Martha Crites

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

Mental Health was my career and has inspired my books. I grew up in Ohio and moved to Seattle after college. My interest in hiking here led me to walk the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage trail in Spain.

When and why did you start writing books?

Although I was an English major, I wasn't confident enough to take my writing seriously until I was in my 40s.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Once I had my first book, I wanted it to find its way in the world.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

I can't choose a favorite. I write about people with mental health troubles and I'm always seeking to help readers understand them better.

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

Danger to Others was the hardest because I wrote about trauma and grief. In order to write well, I had to mine my own experiences and feel those feelings.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Only one? Asa Larsson's Rebecka Martinsson series is one, Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie series is another. You've got nearly a dozen favorites there.

What book are you reading right now?

Deer Season by Erin Flanagan. An Edgar Award winner and a very literary mystery.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Everywhere, the news, flyers in coffee shops, people acting up. Oh and don't get me mad, I could kill you in a book.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I recently began playing the ukulele. It is social, instant gratification and fun.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Very excited about my third Grace Vaccaro mystery which will deal with the aftermath of the Kent State Shootings of students by the National Guard at Kent State University.