In the Key of Dead: A Miami Music Mystery by Zaida Alfar | Author Interview

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

Thank you for having my on the Great Escapes Tour!

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing since I was very young. I would always write my family poems or short stories. I am a story-teller at heart. So, when I was eighteen years old, I took my journal and my beat-up classical guitar to a studio, and I recorded my first album. I have continued to release records, thereafter. Then, many years ago, I became an avid reader of cozy mysteries. The story lines were intriguing, engaging, and funny at the same time. I was so inspired by the authors, that I then decided to take my musical experiences, and put it on paper. I published my first novel, through Cozy Cat Press, The Last Note: A Miami Music Mystery. Thanks to the success of my debut novel, I have once again, been able to welcome readers into my interesting musical world, with In the Key of Dead: A Miami Music Mystery.

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

I have always wanted to be a singer/songwriter. But then, many years ago, I was shopping at Target and saw the cover of Joanne Fluke’s novel, Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. After reading her novel, I then read her entire series. Honestly, I did not know that the Cozy genre existed until then. One day my sister said to me, “you read so many novels, why don’t you write one yourself.” That was the moment I wanted to become an author, not a poet, not a songwriter, but a mystery author.

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

I love reading cozy mysteries, but my favorite genres are psychological thrillers and supernatural suspense. I read cozy mysteries in between, to liven up my heart’s emotions. I am currently reading, Holly, from Stephen King.

Do you have a favorite place to write?

I love writing in my living room, with music on in the background.

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

I don’t have a desk. I do situate myself at my dining room table to write. My laptop and a candle are the only items on my table.

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

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein was a book I remember reading as a child. I loved reading all his books. I am also an artist, so the illustrations were captivating to me, as a child.

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

I prefer physical books, and e-books. The only reason that I read e-books is that I do not have enough space for the books I own! I like being able to read a novel, because I can then imagine what that character sounds like, and looks like. I can adjust that imaginary world to my liking.

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?

My books take place in Miami, Florida. I was born and raised in Miami. I would not pick anywhere else to write for a year. Miami is an interesting place!

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

My sister influenced me to become an author. My family and my husband encourage me to keep writing. They motivate me to keep moving forward by supporting my writing anyway that they can.

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

The authors signed with Cozy Cat Press (my publisher) we are very supportive of each other. We all get excited when a new novel is released.

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

I have currently started the third novel to the series. I ended book two with what I have recently been told, “quite a cliffhanger.” I loved reading that message on my Facebook page. I love keeping readers in suspense! I have also started writing a psychological thriller. It will be a stand-alone novel. As an author, I wanted to expand my writing into a more intense genre.

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

Thank you for taking the time to interview me. Thank you for your support of cozy mysteries!