You, Too, Can Be a Mystery Writer
As if anyone needs more proof of just how exciting my life is . . . I stayed up late on Friday to watch an episode of “Murder She Wrote.” I think this is one of those series that, like “Law & Order” is on constantly. Some channel, somewhere is always following the adventures of everyone’s favorite mystery writer from Cabot Cove. But I, apparently, watch TV at all the wrong times. I had not seen the show for years, probably since back when the series was new.
Watching her in action, I had something of an epiphany–Jessica Fletcher is the reason I became a mystery writer.
Sound crazy? It’s really not. Let’s take a look at the show I watched and you’ll understand the appeal.
#1 The episode takes place in Hawaii where Jessica is visiting old friends.
I would like to go to Hawaii and visit friends, old or new.
#2 Jessica is in Hawaii because she’s just finished a six-country publicity tour. She’s tired and needs a rest.
This is how all authors are treated, right? Fancy publicity tours, time to recuperate after. That’s how things work for Jessica, I just assumed that’s the way real life worked, too.
#3 Jessica is feeling a little pressured, you see. The publication date for her next book has been moved up.
This can only be because publishers want to make their authors’ lives better.
#4 While she’s there, Jessica is wined and dined and feted.
In my naivete, I thought that’s how authors were always treated!
#5 Though we have nothing in common when it comes to style, Jessica always dresses well. The chick has money, that’s for sure, and it shows.
Did I see mystery writing as my way out of the jeans, sweatshirts and fuzzy slippers mode I’ve spent the last x-amount of years in? There is something appealing about it.
#6 In the midst of the sun and the fun and the sand, there is murder and intrigue.
Just like real life.
Ah yes, Jessica got me. Somewhere in my unconscious, I knew that if I wrote a mystery, my life could be just like hers.
I’m still waiting for the invitation to Hawaii.
