A Mystery Writer
Sees The World Differently Than Everyday People
I think writers see the world differently than everyday people, period. But when you break it down even further, you begin to realize the type of genre you write really affects how you see the world even more.
When
I am writing one of my teen books, I completely put myself in “kid” mode. I
have four children (3 boys and 1 girl) ranging in age from 9 to 17. I try to
listen in on the conversations they have with their friends. You’d be amazed at
what you pick up on. The way they speak, the way they act, the things they say,
even the differences between boys and girls. It also helps to watch and listen
to Disney TV shows as well as movies.
When
I am writing one of my romance books, I tend to watch the way men and women
interact with each other. Body language is a huge factor in this, as well as
facial expressions and dialogue. Romantic movies as well as reality TV shows
really shed some light on what we do and say to attract the opposite sex.
When
I am writing one of my mystery books, I tend to watch everyone. I really try to
study human beings in general. What they do and say and how they act. If
someone looks suspicious, I wonder why? What might he or she have done or what
might they be planning to do? How would they get away with it? What in their
background might have driven them to it?
I
love writing all sorts of genres, but I do find that when I’m in mystery mode,
the possibilities seem endless. I’m always looking for some really cool twist
or turn to add to my books. I love when I can surprise my readers with
something they didn’t see coming. Not an easy task to do because the mystery
reader is savvy. So tell me, what do you look for when reading a mystery novel?
Inquiring minds want to know.
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National Bestselling Author, RT Reader’s Choice Award
& Agatha Nominee Kari Lee Townsend lives in Central New York with her very
understanding husband, her three busy boys, and her oh-so-dramatic daughter,
who keep her grounded and make everything she does worthwhile…not to mention
provide her with loads of material for her books. Kari is a longtime lover of
reading and writing, with a masters in English education, who spends her days
trying to figure out whodunit. Funny how no one at home will confess any more
than the characters in her mysteries!
Kari writes fun
and exciting stories for any age, set in small towns, with mystical elements
and quirky characters as Kari Lee Townsend. Kari also writes romantic comedies
and women’s fiction with the same sense of humor and quirky characters as Kari
Lee Harmon.
To find out more about
Kari and all her books go to www.karileetownsend.com or click on the links below:
National Bestselling Author of The Fortune Teller Mysteries
TEMPEST IN THE TEA LEAVES 4 1/2 Starred RT Review
Best Amateur Sleuth of 2011 RT Reviewers' Choice Nominee
Best First Novel Agatha Award Nominee
CORPSE IN THE CRYSTAL BALL - June 2012 (preorder now)
DIGITAL DIVA: TALK TO THE HAND (Kindle & Nook)
DIGITAL DIVA: RISE OF THE PHENOTEENS (Kindle & Nook)
DESTINY WEARS SPURS (by Kari Lee Harmon) (Kindle & Nook)
PROJECT PRODUCE (by Kari Lee Harmon) (Kindle & Nook)
Yay, I'm so excited to be here. So glad you liked the book, Melissa :-) I adore writing this series. Good luck everyone.
ReplyDeleteI love your writing style, Kari, and can't wait to read this new installment. Don't include me in the contest since I have it preordered already.
ReplyDeleteNo contest for me either (pre-ordered!!). I can't wait to see how Sunny solves the case. And I love the romance between Sunny and Mitch!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read a mystery, I like to be given tons of logical possible clues. I really want to think that multiple characters could have done it and really have to use my head to figure it out. I grew up in a small town, so cozies are great for me to easily relate to the characters.
i just started reading Tempest in the Tea Leaves today!!!
ReplyDeleteplease enter me for the contest!!
thank you!!
cyn209 at juno dot com
I don't know how I missed this blog. I really enjoyed Tempest and I look forward to the Corpse. Hmmmm, sounds a bit blood-thirsty.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing how you approach each genre. I have two teenagers & I agree it is amazing what you can pick up by listening to their conversations. Being a teenager today is quite different then when I was that age.
ReplyDeleteI am totally addicted to cozies so I look forward to your latest release. I agree with Barbie, lots of logical clues and having a challenge trying to solve mystery are always a bonus. I love fun, relate able characters & story lines that let you get lost in the pages. Cozies are an awesome way to escape. I love the cover, too. Thanks for the giveaway! Fingers crossed :)
scouts579(at)aol(dot)com
Awww thanks guys. You're the best :-) I am loving writing this series. Enjoy and good luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for your comments!!! The lucky winner is.....Stacie!!!
ReplyDeleteKari Lee will be contacting you soon :)