A Visit with Maggie Bishop

Maggie Bishop's mysteries are set in the Appalachian Mountains and revolve around hiking, skiing, horseback riding, adventure and romance.

Maggie, you’ve been touted as an Appalachian Agatha Christie and chosen as one of East Carolina University’s Incredible Women. How have the honors shaped your writing life?

Well, after the champagne celebration, I decided to concentrate on “giving back” by teaching writing workshops. When I attended workshops given by members of Romance Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, I bought their books but couldn’t find a way to express my appreciation for the knowledge and direction given in the craft of writing. Since I could not repay the individual teachers, I’m passing on the favor with the workshops.

How did your Appalachian Mystery Series come about?

Appalachian Adventures started with romance, then turned to murder. The original concept was 4 books, 4 male cousins, 4 seasons and 4 different sports. I had to get the romance out of my system. “Appalachian Paradise” is romance and backpacking. “Emeralds in the Snow” is romance, downhill skiing and a cold case mystery. Murder at Blue Falls, my third novel (3rd male cousin, 3rd season and 3rd sport – horseback riding) changed everything. My publisher, Ingalls Publishing Group, fell in love with the two main characters and the following books are based on the fictional Blue Falls Guest Ranch in the real Triplett Valley outside the real cozy mountain town of Boone, NC.

You’ve won a number of other awards. Which means the most to you?

 Being declared one of “100 Incredible ECU Women” for literature and leadership helped me acknowledge that mystery writing is a worthwhile endeavor. Making up something that others enjoy reading can be difficult, especially when that little voice says “this is awful.” I’m honored that East Carolina recognized my work.

You blog at Write Now! With Maggie and are a member of the Dames of Dialogue team. How important is blogging to a writer’s career?

It plays a strong role in keeping my name and titles in the public viral landscape. The Dames (there are five of us) of Dialogue interview authors and celebrities and host guest bloggers. It is another way we can “give back” to the writers and entertain the readers.

Have you found that online book promotions or speaking engagements are more effective when it comes to getting your name and work before the public?

Ah, Jean, wish I could pick one. My best paperback book sales are at craft fairs. I live deep in the mountains with the nearest city an hour and a half away. Since Boone is a tourist destination (skiing, hiking, biking, climbing), craft fairs are popular. The beauty of online is that potentially more people can find out about my books from the comfort of their home. My e-book sales are increasing since the price of each book is now at $2.99 (less than a latte) in anticipation of the release of my latest mystery. When another popular author interviews me (thank you, Jean), it helps sales in both categories. In today’s publishing environment, both internet and in person appearances are important.

Tell us about your soon-to-be released novel, One Shot Too Many.

This time Detective Tucker is the main character and we find out more about his past. Yesterday's regret; today's deadly fix.

Impulsive acts during emotional upheavels from the past return to haunt, ending in the death of a photo-journalist near the cozy mountain town of Boone, NC. Detective Tucker must deal with his past while investigating the secrets of suspects determined to keep from facing their own histories. Jemma Chase, trail-ride leader and CSI wannabe, follows clues, even though her interference may cost Tucker his job. “One Shot Too Many” ... suspects a-plenty for Detective Tucker when someone kills the newspaper photographer who took one too many photos. Everyone has something to hide. The nurse – too many injections. The judge -- too many attempts. The retired army man – too many guns. And then there’s the dental hygienist with too many ejac – lovers, the grandmother who loves too much, the sports medicine professor who drinks too much. When Tucker’s own past comes back to haunt, Jemma Chase, his CSI wannabe girlfriend, has to make a choice.

Advice to fledgling writers.

Just write the story and give yourself permission to be bad on the first draft. Play with it. Keep asking “what if?” Enjoy the flow and agony of the lines you create.

What would you be doing if not a writer?

See the USA! We’d like to spend a month in each state to hike and explore the National and State Parks, to eat the local favorite foods, to see how people decorate their yards, to listen to the cadence of speech, to feel how people react to strangers. I’m itching to experience other places.

The most influential writer in your life?

I come from a family of readers so picking one author is impossible. For learning the craft, I salute Romance Writers of America. The craft workshops gave me the courage to embark on a life of writing.

Thanks, Maggie, for stopping by. 

 You can visit  Maggie at her webpage: maggiebishop1.tripod.com as well as her blogs:
Workshops Write Now! with Maggie
Blog Dames of Dialogue
Book Trailers YouTube
She's also on Facebook and Twitter