CLAIRE NADEN enjoyed a career as a paralegal before turning her attention to writing full-time. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and master’s degrees in history and library and information science. Her first novel, Cache Under the Stacks: A Cate Wagner Mystery, was published in June 2018. She lives with her husband, David, and their two dogs in Pasadena, California. Visit her online at clairenaden.wordpress.com.
Jann: We’re here today chatting with author Claire Naden who loves writing about the past and present.
Jann: On June 7, 2018, Cache Under the Stack, a Cate Wagner Mystery, your first novel had its debut. Tell our readers about Cate and the mystery she finds herself involved in.
Claire: Cate has inherited a bookstore from her late great aunt. She has always loved the bookstore, so it is only fitting that her auntie has left it to her. One night she is awakened by a phone call and the caller threatens the bookstore and her. He virtually stalks her, and it takes some sleuthing for Cate to discover what he is after. There is a historical twist in the middle of the book that lends itself to the conclusion.
Jann: Will Cate Wagner have another mystery to solve?
Claire: I have been working on another mystery for Cate to solve in which she will make some life altering decisions.
Jann: I understand you are almost finished with your edits for your women’s fiction, Starting Over, set on the island of Kauai in 2004. What’s your story about?
Claire: Actually, I have my galleys back from the publisher, so I am working my way through it for a last check. My story is about a middle age woman who has been recently widowed and decides she wants to start her life over after having had several failed relationships. She makes the decision to sell her condominium and move to Kauai where she will purchase a bed and breakfast. I don’t want to divulge any more – spoilers you know!
Jann: You’re also working on a WWII novel. Do you have any favorite sources for research?
Claire: I have a lot of sources that I use for research and find myself falling down the rabbit hole every once in a while. Since my story is about a journalist, I have used The Women Who Wrote the War as my starting point.
Jann: Do you find yourself returning to certain themes in your stories? What? Why?
Claire: I tend to write stories where my protagonist is a woman. I like to write about women who have conflicts, face obstacles to what they want and manage to overcome and come out on top. I don’t feel comfortable in a “man’s voice.” Maybe that will change.
Jann: Do you have any writing rituals? Schedule?
Claire: No, but I wish I did. Maybe I would accomplish more.
Jann: What kind of writer are you? A page a day or a burst writer?
Claire: I try to get words in every day but not always successful. You know life happens. But if I don’t get words down then I do something writing related like research which I love, character outlines, editing etc. I can always find something to do related to my writing.
Jann: Are there any words of inspiration on your computer, in your office or in your mind when you write?
Claire: Nothing except “Write Everyday.”
Jann: What’s the best writing advice you ever received?
Claire: Not to give up in other words keep swimming!
Jann: How do you stay motivated? What drives you to keep writing?
Claire: It is hard but when I look in my office and see everything I have built up over time and remind myself I am committed.
Jann: What are you dying to try next?
Claire: I would love to try a Victorian mystery/romance set in my town of Pasadena, CA.
Jann: Thanks Claire for sharing with us today on A Slice of Orange. We wish you and all our readers a very special Holiday Season!
Books by Claire Naden
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CLAIRE NADEN enjoyed a career as a paralegal before turning her attention to writing full-time. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and master’s degrees in history and library and information science. Her first novel, Cache Under the Stacks: A Cate Wagner Mystery, was published in June 2018. She lives with her husband, David, and […]
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Barb loves reading, writing and animals, not necessarily in that order. She writes contemporary and paranormal stories of love, laughter and magic, and you’re going to know there’ll be a feature creature in there somewhere.
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CLAIRE NADEN enjoyed a career as a paralegal before turning her attention to writing full-time. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and master’s degrees in history and library and information science. Her first novel, Cache Under the Stacks: A Cate Wagner Mystery, was published in June 2018. She lives with her husband, David, and […]
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Sarah Vance-Tompkins was born in a small town in northern Michigan. She earned an MFA in Film Production from the University of Southern California before working in feature film development for ten years.
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