Bee Lindy has been writing book reviews since she was a child. Her notebooks are full of reviews that she wrote before she had her first personal computer.
Before the advent of the Internet, Bee had her first personal computer, and has been saving reviews on computer files ever since.
Her first reviews appeared in her high school and college news papers many moons ago.
More recently she has written reviews as a guest reviewer on various book blogs.
Professionally, she is a fundraiser for various non-profit organizations which entails a great deal of writing. Bee lives with her husband and two dogs.
Bookpleasures.com is delighted to welcome as our guest, Margaret Fenton, Author of Little Boy Blue.
Award winning author, Margaret Fenton spent nearly ten years as a child and family therapist for her county’s child welfare department before focusing on writing.
Hence, her work tends to reflect her interest in social causes and mental health, especially where kids are concerned. She has been a planning coordinator of Murder in the Magic City since its inception in 2003.
Margaret lives in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover
with her husband, a retired software developer, and their adorable
Papillons.
She received her B.A. in English from the Newcomb College of Tulane University. You can find out more about Margaret and her books on her website: https://margaretfenton.com/
Bookpleasures.com is delighted to welcome as our guest, Margaret Fenton, Author of Little Boy Blue.
Award winning author, Margaret Fenton spent nearly ten years as a child and family therapist for her county’s child welfare department before focusing on writing.
Hence, her work tends to reflect her interest in social causes and mental health, especially where kids are concerned.
She has been a planning coordinator of Murder in the Magic City since its inception in 2003.
Margaret lives in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover
with her husband, a retired software developer, and their adorable
Papillons.
She received her B.A. in English from the Newcomb College of Tulane University. You can find out more about Margaret and her books on her website: https://margaretfenton.com/
Bee: What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
Margaret: I love two scenes in this book. In the first chapter, Claire sees her recent ex, Grant Summerville, when he is falsely accused of child abuse by his ex-employee. Their reunion is a good one. Second, the ending. And yes, you have to read it to get it. *wink*
Bee: Where do you get the names for your characters?
Margaret: Claire Conover is my main character, and her first name was my mother’s middle name. My mother, who passed away in 1989, was one of the many adults who sparked my deep love for books in my childhood.
Conover is my father’s middle name, and my grandmother’s maiden name. The name truly honors my family. Grant’s name came about because I wanted a strong, caring name. His last name is Summerville, just because I love summer.
Bee: How completely do you develop your characters before beginning to write?
Margaret: Honestly very little. Some of them show up in my head fully formed, looks and attitude included.
Bee: How does being a
child and family therapist influence your writing?
Margaret: When I was a
therapist, I worked in my county’s DHR office. I got to see the
daily struggles of the line workers as they investigated and
protected our county’s youngest citizens. I have so much respect
for those workers, still today.
Bee: What writers have you
drawn inspiration from?
Margaret: There are so, so many. My late childhood was filled with books by Agatha Christie and Dick Francis.
My parents NEVER limited anything as far as reading goes, and I’m grateful for that. Other favorites include Julia Spencer-Fleming and Laura Lippman.
Love female writers with strong female protagonists. And a little romance, of course. I also love cozies, especially Diane Kelly and the late Mary Daheim.
Bee: What was your first job?
Margaret: When I was 15, I was the weekend receptionist at an apartment complex for the elderly. They were so sweet and loved to talk.
Bee: What do you do when you are not writing?
Margaret: I am the planning coordinator for Murder in the Magic City, an annual mystery-fan conference at the Homewood Library here in Birmingham in February. In the summer, you can find me in Smith Lake with my husband and friends.
Bee: What books are you reading at present?
Margaret: Mostly Murder in the Magic City authors. I’ve recently discovered Lawrence Allan and I love his books. His first is called Big Fat F*ck Up and it’s hilarious.
Bee: What are you currently working on?
Margaret: There will be one more Claire Conover book and I’m researching that a bit. I am, in my heart of hearts, a cozy-mystery fan. So, I’m writing a cozy with my mother-in-law. Recipes will be included!!
© Margaret Fenton
Thanks once again and good luck with all your future endeavors. Bee