Interview with Marilyn Wright Dayton, Author of Murder On The Mesa

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Murder On The Mesa?

I love being in my 70’s, retired from the business world (my marketing biz and tv show), and enjoy my hobby of reading and writing. My inspiration for the Hightower Mystery Series and Book 1 Murder on the Mesa was to write about ‘older gals’ who still have value, show how a retired PI (Weezie Hightower) can be pulled back into the crime scene to help solve mysteries. My inspiration is all other murder/mystery writers, especially Agatha Christie. The series came to me quickly and easily, as I thought of murder and what would Miss Marple/Hercule Poirot do to solve it?  

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Murder On The Mesa, what would they be?

A theme song would need to be something upbeat, that says basically, “Got a problem? Don’t worry.” The song by Bobby McFerrin is fun and cute, like our Hightower Mystery gals. They may solve murders, but they are also fun.  

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

I am a huge SciFi fan, and recently read the book The Peacemakers Code by Deepok Malhotra. It has it all – mystery, courage, and fear, keep you guessing until the end. Then wow!!

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My absolute favorite is what I write in – Murder/Mystery. SciFi is second, and I have written short stories in both genres.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? Where did you write Murder On The Mesa?

I have a desk downstairs in the lower level, where I hide away, and create. It is perfect for me. And since writing comes very easy for me, it is comfortable. Marketing is hard work, even though I am a trained marketer. It just seems like work, where writing doesn’t work – it is fun, it is a blessing.  

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t doubt yourself, when you begin to, put on some music, dance and get back at it. A hug from your pet helps too.  

Marilyn Wright Dayton is the author of the new book Murder on the Mesa

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