with Amber Rochelle Gillet
We are delighted to welcome mystery author Amber Rochelle Gillet to Omnimystery News.
Amber's first in a new series is A Family Affair (Amber Rochelle Gillet, August 2012 trade paperback and ebook formats), which introduces the PMS Private Investigators.
We asked Amber to introduce herself and her series characters to our readers. We then followed up with a few questions of our own.
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Photo provided courtesy of
Amber Rochelle Gillet
Hello! My name is Amber Rochelle Gillet and I'm the author of the "PMS Private Investigators" series. Although I do have a dedicated full time day job in the IT field, writing and reading have been a significant part of my life as far back as I can remember. My insatiable love for that combination married up with my enormous and vibrant imagination drove me to create a fictional character and channel that frenzied energy! The books are simple, humorous and short. As a mother of four boys, I really wanted to gear my writing for the individuals who don't always have as much time as we wish we did; to provide a comical diversion that will offer a break from day to day life, but not require the commitment of a lengthier work.
The first story in the series was released in August of 2012 and introduces the reader to Paula Stone; a former executive whose life is thrown into disarray after she follows her boyfriend and realizes he is married. (A complete synopsis can be found, below).
The second book, which is scheduled to go live late May picks up with Paula and her best friend Mitexi back in action, only this time they are officially in business! As Paula decides to lose the meter maid outfit for good and work on snagging her first client, Dr. Tom Kirby, the handsome pediatrician who shares an office in the same building, her famously neurotic mother is convinced that he must be the answer to her hopes for a future son in law and potential grandchildren. While following a few comical leads to uncover the mystery behind the doctor's missing 3-legged chocolate lab Triangle, they realize that not only are appearances very deceiving, but the unique characters who make up their own families actually seem sane as they confront a few quirky individuals that are key to returning their subject safely where he belongs.
Both installments are available on e-book (all formats) and paperback, as will their future counterparts. If you get the opportunity to grab one and dig in, I believe you'll enjoy them. I always welcome feedback and thank you in advance for giving up a small window of your valuable time to take a look.
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Omnimystery News: As a writer, what about a series character appeals to you?
Amber Rochelle Gillet: I chose to write about a reccurring character in my series because I think the readers really begin to relate to who this person is and what makes them tick. I believe you begin to look forward to what their next move might be or sometimes even predict what you will think might happen next based on the character traits that have been shared over several stories.
OMN: Did you base any of Paula Stone's character on something from your own experience?
ARG: Quite a bit of the content in my books comes from something I have personally experienced or witnessed — I just tweak it so that it can still be considered fiction. I am really amazed at how easily the writing flows when you can relate it back to an experience.
OMN: Tell us about your writing process
ARG: For the first book in my series I did do some up front work as far as picking my main characters names and what their background should be There was a general direction that I hoped the story would follow so I decided that having that groundwork laid out would really allow me to focus on the humor in the story. After I had that piece where I wanted it, my writing is really a work that just flows as it comes to me. I don't like being bound by a certain outcome; granted I have ideas in my head that I hope to incorporate sometimes, but if an opportunity doesn't present itself while I'm putting it on paper, I just store it away for use at another time.
OMN: Are the books set in a real place?
ARG: My stories are set in a fictional place, with influences from a real life city/state. Oddly, climate was important to me because that can help back some of my stories appropriately, I also liked focusing on area that I knew about so that I could give the reader a general idea on where the setting takes place, but not so restricted by it that I couldn't throw in some good imagination when necessary.
OMN: What kinds of books did you read when you were young?
ARG: The only types of books I did not enjoy reading when I was younger, or even today, are horror. But humor has always been my favorite, so I believe that liking that category did steer me in that direction, but I really enjoy quirky twists which led me to focus on mystery. Also, I have experienced so many crazy situations or witnessed hilarious scenarios that I really will think to myself, I could turn that into something.
OMN: What are your hobbies or interests outside of writing?
ARG: Because I have a full time day job in addition to my writing and I'm the mother of four boys, my hobbies are limited. But because I'm always on the run and I love people watching it is ideal for me to bring ideas to the table. People and life are pretty funny and I take advantage of that for my own selfish reasons.
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A Family Affair
Amber Rochelle Gillet
The PMS Private Investigators Series
Paula Stone is a former executive whose life is thrown into disarray after she follows her boyfriend and realizes he is married. The public confrontation causes her to lose her well paying job but gain an arrest record, probation and a community service obligation where she is able to secure a meter maid position as a last option to maintain what little self respect she has left, now that her professional reputation has been tarnished. Forced to move in with her neurotic mother due to lack of funds, life seems unbearably hopeless.
Her story accelerates when arrogant, but wealthy, Uncle Gordie offers Paula a substantial amount of cash to stalk his mistress, figuring if she was good enough to track down her own ex-lover, she shouldn't have any issues with finding out what his girl has been up to. Days later the same Uncle's wife, Aunt DeDe who is struggling with the reality of turning 50, also hires Paula to follow her husband, certain that he is guilty of an affair.
Accompanied by her best and very pregnant friend Mitexi, who unexpectedly gives birth on the floor of the pornographic video store, they tackle the adventures with unconventional success. Ultimately, as Paula begins to realize her talent for following others along with her mother s encouragement, she uses the earned money to start her own Private Investigative business.
Click on the Amazon button to see also the special Whispersync offer associated with this title.
