A.E. Albert: A Writer's Blog

Author Interview:

Cassidy Salem

Title: Think Murder
Genre: Mystery/Cozy Mystery

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a writer?

I never made a conscious decision to become a writer. As a child or even young adult, I was an avid reader but had no great desire to write fiction. My writing skills were always solid – even in college I always did better on term papers than tests. Over the years my various jobs have all involved some elements of writing of a semi-academic nature, and later as a full time technical writer. The decision to write fiction was a more recent one when I found myself reading more and seeking new challenges.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I’m not sure whether my motivation for writing entirely qualifies as “inspiration.” But here goes. Around 15 years ago I made a career transition into the world of technical writing. When you write technical manuals, your sentences must be short and concise – and almost always limited to the present simple tense. “Do this. This happens.” I needed a new challenge and I wanted to prove to myself that I could still write complex sentences in more than one tense. I love mysteries and wanted to see if I could create one of my own.

What have you written?

Think Murder is my first work of fiction. It is a “clean” mystery set in Washington D.C. that features a young college graduate who finds her friend’s dead body in the restroom at a local pub.

Is there anything in your book based on real life experiences?

After graduating from college, I spent a couple of years living and working as an administrative assistant at a think tank in Washington D.C. Although the characters and plot of Think Murder are purely fictional, Adina’s basement apartment closely resembles the apartment where I lived when I first moved to the city. Like Adina, it was all I could afford when I was unable to land my dream job.

Who is your favorite character from one of your stories?

Sometimes I think that tall, dark and handsome Bruce is my favorite character – the strong silent type. Other times, I’d say that Adina’s boss, Matt Murphy, deserves that title. We all wish we had a boss like that. Matt is also the only character loosely based on a real person – the best boss I ever had.

What books and/or writers have influenced you the most?

I read a lot. My favorite authors span different genres and time periods. At the more classic literature end of the scale, I would have to say Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. At the same time I’m a fan of many of today’s mystery/suspense writers including Harlen Coben, Kathy Reichs, Mary Higgins Clark, Janet Evanovich, and Sue Grafton. No doubt many things may have had some subtle influence on my style, but I can’t point to any specific writer or book.

What is your favorite book?

There are so many great books out there. I never really try to rank them in order of preference. As I consider my answer, so many titles come to mind. I guess that my favorites would include A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. If you ask me again next week, my answer might be different.

How do you conquer writer’s block?

I’m still working on that one. When I get stuck, I stay stuck for a long time. There doesn't seem to be any quick fix for writer’s block – at least not that I have found. (If you have one, please enlighten me.) Take writer’s block and add a natural tendency to procrastinate and books can take a long time to write.

What are you working on right now?

I’m currently working on another mystery featuring Adina Donati and her life in Washington, D.C. Readers will find out who/what lies in Adina’s future as she helps uncover the reasons behind another murder.

If you could go anywhere in the world? Where would you go?

I love to see new places and experience different cultures. Although I have already travelled extensively, I doubt that I will ever get around to visiting all of the continents. Nonetheless, I hope to see Australia one day. I have heard that it is a country with amazing natural beauty.

What is your favorite book quote?

The opening lines from a Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens: 

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,
it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair ...”

Although Dickens was writing about a different time period, his words echo true even today. There are contradictions all around us.

About the Book

Adina Donati came to Washington D.C. to find excitement, not a dead body. When a friend is murdered, Adina is drawn into the middle of the police investigation. Tensions rise as the suspect list expands to include Adina, her friends, and colleagues at the prestigious think tank where she works. But every cloud has a silver lining. Between the nice detective, the hot new volunteer at the dog rescue center, and the newly available preppy ex-boyfriend, Adina’s dating dry spell appears near its end. That is, if she doesn’t become the next victim.

Think Murder is available from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RSGPFJ0

About the Author

Cassidy Salem has always been an avid reader. She is especially fond of mysteries (both cozy and traditional). Cassidy also enjoys reading historical fiction focused on American and world history, as well as the classics. When she's not reading, Cassidy enjoys singing in an a cappella ensemble. Most of all, Cassidy enjoys spending time with family and friends, and travels with her husband and son whenever possible.


Author Links:

Twitter: 

https://twitter.com/CSalem11

Website: 

https://cassidysalem.wordpress.com/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Cassidy-Salem/e/B00ROZERKI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11923940.Cassidy_Salem


About A.E. Albert