What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Last Word?
It’s midlife crisis time. Your long-time dream job has come to a screeching halt. The future looks bleak. So why would you take on doing the legwork to complete one crazy old lady’s bucket list?
When Gwen Adams, a long-time, big-time journalist, gets the dreaded pink slip, she heads back to her childhood home to lick her wounds and give her big sister, Mira, a helping hand with a caregiving service for elders. She meets “Kay,” a dying old woman who calls herself “Sir Kay,” seems to exist in an Arthurian wonderland, and insists on calling Gwen “Arthur.” Gwen agrees to deliver a series of envelopes for Kay to “people who have given up hope.” The most important envelope is for famed actress Ava Chartreuse, who had long ago shared a loving relationship with Kay. Along the way, Gwen learns that not only a fabled King of Camelot can grasp Excalibur and conquer enemies.
To be honest, at my age, I attend one too many celebrations of life. I’m always amazed at what I learn about the person who has passed at the service—their last words, so to speak.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Mystery & Thriller—think Sheldon Siegel or Robert Crais. Detectives. Yes. I write cozy mysteries. Last Word is different from my cozy mystery writing.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I’m a slow reader, so I don’t have a TBR pile. I am waiting for the next novel by author Sheldon Siegel, due on March 26th.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The end.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Don’t stop. Slow down if you need to, but keep going.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Never give up on your dreams.
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