Tonya Kappes Interview

Interview with Tonya Kappes

How many books have you published?
My 26 novel just came out this week! SQUEE!! (If you want to see all her books go here)

Under what names do you publish? 
My very own name, Tonya Kappes.

Do you plot the entire book first, then write or plot as you go?
Since I write mystery, I always know who the victim is, how the victim died, why the victim was killed, and who did it. Other than that, I write my way from beginning to end.

How do you keep continuity on backstory? For example I read a book recently where the lead character said she had three brother, several books later, she was an only child.
I'm lucky that I have wonderful editors who put together a book bible for me. They update the book bible with every novel. I also keep an address book for each series where I list the character by the names in the correct tab in the book. Under their name, I obviously don't put an address but I put all of their characteristics under their name. It makes it so much easier when I do need a quick eye color.

The character of Emma Lee Raines is very unusual. How did you develop her? 
There are so many cozy mystery characters that have the typical coffee shop, book store, witch etc....and I knew I wanted something different. I have a good friend who is an undertaker and I thought  it would be so funny. So I went with it.

Who is your favorite author? 
Too many to name and I never answer this because I have a lot of author friends and I don't want to hurt feelings.

Do you write with pen and paper or a computer?
Both!

Read Seeing Ghosts review on MapYourMystery.com