Author Interview/Giveaway - Pleating for Mercy by Misa Ramirez

Describe your book in five words or less.

Charming. Intriguing. Cozy. Magical. Mystery.

How did the ideas for your books come to you?

Pleating for Mercy, book one in A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series, came to me in bits and pieces. I knew I wanted to have the heart of the book be in a dressmaking shop. Buttons & Bows was born of that desire. I love throwing in little bits of history, and since the story takes place in Texas, and there’s something intriguing about the old western outlaws, having Harlow Jane Cassidy be a descendent of Butch Cassidy was a natural for me.

The rest evolved as I wrote!

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

The themes which always emerge in my books are family, independent women, and friendship. There’s not a message, per say, but these themes are strong in Pleating for Mercy.

What is the hardest part of writing for you? What's the easiest?

Time management! I’m a mother, wife, and PTA vice president, I work for a publisher (Entangled Publishing: http://entangledpublishing.com ), I teach writing both online and at Southern Methodist University, and I write. Often the writing gets pushed aside as other deadlines and priorities rise to the top.

What's next for you? Are you currently working on or have plans for future projects?

I’m nearly finished with the 3rd book in my Lola Cruz mystery series, Bare Naked Lola (written as Misa Ramirez). It’ll be published in early spring. I’m working on the third book in A Magical Dressmaking mystery series (written as Melissa Bourbon). Book 2, A Fitting End, comes out in February.

I have 2 romantic suspense novels coming out in 2012, as well as a nonfiction book on marketing and promotion, co-authored with Tonya Kappes

I’m always busy!

Why did you choose to write for specific genre?

Several things speak to me:

1. The Mexican culture. My husband is Mexican and we’ve tried hard to infuse our lives and our kids’ lives and experiences with parts of his culture. Lola Cruz is an embodiment of that, as are the themes, plot, and characters in my romantic suspenses.

2. Family. Every book I write is centered with family.

3. Strong women.

Looking at these elements, coupled with my love of mysteries, it was natural for me to gravitate toward the mystery genre. The new series, A Magical Dressmaking Mystery, is cozy, which I love. It’s a bit lighter than the suspenses, but still incorporates all of the same elements I love.

What's it like hearing that readers are eagerly awaiting your book's release date?

So exciting! The response, reviews, and praise for Pleating for Mercy have been amazing, and it’s a thrill.

What is one question that you've always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

Ha! I can’t think of any.

What was your road to publications like?

My road to publication has been like anyone else’s... filled with ups and downs. I’ve had 3 agents: the first retired, the second was great, but when I shifted toward mystery, she didn’t have those connections. The third is amazing and I’m still with her.

I’ve been published with SMP and NAL. I’ll be published with a smaller press, Entangled Publishing. I’ve tried my had at self-publishing (which I discovered is not for me!). I’ve been fortunate to be able to do what I love and make some semblance of a living while doing it. It’s a blessing to have people love my books and I don’t take that for granted. Writing is hard work, but I love it!

Thanks for having me here today!



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