Interview with Melissa Erin Jackson, author of Pawsitively Poisonous

What can you tell us about your new release, Pawsitively Poisonous?

Pawsitively Poisonous is the first book in my cozy mystery series. The books are set in a town completely obsessed with cats, and the lead character is a witch named Amber. She keeps her witchy abilities a secret but uses her powers to craft unique items for her shop, The Quirky Whisker. Amber finds herself in a bit of trouble when her best friend is found poisoned, a vial from Amber’s shop in her hand. The town’s police chief—who has always been suspicious of her and her wares—puts her at the top of his short suspect list. She has to find a way to clear her name and also keep her abilities a secret.

What books are currently on your night stand?

I’m more of an audiobook junkie lately, so my night stand is a bit bare at the moment. The last two audiobooks I finished were Wilder Girls by Rory Power (A YA novel that has a lot of Jeff VanderMeer vibes), and The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (adult psychological suspense). Not sure what’s up next—maybe a fantasy. I like to listen to a wide range of genres.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

“Try not to be so hard on yourself.” And I’d probably tell her to get into writing sooner. I didn’t get “seriously” into writing until I was a freshman in college. High school might have been easier if I’d had my stories to lose myself in.

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

Sleeping! Adults need to have scheduled midday naps like preschoolers. Ha.

What makes your world go round? Why does it bring you joy?

About two years ago, I started going to OrangeTheory Fitness. It’s something I schedule into my week and force myself to go even when I’ve already had a hectic day. I dread it all day long, yet I’m always so happy once I’ve finished a class. It’s one of the few things I do that’s purely just for me. It’s a challenge every single time I go in there, and I always leave with a sense of accomplishment.

What scene in Pawsitively Poisonous was your favorite to write?

I really loved writing all the scenes that involved Amber’s magically enhanced toys. The opening scene of her demonstrating a cat toy for a bunch of wide-eyed children was a scene that popped into my head fully formed before I ever started writing. I’m a big fan of Scarlet the flying dragon, too.

Melissa Erin Jackson is the author of the new book Pawsitively Poisonous.

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