Spirit Woman Legends and Lies (Spirit Woman Mystery Adventures) by Elaine Faber | Author Interview

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

Tell us a little about yourself. I am retired and enjoy reading and writing cozy mysteries. I have published ten novels and one anthology of ‘cat’ stories.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote short stories in high school in the early 1960’s, and continued writing short stories for years. My first published novel was in 2014, Black Cat’s Legacy, a cozy cat mystery. When I realized that 21 of my 40+ short stories included a cat, I published the anthology of ‘cat’ stories, All Things Cat.

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

I think the cozy mystery genre chose me when I wrote my first novel and one of the main characters took over. The lodge cat began to narrate part of the story through his point of view and became involved in helping solve the murder.

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

I read mostly cozy mystery books, but also love some of the classics. I enjoy reading very old vintage books. Currently reading Louis Bromfield’s Night in Bombay (1939).

Do you have a favorite place to write?

I write at my desk in the office. But it must be completely quiet or I can’t concentrate.

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

Mostly clutter, papers, the phone, nail polish, letter scales, cat toys, calendars, five stuffed animals, and family pictures.

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

I still have my favorite childhood book, Bunny Blue, about a toy bunny that wakes up and searches the house for his lost ribbon bow. (All toys wake up and play at night, right?) Yes!

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

I publish both paperback and e-books, but prefer to read hardback or paperback books.

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 would love to spend a year in Germany and Switzerland. Such beautiful country. Not sure about writing a book while there. Probably would be more inclined to travel and take pictures. I like to write from my own desk at home.

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

Paul Gallico wrote a book called The Silent Miaow, supposedly written by his cat in pictures and narration. I was so impressed by the concept of the cat narrating the story! I think this is what encouraged me to write my first novel, Black Cat’s Legacy, partly narrated by Thumper, the cat who attempts to help his mistress solve a murder.

There is a cat in all my novels, even the humorous WWII Mrs. Odboddy stories, though not as involved as in the Black Cat series. The Spirit Woman series includes a mountain lion companion to the illusive spirit woman.

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

I belong to three writer’s groups, and occasionally speak on panels and teach at workshops and other writer’s groups. Many of my friends are authors.

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

I just published Spirit Woman Legends and Lies, a somewhat paranormal story of a Native American spirit woman. Of course, there’s a cat, or more specifically, a mountain lion that is a prominent figure in the story.

I’m currently working on the fifth cozy cat mystery where the cats return to Texas. The story highlights Mexican cartels and their involvement with drug trafficking, illegal immigrants, lost treasure and murder. Black Cat is actively involved in this story, narrating parts, experiencing his ancestors’ memories, and protecting his loved ones.

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