Author Interview--Victoria Thompson

Good Friday,

It’s interview time. I have with me today one of my professors from that MFA in Writing Popular Fiction program that I talk about a lot, Victoria Thompson. She’s here today to talk about her and her upcoming release, MURDER IN CHELSEA. Please give her a warm welcome.

Edgar® Nominated author Victoria Thompson writes the Gaslight Mystery Series, set in turn-of-the-century New York City and featuring midwife Sarah Brandt. Her last book, MURDER ON FIFTH AVENUE, has been nominated for an Agatha Award. Her latest, MURDER IN CHELSEA, is a May 2013 release from Berkley Prime Crime. She also contributed to the award winning writing textbook MANY GENRES/ONE CRAFT. A popular speaker, Victoria teaches in the Seton Hill University master's program in writing popular fiction. She lives in Central PA with her husband and a very spoiled little dog.

-What book and/or experience made you want to be a writer?

Oddly enough, Louis L’Amour’s westerns were what started me on my first novel. Reading them re-kindled my childhood love of cowboys and the Old West. My first 20 published novels were Western Romances. I love writing historicals, which then led to my being asked to write the Gaslight Mystery Series.

-What genre do you write?

I write Historical Mysteries set in turn-of-the-century New York City.

-About MURDER IN CHELSEA.

MURDER IN CHELSEA, Berkley Prime Crime (A May 2013 release). Frank Malloy and Sarah Brandt solve the mystery of Sarah’s foster daughter Catherine’s birth and finally locate her real parents. All does not go well, however, and someone ends up dead. Sarah must protect the child she loves like her own while deciding if she has the courage to give her up to her real parents.

-Spoilers?

This isn’t really a spoiler, but Frank and Sarah finally declare their love for each other and Frank proposes.

-For other aspiring writers, any tips?

If you want to be a writer, first you must be a reader. You will learn more from reading extensively in your chosen genre than you ever will from a how-to book.

-What’s your favorite book/genre to read?

I love mysteries and thrillers, especially those with historical settings.

-What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever written?

The End.

But seriously, folks, my favorite scene to date is the one where Frank proposes to Sarah in MURDER IN CHELSEA.

Want more from Victoria?

Check out her website. Like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

If you haven’t, read all the Gaslight Mysteries, and keep an eye out for Murder in Chelsea. It hits shelves on May 7!