3/21/2007: Murder and Mystery Books 101 Interview with Lance Carter
Originally published at: http://mmbooks101.blogspot.com/2007_03_01_archive.html

1). First Mike I just wanted say thanks again for taking the time in answering these questions. It really means alot. For those who are not familiar with you and your stories please give us a little history into your writing background.

Thank you for having me. I�ve been writing mysteries since the second grade when I was enamored with the Encyclopedia Brown books, and felt inspired to write several of my own detective stories. Over the years I�ve written a variety of fiction, mostly mysteries, and in 2004 I published my first novel, Deadly Heirs.

2). Was writing something you always wanted to do?

Along with playing baseball, yes, writing is something I�ve always wanted to do. In general, I really love being creative, whether it�s writing a story, a game, or even music. When it comes to mystery, specifically, I enjoy creating a puzzle for others to solve.

3). Was it difficult in getting your book published? How long did it take in getting Deadly Heirs published?

It was a long, two-year road to getting Deadly Heirs published. I could start a small forest fire with the number of query letters and manuscripts I sent out. Fortunately, it really helped that my wife, Robin, worked hard to keep up my spirits. Itching to pour more effort into my second novel, I finally decided to work with a small publisher to get my feet wet in the industry with Deadly Heirs.

4). Where did you get the idea for your main character Chase Michael DeBarlo?

Chase Michael DeBarlo�s first case was in a Computer Business Applications class during high school in 1991. We were learning basic word processing, and were required to type up a one-page document. �The Missing Donut Seed� (a case about Cheerios) began a string of a dozen shorts I wrote with the character during the 90�s.

5) Can you tell what you have planned in the future for this characters?

Chase returns in my second novel, System of the Dead (not yet published), to solve why a man on the brink of releasing a major new technology would suddenly commit suicide. I�ve also been designing an alternate reality game (ARG) to complement the book. As a preview for that ARG, a smaller one for Deadly Heirs will be released early next year.

6). Do you put any of your characteristics or habits into your stories?

I�ve included a lot of me in Chase but he�s more independent, and he�s still trying to find himself in the world. We both spent time in the Air Force, have a love for baseball, and we also have a penchant for taking on too many tasks at one time. In many ways, Chase is his own person, but I can�t help but to let him be my super-ego at times.

7). What is a typical writing day for you like?

With a full-time job and four children each writing day is a little different. It helps to work at a library and then write a little bit at lunch. Most of my writing is done after the kids have gone to bed at 9:00 PM and before my head starts to nod off.

8). Who do you like to read?

Robert Crais and Ross Macdonald are two of my favorites. I really enjoy what they�ve done with their Elvis Cole and Lew Archer characters, respectively. Also, although not mystery, I can�t help but to love the depth of J.R.R. Tolkien�s world. In interactive mystery fiction, hands-down, it�s the Tex Murphy series from Aaron Connors.

9). Mike, thanks for taking the time in answering these questions. Is there anything you wish to add for the readers?

Feel free to check out my website (http://www.rrdevelopments.com/mike) which contains mystery genre news as well as my own personal selections for monthly mystery movies and games. I also publish a newsletter than contains Chase Michael DeBarlo mini-mysteries. Again, thanks for having me.