Thank you, Juneta, for inviting me to be a guest on your blog. I thought I’d talk about the setting for Cypress, Like the Tree why I choose it, and what inspired the story.
The setting for Cypress, Like the Tree, is a real place. A large trailer park near Moody Air Force Base, outside of Valdosta, Georgia. The red clay road, where the murder takes place, is a shortcut to the bases’ main gate, and it is all red clay where snakes love to sun themselves.
It’s a place from my past, and while the story is fiction, it is based on something that occurred in my life. An incident that arose from domestic abuse. The characters are also based on real people, but the names have been changed to protect the guilty, but Detective Cypress is pure fiction.
In the real story, there was no murder, but what if there had been?
The what if method of writing is something I use often. It takes me to some fascinating places, dilemmas, and solutions.
It’s a handy tool especially when I’m stumped as to the next plot twist. To keep the intrigue flowing, right before I fall asleep, I’ll go over the situation in my mind. I won’t dwell on it, just put it in the form of a question, and then let the subconscious start it’s work. Usually, upon waking, or soon after, I’ll have my answer. Putting the sub-conscious to work while I’m in dreamland gives me a solution every time. I use this method to solve everyday issues too.
My life has been filled with drama and adventure, and it only makes sense that it fills my stories.
Speaking of setting, Stowy Jenkins, the antagonist from the Prequel to the Detective Quaid Series, The Snowman, loves the beach setting for sharing his story. I finished The Snowman while visiting Myrtle Beach last year and, now that I live here, Stowy is dying to tell the next chapter in his saga. This book is titled, Murder, Just Because.
In Murder, Just Because Stowy has escaped prison, and his new reason for living/killing is revenge. He wants everyone who failed to recognize his artistic genius to suffer, including detective Steven Quaid.
Thanks again, Juneta! One of your readers has an opportunity to win a copy of Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime. All they have to do is tell me their favorite genre or a favorite book in a comment.
BIO: Looking for a new adventure, Renee recently moved to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. A storyteller from a very early age, an avid reader, and with an education and background in business and accounting, becoming a writer only made sense. And writing mysteries pure logic.
That some of her stories mirror her life, only coincidence. Honest!
Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology
The clock is ticking…
Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze?Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?
Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.
Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues and stay out of danger. Time is wasting…
1.What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
I used an incident from my own life and the writing technique known as the ‘what if’ factor. In other words, this happened, but what if this ‘a murder’ happened instead?
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
Margaret Mitchell, the author of Gone with the Wind. Her determination and talent but more so the obstacles she had to overcome. Her short story Lost Laysen was a significant influence on my own short story writing. I loved the ending, even though I changed it during a fan-fiction challenge.
Looking for a new adventure, Renée moved to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. A storyteller from a very early age, an avid reader, and with an education and background in business and accounting, becoming a writer only made sense. And writing mysteries pure logic.
That some of her stories mirror her life, only coincidence. Honest!
What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
Every mystery has an element of the time theme. You know, find the killer before he/she has a chance to kill again. But cozy mystery readers and writers tend to like a series, and the series has a theme as well. Sue Grafton used the alphabet, each new book beginning with a letter of the alphabet. Or a more cozy theme, with its small-town atmosphere, would be a location or a hobby that allow for characters to meet and share information, such as a bakery (Joanne Fluke), a tea shop (Laura Childs), a library (Charlaine Harris) or quilting (Elizabeth Spann Craig).
In my particular short story, besides the ghost element, I used a cross-stitch theme. My character is learning to cross-stitch at the beginning of the story, and the cross-stitch theme comes full circle at the end of the story when a cross-stitch pendant holds the clue to solving the mystery.
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
Only one? This is tough! It changes depending on my frame of mind. I’m going to stick with a mystery author, just to narrow it down. Hmmm. Right now I’ll say Jacqueline Winspear. She writes the Maisy Dobbs series, historical mysteries that take place post WWI and spans to her next book with the start of WWII. I’m fascinated with the World War I and II eras. When you think about it, it’s less than a hundred years ago. My grandparents lived through it. I’ve heard stories. Winspear is an excellent writer and storyteller, her mysteries intricate with twists and turns, and always amidst the post and pre-war atmosphere.
BIO: Gwen Gardner writes clean, cozy and quirky mysteries and don’t be surprised if you meet a few ghosties along the way.
Since ghosts feature prominently in her books, she has a secret desire to meet one face to face – but will run screaming for the hills if she ever does. Gwen adores travel and experiencing the cultures and foods of different countries. She is always up for an adventure and anything involving chocolate – not necessarily in that order.
What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process:
For my story Center Lane, I set out wanting to find the truth for my main character Hammond Stone. Soon though, it became the secrets around him that inspired me to dig deeper. Finding clues that come up during the writing process is the most exciting part!
Who is your favorite author and why?
My favorite author is Stephen King. I love his ability to bring characters to life. When I first read his short story The Mist, I was drawn into how these characters were going about their regular daily shopping, and then all of a sudden being forced into survival mode. Now, every time we have thick fog or mist outside, I don’t just think of the storefront or the monster, I think of the memorable characters he created.
BIO: Christine writes psychological thrillers and suspense. She earned her degree in Literature/Language and went on to pen stories that send you running for the covers. When she’s not writing, you can find Christine at the park with her family, grabbing lunch at her favorite diner, or pampering her basset hound Molly. And always with a coffee in her hand!
1. What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
I used the Chicago Fire and the devastation that it caused. I saw an opportunity to use this disaster to add a larger context to the story of a hideous crime. I also looked at the strict moral code of the nineteenth century and thought it would be interesting to have a fiend loose during a time unmarried men and women couldn’t even ride in a carriage unless it was an open one. What a contrast, heh?
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
That’s impossible, but since I’m reading Margaret Atwood at the moment, I’ll pick her. It’s her way with the language. She can make people breathe on her pages. When an author can do that, she has to be a favorite.
BIO: C. Lee McKenzie has a background in Linguistics and Inter-Cultural Communication, but these days her greatest passion is writing for young readers.
Some Very Messy Medieval Magick is the third book in the time-travel adventures of Pete and Weasel, with Alligators Overhead and The Great Timelock Disaster being the first two. Sign of the Green Dragon, another book for young readers, jumps into ancient Chinese dragon myths and a quest for treasure.
Her young adult work is represented by Italia Gandolfo. McKenzie has published four young adult novels: Sliding on the Edge, The Princess of Las Pulgas, Double Negative, and Sudden Secrets. When she¿s not writing she¿s hiking or traveling or practicing yoga or asking a lot questions about things she still doesn’t understand.
1. What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
I drew on experiences both of my own and other women who have been in dangerous relationships. Also, I’m drawn to stories that include animals. In my story, a Golden Retriever named Bo is a central character.
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
For once, a “favorite” question is easy to answer. Sue Grafton is easily the author I most admire. She wrote the alphabet detective mystery series featuring one of the best characters ever created, Kinsey Milhone. I’ve read all her books, starting with A is for Alibi. Y is for Yesterday came out in the Fall of 2017. I was eagerly anticipating Z is for Zero, but that will never be completed. Sue Grafton died on December 28, 2017. Her family announced her passing with these words: The alphabet ends with Y.
Kinsey Milhone is strong, independent, smart, and a little sarcastic. Her 80-year-old landlord Henry is also her dear friend. She solves crimes with moxie, often completing the job on her own time because she has such a strong sense of justice. I’m rereading the series.
BIO: Mary Aalgaard is a freelance writer and blogger. Her words stretch across the globe through her blogs and articles. Mary is also a playwright who works with both children and adults to create original dramas. She gives private piano, and writing lessons, and theatre workshops for kids at Central Lakes College.
What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
My story was written a good while ago, tweaked and updated over the years to make it current. Back then we lived in a small Louisiana town. Video stores were abundant but one in particular caught my eye—a “men’s entertainment” video store on I-10. There was also a political feud going on between the police department and the sheriff’s office. All I had to do was play the “what if” game and The Little Girl in the Bayou evolved. Note: that video store is still in business on I-10, thirty-something years later!
Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
I’ve read Terri Blackstock for years and she has yet to disappoint me. I like her voice, her writing style, and I think she’s a master at characterization and plotting. Plus, I learn survival skills if ever I should need them. J Terri’s books keep me on the edge of my seat. I wish I could be inside her head when she comes up with an idea and takes it all the way to fruition.
BIO: My name is Jess, Jessy, Jessica and I’m a co-owner/co-editor of Swamp Lily Review, A Journal of Louisiana Literature & Arts. I’m also a staff writer for Southern Writers Magazine. I do author interviews. Back in 1996 I sold a novel to Silhouette Romance. It was about an Elvis look-alike who tangles with the daughter of an Elvis fanatic. The Groom Wore Blue Suede Shoes was originally called Love You Tender. My pen name Jessica Travis was originally Jessica Chaney. Oh yeah, publishing was a learning experience. Silhouette turned down my option book so what did I do? I became a realtor! Selling houses is a lot like selling books.
1. What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
The prompt from the contest really had my brain ticking (yes, pun intended!) and as I saw the clock in my head I also saw a prisoner pacing behind bars, waiting to be released. It’s always fun to write from the villain’s point of view, and this was no exception. This man helped me out as he let me know all of the people who were angry about him being released.
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
Only one? That’s so hard! Let’s see…
I think right now I’d choose Jill Shalvis. Jill writes amazing contemporary romances that combine humour, heat, and lots of tension. Her characters are very true to life. They have lots of flaws, but always have good hearts. Reading one of Jill‘s books is always so much fun, and I usually end up staying up way too late at night to finish them.
BIO: Jemi Fraser lives in beautiful Northern Ontario where she works hard and plays harder with both her family and her students. Holding an ever-present mug of Chai tea, she spends her free time baking cookies and writing Happy Ever Afters. The world can always use more of both
1. What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
I love sci fi, so I had to write a time travel story. I’m always asking “what if…” and time travel leaves lots of room for twisty turns!
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
My favorite author has always been Michael Crichton. So intelligent and versatile! Very sad to hear when he passed some years ago, but he inspired me to pick up the torch.
BIO: Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over the US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. She has two novel series, Pop Travel (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beast World, Broken Branch Falls (fantasy adventures), plus the UnPrincess novella series where the maidens save themselves. She’s a commended blogger, contributed to several anthologies, and to fit in all these projects, she economizes her time, aka the Lazy Housewife. Make every day an adventure!
1. What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
I took my inspiration for “The Tide Wait” both from an existing bit of flash fiction featuring the main character (I liked her and wanted to do more with her) and from my own upbringing on an island, in fact right on the beach for several years. Because of that, I thought I knew tides—but it turned out I needed to get a lot of help to get the tides right for the story!
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
*One* favorite author? Then I’ll fall back on the one I think is the best wordsmith, never fails to grab me, and to both inspire me to greater heights and to plunge me into despair over how I will never, ever, be as good a writer as he was (and the fact that he has died and will write no more books makes me very sad): Ivan Doig.
BIO: Rebecca Douglass grew up in Idaho, Arizona, and Washington states, and now lives near San Francisco. Her passions include backpacking, hiking, books, and running and biking. She works at the library, volunteers in the schools, and is hard at work on her next book.
1. What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
I’m actually not a crime writer, so brainstorming was probably the most daunting part of the whole dang process (and that’s usually editing’s job). Going in, I knew time had to be central, as you mentioned, but I also decided that I didn’t want to deal with an actual crime head-on. I’ve always been fascinated with psychology, so I thought it would be interesting to add a psychological element. Not necessarily the crime taking place, but the aftermath of a crime and the way it can destroy a person’s mind. So in the end, I drew inspiration from my two favorite things: murder and mind games. Erm. Something like that.
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
This question is always so hard! I’m going to have to say Terry Pratchett. He was one of the first times I heard about comedic fantasy and realized it was even a thing. The books were everything I wanted. There was a brilliant world, rich lore, hilarious comedy, characters I could relate to. Also, I’m more than a little in love with Death.
S. R. Betler
BIO: Born and raised in New York, S. R. Betler now lives in Kentucky, where she passes her days collecting stray animals, torturing her characters, and inventing new worlds while attempting to keep her husband and offspring from destroying this one.
BIO: Writer, gamer, pro-wrestling aficionado. Dad.
I claim to write stories, but really I just find them in The Closet, dust them off, add a few commas and send them out into the world.
Proudly Canadian, born and raised in Newfoundland, fine-tuned and educated in Toronto and currently residing in Ottawa with a beautiful wife, two wonderful children and various furry four-legged companions.
This website uses cookies with the sole intent to improve your experience as is common with most websites. If you continue to use this website we will take that as your consent. OKRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Bio: Cypress, Like the Tree – 
BIO: Gwen Gardner writes clean, cozy and quirky mysteries and don’t be surprised if you meet a few ghosties along the way.
BIO: Christine writes psychological thrillers and suspense. She earned her degree in Literature/Language and went on to pen stories that send you running for the covers. When she’s not writing, you can find Christine at the park with her family, grabbing lunch at her favorite diner, or pampering her basset hound Molly. And always with a coffee in her hand! 
BIO: Jemi Fraser lives in beautiful Northern Ontario where she works hard and plays harder with both her family and her students. Holding an ever-present mug of Chai tea, she spends her free time baking cookies and writing Happy Ever Afters. The world can always use more of both
BIO: Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over the US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. She has two novel series, Pop Travel (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beast World, Broken Branch Falls (fantasy adventures), plus the UnPrincess novella series where the maidens save themselves. She’s a commended blogger, contributed to several anthologies, and to fit in all these projects, she economizes her time, aka the Lazy Housewife. Make every day an adventure!
