Today is the tenth 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), Christine Clemetson (on May 11), Rebecca M. Douglass (on May 15), Yolanda Renee (on May 23), J.R. Ferguson (on May 31), C. Lee McKenzie (on June 7), Tara Tyler (on June 13), and now Mary Aalgaard is here to chat about her crime thriller short story called “One More Minute.”
Bio:
Mary Aalgaard is a playwright and
piano/theater teacher, living in the heart of Minnesota. She writes theater
reviews and supports the arts through her blog Play off the Page. She teaches
youth theater workshops in the Brainerd lakes area, writes articles for
regional magazines, and works with both seniors and youth in multi-generational
programs to enhance quality of life and build community. Her website is
PlayoffthePage.com. You can follow her on her Play off the Page Facebook page, on
Twitter, and email her at
Mary@playoffthepage.com.
Welcome, Mary. What do you enjoy most
about writing short stories?
A short story
is like a scene in the life of the characters. It’s a brief, but significant,
moment in time.
The short story I wrote for the Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime anthology
is about a woman who is making a major change in her life. She faces great
danger in doing so and has a limited amount of time to pack up her life and
leave.
What genre are you inspired to write in
the most? Why?
I usually
write plays and realistic fiction. This is my first story in the area of
mystery/crime/thriller, although, it’s my favorite genre to read.
What exciting story are you working on
next?
I’m writing a
play inspired by my motorcycle adventures, as a passenger. I don’t ride my own,
but my character might!
When did you first consider yourself a
writer?
Well, I’ve
always been a writer. I kept journals starting at around age 13. But, I first
thought of myself as an author when I had my first article published in a local
magazine called Her Voice.
How do you research markets for your
work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
My best
friend is a publicist, Krista Rolfzen Soukup, owner of Blue Cottage Agency
(https://www.bluecottageagency.com/). She is a tremendous gift.
What would you say is your interesting
writing quirk?
I’m very messy.
I have notes scattered everywhere.
As a child, what did you want to be when
you grew up?
A performer
and a teacher. I’m a pianist and I also enjoy all aspects of the theater.
Anything additional you want to share
with the readers?
All dreams
take time and perseverance. Dare to rise to the challenge.
Thanks for being here today, Mary!
Tick Tock links:
6 comments:
Lisa, thanks so much for featuring me and the other authors from the Tick Tock Anthology. It is an honor and a thrill to be part of this collection of short stories.
I'm a messy writer, too. Post-it notes tucked everywhere, probably enough to write a whole book! One More Minute is an awesome story, Mary. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks for hosting, Lisa!
I'm kind of messy, too, though I wish I weren't--I really try to keep my notes in a single notebook, but then I get a thought while I'm out and about or something and scribble it on whatever is handy. Next thing you know, I have a pile of paper. It's my fate :D
My computer files are scary organized, and I only keeping writing stuff in note books because I am the worst at tracking paper. It multiplies and disappears and morphs!
I have to be organized, but it doesn't mean things don't get messy. Only problem with that for me is that I have to take the time to change that.
Great interview, you are one talented lady!
I'm already seeing the motorcycle adventure on a stage! And messy is good. I keep telling myself that because I feel better when I do. Loved reading your interview.
Post a Comment