Ask the Author: Shelly Jones
Answered Questions (13)
Shelly Jones
You know it! I'm so excited to be attending the New England Crime Bake conference this year. I'm moderating a panel on humor in crime fiction and also leading a panel on gamifying your mystery. Looking forward to a criminally good weekend celebrating the 25th anniversary of Crime Bake!
Shelly Jones
Unfortunately I'm not. The timing conflicts with my semester and I just couldn't make it work this time. I'm disappointed, especially since I have a short story in the Bouchercon Anthology this year! Hopefully next year (it's a bit earlier in 2027)!
Shelly Jones
I'm currently working on the second book in my new Foxkill Murder Cases series. The first book will come out in February 2027. Look for more details soon!
Shelly Jones
Always happy when I can inspire spirited conversations! And love a good farmer's market. Everything about this makes my heart swell. <3
Shelly Jones
It's definitely a growing hobby. Approximately 400 million people globally play board games regularly. The analog gaming industry (as opposed to video games) is a $20 billion industry and analysts think that will likely grow (maybe even double based on some projections) in the next decade. I think this is partly because there's a lot of different ways games can be used (family game night, date night, in education, in therapy, etc.). That's one of the main reasons I like board games: there's something for everyone!
Shelly Jones
Having an excuse to research weird and wonderful things. I love going down rabbit holes and finding bizarre answers to questions that were just passing through my brain on a whim. It does, however, mean my internet search history is probably on several watch lists...but it's all for the good of my fiction!
Shelly Jones
Oooh, this is a great question. My gut says board game, but it might depend on the situation (e.g. do I have others to play with; specific game I'm playing; required mental load). Board games are my preferred choice usually, but I also love a good video game (e.g. lots of hours on Stardew Valley and a game called Chonkers, where you are feeding and collecting cats). I grew up learning how to play euchre and poker and love a good card game, always marveling at how much you can do with a simple deck of cards. And honestly, I hate to admit it but the games on my phone (puzzly quick games I can play for a few minutes here and there, or while disassociating before bed) probably get more love/time than I care to admit.
Shelly Jones
Oooh, this is a great question. I'm going to assume that there's a table (or log) on this island and I don't have to worry about getting sand on the pieces or board. My top three games would be Castles of Burgundy, Cascadia, and Isle of Cats. I love a puzzle-y, point-salad (lots of ways to score) kind of game.
Shelly Jones
Updating this for the ARC for Murder, She Rolled at Booksprout: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/review...
Shelly Jones
Don't compare yourself to anyone. No one is you. You have your own unique voice and point of view. Support other authors, bolster each other up. Find a community that embraces you for you and give that same energy back to others. Know that writing is a slog and don't tear yourself down when it is. Keep at it and tell the story you want to tell.
Shelly Jones
I'm currently working on Book 3 in the Wren Winters mystery series in which Wren and her friends go to a big gaming convention in a nearby city. Having gone to Gen Con, PAX, and a few other gaming conventions, I knew I wanted to highlight all the fun (and perils!) that a big event can involve (like the time I had a panic attack waiting in line to buy a t-shirt...or the way even micro-celebrities are hunted down by fans, unable to find any peace and quiet). In particular, I knew I wanted to feature cosplay as a big part of this book as it is certainly a large part of nerd culture and conventions.
Shelly Jones
I've been on an Agatha Christie reading spree this summer. I am a sucker for small town intrigue, closed room murders, and the oh so persnickety but clever Poirot.
Shelly Jones
I find that taking a walk (especially in the woods) really helps clear my head. In general, movement away from the pressure of the keyboard helps me push through writer's block. Pro tip: keep a small journal or post-its and a pen in your pocket while walking. You never know when and where an idea might strike! (Yes: phone works too...I'm just old and usually go for paper first.)
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more