Colleen Houck Book Club discussion

Welcome to the group! April will be answering questions in July in this thread only. In the meantime if you have a question for the author or just want to introduce yourself feel free to do so in this thread.

Hi April. Long time fan and first time question asker ;) How did you get started writing?

Why murder mysteries?

Do you have a favorite tv detective?

Colleen wrote: "Hi April. Long time fan and first time question asker ;) How did you get started writing?"

I started writing when I was still in grade school. In fact, I wrote a short story about a six-foot tall frog named Herman who loves peanut butter. I decided that Roald Dahl, the guy who wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, would like to read my story and mailed it to him care of his publisher in NY. It eventually made its way over to England and he sent me back a postcard saying how much he liked the story. He ended up showing it to his editor and she published it in a magazine called Puffin Post. As I got older, though, I thought it was impossible for someone like me, a poor girl from a small town, to be a writer. I didn't start writing again until I was about 30. I read a really bad book and I thought - This book is terrible and yet it got published. I am fully capable of writing a book this bad. Maybe even better.

Colleen wrote: "Why murder mysteries?"

Built-in high stakes. I'm never going to write a book about a girl who can't decide who to go to the prom with.
Justice usually happens (unlike real life).
I like forensics and cop stuff.
I love thinking of cool twists.

Colleen wrote: "Do you have a favorite tv detective?"

Jane Tennison as played by Helen Mirren in the Prime Suspect series.

Any other genres you have considered writing?

Ashley wrote: "Any other genres you have considered writing?"
I did a funny romantic comedy that didn't sell - possibly because it made fun of women's magazines.
I have tried my hand at a chapter book when my kid was a the right age, without success.
I think post apocalyptic would be a good fit.
I have a book coming out next year with a paranormal element.

I haven't read that many mysteries (guess I haven't found the right author) i was wondering what makes your writings different from everyone else's?

April wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Hi April. Long time fan and first time question asker ;) How did you get started writing?"

I started writing when I was still in grade school. In fact, I wrote a short story about ..."

Wow! That is an amazing story!

April wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Any other genres you have considered writing?"
I did a funny romantic comedy that didn't sell - possibly because it made fun of women's magazines.
I have tried my hand at a chapter ..."

Ooh I think paranormal cops. ;)

I love that you write a lot about the northwest since I get all the references. Have you always lived in Portland?

Any must haves as you write?

What does your writing day look like?

Thanks so much to April for being an awesome guest and congrats to our winner Sarah! Don't forget to join us next month for another chance to win books from my featured author!