So, the Bouchercon assembly last fall introduced me to so many wonderful authors. This month I feature another of my new writing friends. Say hello to Carol Pouliot. Pouliot, who lives north of Syracuse, New York, is transitioning from an author’s co-op to a more traditional press, a process that can be quite daunting! Book #2 in The Blackwell and Watson Time-Travel Mystery Series is titled Threshold of Deceit.
A Francophile at age 11, Carol Pouliot dreamed of getting her passport, packing her suitcase, and going to Paris. After getting her MA in French at Stony Brook University, she headed to France for her first teaching job. She taught French and Spanish for over 30 years in Upstate New York, where she also ran an agency that provided translations in over 24 languages. Passionate about travel, she has visited 5 continents so far. DOORWAY TO MURDER is the first in the Blackwell and Watson Time-Travel Mysteries. It is available at BridlePathPress.com. Visit Carol at www.carolpouliot.com You can also contact her at carolpouliotwriter@gmail.com. Check out her page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001048955645
Carol, why do you write mysteries?
I love the adventure of a mystery−the hunt for the killer and the quest for the truth. A mystery can take place at any time and in any place−a quaint English village in the 1930s or a desert town in 1500BC Egypt. I also like the satisfaction the reader gets at the end of a mystery. Everything is wrapped up and explained.
What is the most challenging aspect of your writing life?
Time management has been my biggest challenge. I would be happy if I could just sit at my computer and write all day long. But, in addition to maintaining my personal life with exercise, walking, family, and friends (to say nothing of household chores and errands), I now need to maintain an active online presence, do marketing, and keep up lots of book-related paperwork. I am also an active member of my Sisters in Crime chapter and attend a couple of conferences every year. I could use about 36 hours every day.
What piece of writing advice has had the most influence on you?
Be true to yourself. When I first queried agents and editors, a common response to my time-travel mystery idea was But, how are we going to market that? I quickly moved on. This is the story in my head. This is the story I want and need to tell. I’m planning 6 or 7 books in the Blackwell and Watson time-travel mystery series. I know how everything progresses and how it ends. I’ll take my story to the ending that I imagine.
Just for Fun:
Name a favorite food you use to reward yourself.
Pepperidge Farm cheddar goldfish.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be? Why?
Adriadne Oliver in Agatha Christie’s mysteries. She’s quirky and fun. She has exciting adventures with Hercule Poirot.