What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
After completing the first book in the Cynthia Peabody Duet (The Extraordinary Dreams of Cynthia Peabody), an idea for a cozy (ish) murder mystery came rushing through my brain. Cynthia Peabody’s Big Fat Fake Funeral takes place after Cynthia and her new best friend, Ronnie Long, move to Northern California, where Ronnie accidentally witnesses a murder. Cynthia assumed her superpowers were left behind with the move north, but she just can’t quit being an unofficial guardian angel. I had a lot of fun writing this book, even though I was sad to finish the rest of Cynthia’s story.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
Ronnie Long — "YMCA"
Durrell — "I'm Too Sexy" (written before he was born!)
Cynthia — "I Will Always Love You"
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I wrote romance for fifteen years for Harlequin, so I read books from other genres to avoid being influenced by other romance authors. As a result, I’m a big women’s fiction and murder mystery fan. Now, I’m thrilled to be writing women’s fiction with a focus on mystery (the woo-woo kind) and murder! And my reading choices are truly eclectic!
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I'm currently reading and enjoying The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman. After that, my book club chose The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett. Then the next Vera Wong book (she was an inspiration for Cynthia) by Jesse Q. Sutanto.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I had many scenes I loved writing in this book, but the one that cracked me up was Cynthia and Ronnie’s hotel room scene. She has a grand idea to help him remember all the details of the murder he witnessed. Her plan involves canned cocktails, a reflexology foot massage using essential oils, and there may have been some (special) gummies involved. That’s all I’m saying.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
BICHOK - pays off every time (But in chair hand on keyboard)
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
We're all in this together, so let's be nice to each other.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
The Cynthia Peabody duet is a true love story. (though not a romance)
Lynne Marshall is the author of the new book Cynthia Peabody's Big Fat Fake Funeral: Absentminded Witness
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