Tell us a little something about yourself.
Cathi Stoler began her writing career in advertising as a creative director/copywriter and jokes
that it’s where she first learned to write fiction. As a life-long reader of mysteries and thrillers,
she thought she’d finally try her hand at writing one of her own. One book led to three series and
and multiple short stories. BAR NONE, the first book in the A Murder On The Rocks Mystery, is set in the heart of New York City where she lives with her husband, Paul.
- What is your writing process like? How you develop an idea?
Much of my writing comes from contemporary issues that are happening around us right now, such as identity theft, money laundering and unfortunately, murder. Of course, I give these topics my own spin. With Bar None, the idea came from my husband’s work in the restaurant business. Spending time with his co-workers and customers gave me an insight that I used when I was writing the novel.
- What is the hardest part of writing for you?
Not to keep going back and rewriting a scene. As soon as I finish one chapter and move on to the next one, I invariably think of something I want to add to the previous one, which can disrupt the flow. I’m trying to limit that by making notes and adding those thoughts later.
- Which is more difficult to write: the “good guys” or the villains?
I’d say it’s about the same. I want each of my characters to be realistic in terms of their role in the story. Whether they’re good guys or villains, I try to give them character traits that support their roles. However, a villain may not always immediately show their true colors, so that has to be woven in to the story. That often can lead to a great plot twist.
- Of the characters you’ve created who are your two favorites? Why?
My two favorites are Jude Dillane, owner of The Corner Lounge in Bar None and Nick Donahue, professional international Blackjack player from Nick Of Time and Out Of Time. Jude is especially appealing to me because she’s overcome adversity in her life and has found the courage to start over. She is intrepid, and sometimes foolishly, doesn’t let anything stop her. She lost her whole family when she was young. Opening her bar has given her the opportunity to become part of a new family consisting of her good friend and landlord, Thomas ‘Sully’ Sullivan, her partner chef, Pete Angel, and her customers. Nick Donahue lives my alternative life, roaming the world playing Blackjack and solving crimes. Nick is actually easier to write than to describe. He’s suave, intelligent and intuitive, yet he can be a little whacky, especially when he’s working on high-profile cases with his life and business partner, Marina DiPietro, a former MI6 operative. Even though he often gets into difficult situations most people would avoid, he manages to extricate himself with style.
- Is there anything you avoid writing about?
I would never write anything to do with child abuse.
- Outside the type of mystery you write, which mystery sub-genres do you enjoy most?
I love the spy genre and the books from people like John le Carré and Ian Fleming had a great influence on me. I also enjoy really fast-paced thrillers, such as those from Daniel Silva, and of course, the original, traditional mysteries of Agatha Christie.
- Do you keep a theme or message in mind as you write?
I always try to keep the original idea for the story in mind while I’m writing. I usually have several sub-plots but ultimately they tie back to the main plot and are part of the resolution.
- What from your past has come in handy in your writing?
I use some of my background to help form my characters. With Jude Dillane, she’s a Bronx girl as I was growing up. I wove in the place and things I remembered from then that haven’t really changed all that much to help make that part of the story more realistic.
- What makes mystery special for you as opposed to other genres?
I’ve always loved reading and especially reading mysteries. From Nancy Drew to Sue Grafton and all of today’s fabulous mystery authors, like Tana French, Steph Cha, and Alison Gaylin, there’s nothing like a good mystery to keep you guessing.
- Why do you think readers are fascinated by mysteries?
I think it’s because they get to use their imaginations in a truly compelling way. Mysteries are so different from everyday life, especially now, and it’s appealing to escape from that and suspend disbelief; to go with the flow of the story and maybe solve a crime.
Tell us about your newest book.
Bar None, set in the heart of New York City, is an edge-of-your-seat mystery that features Jude Dillane, owner of The Corner Lounge on 10th Street and Avenue B. When Jude finds her friend and landlord Thomas “Sully” Sullivan’s work pal, Ed Molina, dead in a pool of blood in Sully’s apartment, she’s sure it wasn’t suicide as the police suspect. Ed was waiting to tell Sully about a problem at work but never got the chance. Going undercover at the Big City Food Bank, Jude discovers a case of major fraud. As she works through the list of suspects, she finds herself in the killer’s sights and knows her murder might be on the menu, as well.
