In the Frame (A Rosedale Investigation) by Lyn Farrell | Author Interview

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

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Lyn Farquhar, and my pennames are Lyn Farrell and Lia Farrell. I have a master’s degree in English literature and a Ph.D. in Administration. I love kids, gardening and dogs. I’m now retired and enjoying my life and family. And my writing!

How long have you been writing?

I started writing after retiring from Michigan State University where I worked for 35 years for the medical school as an administrator. My first book, “One Dog Too Many” was published in 2013. That book, as well as 6 others were written with my daughter Lisa under the penname Lia Farrell.

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

Yes, I always wanted to be an author. Taught myself to read as a four year-old and loved reading aloud to my little sister. I’m a fan of the who–dunnit and have read everything Agatha Christie wrote. Research tells us that women readers prefer romance and mystery, so the cozy mystery was a logical choice to write.

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

I do prefer the cozies, although since I’ve read so many, I’ve honed my reading to writers who have great skill in plotting and description. I also read WWII books. I am currently reading Anthony Horowitz, “The Magpie Murders.”

Do you have a favorite place to write?

I do most of my writing at my desk that has a lovely view of my front garden and a bird feeder. When I get stuck on a problem, I take long walks through the open fields with my spaniel.

What’s on your desk (if you write at one!)?

What a cool question! I have a Christmas cactus, a Frame (one of those with pictures that flip through) a little paperweight my youngest daughter made when she was 6, a picture of my husband and myself, a frame with a drawing my mother made of me, a photo of one of my famous grandfather’s paintings, and a bunch of bills!

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

My mother read us “Winnie the Pooh” which I still adore. The first long book I read was “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell. I also read, “The Pearl” by Steinbeck in middle school. One of my favorite mysteries series features the half white, half Aboriginal detective Napoleon Bonaparte in the series by Arthur Upfield.

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

I prefer physical books, but e-books are perfect for travelling. Physical books give me the multi-sensory input of the weight of the book, the smell of paper, the entire experience of entering another world. As Emily Dickinson said, “There is no frigate like a book to take us worlds away.”

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?

Another great question. I’d like to live in Greece on the Island of Santorini for a year.

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

It’s basically my wide reading, but also the televised mysteries, especially those done on the Brit Box streaming service by the BBC. They are fabulous! (Christy: I love BritBox!)

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

Yes, I’m chair of the Michigan State University Creative Writer’s Group and they are all really good at critiquing my work. My daughters and step-daughters and several friends are also Wonderfully supportive.

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

I’m considering starting a new series, starring an older woman who has no police of law credentials but who finds herself solving mysteries. Her first case will be a young woman who comes to see her because of her reputation and asks her to find her father.

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