A Dying for Data Interview & Giveaway

I'm happy to welcome Cassidy Salem to the blog today. Cassidy writes the Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth Mystery series. Dying for Data, the second book in the series, was released August 21, 2016.

 
Kathy: Elena’s boyfriend is a bartender. If you were to ask him to make you a drink, what would it be?

CS: A mudslide – a delightful concoction with Kahlua and Bailey’s Irish Cream, vodka and chocolate.


Kathy: In Dying for Data Adina deals with illegal immigration. Is this an important topic for you?

CS: On a personal level, no. On an ideological level, yes. As an American, I am appreciative of the contributions immigrants have made to our country throughout its history. At the same time, I recognize the pros and cons of the various approaches to immigration policy. 


Kathy: Adina also deals with a case of mistaken identity. Have you ever been mistaken for someone else?

CS: My sister, more than once. In all fairness, we do look at lot alike.


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

CS: I enjoy all kinds of crime fiction, including traditional mysteries, police procedurals, and cozies. Cozies are fun and usually entertaining. I enjoy trying to follow the plots set forth by other writers in hopes of identifying the culprit. And they are typically light and enjoyable reads.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

Kathy: No. But that could change in the future.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

CS: The Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth mystery series features a young college graduate and her experiences living alone in Washington, D.C. Adina works at a think tank that focuses on public policy, where current issues (environmental protection, immigration, cybercrime, and more) are a natural part of the agenda. Both Think Murder (Book 1) and Dying for Data (Book 2) are standalone mysteries.


Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

CS: That’s a hard question. At this point in the series, I’d have to say Adina. Adina is smart and talented, and kind. She has an independent spirit, but is willing to accept help from others.


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

CS: Not really. I knew I wanted to write a cozy mystery and that I wanted it to be in a “new” setting. After graduating from college, I worked in two different think tanks, one of them in D.C. When I decided to try my hand at writing, I wanted to create a mystery centered around a character that I could identify with, in a setting and job that would hopefully ring true.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

CS: The decision to write my first novel was my way of challenging myself. After I had completed Think Murder, publishing was the natural next step for me. The positive feedback on Think Murder encouraged me to write and publish Dying for Data.


Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

CS: Maya Angelou, Agatha Christie, Mark Twain, and Charles Dickens.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

CS: In between books today. Just finished Terror in Taffeta by Marla Cooper – a very enjoyable cozy mystery.


Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

CS: I love music, all most all kinds of music. I love to sing and dance.


Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

CS: The sad truth: Diet-coke, ice cream, eggs, chocolate.


Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

CS: I plan to continue this series. At the same time, I am exploring the possibility of collaborating with another author on a new series.


Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

CS: The sense of accomplishment when I see the finished product or get a great review AND the sense of community I have found through networking with fellow authors on social media.


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