What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Diners, Dives, & Drive-Bys?
Ever since the first episode of Survivor Borneo aired in 2000, we’ve been huge fans of reality television. While The Amazing Race remains a favorite of ours, it’s tough not to enjoy culinary battles like Iron Chef, MasterChef, and Bake Off. The idea for the series really clicked when I thought: what if someone used all that reality TV drama as cover for something more sinister? And what if it all took place in a small Ohio town where the locals aren’t used to seeing celebrities and Hollywood productions? While we’ve typically written young adult sci-fi in the past, a cozy mystery seemed to be a good fit for us because it fits with our writing style of clean books that balance humor, romance, and suspense. However, more than simply cozy mysteries, many of the books in our Reality Show Cozy Mystery series are parodies of popular shows we’ve enjoyed over the years.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Diners, Dives, & Drive-Bys, what would they be?
Amateur sleuth Holly Harkins: Try by Colbie Caillat. Holly has spent years hiding her true self and, while solving crimes and standing up to bad guys, she slowly finds the courage to let people get close to her again. This song’s message about not having to try so hard to be someone you’re not is fitting for Holly’s character arc throughout the series. Local barista Samuel Branch: Better Together by Jack Johnson. Laid-back and supportive, Samuel is the kind of guy who makes everything feel a little easier just by being in the room… or behind the espresso machine. Hollywood producer Will Greyson: Accidentally in Love by Counting Crows. Will came to Walnut Falls to produce a TV show, not to fall for a small-town bookstore clerk. The fictional town of Walnut Falls: Drive Slow by central Ohio local band Doc Robinson. It just has that chill small town vibe that I believe permeates Walnut Falls… at least until Hollywood brings big city drama and crime to the otherwise sleepy town.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Honestly, The Hunger Games got both of us back into reading in the early 2010s, and Young Adult Dystopian remains a favorite genre of ours. We also enjoy reading Science Fiction, Thrillers, and Mysteries of all sorts.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
We’re actually fairly picky about what books we enjoy, and if a story doesn’t grab either of our attention in the first few chapters, we return it to the library. Thus, our TBR pile never gets too big because when we find a book we like, we generally devour it in a day or two.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The shelter scene where Holly has to identify her friend’s dog from two identical German Shepherds. There’s Holly, who can remember any number she’s ever seen, completely stumped by two similar dogs. And then Samuel swoops in, remembering the tiny heart-shaped spot on Bao Bao’s nose. Also, when celebrity chef Jordan Remmsey steps into Holly’s store, surrounded by cameras, and she blurts out, “Wow, you’ve got a lot more wrinkles than I expected,” it was a fun scene to write. It seems like something that might escape either of our mouths when caught up in a moment of being starstruck.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
We’d love to tell you some hilarious stories about how we create characters by observing strangers at the mall, or we always eat pickle-flavored popcorn while plotting and brainstorming, or we write best when there’s a full moon. But in reality, our writing habits are fairly standard. We alternate between a standing desk and a sitting one, each stationed in front of a large window that inevitably leads to us being distracted by all the squirrels and birds in our yard. Perhaps the quirkiest thing about our writing process is that inspiration often strikes at 2 a.m., but since sleep wins the battle against creativity, there’s only a 50/50 chance that any of those middle-of-the-night ideas are remembered in the morning.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
David: Be grateful for the positive things in life. There are enough negative influences in the world, but focusing on the good helps you to find humor, lightness, and enjoyment even when times are tough. Nicole: Enjoy the journey. It’s similar, but more about not rushing through life just for the big moments. Enjoy the little ones that fill most of our time.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Simply that we appreciate that you gave us a chance. There are millions of books out there competing for your precious reading time, and you chose to spend some of it with our books. That means everything to us. So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
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