Debra Purdy Kong has a new book out! A Gold Satin Murder is the seventh in her Casey Holland Mystery series. You might remember she wrote a guest post here in July 2020. Debra and I set our books in Vancouver, a city we both love. She’s kindly answered some interview questions that will give you a peek inside her writer’s world. Please welcome Debra Purdy Kong.
Where do you call home, and how did you end up there?
I live in Port Moody, British Columbia, which is a half-hour’s drive east of Vancouver. Back in the 80s, my fiancé (now husband) and I both rented small apartments in the city but couldn’t afford a house in Vancouver. So, we continued east until we found what we could afford. I knew little about Port Moody back then, but over the past 35 years, I’ve grown to love this arts-focused community. There are mountains, parks, lots of hills, public transit everywhere, and a vibrant community of creative folks.
How did you make the decision to set your Casey Holland mysteries in Vancouver, British Columbia?
My decision was mainly based on practicality. I knew the city and most of the surrounding municipalities. When I began writing novels, I stuck to the “write what you know” advice. Also, few authors in the late 90s were writing fiction set in Vancouver, so it seemed a good idea to showcase this beautiful city. Over time, several terrific crime fiction authors have set their books in Vancouver. What’s interesting and understandable is that each author chooses specific locations within the city.
Vancouver is diverse and constantly changing, so it’s difficult to capture the ambiance, scents, and lifestyles of the entire city in one novel. A Gold Satin Murder takes place in Vancouver’s West End, which is where my sister lives. As stated in the book, the West End features diverse lifestyle choices, income levels, and age groups. It was once touted as the hub for the gay community and is still the heart of the annual Vancouver Pride Parade, however, like so much of Vancouver, the area’s evolving all the time and labelling any area of Vancouver doesn’t do it justice.
This new release is the seventh in the Casey Holland Mystery series. How do you keep the writing fresh?
One strategy is to work on different writing projects to keep from dwelling on the Casey series. Still, ideas spring up now and then, so I quickly jot down notes and move on. Sometimes I’m away from the series for weeks or even months at a time, depending on how the other projects are developing. When I do return, I look at Casey with fresh eyes and hopefully new ideas.
Customer feedback’s also inspiring. I sell my books at craft fairs and am always grateful for the positive feedback. Once in a while, a customer gives me a great idea for a new book, which motivates me to open the Casey files again.
Vancouver’s real-life crime stories also provide plenty of inspiration. Sometimes, I’m shocked or angered by the crime and injustices that make news headlines. Strong emotional responses are often a catalyst for starting a new book.
Do you have a writing routine? Special place to write?
For many years, my routine revolved around day jobs and parenting. Pivoting and multi-tasking are second nature to writers with jobs, families, health challenges, or other commitments. After I retired from my day job in June 2020, I eventually settled into a routine of writing and editing from after breakfast until noon. Afternoons involve a bit more editing, then a switch to blogs, reviews, and marketing tasks. For about ninety minutes after dinner, I use the time to either catch up on what I haven’t finished that day or read the blogs and newsletters I subscribe to.
What do you enjoy doing to relax in your downtime?
I love to go for walks, do light workouts, read fiction and nonfiction, try new recipes, and weed the garden. I especially love hanging out with my grandkids. I’m also a hockey fan, so when the season starts, I try to watch as many Vancouver Canuck games as possible.
What are you working on next?
I like to challenge myself creatively, so I’ve been working on a lengthy multi-generational urban fantasy that features the Wiccan faith, a family of witches, and different forms of magic. The story’s about coming to terms with flaws and mistakes, learning self-acceptance and, of course, battling evil. Beyond that, I hope to work on a paranormal series that combines both mystery and fantasy elements. My greatest challenge is making time to do all this, but I have a plan, more or less. Pivoting will always be necessary, I expect.
The Blurb:
Transit cop Casey Holland has never met a bus passenger like the charming artist and exotic dancer, Eduardo. The bus driver Lily has certainly befriended him. But when Eduardo’s charged with murder, Lily’s caught in the middle of his legal trouble. Afraid of losing her job and custody of her son, she begs Casey for help in proving Eduardo’s innocence.
Casey’s search for answers takes her and her best friend Kendal to a troupe of strippers known as Man Cave. While the men are busy peeling off their clothes, Casey’s peeling back layers of secrets and betrayal. Nuttier than her usual adventures, the risk is just as deadly in this seventh installment of the Casey Holland transit mysteries.
Click here to download a pdf of the first chapter, and read it at your leisure.
Debra’s Bio:
Debra Purdy Kong’s volunteer experiences, criminology diploma, and various jobs inspired her to write mysteries set in BC’s Lower Mainland. Her employment as a campus security patrol and communications officer provided the background for her Casey Holland transit security novels.
Debra has published short stories in a variety of genres as well as personal essays, and articles for publications such as Chicken Soup for the Bride’s Soul, B.C. Parent Magazine, and The Vancouver Sun. She is a facilitator for the Creative Writing Program through Port Moody Recreation and a long-time member of Crime Writers of Canada. She lives in British Columbia, Canada.
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Thanks, Debra! It’s been fun hanging out with you. Here’s to a fall rich in autumn colour and imaginative story ideas!
Until next time, XO
Jo-Anne
The back cover copy:
On the Reading front: