We are delighted to welcome author M. Maitland DeLand to Omnimystery News today.
The author of several children's books, Maitland's first adult mystery is titled Nashville Mercy (in press) and introduces investigative reporter Kate Katelinson. We recently had the chance to catch up with her to talk more about her new book.
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Omnimystery News: What is it about series characters that appeals to you as a writer?
Photo provided courtesy of
M. Maitland DeLand
M. Maitland DeLand: I chose to write a recurring character because I love the idea of following a specific protagonist as she grows and discovers new things about herself and the world. It's definitely my intention to develop Kate as the series progresses. It's only natural that characters change as their situations and challenges change. Developing a character over a series creates a dynamic experience for readers and for me as a writer!
OMN: Tell us a little more about your writing process.
MMD: After coming up with the story premise, I create a cast of characters, giving them short biographies. For some of the primary characters, I may also conduct a "character interview," during which I ask them a series of questions in order to get to know them better.
I then outline an action plot. The beginning and end of the plot always sticks during the writing process. Sometimes the middle of the narrative might slightly veer from the outline as the story organically develops on its own during the writing process.
OMN: What is the best advice you've received as an author? And what might you say to aspiring writers?
MMD: The best advice I received as I writer was to resist conforming to the latest fads or trends just to sell a book — to commit to my unique voice and the unique narrative within me. We all have distinct gifts and talents living in our blueprint. They contain messages and stories only we can tell. It's our job to honor these gifts by sharing them with the world. Be authentic. Be you.
The greatest advice I can offer aspiring writers is to write daily. It doesn't matter if the work is always good. A lot of the time it won't be. That's the nature of writing. What matters is that you're showing up to the desk every day, and committing to the work. Creativity respects this kind of commitment. Discipline is a structure in which the fluid, chaotic energy of creation may flourish.
OMN: Suppose Nashville Mercy were to be adapted for television or film. Who do you see playing the lead?
MMD: I'd love to see Emma Stone give Kate Katelinson's character a shot! Emma Stone easily conveys a spunkiness and intelligence on screen, while also embodying a softvulnerability. She also has killer comedic timing (no pun intended) to boot!
OMN: What's next for you?
MMD: I'm finishing up the next installment in the Nashville mystery series, Nashville Rap. Kate Katelinson comes up against the greatest challenge of her career and personal life in this murder mystery, which is set in the heart of Nashville's music scene. This book is a bold investigation into race, power, jealousy, and betrayal. Readers will learn some more interesting medical facts as well!
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M. Maitland DeLand, M.D., is a radiation oncologist and founder of OncoLogics, a group of cancer treatment centers in the southern United States. A leader in her field, Dr. DeLand is chairman of the Health Education Authority of Louisiana Board and also serves as a member of the BreastCancer.org Professional Advisory Board. She’s an active philanthropist, who is passionate about supporting diabetes and cancer prevention programs, as well as the special needs of children. Dr. DeLand has a deep love of southern culture and colorful southern personalities from which her writing finds ample inspiration. She spends her free time growing her fine antiques and art collection. A classic movie buff as well, Dr. DeLand is a regular at the Turner Classic Film Festival. She also never misses Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s Christmas Concert held in Nashville every year. Dr. DeLand is also the author of several children’s books collections, including The Great Katie Kate books focused on educating children about medical conditions. Dr. DeLand divides her time between Lafayette, Nashville and New Orleans.
For more information about the author, please visit her website at NashvilleMystery.com and her author page on Goodreads, or find her on Facebook and Twitter.
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Nashville Mercy by M. Maitland DeLand
A Kate Katelinson Mystery
Publisher: (in press)
When a promising country music singer on the verge of stardom mysteriously dies after undergoing a routine medical procedure, Kate Katelinson, an investigative reporter for the Nashville Herald, becomes personally tied to the case. After sources connected to the reporter's investigation start dying, Kate finds herself thrust into a twisted labyrinth of betrayal, corruption, and murder.
Armed with only her investigative instincts and an unlikely alliance of friends, the reporter enters a terrifying game of cat-and-mouse with a mastermind more powerful than she could have ever anticipated.
— Nashville Mercy by M. Maitland DeLand
