1. I hear you have a cat named Lazarus in several of your mysteries. Tell us about the first book, Hidden Legacy.

I thought up this elderly woman character, Felicity, who was widowed and lived alone, who had a unique way to supplement her Social Security. Her delightfully fluttery personality is cover for scary intelligence. The plot in my mind needed a catalyst, something or someone who could give it a little humor, and be present and perhaps responsible for some of the turning points. A large black cat her late husband had rescued from drowning appeared in my imagination. Thus his name, Lazarus. Then I threw in a romance to add spice and give the plot more dimension. It sort of fell together. Thus Lazarus was already in place for the next book, Dangerous Legacy.

The third book in the series is Deceitful Legacy:

Amazon Buy Links for the Legacy Series (and other Justine Wittich books’) are here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=justine+wittich&crid=3NR2UMHXHSZEP&sprefix=justine+wittich%2Caps%2C180&ref=nb_sb_noss

2. Why did you add a cat to these books?

I have always loved cats. They’re fascinating creatures and have a wide variety of personalities. They are also frighteningly intuitive at times. And tradition has it that old ladies and single women have cats. I think the returned affection and warmth are two reasons. My husband and I have always had one, or even two cats. Rescues make the best pets.

3. What other books have you written?

I’m one of those maverick writers who never stuck to one genre. The most consistent thing in all but one of my books is that they are romantic mysteries or suspense. Be Mine is my only true romance:

Two of my books, linked historicals Chloe And The Spy and The Shocking Miss Shaw, were great fun to write, but took a great deal of research:

Shortly after The Shocking Miss Shaw came out, I got this wild idea for a romantic suspense, Family Matters, which won a contest.

After that, I just found I was happiest with mysteries and suspense. I don’t write intensely. A little drama, minimal angst, and humor wherever possible. We all take ourselves too seriously in this beautiful world.

4. What advice would you give aspiring authors who would like to write mysteries or romance?

Make a huge effort to find other writers. Your library might even have info on any writers’ groups in your area. Even if you can locate only one other person, you will win. Writers’ groups are wonderful. You critique each other’s work, either by listening to others read them aloud or by making personal written exchanges. Every member will have something to contribute as far as ways to prepare your submissions, information on agents and publishers, and publications which might be interested in your type of story. The friendships you develop will last a lifetime. Conferences are really helpful, if you can attend one. The speakers are either published or vastly experienced, and once again, the information available is invaluable.

MARCIA: Thank you, Justine, for being my August interviewee! I’ve really enjoyed reading your books!

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Each month, I’ll randomly pick one blog commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!