FROM STORY IDEA TO PUBLICATION by Kathryn Long

Many times, I'm asked where I get my ideas to write a story. Well, for Buried in Sin the inspiration was almost entirely personal. Sixty-some years of memories visiting the tiny corner of northwest Pennsylvania near the Kinzua Reservoir in the heart of the Allegheny Forest inspired me to write the story in this setting. Our family has owned a cabin along Roper Hollow Road since the fifties. Much has changed over the years, but the beauty of the hills, the tranquility of the forest, and the spectacular view overlooking the reservoir remain.

Mystery, of course, had to play into my story, since that’s what I mostly write. And that brings me to the other part of my inspiration. I’ve always had a fascination for Indian culture. I collect artifacts, books, and have even attended a few pow-wows. The Seneca people share a significant role in this area of Pennsylvania and in its history. In fact, the Kinzua Dam and Reservoir were built on an area once known as Cornplanter Grant. A huge, decades-long court battle between the government and the Seneca Nation resulted in a great loss for the Seneca people who had to relocate when construction began in the sixties. I decided to include several Seneca characters in my story, as well as some Indian folklore at the center of the murder mystery. Buried in Sin – a Mackenzie Blue Mystery was a labor of love, and to see it published after such a long journey has been a wonderful accomplishment. 

Of course, I hope the second book in the Mackenzie Blue series, tentatively titled Played by Death, will soon follow.

In the meantime, I’ve upped my game and signed with a literary agent to help sell my latest project, book one in a cozy mystery series, titled Boarding with Murder.

Blurb for Buried in Sin – a Mackenzie Blue Mystery, Black Opal Books publisher

Research assistant Sarah Mackenzie loves working for her uncle, collecting information for his local history projects. However, when she stumbles upon an uncovered grave in Cornplanter cemetery, it’s like staring into the face of a ghost. The body reminds her of someone she knew, someone she believed died ten years ago. Her discovery leads to more unpleasant surprises and definitely not the kind Sarah likes to collect.

The local sheriff learns about Sarah’s strained relationship with the victim, and the clues keep dropping to shift suspicion to her as the prime suspect. As the murders escalate and one becomes three, Sarah confronts her fear and searches for the truth, venturing into the world of Seneca Indian culture. Confronted with mysteries from the past as well as the present, she must find their common link to discover the identity of the Grave Maker and stop his killing spree.

Available in both ebook ($2.99) and paperback ($12.99).

Amazon - ebook       Amazon  - paperback        Barnes & Noble        Black Opal Books

Kathryn Long’s passion is writing mysteries, creating the intricate details and weaving them together into the clues which the reader will enjoy collecting to solve the crime. She’s worn many hats over the years – bookseller, teacher, mom, wife, and author. 

Writing took a serious turn several years ago when she had her first book published. She self-published four books in the Lilly M Mystery Series. Her traditionally published work includes a romantic suspense, A Deadly Deed Grows, as well as this year’s releases Buried in Sin and When I Choose, coming later this fall, all available at online retailers and in select book stores. 

When writing and the creative muse take a break, this author loves to travel to a sunny beach or a mountain retreat. Oh, and there’s always an author event she will attend in order to – you got it – talk about mystery. Kathryn lives in the City of Green located in northeast Ohio with her husband and little pooch, Max. She is represented by Dawn Dowdle at Blue Ridge Literary Agency. 

For more about this author, visit her website at www.kathrynlongauthor.com, Twitter - https://twitter.com/klongauthor and Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KathrynLong.Books/