Midlife Mayhem (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780999767825)

Author Sue Hawley proves that writers become writers by reading. With little formal writing instruction but years of avid reading, Sue Hawley began writing a series of cozy mysteries. Her stories surround the adventures of menopausal Peg Shaw who sees dead people. "The first one almost wrote itself," Sue said of Hot Flashes Cold Cases, which she wrote in 12 weeks. "My sister, who is now my biggest fan, loved it." When asked where she gets her ideas, Sue explained, "Characters show up when they are ready. It's not something that can be forced." She goes on to say "One day I was writing about Peg when a character showed up ringing the doorbell. I had no idea who was going to be on the other side of that door when Peg answered it. It turned out to be Amy, someone who has been important to Peg ever since." Mostly self-taught, Sue has read a lot about how to develop a back-story and develop characters. On her writing table, she is surrounded by the world of her characters and their stories, all on 3" x 5" index cards or sticky notes attached to her corkboard. Writing from her farmhouse, Sue says, "I am very happy on my hill. I'm not a joiner; I'm a rather private person." However, she maintains, "Everyone has a story. Write your story."