Interview with Multi-genre author, MARLENE BATEMAN

Interview with Marlene Bateman,

Author of Searching for Irene

A reader once wrote in a review that knowing a little about the author made a book more personal to her. So here's the chance for readers to get to know a little about Marlene Bateman, the talented, multi-genre author behind twelve  wonderfully diverse books, from her non-fiction treasure "The Magnificent World of Spirits," to cozy mysteries and romantic novels like her newest release, "Searching for Irene."

I think readers like to know how we got started writing. So Marlene, did you always want to be a writer?

Always! Ever since I was in elementary school. As a child, I was a voracious reader and this created a desire to write my own stories. 

How did you learn the writing craft?

Learning how to write is an ongoing process. I started as a youngster, and continued taking classes, reading books on writing, and practicing, practicing and practicing through college and beyond. Even now, after having fourteen books published, I still attend writing conferences and take classes that teach me more about the craft of writing. I also still read books about the writing process. Also, when I read, I pay attention to the author’s writing and try to incorporate what I like into my own manuscripts.

I know the answer to this, but tell my readers what makes your novels stand out from the crowd? 

My books are ‘clean,’ which means no swearing, and no gratuitous sex or violence. Also, I like to focus on creating interesting characters. I like to write mysteries and while many current TV shows place use high-tech prowess to solve the crime, I delve into the killer’s psyche and show the psychological aspects that drive their behavior, and which leaves clues behind for the savvy investigator to uncover.

How long does it take to write a book?

My first novel; Light on Fire Island, took me three years. But as my children got older and more self-sufficient and as I improved my writing skills, I’ve been able to work a little faster. I can now write a novel in 8-11 months.

What is your daily writing routine?

I try to begin my writing day at 10:30 a.m. When I get up, I have breakfast, read my scriptures, then the newspaper, and do house and yard work. I write until 12:30, when I have lunch. Then, I try to take a 10-15 minute power-nap before getting back to work.  In the afternoon, I take my dogs for a walk, then continue writing until 7 p.m.

What is your writing space like?

I converted our formal dining room into a writing nook where I have an L-shaped desk. Years ago, my son talked me into getting two monitors and now, I couldn’t live without them. 

We have a gazebo in our backyard that I call my second “office.” I work there on my laptop when weather permits. I have a flower garden nearby and with the flowers, trees, and garden, it’s a little slice of heaven. I have two dogs; Brandi—an energetic Welsh Corgi—and Biscuit—a plump Westie, who keep me company. I also have four cats and usually one or more comes out to nap nearby as I write.

What else have you written?

My first novel, Light on Fire Island, is a romance/mystery. My next three novels were cozy murder mysteries; Motive for Murder, A Death in the Family, and Crooked House. It was fun writing them because the main character—Erica Coleman—is a quirky private eye with OCD.  My next novel was a romance, For Sale by Owner.

I also write non-fiction for the LDS (Mormon) market. One of the books I enjoyed writing the most was Gaze into Heaven; Near-death experiences in Early LDS Church History.  It was fascinating to read about the experiences of people who lived between 1830 and 1899 and who had near-death experiences and saw the Spirit World.  

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

Never. Give. Up.

People don’t fail because they can’t write, they fail because they stop trying. I have a yellowed newspaper clipping by my computer that says; “For most of us, it isn’t that we don’t have the ability to write, it’s that we don’t devote the time.  You have to put in the effort.”  Another way of saying it is that if you want to write and be published bad enough, you’ll work for it.  And if you work at it, your writing will improve, and you WILL be published. 

I think that's a perfect place to end. Thanks so much for fielding these questions, Marlene, and good luck with the launch of "Searching for Irene."