I’m a big believer in belonging to associations that support, endorse, and encourage the work of crime writing and its authors. In that vein, I belong to Sisters in Crime Toronto, Sisters in Crime International, Sisters in Crime Guppies, the Short Mystery Fiction Society, the International Thriller Writers (ITW), and Crime Writers of Canada, where I’m on the Board of Directors, representing Toronto/Southern Ontario.

While each association has benefits, one of my favorite things about  ITW is its monthly magazine, The Big Thrill, so imagine my “thrill” at being interviewed in the May 2018 issue. Here’s a snippet of what you can expect:

What authors or books have influenced your career as a writer, and why?

So many. Nancy Drew. Agatha Christie. John D. MacDonald, Ed McBain, Dick Francis. All were early influences that taught me the importance of structure and story. Later, Sue Grafton, who improved with every book, A to Y, such a loss to our community. John Sandford, the master of pacing (I’m in awe of him). Most recently, Fiona Barton, for being brilliant. I’m a writer, but I’m a reader first and foremost. If I put a book down, not compelled to stay up another hour, I ask myself, “why?” If I can’t put it down, I ask myself, “How can I replicate that technique?” Reading is the best teacher.

To read the complete interview, click here. Now I’m going off to pinch myself!