystery award available, including the Edgar, the Anthony, and the Agatha.
Looking forward to a new book!
I’m working on it, Marni!
I most enjoyed Julia’s answer to why she writes this genre. Me too ( ;
I’m convinced the genre chooses the writer, not the other way around.
Like Marni, I am looking forward to the bleeping-new-book and I live in Maine so getting it hot-off-the-launch would suit just fine.
Tell you what, Maren, I’m real close to the finish line… if you want to come over and mow my lawn I can write instead of tackle that chore! 🙂
As soon as I heal from eye surgery, I’ll pack up my mower and head up!!
I’ll mow your lawn! I’m old and slow but I live nearby.
I love your booky
Glad you took a looky!
Great post! I enjoy her books very much!
Such fun, Julia!!
I had fun thinking about all the answers, Debs!
Julia, it’s funny that you mention Louise Penny as (one of your) favorite writers because I always recommend your Russ and Clare books to anyone who tells me they like Ms. Penny’s series. I love your sense of humor and, of course, your books. Best of luck finishing the blankety-blank book!
Thanks, Pat!
Very much looking forward to the next book. Are you thinking beyond this one? No pressure.
I am! And hoping to get the next one in a tad bit early…
Have been rereading about Claire and Russ while waiting for the new one. Also enjoy your sharing your daughter’s writing. Liked your honesty in answering these questions. Keep plugging away- I’m patient & can start over again with Claire and Russ. 💗🤗
Yes! Can’t wait for more Clare and Russ!
The mystery thing keeps happening to me when I write, too. It sneaks in when I least expect it. Seriously. Tried to write a Hallmark movie kind of rom com and all of a sudden someone threw a hay bale off the loft of a barn trying to kill my heroine. WHAT?
Great interview. Great answers. Keep on writing!
Time to start the reread….as we wait for the next installment.
How did I discover Julia Spencer-Fleming? She was recommended by none other than the aforementioned LOUISE PENNY!