There is no magic- Sit in the chair and write... You can always fix what you've written, but you cannot repair a blank page. For me, it also helps to set up rewards- things I can look forward to after I've written a certain number of words.
Lucy Burdette likes to call her transition from clinical psychologist to mystery writer a ‘midlife crisis’ explaining that the different fields have a surprising number of things in common. Now the author of 18 mysteries, Lucy fills us in on her top tips for writing a mystery series, the link between sports psychology and writing goals, and why she uses a pen name.
What made you want to be an author?
I have always loved to read, and I think that's very important for a writer. You need to understand what’s been written, and what works in your genre.
Otherwise, I call my transition from clinical psychologist to mystery writer a “midlife crisis.” Inexplicable but with a wonderful result!
What first drew you to the cozy mystery genre?
As with many writers in the mystery field, I grew up reading Nancy Drew, the Bobbsey Twins, and my brother’s Hardy Boys books. As an adult, I adored Diane Mott Davidson's series about a caterer in Colorado. She was one of the early frontierswomen in the subgenre of cozy culinary mysteries, and I've chosen to create characters who also see food as an important, meaningful part of their lives. My attraction to writing a series is related to my first career as a clinical psychologist doing long-term psychotherapy. I love the process of slowly getting to know characters and unraveling their secrets. A detective is like a psychologist in that way!
Why do you write under a pen name?
My first two series were written under my own name. A new publisher asked if I would be willing to change my name for the food critic mystery series in order to start with a blank page. I said yes, and I chose my grandmother’s name. I think she would be pleased that I am carrying her legacy forward.
Do you have a writing routine?
A deadline really helps! When I'm given a publication date, I can count backward and figure out how many words and pages I need to write per day or per week or per month. Then I divide that by available days, taking time out for weekends and holidays, and try to keep myself to that schedule. I know that I write better in the morning, so I try to do that harder work after I've had coffee and breakfast. Promotion and other lighter or more fun jobs can be done in the afternoon.
How do you outline your work and begin writing?
I've gotten less wedded to using an outline the further I've gone in this career. I tend to know a fair amount about what will be happening in my characters’ lives when I start a book, and less about the mystery. I will often write the ending chapter well before I've gotten into the middle of the book. This gives me a beacon to aim for as I'm writing.
Do you have any tips for a productive writing day?
There is no magic--sit in the chair and write. Or as my good friend Halle Ephron would say, hold your nose and write. You can always fix what you've written, but you cannot repair a blank page. For me, it also helps to set up rewards--things I can look forward to after I've written a certain number of words. This can be as simple as calling a friend, having a cup of tea with a cookie, or taking a walk.
Is there any particular incident that has happened along your writing journey that you’d like to share?
My father was horrified when he heard that I was retiring from my practice as a clinical psychologist—to write. Why would I want to throw away years of school and training? I’m certain that my background helps me develop more complex and authentic characters. One thing I can’t help doing is to include psychologist characters in all the books. Hayley Snow is not one to want to visit a shrink, but she’ll certainly hash out problems with her psychologist friend Eric. And, she treats her Tarot-card-reading friend Lorenzo as a psychological consultant. So as it turns out, I think I’m making good use of my background – despite my father’s dismay! And ultimately, I know he was very proud of what I have accomplished as a writer.
What struggles did you face in the writing and publishing process?
It took me about a year to find an agent, and it took her another year to find a publisher. And there have been ups and downs since those early days, including having two series dropped by the publisher. I think it's helpful to expect that obstacles will appear for most writers. This is where your persistence will become invaluable.
I didn't know anything about publishing or writing when I started down this path. These days the Internet means you should know a lot about publishing before you embark on looking for an agent or a publisher. I really value my friends and colleagues in the mystery writing business, and I recommend connecting with other writers in your area of interest. (For mystery writers, try Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America.)
What methods of book marketing do you find the most effective?
I think you have to choose marketing according to what you enjoy. I enjoy checking in with Facebook, both my personal and my author page. And I also love taking photographs and showing people Key West, which is the setting of my books. That means I focus my attention on Facebook and Instagram. I also spend a little time on Goodreads and Bookbub, because their customers are definitely readers. I also write for two blogs, Mystery Lovers Kitchen and Jungle Red Writers.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Here is some advice particular to writers who are working on a series: Each book should stand on its own and not leave readers scratching their heads over the solution to the mystery. However, in my mind, the arc of the characters must grow and change throughout each book, and over the series. I try to give little summary sentences about characters who’ve appeared before along the way as the reader meets them. This helps remind loyal readers who the people are and also gives new readers enough to go on. It’s a tricky balance as I get further into the series.
When writing an amateur sleuth series, thinking about the stake of the character as detective is crucial. As the Key West series has evolved, my main character Hayley Snow has settled into the community of Key West. She no longer harbors doubts about whether she made the right decision staying here – she loves her life and her friends. On Facebook, I was part of a discussion about amateur sleuths and their propensity to dive into situations that are over their heads. One of Hayley‘s fans said, “Remember, she’s a people person. She really cares about the people around her and she wants to help. She can’t help herself from helping!” I loved that description of my character.
As far as the arc of the Key West series, at this point, Hayley has gotten a reputation for noticing connections that other people might miss. So friends and relations are coming to her for help. Naturally, this causes a certain amount of head-butting with her Key West police detective boyfriend.
What is the best writing advice you have received?
Writing takes talent, but it also takes a lot of persistence. Before I became a mystery writer, I was very interested in sports psychology. One psychologist I knew talked about the importance of having a big goal in the back of your mind. (This works just as well for a writer as it does for a professional golfer.) She suggested that our subconscious minds are looking for big opportunities. If we can put our big hopes and dreams into concrete words—or pictures, these words give our subconscious something to shoot for. Research has shown that people who write their goals down are more successful at reaching them.
Big writing goals can have a downside too because they can freeze you in your tracks. For example, if my goal is to win the Edgar award for best mystery novel, I might weigh each word so carefully that I’m afraid to put anything down. Psychologists working with elite athletes know that goals have to be broken down into specific processes, rather than product-oriented steps—actions that are under your control. Things like: I will write 300 words today, or spend an hour at the computer…
You can find out more about Lucy Burdette (aka Roberta Isleib) via her website and on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Bookbub. She also writes regularly for two blogs: Mystery Lovers Kitchen and Jungle Red Writers.
