KMOT: When you are writing what sustains you? Coffee, Tea other?
GB: Can I have both, Karen? ☺ Coffee in the morning, and then sometimes I switch to iced or hot tea in the afternoon. It doesn’t have to have caffeine; it’s the flavor I go for. I also drink a ton of water to stay hydrated.
KMOT: What gave you the idea for your series?
GB:The basic idea grew out of my frustrations with blogging. I knew from the comments I saw all over the Internet that most bloggers had those same hardships. The idea of a blogger being a cozy mystery protagonist popped into my head. It’s a great job to have if you want to be an amateur sleuth, which I always had.
KMOT: What gave you the idea for your series?
GB: The basic idea grew out of my frustrations with blogging. I knew from the comments I saw all over the Internet that most bloggers had those same hardships. The idea of a blogger being a cozy mystery protagonist popped into my head. It’s a great job to have if you want to be an amateur sleuth, which I always had. ☺
Cyber-stalking was a natural progression—there are weekly news stories about big or small businesses getting hacked. I put my own spin on the idea for the plot, but I thought cyber-security would be a good hook. Everyone, not just online entrepreneurs, worries about their online security, or they should.
KMOT: How long was the writing process?
GB: That’s hard to answer because I started writing Blogging is Murder as a hobby. Actually, I started it as a NaNoWriMo project in 2014. After NaNo was over, it fell by the wayside, even though I loved writing it, because there was “real work” to be done. Two years later I decided to publish it. Once I made that commitment, it took around five months to get it ready for publication. I learned a lot about the process that first time and plan on releasing four books per year from here on out.
KMOT: Who is your biggest supporter when you write?
GB: I have so many supportive people in my life that it’s hard to choose just one. I’m so blessed. My husband and daughter would definitely have to be at the top. Since I live with them, my writing impacts them the most. My husband is great about supporting me, even though financially it’s been a challenge. My daughter is also a writer, so she’s a great help. I know I can always go to her for a pep talk and a brainstorming session. She never steers me wrong.
I also have several close friends who read drafts, brainstorm idea and encourage me when I question myself. Even my parents have been very supportive. You know, as a parent, you want your child to be safe and secure. Happy too, for sure, but there’s always that fear that they will take too big a risk and won’t land on their feet. So when my parents got behind me that was really exciting!
KMOT: What would you like my readers to know about you?
GB: I’m an eccentric Aquarian and proud of it. I’ve always been about reading and writing. For most of my adult life, I was an English professor. When our daughter started college, I gave into the itch to do something new, so I started a blog for college writers. That led to ghostwriting, among other things. But I’ve never been happier than when I can sit in my “writing chair” and plot murder! I love the plotting, brainstorming, writing and editing. In other words, I’m a born writer.
I’m happily married and have a brilliant daughter, who is also a reading and writing geek. We spend many happy hours discussing literary theory and the classics. I love to grow my own food and knit. If I could do anything, I’d write cozy mysteries.
Thank you for joining us for a cup of tea and a chat with cozy mystery author Gilian Baker. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com
Great interview!
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