Whole Latte Murder (All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery) by Lena Gregory | Author Interview

Hi, Lena, Thanks for taking the time to share a bit about yourself with my readers and me!

Thank you so much for having me! It’s wonderful to be here.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a full-time cozy mystery and inspirational romantic suspense writer and a freelance editor. I married my high school sweetheart thirty-four years ago, and we recently relocated from Long Island, New York, where we both grew up, to Central Florida, with our three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. I enjoy walking, and I love walking in the trails in Florida, especially when my whole family joins me.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for ten years, since my youngest son was born.

Did you always want to be an author? What made you choose the cozy mystery genre?

I’ve wanted to write books for as long as I can remember. The first book I wrote was an urban fantasy called Trust and Betrayal. After that, I tried my hand at romance, which wasn’t really my thing, children’s books, young adult fantasy, and a few other genres. My agent suggested writing cozies, because she thought I’d be good at it, and I love it. I enjoy crafting the mystery and creating characters that grow and change throughout the series. Friendships are important to me, and I love to include them in my cozies.

Do you prefer to read cozy mystery books, or do you have another favorite genre? What are you reading now?

I am an avid reader, and I love reading cozies. I also love romantic suspense, thrillers, and fantasy. Right now, I’m re-reading J.D. Robb’s In Death series, which is one of my all-time favorites.

Do you have a favorite place to write? And do you listen to music while you write, or do you need it to be quiet?

I enjoy quiet when I’m writing, and my favorite place to write is my sunroom, especially now that we’ve put a pool in. It’s so peaceful and relaxing. There’s often wildlife to distract me, like hummingbirds, eagles, rabbits, and snakes, which I’m happy to watch from inside the screen.

What is the first book you remember reading as a child? What was one of your favorite books you read as a child?

The very first book I remember was a Little Golden Book called So Big. When I got older, Nancy Drew books were my absolute favorites. I had a subscription, and each time a new book would come in the mail, I would disappear and read it from cover to cover in one sitting. I also read a book called The Scarlett Room when I was younger, but I haven’t been able to find it anywhere. So if anyone has read it or remembers it, I’d love to hear.

Do you like audiobooks, physical books, or e-books better? Why?

I much prefer physical books. I just like the feel of a book in my hand when I curl up to read. When Kindles first came out, my husband was so excited; he couldn’t wait to get me one, and he was so disappointed when I didn’t want one. Unfortunately, my eyesight isn’t what it once was, and now I find reading on an e-reader much easier. Plus, I don’t need to pack one whole bag full of books when we go on vacation. That’s a definite up side to an e-reader. That, and I can have any book I want to read the instant I want to read it, so if I find myself with a few free minutes, I can take full advantage.

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in that same setting, where would you choose?

Actually, since I’d choose Florida, I’m fortunate to have moved here last year. I am enjoying researching new parts of Florida that I’ve never explored before, and I’m looking forward to my new series which also takes place in Florida. There’s so much here I never knew about, especially the nature trails, which I love to walk.

What or who has influenced you the most as a writer?

All of the authors I’ve read have influenced me, but on a personal level, my best friend Renee has had the most influence on me as a writer. When I first told her I was going to write a book, she was extremely supportive. If not for her, I’d still be writing my stories in a notebook, since I had no clue what Microsoft Word was when I started writing. Not only did she explain it to me, she taught me how to use it. She even suffered through reading my early attempts, one of which had one sentence with eleven commas.

Do you have any author friends who support you while you’re writing? Do you belong to any writing groups?

I am so fortunate to have many supportive author friends. I was a member of Cozy Mystery Crew, which is a great Facebook group, and I made a lot of friends there, both authors and readers, and I miss it terribly, but I had to step back because my schedule got a bit to tight. I’m also a member of Sisters in Crime.

Finally, what are you working on now? Can you tell us a bit about it?

I just finished writing my sixth Bay Island Psychic Mystery and turned it in to my editor, and I am currently working on an Inspirational Romantic Suspense. I’ve contracted a new cozy series, The Mini Meadows Mysteries, which take place in a tiny home community. I’ve written six Bay Island Psychic books and six All-Day Breakfast Café books, so I’m very excited to begin a new series, and get to create new characters, though I do also hope to return to Cass and Gia in future books.

Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions!

Thank you; I had a great time visiting.