Today I am pleased to welcome Anne Marie Stoddard here!
Her book Murder at Castle Rock (An Amelia Grace Mystery)
was screaming at me from my Kindle!
Why I Write Music Industry Fiction
When asked for advice on what to write, many authors will tell you to stick with what you know. That’s the case with my debut novel, Murder at Castle Rock, a murder mystery set in the music industry of Atlanta, Georgia. In the past decade, I have interned at two music venues and three music festivals and have worked at several other festivals and live music events. I also spent three years working in radio in Atlanta–at one point, during the summer of 2008, I was working promotions and events for 11 radio stations in Athens and Atlanta! I’d like to think those experiences gave me some good insight to tap into when I began writing my mystery.
Still, just because you know all there is to know about an industry or profession (or even just enough to get you by, which is my case!), what pushes you to begin writing about it?
For me, it started in 2011 when I picked up a mystery written by someone who worked in the fashion industry–so, naturally, she wrote about a murder that took place in the world of designers and fashion . It wasn’t my typical pick for a cozy mystery read, but something made me grab it off the shelf. As I read, I couldn’t help but think “What if something like this was happening in the music industry?” The more I thought that, the more I realized the lack of such a setting in any of the murder mysteries that I’d read.
The rock ‘n’ roll scene has such untapped potential in the mystery genre. It’s the perfect setting–the constant excitement of live music, the seedy behind-the-scenes goings on, the fame, the money–all ingredients for a fun rock ‘n’ roll whodunit!
With this in mind, I embarked on the project that consumed the next ten months of my life: Murder at Castle Rock. It was such an exciting experience to recall late nights working the door at The Georgia Theater, or standing outside The Masquerade and The Tabernacle running a live broadcast for the local radio station. All these hypothetical “what if” questions popped up in my head as I went, and I began imagining things that could’ve been happening behind the scenes. Soon I had created a story line for a full novel.
The more I wrote, the more inspired I felt. Some scenes were steeped with direct experience from my life in the industry–like a particular scene involving a radio station cargo van (I won’t spoil what happens! You’ll have to read it!)–and others were a fun venture into my imagination, using only the slightest bit of my experience to keep things realistic while allowing me to express myself creatively. When you write about jobs or settings you are familiar with, it’s amazing how easily the ideas start flowing.
The end result of my first attempt at music industry fiction is a novel that I’m very proud of. The characters are loosely based on people I’ve known and worked with mixed with some of my favorite character stereotypes. The venue itself, Castle Rock, is a fictional tribute to the Masquerade, an Atlanta venue where I spent several years working with radio events and concerts. (I still attend concerts there regularly, and I get a kick out of imagining my characters are there somewhere backstage!) The story line is original and hopefully one that will leave you in suspense over what will happen on the next page.
~Anne Marie
About Anne Marie Stoddard
Aside from my friends and family, I’m passionate about two things: writing and live music. When I can bring the two together, my life feels complete. I was fortunate enough to win the 2012 AJC Decatur Book Festival & BookLogix Publishing Services, Inc. Writing Contest with my manuscript for “Murder At Castle Rock.” Being published has been a dream of mine since kindergarten, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share my stories. I am currently working on several other projects, including a sequel to “Murder At Castle Rock” and another mystery series.
For more information, please visit my website: http://www.amstoddardbooks.com/
Murder at Castle Rock
(An Amelia Grace Mystery)
First in Series
Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: BookLogix (January 1, 2013)
Paperback: 251 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1610053099
E-Book File Size: 412 KB (May 8, 2013)
ASIN: B00CPTCAES
Amelia “Ame” Grace works as Booking Manager and Agent at Castle Rock, a famous concert venue in Atlanta. She has booked one of her own favorite stars comeback tour. Eighties Pop Rock Prince, Bobby Glitter, will be performing for 3 shows at Castle Rock and filming a DVD.
Before the first show even ends tragedy strikes. The owner of the venue hits the pavement falling from one of the Castle’s towers. Suicide or Murder??? The authorities suspect foul play and immediately start looking at the Castle Rock employees. Ame finds herself trying to clear her friend’s names while putting herself right in the line of fire. The curtain may be coming down at Castle Rock permanently.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This author knows what she writes. She shows us what goes on behind the scenes of the concerts we love and it isn’t always fun and games or pretty. In this case the Sex, Drugs, and Rock-n-Roll are joined by Murder and we go on one heck of a wild ride with Ame.
I was impressed with the layers to all of the characters. The venue is a character all its own. What really got me were the twists and surprises. I was drawn right in and engaged and then was like “What???” So good!! I love books like this when you think you know what is going on and then you find out you were so totally wrong.
Ame Grace is a quite a woman. She loves music and the music business. Stoddard has set the stage for many more musical mysteries. I can’t wait for the next concert to begin!!
The author is giving away 1 Autographed Paperback Copy!!
Contest is open to anyone over 18 years old
with a US mailing address.
Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited.
You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.
Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Liking My Facebook Fan Page.
Leave a comment for Anne Marie for 5 Bonus Entries !
What is your favorite band or performer?
What is your favorite concert venue?
If you publicize the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook or anywhere you will receive
5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.
Contest Will End October 1, 2013 at 11:59 PM CST
Winner Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winner Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar.
CLICK HERE FOR ENTRY FORM
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”