Who is ready for spooky season?
Nothing says 'October' more than a cozy mystery to snuggle up with during a stormy autumn night. So who better to feature in this month of tricks & treats than the lovely mystery author, Robin Castle.
Robin Castle has survived landslides, hurricanes, tornadoes, and a seriously close call with an alligator. Castle resides in Ireland.
Her novels Related By Murder, Seven Years Missing, and the upcoming book in the series are contemporary, female-led mysteries featuring an amateur sleuth who thinks she’s a pro, a book club, and an author.
Get to Know the Author
1. When did your writing journey begin? What was the inspiring moment?
I wrote my first book (a murder mystery!) at age nine. The murder weapon was cocaine. I had an interesting childhood! I’ve been reading voraciously and writing ever since. Nancy Drew was a huge influence. What kid didn’t want to sneak out windows and chase criminals?
2. What does your writing process look like? Pantser, planner, or plantser?
Once an avowed pantser, I forced myself to become a plantser to save time on editing. It worked so well, I am now outlining. Will it last? I don’t know. I suspect I might float back and forth between plantsing and plotting for different projects, but for now, I’m having fun outlining the third book in my contemporary, female-led, quirky mystery series. It’s not a procedural, never fear.
3. What was your biggest challenge pursuing your author dream?
My biggest challenge was probably myself. Doubt. Distraction. Embarrassment. I struggled to let others read my writing. After I published my first book (Don’t Drink The Bathroom Water, a guide to living in Ireland), I realized I’d really overblown the potential for criticism and pushback. It was freeing.
4. What are your author hopes for the future? Where do you see your writing career going in the next 5 years?
My authorial hopes and dreams? I want to change the world. I want to spread joy and kindness and humanity through my books. Murder is never without a consequence in my books. Bad people get their due. The main point of my books is to show quirky, realistic characters, like you or your neighbors, being brave, displaying compassion and forgiveness, all the while being absurd or having a laugh. Violence occurs off page. There is inclusion and inclusivity and joy. From mystery novels. Okay, sounds weird. But it’s fun.
In five years, I would like to have 5 published mysteries and a published collection of speculative fiction short stories (featuring angels, Tupac, Selena, and a demon or two).
5. If your book was a playlist, what artists/songs would be on it?
If my books Related By Murder and Seven Years Missing were a playlist, Benjamin Clementine would feature heavily, especially Adios and Nemesis. What else? Marc Anthony’s Ahora Quien and Amar Sin Mentiras, Samara Joy’s Stardust, and H.E.R’s rendition of Benny and The Jets.
All the Things Robin Castle
Thanks so much to Robin for giving us the scoop inside her author life. You can find links to all things Robin below. Until next time, stay classy 😎.
Writing murder mysteries by day, Elise Edwards exists in a cocoon of routine designed to protect her from the outside world. When her brother Chester is murdered, her dismal life is shattered and she’s forced to confront her past, her brother, and herself…
Other Books By Robin:
Don’t Drink The Bathroom Water
Check out where to hang with Robin:
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