The Writers Who Read series continues this week with mystery author Kassandra Lamb. I’ve had the pleasure of beta-reading Kassandra’s Kate Huntington mystery series, and have especially enjoyed the long-term romance between the main couple in the series.
Who are you?
I am a retired psychotherapist/college professor turned mystery writer. Some of my favorite things are dark chocolate, the color blue (peach is a close second), and my grandsons (these are not in order of importance). I drink a ton of iced tea every day–after all, I live in Florida. This may explain why I am often still writing or reading at two o’clock in the morning.
I write the Kate Huntington mystery series, the Kate on Vacation cozy mysteries and the occasional stand-alone story or novel. I also blog about psychology and other random topics on the misterio press website.
What are three beloved books you first read before the age of 12?
I had a huge girl crush on Laura Ingalls Wilder. This was long before Little House on the Prairie was on TV. I even wrote her a fan letter one time. I got a very nice note back from one of her grown children telling me that she had passed away, the year before I was born. Guess I should have done a little research first, but hey, I was only ten.
Anne of Green Gables was another childhood favorite of mine. In general, I loved historical stories that showed how children lived in earlier times.
And then along came Nancy Drew, and I’ve been reading mysteries ever since.
What is one book you are always recommending to friends and family (and maybe the local barista) as an adult?
Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine by Bebe Moore Campbell. This book moved me more than any other I have ever read. It is the saga of the residents of a small Southern town during the tumultuous times from the 1950’s through the prime years of the Civil Rights movement.
The author, a black woman of my generation, has a remarkable ability to get inside the heads of every single character, from the white redneck alcoholic to the black teenaged boy who makes the mistake of talking to a white woman in a pool hall one evening. And she manages to portray every one of them with at least some degree of sympathy, even the bigots!
Of course, the fact that I grew up during the era she is describing, and in a family that was involved in the Civil Rights movement, probably explains some of why I love this book.
What is your book kryptonite–those unique elements in a book, beyond just great writing and three-dimensional characters, that make you unable to resist reading?
Strong, realistic female characters who also have a soft side (whether they like it or not.) When characters stay with me for days afterwards and I find myself wondering what they are doing at the moment, that’s when I know I’ve read a truly good book!
What is your ideal time and place to read?
On my screened-in porch on a Sunday afternoon, weather permitting, and in bed at night.
Which books have had the biggest influence on your writing?
Stephen King’s On Writing is my favorite craft book. I love the way he wove a memoir-style story around writing advice.
Mystery writers who have had a strong influence are (in order of importance) JA Jance, JD Robb (yes, I know she’s Nora Roberts in disguise, but I really only like her mysteries), Janet Evanovich, Dick Francis, Faye Kellerman, Laurie R. King… I could go on all day; there are so many great mystery writers out there.
How do you balance reading and writing in your life?
Balance? We’re supposed to find balance? Nobody told me that.
Seriously, I don’t do a good job of this at all. I need to make book dates with myself or something.
Choose your preferred book form: ebook, physical book, or audio book?
I never thought I would say this since I tend to curse technology on a regular basis, but I love e- books! It is so convenient to be able to carry a whole library around on my kindle in my purse. And I can convert every book to a large print edition–so much easier on my tired old eyes.
Do you consciously plan your future reading–i.e., set book goals, keep a TBR list, participate in book challenges or book clubs? Why or why not?
I do have a TBR list but I don’t plan other than that. I’m thinking I should do this. I’m making it one of my 2015 New Year’s resolutions to read at least two books a month. I used to read one to two a week, before I started writing. Now all too often the time I used to spend on reading stories is spent on producing them.
What are you reading now?
I just finished a book by one of my favorite indie mystery writers, Teresa Trent. She writes a cozy mystery series set in the fictional town of Pecan Bayou, Texas. I like to read a cozy now and again when I want a lighter read, and her characters have more depth than one normally finds in cozies. Now I have to decide what to read next… Maybe I’ll re-read Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine.
When Kassandra isn’t reading or writing, she’s most likely hanging out on Facebook, or she’s online buying toys and clothes for her grandsons that they really don’t need. For more about her books, check out her website at http://kassandralamb.com.
Her newest Kate Huntington mystery was just released yesterday. Check it out!
FATAL FORTY-EIGHT, A Kate Huntington Mystery
Celebration turns to nightmare when psychotherapist Kate Huntington’s guest of honor disappears en route to her own retirement party. Kate’s former boss, Sally Ford, has been kidnapped by a serial killer who holds his victims exactly forty-eight hours before killing them.
With time ticking away, the police allow Kate and her P.I. husband to help with the investigation. The FBI agents involved in the case have mixed reactions to the “civilian consultants.” The senior agent welcomes Kate’s assistance as he fine-tunes his psychological profile. His voluptuous, young partner is more by the book. While she locks horns out in the field with Kate’s husband, misunderstandings abound back at headquarters.
But they can ill afford these distractions. Sally’s time is about to expire.
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This was a fun interview. Thanks for letting me hang out at your place today, GG.
I’m still amused by your letter to Laura Ingalls! Thanks for doing the interview.
Balance? What’s that? 🙂 So this is where you’re hiding. I found ya! I think because you and I are of a similar age Kassandra, we read the same books as children. Those were my favs. And now look at you. Writing mystery thrillers no less. You go girl. So excited for you and your new release. Great interview girls! 🙂
Hey, Karen, do you remember the Laura Ingalls Wilder book where they are living in a house made of sod? I found that fascinating as a kid. Thanks for stopping by and being such a great cheering section!!
We’re supposed to balance reading and writing? I didn’t know that, either. Thanks to your book suggestions, Kassandra, my life’s going to be more out-of-whack then ever. Lucky for me I like it that way.
I have to agree, balance? What is that? I’m not going to have any semblance, now that I.have several more titles on my TBR list. 🙂
Congratulations on your new release, and great interview, Kassandra. Great questions, G G.
Thanks, Elizabeth. If you figure out that balance thing, be sure to spread the word. 😉
Yeah, that balance thing, they should’ve told us about that much sooner. 😉 What’s making your life extra whacky these days? Hope it’s a good kind of whacky.
The Little House on the Prairie series was a favorite for me too! Love that you wrote her a fan letter. 🙂
There’s a little more to the story, Coleen. The letter that came back was signed Alfonso Wilder and at first I thought it was her husband. I almost fainted because of course I had fallen in love with him in my little 10-year-old head, right along with Laura in the last couple books in the series. But it was their son who had sent it. <3