This week I have the pleasure of introducing you to a wonderful mystery writer, Amanda Flower (yes, that’s her real name), who offers readers “witty suspense with hope.”

Amanda started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she’d written to her sixth grade class and had them in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. At that moment she knew she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel.

In addition to her work as an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland, Amanda juggles three series, including one written under the name of Isabella Allen.          

When I asked Amanda how she would advise those hoping to break into the competitive field of mystery writing, she said this: “The number one thing a new mystery writer needs to know are mysteries. You have to know the genre that you want to write. I’ve been a mystery fan since I was a child and can’t tell you how many mystery novels I have read. I’ve read them for enjoyment, but along the way, I learned the norms and elements that are found in all mysteries. I think this made it easier for me to craft a mystery plot of my own. I know there are certain plot points I need to reach as the author. I’m not saying you can’t break with convention when you write mystery; many bestselling mystery authors have with great success. However, the cliché is true: you have to know the rules before you can break them. So visit your local library, load up on all the mysteries you can carry, and start reading!”

Amanda’s latest mystery, A Plain Scandal, is available now. Three new books, coming out in September, are available for preorder:

A Plain Disappearance (Book Three in the Appleseed Creek Mystery series)

Murder Plain and Simple by Isabella Allen (first in the new Amish Quilt Shop series)

Andi Unexpected (a mystery for children, ages 8 to 12).

Amanda’s books are available at many outlets, including Amazon, B&N, and Lifeway. Look for Amanda on her website: www.amandaflower.com and on Twitter @aflowerwriter. Follow her on Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

Thanks, Amanda! Keep writing!             .