
Thanks for inviting me. It’s always fun to talk about books, especially mysteries.
Tell us a little about your writing process. Are you more of a planner or a pantser?
With a mystery, I find plotting essential. I start with the crime and work backwards. I ask what does the criminal want enough that he or she is willing to kill to get it. I plot out the steps taken to achieve the goal. Just when it seems the murderer might get away with his plan, everything goes horribly wrong and he’s in jeopardy of being found out. In the Truth series, Cady and Doyle stumble upon crimes that threaten their livelihoods as well as them both personally. In order to remain safe and keep their lives on track, they must solve the caper as they can’t rely on the police to do the job.
If you could have dinner with any detective, fictional or otherwise, who would you choose and why?
That’s a tough question for somebody who reads a lot of mysteries. I’d probably have dinner with Lucas Davenport, the detective from John Sandford’s Prey series as he’s well read, sarcastic and outrageous and lots of fun. If I want a little class Simon St. Cyr would do. And Maisie Dobbs is so terribly insightful and grounded.
Where did you draw inspiration for your latest crime novel?
For some reason, I love the Victorian era. It’s so atmospheric.
What’s your latest novel about, in 25 words or less?
A couple struggles to keep their upcoming nuptials on track while trying to stop a nefarious enemy bent on destroying their livelihood and reputation.
THIS or THAT?
CSI or Law & Order?
Law and Order
In Cold Blood or Helter Skelter?
In Cold Blood
Psycho or Silence of the Lambs?
Both
Murder by Poison or by Weapon?
Poison as it’s much more devious and requires some knowledge and skill if the murder is to go undetected.
Where can we find out more about your books?
I’d love to have people visit my website: http://www.joyceproell.com or my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/JoyceProellAuthor.