Interview with Terry Odell, Author of Deadly Ambitions

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Deadly Ambitions?

The last Mapleton Mystery, Deadly Adversaries, left some open threads. Not cliffhangers—I hate those!—but things I wanted to follow up on. Also, I thought it was a good time for Angie to have a bigger role, although I’m not sure how happy she was with the way things turned out.

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

For Angie – either “C is for Cookie” or “Alice’s Restaurant.” For Gordon, the theme song from Cops, “Bad Boys,” although things don’t really happen that way in small town Mapleton.

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

I like reading the genres I write, which is probably why I write them. Traditional mystery structure more than suspense or thrillers, although I’ll read those if I like the characters. I don’t like knowing more than the detective does, probably because my first introduction to mysteries was Sherlock Holmes, and we never saw Moriarty’s point of view. I like puzzles. I also like romantic suspense when there’s a good mystery plot along with the romantic elements.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I don’t really have a ‘pile’ as much as a list, usually of new releases. I look forward to books by JD Robb, CJ Box, John Sandford, and Michael Connelly, among others. I’m currently reading new releases by two author friends, Suzanne Brockmann and Karla Brandenburg.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scenes in Deadly Ambitions (can’t have just one) would be the scenes where Gordon and Ed Solomon are engaging in their usual banter. Solomon keeps things light, and I enjoy his sense of humor. And, of course, since Gordon and Angie are still in their newlywed phase, I enjoy writing the scenes between the two of them, usually over a meal she’s cooked.

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

I’m not sure you’d call this quirky, but before I dive into the writing, I check in with my writing buddy/critique partner, and we compare scores for Connections and Strands and the NYT Mini Cross. I think that helps jump-start my brain for writing. And maybe a few rounds of Candy Crush just to keep things entertaining. Then, I look at what I wrote the day before, which I’ve printed out, read in bed, and made some markups. I make the tweaks based on that, and then it’s full steam ahead.

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

You can’t fix a blank page. Get something written and fix it later.

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

I’d like readers to come away from any of my books feeling like they’ve spent some time with friends. And now, especially these days, they can enjoy a satisfying ending, where justice is meted out. Also, if I’ve provided a little enlightenment about a subject they might not have thought about before, then that’s a bonus. In Deadly Ambitions, there’s a theme about things people might not know about Colorado’s history that runs through the book.

Terry Odell is the author of the new book Deadly Ambitions

Connect with Terry Odell

Facebook

Twitter

Buy The Book