Rionna Morgan with Madeline (M.M.) Gornell

Madeline (M.M.) Gornell has four published mystery novels—PSWA awarding winning Uncle Si’s Secret (2008); Death of a Perfect Man (2009); Eric Hoffer Fiction finalist and Honorary Mention winner, the da Vinci Eye finalist, and Montaigne Medalist finalist Reticence of Ravens (2011); and PSWA award winner and Hollywood Book Festival Honorary Mention Lies of Convenience (2012). Both Reticence of Ravens and Lies of Convenience are Route 66 mysteries.

Madeline is also a potter with a fondness for stoneware and reduction firing. She lives with her husband and assorted canines in the Mojave Desert in a town on internationally revered Route 66.

Glad to be visiting your blog today, Rionna. I’m finding it so much fun meeting new authors and getting acquainted with their work! You’ve offered me the leeway to write a “post of your own design”—so I’ve taken your gracious invitation to answer for myself what I’ve asked all my fellow tour-members to answer. Only seems fair…What do I like most about the writing-life?

I love the “art and craft” of writing—creating a world readers want to visit. A place they eagerly want to visit. Then, there’s the characters. It’s so much fun trying to bring to life people and places. And then comes the story—how “those places” impact “those people.” Indeed, creating my fictional worlds brings me the most pleasure. And I think the preface from my latest published novel, Lies of Convenience—though about a particular place and set of characters—puts my overarching thought in narrative form—bringing together what I enjoy doing the most…

The world of this author’s mind is populated with a multitude of places and characters—many composites, and many imaginary. Occasionally, some of these people and places escape—intermingle with reality—and become backdrops and inspiration for tales of mystery.

Situated on Route 66 as it crosses California’s Mojave Desert, NewTown is a fictional place, but its inspiration is drawn from the many “small dots” spreading themselves along The Mother Road. This particular NewTown tale—even though populated with imaginary characters involved in fictional events—is nonetheless, triggered by the realities of High Desert terrain, weather, and the fortitude of its very real inhabitants.

CHICAGO, on the other hand, more than halfway across the country from NewTown, and at the start of Route 66, is on a capital-letters-scale, a world-renowned, sophisticated, and larger-than-life city. Indeed, to experience Lake Michigan’s unparalleled waterfront, especially under the magical shroud of night, with city lights a-sparkling—is to be bedazzled, awed, and visually imprinted for life.

Besides their shared Route 66 heritage, how do these places and people—real and imaginary—intersect? Therein lies the story…

Of course, the “writing life” is not all fun, fun, fun! Promotions is still an uphill climb for me—and I have to admit, my least favorite part. But, it seems unless you are already famous or infamous, or readers already know about your work, you won’t get read. And that’s what I like the very most—providing enjoyment to a reader!

Thanks so much, Rionna, for giving me the opportunity to spout-off about what I love about writing. Great meeting you, and I’m certainly enjoying our tour.

Thank you too!  I have so enjoyed spending time with you.

---

Contact and Buy Info from Madeline (M.M.) Gornell:

Madeline’s books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and Smashwords, in paper and e-book formats. You can visit her online at her website http://www.mmgornell.com , or her BLOG http://www.mmgornell.wordpress.com or email her directly at mmgornell@earthlink.net

Book Giveaway:

Buster, Dobie, and Mugs (the latest) are each drawing a name from comments for free copies of Lies of Convenience (or a M.M. Gornell title of your choosing)

Buy link for Lies of Convenience:

http://www.amazon.com/Lies-Convenience-M-Gornell/dp/0985500808/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349831772&sr=8-1&keywords=lies+of+convenience