Gotta ask, is that your real name?
Yes, my real name is Cynthia Love. I would prefer Mrs. George Clooney but I've never actually met George.
Have you always wanted to write a western?
I always knew I would write at least one western novel because I love the time period. I fondly remember the television western. My favorites were The Big Valley, Bordertown, and Alias Smith and Jones.
Is your book a romance or mystery novel?
This Man Thatacus Murphy is a romance with a little mystery thrown in. In the first draft I wrote everything that happened to Katie in the stage coach. Then I rewrote the scene stopping short of what actually happened during the robbery. I think saving a bit of information to the end keeps the story interesting.
What is the setting and time period?
The book is set in 1872 -- though I don't think I actually stated the fact anywhere. The setting is the imaginary town of Victor City, Minnesota.
What is Sheriff Thatacus Murphy's greatest challenge?
Actually Murphy has two challenges. His first challenge is go against his better judgment and not arrest Katie Thomas for theiving and murdering. His second challenge comes after he arrests her; now he must prove her innocent and that is a bit tricky.
Why is Katie Thomas in town?
Katie Thomas travels to Victor City to visit her brother and to get away from the uncomfortable situation she finds herself in after she's nearly expelled from a ladies college.
What event led to her "bad girl" reputation?
Katie became a bad girl when she didn't follow Sheriff Thatacus Murphy's rules. He explicitly told her to stay away from the unconscious Ben Raines and he told her not to leave town. She did both.
Is this the first book you've written?
This Man Thatacus Murphy was my first novel. Since then I've written three contemporary comedy romances and three children's books.
Do you have a writing schedule? Do you work from an outline?
I write from 4:00 to 8:00 a.m., 6 days a week and no, I do not work from an outline. I work from an idea or a scene and go from there. I always thought it would be great to work from an outline, though. It's a wonderful idea. Too bad my brain doesn't work that way.
How long did it take to research and write it and then to see it in print?
It seems I've always researched the 1800s. I love history. However, I did use Life in the 1800s (a research tool) and the Internet quite a bit while researching. I wrote This Man Thatacus Murphy in the year 2000. I sold it in 2004 and it went to print nearly a year later.
Was Denlingers Publishing the first market you approached?
Denlingers was not the first publisher I approached. They were the first to read it however. My query letter was rejected by a dozen publishers.
What do you love about writing?
I love to write dialog. It's the only place where, if I wish I'd said something differently then I can go back and say it differently. All conversations should be like that. Especially the ones you have with your boss or with your pastor or with the officer who stopped you speeding.
How are you promoting your book?
I'm not great at promoting but I'm working on it. I recently came up with the idea to purchase inexpensive sheriff badges and etch This Man Thatacus Murphy on the back of them. Beneath that: thebookden.com.
Are you currently writing another?
I'm currently writing This Girl Lauralee Murphy. She's in more trouble than Katie Thomas.
Any tips for beginning writers?
Yes, I do. Never fear rejection. I personally fear it, but you shouldn't. And, I've been rejected by the best of them. I think everybody has been rejected and it's not because you can't write. It's because you haven't found the right publisher. Never quit! You only fail when you quit.
