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:
