We continue our spotlight on this Saturday’s authors with the most recent addition to the event, Suzanne Adair!
1. Tell us about your writing’s connection to Hillsborough.
My Michael Stoddard American Revolution Mystery series is set in North Carolina during the 82nd Regiment’s occupation of Wilmington for almost the entire year of 1781. The series detective, Michael Stoddard, is a fictitious young British officer. Through his eyes readers experience nuggets of North Carolina history that don’t make it into standard history classes but deliver a fresh angle on how the war affected the economy and everyone involved. Four titles of the projected six-book series have been released. The first three are standalone reads.
In book #2 of the series, Regulated for Murder, Michael’s commander in Wilmington sends him to Hillsborough bearing a critical letter for Lord Cornwallis, rumored to be in the area. Wearing civilian clothing, Michael arrives in Hillsborough to find his contact for Cornwallis freshly killed. Michael immediately becomes a murder suspect. He must prove his innocence without revealing that he’s a redcoat, and he must also try to complete his original mission — all while righting some wrongs. Suspense Magazine included the book on its “Best of 2011” list.
The Regulator Rebellion, ten years in the past, plays a role in the backstory for the mystery. Hillsborough’s history buffs get a kick out of spotting familiar landmarks in the book. To quote one Amazon reviewer on Regulated for Murder: “
2. What bit of writing advice do you wish you’d known when you started?
Authors often waste months or years of productive time waiting for approval from those they perceive as industry influencers or gatekeepers. Stop waiting for permission. Find a way to write it. Now.
3. Who did you dedicate your first book to and why?
I haven’t dedicated any of my published books to anyone (yet). However the Acknowledgements page of each book lists the names of those who have assisted me with production or research, such as early readers, editors, scholars, and historical reenactors.
Read more about Suzanne at http://www.suzanneadair.net/
