Welcome, Rachel. What a lovely picture of you. Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.
It really
depends on the book I am writing. In the Herringford and Watts
series, it is a little easier to find me in my two heroines Jemima and Merinda.
Merinda has a fierce independent side, which I definitely have, and Jem has a
romantic nature, which I also have. They’re both two sides of the same coin and
two sides of my personality.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever
done?
I’ve traveled
through Austria , Germany , and Switzerland on my own. Some people
find that quirky. I once tried speed dating: where they line you up and a bell
goes when you’re finished talking to the person across from you. It was pretty
quirky. And actually pretty nerve-wracking.
When did you first discover that you were
a writer?
When I was 9
years old and my brother Jared gave me a purple Precious Moments journal, which
I filled up. I always told stories in my head. I had a huge imagination. Now, I
write them down. I never stopped writing.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books
you enjoy reading.
I read
everything. I studied Victorian Literature in university, so I love Dickens and
the Brontes and the classics. I read a ton of mysteries. I read a bit of
everything. I also really like any novels set during the Napoleonic Wars and
the Age of Sail. Anything on a boat! Patrick O’Brian’s books are favourites of
mine.
How do you keep your sanity in our run,
run, run world?
I don’t!
Kidding. I have a career and I am not going to lie, this first publishing
contract of mine has had some tight deadlines. Tighter than any I had when my
agent and I were preparing proposals for submission to publishers. I
prioritize. I work on the subway on the way to work in the morning. I work over
lunch break. I work evenings and weekends. I still make time for my family and
friends but it takes a concerted effort. I am fortunate in that I don’t have a
family relying on me. I am single and live by myself so if I need to eat Lucky
Charms for dinner while typing away, I do.
How do you choose your characters’ names?
Again, it is
really dependent on the story. Sherrinford Holmes was Arthur Conan Doyle’s
original name for Sherlock Holmes when he was plotting his series. When I set
out to write the Herringford and Watts series,
I wanted a name that gave a nod to Sherlock Holmes and came up with the surname
Herringford. Miranda is my cousin’s name and I initially thought I would use
that, but I wanted something just a little odd and unique for my heroine and so
Merinda was born. With Jem Watts, I again wanted to pull on John Watson. Jem is
a name I am fond of especially because of To
Kill a Mockingbird, and there was something about Jemima Watts that just
seemed to invoke the Edwardian era.
What is the accomplishment that you are
most proud of?
Signing a book
contract is a huge deal for me. Especially because for most of my life I was
too scared to show anyone my writing. I wrote all the time: manuscripts and
scenes and chapters – but I wrote for myself. I still find it hard to believe I
worked up the courage to pursue publication and find an agent. It takes nerves
of steel. Sometimes I have them, sometimes I am a marshmallow, but I persevered,
and I found some guts and it took me less than two years from the time I signed
with an agent to the time I signed with Harvest House. Those years of silent,
timid practice led to something!
If you were an animal, which one would
you be, and why?
I really, really
love Basset Hounds. I would love one. They’re kind of dopey and slow but they
have really good hearts. I am clumsy and the most unathletic person ever. If I
were an animal, I would trip over my own ears.
What is your
favorite food?
I love sushi and
luckily in Toronto
there are so many restaurants to choose from. I also really, really, really
love popcorn. I could live on popcorn.
I love popcorn. My husband brought home a
bag of dill pickle popcorn for me. I love it, but it is a strong flavor that
you can only eat a handful at a time. What is the problem with writing that was
your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
One of the
biggest problems was one I mentioned earlier. I am too nervous to show people
my ideas. Obviously, I am getting better and stronger but I have a lot of
insecurities about my writing. The longer I am involved in the writing
community, the more I realize how normal this is! We just keep plugging away.
There are good days and bad days no matter what stage of the publication
journey you’re at.
Tell us about the featured book.
The Bachelor Girl’s Guide
to Murder is the
first full-length novel in the Herringford and Watts
series. A novella was released in December (A
Singular and Whimsical Problem) and two more novels and two more novellas
follow this book. In Edwardian-era Toronto ,
Canada , women
are finessing their domestic skills in order to secure good marriages. Long-time
friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem decide, instead, to solve murders and
hone their sleuthing skills. They’re big Sherlock Holmes fans and try to use
his methods and inspiration as they trip through danger, clues, and possible
solutions. Of course, their (mis)adventures in murder and mayhem entangle them
romantically with a muckraking Italian reporter named Ray and a stalwart police
constable, Jasper Forth. In book II, you meet a Mountie!
I’m eager to
feature that book here, too. Please give us the first page of The
Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder.
I can do
slightly better! Readers can read the entire first chapter on my publisher’s
website : https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/data/files/excerpts/9780736966405_exc.pdf
Jemima
Your father and
I have decided that, after giving you several opportunities to prove you are
pursuing a proper course for a lady of your station and background, we can no
longer financially support your endeavors. While we applaud your dedication to
your job at Spenser’s, we think it is high time you settled down. Your father
and I have long tired of presenting you with eligible suitors, only to have you
dismiss them to follow Merinda Herringford around like a bee to honey. We have
long felt, and expressed, that she is not fit company for a lady of your
potential.* As we seem to be making no headway in securing you a future worthy
of your breeding, we can only keep you in our prayers and hope that soon you
will see the error of your ways, return to your upbringing, and recognize that
a lady of your not inconsiderable age (honestly, Jemima, four-and-twenty is
hardly the age to be gallivanting about Toronto unwed) should be making prudent
strides toward securing a husband. Please see the enclosed pamphlet suggesting
appropriate activities for young ladies who are, as you should be, in pursuit
of a proper husband…
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachkmc1
Twitter: www.twitter.com/rachkmc
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachkmc
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rachkmc/Meet best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem, who launch their own Sherlock Holmes-esque consulting detective business in 1910 Toronto in Rachel McMillan’s The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city’s underbelly. Merinda could well be Toronto’s premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever–if they can stay alive long enough to do so.
Rachel is celebrating the release of The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder with a Murder Mystery Prize Pack giveaway (details below) and an author chat party on April 28!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- One copy of The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder
- A magnifying glass necklace
- A bowler hat
- A pocket watch
- A $30 Amazon gift card
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!
Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your new book and the wonderful party with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder - Christianbook.comThe Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder (Herringford and Watts Mysteries) - Amazon
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder (Herringford and Watts Mysteries Book 1) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
23 comments:
Love a good mystery, such as Sherlock Holmes. :)
-Melissa M. in TN
Yay!! I'm so excited about this book! I've been waiting to read it! I hope to win, but either way, I can't wait to read it!
J.C. -Indiana-
angela in ky would love to win
I like cozy mysteries that are somewhat quirky. The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder sounds like it would fit this category. I'm looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the chance to win it.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Kansas
What a fun title.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Sounds like a great book.
Blessings,
Cindy W. from Indiana
Looks great! Please enter me.
Blanch NC
This sounds like quite the intriguing book, and one I definitely would like to read!
Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
Raechel in MN.
Love the story line. Sounds like a delightful take on Sherlock Holmes mysteries.
Sandy Q. TX
I love this! It will be put on my TBR list. :)
Susan MI
I love cozy mysteries! Thank you for sharing!
Connie from KY
cps1950 (at)gmail (dot)com
This is one that I am looking forward to reading especially after hearing a few people say that it is like "Murdochs Mysteries" which I love! Thanks for the interview and the giveaway!
Loraine in TX
That is an intriguing title for a book. I would love to read it.
Edward A in VA
Looking forward to the 28th. North Platte Nebraska.
I've heard so many great things about this book. It sounds so intriguing. I'd love to win a copy.
Winnie T from Utah
Ooh, this sounds exciting! And, glad to know about the novella!
Stephanie
Binghamton, NY
mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com
Enter me!!
Conway, SC.
I am so excited about this series! I love the idea of a female Sherlock Holmes.
Caryl K in TEXAS
I have been patiently (or not) waiting for this one to release.
Terrill - WA
Sounds intriguing. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Brenda in VA
A female Sherlock Holmes will be fun to read about.
Beth from IA
I love this feminine sleuthing duo! Please add me to the drawing.
Merry in MN
Oh I've seen this online and it sounds fantastic. I'd love to read it.
Deanne P. in PA
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