Interview with M. Gregg Roe, Author of Farewell, My Lamia

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Farewell, My Lamia?

“A femme fatale seeks assistance from a hard-boiled private investigator, with the twist that she’s not human.” That concept is how my first stab at crime fiction began (pun intended). To prepare, I consumed a great deal of Raymond Chandler’s fiction, as well as some of his non-fiction. Next was researching the slang typical of hard-boiled crime fiction. After deciding that the femme fatale would be a lamia (aka “snake-woman”), I decided to base the setting solely on Greek mythology. And then I started writing, because I rarely plot out my stories in advance. Writing in the first person was something else new. That simplified some elements of the story-telling, and made it easier to convey the main character’s personality, including his self-deprecating sense of humor. I also enjoyed creating the eccentric characters that appear in various roles. My friends and the editor really liked what ultimately resulted, and I hope others will feel the same.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Farewell, My Lamia, what would they be?

I asked ChatGPT to recommend theme songs for three of the book’s characters.

For Lomarr, the hard-boiled protagonist, “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller.

For Shioné, the client, “Breathe Me” by Sia.

For Mogg, the muscle, “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I primarily read science fiction, but I also read traditional fantasy, classic fiction, and some historical non-fiction. When it comes to writing, I have so far focused on fantasy, specifically sword & sorcery tales with a strong D&D flavor. I also include a lot of slice-of-life elements that I feel add realism.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR pile includes “Imagica” by Clive Barker, “Time Enough For Love” by Robert Heinlein, and several of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write was the one in which we meet Mogg, a cyclops who works as a bar bouncer.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I tend to write early in the morning, a time when my two young cats generally leave me alone. I almost always listen to music while writing, usually heavy metal but sometimes classical. I have a bad habit of writing until back pain forces me to stop.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I take a Zen attitude towards life, learning from all I experience, whether positive or negative.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

It is my fond hope that readers will connect with the main character, because I would really like to turn this into a series.

M. Gregg Roe is the author of the new book Farewell, My Lamia

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