Today we have with us Susan Whitfield, North Carolina native and author of four Logan Hunter mystery novels as well as a cookbook based on fiendishly named recipes from a host of mystery writers. I recently read the third novel in her Logan Hunter series, Hell Swamp, the review of which you can find here.
Good morning, Susan. Greetings from your neighbor to the south!
SW: Good morning, Jonathan. Thanks for having me over.
The pleasure is all mine. Thank you for sparing the time to speak with me. O.K., it's game time. On to the first question.
Q1) Let’s have the bio, shall we? Tell us about yourself.
SW: I’ve been writing seriously since I retired from a high school principalship. I’m a native of eastern North Carolina , but I’ve also live in western North Carolina . My four published novels—The Logan Hunter Mystery Series—are all set somewhere in the state. I enjoy the different dialects and customs from our mountains to our sea. North Carolina is such a phenomenal conglomeration of inspiration for me. I also authored a unique cookbook, entitled Killer Recipes, with the help of many mystery writers across the country who submitted family recipes in exchange for free promotion underneath. Two of my favorites include “Brittle Bones” and “Stuffed-in-the-Trunk Mushrooms."
Q2) Sounds like you’ve been making very good use of your retirement! What about the main character of your Logan Hunter novels? What’s she like?
Q3) What was your inspiration for the character (of Logan Hunter)?
SW: I wanted her to be a strong female in what is usually a man’s profession. She’s created from characteristics I admire in women I know. When I first created her, she was too serious. I rewrote many scenes to make her more quirky, with a wry sense of humor, compassion for good folks and a bullet for bad ones. :-)
Q4) I just finished your novel Hell Swamp , and I could tell the setting was very important to the book. Do you spend a lot of time in this region of North Carolina ? In South Carolina we call it the Low Country, but north of the border I think you call it the Coastal Plain.
SW: I like for my settings to become characters. In Genesis Beach I used hurricanes, in Just North of Luck, treacherous mountains and prolific kudzu. In Hell Swamp , the flooding river and water moccasins were important to the story along with the white sandy blueberry fields. Yes, I know the Hell Swamp region well, growing up about four miles from Black River Plantation , where Hell Swamp is set. It’s a stately mansion in one of the most beautiful locations in this part of the state, in my opinion. The owner and I are now close friends and he gave me a key to the mansion, so I can go any time I want to and write, or just picnic by the river. Sin Creek, the fourth novel, is set in Wilmington , along the Cape Fear River . That setting hopefully comes to life for readers as well.
Q5) The setting certainly came alive for me, that's for sure. Another thing that factors greatly into the book is food. It seems there’s not a chapter that goes by that doesn’t have some tasty meal described. You’ve also written a cookbook, I see. Is food one of your great passions?
SW: LOL. My husband says reading one of my books makes him hungry. I guess I never realized just how much food is mentioned. I love food, so much so that I’m now trying to watch what I eat. As you know, Jonathan, we Southerners know how to cook, and it’s not always healthy.
Q6) We’ve mentioned setting and food so far, but what about the central element of the story? What about mystery and murder, do you believe, is so intriguing as an author and a reader?
SW: Let me preface my remarks with this: I think if I saw one of my books transformed into a movie, I’d be scared, especially with Just North of Luck or Hell Swamp . Anyway, back to the question. I am an avid reader and prefer mysteries and thrillers. I suppose those of us who read such books do so because we like to see likeable characters put through tremendous obstacles and challenges only to emerge unscathed (at least somewhat) on the other side. I like a wild ride with plenty of twists and turns, so I try to write my books the same way. If the book doesn’t hook me quickly, I put it down. I’ve always been intrigued with puzzles of all kinds, and I see mysteries, thrillers, and sometimes horror as a puzzle I want to tackle. Central elements must include a likeable main character, plenty of conflicts and problems to solve, and a satisfying and surprising ending. Every plot should weave into a good tapestry by the end of the book.
Q7) I’ve heard it said that good writers are invariably good readers as well (credit Mr. Stephen King on that one). So if that’s true, you must like to read as well. Who are some of your favorite mystery authors?
SW: I credit James Patterson’s Cross series for getting me hooked on mysteries. I still grab every Cross book as soon as it’s released. I also like Scottoline, Hoag, Nora Roberts, Gerritsen , North Carolina ’s Margaret Maron and Vicki Lane . I could go on and on, but you get the idea.
Q8) What sets your mysteries apart from the rest of the pack? What makes your approach to the murder mystery different?
SW: In my mysteries, I think Logan Hunter’s humanness speaks volumes. With each book, she’s more confident and her investigative senses serve her well, but she sometimes bumbles, overlooks an obvious clue, or pisses off somebody she needs because her social skills aren’t great. She’s not perfect with that “always right” conviction that some protagonists have. She’s also Southern—rural with few resources— which sets her apart from the DC, NYC, and other big city investigators. Logan is sometimes compared to Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, but Logan is more serious.
Q9) Most writers have a specific routine that helps them be as productive or creative as possible. What’s yours?
SW: I’m a morning person. I do my best work between midnight and noon. I drink pots of coffee (decaf) and like quiet. I have a large office so that I can move from my computer right over to a writing table, and back as needed. I recently had busy wallpaper removed from the room and a cream color painted on the walls. I seem to have more ADD as I get older. I love having three big windows too, so I’m in a happy space when I’m writing. I always begin a novel with a legal pad, not the computer. When I feel that I’m on the right track, I begin to type. I go back and forth with this effort pretty much throughout the process. By the way, I’d be lost without colorful sticky notes. Sometimes I have to stop and collect the darn things, read them, use them, or toss them. I do get some great little brainstorms from them along the journey.
Q10) Finally, this is a question I like to ask every author interviewee. It’s an interesting to see all the different responses I get back, so—not one to shirk tradition—I’m going to ask you as well. What keeps you writing? What inspires you to put words on the page and keep writing?
SW: My muse stands over me with a whip and makes my life miserable if I don’t write. Seriously, I’ve wanted to write since I was a little girl and I have such a storehouse of ideas to write about that I could go on for years. I enjoy seeing what happens as a simple idea turns into a full-length novel. Writing keeps me sane although some of my readers (and family too) think I live on the brink. I like to keep them guessing.
The muse is a hard mistress, but in your case I think she’s doing a good job. Thanks for taking a few minutes with us Susan. I wish you all the best with your future projects!
Jonathan, thank you for reading Hell Swamp and interviewing me. It’s been a blast.
If you’d like to learn more about Susan or her work you can visit her blog at www.susanwhitfield.com or her blog at www.susanwhitfield.blogspot.com. From her website you can order signed copies of her novels, or you can get them (unsigned, alas) from Amazon or other book retailers. Susan will also be attending the Cape Fear Crime Festival in Wilmington , NC on February 4th and the Book’em convention in Lumberton , NC on February 25th. Stop by and say howdy if you get a chance and check out all the other authors and great books to be had.
A wonderful interview with a wonderfully talented writer; I enjoyed reading it! Ms Whitfield's books are deliciously exciting and mesmerizing.
ReplyDeleteThat they are. She's a great writer, and she has a great character in Logan Hunter. Thanks for stopping by, Patricia!
DeleteGreat interview, Susan and Jonathan. I am a fan of Susan's Logan Hunter series. Logan is an interesting character, not the typical woman sleuth portrayed in most books, which I appreciate. Susan, Hell Swamp would make one thrilling movie!
ReplyDeleteSusan, I, too, am experiencing more ADD symptoms as I age. Not sure what that's all about but I'm not nearly as self-disciplined as I was, especially in regards to writing.
Thanks, Christy. Susan is an excellent interviewee. She makes it very easy. And you're right, Logan Hunter is very unique feminine protagonist for a mystery. She's strong, but she does have a vulnerable side, an emotional side. I was greatly impressed by Susan's vision in developing the character.
DeleteSusan, What a wonderful interview! Entertaining and very interesting. I love how you started Logan off as unsure and loaded with real-life baggage and then let her grow with each story. It keeps her fresh and realistic. Love Tami Hoag and Nora, too! And the Cross series is awesome. Wishing you a great 2012!
ReplyDeleteA fun interview! Your Southern charm comes through clearly! And yes, Southern food! Yum! Congrats on all your well deserved success, Susan!
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent interview. I always enjoy learning some of the "behind the scenes" reasons for a protagonist's character and growth. Your comment about becoming more ADD as you age was interesting because I've been feeling the same way as far as reading and writing. If a book doesn't knock my socks and shoes off from Chapter one, it won't hold my attention. The same tenet applies to my writing as well. But you have that mastered, Susan! Love your series.
ReplyDeleteLOL -- loved your description of Logan: "with a wry sense of humor, compassion for good folks and a bullet for bad ones." Fun interview!
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly with LJ Garland. Too often young protagonists are portrayed as all-knowing, cocksure and skilled in all areas. I really liked the fact that Logan started the series with insecurities and goofs, but learned and grew from each experience. It makes her more real and your series more interesting.
ReplyDelete"If a book doesn't hook me quickly, I put it down." There's a lot to be learned from those few words. I loved this interview. It's fun to get into the head of such a talented author.
ReplyDeleteshijun 6.4
ReplyDeleteray bans
louis vuitton handbags
coach outlet store online
abercrombie & fitch
concord 11
oakley outlet
coach outlet stores online
burberry sale
abercrombie fitch
louboutin
chanel handbags
cheap jerseys
knockoff watches
cheap jerseys
michael kors outlet online
insanity workout
hermes birkin
hollister co
prada uk
burberry bags
louis vuitton outlet
coach outlet
celine bags
jordan 3
ray ban outlet
louis vuitton purses
oakley glasses
toms.com
louis vuitton
oakley frogskins
polo ralph lauren outlet
christian louboutin
michael kors
coach outlet
michael kors uk
ray ban sunglasses
gucci handbags
michael kors outlet
chanel handbags
michael kors outlet
2015-7-25 xiaozhengm
ReplyDeletepolo ralph lauren
jordan homme
mont blanc pens
gucci
mcm handbags
air max 90
jordan shoes
air jordan
ray ban sunglass
ralph lauren uk
michael kors uk
michael kors bags
snapback hats wholesale
louis vuitton pas cher
christian louboutin outlet
coach factory outlet
ed hardy clothing
michael kors handbag
cheap ray ban sunglasses
michael kors
cheap true religion jeans
ed hardy clothing
cheap oakleys
chanel outlet
michael kors
true religion sale
kate spade
coach outlet online
louis vuitton
longchamp handbags
christian louboutin
gucci outlet
chanel bags
air max shoes
coach outlet
tory burch shoes
ray ban sunglasses
longchamp outlet
borse louis vuitton
soccer shoes
discount oakley sunglasses, http://www.oakleysunglassesdiscount.us.com
ReplyDeletetrue religion jeans, http://www.truereligionjeansoutlet.com
lululemon outlet
manchester united jersey
polo ralph lauren outlet
prada handbags
air jordan shoes
gucci outlet
hollister clothing store
salvatore ferragamo
abercrombie and fitch
cheap jordans, http://www.cheapjordanshoes.in.net/
michael kors outlet online, http://www.michaelkorsoutletonlinstore.us.com
fred perry polo shirts
cheap jordans
canada goose outlet
louis vuitton bags, http://www.louisvuittonbag.us.com/
pandora jewelry
kobe bryants shoes
michael kors outlet
replica handbags, http://www.replicahandbag.us.com/
new orleans saints jerseys
tods outlet
vans shoes
louis vuitton outlet
nike huarache, http://www.nike-airhuarache.co.uk/
new england patriots jerseys
ralph lauren outlet
beats by dr dre, http://www.beatsbydrdre-headphones.us.com/
instyler ionic styler
roshe run men
hermes birkin
cheap oakley sunglasses
0911maoqiuyun
crx123
ReplyDeleteto louis vuitton outlet online be prada outlet running replica watches over). timberland outlet insanity workout calendar bottega veneta pandora toms outlet north face canada abercrombie and fitch converse outlet ralph lauren australia coach outlet store online louis vuitton bags tory burch sale juicy couture nike running oakley sunglasses cheap supra shoes roshe run oakley polo ralph tory burch sandals jordan release louis vuitton outlet online oakley outlet air jordan retro cheap jordan shoes louboutin shoes polo ralph lauren coach bags north face outlet store p90x workout moncler women jackets michael kors handbags clearance michael kors bags chanel sunglasses wedding dresses uk new balance tommy hilfiger outlet stores ralph lauren uk ugg boots uggs outlet lululemon canada star wars vans shoes louboutin shoes beats by dr dre michael kors christian louboutin
ysl outlet
ReplyDeletenobis jacket
ed hardy clothing
chicago bulls
herve leger dresses
ralph lauren polo
lacoste pas cher
ugg boots clearance,ugg australia,uggs on sale,ugg slippers,uggs boots,uggs outlet,ugg boots,ugg,uggs
valentino outlet
lebron shoes
air jordan 4
coach outlet online
moncler jackets
cheap nfl jersey
abercrombie and fitch
oakley sunglasses
toms outlet store
new england patriots
nfl jerseys
1112minko
20160115meiqing
ReplyDeletecheap jerseys
oakley sunglasses
jordans
tory burch outlet
adidas originals
the north face
michael kors outlet online
ray-ban sunglasses
coach factory outlet
toms shoes
ugg boots
cheap ugg boots
ugg clearance
air jordan retro
the north face jackets
michael kors outlet
louis vuitton
canada goose jackets
burberry handbags
uggs clearance
true religion jeans
tory burch outlet
coach factory outlet
ugg boots
beats wireless headphones
nike air max
louis vuitton handbags
louis vuitton backpack
chanel bags
nike air max
louis vuitton outlet
jordans
hollister outlet
burberry outlet
nike air max
coach outlet store online
christian louboutin outlet
hollister clothing
louis vuitton
oakley sunglasses wholesale
2016-02-18keyun
ReplyDeleteugg outlet
ugg for cheap
coach outlet online
polo outlet
louis vuitton bags
celine handbags
louis vuitton handbags
nfl jerseys
kate spade purses
cheap toms
coach outlet
coach factory outlet
gucci outlet
ray ban sunglasses
swarovski crystal
true religion
hollister clothing
michael kors
toms shoes
cheap air jordans
rolex watches
beats by dr dre
louis vuitton outlet
cheap jordans
michael kors handbags
nike air huarache
air max 95
michael kors outlet
longchamp handbags
louis vuitton purses
michael kors outlet clearance
red bottom shoes
true religion jeans
marc jacobs outlet
louboutin femme
uggs on sale
oakkey sunglasses
chanel outlet
cheap rolex watches
tory burch outlet
toms shoes
ReplyDeletejordan 11s
ray ban sunglasses outlet
toms
cheap jordan shoes
gucci outlet
nike air max
nike roshe runs
ray bans
prada bags
cheap oakleys
nike blazers
jordan 8s
nike uk
canada gooses outlet
christian louboutin outlet
oakley sunglasses
christian louboutin sale
louis vuitton outlet
cheap jerseys wholesale
louis vuitton handbags
tory burch outlet
ray ban wayfarer
oakley sunglasses
louis vuitton
kate spade
louis vuitton handbags
ed hardy clothing
ray ban sunglasses
louis vuitton
2016307yuanyuan
2016-5-17 leilei
ReplyDeletegucci borse
nfl jerseys wholesale
michael kors handbags
toms outlet store
jordan pas cher
louboutin pas cher
coach outlet online
yeezy boost 350 black
sac longchamp pliage
longchamp outlet
michael kors outlet
michael kors outlet online
cheap nba jerseys
oakley sunglasses
air max
cheap jordans
adidas pure boost
true religion jeans
lacoste shoes
ghd hair straighteners
new balance shoes
nike blazer
discount nike shoes
lululemon outlet
nike huarache
cheap omega watches
oakley sunglasses wholesale
louis vuitton outlet
michael kors outlet clearance
rolex watches
true religion
designer handbags outlet
ralph lauren
cheap oakleys outlet
ray ban outlet
omega watches
nike running shoes
ray-ban sunglasses
cheap ugg boots
ReplyDeletemoncler outlet
pandora jewelery
christian louboutin sale
coach outlet store
coach outlet online
burberry outlet
cheap ray ban sunglasses
abercrombie kids
coach outlet online
cheap jordan shoes
coach factory outlet
michael kors outlet clearance
converse
uggs boots
ralph lauren uk
canada goose sale
adidas pure boost
uggs boots uk
michael kors handbags
michael kors outlet online
vans outlet
adidas nmd
kd 8 shoes
kate spade outlet
coach factory outlet
moncler jackets
hollister clothing store
kate spade outlet
polo ralph lauren
versace
ray ban sunglasses
coach outlet online
canada goose parka
louis vuitton outlet online
oakley vault outlet
fitflops sale clearance
converse all star
2016822yuanyuan
20161006 junda
ReplyDeleteray ban sunglasses
tory burch outlet
the north face jackets
tiffany and co jewelry
uggs outlet
mac cosmetics
hollister clothing
chaussure louboutin
louis vuitton pas cher
longchamp pas cher
ralph laurenback
ReplyDeletedolce and gabbana shoeseasy
cheap jordanswhy
basketball shoeskids!
michael kors handbags clearanceand
versace shoesSuper
tiffany and coand
ecco shoes outletblog.
new balance outletthem
replica watchesitems!
adidas ultra boost
ReplyDeletecheap watches,cheap rolex watches,rolex watches for men,buy rolex online
longchamp handbags
fitflops clearance
vera bradley outlet sale 2016
adidas superstar
huarache shoes
salomon
kobe 11
http://www.tiffanyandcooutletonline.us.com
achang
louis vuitton pas cher
ReplyDeletebirkenstock sandals
cheap michael kors handbags
nike air force 1
nike trainers uk
toms shoes
skechers shoes
ray ban sunglasses
ecco shoes outlet
cheap nfl jerseys
coach factory outlet online
ReplyDeletemulberry bags
fendi bags
yeezy 350 boost
yeezy boost
bulls jerseys
nike store
true religion jeans outlet
louboutin outlet
true religion jeans outlet
xushengda0321
nike huarache
ReplyDeletekate spade outlet
michael kors outlet online
oakley sunglasses
fitflops
cheap oakley sunglasses
mcm backpack
hermes outlet
ralph lauren polo
coach outlet clearance
chanyuan2017.03.24
gucci outlet store
ReplyDeleteralph lauren?uk
canada goose jackets
fitflops
polo ralph lauren outlet
christian louboutin outlet
michael kors outlet online
polo ralph lauren
michael kors outlet
oakley sunglasses sale
20170613lck
cheap ray bans
ReplyDeletepolo ralph lauren
mulberry handbags
longchamp outlet store
michael kors outlet clearance
coach outlet store online
valentino outlet
coach outlet
fred perry outlet
coach factory outlet
20170621wanglili
coach outlet
ReplyDeleteultra boost
north face jackets
adidas campus
nike shoes
coach outlet
prada handbags
coach factory outlet
coach outlet
hermes bags
mt0529
20180606lck
ReplyDeletemulberry bags
uggs outlet
nike pegasus
air jordan shoes
cheap oakley sunglasses
uggs outlet
coach outlet
kobe 9 elite
jordan 3
air jordan retro
20180606lck
This article is interesting and useful. Thank you for sharing. And let me share an article about health that God willing will be very useful. Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteObat gatal Kudis/gudik
Walatra Gamat Emas Kapsul
Vitamin Untuk Kesehatan Anak
Penyebab sering mimisan
Cara Mengatasi Cacar Air
Cara Menghilangkan Kantung mata
Obat Telinga Berkerak dan Berair
You additionally require a legitimate driver's permit as evidence of ID. Confirmation of residency is likewise required. Ultimately, you ought to have evidence that you can reimburse the advance, for example, confirmation of wage and pay stubs. car title loans chicago
ReplyDelete