Cynthia Hamilton - Blackmail, Sabotage and Deceit

Author Cynthia Hamilton writes in a variety of genres: mysteries/general fiction/memoir. She is currently working on the 9th book in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series, and is still finding tremendous inspiration from her protagonist. She lives in Santa Barbara, California with her husband and their extended family. She loves reading, writing, discussing books with other book lovers, and walking for hours, especially on the beach. As our Author of the day, she tells us about her book, Spouse Trap.

Please give us a short introduction to what Spouse Trap is about.

Spouse Trap is the prequel to the Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series. The fact that her last name in the first book differs from her last name in the series title tells you that a big change is going to take place in the protagonist’s life.

All was perfect in Madeline Ridley’s world until she awoke in an unfamiliar room, alone, unclothed, with no memory of how she had gotten there. From that point on, all hell breaks loose, and she soon discovers who set her up to take a fall, and why.

What inspired you to write this story? Was there anything in particular that made you want to tackle this?

When this female PI appeared in my head, she was more the “hardboiled” type, a little world-weary and rough around the edges. But as I examined Madeline’s character, she shifted into an elegant lady of leisure who was married to a very successful, much-admired businessman.

Once I had Madeline’s persona dialed in, I knew I had a winning protagonist who was strong and complex enough to carry a series.

Tell us more about Madeline Ridley. What makes her tick?

Madeline is strong and resourceful. She’s elegant, in a natural way. She cares about others and tries to help those in need, whenever possible.

Why did you title this book "Spouse Trap"?

I was nearly finished with the first book when I realized the working title – The Slutty Detective – just wasn’t going to fly. Fortunately, once I started thinking about an appropriate name, something that summed up the story in a few words, the title came to me in a second, as if it had been in the back of my mind all along. And it fit the book perfectly. And it’s way better than The Slutty Detective.

Have you always wanted to be an author? Tell us a bit about your journey.

Being an ardent and voracious reader, I was convinced that I could never do what authors do. I never even gave the idea any consideration. But then my life took a turn. And while I was trying to figure out what I could do with all my creative energy if I became confined to bed, I realized I could use a laptop and write a book.

I was so thrilled to have found a solution to that dilemma, I didn’t even for a second think about my inability to write. This showed me that we are all capable of more than we realize and that our only real obstacle is self-doubt.

Readers say the book had a few unexpected twists. Did you plan it all out before you started writing, or did some of it just "happen" along the way?

I’m one of those “pantsers” who just wing it from start to finish, which is a little trickier when writing mysteries. Everything has to come together and resolve in a satisfying conclusion. It becomes even more challenging as the various storylines emerge, yet I’ve been fortunate in being able to tie them up in a way that all fits together at the end. That always makes me feel really good.

What was your greatest challenge when writing this story?

I don’t recall having any difficulty with the storyline, other than keeping pace with it.

Do any of your characters ever just take off on their own tangent, refusing to do what you had planned for them?

Oh, yes―they sure do! And that’s the beauty of writing. You just don’t know where the journey will take you.

You created a book that people were binge-reading until the early hours of the morning. How did you pull this off?

Honestly, I don’t know. I think I might be the vessel for a very creative soul who has already left this world but still wants to keep a hand in the writing process. But I do love a good mystery, so maybe all those wonderful books I’ve read and shows I’ve watched have integrated into my psyche. Either way, I’m just grateful to have this creative outlet.

Treachery and subterfuge are big themes in Spouse Trap. Why?

Because those themes add a sense of reality to the series and they keep the pages turning.

When starting on a new book, what is the first thing you do?

I never sit down at the computer until I have a least a vague idea of what the next book is about. Since I always have multiple storylines going on in each book, I at least identify the characters and have a vague idea of where I want to steer the story.

Do you have any interesting writing habits? What is an average writing day like for you?

Despite my resolve to start writing as soon as I’ve had my breakfast, I consider myself lucky if I get any writing in on any given day. There’s always something that has to be dealt with, which can leave me feeling anxious and a little irritated. I just have to remind myself that it’s always been that way, that writing always gets pushed down to the bottom of the time chart. Then I remind myself that somehow the books get written.

What are you working on right now?

I have just started the 9th book in the series. I’ve got a few working titles, but nothing I like enough to share yet.

Where can our readers discover more of your work or interact with you?

The best way to contact me or learn more about my writing is through my website:

https://cynthiahamiltonbooks.com

Thank you for this opportunity to share my writing with your readers!