Please help me welcome today’s guest, Diane M. McPhee…
Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?
I’m from the Pacific Northwest, although I’ve traveled quite often and lived on the East coast in my early years. Having raised five wonderful children, I now enjoy many grandchildren who I love to spoil. Over the years I’ve had several animals including a horse, chickens, ducks, bunnies, and now I’m considering adopting a cat. (One day I should write a story about my cat, Portia, who was my ‘bestie’ for seventeen years.)
Where did you get the idea for your book?
When I lived in Boston in my early 20’s, someone was murdered in a building four doors down from my studio apartment. The building had been set on fire and the arsonist got away. I thought of this murder for years, probably because I was alone in this big city, and it was the first real crime I had ever been close to. “Taken By Surprise” is the story about the investigation into this crime, and I introduce Detective Alan Sharp as the lead investigator. He is someone I hope my readers will connect to on a human level…a person with flaws and baggage, but a really nice guy…someone who you want to know. With over thirty years of police work behind him, he always wonders if this case will be his last. (I am now proofing book four, so Alan Sharp continues to work cases.)
What was the most difficult thing about writing a book?
Some authors use an outline to move their stories along. The only organization that works for me is to go day by day. That means when I’m writing the plots, I don’t know who the murderer or criminal is in any of my books until Detective Sharp finds out! Sometimes I see the story going in one direction and then “we” find out that it’s a red herring. I’ve stayed awake many nights trying to figure out who is my villain.
What book have you read that you wish you had written?
I have always loved “The Little Prince” by Antoine De Saint-Exupery. I’ve read it several times and gifted it to many friends. The themes of friendship and love and loss are inspirational.
What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?
I wonder if all authors think about this. My first choice would be Tom Hanks as Detective Sharp because then it would be a hit! But when I was writing my first book, I had a photo of actor Bill Pullman on my desk.
What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
I think the toughest criticism is when someone has read my book and said nothing. I also have friends who have bought the books and have not read them, which is awkward. I was brave enough to have my book club read the first book and they were very positive with their comments. In fact, the librarian who ran the meeting bought the books for the library.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
Years ago, I was friends with an older teacher who was a Doctor of Humanistic Education. We had many thoughtful conversations, meals, and walks and, like most friendships, we moved on to busy lives and drifted apart. When the wonderful world of the internet arrived, I looked him up and got an immediate reply! He was still teaching a few classes and had just completed a manuscript about turning 65 and what he considered the trials of growing older. He asked me to read it. I began to understand, from his point of view, how old age creeps up on us all and what we need to be loved, accepted, and feel worthy. He became my Detective Alan Sharp.
What do your friends and family think of your writing?
I’m second of nine children and all my siblings were surprised when my first book was published. My children were not as surprised because they grew up with my creative energy and believed I could do anything I put my mind to. I’m now proofing book four and ready to begin book five!
How did you come up with the title?
This is always fun. I jot down phrases I like when I read a book and then use these words for inspiration. When I need a title I search through these pages of notes until I find the perfect title.
How did your interest in writing originate?
One of my brothers bought me a year of online Master Classes because he knew I loved listening to speakers and learning new things. The classes focused on leadership, cooking, travel, and art, but there were also well-known authors explaining how they developed their stories. I am an avid reader, and usually have two or three books going at the same time. Listening to authors talk about their methods of writing was enlightening. So, I decided to try and write short stories. I have a very good friend who read my stories and one day suggested I take one of the stories and write a book. As they say…the rest is history.
Your favorite…(answer any or all)
Music: Broadway Hits.
Place you’d like to visit: I would love to visit Greece.
TV show from childhood: Perry Mason
TV show from adulthood: Monk
Food: Salmon
Sports team: Seahawks
Boston Detective Alan Sharp is devastated. His unofficial police informant, Marko Miller, has been found dead in the remains of a burnt out house on St. Botolph Street in the Back Bay. The detective’s investigation leads to a mysterious muddle of money, counter-culture and a surprising new perspective on Marko.
As Alan faces the facts of the case, he struggles with the idea of being past his prime and aging in a field that requires him to give his all… and then some. With over thirty years of police work behind him, can he rise above his doubts or will this case be his last?
Excerpt:
Questions surged into Alan’s mind—What was Marko doing on St Botolph Street at that time of night? The report said the fire had been started near the body and raged throughout the building. Gasoline had been identified as the accelerant used—that could have come from anywhere. The canister holding it was found partially melted on the first floor.
Alan’s heart ached as he considered what a tragedy this would be for so many people. Marko Miller was well known and respected throughout the area, with a wide network of community contacts and friends. He was a popular figure and mentor to teens who battled addiction, spending hours helping them get to meetings and treatment. He was also employed designing gowns for his friends in the gay community. Alan often called him the Renaissance Man, an older expression that made Marko laugh. Everyone was going to be shocked and saddened to know he was gone. Whoever started the fire knew that Marko was there. Even if they hadn’t killed him, they likely tripped over his body. Letting out a deep sigh, and using more force than necessary, Alan kicked back his chair, stomped to the ancient file cabinet across the room, and yanked out his personal folder on Marko Miller.
When Alan sat back down, he shifted his weight to one side, and noticed a slight ache in his chest. His steady habit of burgers and tacos had finally caused bodily reactions like acid reflex. At 5’11”, 240 pounds—most of it dangerously in his belly, Alan had recently been warned by his doctor to start watching his diet. Recalling his many sleepless nights, he angrily contemplated his ongoing insomnia which had been just a struggle of forty-minute naps. He was close to retiring at sixty-four and was annoyed with these obvious challenges of aging. But Alan refused to sink into a rut of regret, depression, or despair like many of his peers he overheard talking. He wasn’t ready to slow down yet.
About the Author:
What does a long time mystery buff do with all the free time a pandemic provides? She creates her own detective and starts a mystery series! Diane M. McPhee’s sleuth, Detective Alan Sharp, tracks down villains and fights corruption in Boston while fighting his own demons. With three novels now in print, Diane divides her time between her many grandchildren and writing in her small and quiet studio.
Author Alicia Dean 