An Interview with Phyllis Picasso
This is my second book. The first, A Leaf From My Own Book is historical fiction. I was writing Unwrapped and Leaf simultaneously. I am a lifelong resident of New Jersey and get my ideas for the mysteries from my everyday surroundings. I’ve always heard “Write about what you know,” and I did with Unwrapped.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The title came easily. Unwrapped triggers two thoughts in me: the fact that the deceased will not see her gifts unwrapped. The second thought is the unwrapping of the clues to get to a final solution.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
I think the book cover is awesome and my friends and family agree! When I first held the book in my hands I couldn’t believe this was something I had done!
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
The Nancy Drew Mystery Stories made me want to write. I began reading them at the age of nine, then included Judy Bolton and The Dana Girls in my reading material. As an adult, I began reading Agatha Christie, who I greatly admire.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I worked at AT&T and Johnson and Johnson as a project manager. Deadlines are familiar to me, and I keep a deadline target in my writing to ensure I write something every day.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
I took pleasure in the comments from my friends. They really enjoyed it and told me so with references to ‘being unable to figure out who the killer was’ and liking the character development.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Some of the songs would be Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas, and She’s Got You by Patsy Cline.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I hope they take away the thought that we all have secrets, we can change our perception of people, and most of all that things aren’t always as obvious as they seem to be.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
I am working on a sequel to my first book and the second mystery in my detective series, The Lady at the Door.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
Working with Atmosphere Press was a delightful experience. All the people I worked with were knowledgeable, helpful, and talented. Though I thought my book was good when I submitted it, the Atmosphere team helped me make it so much better!
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
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