Now it’s time to learn more about the authors we read. . .

Why do you write the genre that you write?
I love the puzzle aspect of mysteries. As a writer, I feel like I’m playing a game with my readers, where I throw something out and see if they catch it. As a reader, I enjoy trying to figure out whodunnit.

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
Hm.

How did you come up with your pseudonym?
I use my initials because I want men to read my work and thought some might pass my mysteries by if I went by my first name.

Tell us how you got into writing?
The creative urge runs strong in me. I’ve known since I was in 5th grade that I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. I loved getting lost in other worlds, and wanted to create that same experience.

What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
I repaired ground navigational equipment in the Air Force, worked as a teller at the Base Exchange at RAF Lakenheath, and was the admin assistant for a destination nursery.

How many books do you have published?
Death in St. George’s is my 3rd book.

Where do you write?
My desk is in a corner of my bedroom by a window. I prefer writing on my desktop to a laptop. Unfortunately, I’ve learned I can’t open the window, because my printer paper absorbs the humidity, which jams the printer. When I’m plotting, I’m usually outside on the porch swing or somewhere else in the garden. We’ve got about 6 different seating areas out back.

What is your favorite deadline snack?
I prefer salty to sweet, so Wheat Thins or peanuts always help.

Who is an author you admire?
Ellen Byron. I love the way she hits all the emotional notes in each scene. And she’s got 3 series. She’s a machine.

What’s your favorite genre to read?
mystery and history.

What are you reading now?
A historical adventure, The Courtesan’s Pirate by Nina Wachsman. Makes me feel like I’m watching a swashbuckler movie.

What is your favorite beverage to end the day?
white wine.

What is next for you?
A mystery that takes place in Egypt!

Where can we find you?
You can find me at mamonnin.com, on MA Monnin, Twix at @mamonnin1, and @m.a.monnin, and I’m a member of Curators of Crime, curatorsofcrime. If you’ll be at Bouchercon this year, check out my Auction Basket, an Intrepid Traveler bundle, which will include a sample of Stefanie’s signature scent, Lili Bermuda’s Fresh Water.

Now to have some fun . . .

Chocolate, vanilla, or another flavor
vanilla if we’re talking ice cream, chocolate if we’re talking cake.

Ice cream or cake
ice cream.

Fruits or vegetables
vegetables, roasted with olive oil.

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
dinner.

Dining in or dining out
dining out.

City life or country living
city!

Beach or mountain
beach.

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall
Fall!

Extrovert or introvert
introvert.

Early bird or night owl
early bird, and I’m usually up before the birds are.

And even more fun . . .

What’s your favorite movie?
True Lies. It has romance, adventure, humor, and archaeology.

You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
A pallet of paper to write on, a case of sharpened pencils, and a sharp hunting knife.

My bio:
M. A. Monnin is the author of the Intrepid Traveler Mystery series, including Agatha Best First Novel nominee DEATH IN THE AEGEAN. Her 3rd in the series, DEATH IN ST. GEORGE’S, releases in May 2024. Mary’s short stories have appeared in Black Cat Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Weekly, and numerous anthologies. A member of ITW, MWA, SinC, and SMFS, an avocational archaeologist and USAF veteran, Mary lives in Kansas City, MO.