Today I interview author T. C. LoTempio about her newest installment in her Nick and Nora cozy mystery series, Crime and Catnip. Welcome!
Why do you write cozy mysteries?
I’ve always loved mysteries ever since I read my first Nancy Drew, so it was more of a natural progression. I actually started out writing horror, then graduated to paranormal romance, but when my vampire novels weren’t selling, I came up with the idea for the Nick and Nora mysteries. Penguin at that time was more receptive to cat-inspired cozies than they are now, and they bought it in January of 2014
Please tell us about your book. What ideas or images inspired this novel?
Crime And Catnip is the third in the Nick and Nora mystery series. The series was inspired by my tuxedo cat Rocco, who has a mind of his own and definite opinions on things as his blog followers will attest to.
Do you have an ideal reader in mind when you write? If so, please describe that reader.
Honestly, I’m grateful to have any readers! I’m so appreciative of all who have read the Nick and Nora series and are supporters! If I had to describe the average reader who likes my series, it would probably be career women who love cats!
Please describe your writing routine.
I sit in front of the computer, crank up my CD player, and hopefully do not spend hours staring at a blank screen. I work from an outline that changes daily – and, of course, Rocco and brother Maxx are nearby for inspiration! I try to write one to two hours a week at least three nights during the week after work, and an average of between four to six hours on Saturday and Sunday (which is why I have no life). It generally takes me about four to five months to crank out a book, from idea inception to outline to finished product.
What advice do you give new writers just starting out?
Read, read, read and write, write, write. This truly is a profession where practice makes perfect. And never give up!
More about Crime and Catnip:
Nick and Nora aren’t just pussyfooting around this time as they deal with a missing person’s case and murder.
While catering a gala for the Cruz Museum, Nora Charles agrees to look into the disappearance of director Violet Crenshaw’s niece, a case previously undertaken by her frisky feline friend Nick’s former owner, a private eye whose whereabouts are also currently unknown.
As Nora and her curious cat Nick pull at the string of clues, they begin to unravel a twisted tale of coded messages, theft, false identities, murder, and international espionage. Nora dares to hope that the labyrinth of leads will not only help them locate the missing young woman, but also solve the disappearance of the detective. That’s if Nora can stay alive long enough to find him…
Grab your copy here: [amazon text=Amazon&asin=B01CZCW4ZY]
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How to connect with T.C.:
Website: http://www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com; tclotempio.com
Email: roccomom53@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toni.lotempio.5
Twitter:@RoccoBlogger