HEATHER DAY GILBERT, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

             

Welcome 
Heather Day Gilbert
Author of
The Murder in the Mountain Series
Miranda Warning 
#1 in the series

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1.   I see your book is a series of mysteries, tell us about them.
I'm excited to launch this new series of mysteries set in the mountains of West Virginia (aptly named A Murder in the Mountains Series). Miranda Warning is the first book in the series, and in it, we're introduced to amateur sleuth Tess Spencer and her lawyer husband, Thomas. Many of the small-town characters will recur throughout the series; in particular, Tess' family. Her in-laws live right next door. I'm particularly fond of her mother-in-law, Nikki Jo, who is just a force of nature.


2.  Tess seems like a gal that can take care of herself, does she reflect your own life?
I do like portraying somewhat fearless female characters, but Tess has her foibles and issues, just like we all do. While all her issues may not be my issues, I love diving deep into her character and finding out what makes her tick. It's why I love writing in first-person. 

3.  What do you want people to take away from your series?
Mostly, I want them to enjoy unraveling the mystery, while getting a taste of modern-day West Virginia. I also want them to feel they "know" Tess and her family and friends. Sort of like Mitford, only with murders. :) I also love portraying realistic marriages, and Thomas and Tess have a great one. However, they haven't been married long and are still learning how to get along and smooth those rough edges. 
 
4. Give us a glimpse into the second book in the series and when will it be out.
The second book will be titled Trial by Twelve, and it's based on that quote that it's better to be tried by twelve than taken out by six (pallbearers). In other words, better to kill someone in self-defense and stand trial than to hesitate and wind up dead yourself. This book will be set in a spa in the mountains.

5. How has being a Christian influenced your writing?
I write everything from a Christian worldview. That doesn't mean I'm inserting sermonettes into the mouths of my characters, though. I prefer watching characters make choices that reflect the good/bad choices I see people making in life (and the ones I've made myself), and then show how things pan out for them. But my characters do often wrestle with tough questions about their faith. Tess will in particular as she had a rough childhood. I want my books to be accessible for both Christians and non-believers, very much like Mitford.

6.  How can we get a copy?
You can find Miranda Warning on Amazon in softcover and for Kindle here. 
 
Thanks so much for letting me visit  today!