Who’s That Indie Author? Noelle Granger

Noelle Granger

Name: Noelle A. Granger

Book Titles: The Last Pilgrim; Death at the Asylum (fifth in the Rhe Brewster series)

Genre: Historical fiction and cozy mystery

Tell us about yourself: That could take a loooong time since I am in my 70s! Basically I am a retired academic who decided that writing fiction would be more fun that writing scientific papers. I’ve published six books so far with one currently being edited and another being complied of short stories about growing up in Plymouth, MA, during the 1950s. I enjoy cooking and baking (which doesn’t help in maintaining my weight), swimming daily when our pool is open and walking in the winter, traveling both for fun and for research with my husband and children (and their children), reading (of course!), knitting, brunches with friends, and meetings with my critique group. Hopefully this doesn’t sound too boring!

Tell us about your writing career. When did you first start writing? I started writing right after I retired. I had always wanted to write something creative – scientific papers didn’t count. Six books later, with two in the works, I’m still at it! It’s kept my mind active and led to a lot of fun research and some travel.

Do you write full-time? If not, do you have an outside job or other responsibilities? Well, I wouldn’t say full-time ;)!  I am retired but like spending time with my grandchildren, baking, taking part in community events, reading, swimming or walking, and traveling. I’m thinking about trying pickleball.

Have you ever based a character on yourself? My friends say that the character of Rhe Brewster seems to be me, but I based the character on a friend from high school.

Have you ever based a character on a family member or close friend? If so, tell us how you navigated what could be a tricky portrayal. There are several characters in my mystery books who are based on my high school classmates. They love it and buy the books to see who appears!

How do you get your book ideas? From growing up in Plymouth, MA, and working as a tour guide, I’d had the desire to write a book about a Pilgrim woman for a long time—The Last Pilgrim, The Story of Mary Allerton Cushman, was the result. I am currently working on a novella called Daniel Boone and Me, which evolved from a short story I wrote in response to a prompt online and from the urging of my critique group to run with it. I am also putting together stories about growing up in Plymouth in the 1950s and 60s, mostly vignettes about family life—Growing Up Pilgrim.

How do you keep track of all your ideas? Do you have a little notebook? Do you keep a running document on your computer or phone? I have separate files on my computer for each book idea and I add things I read or learn for the book to the file.

Describe your editing and publishing experience. What has worked for you and what hasn’t? My first four mystery books were self-published via KDP and its predecessor on Amazon. I found the process to be a slog and wanted to have a recognized publisher who could get my books into Barnes and Noble. The Last Pilgrim and Death at the Asylum were published by Realization Press, with the help and input of a great editor.

Do you belong to a writer’s group? I have been with a writer’s group since 2009—really a critique group, called the Early Birds since we meet in the morning twice a month. The members have been a lifeline—they taught me how to write non-scientifically. A huge hill to climb initially. For the last six years, we’ve been comprised of the same five members, all of us published and several of us more than once. Each person adds something unique to the group which is marvelous!

Name three people who have had the greatest influence on you and why. My grandmother—Julia LaCourse, my mother—Audrey LaCourse, and the scientist and mentor with whom I did a post-doctoral fellowship—Larry Gilbert. My grandmother was a Polish Immigrant via Ellis Island who had little schooling but taught herself to read and write. My mother was the first in the family to go to college, had a full-time job with Aetna Insurance during WW II, raised a family, and went back to work. Both gave me my determination and drive.

Larry taught me how to run my own lab, how to work with post-docs, students, and technicians in a kind but instructive way, and how to make them all part of my family. 

What events in your life have influenced you as a writer? Maybe surprisingly, my childhood. Looking back, living in Plymouth with all its history, my parents love of reading, the enduring friendships of my high school classmates have all been woven into my writing, Plus whizz-bang English teachers in high school, who gave me such a grounding!

Did you have a favorite children’s book when you were growing up? If so, tell us about it and why it’s your favorite. The Chronicles of Narnia, without doubt. I loved the imaginary kingdom but also realized as I read these books I was being taught life lessons.

What’s the most difficult thing about being a writer? After editing, marketing! The writing part is a joy.

Tell us about your writing routine. What time of day works best for you? Do you write at home? Someplace else? On a computer or do you use paper and pen/pencil? I usually write early in the morning before or after dealing with email, and again in the late afternoon with a cup of coffee (see below).

What beverage gets your creative juices flowing? Coffee, tea, soda, energy drink, water, or something else? Coffee – I would mainline it if possible.

What do you do to relax? Read and swim! Plus listening to old-fashioned rock and roll.

What are you reading right now? The Measure by Nikki Erlick and one of JK Rowlings CB Strike detective stories.

Please share your website and social media links
Websites: saylingaway.com and na-granger.com
Facebook: facebook.com/noelle.a.granger
Twitter: @NAGrangerAuthor

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