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:
