Sunday, October 2, 2016

Mystery Author of the Month: M.M. Gornell



Author, M.M. (Madeline) Gornell


I’m honored visiting Patricia Gligor because she’s not only one of my favorite authors, but also one of my favorite people. An interesting fact, in that Patricia and I have never met. So when she asked me if I wanted to visit electronically, of course I jumped at the chance.
My bio doesn’t go into depth about “where I’ve been or what I’ve done in life,” because I don’t think readers really want to know about my pastit’s where and what I’m doing now that counts. But in truth, it’s a silly notion on my part, because all my past is inherent in what I write. Indeed, Patricia asked me to answer three questions, which forced me to think about “where I’ve been” before my writing life.

Patricia: When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
Madeline: I don’t know when I knew for sure, maybe in my thirties or so? What I can tell you is—as a child I wanted trains, books, kiddie printing presses, books, ice skates, booksfor Christmas presents. You get the idea. I loved TV from the minute it came out, and I also remember sitting in our living room in my favorite chair reading books or a magazines with the TV on and loving it. Admittedly, as I became a teenager, one of those magazines was a publication entitled something like “True Confessions.” Considered risqué for a teenager at that time.
Writing became a main focus/love with my first word-processing-computer—an HP 150 (how can I still remember that!). It was my enabler to write longer pieces than school essays. In my forties, and when my first short story “Duck Soup” was published in Alfred Hitchcock magazine, I was “hooked.” Haven’t left my love for writing since.

Patricia: If, for some reason, you couldn’t be a writer, what profession would you choose?
Madeline: A movie producer or director—and if I were more talented, maybe even an actress. I also love pottery, but my talent/skill level keeps pottery as a hobby. Truthfully, Patricia, I can’t imagine life without reading and writing. My current work-in-process is called Rhodes – The Movie-Maker. Vicarious living through my writing possibly?

Patricia: Do you have a bucket list, things you still want to do and/or places you want to visit?
Madeline: I’m not a good traveler, or flyer. I did do some in a prior-life, but that’s over. It would be nice, though, to eat my way through France and Austria without having to get on a plane ever again (beam me there and back, Scotty!), and not gain a single pound in the process. Half flippant answer, I know, but I’m happy staying at home out here in the Mojave thinking I’m living in a much smaller world than I am.
So, I don’t really have a bucket list. But I do have a “redo” listwhere I could go back and say or do things differently than I did the first time. 

Bio:
Madeline (M.M.) Gornell’s mystery novels include—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, and was a continuation of Hubert Champion’s Mojave saga. And her latest, Rhodes The Mojave-Stone is a San Francisco Book Festival Honorary Mention winner.
She continues to be inspired by historic Route 66, and lives with her husband and assorted canines in the Mojave High Desert near the internationally revered Route 66.  
Rhodes - The Mojave-Stone Blurb:
Between Needles and Victorville, California, many Mojave Desert locations have called out—“Stop awhile, listen to what I have to say.” Special places where one can envision future dramas unfolding and evolving, while simultaneously eavesdropping on tales from long gone times. Then add into such flights-of-fancy, kaleidoscope-like memories of Chicago mansions and childhood neighborhoods; followed by the improbable thought of a homestead—indeed a whole town—rising out of the rugged and desolate ridges along a familiar stretch of Route 66.
All these images commingle to tickle the imagination. Indeed, 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…

 


Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/jkctmqb  (Amazon Author Page with all books listed)


Drawing!
As a thank you for visiting Patricia’s blog and “listening” to me, I would like to give a free book (paper or eBook any title) to 3 lucky readers who leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you! And be sure we have your email address with your comment sign in.
 
Congratulations to the winners!
Amy Reade, Sandra Novelly and Paul Alan Fahey, Madeline will be contacting you for your mailing addresses.

20 comments:

  1. Welcome, Madeline. Thank you for your kind words. I feel the same way about you and I LOVE your books!

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    1. Thank you for having me, Patricia. Love visiting, and enjoying my visit already!

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  2. Nice to learn more about your background, Madeline. Reading while watching TV--yes, I did that, too. In fact, still do on occasion. Enjoyed the read.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, John. I call myself a TV junkie, because I've loved it from childhood. And with today's DVR technology, can watch whenever I want and NO commercials. Although, as a kid, I think I liked commercials. So glad to know I have a reading while watching TV friend!

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  3. Your new novel sounds like a great book. It's always interesting to read about places you will probably never get the chance to visit, like being an armchair traveler.

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    1. Hi,Evelyn! One of the "things" Patricia's questions made me think about is how much I enjoy travel shows like Rudy Max etc. where I'm not going through the realities of travel, but enjoying the scenery. Of course not being able to eat the food is a real drawback!(smile) Another favorite show of mine is Aerial America where they fly over all the states...yeah, you nailed it--armchair traveler!

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  4. I used to do my math when I watched TV. But I do remember in the 1960's curling up and reading paperbacks of Michener's Hawaii, The Inn of the Six Happiness, and Exodus. One of my Favs is The List of Adrian Messenger by MacDonald, I think. I couldn't put that mystery down till I finished it. Thanks for the memories, Madeline. Hugs, Paul

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  5. Love when we "visit," Paul! One day, like with Patricia, we'll meet(and hug!) I for sure remember Exodus, and not being able to put it down, like you with The List of Adrian Messenger. Funny about memories, when they come, and what triggers them. Have a great conference.

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  6. Great answers, Madeline! You made me think back, too. Funny, but I recall the first program I ever saw on television. It was an interview with a wrestler, Gorgeous George. LOL Thankfully, my mother never checked to see which magazines I was reading. By the way, I'm with you. I can't get on a plane without taking a half a Valium and some Pepto.

    Love your books and I can't wait for the next one! You always make me feel like I'm right there, with the characters, seeing what happens firsthand.

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    1. I remember Gorgeous George! I also remember Ed Sullivan! This TV memory lane stuff takes me back a bit... Marja, thank you so much for your continuing kind words about my books. You know how great it feels to know you enjoy my words. Thinking about you up North--so used to thinking about you a couple hours down the road. Also envying your nice cool weather and beautiful scenery.

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  7. I also live in the Mojave Desert in Laughlin, NV and I would be honored to read your book. By coincidence I am from the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area so I am acquainted with the places in Pat's books also.

    I have absolutely loved to read since age 4 and that love translated to writing. I enjoy the characters created as they come to life on the page.

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    1. Hello Sandra, glad to electronically meet you! I'll also try connecting on FB. It's really nice to have a familiarity with the places in authors books--easy to go there with them. Hopefully you'll win a book and you can see how I see the Mojave. Glad we've connected.

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  8. There does seem to be a pattern here, Madeline: "trains, books, kiddie printing presses, books, ice skates, books—for Christmas presents." And I love the image of you reading in front of the TV. I think that's something we've all done. Good luck with your new book!

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  9. Thanks for stopping by, Paul. When I crash for the day, book or TV, or both to this day. So good to hear I'm not the only one! And thanks for the well wishes on the book--The Movie-Maker is going exceedingly slow, even for me, a very slow writer.

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  10. How fun was this? I learned some new things about you, Madeline. And I've read the book and loved it! How you are able to make the Mojave desert sound so beautiful, I don't know--but you do!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Marilyn, I know what a busy lady you are. I very much value your kind words (and your friendship) I think the Mojave "thing" might be lemaonaide out of lemons (smile)

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  11. This talented lady is one of "OURS" (Writers in Residence). I love her literary mystery books. "Rhodes" evokes the blazing sun and stark beauty of the desert while the hot, winds whisper memories and mystery in and around the people of the rock house and the hill on which it sits. The remake of "Perfect Man" will keep you guessing and then re-guessing and still you will not be able to come with the twisted solution to this hidden fog of a mystery. Try her out!! You will become a fan in no time.

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    1. Oh Jackie, I'm blushing! You don't know how it warms my heart that you enjoy my books. It's an inexplicable feeling of joy! I wasn't sure about remake of "Perfect Man", but your words have made me feel so happy about the effort! Thanks for stopping by.

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  12. Great interview! I enjoyed getting to know Madeline. And I agree that one should be able to eat one's way through France without getting on a plane or gaining a pound. The books sound wonderful--I'll be checking them out.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Amy! When I think about the great baguettes(sp) and chocolate and pastries...no calories there! Just sent you a friend request. Hungry now, wonder why? (smile)

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