The following is an interview with acclaimed mystery Valerie Burns regarding the release of her new novel, Icing on the Murder, through publisher Kensington. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Burns about her creative process in bringing the story and characters to life on the page, what she hopes that readers may take away from the story’s themes, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of Icing on the Murder! What can you share with us about the premise of this thrilling page-turner?
Valerie Burns: Icing on the Murder is the 4th book in the Baker Street Mystery series, featuring former fashionista and social media influencer Maddy Montgomery and her 250 lb. English mastiff Baby. Maddy is engaged to the love of her life, veterinarian Michael Portman; however, planning a wedding involves a lot of decisions which aren’t Maddy’s strong point. When Maddy learns that Seraphina, wedding planner to the stars, is not only going to be at the bridal expo in New Bison, Michigan, but that she is going to give her wedding planning services to one lucky couple, Maddy is determined to win; however, when Seraphina is murdered, Maddy and the Baker Street Irregulars must figure out Whodunit.
BD: How would you describe your creative process in crafting this mystery? I would imagine that crafting the narrative and staying 3 steps ahead of your reader is quite the challenge!
VB: I am a pantser, which means I write by the seat of my pants. Well, not really, but mostly. Plotters are people who plot every beat of their story. That’s not me. I don’t start writing with a detailed outline of every beat in my story. I start with a synopsis (mostly for my editor), so I have a general idea of what will happen, but I really love to just write and let the story flow organically. I spend a lot of time getting familiar with my characters. Once I know my characters, I like to drop them into unusual situations. This is where the research really happens. Drop Maddy at a bridal expo at a casino owned by a Native American tribe. What happens at a bridal expo? Who has jurisdiction for crimes on Native soil? Sometimes, I run into surprises, but this is what works for me. Once I have the story done (first draft), then I start the editing and revision process, which is where I fix all of the plot holes. It may not be the most efficient way to write, but it is what works for me. I’ve learned that when it comes to writing, ‘One size does not fit all.’ There are all multiple ways to get to THE END.
BD: What makes Kensington the perfect home for this story?
VB: As one of the largest independent publishers, Kensington publishes a lot of mysteries. But, their creation of Kensington Cozies imprint indicates their dedication and commitment to this subgenre of crime fiction.
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 Maddy’s story may connect with and impact readers?
VB: Maddy’s story will connect with readers, especially women, who lack confidence and have ever faced huge challenges. Over the course of the series, readers see how Maddy evolves and grows. From the first book where Maddy gets dumped in the middle of her livestreamed wedding, she is faced with humiliation and challenges. She goes from merely wanting to find a place to hide, to managing the bakery that she inherits, in spite of the fact that she can’t bake. Inheriting a business, a house, and a 250 lb. English mastiff provides her with direction, purpose, and stability. She uses her social media skills to grow her business, and with each mystery she solves, her confidence increases.
BD: Are there any projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
VB: Icing on the Murder is the fourth book in my Baker Street Mystery series that I write as Valerie Burns; however, I have written 24 mysteries using various pen names. If readers like Icing on the Murder, check out my other books.
Writing as V. M. Burns:
Mystery Bookshop Mystery Series (10 books)
Dog Club Mystery Series (5 books)
RJ Franklin Mystery Series (3 books)
Writing as Kallie E. Benjamin:
Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery Series (2 books)
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Icing on the Murder?
VB: Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/v-m-burns
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vmburnsbooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vmburnsbooks/
Website: vmburns.com
