Tabatha's Bag of Books

Hiya, Readers!Do you become engulfed in crime books, documentaries, or podcasts? You're not alone! I find that solving a crime or mystery is like piecing together a complex puzzle. Each clue is a piece that fits into the larger picture, revealing the truth (or conclusion) behind the crime. Just like with puzzles, it requires patience, exceptional attention to detail, and critical thinking to unravel the mystery — and New Hampshire Author Avree Kelly Clark has done just that with her debut novel "Malice Aforethought!"I had the chance to meet Avree and attentively listen to her well-structured presentation on her novel. The story begins with a murder in Pembroke, NH in 1875, then traces back to a comparable mysterious disappearance of a schoolteacher in St. Albans, Vt., in 1874 as well as the collaboration between two communities to bring the perpetrator of the (shockingly gruesome) crimes to justice.I was captivated by the locality of "Malice Aforethought," and the extensive research behind it, prompting me to inquire about Avree's writing process for a crime novel inspired by real events and to also learn more about her. Avree's passion for writing and dedication to authenticity truly set her novel apart, making it a must-read for fans of crime fiction and historical mysteries alike. Until next time, keep those pages turning!Tabatha Jean D'Agatatdagata@gmail.com 1) What motivated you to write this captivating novel? A. I first became acquainted with this story in my forensics class at PA in 2005, during my senior year, and I never forgot the story. In 2019, I received the October edition of the Neighborhood News and saw a face and monument I recognized, with the last paragraph of the article reading: "So it only goes to show you that a 15-foot monument on the site of a ghastly murder of an innocent still couldn't remind enough people that crimes like this happened in NH." That's when I tore out the article to consider researching for myself and writing a book to ensure this young lady would never be forgotten. 2) Is there a specific method for writing a novel inspired by real events? How did you approach your research for this project?A. I wanted to access first-hand accounts to build the story from the ground up. I clipped hundreds of newspaper articles and read court transcripts and the coroner's historical papers. From there I gleaned full and partial names that then sent me to Ancestry.com and Find-a-Grave. Every name mentioned in this story is a very real person alive at the time. It's a great snapshot in history. I had access to historical texts and non-fiction books about the time period as well as historic maps and an 1875 dictionary. It was important that the reader be immersed in time and place, like handing them a time machine.3) Have you discovered any discrepancies or undisclosed facts about the crimes that the public may or may not be aware of, which you incorporated into your book?A. I have discovered a wealth of details that one may not necessarily encounter anywhere else, and I provide corrected information covered in other sources. I do also include my author theory at the back of the book, in my Author's Note. I feel like there are aspects surrounding the nature of the Pembroke crime that didn't quite add up, until the emergence of my theory provided plausible answers. I don't necessarily think everyone will agree with me, but it was important for me to share my findings. 4) What was the most difficult part of writing a crime fiction novel?A. The most difficult part writing about a crime is the emotional toll it took writing about such grievous subject matter and telling it with the emotion that I endeavored to achieve. Part of the reason it took me 3 1/2 years to write is from the frequent breaks I took after allowing myself to get in the minds of the victims, the family and friends, as well as the killer's mind. The way in which I approached writing about these crimes may be different than the obvious sensational, coarse way others might choose. I wanted this to be tasteful. Therefore, I do not describe the attacks happening to these victims, having them suffer in perpetuity and for readers to be as voyeurs. Rather, it was important for me to preserve their dignity and to humanize them. However, I do detail their horrifying discoveries and what the postmortem reveals.Are you particularly drawn to a specific character in your book, and if you are, what is the reason behind it?A. I am drawn to Trueworthy Fowler, and there's an important reason for that, but I don't wish to spoil a potential reveal that occurs in the book. I spent time learning about Trueworthy Fowler in historical texts, and I found him an impressive individual. I'm also indebted to him for writing The History of Pembroke (along with Nathan Carter) that was an invaluable source of information that made writing about Pembroke at that time possible. His passion for his native Pembroke is so evident, and I enjoyed getting to write his character for this story. How has your book been received by local readers and what are your goals with "Malice Aforethought?"A. The readers' reaction to this book has made all the work and initial uncertainly so worth it! It seems like the local readers, especially, really connect with this story and we become bonded in our mutual caring and love for these victims. Something that's been amazing to witness is how the readers aren't content to keep this story to themselves and are quick to share it with others. I'm also excited that readers have expressed an interest in touring the sites mentioned in my book, thanks to the map I provide.As for my goals, I tried to write this book as a screenplay, with a vision and hope that this book be made into a movie or streaming series someday. I also plan to investigate how to go about implementing a day to honor these victims in their communities. You decided to self-publish your first novel instead of opting for traditional publishing. What challenges or benefits might an author encounter when choosing self-publishing?A. Once I decided on self-publishing, I took months to learn everything I could about doing it properly. I was not prepared for how much work goes into self-publishing and self-promotion, but now I know what to expect and can use that to help others pursuing a similar path. I liked being able to have creative control from the interior layout to cover design. My biggest hindrance to traditional publishing is the time commitment, and I didn't want to risk the book being released after the 150th anniversary in 2025.What's on the horizon for you? Are there any thoughts on working on another book?A. Yes! I have at least seven or eight books I'd like to write as of now, and I have begun research on my next one, which is also a Gilded Age crime with connections to New Hampshire. I've already clipped over 400 newspaper articles and am in the process of transcribing those. How do you spend your time when you're not creating stories? Tell us about yourself, your hobbies, and family.A. My two favorite hobbies are reading and walking, as are my husband's, so we are a perfect match! However, I consume mostly audiobooks these days, since writing and research takes up a lot of my time. The trick is to listen at a faster speed to enjoy the narration more. ;) I'm passionate about proofreading and copyediting as a side hustle, I love learning all kinds of things, and I enjoy trivia and building puzzles. I love winding down each evening with my Eric and our cat, Aloysius, beside us while watching an episode of a TV show.Avree, it has been a pleasure getting to know you! Thank you for sharing your time with us! How can our readers learn more about you and your book?A. Thank you so much for this lovely opportunity and for these great questions! Visit avreekellyclark.com to get in contact with me, for links to my social media (I'm mostly active on Facebook), and for where to purchase a copy of my book online or in stores. If you're on Facebook, I can be found at Avree Kelly Clark, and there you can join my Malice & Mayhem Book Club where I provide behind-the-scenes info, photos, and discussions about the book, as well as answer any of your questions.