Sandy Semerad has worked as a journalist, newspaper reporter, broadcaster and editor.
Mardi Gravestone—her first mystery novel, received rave reviews.
Alabama born, Sandy now lives in Santa Rosa Beach, FL with husband Larry—a keyboard player—who earned his chops in New Orleans—and their spoiled Shih Tzu P-Nut. She has two daughters and a grand daughter.
BWLPP: How long have you been writing and in what genres?
SS: Twenty years ago, I started working as a reporter for an Atlanta newspaper, honing my craft, with the idea of one day writing a novel. As a journalist, I covered all types of news stories, and when I wasn’t writing, reporting and editing, I read in all genres, but I especially enjoyed mysteries. I loved the way authors like Sandra Brown added steamy romance. The story of Mardi Gravestone began when I saw a man fall from the back of a pickup truck. I wondered: What if this happened to me on my way to New Orleans?
BWLPP: Where do get your inspiration?
SS: I’ve been making up stories in my head ever since I can remember and I continue to do so. If the stories and the characters haunt me, I write them down. Usually the story begins with a “what if” question. For example, before I started writing Hurricane House, I asked: “What if a hurricane hits my beach community and there’s a murderer living there.”
BWLPP: Tell us about your book(s).
SS: Mardi Gravestone: A journalist and her daughter—on their way to New Orleans during Mardi Gras week—are drawn into a series of murders involving the White House.
BWLPP: What about your next book? Will it be part of a series or a stand alone? Can you give us a taste to whet our appetites?
SS: Hurricane House has a unique protagonist who’s a catastrophe investigator, but the crystal necklace is continued from Mardi Gravestone. The protagonist in Mardi Gravestone gives the protagonist in Hurricane House the crystal necklace. Here’s a short synopsis: A hurricane hits a Florida fishing village with a murderer at large.
BWLPP: Why did you choose to publish electronically?
SS: It’s the future and more reasonable to purchase, with the ability to reach a larger audience.
BWLPP: What are your hobbies and interests?
SS: First and foremost, reading and writing, but I also love to cook for my family and friends. That is, when I’m not traveling with my job. During the week, I’m usually on the road. However, I don’t mind the traveling. I enjoy going to different places and learning new things. I also enjoy exercising, walking on the beach, listening to the waves lap the shore.
BWLPP: What does the future hold for you?
SS: I want to write more of the stories in my head and have more time to write them, and I hope millions of readers will enjoy my stories.
BWLPP: Where can readers find you?
SS: Visit my website, www.sandysemerad.com, and my blog, www.sandysemerad.blogspot.com/, befriend me on Facebook and join my Facebook group: Let’s Talk Mystery and other Stuff.
Books You’ll Love from Books We Love
Recent reader discussion...