Monday, August 20, 2012

Getting to know Sunny Frazier


Sunny Frazier is a woman of many talents. She’s the Acquisitions Editor for Oak Tree Press and the founder of the Posse, an online writing/marketing group. She’s also the author of two mystery novels, Fools Rush In and Where Angels Fear.


Patricia:  Where did you grow up? Did your childhood contribute to your desire to be a writer? 
                                                                           
Sunny:  I grew up all over the world. My father was in the Navy. One of the most exotic places we were stationed was Midway Island. As a Navy child, when you have to move around, books are too heavy to pack, so I grew up without books in the house. However, I lived in the libraries. My education was constantly interrupted (three fourth grades!), so no, I'd say my childhood was a detriment for my growth as a writer. 

Patricia:  Where do you live now? Do you use that locale for settings in your novels?     

Sunny:  I live in the San Joaquin Valley and Fresno County is where my books and short stories are set. It's an overlooked part of California, so I get carte blanch.  

Patricia:  What inspired you to write your most recent novel?   
                                 
Sunny:  While I was working with the Fresno Co. Sheriff's Dept., I got a call from a snitch. He'd stumbled into a sex club—we all thought it was a fruit and vegetable stand. Which it was at one time (we're a bit slow on the uptake in this area). I had to report it to Vice, but I loved the idea for a novel. Much of what is in the book is true. My captain wouldn't let me “investigate” the club for my book and detectives watched the place to make sure I didn't try to go in. We eventually busted it for building codes.   

Patricia:  Did you plan to write a series before or after you wrote the first book?  
           
Sunny:  I always planned the Christy Bristol Astrology Mysteries as a series. 


Patricia:  Name three of your favorite authors in the mystery genre.   
                            
Sunny:  J.A. Jance, Robert Crais, Michael Connelly.

Patricia:  What are your favorite things to do when you’re not reading or writing?

Sunny:  Swimming in the pool and playing with my five cats. Or, napping alongside them.

Patricia:  Do you like to travel? If so, what are some of your favorite places to go?   
      
Sunny:  I used to like traveling before all this airport security happened. But memories of my favorite places are Puerto Rico, Cozumel, Antigua, Grenada, Victoria, BC, Kauai, Haiti, Bogotá, Ireland, Newport RI and Mendocino. 

Patricia:  How would you describe yourself personality wise?      
                                 
Sunny:  As I get older, I have fewer filters. I'm also very outspoken when I feel writers are getting bad information. I'm passionate about this industry. I'm considered high energy, but I feel like I'm laid back. I like my sense of humor—it amuses me. I'm easily amused.

Patricia:  What’s your favorite color? Why?    
                                                                 
Sunny:  Purple. It excites my eyes. Speaking of eyes, it's the only shade of eye shadow I wear. I also have an incredible shade of violet lipstick, running out and they don't make it anymore. Amethyst is my favorite stone (but not my birthstone). I plan to put lilac highlights in my hair later this year. 

Patricia:  How would you finish this sentence? If I won a million dollars, I would . . . 

Sunny:  get the house repaired. Hire a gardener. Contribute to cat shelters. Help out friends. Get the pool resurfaced. Feed my cats Fancy Feast. That's about it. I like my life.  

Sunny, thanks for being with us today. It’s been fun! By the way, I enjoyed reading both of your novels.
If you would like to read more about Sunny’s books and/or to order copies, go to:

27 comments:

  1. Great interview as always Patricia, and let me add to your praise of Sunny's novels. They're filled with tension and they're a lot of fun!

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    1. John,
      I understand that she's working on a third novel for the series. Maybe she'll mention that when she visits today.

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  2. Patricia, I'm always glad to know more about Sunny Frazier. Thank goodness for her outspoken and open ways. I've learned a lot from Sunny and share the love of life as it is- but always ready for new and wonderful things. Fine interview.

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    1. Thanks, Theresa! I really enjoy doing my "Getting to know you" interviews. I'm looking forward to the day when your novel is published and I can interview you.

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  3. Great interview, ladies! Sunny, you do crack me up. LOL And they had to watch you so you wouldn't investigate the sex club? Too funny. You have taught us a lot, and I appreciate you very much.

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    1. You know I'm a former journalist, so my intentions were totally professional. When we busted the club and it moved to the next county, one of my narcs said, "Hey Sunny, let's go over and check it out." No way, Jose!

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  4. Always great "visiting" with Sunny. She is truly passionate about writing. Thank you Patricia for this interesting interview, and Sunny, for being who you are!

    Madeline

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  5. Okay, put me in a corner, why doncha, Pat!

    I'm working on A SNITCH IN TIME, have been working on it FOREVER! Did not write it linear, will never do that again. I wrote all the big scenes first--big mistake!

    It's about the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas this time. Christy if forced to stay up there to kowtow to the homicide detectives, gets irritated by how slow the investigation is going and takes matters into her own hands (sound like anybody you know?). What fascinated me was the possibility of using astrology as a profiling tool. Intimidating, but I pulled it off.

    Oh, and the Turkey Testicle Festival? No, people I cannot make this stuff up!

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    1. Not putting you in a corner, Sunny. Just interested in #3 in your series. Sounds good!

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    2. Sounds like a lot of fun. I've spent a lot of time in those foothills, by the way and they're a weird and wonderful place.

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    3. They refer to us in the Valley as "Flatlanders." Weird--oh yeah. When my narc team went up there, the strangest stories came out of it. So, guess what I put in the book?

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  6. Hi Sunny. Your series is terrific and it seems like I've been waiting FOREVER for A SNITCH IN TIME. I love the concept of using astrology for profiling. Get it done so I can drive down there and celebrate with you!

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    1. No, I want to come and see you and book launch it with all my Sac Sisters. You ladies are incredibly supportive!

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  7. Always a pleasure, Sunny. And I'm looking forward to another Christy (aka Sunny) mystery.

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  8. Sunny, how do you find the time to do all that you do. Looking forward to reading A Snitch in Time.

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  9. Love that Purple! Fun interview, Pat and Sunny - thank you.
    Oh - and I want more short stories from you, Sunny!

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    1. Let me know which ones you have. I think I sent you Valley Fever, which has my prize winners. Did I send 7X7? Flash fiction at my best.

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  10. We all love your outspoken ways and sense of humor, Sunny. Great interview. Wonder how many readers will be attracted by that turkey festival.

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    1. I was surprised to find these festivals all over the United States. But you know, it gave me some great ideas for promotion. I'll shop after Thanksgiving, but not on Black Friday.

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  11. Wow ... what a colorful blog post! I'll never look at fruit stands or turkeys the same after reading this one. Thanks, Patricia, for posting such a facinating interview.

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    1. Thanks, Susan! I hope you'll stop back. I have several more "Getting to know you" posts scheduled. I love doing them!

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  12. Excellent interview! I am impressed by your high energy level and all you have accomplished.

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  13. What a nice surprise to see you here, Sunny! And thanks, Patricia, for hosting our Posse leader and friend. I learn more about you, Sunny, every time you appear online. Great stuff!

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  14. Everyone,
    Thanks for your comments. I hope you'll stop back on Monday. My "Getting to know you" guest will be mystery author, Sally Carpenter.

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