Kathy: Claire DeNardo is afraid of everything. What about you? Do you have any particular fears?
CF: I’m scared of driving and getting lost, which I manage to do even using my GPS. Wasps, bees, and hornets terrify me. I’m also afraid of hurting other people’s feelings.
Kathy: When she can't find other work Claire takes a job with her Uncle Gino. Working for family certainly can be interesting. How does Claire cope?
CF: It helps that Claire cares deeply for her family and so has a high level of tolerance for their words and actions. She also copes by finding the humor in even the most outlandish things they do. Eating chocolate makes everything easier.
Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?
CF: I’ve always loved mysteries but didn’t like the gratuitous violence so prevalent in many of them. Plus I enjoy a few chuckles when I’m reading and cozy mysteries usually provide them.
Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?
CF: I started out writing paranormal stories.
Kathy: Tell us about your series.
CF: The Terrified Detective is a fun series about Claire, a young PI who despite her faintheartedness is pulled into solving murders. A security guard, Claire’s family, and a handsome police detective are always around to either help or complicate matters.
Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?
CF: I love all my characters, but my favorite has to be Aunt Lena. I’ve imbued her with so many characteristics of the women in my family, especially my mother that it’s like coming home when she’s on the page.
Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?
CF: Yes, I did. I was talking with a friend of mine about being a private detective. She asked me how I’d feel if I became one. I told her, “I’d be terrified.”
Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?
CF: A friend, who is also an author, convinced me to do it.
Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?
CF: This would probably make for a strange party but it’d be Neil Gaiman, Janet Evanovich, Rod Serling, and Edgar Allen Poe. P.D. James might crash the party too.
Kathy: What are you currently reading?
CF: THE NINTH GIRL, by Tami Hoag
Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?
CF: Of course. I do yoga and aerobic exercise regularly. Of course I love to read. Food is my passion, especially sweet stuff. Claire and I have that in common.
Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.
CF: There’s always chocolate. Lots of it. Pasta in various shapes, yogurt and fruit, especially grapes.
Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?
CF: I’m currently working on book number 4 in this series.
Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?
CF: I get to make up a whole new world. That’s exciting.
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The author has graciously offered a copy of PLATEFUL OF MURDER to one lucky reader. The winner may choose either a print or e-copy if s/he has a US address, an e-copy prize for all other countries. Simply leave a comment on this post sharing one of your fears. Include your e-mail address and leave your comment no later than 11:59 pm EST, Wednesday, March 9, 2016 for a chance to win. Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter as well!
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