Hi there guys and dolls!  It’s that time of the month again (no, not that — that’s none of your beeswax, thank you very much)!  Please get a snack and refreshment in hand, put your feet up and get to know one of my friends, Sharon Rose!

1. So tell me a little about your series and main characters.

I write the Parson’s Cove Mystery series. In a previous interview some time ago, the interviewer asked where the small town of Parson’s Cove was located. I gave a description of the area and when I read the review, it stated that the Parson’s Cove Mysteries took place in the state of Wisconsin! Since I happen to love that State, I left it at that. My protagonist is Mabel Wickles, an over-sixty spinster with seven (now five) cats and a nose for solving murders. Her best friend, Flori Flanders, usually accompanies her on her adventures simply to keep Mabel from getting into any further trouble.

2. What is your writing process like?  Do you thrive on routine or work spontaneously as the whim takes you?

I would give anything to have a ‘writing process!’ As it is, I write whenever I can fit it in. I used to arrange ideas in my mind and believe that I would remember them. Now I make notes because some of my best ideas are still hidden there and will probably never emerge. I do most of my writing when we’re in Texas, away from family and other distractions.

3. What exciting moment or moments that made you realize that you were really an “author?”

After writing for several years and having had short stories and books published, when I’m asked what I do, I say that I enjoy writing. I still haven’t reached the point of saying I’m an author!

4. What do you do to spark up your creativity when you feel the well of inspiration is running dry?

When I’m writing and feel the well running dry, I stop and play a game of Mahjong Tiles for about fifteen minutes. If that doesn’t work, I’ll make a cup of coffee and pick up a book to read. Sometimes, it just means thinking about something else for a while. (A glass of wine and some cheese can sometimes do the trick too.)

5. Who are some of your favorite authors and how do you feel they have influenced your desire to write?

Most of my favorite authors do not write cozy mysteries. I’ve always enjoyed Maeve Binchy’s books and will miss her stories. She had a wonderful gift of making people come alive. To me, the most interesting part of writing is creating characters. My favorite mystery writers are Martha Grimes and P.D. James. John Grisham is always a favorite too. I know this is an odd writer to add to the list but I can pick up an old Louis L’Amour book and completely lose myself in it!

You can check out my biography and books on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Rose/e/B00BL8HTZY/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Thank you so much for taking 5 with me, Sharon!  And for all of you readers out there, be sure to check out Sharon’s Parson’s Cove series, published by Cozy Cat Press.  The series starts with SLIP AND GO DIE.  The fourth and most recent novel, SAVE AS MURDER, is pictured above.  Such fun!

Toodles,

Barbara Jean