It never ceases to amaze me how many fascinating backgrounds and skills mystery authors bring to their stories. And Christine Knapp is definitely no exception. As a practicing midwife for many years, Christine brings a wealth of experience which lends terrific authenticity to her midwife mystery series. Below are her responses to my interview questions, followed by her bio and contact/buy links:

First off, congratulations on the recent release of Book #3, MURDER ON THE BOOKS, in your Modern Midwife Mysteries’ series. Can you share with our readers a bit about the series and what inspired it?

I was a nurse midwife for many years and realized that even in 2024, nurse midwifery practice was not well understood. Since I also loved mysteries, I decided to write a series featuring Maeve O’Reilly Kensington, a modern-day nurse midwife. Maeve lives in New England and her midwifery skills and sleuthing skills are both displayed in the books.

You were a practicing midwife for many years. To what extent is your protagonist, Maeve O’Reilly Kensington, modeled after yourself? How would you describe your similarities and differences? 

The only similarities Maeve and I have is that we are both nurse midwives and both six feet tall.

You wrote texts and journal articles during your career. What led you to try your hand at writing fiction?

I love reading, libraries, and bookstores. I read fiction, nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, cookbooks but fell in love with mysteries once I discovered Agatha Christie, many years ago.  I always wanted to try my hand at a cozy mystery.

A related question: There is such a huge difference between technical writing and fiction. How did you develop your craft as a fiction writer? And do you have any advice for aspiring mystery authors?

Fiction writing for me was a huge learning curve. I read many, many mysteries and attended writing conferences. Eventually, I had a wonderful editor do a developmental edit on my manuscript and she taught me so much about character development, plotting and pacing. My advice is, “Never, ever, give up!” 

One of the challenges of a series is to follow your protagonist as she grows and changes across several books. How has Maeve grown and changed over the course of the series?

The midwifery group has had many challenges at Creighton Memorial and Maeve has tackled them head on. She has also had fertility issues but now is the mother of babies.

What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter/planner, or do you tend to be more of a pantser in your approach?

I always start out with a plan and somewhat of an outline. However, my characters often veer off into areas I had not foreseen. I wish I was a much more organized plotter.

What surprised you the most about becoming a cozy mystery author? 

It’s so much fun. I am always so happy to be back in the town of Langford with Maeve and the gang.

What’s next for you writing-wise?

I am currently writing Book #4 in the Modern Midwife Mystery Series. I am published by the wonderful Gemma Halliday Publishing and have a contract for Book #5.

Is there anything else you’d like to add, or wish I’d asked that I didn’t?

I love all dogs. Here’s a photo of Dixie, the wonder dog and her dragons.   

Bio:

Christine Knapp practiced as a nurse-midwife for many years. A writer of texts and journal articles, she is now thrilled to combine her love of midwifery and mysteries as a fiction author. Christine currently narrates books for the visually and print impaired. A dog lover, she lives near Boston.

Website thoughfulmidwife.com

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble