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One of the joys of featuring authors on my blog is the opportunity to be introduced to authors with fascinating backgrounds, and Christine Knapp, a midwife for many years, is no exception! I’m delighted to celebrate her latest release in her Modern Midwife Mysteries’ series.

First off, congratulations on the release of Book #5, MURDER ON THE GREEN, in your Modern Midwife Mysteries’ series. Can you share with our readers a bit about the novel?

Thanks so much. In MURDER ON THE GREEN, Maeve, the midwife, and her entire family head to Ireland for a long-awaited family vacation. However, as usual, Maeve and her sister Meg discover a body on their first day in Ballymoor. Long-buried secrets involving Irish history come to light, and Maeve and Meg use their detective skills to solve the case even though they are tourists. Of course, the mystery involves birth and midwifery.

You were a practicing midwife for many years, although you’ve said the only similarity between you and your protagonist, Maeve O’Reilly Kensington, is that you’re both six feet tall! Tell us about Maeve’s personality and background and how she’s grown and changed during the course of your series.

Maeve was always passionate about her profession, and now, as a seasoned nurse midwife, she is more likely to let her views be known and has even branched out to a new collaborative teaching position at a local college. Although Maeve prefers doing rather than orienting, she welcomes teaching new midwives and nurses the “ropes.” She faced major fertility issues and achieved motherhood through various means and is now the mother of two daughters, ages 2 and 1, a role she cherishes.               

I’m always fascinated by how writers develop their works. I start with character, but other writers have told me they begin with plot and then “cast” characters for their plot. What is your approach?

I always knew my main characters, although sometimes they surprise me. Because of the mystery plot, I work out the mechanics of that first. Then, I add secondary characters to fit the roles. I love when readers tell me they were surprised when the murderer was revealed.

Do you write every day, and what is a typical writing day like for you?

I write almost every day. Usually, I write in my sunroom, overlooking a magnificent cranberry bog, but lately, I have been reserving a study room for a two-hour stretch at my local library. I bring tea and always have an agenda of what I want to accomplish, but I often go off track. One funny fact is that I type with one finger, so I am very, very slow.

I love writing dialogue, but setting is much more challenging for me. What have you found comes easiest to you as a fiction writer? And what is most challenging for you?

That’s so interesting. I love writing setting. Perhaps that’s because I live in a New England seaside town similar to Maeve’s, and almost every day, I contemplate what a privilege it is to live here. The ocean, no matter the weather, never disappoints. My long-time independent editor has given me a sheet of tips on writing dialogue, and I try very hard to incorporate them.

What is the best piece of writing advice that you’ve ever received?

A first draft is just an extended outline. Revising it is the key. Don’t get discouraged and just keep revising. Also, if you find yourself trapped in a room, go back 40 pages and write in a doorway.

There are a variety of paths to publication. What path did you choose, and why?

I had written textbooks before but never fiction. I went the traditional route because I wanted validation that someone in the business thought my work was ready to be published. I was fortunate to be signed by a great agent and publisher.

Marketing and promoting our work are largely our responsibility as authors. What have you found to be most effective in getting the word out about your books and attracting readers?

I never realized that authors bore so much responsibility for promotion. I also wasn’t prepared for how much time it takes. I am active on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky. I also send out a newsletter and maintain a website, www.thoughtfulmidwife.com. I think participating in guest blogs like yours helps the most. Readers can focus on specific new books they may be interested in exploring.

What’s next for you writing-wise?

My publisher is assembling a holiday anthology with some mystery writers she represents. I am writing a Christmas short story with Maeve, my modern nurse midwife. I am also starting a second cozy series.

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

Writing was a major career change for me. Now, I have a wonderful writing group and have connected with many authors at readings and conferences. Giving author talks, seeing my books in libraries, and having readers increase their understanding of midwifery has been a dream come true.

Thanks so much for visiting today!

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 the author of the Modern Midwife Mysteries. Christine currently narrates books for the visually and print impaired. A dog lover, she lives near Boston.

Contact Links:

https://www.thoughtfulmidwife.com/

https://www.facebook.com/christine.w.knapp

https://www.instagram.com/maevecw/

https://twitter.com/chriswknapp

Purchase Links:

Amazon/Murder on the Green

Barnes & Noble/Murder on the Green

Smashwords

Kobo