Kia ora,
Let’s put our hands together and welcome one of my favourite authors, she’s also a good friend: Margot Kinberg.

Get comfy. Have you got a cuppa? Did you get a biscuit to go with that cuppa?
No?
Go on then, we’ll wait. 

Who are you, Margot?
I’m a U.S.-based academic and certified book nerd. I’ve always loved books and reading, so I suppose writing just naturally fell out of that. I’ve got a family I adore, so I’m very lucky that way. I love music, especially classic rock, and I’ve been told I’m a good dancer. Also I am fueled by coffee (long black, no sugar).

Favourite genre/s to read or write? 
I read in different genres (and non-fiction), but crime fiction tops my list. That’s the genre I write in, too. There’s just something about it. A good crime novel invites the reader to find out the truth and that search for answers is so engaging for me.

Please tell us about your latest work: 
My latest work, Scene of the Crime, is the fifth to feature my sleuth Joel Williams. He’s a former cop-turned-professor who lives and works in the small town of Tilton, Pennsylvania. In the novel, an upcoming election brings politicians, protests, and murder to Tilton. Joel is drawn into the murder when a student he knows is suspected of murdering one of the protest leaders. 

Do you like chocolate fish? 
Must say I’ve never had them, but I probably would like them – I do love chocolate.

What’s your main character like? 
The main character of one of my series is Joel Williams a cop-turned professor  in his 50s. He’s basically a no-drama sort of guy, but not afraid to be assertive when he has to be. He’s got a strong sense of both compassion and justice, especially when it comes to young people. In fact, his research interest focuses on juvenile offenders and ways to get them out of trouble and set them on productive paths, rather than automatically send them off to prison. He’s happily married, no children, and has a friendly brown mutt called Oscar. 
I’d certainly go to the pub with him. He likes micro-brewed beer so I’m sure he could recommend a good one. He’s got interesting stories to tell, and an academic perspective that I think I’d like. He’s also not too full of himself, which I find refreshing. For the same reason, I’d gladly have him and his wife Laura over for dinner. 
Joel listens to different kinds of music. He likes jazz, although he’s not thoroughly knowledgeable about it. He likes classic rock, too, although not so much hard rock. Think Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, and The Band.  Sometimes he listens in his car, which, by the way, is a Dodge Dart. 
So far, there are five books featuring Joel Williams, so he is a series character. He’s not told me yet whether there will be a sixth. 

What piece of advice would you give a new writer?
My first piece of advice is to read. A lot. Read in your chosen genre, and out of it. That’s how you learn the way it’s done. Also, writing can feel lonely, but the fact is, the writing community can be very supportive. So, reach out and get to know other writers. Get their input and ideas, get their corrections if you’re wrong. And then, make your own decisions about what works for you and write. A lot. The more you practice, the better you get. 

What part of writing do you find the hardest? 
The hardest part of writing is sorting out the ideas in my mind and putting them on paper (well, on document) for the first time. My first drafts are always a mess because they start with random characters or scenes and have to be put together in some coherent order. 

Have you ever had lolly cake?
No, but I’d like to – I’ve heard it’s delicious. 

Pantser or outliner? And why?
I’m a mental outliner. I don’t always write an ‘official’ outline, but I do try to put some sort of plan together. I think that comes from my academic writing background, where an outline is crucial to a good paper. Things don’t always go according to that plan, so I try to be flexible, too. If I get a better idea than the one I originally had, that’s where the story takes me. 

Do you write in silence? If you don’t write in silence do you prefer music and what type of music? 
I actually used to write with music – instrumental mostly. But I found it too distracting, because I love music. So now I write in silence so I can focus. 

Do you like to listen to audio books? 
I’ve listened to a few audio books, and they’re fine for sitting on airplane, taking a walk, etc. But I much prefer reading physical or e-books.

Have you ever visited New Zealand?
I’ve been there four times and had a wonderful visit every time. There’s a lot to love about New Zealand.  I’m dying to go again, but my bank balance is less sanguine about it…
I’m sorry to wiggle in here but I’m struggling. You’ve been to NZ FOUR times and never had a chocolate fish or a piece of lolly cake! I’m stunned. That must be remedied on your next visit.

Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, or some other type of pet?
At the moment, no pets. But I absolutely love dogs. I grew up with dogs and had them for twenty-five years after getting married. Hopefully I’ll have another. 

Where do you write? 
I mostly write in my home office. 

Thank you so much for coming in!

Here are the places you can interact with Margot and find more about her works (buy links are on Margot’s website): 

Website:
Facebook
Twitter/X
Bluesky
Amazon Author Page: