Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Interview with mystery writer Mary Aalgaard


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.

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

Purchase links:

6 comments:

Mary Aalgaard said...

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.

Gwen Gardner said...

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!

Rebecca M. Douglass said...

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

Jemi Fraser said...

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!

Yolanda Renée said...

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!

cleemckenzie said...

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.