Wendy Ledger joined us last year as part of The Cozy 52 interview series and has returned for a second appearance. I’m so glad to welcome her back. Let’s dive in and get to know Wendy a bit more, including details about her new book, Sandcastle Secrets, how she likes to write, and how she ended up in Disneyland Jail!
The Q&A
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
I never thought I would be a country girl, but since I’ve married my husband, I’ve lived in small towns with big trees around us. I’ve come to love the slower pace, the quirky people, and the odd/endearing things that happen in this kind of life.
LIST THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE WOULDN’T READ IN YOUR ‘OFFICIAL’ BIO.
- When I was a teenager, I spent a brief time in Disneyland jail because my friends and I created a small traffic jam by stopping our cars on the Autopia ride.
- During our courtship, I knew my husband was the man for me because he lived with four cats.
- I look forward to completing a crossword puzzle every morning.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALISE YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER?
I knew I wanted to write ever since I was young. I was a voracious reader, and I thought it would be the most incredible thing in the world if I could ever master the art of magic that I experienced when I read a book.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WRITING STYLE?
I have a simple, emotional style. My characters all like to talk, even the animals! I add an additional spice to the traditional cozy, that of bittersweetness. My characters experience moments of pain and joy. I am an animal person, a family person, and now a small-town person, and the importance of these things to me is a big part of my books. Connections are always key.
DO YOU WRITE FREELY OR DO YOU WORK STRICTLY WITH AN OUTLINE (IE. PLOTTER OR PANTSER)?
I always write with an outline. But that’s not all! I’m often brainstorming. The beginning and middle of the book often come easily to me. And then I have to do a lot of notebook writing before I’m ready to tackle the end. I’m definitely not a daily word count person. The writing creeps up on me while I’m mind mapping and drafting out little bits.
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT ARE 3 BOOKS YOU WOULD WANT WITH YOU?
- When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron – I would probably need that wisdom there!
- Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler – That’s so beautifully written, and I could dream about eating at Ezra’s restaurant.
- The McCartney Legacy by Allen Kozina, Adrian Sinclair – I love Paul McCartney, and I’ve had this audiobook on my phone since December, and I can never find the time to listen to it. I guess I would have the time there.
(By the way, could all of these be audiobooks? That’s the way I like to read. But I guess I would also need a way to charge my phone!)
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO RESEARCH/WRITE SANDCASTLE SECRETS?
I started writing in June and finished at the end of November.
DURING YOUR RESEARCH OR PLANNING STAGES DID YOU COME UP WITH ANY SURPRISING/FUN FACTS?
Characters always show up that I didn’t expect. Then I fall in love with them. This book was no different.
WHICH CHARACTER IN YOUR BOOK(S) DO YOU RELATE TO THE MOST?
Like Maggie, I’m continually singing to myself or have some song in my head. I also relate to Pepper the cat’s sense of responsibility and mission.
DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER WRITING PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
I am currently working on Book 3 of this series. I think I’m getting faster! I hope it will be ready by May. If it’s not ready by then, it will be out by September. All your favourites will be back in Harmony Beach working on a case.
The Quickie 5
- FAVOURITE FOOD: Bagels.
- BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: Sparkling water.
- MOST PRIZED POSSESSION: My laptop.
- SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter. Snow, sweaters, cats snuggled by me at night!
- FAVOURITE VACATION SPOT? New York, where my family lives.
To keep up to date with Wendy Ledger online, you can connect with her on her website.
