Why do you write the genre that you write?
I actually began my career writing romantic suspense. While I loved the genre, it didn’t take long for me to realize my strength as a writer ran to the darker elements of fiction. The Kate Burkholder series is sort of a hybrid mix of mystery, police procedural, and crime fiction. I love building a mystery and putting all the working parts of it together. I love creating an atmospheric setting that enhances the mystery, creating a worthy and unexpected villain, and I especially love turning my characters loose to figure things out. The bucolic Amish country setting is perfect because it’s such a stark juxtaposition to a dark mystery. And of course, I continue to enjoy learning about and depicting the Amish culture.

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
Officer Roland “Pickles” Shumaker is the eldest member of Kate’s small police department and a blast to write. He’s nearing eighty years of age, but he’ll be the last to admit it. His law enforcement career spans fifty years, including an undercover narcotics gig. He’s down to about fifteen hours a week now and has been known to nap in his cruiser and sneak a smoke when no one is looking. While he may be getting older, only the unwise would underestimate Pickles. He is a sheepdog of the first order; he will guard his flock with his life, and fight any wolf that threatens them to his last breath.

Tell us how you got into writing?
I’ve loved to write as long as I can remember and wrote my first mystery when I was thirteen. Of course, it wasn’t very good (my thirteen-year-old writer’s heart aside) but the passion was there. I’ve always had stories in my head. (I used to think everyone did, then I realized normal people don’t.) I began my journey to publication while I was working in the corporate world. My husband was working nights and going to school so I had some extra time and decided to try my hand. I became so obsessed with the book, that I found myself working nights and weekends (I may have sneaked in a word or two even while I was at work—don’t tell my boss!) My first four novels were promptly rejected (In hindsight, rightfully so.) It took eleven years for me to sell that first (fifth!) book. It was a long and arduous journey to publication, but I met lifelong friends along the way and I’d gladly do it again.

What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
My first job when I was fourteen was working for Dekalb detasseling corn. I worked for two summers walking the rows of cornfields, pulling the tops off the corn stalks. (We’re talking serious glam!) When I was sixteen, I worked as a cashier at the local farm store. One of my more interesting jobs as an adult was working for Fram Corporation. I worked third shift on the assembly line making oil filters for cars and heavy equipment. Lots of motivation there for a small-town girl to hone her skills and improve her employment opportunities!

Where do you write?
I write in my home office, though I’m thinking about trying out a cool little coffee shop in town for a change of pace.

What is your favorite deadline snack?
I’m not a big snacker. BUT if the writing isn’t going well and I need sustenance, it’s got to be dark chocolate.

What is next for you?
I’m currently working on the next mystery in the Kate Burkholder series, but I also have an idea for a standalone thriller that’s been nagging at me for some time. This book will not leave me alone and one day I’m going to have to do something about it. 😊

What are you reading now?
I’m currently between books, but I recently finished an AWESOME thriller by Heather Gudenkauf titled The Overnight Guest. Five star read!

Where can we find you?
I keep my website at lindacastillo.com, updated so that’s a good place to find out about the latest Kate Burkholder release or my next event. (Book tour with live events this year!).

I’m also on Facebook and Twitter @LindaCastillo11. 

Now to have some fun . . .

Vanilla or chocolate
Vanilla ice cream . . . with chocolate syrup.

Ice cream or cake
Sorry. . .gotta have ice cream with my cake.
It’s all about the icing for me!

Broccoli or squash
I love broccoli (and I have a great recipe if anyone would
like to try it. E-mail me!)

Pizza, burgers, or pasta
Pizza. (and not because I worked for Domino’s Pizza
for twelve years!)

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Dinner (and not just because I can have wine!)

Mountain or beach
Beach. Palm trees. Sand. Hands down.

City or country
I’m a country girl all the way. The more country
(okay the more HORSES) the better.

Introvert or extrovert
Mostly an introvert, but I have found that as I get older,
I really enjoy social time with my friends.

And even more fun . . .

You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
My two dogs. A great thriller. And . . . hmmm
 I’m on deadline so . . . my laptop? LOL!

My bio:
Linda Castillo is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Kate Burkholder series, set in the world of the Amish. The first book, Sworn to Silence, was adapted into a Lifetime original movie titled An Amish Murder starring Neve Campbell as Kate Burkholder. Castillo is the recipient of numerous industry awards including a nomination by the International Thriller Writers for Best Hardcover, the Mystery Writers of America’s Sue Grafton Memorial Award, and an appearance on the Boston Globe’s shortlist for best crime novel. In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses. She lives in Texas with her husband and is currently at work on her next book.