College student Sara Donovan is in the homestretch of graduating when a mysterious package arrives with an invitation to an exclusive contest. One that will drastically change the winner’s life. Included are unsettling photographs from forgettable chapters in her life and a threatening note strongly suggesting she participate.
With no good options, Sara enters the contest and finds herself at a fabulous mansion up against eight formidable opponents, each with a dark secret and all racing to solve seven levels of riddles and puzzles.
After a contestant’s body is discovered, Sara contemplates dropping out when another package arrives, its chilling contents making clear she’s at the center of a dangerous game with deadly consequences if she quits. But what it doesn’t say is—what happens if she wins?
Pages: 367
Writing Interview Questions.
What inspired you to write this book?
When I set out to write the book, since it is the third in the Mauzzy & Me Series, I wanted to continue with maturing Sara Donovan (the protagonist), and by the end of the book, position her for life after the University of Alabama (note I didn’t say after she graduates – sly wink). I also wanted to do the same with the plot—put Sara into a new, extremely high-risk situation where she is dealing directly with dubious people and the stakes are the highest ever for her. With those goals in mind, I went through my voluminous files full of articles about interesting true crimes and mysterious happenings until I hit on 3-4 stories that showed promise. Then I spent several months researching these angles, which led me down various rabbit holes and put me onto even more intriguing stories.
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
This is really tricky. The safest thing to say is Lucky Secrets is a multi-layered mystery and that there is much more than what meets the eye. As Kirkus Reviews noted in their review: “An enjoyable, complexly plotted series installment that promises more mysteries and thrills to come.” Kirkus also wrote: “Our Verdict. Get it.” This is about the most I can say without revealing too much. Sorry.
If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?
Determined, observant, different.
Sara is her own person and sees the world differently than others. She does her own thing, regardless what others might think, which is admirable. Readers have called her quirky. She is determined and can be stubborn to a point, but it is also an inner resilience that keeps her going when things get darkest. Sara is also highly observant, and although at times it has gotten her into trouble, she calls it her super power.
What was the most challenging part about writing your book?
Laying out the plot. I am an extreme plotter, and the Lucky Secrets plot is very involved and complex. There is a lot going on so it took some time for me to fully develop the plot and make sure everything worked. For every book I write, I first put together a document I call the blueprint. It is a 40- or 50-page document that includes the premise, backstory, character inventory, plot twists and red herrings, the first 3-4 chapters sketched out in detail, etc. After the blueprint, I lay out every chapter in a document I call the chapter timeline. I use the 3-act structure in my books, so in the chapter timeline I identify where each act, where the plot twists and pinch points need to occur, when the climax needs to start, etc. Then I drop the chapter numbers with thumbnail descriptions into a calendar so I can see the whole book on 2-3 pages and make sure the timeline works. At this point, I am ready to start writing the book.
For Lucky Secrets, since the plot is so complex and includes a multi-level contest full of riddles and puzzles, for me to keep things straight I also had to use a 2-page spreadsheet that I referred to constantly as I wrote the book. Trust me, writing the book was way easier than plotting it out.
Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?
No. The biggest thing I cut was a full chapter (44) toward the end of the book. It would have affected the story had I not addressed it with the first paragraph of the new Chapter 44 where the protagonist briefly recounts what happened in the scene I deleted.
What are you currently working on?
I have several projects in various stages of development. One is a YA mystery for boys after an agent expressed an interest in me giving it a shot. I also have the next Sara book fully plotted and ready to write – I just need to decide how I want to go about it (yes, I understand, this is intentionally vague – another sly wink). I am also in the early stages of fleshing out a spinoff with Mrs. Majelski – she is a fan favorite of my readers, my editors, and myself. The enigmatic old lady is such a blast to write into my stories, so why not write a story with her as the main character??
What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?
Write every day, even if for only an hour. Writing consistently builds momentum and if you’re writing every day, there is no way you won’t improve. There is a reason for the adage, “Practice makes perfect.”
Find a writer’s critique group. When I started writing in 2013, I honed my skills in critique groups on Wattpad. I learned a lot from some talented people in a certain “by invitation only” group on the site. Accept criticism in these groups for what it is intended to do – make you a better writer. But if the feedback isn’t supportive and instead just mean or rude, then simply find another group. There are plenty out there online and likely in your own town.
Imposter Syndrome is very real, more common than you think, can be debilitating to your writing if you don’t address it, and it can be overcome. Highly recommend this Imposter Syndrome post.
If you are attempting to write a book, know that writing a book is hard. Don’t let perfection get in the way of progress (paraphrasing Churchill). Get the first draft written – don’t agonize over every sentence or the wording – there will be plenty of time later for editing, which is when good becomes great.
Personal Interview Questions.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I really enjoy my daily 3–4-mile walk among beautiful trees, walking paths, and a winding creek. It’s very peaceful and a perfect way to clear my head for the day. I also keep up with the news as it often leads to research for my next book.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was 10, I wanted to be—an author.
What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?
Elbow macaroni with ground beef, green peppers, Vidalia onion, and fire-roasted tomatoes. I would rather be eating Chinese takeout. Mmmm.
What would be a perfect day?
Sitting by myself watching the final day of one of Golf’s major championships eating Chinese takeout. Or watching the NFL on any given Sunday while my fantasy football team scores 200 points. But THE best day every year for me is watching all the games on the first Thursday of college basketball’s March Madness (the NCAA tourney). And the second-best day is the first Friday of March Madness.
If it isn’t obvious, I enjoy sports – both playing and watching.
What is the best part of your day?
Drinking my morning coffee and reading the news, and also unwinding in my chair in the late afternoon after my walk and before dinner.
Either or!
Tea or coffee: strong black coffee
Hot or cold: cold
Movie or book: movie
Morning person or Night owl: morning
City or country: country
Social Media or book: book
Paperback or ebook: paperback
Winston forced a smile. “The founder imparted to me that every contestant was personally selected because each of you has a secret that absolutely must remain—a secret. Especially from law enforcement.” He glanced at me and raised an eyebrow. “Since the winner of the contest will become fabulously wealthy, it would seem, everyone is here because of a potentially—lucky secret.”
Zoe’s head whipped toward me. With eyes wide, she mouthed law enforcement. I threw her a little headshake, even as my body exploded in tingles. I have no such secrets—anymore. I think. A picture popped in my head of the open safe-deposit box with the gold artifact, gold bar, and emeralds. With my name on the signature card. Somebody obviously manufactured a secret for me. But why? And is it the same for all the contestants? Were they also blackmailed into coming for something they didn’t do? Or were they…
B.T. Polcari is a graduate of Rutgers College of Rutgers University, an award-winning mystery author, and a proud father of two wonderful children. He’s a champion of rescue pups (Mauzzy is a rescue), craves watching football and basketball, and, of course, loves reading mysteries. Among his favorite authors are Richard Osman, D.P. Lyle, Frederick Forsyth, and Michael Connelly. He is also an unapologetic fantasy football addict. He lives with his wife in scenic Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read.
ReplyDelete"What are you most passionate about
ReplyDeleteRescue pups (we currently have three) and writing (I have so many stories I need to get out of my head!)
DeleteThe book sounds very intriguing. I love a good mystery.
ReplyDeleteHopefully it will keep you thinking!!
DeleteSounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteI think so, but I'm partial. However, it has been getting excellent reviews, so...
Delete