Jeanie Wolfe

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I love reading, and writing! I also do a lot of sewing, jewelry making, and cooking. Whenever possible, my husband and I like to travel and camp in the mountains or desert.

When and why did you start writing books?

I've enjoyed writing throughout my life. Most of my writing has been non-fiction, policies, and procedures. In 2005, my husband and I moved to Eastern Washington, and I had time to write poetry and begin thinking about a novel. In 2016, I finished my first novel. It's tucked in a dark corner of the closet in a file folder somewhere!

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

My father was a writer, so I grew up watching his joy at creating text books. He taught at our local junior college and continued writing well after retirement. My mother, bless her heart, read every page he wrote and helped proof the rounds of revisions. They were a huge inspiration.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

One of my favorite characters was created by James D. Doss in his Charlie Moon mystery series. Charlie's aunt, Daisy Perika, an elderly Ute woman, was such a character! Her interactions with the supernatural pitukupf, always make me smile.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

My first novel was by far the hardest to write. I learned a great deal through the process, especially the importance of plotting, character development, and starting with a bang.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Lately, I've been reading books by Barbara Mertz. I fell in love with her CROCODILE ON THE SANDBANK, writing as Elizabeth Peters. I have additional books in that series I can't wait to read. I also picked up AMMIE, COME HOME, which she wrote as Barbara Michaels, and it was very good. I'm currently reading the second in her Georgetown series, SHATTERED SILK, and it's a goodie! Richard Russo is another favorite author. NOBODY'S FOOL and THE RISK POOL are my favorites.

What book are you reading right now?

Along with SHATTERED SILK, which I read during the day, I'm reading DESPERATE VOYAGE by John Caldwell in the evening aloud with my husband. We're about halfway through. What an exciting read!

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

My whole life, I've had characters and 'what-if' scenarios running through my mind. I like to look at book cover images to help solidify the storylines. When I have a possibility for a good story, I write an outline and discuss with my husband. He has a fantastic, creative mind, and I capture his input whenever I can.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I have a huge family, so my spare time usually centers around them. I'm always working on hand made birthday gifts, painting greeting cards, or putting together a beaded bracelet. I sew most of my husbands clothes, and it's always so satisfying to see a complicated project come out well.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I'm working on two sequels to MURDER AFTER HOURS. The first just came back from my editor, and the second is about ready for my beta readers. I hope to launch both before the end of the year.