The Interview - Cynthia Varady

Which character do you enjoy writing the most as a writer and why? If choosing a favorite character is like choosing a favorite child, which character do you find requires the most attention and detail from you as a writer?

I have one secondary character in my Pandemonium cozy mystery series that I love to write. Bazgul is the demon familiar to my main character, Mahogany. He is a lesser demon, so not dangerous, at least in this instance. He can shape shift, but prefers to be in the guise of a giant tarantula, where he rides around on Mahogany's head or back. Bazgul loves treats and really wants to eat a cat someday. And he really can't stand Tony, Mahogany's crush.

What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?

I love fantasy. The more wacky and bizarre, the better. Christoph Moore is one of my favorite authors. Almost anything by him is a hit in my book. The same goes for Tom Robbins. Skinny Legs and All, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, Jitterbug Perfume, and Another Roadside Attraction top my list of fantastic reads. Terry Pratchett's Disk World series is always fun.

Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.

Murder mysteries with myth and magic in Pandemonium.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

I really love to write while sitting in bed. Even when I have a desk, it's the most comfortable for me. I guess I'm at my most productive while in bed.

How long did it take you to write this book?

During NaNoWriMo in November, I finished writing the first draft after plotting it in October. I finished the draft in one month. But the editing processing has taken nearly a year. This isn't for lack of trying to get it finished more quickly. Because I am a mom of a young child and the caregiver for a parent with dementia, my writing time is severely limited.