Featured Interview With Mercedes King
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in the car. A Chevy Caprice–and I just narrowly escaped being named Caprice. I grew up on the south side of Columbus, Ohio, so I’m a life-long Buckeye. I’m still in the Central Ohio area, although, when winter comes along, I desperately dream about relocating someplace tropical.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
In the fourth grade I wrote my first story, “Mrs. Jackson and the Genie.” Believe it or not, it wasn’t a best seller, but I’ve been working on my writing ever since. It’s been a long road, and I’m still enjoying the journey. I just have so many stories I want to write.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m a big Daniel Silva fan girl. Vincent Zandri is my newest obsession, and I also like Lisa Gardner, Julie Ann Lindsey, Karen Harper, Lisa Unger…it’s a long list. Probably most inspirational for me was Mary Higgins Clark. I discovered her in middle school and loved everything about her style. And she actually sat a lunch table next to mine at Bouchercon (writer’s conference). No doubt, I must’ve made her woozy from my I-adore-you-! vibes. Fun moment!
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My newest release, Plantation Nation, follows 16 year old Emma Cartwright as she leaves her family’s plantation, disguises herself as a young man, and joins the Union Army. An idealist at heart, Emma quickly learns that war is a complicated issue, for both sides. She does her part as a nurse, courier, and spy, and for the first time in her life, she accidentally falls in love. With her commander. Needless to say, Emma endures hard lessons when it comes to loss. This isn’t your typical love story, and not your typical war story (if there is such a thing). I spent 8 months working on this book, intent on being careful with historical details but determined not to bog down readers with too much military detail. Overall, this novel is meant to challenge emotions on every level.
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