Talking Fowl Play with the Authors

When writing the lighthearted whodunit “Fowl Play,” we knew that we wanted it to be a series and we’ve already outlined the next four books, with several more in the works.

As Maddy and her friends began their antics, we had such a fun time coming up with various scenarios and humorous possibilities, that we quickly realized that there were many stories we needed to tell.

The original concept for the book was as a psychological thriller. Maddy started as a much more serious character and the crimes were much more heinous. But we quickly realized that the idea of a woman who bought and sold the contents of storage units was prime for all sorts of shenanigans and we changed direction.

We knew we were on to something when we found ourselves sitting during our plotting time and laughing ourselves silly. Our ideas come from our real lives and experiences.

Monique was born to Lebanese Egyptian immigrant parents and brings this perspective when writing about characters of diverse backgrounds. As a writer of psychological thrillers, Carla brings her experience of how to plan a mystery.

Both authors live in Edmonton where the story is located and can bring in-depth knowledge of the area.

Edmonton as a story background has surprisingly been underutilized. This city has so much hidden character that easily lends itself as the perfect setting.

But how do two separate and distinctive writers come together to create a story that is funny and entertaining? The number one thing is to be able to accept feedback. Both Carla and Monique respect each other’s skill and talent enough to know that if they disagree with something the other has written, it is okay to say so. For example, something may not fit with the author’s perception of how a character would behave. It’s important to be able to have that discussion and iron out exactly what the character’s attributes and thoughts might be in each situation.

It is also necessary to know that when something is important to one author, the other author needs to respect their position. For Carla and Monique, they have a shorthand where if a change doesn’t matter to them, they just say ‘Not a mountain.’ This lets the other know that while they don’t agree with it, it is not a mountain they are willing to die on. Also, if they say “I’m taking a stand on this,” then the other author knows it is very important to them. From there, it is time for a discussion on what compromise is possible.

Their personalities mesh well, they both know that this is work, and that differing opinions are not personal. That’s very important and reflects in their co-authoring relationship.

About the Authors

Carla Howatt lives in Alberta, Canada where she helped raise four children, two husbands and a few pugs. A communicator at heart, Carla is also a proud introvert, port inhaler and dark chocolate hunter. Her pets Carrera, Mercedes, Enzo and Mufasa keep her laughing and her husband keeps her smiling.

Montreal-born, Edmonton-raised, Monique M. MacDonald started writing at her grandmother’s kitchen table the moment she could scribble with a crayon. This eventually led to using a keyboard as a columnist for several newspapers and magazines.

She writes like she lives, with a sense of humor.

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About Fowl Play

Fowl Play The Maddy Whitman Mystery Series Book 1 by Carla Howatt and Monique MacDonald

Genre: Humorous Cozy Mystery

It’s all fun and games until your goose gets cooked.

Maddy Whitman, the sharp-witted aficionado of the storage auction world, is on a rollercoaster ride through hilarious mishaps and heart-pounding twists in “Fowl Play”. When she stumbles upon a peculiar Mexican mask in a storage unit she bought at an auction, she unwittingly sets off a chain of events that lead her straight into the heart of a gripping mystery. With danger lurking around every corner and a kidnapped woman’s life on the line, Maddy must decode cryptic clues left by a cunning killer.

As tensions soar and the clock ticks, can she untangle the web of deception before it’s too late? Packed with humor, suspense, and the irresistible charm of its female sleuth, “Fowl Play” is a must-read adventure that will leave you guessing until the very end.