Judgment Fire by Marilyn Meredith

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Judgment Fire

Marilyn Meredith

What inspired the book?

Judgment Fire is a Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery. In this book Tempe comes to the realization as to why she has been so reluctant to embrace her heritage. In every novel she has learned more and more about being a Native American, but it has always been obvious that her ethnicity was not something she was particularly proud of.

What makes this book special to you?

Whenever I have a new book it is special to me. It's sort of like giving birth, each child is special. Being the mother of five, I can assure you that it is a similar experience.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

I don't know that it's a must, but for those readers who like mysteries and particular books with a touch of Native Americanism, Judgment Fire is for them. The why is because they'll enjoy reading about Tempe and her latest adventure.

What sparks your creativity?

Because I know Tempe and her family as well or better than my own, I'm always anxious to see what is going to happen to them next.

Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

When looking for an idea I pay attention to what's on the news and small items in the newspaper and magazines. I also like to listen in on people's conversations in restaurants. (My husband hates when I do this, but I've gotten some dandy ideas this way.)

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing?

First it was rejections. I got nearly 30 for the first book that I felt had the potential to be published. (I'd written two others that never saw the light of day.) I rewrote and rewrote and rewrote until finally I received that wonderful acceptance letter.

The lovely woman who owned and ran the publishing company that published the first four books in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series passed away unexpectedly. That was tough. I lost a good friend and supporter. I was fortunate to find Mundania Press willing to continue with me and the series.

Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems? Don't give up. Life is full of stumbling blocks--just climb over them and keep on going.

What do you think motivates people to become authors?

Unfortunately, I'm afraid some people think being an author is easy and an easy way to make money. Not a good reason to be an author. Unless one is extremely fortunate, the money is not that good. And writing is not easy! You must do it every day in order to complete a book--and then it needs to be edited and re-edited.

What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I love to read and I've been writing since I was about 10. I can't imagine not writing.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I always have a book launch somewhere--only once was it in a book store, I've had launches in an inn very much like the one in my books, a recreation center where I was joined by a belly dancer, on the porch of a coffee shop, my house, gift shop, and our town's Visitor's Center.

I thought having a virtual book tour was unusual but now everyone seems to be doing it--and I love it!

I also love giving talks about my books and writing anywhere they'll have me from libraries, writing conferences to women's and men's service groups.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

The setting always needs to sound real whether you're making it up or you're using a real place. Always, the reader needs to know where the action is taking place--I like to think of my books as a movie I see in my head and then I try to write the book in such a way that the reader will see the same movie.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book?

Tempe Crabtree as a resident deputy must deal with the bad things that happen in her town. She also has to deal with the fact that she's a Native American and the only woman law enforcement officer in her area.

What makes them memorable for the reader? I hope the female readers will find things to identify with--such as the fact Tempe is also a mother and a wife and must balance all facets of her life. She's strong but also a very real person who has to deal with the day-to-day problems of life.

What motivates the hero and/or heroine?

Tempe is always looking for the truth--she never accepts the easy solution without making sure it's the right one.

Her pastor husband has some problems at times with Tempe's involvement with Native American spirituality.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Because I write mysteries there are always villains. In Judgment Fire there are an assortment of odd characters who are villainous. The husband who batters his wife--and the son who acts like he doesn't care about his mother are two.

Tempe also goes behind her husband's back to participate in a starlight ceremony, something she knows Hutch won't approve of.

Judgment Fire is an Eppie finalist in the mystery category.

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Judgment Fire, Eppie Finalist
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