The Scribblings of Sarah E. Glenn: Interview with Teresa Michael

Who is Teresa Michael?

Teresa Michael, an award-winning author for her Mariposa Café Mystery Series, with Murder in Mariposa Beach earning the Firebird Book Award. A lover of reading, writing, and travel, Teresa has explored 49 states and managed the US Archery Team in two Olympic Games. She's a past president of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Sisters in Crime and a member of Mystery Writers of America. Teresa lives in Sarasota, FL, with her husband. Murder with a Terrace View – A Harrington House Mystery, the first book in her new series, was recently released. Someday, she’ll visit that 50^th state. Connect with her on Facebook at TeresaMichael- Author or visit her website at https://teresamichaelwrites.pubsitepro.com.

What's her newest book?

MURDER WITH A TERRACE VIEW

In Murder with a Terrace View, Molly Harrington's peaceful life running a B&B is shattered when a local author is found dead. As she delves into the mystery, she uncovers a web of secrets tied to her family's past. With a spectral ally and a budding romance with the detective, Molly navigates a world of intrigue and danger. This gripping tale blends mystery, romance, and the paranormal, promising a cozy whodunit that keeps you guessing till the end.

· Amazon Amazon.com : Murder with a Terrace View

· Barnes and Noble - Murder with a Terrace View: A Harrington House Mystery by Teresa Michael, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

I heard there was going to be a giveaway.

-- You're right!

Free book: Mistletoe and Missing Persons is free on Amazon Kindle on December 1^st & 2^nd

Free Short Stories: Sign up for my newsletter and get the first two short stories in the Mariposa Café and Bakery Origin Stories collection. Sign up here. Contact Us - Teresa Michael.

And now ... the interview!

1. What genre do you write in, and what drew you to that genre? Do you aspire to write in another genre? If so, which one(s)?

I write in the mystery genre because I like to read mysteries, suspense, and thrillers. My favorite TV shows and movies are nearly always mysteries or suspense with some romance thrown in. I love the puzzle, figuring out who did it and why. I want to try writing a thriller, maybe a heart-throbbing romance, or maybe combine the two.

2. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

My current release, Murder with a Terrace View, is the first book in the Harrington House Mysteries. I’ve written four books in the Mariposa Café Mystery series. I have a small volume of short stories that are a prequel to that series. These stories were originally my senior thesis, which required me to write three interconnected short stories. During the pandemic, I pulled them out, updated them, and published them as the Mariposa Café and Bakery Origin Stories. They are great giveaways at events. In addition, I wrote a novelette titled Indian Rock, set in Eastern Kentucky, where I spent summers with my grandmother and aunt. I also have a story in the anthology, Paradise is Deadly – Gripping Tales from Florida’s Gulf Coast.

It's hard to choose a favorite book because each one has a special significance in its own way. For example, Murder in Mariposa Beach is special because it was the first novel-length book I wrote and published. Indian Rock is special because it is the one most closely based on truth—except for the dead body. I did not find a dead body when I was 12 years old.

3. What's your approach to writing? Are you a plotter or do you let your story unfold and the characters present themselves (Pantser)?

I’m sort of a hybrid. I’ve tried outlining, but it doesn’t really work for me. I’m a pantser in that I let the characters take me where they want to go, but I go into the project after thinking about the characters and the situation, researching, and writing down scene notes. In writing mysteries, I need to keep track of timelines, clues, red herrings, and where I’ve left those little breadcrumbs that lead up to the resolution. I can’t keep them all in my head. There’s too much rattling around up there already. In 2020, I wrote a blog post about plotters and pantsers. You can read it here: Are you a plotter, pantser, or something else - Teresa Michael

4. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

Invisibility. I could be the proverbial fly on the wall if I were invisible. I get some of the best ideas and one-liners from overheard conversations. Can you imagine what you could learn if you were invisible? Think about it.

5. Since it’s the holidays, what’s your favorite holiday food?

The holidays are all about food! For Thanksgiving, it’s the turkey. We’ve gone to my son’s house the last few years, where he and his brother-in-law have a turkey cook-off. One turkey is traditionally roasted in the oven, and the second is cooked another way, for example, on the grill. Then we have a taste test!

Our most recent tradition for Christmas has been my husband’s prime rib and Yorkshire pudding.

6. Tell us about your current work in progress.

I am working on book 2 in the Harrington House Mystery series. I am about three-quarters of the way through and coming down to the big reveal. In this one, Molly and her friend, Rick Owens, the death investigator, find a dead wedding planner while at a country club event. The working title is Murder in the Rose Garden, but I’m not sure if that will remain the title. I’m taking title ideas if you have one. If I choose your idea, you’ll get a prize.

Lightning Round – Just for fun

1. Holiday pies --- apple or pumpkin: Pumpkin

2. Morning person or night owl: Night Owl

3. Beach or Mountains: Beach but I like the mountains too

4. City or Country: Suburbs – close to the city but not too far out

5. Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream: Vanilla with chocolate syrup

6. Favorite Movie: Casablanca

7. Last book Read: The Waiting by Michael Connelly

8. Print, audio, or ebook: All three – I usually have 1 of each going all the time

Other Books by Teresa Michael

The Mariposa Café Mystery Series

· Murder in Mariposa Beach https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Mariposa-Beach-Cafe-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07KPKYVTG