MLC: What did you do for a living before writing mysteries?
AUTHOR: Before I became a full time writer, I worked as a registered nurse. My career sent me to many hospitals and, eventually to the Veterans’ hospital at Hines IL. During this time I raised five children and wrote for the professional journals.
MLC: What's your average day like?
AUTHOR: My average day starts at around six AM. I write for a couple of hours, then tend to my thirty-five houseplants. These are my pets. Three times a week I spend two hours at the health club in a water aerobics class. I take a rest after lunch and do some reading. Then, back to the computer.
MLC: Do you have pets?
AUTHOR: See previous question
MLC: Are you a morning person or a night owl?
AUTHOR: By nine PM I’m in bed with a book, anything from historical fiction to the most recent cozy mystery.
MLC: What groups are you a member of that you feel are important for you as a writer?
AUTHOR: I am a member of the Southland Scribes Writers Group. We are an eclectic mix of folks from varied backgrounds. This makes for a worthwhile critique group. I am also a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
MLC: When did you start writing?
AUTHOR: I started making up stories as a child and had a good grounding in the classics. I consider this mandatory for anyone wishing to be a writer.
MLC: Have you taught writing classes?
AUTHOR: I have not taught writing classes but have lectured to beginning writers.
MLC: Have you taken writing classes?
AUTHOR: I took writing classes at St. Xavier University and Roosevelt University in Chicago.
MLC: What are your views on critique groups?
AUTHOR: A good critique group is invaluable to a writer. The members must be dedicated and honestly evaluate each others’ work. Too many are simply social groups.
MLC: What is your favorite subgenre of mysteries?
AUTHOR: In the mystery field I prefer the cozies. Too much violence keeps me up at night.
MLC: What has been your biggest challenge in being published?
AUTHOR: I find that the biggest challenge and most time consuming part of being a published author is marketing. I spend many hours a week at this chore.
MLC: Why did you decide to write the mysteries you're writing?
AUTHOR: The protagonist of my current series, Emma Winberry, came to me many years ago. I could see this woman. She is in her sixties, has a sixth sense, and talks to her guardian angel.
MLC: How did you choose the setting for your mysteries?
AUTHOR: I wasn’t sure where to “put” her, but I set the series in Chicago. I have always lived in the area and am comfortable describing the neighborhoods. I made Emma a supernumerary(and extra in the opera), because that was something I always wanted to do.
MLC: What was the inspiration for your mysteries?
AUTHOR: As far as inspiration is concerned, I let my writing muse take over. I start with an idea and go from there. Usually I know how the story begins and have a pretty good idea of the ending. I let the characters take me on the journey.
MLC: What writers have inspired you?
AUTHOR: No response.
MLC: How do you come up with your plot ideas for your mysteries?
AUTHOR: Sometimes I see an article in the newspaper that sparks an idea for a plot. I do try to address a social issue in all my books. I want my readers to learn something as well as enjoy the story line.
MLC: How do you research for your mysteries? How long does it take?
AUTHOR: I use the Internet for a lot of my research. But when I was working on The Elusive Relation, the third book in the series which comes out in September, 2011, I went to London for three weeks and visited all the places that I alluded to in the book. Of course, since my youngest daughter lives in London, I had a place to stay. I welcomed in my last grandchild at the same time.
MLC: Is the setting of your mysteries imaginary or real? Why?
AUTHOR: I set all my books in real places. I think it helps the reader identify with the characters.
MLC: Do you live where you set your mysteries?
AUTHOR: Since I live in the Chicago area, I can visit any place that I want to describe with accuracy.
MLC: Tell us about your latest mystery.
AUTHOR: I’m currently working on a new series. My protagonist, Net Petrone, is in her late sixties and living in a retirement community. She becomes involved with a society scamming wealthy widows out of their life savings. The plot turns deadly and Net risks her own life while helping to uncover the scam. I have ideas for at least two more books in this series. I am also working on the forth Emma Winberry mystery.
Website: www.helenosterman.com
E-mail address: heleno29@sbcglobal.net
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