My Interview with Lida

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

-I entered a McCall’s magazine poetry contest when I was about ten. I wrote a poem about horses and won an honorable mention. That started the ball of yarn rolling.

What writer has influenced you the most?

-There are too many to mention. But in recent times, Janet Evanovich has been an influence. She writes so simply and effectively while tossing in humor in all the right places. And she writes light-weight mysteries which are my favorite kind.

Do you have a writing schedule and if so what is it? You might include where you write and if you have a special routine.

-Yes, I have a writing schedule, or more accurately, I have a writing plan: to write in all my spare moments.  Do I adhere to it? No. Sometimes not even a good amount of superglue will keep me behind my desk. If you know of a special routine that works, please let me know.

Where did you grow up? And did the place and people around you influence your writing?

-I grew up in Southern California, and it certainly influenced my writing. My novel is based in places I consider fun and familiar. For instance, my heroine suffers a mishap in Newport Beach’s Balboa Island while taking the ferry across.  I’m fairly certain what happened to her has not and would not happen in real life. That’s what made it fun for me.

What was the inspiration for this book?

-My former life as a new lawyer landing a dream job in a movie studio.  But, let the record show I was never blackmailed into investigating a suspicious death nor have I ever owned any illegal weapons. Does a glass nail file count?

How much like you is your heroine?

-We’re both the same height and have a weakness for jelly donuts, but that’s about it. She does things I would never do, let alone think about doing.

Have you had any experiences similar to the ones your heroine faces?

-I did have a boss in the movie studio that excelled in sending me mixed messages and sabotaged my every move, as my heroine’s boss does.  Also, we both had run-ins with a few lunatics.

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?

-Reading is my favorite activity. But my reading time has slimmed down these days while I juggle the day job, writing Book Two and marketing Book One.  Thankfully, I’m enjoying it all!

Where is your favorite place in the world?

-Home, wherever it may be at the time. Right now it’s in the northern tip of Southern California.

Do you have any special advice for someone who is just beginning as an author?

-Yes, don’t fret so much over your writing and take the time to enjoy.  Once you’re published, you’ll find the blood, sweat and tears worth it.

Thank you, Marilyn, for hosting me!

Tagline: She swore she’d never turn into her PI father…but that was before she ran over the body.

Bio: Bio: Lida Sideris is the author of Murder and Other Unnatural Disasters, a light-hearted mystery set in Southern California. Like her heroine, Lida worked as an entertainment attorney in a movie studio. Unlike her heroine, she was not blackmailed into investigating a suspicious death. Lida was the recipient of the Helen McCloy/Mystery Writers of America scholarship award for this novel. To learn more, please visit www.LidaSideris.com. 

My Review of Murder and Other Natural Disasters:

I immediately noted the resemblance of Lida's writing to that of Janet Evanovich, but to be honest, I thought Lida's style much fresher and fun.

With a fresh, crisp and at times very funny writing style, we are introduced to entertainment lawyer, Corrie Locke, who can't seem to help herself from becoming involved in solving mysteries--big and small. Loved the unusual people who populate Corrie's world. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a few hours of pure enjoyment. Five stars from me.

--Marilyn Meredith