Fireworks on the Fourth (A Musical Murder Mystery) by B J Bowen | Author Interview

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a retired professional symphony musician who loves family, although it’s a small one—just my daughter, her husband, the dogs, and me. I volunteer with a refugee support non-profit, and leave time for writing, reading, and yoga.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve always loved writing. I remember I started a “newspaper” (just the activities of the family) when I was eight. Then I remember a history teacher in high school who assigned an essay on any aspect of the Civil War. I wrote on slavery. It was an eye-opener for me. Professionally, I began writing inspirational articles in 2009. But the current cozy mystery series really started as a hobby 30 years ago. I began the first book, Music is Murder, at that time, and gradually added to it. It was bought in 2019 by Camel Press, along with ideas for two other cozies. Ballistics at the Ballet and Fireworks on the Fourth, also set in the symphony, are now published by Camel.

Did you always want to be an author?

What made you choose the cozy mystery genre? As I said, I’ve always loved writing, but not professionally. I was told I couldn’t make a living at it, and to find something else. So I worked at other jobs, often involving writing, and of course, the symphony. It wasn’t until I retired, and after the success of my inspirational articles, that I got serious about the cozy series. I chose cozies because I’d loved them since I was a teenager—Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, Miss Marple—and knew the form and the expectations.

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

What are you reading now? Cozies are still my first love, but really, I read anything, especially women’s fiction. I do stay away from horror and thrillers. They scare me! I’ve just finished the Isabella Puddles series by MV Byrne (delightful!) and I’m about to start Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus.

Do you have a favorite place to write?

I write at my laptop. I don’t know how anybody EVER turned out a book writing in longhand, LITERALLY cutting and pasting. My hat is off to you! It’s wonderful to move the laptop wherever I want—a café, a park, or my sofa. Usually, I sit in the sun. It warms my soul.

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

You don’t want to know! It’s a mess!! There may be a clue to the next murderer in those stacks of paper, but I’ll never know!!!

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

I vividly remember the lightbulb going off when I learned to read. My mother was helping me, and the word was blue. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the title. Other than that, the Cat in the Hat books, and Yertle the Turtle, both by Dr. Seuss, were my favorites.

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

I’m a bit of a troglodyte, so I’ve always stuck to physical books. I like the way you can go at your own speed, turn back to form opinions or confirm details. Recently, however, I’ve discovered ebooks have their advantages. They’re cheaper, and just as mobile as a book. I try to stay away from screens at bedtime, however, and that’s my favorite time to read. I HATE audiobooks because I have trouble picturing the action and characters as rapidly as the speaker reads, the reader’s voice is not what I picture in my head, and I can’t go back to confirm details.

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?

I think probably Spain. The pictures I’ve seen are wonderful, I speak enough Spanish to get by, and I’d love to learn more about the culture.

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

Jim Ciletti. He’s a writer, poet, writer’s group facilitator, and bookstore owner here in Colorado Springs. He taught that the camera doesn’t move in fits and starts, and neither should your novel.

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

I have a WONDERFUL writing group. They’re supportive, they have great ideas, and are experienced. It was started by a former English teacher and, though she has moved on, the group continues the tradition of colleague support.

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

I’m currently working on a book of stories about a dog-friendly trail near the city. The stories deal with the regulars on the trail, both human and canine, and some are told from the dog’s point of view.

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