Ask the Author: Shawn Reilly Simmons
Answered Questions (11)
Shawn Reilly Simmons
Great question! My TBR pile is ever-expanding, and each week I'm adding new things I can't wait to read. I will definitely be reading The Nix with my book club in July. And my plan is to finally read Big Little Lies and hopefully a couple more of Liane Moriarty's books. I'll be bringing I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh and Jess Walter's Beautiful Ruins with me to the beach. I know there will be more but these are the ones that spring to mind.
Shawn Reilly Simmons
I suppose the biggest mystery for us all is how we end up where we do, making different choices that lead us down different paths. I think mysteries that are found everyday life are the most compelling and relate-able to us all.
Thanks for asking!
Thanks for asking!
Shawn Reilly Simmons
That is a tough one, but the first that springs to mind is Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler. I remember being fascinated by their fiery romance when I was young--probably not the best example of a stable relationship, but it was definitely memorable. ("You should be kissed and often, by someone who knows what he's doing"...was pretty scandalous for me at the time). Thanks for asking!
Shawn Reilly Simmons
Kay,
Thank you for your note! I hope the group enjoyed the books--so sorry I didn't see this message in time to join, but will definitely do so if given the chance again!
All the best,
Shawn
Thank you for your note! I hope the group enjoyed the books--so sorry I didn't see this message in time to join, but will definitely do so if given the chance again!
All the best,
Shawn
Shawn Reilly Simmons
Hi,
I live in Maryland.
Shawn
I live in Maryland.
Shawn
Shawn Reilly Simmons
A few years ago I was part of the catering crew on a movie that filmed in the Washington DC area. I spent three months cooking for a large crew of up to 300 people while they filmed in and around the city. I've been involved with Malice Domestic, the traditional mystery fan convention for over ten years and also worked as editor-in-chief for a small mystery press, so naturally I love the traditional mystery genre.
All of the elements came together and the setting of the book is based on my experiences on the film set coupled with my love of mysteries, food and film.
All of the elements came together and the setting of the book is based on my experiences on the film set coupled with my love of mysteries, food and film.
Shawn Reilly Simmons
I love visiting with my characters every day and seeing where they are going to take me within the story. I'm inspired by the sense of accomplishment at the end of the day in creating the words on the page, and I'm inspired by the fans of my book, who are looking forward to the next installment in the series.
Shawn Reilly Simmons
I'm currently working on the second book in my Red Carpet Catering series entitled "Murder on Location." My first book ("Murder on the Red Carpet") took place in the winter time in New Jersey and this time the film crew is working on a remote island off the coast of Florida in the middle of summer.
Shawn Reilly Simmons
The best advice I can offer is to keep working on your story and follow your passions. Write what you love and write every day.
Shawn Reilly Simmons
For me, it's a lifelong dream to create stories and characters that I enjoy spending time with that hopefully entertain others as well. It's also very satisfying to piece together a novel, in my case a mystery, which is like working on a puzzle and making sure all of the pieces fit.
Shawn Reilly Simmons
Luckily I do not run into this problem very often. For me it's not a question of searching for the words to write but to find the time to physically sit down and write them. However I do think it's helpful when I occasionally get "stuck" to either take a break and read a great book or work for a while on another piece of writing.
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