Ask the Author: Bailee Abbott
Answered Questions (5)
Bailee Abbott
The "where" in this question is definitely what inspired my Paint by Murder series. First, my visits to a local Painting with a Twist shop and the great experience partying with other mostly amateurs like me to paint pictures that turned out pretty good -- gave me the idea of what my main characters would do for a living. Second, the location in cozies is really important. I've made yearly visits to Bemus Point, NY along Chautauqua Lake. Such a quaint and picturesque town inspired the setting for my series.
Bailee Abbott
Don't give up sounds so trite, doesn't it? It's true though. What I would add is to do a lot of "homework" or research first. Find out what agents and publishers want. There's a site called the Manuscript Wish List --www.mswishlist.com that's filled with that kind of info. Also, many agents have blogs, like www.JaneFriedman.com whose posts have plenty of free advice. Once you've covered that ground and feel armed with knowledge, you'll feel better about your writing and where to go with it, I'll bet. But yes, if you really love writing the bottom line truly is...DON'T GIVE UP!
Bailee Abbott
Book three in my B&B cozy mystery series, titled BLOOMING WITH MURDER written by my alter ego, Kathryn Long :-) Next, I'll be writing the second book in the Paint by Murder cozy mystery series, tentatively titled, GHOSTED AND FRAMED. Meanwhile, I'm busy promoting the first book, A BRUSH WITH MURDER, due out on October 12th. Lots on the calendar!
Bailee Abbott
Probably because I can have fun making up stories and get paid for it! Seriously, being a mystery writer gives me the challenge to create a puzzle and how all the pieces fit together. It's great exercise for my brain too. Plus, who else but a writer can "murder" someone and get away with it? :-)
Bailee Abbott
Writer's block is the worst! When it happens, I have to take a break, even a short one, and go do something fun. Take a walk, bake (I love to do that), watch a favorite show, anything that makes me relax. If none of that works, I dig in and write down why I'm in this rut, or make a list of all the things in my life that might be preventing me from concentrating on my writing. There's always a way to help. You just have to keep trying until you find what works.
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