Interview with Jackie Griffey, author of The Devil in Merrivale

The Devil of Merrivale by Jackie Griffey (click on cover to purchase)

The Interview

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

The Devil in Merrivale is a cozy mystery set in a small town where every bit of danger or excitement ripples out to touch everyone and brings out the best (or worst) in them to keep the reader turning pages.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

Only seeing how different ‘different’ people are sometimes treated. I have put gifted people in my series and they really make a contribution to the plot, laughs, and general well being of the town, their ‘difference’ not making a difference except for the better in some cases.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

I was born in a small town with a big reputation – Hot Springs, Arkansas, and have a weakness for them.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My daughter and fellow writers in my local writing group.

Your biggest critic?

Whoever I’m submitting to. LOL. I have been very fortunate to work with great editors and welcome their input and help.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

The cause of putting family first and of course supporting the law enforcement where you live. The community pulling together is important too in my fictional town.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

Yep, not that there’s not still room for improvement? Two of the most noticable things were run on sentences. Short sentences are easier to read and give what’s being said more impact. Then I had one editor who absolutely hates pronouns-ha! Ex: “She put on her coat to leave.” to “Laura put coat to leave.” or “She put on her coat to leave Nick’s apartment.” Someting to tell without a doubt which character the author is talking about. Good points from good editors-blessem.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

Other than thanking God? Praying the ancillary material will go well and quickly too I guess. The main thing is make sure you have a file set up and your material organized – list of characters et cetera. Actually, Dorothy, writing the book is the easy part. LOL

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

My late husband, Jim the Gem, my local writing group and other local groups. The library in my home town, Cabot, is very supportive too and the Central Arkansas Library System also has all my books.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

Right now I’m most interested in the Merrivale cozy mystery series. The first, The Devil in Merrivale, will be out soon and Zumaya Enigma has three more manuscripts to edit. Not to mention the other characters between my ears who are getting impatient to get in print. It’s true a writer has to write.

What are you currently working on?

Another cozy mystery and I need to update my blog too.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

Yes, write what you like to write. And when you shop for books don’t be afraid to try new authors you haven’t read. I find new ones every day that I enjoy.

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

Not unless you count Nancy Drew dog years ago – my favorite place was the public library.

What are some of your long term goals?

I want to write more cozy mysteries for my Merrivale series; there are a couple of other mysteries I have an idea for; and soon as I get caught up on my blog and some other things I’m going to get back to both reading and writing. I haven’t had much time lately. That’s a good new years’s resolution!

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

Getting published and meeting other readers and writers. Sometimes I feel like ‘Alice in Cyber Space.’ LOL

What do you feel is your biggest strength?

Tenacity. I never give up on something I like and I’m going to keep writing as long as I can see the monitor. .

Biggest weakness?

I’m about an eyelash from computer illiterate and always threatening to send my computer to ‘electronic charm school.’
I’ll never forget the first time it told me I’d performed an illegal act and would be SHUT DOWN! I could picture me leaned back, foot on printer, with a glass of moonshine in my hand!
No wonder it took so long for Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote to get a computer. LOL.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

It’s people feel ‘real’ and so (I hope) do their friends and families. I also hope after The Devil in Merrivale, you’ll be absolutely champing at the bit to come back to Merrivale for another visit in The Nelson Scandal where Cas and his match-making wife solve four murders, two of them more than a hundred years old.

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

The Bible. No sin, no crime, no punishment goes without mention there.

If you could go back and change one day, what would it be?

I don’t want to go back. Don’t want to change anything which might have changed something else – how’s that for a novel idea?

Are you a different person now than you were 5 years ago? In what way/s?

Older of course. Missing my Darling Companion who went to Heavenly Choir Practice without me June 29, 2009. I’d have gone with him but I wasn’t invited.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

Not to ask God questions. My Guardian Angel is still with me and I’ve got more books to write. I plan to write as long as I can see the monitor.

Is there anything you regret doing/not doing?

I guess that would be that I didn’t start writing sooner. I’m a ‘late bloomer.’ My first attempt was a reading script. Maybe if I’d started sooner I’d have time to find a agent and find someone to do a movie of it. I put it on Kindle, go look at it and a couple of others and make a comment if you want to. I’d love to hear from any readers or writers who read this.

What is your favorite past-time?

Reading; cooking; shopping with my daughter; meeting with The Penpoint Writers Group and related things. High on the list is hearing from other readers and writers.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Yes! If you want to write-sit right down and wirte. Not even those scrolls in the Bible were first drafts-LOL. You can’t proof, rewrite, and compose until you have something to work with. So start now! I wish someone had told me that back in 1993. LOL.