Author
of Historical Mysteries and Winner of the 2011 First Crime Novel Competition
from Mystery Writers of America/Minotaur
By
Dora
Machado
It
is my pleasure to introduce you to Eleanor Kuhns, the author of a delightful
series of painstakingly researched historical mysteries set during the American
post-revolutionary period.
Eleanor got her big publishing break when she won
the 2011 First Crime Novel Competition from Mystery Writers of America/
Minotaur. Her winning entry, A Simple Murder, was published by Minotaur and was quickly
followed by Death of A Dyer and the
upcoming Cradle to Grave.
Welcome
to MB4, Eleanor. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Why do you write, when did you start writing
and how did you become a published author?
I am a lifelong librarian from a family of
librarians. I cannot remember a time
when I did not want to be a writer. I wrote my first story at the age of 7. It
was science fiction and every paragraph began with 'suddenly' or, for variety,
'all of a sudden'. Although I published a few short stories, I did not have
much success writing science fiction and decided to change to the genre I read
for relaxation - mystery. First manuscript out of the box won me the 2011 First
Crime Novel competition from Mystery Writers of America/ Minotaur.
You
are an author of historical mysteries. Why did you choose to write mysteries
and how do you use history to enhance your novels?
Although technology has certainly changed in the
last 200 years, especially for solving crimes, I don't think people have. The
urges that motivate someone to kill were the same then as now. I like to use
the history to shine a light on a period few know much about, as well as show
some of the drawbacks of that time. Trying to catch a murderer with a horse and
wagon instead of a fast car is just a much different process.
The
protagonist of your series is William Rees, a traveling weaver recovering from
his stint as a revolutionary war soldier and the death of his wife. What is it
about Rees that makes him such a compelling hero and why did you pick this
specific period in history as your setting?
It seems that our US history is taught as a
succession of wars with a big gap between the Revolutionary War and the Civil
War. But everything didn't just stop.
The people active in out War for Independence continued living. So I
chose a former soldier.
I also wanted a traveler so he wouldn't be
investigating a succession of murders in one small town and I could bring in
interesting history from all around the country. Third, in a time when the
responsibilities for the sexes were relatively separate, weaving was one of the
few professions practiced by both genders.
A traveling weaver could interact with women as well as men.
I also
based Rees on my father: a flawed man but honest and passionate about justice.
And a craftsperson. The modern world really doesn't respect people who work
with their hands anymore. So there is a lot I am trying to do with Rees.
How
is writing a mystery series different from writing a single mystery novel?
In the first story, I had to include a backstory.
Well, that backstory has just increased as Rees has gone on with his life. Now
I have a lot to keep track of. It also grows more difficult to keep the
character fresh. I guess my subtitle should be "The growth and evolution
of Will Rees."
You
are now in your third book of the series, Cradle
to Grave, coming June 17, 2014. How has your writing evolved? How have your
characters evolved?
The third Will Rees, Cradle to Grave, will be published June 17, 2014. With each book, I
grow more comfortable with my style and characters. And, as I receive edits, I
learn what the publisher is looking for.
As far as the characters go, I now feel as though I
know them and understand the stresses of their lives. Much of the current
stories spring from the personalities of the characters now.
Who
is your audience? What kind of people do you envision reading your books?
Mystery readers, of course. But I wanted to expand
my audience so I tried to straddle the cozy and hard boiled genres. Some of my
readers are historical fiction fans who don't read mysteries but chose my books
because of the historical component. I will say that so far my experience has
been that my readers are mostly women.
Many
MB4 followers are writers themselves. Can you share with us your view on the
publishing experience? What works well for you? What are the challenges? How do
you foresee the future development of the publishing industry and the
historical mystery genre?
Working with the publishing world is frustrating. I
find the 'Hurry up (and get these edits in) and Wait (for our response and your
check) method maddening. But I have
learned to embrace the constructive criticisms.
I don't see the end of publishing but things are
changing. However, Libraries will continue to be a huge market for the
traditional publishers. They just don't have access to the independent and
self-published titles. Plus, at least 90% of library patrons still prefer paper
books so while e-book is a popular format, it is becoming just one of many.
Mysteries I think will continue to be a hugely
popular genre and so far the historical mystery is also popular. I don't see
either of those changing soon.
Is
this the end of the series or will you continue to write about William Rees?
What's next for you as an author?
I am currently polishing my fourth Will Rees
(working title: Death in Salem, and have begun work on the fifth. I hope to run
the series into the early 1800s. But I also would like to work on a few other
stand alone mysteries. The main challenge is always time!
Thank
you so much for talking to us, Eleanor. We wish you much success with all of
your projects!
****
About
Eleanor Kuhns
Eleanor Kuhns currently works as Assistant Director
in the Goshen Public Library and Historical Society. Readers can email her at
eleanor.kuhns@gmail.com, follow her on Facebook and Twitter under the name
Eleanor Kuhns, and check out her website: www.eleanor-kuhns.com
****
About Dora Machado
Dora Machado is
the award-winning author of the epic fantasy Stonewiser series and her newest
novel, The Curse Giver, available
from Twilight Times Books. She grew up in the Dominican Republic, where she
developed a fascination for writing and a taste for Merengue. After a lifetime
of straddling such compelling but different worlds, fantasy is a natural fit to
her stories. She lives in Florida with her indulgent husband and three very
opinionated cats.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoraMachado101
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/DoraMachado
Dora and Eleanor, this is a fascinating exchange. I loved hearing about Eleanor's stories and motivations - superb. Eleanor, I am a real antique buff (my house is full of them), so I really appreciate your cover art - my mom had those shaker baskets and that sled, and I have ladderback chairs such as the one hanging in your first cover - gorgeous. Thanks so much for joining us today. - Aaron
ReplyDelete