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

What drew you to the genre you write?
I fell in love with mysteries set in the Southwest when my husband and I were having dinner at the La Fonda in Santa Fe, NM. The restaurant featured a bookstand with several books by Tony Hillerman. I bought a few and loved his writing, the setting and especially reading about his Navajo characters. I’m thrilled that his daughter, Anne Hillerman, has continued writing novels with Tony’s characters plus added her own including a delightful Navajo policewoman.

Tell us how you got into writing?
I’ve written since I was a kid but mostly composed grant requests and business pieces when I ran my special events company. After hiking and camping in the Colorado Plateau for a number of years I felt called to write about the area and began taking classes and workshops to learn how to write fiction.

What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
As the owner of Skyline Talent & Events, Inc., I designed and produced special events for several decades.

How many books do you have published?
Only Bone Hash with more in the works.

Where do you write?
I have a wonderful writing studio in the back of my home with windows on all four sides and access to my shady backyard.

What’s your favorite genre to read?
I love all kinds of literature! Mysteries, including thrillers, Up market, historical, literary.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I like to feed the squirrels.

Who is an author you admire?
Too many to name, but Louis de Bernieres stands out for his novel, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. So beautifully written and poignant. That image toward the end of the book of a 70s+ woman riding on the back of her lover’s motorcycle after they were apart for many years all but broke my heart!

Have you any advice for aspiring or beginning writers?
Yes, spend the time learning your craft. Read, read, read—especially in the category you favor. Join a critique group, but choose members wisely. Believe in your own voice. Remember you and your voice are unique in all the world.

What is next for you?
Finishing my thriller and writing a sequel to Bone Hash.

Where can we find you?
Most days I’m here in Denver.

Now to have some fun . . .

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
I love breakfast with really good coffee sitting outside on my deck.

Fruits or vegetables
Both

Sweet or salty snacks
Anything with nuts

Ice cream, cake, or pie
Pie hands down.

Cooking or baking
Cooking

Dining in or dining out
Depends on the day

City life or country living
Never lived in the country but I’d like to try it for a month or two.

Beach or mountain
In the mountains by a clear bubbling stream

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall
It used to be Summer, but with Climate Change I’m starting to favor Spring.

Extrovert or introvert
Extrovert

And even more fun . . .

What is your favorite movie?
The Red Violin.

You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
Water, food and shelter!

My bio:
Skye Griffith is an author, longtime event producer, and passionate explorer of the American Southwest. Her fascination with prehistoric cultures and their ability to thrive in unforgiving landscapes sparked the narrative of Bone Hash. She holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati and the University of Denver and is a member of the Denver Woman’s Press Club, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Denver with her husband and their Malamute. Learn more at skyegriffith.com.

Skye recently won the Colorado Authors League (CAL) Award for Best Mystery for her debut novel, Bone Hash.