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

What drew you to the genre you write?
I read wildly – whatever catches my attention. Cozy mysteries had long been my go-to palate cleanser between heavier reads. I loved the small quirky communities and the characters who felt like visiting with friends each time I’d pick up another book in a favorite series. When I decided to try my hand in writing, that coziness drew me in.

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
Dawna Carpenter has a tendency to use the term “good night” as an exclamation. It’s my favorite quirk, because my grandmother did the same thing.

How did you come up with your pseudonym?
I actually have two pseudonyms – Paula Charles and Janna Rollins. My real first name is Paula and my real last name is hard to pronounce, so I knew I wanted to use a pen name, and I wanted to make them mean something. Charles was my paternal grandfather’s name, so Paula Charles was born. Then for my second pen name, I picked a more modern version of Janice, my mom’s name, and a variation of Rolin, my maternal grandfather’s name.

Tell us how you got into writing?
Writing was always a pipe dream, but I didn’t think I had the skill. After taking a class at my local genealogy library about writing family stories, I decided if I didn’t try writing fiction, I would never know. With family stories on my mind, Dawna Carpenter was inspired by my grandmother, who owned the hardware store in my small hometown.

What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
Sheesh – so many! From fast food to Kmart, waitressing and bartending, orthodontist technician, escrow officer, and inventory guru for a marine (fishing, Coast Guard, etc.) supply company. I have lots of past lives to draw on for my characters!

How many books do you have published?
Four, with number five coming in October.

Where do you write?
At my desk in my home office. My little brain gets distracted too easily to write anywhere else. Did you see that bunny run by?

What is your ideal time to write?
About 10 am to 3 pm. I’m neither an early morning or a late night person, but a middle of the day pigeon.

What is your favorite deadline snack?
COFFEE! With enough creamer, it could be considered a snack.

What’s your favorite genre to read?
My answer to this question always used to be Historical Fiction, but my reading definitely skews mystery heavy these days. I read anything that catches my attention, though.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
When my husband and I met, his hobby of choice was white water rafting. I jumped right in and loved it. We spent a lot of time on various rivers. The surprising part is that I can’t swim.

What is your favorite beverage to end the day?
Almost always water, though on a chilly rainy day, I love a mug of steaming herbal tea.

Who is an author you admire?
Oh my goodness, that is a loaded question. So so many! If I had to pick one in the cozy mystery genre, I would say Ellen Byron. She is so inspiring, uplifting, and approachable. I really admire her.

Have you any advice for aspiring or beginning writers?
Find your tribe. The people who will lift you up and cheer you on so you aren’t alone in this journey. The mystery community is so welcoming and kind. And most of all, just keep going. You’re better than you think.

What are you reading now?
Trebled Waters by Leah Dobrinksa. It’s a soon-to-be released (August 26th) first book in a new series featuring a songwriter. I stayed up way past my bedtime last night reading!

What is next for you?
The third book in my Hometown Hardware series, A Zappy Little Christmas, comes out on October 21st. The third in my Zen Goat Mysteries, (written as Janna Rollins), should be coming out in the spring of 2026, and I’m noodling around the fourth Hometown Hardware. Good things!

Where can we find you?
Several places! My website is paulacharles.com, and if you sign up for my newsletter, you will get a free short story featuring Dawna Carpenter. I’m on both Facebook and Instagram as Rainy Day Mysteries, and also a featured author with the FB group Murder, They Write.

Now to have some fun . . .

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Dinner

Fruits or vegetables
Vegetables

Chocolate, vanilla, or another flavor
Vanilla

Sweet or salty snacks
Both!

Ice cream or cake
Ice Cream

Cooking or baking
Baking

Dining in or dining out
Dining in

City life or country living
Country Living

Beach or mountain
I want both!

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall
Fall

Extrovert or introvert
Introvert

Early bird or night owl
Middle of the Day Pigeon

And even more fun . . .

What’s your favorite movie?
Can I have two? You’ve Got Mail and Practical Magic

You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
Books, Coffee, and a blanket.

My bio:
When Paula Charles isn’t writing, you can find her reading and contemplating murder under the towering trees of the Pacific Northwest. She is the author of the Hometown Hardware Mysteries, as well as the Zen Goat Mysteries written as Janna Rollins. Paula is a member of Sisters in Crime, the national chapter, the Guppies, and the Columbia River chapter. Her debut novel has been featured in Woman’s World. She lives in Washington state with her extremely patient husband and a gaggle of furry and feathered creatures.