Interview Michaeline Della Fera

By

Pat Worley

1. What made you decide to become a writer? How long have you been writing?

I've wanted to write as long as I can remember. I was about twelve years old and I remember telling my mother I was going to write a book. I've been writing for about fifteen years and the last six years I have become more serious and focused about my writing.

2. I love a good mystery. How do you come up with plot lines? Do you borrow from the headlines?

I love to read mysteries, but I found that writing one is much more difficult than I ever anticipated. Sometimes I need help with the plot. Fortunately, I have a fantastic set of very imaginative friends. We all sit around and everyone throws ideas out until one catches my fancy. Then I develop it more--put the flesh on the bones, so to speak. Each story has a mind of its own and while I usually stick pretty close to the original ideas, I find that sometimes the story takes twists and turns I didn't expect.

3. I didn't see a bio on the Wings website. Tell me a little about yourself.

I am an ex-teacher and public school administrator. For the last three years, I have been working for a small, catholic, liberal arts college as an admissions counselor and academic advisor. Just recently I accepted a new part time position for the same college so I can concentrate more on my writing. Writing is definitely a passion of mine.

4.  Do you belong to a writers group or critique group? If so, how have they helped you in your writing career?

I do belong to a fabulous writers group. I acknowledge their assistance in the dedication page of Trading Faces. The group is awe inspiring and replete with great writers--some published and others are on their way to being published. We not only critique each other's writing but we are cheerleaders and motivators for each other.

5. Tell me a little more about your heroine in Trading Faces. Is there something about her character that you especially wanted to get across to your readers?

Cecce DeLucca is loosely based on a cousin of mine. I have tried to make Cecce funny, and flawed so any reader can relate to her. Additionally, she is slightly overweight and continually fighting weight gain and trying to diet. She is a wonderfully contagious single thirty something woman who lives to fight crime and eat great food.

6. I noticed your locales of Arizona and New Hampshire. Why there two?

I live in New Hampshire and I've been to Arizona several times. At one time I thought about moving there. There are spa locations in the Northeast, but I thought that Arizona would offer more interest to the story.

7. Trading Faces is listed as a Cozy Mystery. What exactly is a Cozy Mystery?

I refer to a cozy mystery as a 'nice murder.' I once had a professor who said that humor and murder don't mix. I hope I've proved him wrong.

8. Are you working on anything new? If so, what?

Yes. I am working on two sequels to Trading Faces. I love the characters in Trading Faces and I want to perpetuate them. One sequel will take place in Tuscany (I just came back from a fabulous trip there) and the other will take place in my hometown of Hollis, New Hampshire.

9. Do you write in other genres other than mysteries?

I consider myself a 'multi-genre' writer. I write nonfiction for a city newspaper and I have a weekly column where I answer personal and education-based questions for readers. I am also working on two anthologies and a book on retirement.