Author Bio:
M. K. Scott is the husband and wife writing team behind The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries, The Talking Dog Detective Agency, which is set In Indianapolis, and The Way Over the Hill Gang series. Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities. Morgan’s daughter, who works at a hotel, has contributed a guest horror tale or two to fuel plot lines along with housekeeping details. Overall, the series are a family effort.
What inspires you to write?
Pretty much everything. I started writing in first grade when I didn't like how the reader stories ended. Overheard conversations, odd photos, a movie that didn't ended the way I'd like, all become part of a story. My husband and I also play a game of what if with the characters to find possible scenarios. Travel inspires me. Caribbean Catastrophe was the result of a cruise I took with my sister. My volunteer work with the Humane Society is part of The Talking Dog Detective series.
Almost anything can find it into a book including readers' comments and suggestions.
Tell us about your writing process.
My husband and I talk about a book, first. We throw around some ideas, then I research it. Sometimes, the research may require travel or cooking. I make notes on what needs to be in the book including characters, motives, background, etc. Then we talk some more. I write the first chapter and send it to my husband. He edits and often rewrites sections and sends it back to me. This goes on for the entire book. Sometimes, I'll come up with a character or plot twist that will force us to rewrite everything.
Eventually it is sent off to the editor, then the proof reader, and finally the formatter. The last step before publishing is the beta readers who often come up with some great suggestions.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
My husband and I throw ideas back and forth about the characters. He might suggest a guest could criticize the food at the inn as being simple or uninspired knowing how Donna will react. Sometimes, we know the characters as well as our own families or even better.
Who are your favorite authors?
My favorite authors list is always growing. I enjoy reading Mary Higgins Clark, Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, Morganna Best, and Margaret Atwood.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I originally had two small publishers who went out of business. Before this happened, my husband and I had created our own publishing imprint, Sleeping Dragon Press. Once I regained my rights on my books, I republished many of the titles under the Sleeping Dragon Press name.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
It is constantly changing. I believe there will always be a place for paperback and hardback books.
Many of the big traditional publishers are reinventing themselves to deal with the changes. The readers
are shaping the industry.
What genres do you write?
Cozy Mystery
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print, Audiobook
Website(s)
M K Scott Home Page Link
Follow M K Scott On Amazon
Author’s Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
Great interview. I didn’t know your husband was an Engineer. I learn something new about you all the time. 🙂