The following is an interview with award-winning author Libby Cudmore on the release of the thriller novel, Negative Girl, through Datura Books. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Cudmore about her creative process in crafting a great mystery, what she hopes that readers might take away from the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of Negative Girl! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the book’s premise?
Libby Cudmore: Thank you! Negative Girl is a continuation of the Wade & Jacks series that has run in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Tough and Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. My rock star-turned-PI Martin Wade and his tattooed assistant Valerie Jacks get a case involving one of Martin’s old bandmates – and a girl whose dead body washed up on the riverbank just a few days after she comes by their office…
BD: How would you describe your creative process in crafting this thriller and bringing the story to life on the page? It’s thrilling to follow a great mystery as the reader, but I would imagine that crafting the narrative and staying 3 steps ahead of your reader is quite the challenge!
LC: This was a tough one! I wrote something like seven drafts before landing on the story that’s now between those gorgeous covers (Shout-out to my designer, Francesca Corsini!), but my process is generally to start with the characters and develop the story organically from there. Each trait, outfit, or habit I give them spins off into its own little story – for example, Martin has a swallow tattoo, in part, because I was listening to the Long Blondes’ “Swallow Tattoo” a lot in the early stages of writing. But why did he have this tattoo? Because he got one with his girlfriend. And where is she now? Well…I don’t want to give TOO much away….
BD: What makes Datura Books the perfect home for this story?
LC: I feel really at home with Datura. They’re extremely hands-on in the publication process, which is something I feel has been lost at a lot of other houses. They’re dedicated to each and every one of their books and their authors.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that Martin and Valerie’s story may connect with and impact readers?
LC: For me, it’s the power of their partnership. It’s professional, but goes beyond friendship. There’s no sexual attraction between them, but they deeply rely on each other more than anyone else in their worlds. The book also deals with the impact of addiction, of internalized trauma and how these characters are all face their pasts in order to move forward…and what happens when a character is unable to let that go.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
LC: I’m always working on new cases for the Wade & Jacks agency to take on! I have a few queued up at Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine for later this year and next year. Lately, I’ve been creeping around the horror genre, so we’ll see where that goes. It’s always something!
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Negative Girl and your other work?
LC: You can check out my website, www.libbycudmore.com, or my social media. I’m really enjoying using BlueSky (@libbycudmore.bsky.social), and I’ve been on Instagram for a bit (@record_Saturday) Thanks for having me, and thanks for reading!
