Dying wasn’t the worst thing that could have happened to Fredrike Cambourd. Lex investigates the murder of this retired artist/curator from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. What she walks into is a crime that leads her to dark secrets that she could never have imagined, and her life is placed at risk by an elusive killer. Our spotlight Author today is Mark L. Dressler who talks about his latest detective mystery, Dying For Fame.

Interviewer: Christina Hamlett

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Q: What attracted you to the mystery genre and how did you get started?

A: It’s the only genre I’ve ever bothered reading. My story is crazy. I was four years into retirement, I never intended to write a Book. My younger daughter had a house that was set far back from the road on seven forest-like acres, I used to stand on her deck and say “There could be a dead body out there and no one would know. One night I went home and started writing. I didn’t know what I was doing and maxed out at 5-10 pages. Something made me go back to it and then the magic of writing began to happen. Characters were created and they began to take over the story. That was 2014.

Q: If you could invite three fictional mystery detectives to dinner, who would they be and what unsolved crime would you task them to solve?

A: Columbo- Solve the Gardner heist.
Hercule Poirot- Jack the Ripper
Popeye Doyle- Find Jimmy Hoffa

Q: As a male author, what were the challenges in writing from the perspective of a female protagonist?

A: A very difficult task to try to think like a female. Even though being married for a long time, men do not think like women. I needed to get into how they dress, how they sit, how they deal with emotions, how they walk, every nuance. Fortunately, my wife is a consummate reader and helped me to craft my Tenacious Female Detective, Lex Stall. Having accomplished that feat, I still don’t understand my wife.

Q: How would you describe your writing style?

A: Fast-paced. I also like to think my job is part writer and part magician because I it’s my job to lead the readers down a path that leads them in the wrong direction.

Q: Plotter or pantser?

A: Pantser

Q: How long does it typically take you to write a book?

A: Thee first book Dead and Gone was three years. My others are about a year from first draft through self and professional editing, cover design and publishing.

Q: Do you allow anyone to read your works-in-progress or do you make everyone wait until you have typed THE END?

A: Yes. My wife. Every time I give her a chapter, I get it back with red lines. It’s like handing in a test paper.

Q: Tell us a bit about your other titles.

A: Dead and Gone, Dead Right and the soon to be released Dead Wrong are detective mysteries that feature Dan Shields, A Hartford Ct, Detective who breaks all the rules.

Q: What governed your choice to go the self-publishing route for your novels?

A: I did query agents at first, but soon realized it was a tough road. Joining groups like Mystery Writers of America, meeting other authors and learning their experiences swayed to self-publish. I hate to say it, but my age was a factor as well. I knew if could be years to get published if I pursued the traditional route.

Q: What do you know now about publishing that you didn’t know when you started?

A: I know that you cannot write a book by yourself. In my genre, I need every type of editor. Developmental, Line, Copy and Proofreader. You cannot afford to produce a poor-quality product.

Q: You have a special connection to Boston Children’s Hospital. Tell us about it.

A: I have a 10 year old grandson who had surgery at that hospital when he was 8 months old. I spent two days there with my family and saw children and families who were not as lucky as me and mine. My grandson is well, a happy boy. I felt a strong need to contribute to those families and children who are less fortunate than me.

Q: Any success stories you’d like to share?

A: I’m fortunate to have been chosen by the Hartford Courant as a Most Notable author for my book Dead Right. That led to TV appearances on popular TV shows CT STYLE channel 8 – New Haven and REAL PEOPLE in Hartford on Fox TV channel 61. And the Boston Children’s hospital has honored me for my generosity. I was also the only author to sell out at a book signing at Barnes & Noble at Blueback Square in West Hartford. And I remain a best-selling author at Barnes & Noble in downtown Hartford.

Q: How much does “setting” factor into the plots you weave for your readers?

A: My Dan Shields books take place in Hartford and have hit the hearts of locals. I have a strong area following.

Q: The best authors are often voracious readers. What wordsmiths do you turn to for inspiration?

A: That’s the craziest part of all. I am an outlier. I do not read very much, When I do, it’s authors like Michael Connelly, and John Grisham.

Q: Any advice for prospective authors?

A: Ask why you are writing your story. What are your goals and then learn about publishing, especially the need for editors and realize the journey is not free.

Q: What’s next on your plate?

A: The third book in the Dan Shields series, Dead Wrong is due out within the next 30 days. I am also currently writing the 2nd Lex Stall book with a working title of Write to the End.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

A: One standout moment occurred when I wrote Dead and Gone. It was finished, almost. I woke up in the middle of the night and had an incredible idea that changed the ending into a surprise that I couldn’t even have guessed, and as far as I know, it has stunned all of my readers.