Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Erica Miner, a multifaceted talent who has led an extraordinary life, traversing the realms of music, writing, and academia.

With a career that began as a violinist, honing her skills under the guidance of legendary figures in the music world, Erica has undoubtedly lived a life steeped in artistic excellence.

Erica graduated cum laude from Boston University. She continued her musical journey at the New England Conservatory of Music and the prestigious Tanglewood Music Center, where she performed alongside icons like Leonard Bernstein.

Her musical journey reached its zenith during her two-decade tenure as a member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, where she collaborated closely with revered conductors such as James Levine.

But it doesn't end with her illustrious music career. Following her retirement from the Metropolitan Opera, she harnessed her creative energy to embark on a new path as a writer.

Her journey as an author was nurtured through studying screenwriting in Los Angeles under the guidance of screenplay guru Linda Seger. Her writing talents have been recognized with accolades in prestigious competitions like the Santa Fe and 

Writer’s Digest contests. Her debut novel, TRAVELS WITH MY LOVERS, even secured her the Fiction Prize in the Direct from the Author Book Awards.

Erica’s contributions to the literary world extend beyond her novels. She has crafted a series of novels titled FOUREVER FRIENDS, which delves into the coming-of-age experiences of four teenage girls during the tumultuous 60s. 

Her suspense thriller, “MURDER IN THE PIT,” set in the world of the Metropolitan Opera, has garnered praise from both readers and critics alike.

Moreover, Erica is a gifted writer and an accomplished lecturer and poet. Her seminars and workshops have received acclaim throughout California and the Pacific Northwest, earning her top ratings as a special lecturer for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Her insightful articles have graced the pages of respected publications and websites, including OperaPulse.com, LAOpus.com, and the National Association of Baby Boomer Women newsletter.

In our interview, we delved into Erica Miner’s extraordinary journey from the world of music to the realms of award-winning literature and insightful lecturing.

The heart of Erica Miner's unique journey lies in her ability to seamlessly bridge the worlds of music and literature. Her background as a violinist with the Metropolitan Opera provides a compelling foundation for her mystery novels, particularly the Julia Kogan series, of which Prelude to Murder is a notable entry.

Her intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the opera world, with its high-stakes drama and tension, served as a wellspring of inspiration for her stories.

One of the distinctive features of Erica's writing is the combination of music, mystery, and the paranormal. This fusion creates a literary experience that is truly unique.

The opera world is known for its opulence, but beneath the surface, it can be a hotbed of jealousy, rivalry, and intrigue.

Erica's novels draw back the curtain on this world, revealing the personal conflicts and dark underbelly that are often hidden from the audience's view.

Erica's choice of settings is equally remarkable. Prelude to Murder is set at the Santa Fe Opera, a location with which she was less familiar, and yet she masterfully captures the essence of this place.

Her thorough research and exploration of Santa Fe's rich cultural and paranormal atmosphere shine through in the narrative.

This setting adds a unique layer of intrigue and mystique to the story, creating a rich tapestry for the unfolding mystery.

The character of Julia Kogan, a gifted violinist and crime-solver, is a central figure in Erica Miner's novels. Julia's character is a reflection of Erica's own experiences, particularly when she was starting her career with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

Julia is a character with a sense of justice and a willingness to face danger head-on to protect those she cares about. Her evolution throughout the series reflects the growth and resilience needed to navigate the challenging world of opera and solve complex mysteries.

Erica's writing is a masterful blend of operatic lore and mystery. The operas she references in her novels, such as Lulu, Salome, and Lucia, are known for their intense and often violent themes.

These operas serve as a backdrop to the mystery, enhancing the overall drama and intrigue. The use of literary and operatic references adds depth and resonance to the narrative, creating a multi-layered and immersive reading experience.

Erica's writing has drawn comparisons to the great Agatha Christie, a compliment she humbly accepts. 

This comparison underscores her skill in crafting intricate mysteries and memorable characters. Erica's goal is to aspire to Christie's brilliance and to create a literary legacy that leaves readers eagerly anticipating her next work.

As we concluded this exploration of Erica Miner's remarkable journey, it is evident that her transition from the world of music to the realm of mystery literature has been a seamless and enriching one. 

Her ability to weave the world of opera into the fabric of her novels, along with her unique character, Julia Kogan, and her gift for crafting operatic and literary references, sets her apart as a truly exceptional author.

Readers of Erica Miner's work can look forward to Julia Kogan's next adventure, which promises to be just as thrilling and immersive as her previous stories. 

With new locations, mysteries, and the same captivating blend of music and intrigue, Erica Miner's future projects in the series hold the promise of continued literary excellence. We eagerly await the next chapter in this extraordinary author's journey.

Follow Here To Read Norm's  Complete Interview With Erica

Prelude to Murder is available online at Amazon

and

Barnes and Noble

and

Third Place Books

Details about Erica's writing, lectures and other activities can be found on her WEBSITE

Follow Here To Read Norm's Complete Interview With Erica