Secrets Don’t Sink: A Chattertowne Mystery by K. B. Jackson | Author Interview

Tell us a little about yourself.

I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and at least one of our mostly grown children at any given time. I was born in Southern California but spent my formative years in Washington State. I’m an alumnus of the University Washington. My hobby is ancestry research.

How long have you been writing?

It’s always been a part of my life, but I was never a finisher of stories. In 2013 I started a blog chronicling the shenanigans of my family, and as a result I was approached to contribute a short story to a literary anthology. My first published work was “Flip Flop” in the Hurricane Review 2014. Completing that story and the feedback I received spurred me to return to writing a story I’d begun in 2004 but had set aside. That story eventually became “Secrets Don’t Sink.”

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

My grandfather was an internationally published author of nonfiction books about biology, oceanography, and technical writing. Growing up with his books on our shelves in many languages and finding one in my own high school library made me want to see my own books on a shelf someday. I chose to write cozy because that’s my favorite genre to read.

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

I like to read cozy and traditional, as well as romance and women’s fiction. I also read Middle Grade mysteries because I write a series in that genre. Currently I’m juggling Vaseem Khan’s The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra on audiobook, an ARC copy of Kellye Garrett’s Missing White Woman in paperback, and J.C. Fuller’s Black Bear Alibi on ebook.

Do you have a favorite place to write?

I’m about to have one! I’m currently awaiting the installation of my very own she-shed. Typically I write in my bed or on the couch, but this isn’t a quiet house. My husband works from home and people are always coming and going around here.

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

I recently acquired my grandfather’s vintage typewriter from my parents. I don’t plan to use it, but I hope to display it on my new desk for inspiration.

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 sense of accomplishment when I finished reading my first book with chapters in the first grade. It was called Elizabeth Gail and the Mystery at Johnson Farm. My favorite book was The Westing Game.

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

I like them all for different reasons and in varying circumstances. I find I’m less distracted if I’m reading a physical book but having the ability to listen while I drive or get ready or cook is a game changer, and not having to haul heavy books while traveling makes a kindle a beautiful thing. I also have the kindle app on my phone so if I find myself in a waiting room it’s always available to me.

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? That’s a tough one because I have the travel bug and where I want to visit changes seasonally. I think I’d choose London. I’ve visited twice in the last year and a half, and I’ve fallen in love with the city.

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

Firstly, my mom because she’s a voracious reader and I believe every good writer is a reader first. Secondly, I would have to say my English teachers and professors, particularly my 7th and 9th grade Honors English teacher Mr. Don Joos who passed away about five years ago. I wrote my first short story in his class in 7th grade about the pitfalls of converting the Olympic Games into an all-robot event and he told me I was a good writer.

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

I’m so blessed to have the support of my agency siblings (Blue Ridge Literary Agency), my pub siblings at Level Best aka “level besties,” and my writing sisters that I met while attending New York Pitch Conference in 2019. And so many other authors I’ve met while attending conventions. I’m a member of pretty much any writing org that will have me!

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

I’m currently writing book 3 in my new “Cruising Sisters” series contracted with Tule Publishing about two middle aged sisters living full time on a cruise ship traveling the world and solving murders. I call it “Love Boat” meets “Murder She Wrote” with a touch of “Golden Girls.” All three books will release next year.

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

Thank you for having me!