Sunday, June 3, 2012

Getting to know Marilyn Levinson


I’m pleased to have Marilyn Levinson, author of murder mysteries and young adult novels, as my guest this week.
Marilyn, where did you grow up? Did your childhood contribute to your desire to be a writer? 
I spent my first 14 and ½ years living in Brooklyn. After that we moved to Long Island. I think I would have been a writer, regardless of where I lived because I was an avid reader as soon as I learned to read. In my early elementary grade years I often read two Nancy Drew or Cherry Ames books in one day.
Where do you live now? Do you use that locale for settings in your novels?
I still live on Long Island, moving further east with each move. My mysteries are all set on Long Island. I create a town or village very close to a real one. 
What inspired you to write your most recent novel?
I’m writing a sequel to one of my kids’ books, Rufus And Magic Run Amok.  This book takes place on the Cote d’Azur, which I’ve visited twice and loved.
Did you plan your series before or after you wrote the first book in the series?
I’ve begun three series. All three of my sleuths are strong, likable, three-dimensional characters. They inspire me to create more mysteries for them to solve. Gabbie Meyerson, my sleuth in Giving Up The Ghost, is a newly-divorced English teacher, who moves to a Long Island village to start a new life and discovers she’s sharing her rented cottage with a ghost. They will have more adventures in a future novel. 
 Name three of your favorite authors in the mystery genre. 
Hmm, that’s difficult because I like so many mystery writers. I love Katherine Hall Page’s series, Elizabeth George,  PD James, Lee Child, Elizabeth Peters, John Hart, Josephine Tey. I could go on and on.
What are your favorite things to do when you’re not reading or writing?
I knit,  often creating my own patterns, I watch TV, and I take drives with my husband in the country.
Do you like to travel? If so, what are some of your favorite places to go?
I love to travel, especially to Spanish-speaking countries because I was a Spanish teacher and speak the language fluently. I especially loved Mexico, Peru, Greece, Turkey, and the Cote d’Azur, where the children’s book I’m writing takes place.
How would you describe yourself personality wise?
A true Gemini, I can be very social and chatty and other times prefer my own company to write and think about things.
What’s your favorite color? Why?
Hmm. These days I’d say a light purple because it’s relaxing.
What’s your answer to this question – If I won a million dollars, I would . . . 
I suppose book a cruise for my husband and me to travel around the world.
It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, Marilyn. Thanks for being with us today.
Giving Up The Ghost, is available in Kindle format at:

24 comments:

  1. What a great interview, Patricia and Marilyn. I, too, am from Brooklyn and devoured Nancy Drew and Cherry Ames books. No wonder I became a nurse first and now a writer. Lots in common, such as working in yarns and threads. Your books sound very interesting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Theresa. Marilyn had a family emergency so she won't be able to respond to your comment until this evening.

      Delete
    2. Hi Theresa,
      Nice to hear from you.Yes, we do have lots in common.

      Delete
  2. Hi, Marilyn. I hope the emergency Pat mentioned was a minor one and is now history.

    I love it when people say they do what they love, and you obviously do. Best wishes for continued success in your writing and traveling future.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Earl,
      Thanks for your good wishes. I do love to write and to travel. Now all I want is for my husband to get better.

      Delete
  3. Great interview, as Earl said. I hope everything worked out well with the emergency. I enjoy many different things too. Several of the authors you mentioned are on my shelves as well. Keep having fun and writing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kat. Reading good mysteries is up there with one of the delights in life.

      Delete
  4. Hi, Marilyn,

    My husband hails from Brooklyn too as does his family. Nice people come from Brooklyn and obviously good writers as well.

    Best,

    Jacqueline Seewald
    DEATH LEGACY
    THE TRUTH SLEUTH

    ReplyDelete
  5. The book sounds great! Great interview. I like all the traveling!!

    All the Best,
    Rionna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been told that GIVING UP THE GHOST is a fun read. And I look forward to taking many more trips.

      Delete
  6. Giving Up the Ghost is on my TBR pile, and I can't wait to get to it.

    I hope things turn around for your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Marja

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marja,
      Your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated. He is getting better, but very slowly.

      Delete
  7. HI, Marilyn, from another Long Islander. I live way out east, in East Hampton. It's lovely to meet you and to hear about your work. Thank you, Patricia, for the introduction to Marilyn!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure Marilyn will be back with us soon. She has a lot going on right now.

      Delete
    2. Hi Eileen,
      So nice to hear from you. I was at a Book Fair in Westhampton yesterday. The Hamptons are beautiful, and East Hampton is a gem.

      Delete
  8. Love all your books, Marilyn, and am looking forward to the sequel to Giving Up the Ghost.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Pat. I would love to write a sequel to GHOST. Of course I'd bring Cam back, even though he's supposed to go to his rest. I've already chosen my victim.

      Delete
  9. Traveling around the world sounds really nice. I think I'd do that too.

    I'm a new follower. I hope you'll stop by my blog and consider following me. http://kellyhashway.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kelly,
      Thanks for following me. I went to your blog and I was impressed. Very nice!

      Delete
    2. Hi Kelly,
      I'll check out your blog, too.

      Delete
  10. Fun interview, ladies. A world cruise, country drives, and knitting your own patterns sounds OH SO creative and satisfying!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks, Anne. it's my nature to keep busy. Lately, when I settle down to read at night, I fall asleep. I'll have to do something about that.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Another great interview with a book I/we have to read now. Giving up the Ghost appeals to the paranormal side of our writing. Thanks, Patrica, for hosting Marilyn on your blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Catherine,
      "Giving up the Ghost" does sound like a good read and definitely right up your alley. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete