Shawn Reilly Simmons

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Shawn Reilly Simmons about culinary cozy mysteries, Malice Domestic and 2021's More Than Malice, and writing.

Shawn Reilly Simmons is the Agatha and Anthony Award-winning author and editor of The Red Carpet Catering Mysteries and of twenty short stories appearing in various anthologies. She serves on the Board of Malice Domestic, is an editor at Level Best Books and a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, the Crime Writers’ Association, and International Thriller Writers. She lives in historic Frederick, Maryland, with her husband and son.

Visit Shawn at www.shawnreillysimmons.com.

Find out more about Malice Domestic and More Than Malice at www.malicedomestic.org.

Podcast: Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

Facebook: ShawnReillySimmonsAuthor

Twitter: ShawnRSimmons

Instagram: ShawnRSimmons

Get to know Shawn - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:

1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo? I’m a pantser for sure. I’d like to be more of a plotter, but for some reason it doesn’t stick with me. 

2.   Tea or Coffee? Coffee in the morning, and tea later on (in colder months).

3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? All of the above! I’m taking a break from wine right now, so I’m drinking more vodka and soda with my own mixers (fresh herbs and citrus). This is my usual spring/summer routine, when I’m out running more in the sun. 

4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Savory. I love a good dessert, but can go months without sweets. Chips on the other hand…I’ll eat the whole bag and look for more. 

5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Traditionally published. 

6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No. Yes. When I’m on top of my game or on deadline, I write for 2-3 hours early mornings. The rest of the day is for working on my other jobs (Malice and Level Best)

7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Computer, although I always have a journal with me to jot quick notes. I also use Google Keep and Notes for random thoughts when I’m away from my desk. And Pinterest to save articles that have kernels of inspiration in them. 

8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No. Yes, although I’ve been working on putting less pressure on myself in all areas of life. 

9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or no. Yes, I use Scrivner which keeps my goals in front of me. 

10.  Special Writing Spot? If it’s dark out and everyone is asleep still, I’ll write in bed, or on the couch under a blanket. I love my desk but spend a lot of time there on other work that I try to mix it up during my creative hours. Coffee shops are good for me too (when we can do that again!)

11.   Writer’s Block? This hasn’t been a challenge for me (thank goodness). I have too many ideas. My challenge is managing time and accomplishing everything. 

12.   File of Ideas: Yes or No Yes (see Pinterest comment above, and journal notes)

13.   Favorite Author(s)? Oooh….that’s a really long list, and I’ll forget some folks I’m sure but off the top of my head now: Louise Penny, Ann Cleeves, Martin Edwards, Jennifer Hillier, SA Cosby, Stephen King, Megan Abbott, Sherry Harris, Bruce Coffin, Tana French, Gillian Flynn, Agatha Christie, Ruth Ware, Laura Lippman, Rachel Howzell Hall, Lori Rader-Day, Edwin Hill, Walter Mosley.