Madeline
(M.M.) Gornell has four published mystery novels—PSWA awarding winning Uncle Si’s Secret (2008); Death of a Perfect Man (2009); Eric
Hoffer Fiction finalist and Honorary Mention winner, the da Vinci Eye finalist,
and Montaigne Medalist finalist Reticence
of Ravens (2011); and PSWA award
winner and Hollywood Book Festival Honorary Mention Lies of Convenience (2012). Both Reticence of Ravens and Lies
of Convenience are Route 66 mysteries.
Madeline
is also a potter with a fondness for stoneware and reduction firing. She lives
with her husband and assorted canines in the Mojave Desert in a town on
internationally revered Route 66.
Wonderful being on tour with
you today, Jean. You’ve graciously offered me the opportunity to introduce myself
and my writing. My novels so far have been standalones with unique
circumstances and sets of characters. I can say, an underlying theme in my tales
is what I phrase, “ordinary” people put
into “extraordinary” circumstances. Also important to me is the “what if”
concept. And of course, an enticing murder mystery!
Setting/location is also an
important aspect (I hope!) in my
writing. For me, a good sense of place is also so important in enjoying books I
read. My first book, Uncle Si’s Secret was set in the beautiful, damp,
overcast, and soggy Pacific Northwest. Then when transitioning locations, I was
enamored with a desert spot near Ridgecrest, California. (My first introduction to the desert!) My next two novels have been
written where I am now, in a small Mojave Desert town on Route 66.
To fulfill your request for
excerpts from my work, I thought it would be fun to include the prefaces of my
two latest Route 66 mysteries…
From
Lies of Convenience:
The
world of this author’s mind is populated with a multitude of places and
characters—many composites, and many imaginary. Occasionally, some of these
people and places escape—intermingle with reality—and become backdrops and
inspiration for tales of mystery.
Situated
on Route 66 as it crosses California’s Mojave Desert, NewTown is a fictional
place, but its inspiration is drawn from the many “small dots” spreading
themselves along The Mother Road. This particular NewTown tale—even though
populated with imaginary characters involved in fictional events—is
nonetheless, triggered by the realities of High Desert terrain, weather, and
the fortitude of its very real inhabitants.
CHICAGO,
on the other hand, more than halfway across the country from NewTown, and at
the start of Route 66, is on a capital-letters-scale, a world-renowned,
sophisticated, and larger-than-life city. Indeed, to experience Lake Michigan’s
unparalleled waterfront, especially under the magical shroud of night, with
city lights a-sparkling—is to be bedazzled, awed, and visually imprinted for
life.
Besides
their shared Route 66 heritage, how do these places and people—real and
imaginary—intersect? Therein lies the story…
From
Reticence of Ravens:
Interstate
15 stretches across Southern California from San Diego to Las Vegas, Nevada. If
you take the driving adventure I-15 offers, you will not only join Route 66 for
a bit, but also pass through three counties before finally rolling into
California’s Mojave High Desert.
The
last stretch of highway heading northeast out of Barstow towards Las Vegas is
mind-expanding—and capable of tickling the imagination in hundreds of ways. The
sparse but curiously compelling terrain leads one to imagine numerous tales of
human optimism, fortitude, endurance—and peril.
Such
people they must have been to settle this piece of Americana! What past joys
and disappointments must still haunt the creosote bushes and Palo Verde (green
stick) trees? Even today, new mysteries are still being played out throughout
the Mojave vastness—if only in this author’s imagination.
The
days of leisurely “cruising” Route 66 in a convertible have certainly evolved.
But for all Route 66 devotees and location knowledge fans—California’s San
Bernardino County and the cities and areas of Baker, Barstow, Newberry Springs,
San Bernardino, and Victorville—do exist. And yes, averages of up to 250,000
cars, motor-homes, and trucks—with real
people in them—are reported to use I-15 daily.
However,
reader beware. Many liberties were taken with all locations, official
positions, government facilities, and organizations in this story—including the
“tombs.” Reticence of Ravens is a fanciful tale, constructed in author’s
imagination, and intended as an escape from reality. Mojave County is a
fictional government entity and place, occupied by fictional people.
Hopefully,
it is a place you will enjoy visiting. Welcome.
Thank you so much, Jean, for
letting me visit today and jabber-on about my writing. Loved it!
Madeline’s
books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and Smashwords, in
paper and e-book formats. You can visit her online at her website http://www.mmgornell.com , or her BLOG http://www.mmgornell.wordpress.com or email her directly at mmgornell@earthlink.net
Book Giveaway:
Buster, Dobie, and Mugs (the latest) are each
drawing a name from comments for free copies of Lies of Convenience (or a M.M.
Gornell title of your choosing)
Buy
link for Lies of Convenience:
