Earlier this week I reviewed the first book in Daphne's Rare Book Mystery series: Crime and Parchment. Today she's back with an interview. Don't forget to enter the giveaway if you didn't last time! Check out a review and the giveaway HERE.
Jodi: Congratulations on winning an Agatha for Crime and Parchment! While the Queen of Mystery is on my mind, do you have a favorite Christie title?
Daphne: That’s a hard one to choose. I love And Then There Were None… and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. With both stories, I threw the book across the room when I finished them. But then I kept thinking about them and kept thinking about them… Any book that lingers with you like that is worthwhile.
Jodi: As a history lover, I’d love to hear how you made the jump from writing historical non-fiction to cozy mysteries.
Daphne: I always wanted to write fiction. I even minored in creative writing in college. However when I worked at the Jewish Museum of Maryland, Arcadia Publishing reached out to us about doing a history book on Jewish Baltimore. My colleagues asked if I would be interested, and I jumped at the chance. That started the process of publishing three local history books over the next few years. But I never left my love of fiction behind, especially cozy mysteries. When I returned to it years later, it felt like a volcano that had been bubbling for a long time below the surface, just
ready to erupt.
Jodi: I love the idea of a love of writing being like a volcano! Now let's talk about a love of mine...sweets. You claim not to be a baker but your rare books series and website include some tempting recipes. So, who is helping you with these delicious treats?
Daphne: Hah! You have found me out. One of my best friends Kristen Harbeson is the one making sure my baked treats are actually edible, because I don’t trust myself. She was my maid of honor during my wedding. Also, shout out to author Cathy Wiley as she also tested out the mandelbrot recipe. I am grateful for having such a great set of friends to help me with where I lack.
Jodi: What amazing friends. In your BA life (before author) you worked for both museums and symphonies. What did you do and did it help with your writing?
Daphne: I started out in education and programs in museums, which helped me discover many of the lesser known but incredibly amazing stories out there - hidden history if you will. That also gave me the chance to start writing history books, like Wild Women of Maryland (History Press, 2015), which taught me how to craft a story in a new way. I learned so much history, which peppers my fiction stories. Now I’m a fundraiser for nonprofits, which allows me to connect with other people who love our communities and want to make a difference in the world. That has also taught me the importance of being a cheerleader for yourself - whether that’s the nonprofit you support or the stories you champion.
Jodi: You’ve just released your second book in the Rare Books series: The Tell Tale
Homicide. Did you learn anything from writing Book 1 that made Book 2 easier?
Daphne: Yes and no. Knowing I could make it through Book 1 was very helpful, and the
feedback I received was uplifting. But it also made me nervous to write Book 2 and keep up the expectations. I also started writing what I thought was Book 2, only to decide that I should put another book in between. So it’s definitely a struggle, but Juniper and her friends walk me through everything.
Jodi: When struggling to get bring that first book to life, every writer imagines what life will be like after publication. Any surprises in the reality of your life of a cozy mystery writer?
Daphne: I am fortunate to have several mystery authors as real-life friends, so I had a good idea of what to expect – which was not that different from my current life. Writing is my escape from the day to day, and I’m absolutely grateful for that. I have been pleasantly surprised by how amazing the community has been and their enthusiasm for my book. Readers are the best people in the world!
Jodi: Yes, they are. So tell all the readers out there what you'll be working on next. Will there be more adventures for Juniper Blume?
Daphne: Yes! I’m working now on books 3 (coming November 2025 from Level Best Books) and 4 (November 2026). I even have some initial thoughts for book 5! So there will be plenty more adventures with Juniper coming.
Jodi: You have a busy schedule. We'll be watching for your next books.
Thank you so much for interviewing me!
Great interview! Thanks so much for sharing!