Interview with suspense author Christine Clemetson

Today is the fourth interview in a series with the authors of

Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime

An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

About the anthology:

The clock is ticking...

Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze? Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?

Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues, and stay out of danger. Time is wasting...

“Each story is fast paced, grabbing the reader from the beginning.”

- Readers' Favorite, 5 stars

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com

So far, we’ve had C.D. Gallant-King (on April 19), Gwen Gardner (on April 26), Jemi Fraser (on May 2), and now Christine Clemetson and we’re talking about her suspense crime short story called “Center Lane.”

Bio:

Christine writes psychological thrillers and suspense. She earned her degree in Literature/Language and went on to pen stories that send you running for the covers. Her work has been published in several anthologies, most recently 30 Shades of Dead – A collection of mysteries from Sisters in Crime and Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime from IWSG. When she’s not writing, you can find Christine at the park with her family, grabbing lunch at her favorite diner, or pampering her basset hound Molly. And always with a coffee in her hand!

Welcome, Christine. What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?

With short stories, I love to explore different themes. For Center Lane, my story in Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime anthology, I loved the challenge of creating a story around time, and figuring out how to achieve that level of tension in a short amount of words.

Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?

Many of my short stories are about uncovering something –whether the truth or a secret, or maybe even something from the past. All of my stories become my favorites for a unique reason. For Center Lane, it became my favorite when a character made a gutsy choice that changed the course of the story, not to mention his life.

What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?

Thriller or suspense are my favorites. I love to figure out clues or red herrings that pull the reader in the opposite direction of the truth, and bring them on a journey filled with twists and turns. Nothing like writing a fast-paced chase scene or playing the game of cat and mouse with the characters.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m writing a novel where the main character is holding a secret that could destroy the world as she knows it, and possibly even her family. But she has no choice. Or does she? Stay tuned!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. In grade school, I would take out a stack of books from the library, devour them, and know I wanted to write stories like that. I wanted to bring readers on different adventures, and have them feel the hope and excitement as I had reading stories like Little House on the Prairie and Nancy Drew.

How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?

A good place to research what editors/agents are looking for is #mswl on Twitter (the website is http://www.manuscriptwishlist.com). Also, Writer’s Market (via Writer’s Digest) is a great resource for publishing opportunities.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I love post it notes and have them everywhere. I write story ideas, snippets of dialogue, scene outlines, character names, anything! But no matter how many I have, or where I’ve left them (including the garage), I know exactly where to find the one I need.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a writer. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. In college, I earned my degree in Literature/Literature and started a career as a technical writer along with writing fiction.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Whatever your passion is, writing, reading, skating, art, etc.….find time every day!

Thanks for joining me today, Christine!

Tick Tock links:

Facebook | Website | Goodreads

Purchase links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes