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

What drew you to the genre you write?
I love the justice and the community, but let’s be honest here, killing people on the page is some of the best therapy ever!

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
Oh, excellent question! I have a lot of characters with a lot of quirks, but I am particularly enamored with the way that one of my characters constantly has to think of a song that goes with almost every conversation!

How did you come up with your pseudonym?
When I was asked for a pen name, I immediately thought Gabby Allan because let’s be honest again, I talk a lot so I’m Gabby and I’m a big Edgar Allan Poe fan.

Tell us how you got into writing?
Funny enough, it was because I found myself watching way too much Lifetime TV so I made myself start reading again and then remembered how much I loved it. But as I was reading I kept thinking of ways I would have changed certain books and then thought “You think you can do this? Prove it!” and Ivy Morris was born!

What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
Chief toast butterer at a diner, front office at several different kinds of doctors (including psych), graphic arts bureau collector, financial advisor assistant, fighter against insurance to have claims paid correctly, and now I’m a documentation specialist.

How many books do you have published?
64!

Where do you write?
At the counter in the kitchen, at a desk shaped like a slice of pie, another desk that feels like a battleship because it’s actually a breakfast bar, and on the couch, really wherever I can.

What is your ideal time to write?
Usually after 8 pm

What is your favorite deadline snack?
Nutter Butters! At this time of year, I love Peanut Butter Pumpkins too.

What’s your favorite genre to read?
High fantasy

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I once trained to be a professional opera singer and have a three-octave range.

What is your favorite beverage to end the day?
English Breakfast Tea – don’t judge

Who is an author you admire?
So many within the cozy community but definitely Donna Andrews and you, Dru. You’re doing awesome things, and I am so here for this amazing journey you are on! [Editor’s Note: aaawww, thank you]

Have you any advice for aspiring or beginning writers?
I like to call them pre-published 😊 My only advice really is to find the joy and keep it bright. This can be a lonely pursuit and sometimes a frustrating one, but keep going. If you have a story to tell then there is someone out there who needs to read it. I promise.

What are you reading now?
A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke – absolutely awesome and I almost burned dinner tonight because I couldn’t put it down!

What is next for you?
So much awesome! I have the next Sunny Side Up Diner Mystery coming out, another Tallie Graver Mystery, and a new series starting next year called The Charmed Inn Mysteries. I am super excited to share them with readers.

Where can we find you?
My website, mistysimon.com has all the deets. I’m on Instagram sometimes and TikTok too under @mistysimonwrites. My biggest footprint though is on Facebook where I love to post all the fun and positive memes I can find!

Now to have some fun . . .

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Lunch

Fruits or vegetables
Vegetables

Chocolate, vanilla, or another flavor
Chocolate

Sweet or salty snacks
Salty (bring on the chips!)

Ice cream or cake
Cake al a mode?

Cooking or baking
Baking

Dining in or dining out
Dining out

City life or country living
City

Beach or mountain
Mountain

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall
FALL!

Extrovert or introvert
Total Extrovert

Early bird or night owl
Early bird though I’d prefer to be a night owl

And even more fun . . .

What’s your favorite movie?
Clue (Flames…flames…)

You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
Music, books, and endless iced tea!

My bio:
Misty Simon always wanted to be a storyteller…preferably behind a Muppet. Animal was number one, followed closely by Sherlock Hemlock… Since that dream didn’t come true, she began writing stories to share her world with readers, one laugh at a time.