Barbara Howard, author of The Clover City Files mysteries, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to give us a glimpse into the life of a storyteller.

Welcome, Barbara. I’ll turn the floor over to you –

Hey fellow mystery enthusiasts! Grab your favorite cup of tea, settle into your comfiest chair, and let’s dive into the thrilling world of storytelling, where every plot twist is a heartbeat and every clue a breadcrumb leading to the unknown.

Being a storyteller is like embarking on a perpetual journey into the labyrinth of the human psyche. Crafting mystery stories adds an extra layer of excitement — it’s the art of weaving a tale of suspense and revelation that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Not an easy task!

First things first, let’s talk about the creative chaos that brews inside a storyteller’s mind. Talk about a tangled web! Picture this: a storm of ideas swirling around, characters whispering their secrets, and mysterious settings materializing out of the mist. It’s a stream of imagination that plays non-stop, and we storytellers wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of creating mystery stories. It’s not just about concocting a crime or a puzzle; it’s about building a world where shadows dance, and every detail is a potential clue. Research becomes the compass guiding us through this uncharted territory. The life of a storyteller involves digging into the archives of crime history, exploring forensics, and sometimes even chatting up detectives (no trench coats or magnifying glasses required).

Research isn’t just about facts; it’s about infusing authenticity into the narrative. The aroma of an old bookstore, the click-clack of heels on pavement, or the subtle nuances of detective work — these are the details that bring a mystery story to life. And believe me, the rabbit holes of research can lead to some fascinating discoveries. Who knew that poison hemlock could be so intriguing?

In the age of information, research has taken on new dimensions. Google searches, interviews with experts, and deep dives into online archives become our trusty companions. As we navigate this labyrinth of information, we discover that the devil truly is in the details. Whether it’s understanding the workings of a specific location, unraveling the psychology behind criminal behavior, or immersing ourselves in the fashion and trends of a particular era, the meticulous gathering of information enriches the storytelling process.

Let’s talk about the characters. In a mystery, they’re the heartbeat of the story. The detective with a troubled past, the enigmatic villain lurking in the shadows, and the unsuspecting sidekick who steals the show — they’re the players in our narrative chess game. As a storyteller, I often find myself becoming a character detective, peeling back layers to reveal their motivations and quirks. It’s like unwrapping a series of mysterious gifts; you never know what you’ll find beneath the surface. Think Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room — plot twists. Ah, the exhilaration of leading readers down one path only to yank the rug out from under them. Bwahaha! Crafting a satisfying twist is an art form, a delicate dance between deception and revelation. It’s about keeping readers guessing, surprising them when they least expect it, and leaving them with that delicious sense of, “I never saw that coming.”

But the real magic lies in the emotional resonance of a story. It’s about making readers feel the pulse of fear, the rush of excitement, and the satisfaction of solving a puzzle alongside the characters. As a storyteller, I aim to create an immersive experience, a journey that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page. Do I get it right every time? No, not at all. But the fun is in the journey, building and improving your writing craft with each project.

But it’s not all about the mechanics; it’s also about the thrill of discovery. As we craft mysteries, we often find ourselves surprised by the characters we’ve created! They take on a life of their own, leading the narrative in unexpected directions. This dynamic interplay between the author and the characters is one of the most enchanting aspects of storytelling. It’s invigorating to be surprised by our own creations.

Plus, engaging with mystery stories becomes a two-fold delight. Not only do we relish the intricate plots and the puzzle-solving journey, but we also find resonance with the complexities of the characters. Life experience brings a depth of understanding to the motivations, struggles, and triumphs of the characters we encounter in the pages of a mystery novel. We connect with their imperfections, empathize with their dilemmas, and cheer for their resilience. Being a storyteller is not just about crafting words on a page; it’s about creating a world that readers can escape into, a world that challenges their intellect and stirs their emotions.

In conclusion, being a storyteller crafting mystery tales is an exhilarating ride through the imagination, fueled by research, character exploration, and the thrill of surprising our readers. So, grab your detective hat and join me on this adventure where every word is a clue, and every page turns the key to another puzzle. Happy sleuthing!

Thank you for sharing this with us, Barbara, and good luck with The Clover City Files mysteries.

Readers can learn more about Barbara Howard by visiting the author’s website and. her Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Blue Sky Social and Goodreads pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The book is available online at the following retailers: 

 Amazon – Books2Read

About Barbara Howard: Barbara is the author of two cozy mystery series; Finding Home and The Clover City Files. Her stories feature a female amateur sleuth, diverse characters, and a dash of romance.  She is a first-generation tech geek turned master gardener. She returned to her Midwestern hometown after an extensive career as a Department of Defense Project Manager at the Pentagon and spends most of her time treasure hunting, spoiling her fur-babies, growing veggies, and plotting whodunits.

Memberships/Affiliations: Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Sisters in Crime (SinC), Great Lakes Fiction Writers (GLFW), Crime Writers of Color (CWoC), Gamma Xi Phi (GXP)