Welcome, today we are talking with Joan Havelange! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.
Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?
I’m an avid golfer, not a good golfer, but an avid one. I go out in the morning every weekday.But I take weekends off and let the real golfers golf.
How long have you been writing?
I wrote a children’s story when my children were young. But I never tried to have it publish. Then in my 20s or maybe my 30s, I tried to write a romance. Again, I never tried to get it published. But by then, I decided I’d rather kill them than kiss them. So, I turned to mysteries. And in 2019, my first mystery, ‘Wayward Shot,’ was published.
What have you found most challenging about it?
Writing a murder mystery is not a problem for me. That comes easy. My biggest challenge in writing was my second book, ‘Death and Denial.’ I took my protagonist to Egypt. A country I had visited. I wanted to show my readers the sights and the feel of that country without making it a travel log. The mystery is foremost. I had the same challenge with ‘The Suspects. I took my protagonist on a bus tour through Northern Europe. I have had excellent reviews from my readers, so I have accomplished my goal of entertaining with the mysteries and showcasing the scenic and historic sights.
What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?
Writing a story for me is like reading a good book. I know that sounds a bit odd. But I write what I would like to read. It’s fun but maybe I do get a bit emotional. I almost killed a protagonist in ‘Moving is Murder.’ Spoiler alert. In the end, I just couldn’t.
Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?
In the summer it is hard for me to write. I live in Canada; we have fantastic summers, and I just want to be outside enjoying it. Be it golf, gardening, or traveling. Winter is easier for me to write in. It gets cold. There could be a blizzard outside, and I’m writing on my laptop. I can be in the middle of the Sahara Desert or climbing the Alps in Switzerland. So, my routine varies. In the summer, I golf in the morning and try to write in the afternoon. In the winter, I go to the gym in the morning and write as soon as I get home.
Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?
Writing is fun for me.
What inspires you?
My travels have inspired me. But so do people and events. Mystery writing is all about what if. Someone or something occurs, and I think, what if this happened?
Let’s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.
I love to golf. I might be a bit of a fitness nut as I go to the gym. And I love to travel. I have been lucky and have travelled to maybe 50 countries. I’m not sure how many. But I have enjoyed every trip. And I love coming back home. Best of all worlds.
What are your pet peeves?
I wish people would leave reviews on books they have read. But I, too, am guilty, so I shouldn’t complain.
Who is your hero?
Not movie stars, or sport stars. Doctors, nurses. And people who help others with no thought of a reward or praise.
Give us one thing on your bucket list.
Maybe go to Iceland.
What is your favorite hot drink (coffee, tea, etc.)?
I have no sense of taste. So cold water is good for me.
What would readers find surprising about you?
That I’m a very boring person. I’m nothing like my protagonist.
If you could go to heaven, who would you visit?
I’ll just stay here for the time being. I used to think I’d ask people from history about why things happened the way they did. Now I just google it.
Now that our readers know who ____Joan Havelange_______ is let’s get down to the business of your book, __The Séance Murders_________.
Please tell us a little bit about ___The Séance Murders.__________.
1908: Regina, Saskatchewan, the railroad hub of the prairies, is booming. The foxtrot is the latest craze hitting the dance halls, and silent movies are all the rage. But it’s the newest fad, séances, that intrigues Myrtle Vanhoff.
Myrtle is tired of the constraints put on her by her father, Reginald Vanhoff, a lumber baron, and her mother, Amelia. Her mother is determined to make her and her daughter’s mark on Regina’s burgeoning social scene. But Myrtle has other ideas. On a lark, the rebellious young woman convinces her twin brother, Leopold, to attend Madame Scarlatta’s notorious séances. They find more than restless spirits. Someone murders a bereaved patron while everyone at the table is holding hands. Myrtle and Leopold are determined to find out who and how. A Regina police officer is appalled at Myrtle’s unladylike interest in the murders. But Jonathan Chapman of the Royal North-West Mounted Police is intrigued. Jonathan joins Myrtle and Leopold in their search for the murderer. When Myrtle gets too close to the truth, the murderer targets her as the next victim.
What was your hardest challenge writing this book?
The mystery was, for me, the easiest part.Researching the era was work. How did people dress? How was society during that time? What was the latest craze? What was their biggest concern? And what did the city look like in 1908?
What kind of research did you have to do?
Two wonderful historical clubs helped me. And the newspaper archives were a tremendous help. Even the ads of the time gave me a glimpse into the life and times of the people living at that time.
What in your opinion makes good chemistry between your leading characters?
In ‘The Séance Murders, ’ Myrtle and Leopold are brother and sister. So, sibling conflict occurred, but so did humour and, above all, trust.
Any other works in progress?
I go to an Aqua exercise class. And ‘a what if ‘occurred to me as we were doing the aquatic exercises. My next mystery will involve swimming pools and a blond widow with a mysterious past. And, of course, murder. Plenty of suspects, humour, mystery and a twist. The working title is ‘The Bathrobe Brigade.’
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Every story requires both low points and high points. A story becomes dull if everyone is always happy. If conflicts persist, your narrative will become exhausting. The readers must root for someone and care about what happens to them.
Final words?
The three things an author loves most are writing and having readers enjoy your writing. And talking about writing. Thank you so muchfor this interview
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