Better Off Dead in Deadwood (51 page)

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

I actually wanted to race camels when I was younger, which seemed really romantic at the time, but now just sounds hot, dusty, and spit-filled.

How many books are planned for the Deadwood series?

I’m a lousy planner, so my answer is: As many as it takes to tell Violet’s story.

Why did you want to become a writer?

It was that or a nuclear physicist, and since complex science makes me sleepy, I picked up a pen.

What would be your dream job if you weren’t a writer?

A multimillion dollar winning professional lotto player.

Your books make me laugh aloud while reading—do you laugh while writing/creating your books as much as we do while reading them?

What? You’re laughing? These are supposed to be dark, serious dramas laced with sadness and melancholy. (Yes, I do laugh, wince, cringe, giggle, steam, and grumble along with Violet and crew; and if I don’t, then I need to work harder on the scene because it’s too “flat.”)

Do you have a real-life Harvey in your life?

I have a few, both young and old, and I love the crusty buggers to pieces for each blush and giggle they inspire. (I also hide out in locker rooms and eavesdrop on old men’s conversations with a notepad in hand. Ha! Kidding, of course … maybe.)

Do you have a sibling that drives you crazy in rage as Violet’s sister does?

My brother Chuck, who draws my illustrations and cover art, has been nothing but trouble since he “allowed” my parents to put my crib in his room when he was four years old—I’m still in therapy thanks to him. Ha ha!

Have you ever been thrown in jail for causing trouble?

That depends—are we being recorded and are my parents going to read this?

What is your favorite of all Harvey’s hilarious quotes?

Picking just one of Harvey’s quotes is as hard as choosing just one dessert from a buffet filled with all of my very favorite sweets—fruit pies, tarts, chocolate-covered everything, doughnuts galore, ice cream, MoonPies … yummmm. What was the question again?

How did you get into writing “Psychic Mystery” genre fiction?

It’s Violet’s fault—I thought we were just going to tell a fun cozy mystery, but she keeps getting her nose into trouble.

How do you stay grounded and so humble after all of the high praise, accolades, fame, and fortune?

Every morning I wake up, stumble into the bathroom, and look in the mirror—enough said.

What is your favorite place to go in the Black Hills (specifically, not just Deadwood)?

Pilot Knob off State Route 385 (on the way to Mount Rushmore)—great viewpoint to sit and look out over the hills for hours where I’ve recorded lots of funny family memories.

Have you ever seen or “experienced” a ghost?

No, dang it, and I really want to, but I’m a total “dud” like Violet.

Do you still love writing as much now as you did when you started?

I love it even more, because my fingers and brain have become drinking pals and actually get along now when forced to work together (in the past, there was a lot of fighting and name-calling going on, which was very stressful for all of us, especially my shoulders, who were always cinched up from being stuck in the middle).

After developing your basic characters, how do you go about developing their personalities to make them more real?

Wait a second—do you mean to tell me these people aren’t real? (I don’t have a great answer for this—I just walk up to the character, look them over, and let them start talking, so I’m either a good listener or I have a growing multiple personality disorder.)

What was your inspiration on the first and last names of every character in all of your books?

The answer to this is going to require more than a speed date—I’m going to need you to buy me drinks, appetizers, something grilled and covered in BBQ sauce, and several desserts.

Did you model Cooper on someone you know?

I would tell you, but Cooper just informed me that the answer is “police business,” and if I open my big mouth, he’ll throw my sorry butt in jail.

Also by Ann Charles

Books in the Deadwood Mystery Series

Nearly Departed in Deadwood (Book 1)

WINNER of the 2010 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense

WINNER of the 2011 Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart Award for Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements

“Full of thrills and chills, a fun rollercoaster ride of a book!”

~Susan Andersen, New York Times Bestselling Author of
Burning Up

“Ann Charles has written an intriguing mystery laced with a wicked sense of humor. Watch out Stephanie Plum, because Violet Parker is coming your way.”

~Deborah Schneider, RWA Librarian of the Year 2009 & Author of Beneath a
Silver Moon

Overview…

“The first time I came to Deadwood, I got shot in the ass.”

~Violet Parker

Little girls are vanishing from Deadwood, South Dakota, and Violet Parker’s daughter could be next. She’s desperate to find the monster behind the abductions. But if she’s not careful, Violet just might end up as one of Deadwood’s dearly departed.

Optical Delusions in Deadwood (Book 2)

From the Multiple National Award-winning Author of
Nearly Departed in Deadwood
!

“What a voice! Hilarious, original, and genuinely wonderful. This fresh and feisty mystery will instantly win your heart. Loved it!”

~Hank Phillippi Ryan, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity-winning Author

“A smart, sassy, sexy and wonderfully resourceful heroine. Move over Stephanie Plum—Vi Parker is here!”

~John Klawitter, Author of the Award-winning Hollywood Havoc Action Thriller Novels

Overview…

With her reputation endangered, her bank account on the verge of extinction, and her career at risk of going up in flames, Violet Parker is desperate. When the opportunity to sell another vintage home materializes, she grabs it, even though this “haunted” house was recently the stage for a two-act, murder-suicide tragedy. But someone—or something—in the house wants Violet stopped…dead.

Dead Case in Deadwood (Book 3)

Dead Case in Deadwood
has been selected as one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2012 books!

“Masterful storytelling. Masterful suspense. Masterful humor. You name it, Ms. Charles has mastered it. And to have such tension and mystery in a third book in a series? Like I said … Masterful.”

~Carolyn McCray, #1 Kindle Bestselling Author of
30 Pieces of Silver

“Ann Charles has penned another wickedly funny, smart, unforgettable story. Dead Case in Deadwood is impossible to put down.”

~P. J. Alderman, New York Times Bestselling Author

Overview…

“Nothing good ever happens at the butt-crack of dawn. No doubt, the headless corpse on the autopsy table in front of me would agree.” ~Violet Parker

Real estate agent, Violet “Spooky” Parker stumbles upon a body-part theft ring at the local funeral parlor and suspects her caustic coworker has a hand in it—or maybe a foot. Can Violet discover what’s in the crates the crooks are sneaking out of the mortuary in the dark of night? Or will she end up in one of them herself … in pieces?

Seeing Trouble

(From the Deadwood Shorts Collection)