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Books In Sync Author Spotlight Interview With Children’s Mystery Books Author Lauren E.Smith Children's Mystery Books Author Lauren E. Smith
has alwaysloved mysteries. The
books in her current series
,Ashley EnrightInvestigations,Ashley Enright and the Mystery at Miller's Pond
and
Ashley Enright and the Darnell Diamonds,
represent the kind of books she loved reading as a child. A native New Yorker, she livesand works in Florida.Lauren enjoys speaking to elementary school children and inspiringthem to read and write. The third book in the Ashley Enright seriesmentions some cats' names, although her cat's name, Addaperle, is notin the book. Fortunately, Addaperle can not read, so Lauren wouldappreciate it if no one tells Addaperle that she's not in the book (she'dbe very upset and would probably throw up on the carpet!)Lauren is currently working on the next two books in the ‘Ashley Enright’ series as well as writing thefirst book in a new ‘Cozy Mystery’ series.**********************
Q: What makes you proud to be a writer from Sayville, New York?A:
My books are set in the fictional town of Donnybrook, Maine. The town that I created reminds me of the Long Island that I knew growing up. My best friend lives in Maine and when I visited her for thefirst time after she’d moved there, I knew that I wanted to set my books in Maine (again, because itreminded me of the Long Island of my youth!)
Q: What or who inspired you to become a writer?
A
: When I was in third grade, we had to write a paragraph every other morning before class started. Thatassignment really sparked my creativity and I will be forever grateful to my third grade teacher, Mrs.Morgan (the “other” days, we had to write multiplication tables…I wasn’t as thrilled with thatassignment!)
Q: When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published?A:
The idea for the Ashley Enright Investigations series just “hit” me one day (September 20, 2005 tobe exact) and I started writing the first book. My nephew’s reaction (he was 10 at the time) convincedme to submit it for publication. He met me at the door (when I was visiting my sister for Thanksgiving)and his eyes were HUGE. He said, “This is the best thing I’ve ever read in my whole life.” His reactionconvinced me that I should submit the book for publication.
Q: Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and why?A
:
My father was a newspaper reporter, so I’ve been writing ever since I first learned how to write. I’dalways written stories and poems, but just never thought about actually submitting anything forpublication.
Q: Do you come up with your title (s) before or after you write the manuscript (s)?A:
The titles come first.
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Q: Tell us why you write the genre (s) that you write?A:
I’d always written in my professional career, but never considered writing anything for publication.The story for Ashley Enright Investigations had always been in the back of my mind--one day every“clicked” and I started writing. I always loved reading mysteries as a child and that genre alwaysappealed to me. I vividly remember being in my elementary school library and working my way downthe mystery aisle reading every book on the shelf!
Q: Tell us your most rewarding experience while in the writing process?A
: Receiving the letter from my publisher saying that they wanted to publish my first book was anAWESOME experience!
Q: Tell us your most negative experience while in the writing process?A:
The only remotely negative experience is not having enough time to actually write (I work full-time.)
Q: Tell us your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey?
A:
The most rewarding experience has always been speaking to children about writing and seeing aspark in the eyes of those children that “get it” and have their own creative spark!
Q: Tell us your most negative experience in your publishing journey?A:
Fortunately, I have not had any negative experiences.
Q: What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors?A
: Keep writing! Once you submit a manuscript for consideration and are waiting for a response...startwriting your next book!
Q: Who is your favorite author? My favorite authors are
Harper Lee, Margaret Mitchell andElizabeth George
Please tell us the titles of your current book (s):Ashley Enright and the Darnell DiamondsAshley Enright and the Mystery at Miller’s PondAshley Enright Investigations
**********************
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