Ask the Author: V.M. Burns
Answered Questions (19)
V.M. Burns
Samantha Washington is a fan of Agatha Christie because I am a fan of her work. I am aware of the original title of, Ten Little Indians. I am also aware that the original title was taken from a minstrel song from the 1800s. A lot has changed over the century. When I was young, Black people were referred to as Negroes. Then, Colored, Black, African Americans, and now Black. I grew up reading Agatha Christie's books. They were the books that sparked my love of mysteries. Many writers born over a hundred years ago had biases. I, too have biases. However, I have chosen not to allow those biases to diminish my enjoyment of good books. There are writers who portrayed people of color in a negative light out of ignorance. Some did it out of hatred. I choose to give authors the benefit of the doubt until I learn otherwise. Agatha Christie is referred to as the “Queen of Crime Fiction” because of her skill in crafting great mysteries that have withstood the tests of time. While I wouldn’t say that I “idolize” her, I do admire her books. Nearly one hundred years later and her mysteries are still in print. Still being adapted. Still intriguing readers. As a lover of mysteries, I hope to learn from her works and improve my own books to become a better writer.
V.M. Burns
Thank you so much. I'm glad you are enjoying my books. There will be a second Bailey the Bloodhound book. Hounding a Killer will be released in May 2025. I am only contracted to write two books in that series. There will be at least two more books in the Mystery Bookshop Mystery series. The Next Deadly Chapter will release in February 2025. Sorry, no spoilers. :-)
V.M. Burns
Diane, I'm so glad you enjoyed Murder on Tour and Sniffing Out Murder. The 2nd book in the Bailey the Bloodhound series will release in May 2025. As for when Sam and Frank will get married . . . I can't say, but in book #10, The Next Deadly Chapter (current title), Sam meets Frank's mother. So, they are getting closer. Have you read my Baker Street Mystery series? The 3rd book in that series will release in July 2024.
V.M. Burns
Jacqueline, thank you so much. There will be at least one more Bailey book. It is scheduled to release May 2025. I hope there will be more, but that will be up to my publisher. Fingers crossed. The newest Baker Street Mystery book will release in July 2024 and Mystery Bookshop #10 will release in March 2025.
V.M. Burns
I have not read the Bloodhound series, but I think I need to add it to my TBR pile (mountain). Thanks for the recommendation.
V.M. Burns
Thank you so much! I enjoy the Baker Street series and I'm glad to know you do, too!
V.M. Burns
At this time, there are no plans to continue the Dog Club Mystery Series after book #5. I'm excited to hear that you enjoyed the series. That makes my heart happy. The Dog Club Mystery series was my only series where all of the books were available in audiobook. However, the first book in my new series will be available in audiobook, TWO PARTS SUGAR, ONE PART MURDER. That book will release on August 30th. Fingers crossed there will be more audiobooks coming.
Valerie (V. M.) Burns
Valerie (V. M.) Burns
V.M. Burns
The greatest mystery in my own life is, what happens to my socks? Why take just one sock per pair? Why not take both socks? Is there a one legged sock thief who sneaks into my home in the middle of the night to steal, just ONE sock? I'm starting to think it's a sinister plot to drive me insane. Seriously, take both socks!
V.M. Burns
Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm really glad that you've enjoyed my Dog Club Mystery series. As of right now, Sit, Stay, Slay! is the last book in the series, but who knows...things could change. If I find that Lily and Aggie have more adventures ahead, then I might want to write their next adventure. :-)
V.M. Burns
My TBR pile is HUGE. I'm still working my way through last years reading list. Or, is it the year before?
V.M. Burns
If I could travel to a fictional book world, I'd go to St. Mary Mead and sit at the feet of Miss Jane Marple and learn as much as I can about solving murders.
V.M. Burns
The decision to do audio is up to my publisher. Unfortunately, I haven't heard that the other books in this series will be audio. However, all of the books in my Dog Club Mystery series are available on audio.
V.M. Burns
Thank you. Yes, Dog Club Mystery Book #3, BARK IF ITS MURDER, will be available in paperback, eBook and audiobook.
V.M. Burns
I read a lot when I was young, but I didn't think about writing as a career. If I read a book that I liked, I would imagine the sequel. If I read books that I didn't like, I imagined a different ending or imagined ideas for other books I wanted to read. It wasn't until later in life that I thought about taking what I called, "my imaginings," and actually writing a book.
Getting started wasn't hard. It was a matter of sitting down and putting the words on the paper. I didn't worry about formatting or structure. I just wrote the story (I still do). For me, starting wasn't hard. The hard part is finishing the book. That requires a lot of commitment. Now, getting published is a completely different matter. That was hard, but similar to writing. It requires staying committed no matter how many what.
Getting started wasn't hard. It was a matter of sitting down and putting the words on the paper. I didn't worry about formatting or structure. I just wrote the story (I still do). For me, starting wasn't hard. The hard part is finishing the book. That requires a lot of commitment. Now, getting published is a completely different matter. That was hard, but similar to writing. It requires staying committed no matter how many what.
V.M. Burns
I woke up and the coffee tin was empty. I was forced to kill.
V.M. Burns
I find inspiration everywhere. Sometimes I gain inspiration from events in my own life (big or small), watching television or reading the news. A few weeks ago I was walking my dogs and got an idea for a plot. Life is full of ups and downs and often writing about the downs can be cathartic, especially when I get an opportunity to plot murder and mete out justice from the safety of my laptop.
V.M. Burns
I read (or reread) books and watch movies that inspire me. Agatha Christie, Ellery Queen, Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout are some of my favorites. It doesn't take long before I feel inspired and ready to get back to work.
V.M. Burns
Keep writing and don't give up.
V.M. Burns
I'm currently working on book #4 in the Mystery Bookshop series.
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