Welcome to BookEnds, Abby L. Vandiver!

I’m thrilled to welcome Wall Street Journal bestselling author Abby L. Vandiver to BookEnds! I can’t wait for you all to read Abby’s next cozy mystery series, but in the meantime here’s a chance to get to know more about her.

Tell us a bit about your writing process. Where do you write, and how often?  

I try to write every day, although I am easily distracted (one Internet link leads me to the next until I realize half the day is gone). I like to have noise in the background – music (60s and 70s R&B) or the buzz of the television. I have an office at home with all my writing needs, but often I go to my local library to write. I always carry a notebook with me though, because I never know when an idea might hit – I’ve been known to scribble dialogue on napkins and store receipts. 

Do you have any writing rituals? (e.g. burning a candle if you’re having trouble getting started at the computer or writing longhand first if you’re feeling uninspired.) 

When I feel stuck, I like to walk. I go to a nearby park and talk, sometimes quite energetically, my way through the scenes that are giving me problems. I get polite smiles and head nods from other walkers who, I’m sure, are wondering why I’m so animated, but it works for me! 

What do you love about writing cozy mysteries?  

Everything! I love smart women, seniors who are still vibrant and active, and figuring out fun ways to kill people! (Oops, did I say that last part out loud?) 

Why did you choose the genre you’ve chosen? 

My first book was a mystery/sci-fi-ish book with a really novel concept. The idea was well-received and the book’s audience often compared it to Dan Brown noting, unfortunately, that it was sans the violence, which they didn’t like. Readers wanted more action! So I switched to cozies to keep my murderings a little calmer . . . 

What is the hardest part about writing mysteries? 

Clues! I have been called a logic czar, I don’t like plot holes. But putting in twists to your story and linking clues together to catch the murderer can be hard! 

If you’re not reading or writing, what would we catch you doing?   

Well, I wish it was doing absolutely nothing. But I’m sure with my hectic life, that won’t ever happen. I’d probably be hanging out with my grandkids, watching a good TV program or cooking. 

Do you belong to any writing organizations? 

Sister’s in Crime, both local and national chapters. 

Where can readers find you on the web and social media? 

Yes! Please come find me, I love chatting with my readers. I’m here: www.abbyvandiver.com; here: https://twitter.com/AbbyVandiver;

and here: https://www.facebook.com/authorabbyl.vandiver! 

What’s the last book you read? 

Mary Higgins Clark – The Melody Lingers On 

Plotter or pantster? 

*** One eye closed, hands up covering face, but declaring unabashedly *** a PANTSTER! 

Synopses, love them or hate ‘em? 

I hate writing them. Love reading them. It’s the first thing I do after looking at the cover. 

What excites you most about joining the BookEnds family? 

My agent! Smart, energetic – who wouldn’t want to write after talking to her? She excites me, motivates me and inspires me to want to write a great book and then do so much more!