I'm so happy to introduce you to Hannah Reed, author of the charming Queen Bee Mystery series. As she is busy buzzing around, promoting her latest book, "Mind Your Own Beeswax," I managed to get Hannah to buzz by the blog to answer some questions about her writing and inspirations!
1. At what age did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
I was in my forties, wondering what I wanted to be when I grew up. Then I decided to take a creative writing class and instantly knew I’d found my niche. I saw my first book in print the year I turned fifty.
2. At what point in your career did it finally sink in – “hey, I’m famous,” and did it make a difference in your writing?
I’m famous? Nooooo! But if I were, I’d stress out over staying famous, worry whether I deserved the status or not, and whether I could write another book as good as the last. See? No fun in that.
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| Book One in Hannah's Queen Bee Series |
3. Who are some of your favorite authors? Who inspires you?
I’ve been a serious mystery reader since discovering Trixie Belden as a child. I love so many authors it’s hard to pick just one of two, but I’ll try. I admired Robert Parker for his amazingly realistic dialogue and Janet Evanovich for making me care about Stephanie Plum, who really doesn’t deserve a bit of respect.
4. What do you have coming up in the future?
I’ve finished book 3 in the Queen Bee series and am half-way through a fun romping novella based on my Gertie Johnson Murder Mysteries (published under my real name, Deb Baker).
5. What advice would you have for anyone wanting to break into the writing biz today?
You need a thick skin, a can-do attitude, a solid belief in yourself, and be willing to take constructive criticism. Never give up. Writers have so many options these days. Explore them.
Review of "Mind Your Own Beeswax"
About The Book:
Story Fischer has her hands full with her successful local market, her Queen Bee Honey business, and her new maybe boyfriend, Hunter Wallace,but being abandoned by a hive looking for better digs puts the busy beekeeper in a bad mood.
While Story looks for the hive, the rest of Moraine, Wisconsin is searching for a woman with a checkered past whose return has the whole town buzzing.
When she finds the dead body in the woods, she's in a sticky situation indeed. Story just can't seem to mind her own beeswax. But this time, she might just get stung...
Story Fischer is one of the spunkiest heroines of a cozy mystery that I have had the pleasure of reading! Story loves living in her hometown, being near her grandmother, and usually doesn't mind being around her mom and sister Holly. She is in love again with her handsome deputy sheriff boyfriend, Hunter (her old boyfriend from high school!) and her bees keep her happily humming along.
But trouble seems to find Story, and she is not a gal to turn away from a good mystery! I love the character's strength, her fearlessness, and her smarts!
With the Queen Bee Mystery series, Hannah Reed has created a delicious series that is a sweet treat for cozy mystery fans! (The addition of yummy honey-related recipes make a great addition to an already great story!)
For more information on Hannah Reed, and her Queen Bee Mysteries, check out her gorgeous website at http://www.hannahreed.com/
