Interview with Rosie Genova, Author of Seeing Things

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Seeing Things?

The story features a down-on-her-luck boardwalk psychic whose childhood visions return when she takes on a mysterious elderly client who claims to be in trouble. It’s a much darker book than my usual cozy mysteries, which are lighter and funnier. I wrote its first iteration during the pandemic; my mom had died two years previously, and I found myself taking on more serious themes in my work. However, the setting of a Jersey shore town is right on brand for me!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Seeing Things, what would they be?

Funnily enough, the Rod Stewart song, “Maggie May,” actually figures importantly in the story. As does Bruce Springsteen’s “Brilliant Disguise.”

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

I read everything: literary fiction, classics, romance, mystery, and thriller. I also write in several genres, but I would have to say that the most fun for me is writing romance featuring slightly older characters than the usual twenty-somethings.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I just finished Brampton Wick by Elizabeth Fair, a mid-century British author. I’m re-reading Pride and Prejudice for the umpteenth time and will soon dive into a couple of holiday romances.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There are a number of scenes in which my main character, Maggie, experiences visions. Each of those scenes was both a challenge and a joy, as I was flexing some writer muscles I haven’t really used. The paranormal aspects of the story were great fun to write.

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

After writing Seeing Things, I bought a statue of St. Lucy to sit over my desk. She’s an important symbol in the story, but I also learned that she watches over writers!

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

To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway (from The Old Man and the Sea): It’s better to be exact than lucky–then when the luck comes, you are ready. I believe that honing my skills as a writer is a much better bet than relying on luck. (But when it appears, I’m ready for it!)

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

That there are human experiences that cannot be fully explained by logic or science. I believe there are people out there with a kind of second sight.

Rosie Genova is the author of the new book Seeing Things

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