Interview with Valerie Davisson, Author of Whisper Creek (Logan McKenna Series Book 7)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Whisper Creek?

At first, I wanted to write just one book—like the ones that kept and held my attention after the double whammy of a back injury and a divorce by authors such as Sue Grafton, Nevada Barr, Michael Connelly, and John Grisham. Sort of a pay-it-forward idea. Giving a gift that had been valuable to me.

A character-driven story with a strong sense of place that wasn’t dummied down for the reader. I love doing research for each book. Readers get to learn about everything from glassblowing to sea otters to 1930’s rumrunning.

I had no idea this one book would spark a flame that continues to burn! Whisper Creek is the 7th novel in my Logan McKenna Mystery series and I’m already researching Book 8. 

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Logan McKenna Series, what would they be?

Logan McKenna Respect by Aretha Franklin and Stupid Girl by Pink

Iona Slatterly ’Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) by Big and Rich

Ben H Steady Love by India Arie

Tava’e Faafetai i Le Atua Samoan song 

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

A helicopter view of human history…Anthropology 101…and where humans go from here. Will our species survive?

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

I always have a Mystery/Thriller on my Kindle. Gotta have my fiction fix, but I switch it up with literary fiction. At the same time, I usually have one or two non-fiction titles going. I am particularly drawn to Science and Math books, along with Biographies.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? Where did you write Whisper Creek?

For the first time ever in print…I will confess that I wear a different color bra and underwear combos to reflect the scene I’m writing that day. Red is Killer Day! Pink is my power color for Logan scenes. On marketing day, I go with green for money!

I jot notes everywhere-I text ideas to myself on my phone all the time. But for the actual writing, I use my trusty MacBookAir. I throw it in my bag for interviews, but I sit at a small writing table in my office, looking out at the forest (and to be completely honest, at the coastal highway beyond) when I’m writing. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of wine, depending on the time of day. And noise-canceling headphones…a lifesaver!

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

Wow. Good question! I have learned so much from so many people in my life. In my personal life, something my mother said sticks with me. She said that once I could support myself and my children financially, everything else would fall into place. That independence would make me strong enough to weather whatever else came long, and she was right.

As a writer, three bits of advice stand out.

1. Keep writing. Let your passion play! Have fun!

2. “Write drunk, edit sober.” I love this one! I don’t recommend getting drunk, but you get the idea. Write it all down-you can blow away the chaff later.

3. “Pacing pays the electric bills.” Patterson’s masterclass is full of gems like this, including keeping your chapters short and making sure you have a cliffhanger at the end of each one.  

Valerie Davisson is the author of the new book Whisper Creek (Logan McKenna Series Book 7)

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