This is a bit of a departure from the normal musings on my blog but I am very proud to present the following interview with Madison Johns.  As a fan of good mystery novels and admirer of those who write them, it is a pleasure to be able to interview an author of that genre.  Here are Madison’s responses to my questions.

  I’m 48 and I drive a 2002 Sunfire that you might notice has smokebillowing from the hood. I’m a bit nutty, but in a good way. I’m the one withthe freaked out hair you’d see at Walmart. I love to make people laugh,especially people that are sick. I work as a certified nursing care assistant,it’s a hard job, but full of rewards. I love taking care of others, and havefound a way to make people smile even when they are very ill.

2.  When did you start writing?

  WhenI was a child, I had all these stories inside my head. You know the ones whereeverybody thinks they’re great. Everything from being an Indian to a maincharacter in some sappy romance novel. Four years ago, I decided to starttyping them out, and as a result, I finished short stories, two novels. I’mcurrently working on polishing them for publication.

3.  You are a crime writer.  How do youdo your research?

 Ihave also written two horror short stories, but yes, I’m geared towardmysteries. I find it very interesting how crimes are solved. I research onlinefor the most part. It takes time and patience to find good websites. For my yetunreleased thriller, The Bone Extractor, I researched extensively. Everythingfrom how to lift fingerprints to details on how autopsies are done. For Armedand Outrageous, I researched the Michigan State Police website. I researchedwhat you need to do to obtain a concealed gun permit, and how to get a privateinvestigator’s license.

4.  You describe your main character in yourbook, “Armed and Outrageous” as follows, “Agnes Barton is not your typicalsenior. She drives a red, hot Mustang, shops at Victoria’s Secret, and has aknack for sticking her nose where it does not belong.”  Tell us how youcame up with Agnes.  

 Laughs, I thought it sounded like a name a senior would have. Her partner in crime, Eleanor, is the name of a former resident. When I worked fora nursing home, I took care of three Eleanors, all of them bat shit crazy. Manyof the names I used in Armed are based on real people, but I created Agnes outof my imagination. I know many senior citizens that don’t fit the mold of whatpeople think a senior should be. 

5.  Since Agnesis a senior, you must have some thoughts on ageing. Tell us about them.

 I think we shouldhave fun until our bodies break down or minds go bad enough that we drive ourkids crazy. I believe in longevity. Doing that means we need to take care ofourselves. Growing older isn’t that bad of a thing.  

6.  What otherbooks do you have available?
 Coffin TalesSeason Of Death, it includes two short stories Jack-o’-lantern and Hell Crow.Both stories are horror, but not the grossed out kind.

7.  Any advicefor new authors?
 Try to beoriginal as you can be, which is practically impossible these days. Be yourselfand write what gets you excited. Make lasting friendships with other writers,read their blogs. Grow a very thick skin because you’re going to need it.Growing as a writer means honing your craft. Listen to feedback with an openear. It’s hard to take sometimes, but it will help you improve. Hiring aneditor is a great idea. Surround yourself with positive people.

8.  What is themost difficult part of the writing and publishing process for you and how do youovercome it?
 Trying to findtime to write without interruptions and of course editing. I’m not a grammarwhiz that’s for sure. Hiring an editor is a huge investment, something I willbe doing soon. Formatting for Amazon is not a treat. I hired a formatter, butlearned how to do it myself now. It’s been a learning experience.

9.  What is yourmeasure of success in your writing?
  
  That people areinterested enough in me that they’ll buy my books. I’ve gathered interest in myupcoming senior sleuth, which is huge to me. I’m excited about this book andhopeful looking toward the future. I spent time getting to know people onFacebook on a personal level. I think it’s important to be a “real”person. How many people can say that an author takes the time to interact withyou. Best selling authors can’t do that, but I can and will continue to do so.

10.  Where can the readers find yourbooks?

 Coffin Tales Season of Deathis available on Amazon.

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond to the questions, Madison!

Madison’s website is Madison Johns