Diane:
Today I have the pleasure of introducing my blog followers to a talented author, Marilyn Meredith aka F.M. Meredith. Marilyn is a fellow PSWA (Public Safety Writers Association) member. In fact, she’s the person who introduced me to this wonderful group of writers.
How did you become involved in PSWA, Marilyn?
Marilyn:
When PSWA reorganized just over ten years ago I was on the committee and took on the job of conference chair. That first year twelve members attended. The following year attendance went up to sixteen. It continued to grow every year thereafter and has now reached approximately fifty.
Each year we have a great mix of attendees including people from all the public safety fields as well as mystery writers wanting to learn from the experts. Two years ago I handed over the job of conference chair to Michael A. Black, retired police detective and well-known mystery writer. I had the good fortune to meet him at several mystery conventions and knew he would be a good choice for the position. I’ve continued with my other job as newsletter editor for PSWA.
Through the years of my writing career, I’ve attended many writing and mystery conventions and conferences, but PSWA’s conference is my favorite. Not only is the conference fun, educational and amazing, but I’ve made lots of friends within the group and know I can turn to them any time for the research I need for my own books.
Diane:
Besides having law enforcement officers in her family, Marilyn counts many others as friends. She teaches writing, loves to give presentations to writing and other groups, is a member of Mystery Writers of America and three chapters of Sisters in Crime, and is on the board of Public Safety Writers Association.
Marilyn Meredith is nearing the number of 40 published books. Besides being an author, she is a wife, mother, grandma and great-grandmother. Though the Rocky Bluff she writes about is fictional, she lived for over twenty-years in a similar small beach town.
Marilyn, where did the idea for A Crushing Death come from?
Another mystery author suggested the manner of death to me, something I’d never heard of before. After I did some research, ideas began flooding in as they often do.
The murder victim is a teacher who has been accused of improper actions toward one of his students. Is he guilty or not? It is up to the detectives investigating the case to find out, and in this particular instance, Detective Milligan’s wife, Stacey, helps find out the truth.
A religious cult has an important part in this tale—and no, I’ve never belonged to one or known anyone who has, though I’ve certainly read about many.
Another plot thread has to do with a big threat to the new police chief and how her fellow police officers react to it.
Because I introduced Doug Milligan’s daughter in the last book, Violent Departures, I wanted her to have a part in this latest book.
I’ve always felt that plotting a book is much like weaving—bringing different threads together into a colorful and believable story.
Here is the blurb for A Crushing Death
A dead body is found under a pile of rocks beneath a condemned pier, a teacher is accused of molesting a student, the new police chief is threatened by someone she once arrested for attacking women, and Detective Milligan’s teenage daughter has a big problem.
Diane:
Sounds fabulous!
Marilyn:
Thank you, and thanks for having me on your blog. I wanted to mention that I’m having a contest. The person who comments on the most blogs during this tour can have a character named after them in the next Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery. Tomorrow you can find me here: http://willkillforastory.blogspot.com/
Diane:
If you’d like to have your name forever immortalized in a book, go to the above blog and leave a comment. Then see where Marilyn will be next and leave a comment. Your stalking is welcomed!
Marilyn Meredith Social Medias:
Website: http://fictionforyou.com
Blog: http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com
Facebook: Marilyn Meredith
Twitter: @MarilynMeredith
Happy Writing,
Diane Kratz
Blog edited by: Sally Berneathy
Thank you so much for hosting me today. I do hope many of you will “stalk” me as Diane put it.
My pleasure, Marilyn.
Belonging to such an organization lends authenticity to the details in your mysteries. It’s wonderful that you’ve been able to contribute your time and efforts to such a great organization, Marilyn.
I’ve received so much more from PSWA than they have from me, Morgan. Thanks for commenting.
Hoping to see everyone at PSWA this year. It is the best resource for a mystery writer.
Hi, Lorna, as you know PSWA is a big part of my life. And yes, my plans right now are to attend and I’m tickled I’ll be seeing you.
Me too! Thanks for stopping by, Lorna.
The title alone is a hook. I like the idea of asking readers to suggest a method of death. You not only get ideas, but you’ve included your fans in the process of writing your books.
She’s great! Thanks for stopping by, Linda.
Linda, I didn’t really ask, the idea was offered to me via Facebook.
Weaving the plot together with several threads that come together is a writer’s talent that can’t be taught. He has to be something twisted in our brains that makes it possible to create the plot with various components, much like braiding a child’s hair. You just add the bow on the end, which makes it more beautiful!!!
Beautifully said, Elaine.
Thank you for your comment, Elaine. Braiding is the perfect description.
Marilyn, I enjoy stalking you! And learning about the PSWA. I’d love to know how you go about your research.
I use the Internet, but I also email to the lister serve for PSWA or individual members in law enforcement. They are really helpful to me, Maggie.
I just started a Community Police academy program and expect to make some good contacts there
This sounds like a great book! I hadn’t heard of PSWA before, must check it out 🙂
Hi, Jacquie! It’s a wonderful writing group. Thrilled you stopped by! You can check them out here:http://policewriter.com/wordpress/
Diane
Jacquie, you can find them under Policewriter.com
PSWA sounds like a group I need to investigate… I’m always so amazed when I find out yet another talent you have, Marilyn. I’ve always thought I was busy, but I get tired just reading about all you do! Thanks for creating Rocky Bluff… one of my favorite places!
Susan, thanks for following me around. Sometimes I’m too busy.
As PSWA member I commend Marilyn for her continued dedication and efforts towards making it the best writing organization I’ve ever belonged to.
Obviously Marilyn writing your mystery novels are like being a detective uncovering clues and piecing them together, making them realistic and believable. You do a fabulous job and I’m sure you will keep up the good work.
Hi, Joe (my jeopardy buddy). Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Hope to see you this year at the conference!
Diane
I’m glad you found me, Joe. All of you PSWA members are a great inspiration to me.