Sunday, May 3, 2015

Mystery Author of the Month: M.M. Gornell



Madeline (M.M.) Gornell has six published mystery novels—including PSWA awarding winners Uncle Si’s Secret and Lies of Convenience (also a Hollywood Book Festival honorable Mention), Death of a Perfect Man, and Reticence of Ravens (a finalist for the Eric Hoffer 2011 fiction Prize, the da Vinci Eye for cover art, and the Montaigne Medal for most thought provoking book). Counsel of Ravens (a London Book Festival Honorary Mention and LA Book Festival Runner-Up) is her first sequel—a continuation of Hubert Champion’s Mojave saga. In her latest, Rhodes The Mojave-Stone, she invites you to visit Shiné.
Madeline is a lifetime lover of mysteries, and besides reading and writing, she is also a potter with a fondness for stoneware and reduction firing. She lives with her husband and assorted canines in the Mojave High Desert near the internationally revered Route 66—and continues to be inspired by her surroundings.

Patricia: 
When did you know that you wanted to be a writer? 
Madeline: 
I can’t remember, exactly. I do remember as a child I had thoughts in the line of “Wish I were a writer.” I’m not sure I consciously thought I actually could be one myself at that period in my life. But after a certain age and having a couple short stories published, I said if I don’t do it now, will never happen. Even then, while working for a company, I couldn’t seem to get my act together. After retirement and six books later, I’m still at it. I do wish I’d actually started writing books earlier, but at the same time, I’m not sure I would have been able to write what I like to read—and consequently try to write. There’s something to be said for a certain amount of “life having been lived,” behind you. At least with me.
Patricia: 
What inspired you to write your most recent novel? 
Madeline: 
Ah, inspiration. Most often, that’s been a place that has “called out” to me. And Rhodes The Mojave-Stone was not an exception. Something about the hills I see from my kitchen window, the “feel” of the California Route 66 towns of Kelso, Amboy, and Ludlow (a family owned town I’ve been told), CA. All of those places jostled around in my mind and combined with memories of grandiose Chicago and environs buildings I’d seen in my youth.
Patricia: 

Do you have a bucket list, things you still want to do and/or places you want to visit? If, for some reason, you couldn’t be a writer, what profession would you choose? And, If you could live anywhere in the world and money was no object, where would you live?  
Madeline: 
Thought I’d answer your three other questions together—in that I think the answers emphasize what a dull life I now live. (on purpose) Born and raised in Chicago, having also lived in Montana, Texas, Washington State, and several California locations, I’m really fond of this Mojave desert, my dogs, and garden—oh yeah, and hubby(smile)—and living what I call a very rural lifestyle. If I ever got on an airplane again (doubtful) could spend a week or two in England again (several previous short trips that I loved!). Now that I’ve “started it,” can’t imagine being anything but a writer.

 

There are many events and stories hidden underneath shifting desert sands, and quite possibly many of these tales are doomed to ride ad infinitum on relentless desert winds—ghosts trapped on a plane-of-existence they can never escape. The town of Shiné (Shy-knee) is a fictional concatenation of several of these magical places, fanciful thoughts, and hidden dramas. A place where provocative and unanswered questions actually escape the entrapment of Mojave winds and take center stage.

Hopefully, the small fact Shiné does not exist will not dissuade you from visiting…
Barnes & Noble Online http://tinyurl.com/nzl6xfr

Thanks for visiting Patricia’s blog and leaving a comment. In appreciation, Buster, my lovable big black lab and something else long haired(?), will select 2 names to receive a copy of my latest. Paper or eBook, your choice! Buster is waiting…
Madeline


Madeline says, "Buster really is smart, so I'm beginning to think he's picking more names than he's supposed to on purpose--not accidentally? I told him two, but he picked three. He either uses glue or some magical doggie stick-em stuff. (smile) Anyway, the winners are:
Jacqueline Seewald, Jake Blinco, and Paul Alan Fahey."

22 comments:

  1. Hi, Patricia and Madeline,

    I enjoyed reading the interview. Always great to learn more about fellow mystery writers! Best wishes on your new novel.

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    1. Thanks, Jackqueline for stopping by! And yes, I like reading blogs where you get to know another author better--fun! And thanks for the good wishes. I do like my new set of characters--hope others do too.

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  2. Hi, you two, great interview. Everytime we drive toward Vegas we wave to Madeline at the turnoff to her tiny location. Haven't been there--but I certainly know the areas she writes about, not only from seeing them, but from her wonderful books.

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    1. Marilyn, thanks for stopping by! I think for most, getting through the Mojave as fast as possible is the goal. I felt that way on my first trip through here. Now that I live here, things look different. Funny that. Looking forward to seeing you at PSWA in July!

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  3. Having read Madeline's latest book "Rhodes the Mojave-Stone", I can tell you it is captivating. I couldn't put it down, but that's the way all of Madeline's books strike me. I absolutely love her style of writing. Great interview!

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    1. Jackie, thanks for stopping by. I agree with you 100%! I love Madeline's books!

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    2. Jackie, here's what I just said to you on Facebook, "Thanks for stopping by, Jackie. And your comment has me still blushing! Your kind words have given my day a great start!" And it's so true, I'm smiling away. Hope you and your wonderful Raven have a great day. Visualizing the Raven on your cover for Footprints in the Frost.

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    3. Mad - My Raven is busy out on the front rock trying to keep the other birds away from the peanuts my husband puts out. Yes, that's him sitting in the rain on the cover of my book coming in June.

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  4. Hi, Madeline, didn't know you were from Chicago. Lived there in the 1970s when I returned from Peace Corps. Had the time of my life. Enjoyed the interview. I liked your answer about writing earlier in life. I'm not so sure I could have written fiction at an earlier age. Maybe. All the best, Paul

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    1. Oh Paul--Chicago and Barstow! Born and raised (through college) there--light-years ago! (smile) Yeah, on the age thing. There's some saying about by the time you figure a couple things out... Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment, much appreciated!

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  5. Wonderful interview, Pat and Madeline! I love books that take me away, and yours do that, Madeline. You never disappoint. I live in the desert and I can relate to your feelings about it.
    Marja McGraw

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    1. Yes! We're both desert dwellers. Never entered my mind I'd live in the desert--still not sure how it happened--but so glad it did! Thank you, Marja, for stopping by!

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  6. Great interview. Your books are always a reading treat. Your book sounds like another hit. Big fan as our my friends. Thank you both for your time in making readers happy.

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    1. Jake, your words "making readers happy," have warmed my heart immensely. No better words for an author to hear! Thank you!

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  7. I really enjoyed reading your interview! Can't wait to read your newest book!

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    1. Thanks, Joanna for stopping by and leaving a comment, very proud to have you as a niece. Saw the re-posting of your graduation picture on FB--what a day that was for you, huh?

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  8. Hi Madeline. I'm from Chicago, too. But the farthest I've ever moved is to the suburbs. I'd also love to go back to England sometime, if anyone can ever get me on a plane again. I was a lot younger then. Love the photo of Buster. He looks a lot like my dog, Bailey. Great interview, BTW.

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    1. Thank for stopping by and leaving such a lovely comment, Evelyn. What I miss most about Chicago, is the food! Soooo agree on the plane thing, and I did a little flying for business, but airports (and airplanes) were different then. Something like nine or ten hours from west coast I think, then the hours in the airport--ugh. But London is probably worth it--but my head just won't let me anymore. Buster is a senior gentleman now, but he's doing okay. All the best to Bailey!

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  9. I have enjoyed your books for several years now. What I find so appealing are the characters and places you describe. By the time I finish any of your books, I feel like I have actually been there and met these people. That is a real gift. Glad you want to keep writing so I can keep reading.

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    1. Okay, Gayle, it's a deal. I'll keep writing and you'll keep reading! What a nice thought...thank you.

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  10. Patricia, I had a grand time! And thank you to everyone who stopped by, and Buster sends a "congrats" to the winners! I'll send an email...

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    1. Madeline, thank you for being my guest. You're welcome here anytime!

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