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It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Debbi Mack, author of the Sam McRae and Erica Jensen mystery series

Author Bio: Debbi Mack is the NY Times bestselling author of the Sam McRae and the Erica Jensen mystery series and other novels, a screenwriter, and producer of two podcasts: the Crime Cafe and Dark and Twisted Alleys: A Film Noir Podcast, co-hosted with crime writer F.R. Jameson. She loves books, movies, travel, cats, espresso, and Doctor Who—not necessarily in that order. You can find her online at debbimack.com.

 

Deliah Lawrence: What is your writing process?

 

Debbi Mack:  I tend to outline after I get the germ of an idea. I usually write from the first person, so I try to plan out the key moments of the story in terms of the main character’s feelings in that moment, how revelatory they should feel. I also start with a type of ending in mind. All of this is subject to change, based largely on where the characters lead me. So, I start with a bare outline and improvise from there.

 

One nice thing about writing a series is that you get to know your cast of characters really well. You know which ones to use in various situations your protagonist deals with. On the other hand, writing a standalone novel lets you start with a fresh slate, which can be both intimidating and freeing.

 

Any time I tackle a new story, I’ll do enough research to feel comfortable describing the main character and the situation she (and it’s usually, but not always, a she) finds herself in. I don’t try to do too much research, because there’s a point of diminishing returns, where you’re just going down a rabbit hole and not writing. I try to do enough to make the story feel real. Otherwise, I just start writing, and research further as needed.

 

I also tend to keep a fairly tight schedule and get in a little writing every day.

 

DL: Is there a specific author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

 

DM: I could give you a long list, but I’ll limit it to these:

 

The Nancy Drew mysteries—typical female mystery author response, I know. But I used to love these as a child. Along with the Cherry Ames books, which a few of us remember. Clearly, they led me to a life of crime fiction.

 

Everything Ross Macdonald wrote. But if I have to pick one, I’ll make it The Ivory Grin, which is about as representative of his writing as anything. He wrote the sort of thing I tend to write about—broken families, secrets and lies, the rich and unhappy, hidden agendas—so I get lots of inspiration from his work.

 

Finally, Bird by Bird by Anne LaMott. Because it taught me to take everything one step at a time.

 

DL: What tips would you give to aspiring writers?

 

DM: Don’t aspire. Just write. Even if it’s just a daily journal. Write and keep writing.

 

But if what you really aspire to is be a published author, be prepared to have your work critiqued by others. That’s all part of the deal. And not everyone will love your work. Not everyone loves mine, but I’m not trying to appeal to everyone.

 

The people who “get you” will want to read you. The rest you can forget about.

 

DL: What are three books you’ll never part with?

 

DM: Um, wow. I ask myself that a lot, because I tend to hold onto books. I could start a whole library at this point.

 

Death is a Lonely Business by Ray Bradbury. My Dad bought it for me at Powell’s Books when I was on vacation in Portland, Oregon. And it’s a fantastic read.

 

Screenplay by Syd Field. This may be the single most helpful book I’ve read about story structure. Especially if you’re just starting out, and the 12-Step Hero’s Journey is just a bit too much to absorb all at once.

 

A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton. Because … Sue Grafton. I also own a used book club edition of that one.

 

DL: What are three fun facts about yourself?

 

DM: 1. I worked my way through college in a variety of interesting jobs. Among other things, I was a substitute school bus driver. That’s how I learned how to drive a stick shift. It’s also how I met my husband.

 

2. I was once a volunteer EMT (emergency medical technician) with the Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department of Montgomery County, Maryland.

 

3. I have survived several life-threatening situations. So many I’ve stopped counting.

 

DL: If you could choose a superpower, what would it be and why?

 

DM: I’d like to be either a magician or a miracle worker. Who wouldn’t want to perform miracles or magic?

 

DL: If you were hosting a dinner party, which three authors, past or present, would be your dream guests and why?

 

DM: Dorothy Parker, Terry Pratchett, and George Orwell. I admire all of them and can only imagine the conversation we’d have.

 

DL:  What projects are you currently working on?

 

DM: Right at the moment, I’m working on my third Erica Jensen novel. I’m still pondering the title, but she ends up investigating the mysterious death of someone she worked with during her deployment. Erica’s a Marine veteran, weaning herself off opioids and lingering PTSD, who manages to stumble over a body now and then.

 

I also write screenplays—scads of them—as of this writing, still unproduced. But working on it.

 

I also have two ongoing projects. Well, three really.

 

I have two podcasts: the Crime Cafe podcast, where I interview crime, suspense, and thriller writers. The other one is Dark and Twisted Alleys: A Film Noir Podcast, in which crime and horror author F.R. Jameson and I trade witticisms and criticisms about a different film noir once a month.

 

I’m also gathering an extraordinary collection of videos from the public domain, which I upload to YouTube periodically. Now and then, I cut it up into segments and blog it as the Saturday Matinee.

 

DL: Would you like to share an excerpt from your work?

 

DM: Sure. Here’s an excerpt from the second chapter of Fatal Connections, the latest in the Erica Jensen mystery series:

 

I wondered about this so-called emergency. The neighborhood was as quiet as a morgue. I was still wondering why Marian would call me but not the police.


I was actually in the process of wrapping up my background check on their candidate for a personal assistant. Before I started the job, Nick told me that the Harcourts had a publicist and a business manager. I wondered why they needed yet another assistant, but who was I to judge? And money is money.


So, I took the gig. Even though I was adding final touches to the written report, I had the distinct sense that I had missed something.


I tucked my handgun—a Sig Sauer P320—into my waistband, careful to hide the gun’s bulge under my jacket, and left my Fiesta parked on the street. I doubted that many people were out this early on a Saturday morning, but with my luck, the neighborhood could be rife with morning joggers or other early risers. Scanning the grounds, I eased toward the front door. Anticipation made me a little itchy.

It was just past mid-March. Too soon for the warmer part of spring. I gave the door three raps and clutched my jacket against the chill air as I waited. Time passed. Then I rang the doorbell. Still no answer.


I pressed my ear to the door and thought I heard an indistinct murmuring inside. The only other sound was that of distant traffic from the main road.

 

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and purchase your books?

 

DM: You can find me at various places:

DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

 

DM: Thanks for the opportunity to do the interview!






 


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