5 Questions with Jessie Chandler

I see Jessie every so often at mystery writer events around the Twin Cities. She writes the award-winning Shay O'Hanlon Caper mystery series - I love the titles; Hide and Snake Murder, Bingo Barge Murder, and her brand-spankin' newest - Pickle in the Middle Murder.

1 – What’s your latest book about?

My latest book, Pickle in the Middle Murder, is about loyalty, family, and secrets. And of course, murder. The book opens at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, where my protagonist Shay O'Hanlon, or actually her flunky bloodhound Bogey, runs face first into a dead man. In the privy. With a pickle sticking out of his mouth. Pretty soon JT, Shay's homicide detective girlfriend, is arrested for the murder. The arresting officer is someone that JT has had longstanding trouble with. He's convinced he's got the porta-potty body's murderer in the clink, and he's not looking for anyone else. So Shay does what she does best: she goes on the hunt for the real killer.

2 – Who’s your favorite author and/or what’s your favorite book?

Oh boy. I have so many authors I love. Trying to pare it down to just one is rough. I'll have to say Clive Cussler was the first author I fell head over heels for. The book that did it for me was Vixen 03 and Night Probe! Okay, I had to list two books. The combination of history and heart pounding action did it for me.

3 – What’s your favorite aspect of writing?

I love, at the very start, organizing everything after some brainstorming sessions with my friends and starting the outline that I use as a guide while I write. That charges me up, and by the time I'm done tweaking the outline, I'm raring to get words on paper. Or on the computer screen, actually.

4 – Any good anecdotes about being a writer?

Turn off your inner editor and go for it. That's probably the most basic yet most difficult thing to do. Don't expect to write a book and make a boatload of bucks. Yes, this will happen to some very fortunate writers, but as a rule, don't quit your day job unless you have someone to bring in the bacon for you.

Get your butt in the chair and your writing device in front of you and just do it.

5 – What was the most helpful writing advice you’ve ever received?

Believe in yourself. Don't give up, and follow your dream. Cliche, but oh so true.

Visit Jessie's Amazon Page!