As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Martha Bolton talks about her new book, The Rise And Fall Of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits, in which retired cop Foster Bates helps his friend Fannie Miller investigate missing Tuscarawas County Baking Contest entrants.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Martha Bolton about her new book, The Rise And Fall Of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits, co-written with Wanda Brunstetter, what inspired her main characters, and her creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am the author of 89 books, an Emmy nominee, and was Bob Hope’s first female staff writer. I am also the playwright for Blue Gate Musicals, having written the stage scrips for over a dozen original musicals since 2012, playing in three states. Three of the musicals are based on novels (The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits, co-written with Wanda Brunstetter, Josiah for President, and The Home Game).
Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning author, one of the founders of the Amish romance genre, and is consistently on several prestigious best seller lists. In her illustrious career, she has written over 100 books, with over 12 million copies sold.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
The very first “book” that I wrote was when I was nine years old. It was in a composition book, and was titled, “No Fun Being Young.” It was a humorous take on growing up the youngest of five.
When did you take a step to start writing?
At twelve, I began writing plays and articles and continued into my teens and early twenties, and ten moved on to books.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
My first book was a compilation of humorous scripts based on Bible characters. It was titled, A Funny Thing Happened to Me On my Way Through the Bible. It led the way to over a dozen script collections for school and church groups.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
When Half-Stitched was adapted into a musical, the characters Fannie Miller (created by Wanda Brunstetter) and Foster Brooks (created by me) were very popular with the theater audiences. So, we wanted to reunite them in another mystery. I contacted Wanda to see if she would like to write the novel of The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits, and Wanda was open to the idea.
So, with a book deadline, and the musical scheduled, we went to work. The deadline for the book was a bit tight, but both of us are used to meeting deadlines. We divided up who would take the lead on certain chapters, and then we would send the rough drafts between us until we were satisfied. We continued adding chapters as more ideas presented themselves and had a lot of fun in the process.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write The Rise And Fall Of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits?
The chemistry between Fannie and Foster has developed into a deep well of fun (and a tease at romance) for this crime-solving duo. Both have respect for each other’s boundaries, but there is a tug on their hearts that they choose to keep in check—Fannie being Amish and Foster being an Englisher.
Putting them in the middle of another mystery was an opportunity to further their friendship and satisfy the audience that has already grown to love this unusual pair of sleuths.
What were your biggest challenges with writing The Rise And Fall Of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits?
The biggest challenge was the tight deadline, but it wasn’t insurmountable. Also, during the writing process, Wanda broke her shoulder and humerus bone in her arm. A few years before that I had broken my humerus bone, too, and our editor had also broken hers. So, writing a mystery comedy with all of us having broken humerus bones did present some challenges, empathy for each other, and believe it or not, some laughs.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
Like Fannie, I am sure Wanda would say it was her own Aunt Selma who taught her how to make homemade biscuits. As readers of Wanda’s books know, Wanda’s heritage is well-established within the Amish community. In writing the book, she recalled many memories of her grandmother and aunt.
I loosely based Foster Bates on my own husband who is a retired LAPD sergeant. He and Foster both share a close relationship with their recliners and hates to leave it lonely for too long. Both Fannie and Foster work together to solve their mysteries.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
We have several possible antagonists and readers will have to decide “whodunit” as they move along in the story. The suspects were created in our minds from a lifetime of reading and watching mysteries, meeting interesting and off-beat characters, and over twenty-five years of living around law enforcement.
What is the inciting incident of The Rise And Fall Of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits?
The inciting incident in the book is when the baking contestants begin disappearing and Fannie decides to enlist the help of Foster Bates. Reluctantly, he agrees, and this sets the story and mystery in motion.
What is the main conflict of The Rise And Fall Of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits?
The main conflict in the book is to solve the mysterious disappearances and maintain the integrity of the popular baking contest without anyone getting killed or injured in the process. The clock is ticking, and Fannie and Foster have to find out “whodunit.”
Did you plot The Rise And Fall Of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
We had an outline but gave ourselves the freedom to alter or add to it along the way.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Rise And Fall Of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits need?
We worked with editors all the way up to the deadline, and they were most helpful.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Start. Get it down on paper. Ink only comes out of a pen when you move it. And, of course, don’t give up.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Personally, I am writing my professional memoirs, and I’m also helping my grandson (who is 24 and awaiting a heart/kidney transplant) write his story. I would also love to write future Fannie and Foster mysteries. Wanda has already written several books since Rise and Fall was completed and is on deadline right now for another one! All with a broken arm!
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Absolutely! Wanda and I both had a fun time working together and furthering the relationship between Fannie and Foster. We both understand deadlines and can write fast when necessary. And we love the creative process. We have similarities as to how we began writing, how we’ve maintained our careers, and both of us see no end in sight. And, of course, we’ve both overcome broken arms in the process.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Apple Audiobook: https://apple.co/3QirAs0
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4k0NjSC
Paperback: https://amzn.to/432FgyC
Library Binding: https://amzn.to/41dgn1Y
Audible: https://amzn.to/3CEZkN7
Wanda E. Brunstetter: Amish Country’s Most Beloved Storyteller
http://www.marthabolton.com
Facebook
MarthaBoltonOfficial (@marthaboltonofficial) • Instagram photos and videos
Martha Bolton – IMDb
Amazon.com: Martha Bolton: books, biography, latest update
We strive to keep The Table Read free for both our readers and our contributors. If you have enjoyed our work, please consider donating to help keep The Table Read going!
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.