Interview with Denise Forsythe, author of Misconception
Today it gives the Indie Crime Scene great pleasure to interview Denise Forsythe, whose novel Misconception had its debut on October 31st, 2024.
Misconception is your first full length novel. What made you decide to move beyond short stories?
I was always at the library when I was young. I got bored with the children’s section and quickly took to books by Agatha Christie and Stephen King. I realized then I wanted to write books. That dream didn’t come true until many years later when I pivoted from a career in insurance to business writing and then to writing fiction. It’s been a long road, but I have so much background I can mine for ideas.
You describe Misconception as “domestic suspense”. What does that mean to you?
I define domestic suspense as the edge of your seat mayhem that unfolds behind closed doors in a home.
Your protagonist, Cassie Nichols, is desperate for a baby because she thinks it will shore up her relationship with husband Jake. Why does she believe this?
I think there are many people, like Cassie, who can relate to desperately wanting to keep a relationship going and the mistaken belief that a child is the solution.
How about Jake, her possibly errant husband? Where is he coming from?
Without giving too much of the story away, Jake’s actions and responses could be more loving, but he too has a past and potentially a secret that impacts how he interacts with Cassie throughout the stress of in vitro.
What inspired you to write about this theme and how much can you tell us about Cassie’s progress?
A few years ago, I happened on a short news article about hetero-superfecundation and a woman who had birthed two babies from different fathers. I was intrigued with the idea that it was possible, and it remained on my mind. Some months later I had a plot and realized it would be best written as a novel.
Why do you think that childbirth, so often idealised, can also be the focus for stories of crime and horror?
I think the scientific and emotional nature of it is what lends itself to so many ideas in those two specific genres.
You have created a trailer for Misconception which can be viewed on YouTube. How did you do it and what has been the response?
I surprised myself in that I was able to create it in about twenty minutes using FlexClip and then loading it to YouTube. I was surprised by how many views it got, though I did highlight it on my social media channels.
Do you have a favourite genre amongst mystery, horror and science fiction?
That is a tough question. I feel like if a novel or movie contains all three, I am in heaven! As far as writing goes, a future novel I have planned does merge all three genres. Stay tuned!
What are you working on now and will there be a sequel to Misconception?
I’m currently finishing edits on a mystery novel entitled, Care Killed the Cat, also set in the Midwest and with a female protagonist. You are not the first to ask about a follow-up book to Misconception. Yes, the sequel is tentatively titled, Misconstrue, and should be out later this year.
Misconception was a 2024 top pick in the Killer Nashville/Claymore Awards, which we have featured on this blog. How did you feel about that?
I am not going to lie. I did a happy dance when I heard the news! To be among the esteemed picks by so many talented authors is an honor.
You are a member of Sisters in Crime, Inc. and multiple Sisters in Crime chapters, and a Charter Member of the Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers chapter. What can you tell us about those groups and how do you feel about the support you receive?
Both the national and regional Sisters in Crime groups offer a wide range of support for writers at every level. I found their content offerings (videos, webinars, writing conferences, and online meetings) to be helpful in so many ways. I’ve learned everything from editing to advertising, as well as heard from experts on poisons and crime scene analysis.
You have won several awards for your short stories, including from Writers’ Digest. How important is that recognition and encouragement?
I think getting published and/or receiving recognition from contests can help solidify a writer’s confidence in themselves and their work. Many writing contests offer the opportunity for critiques, which I found useful at the beginning of my storytelling journey.
What would you say to other writers starting out, and what have you learnt along the way?
Keep pushing along. We all hit bumps in the road that make us question our talent. Don’t let it stop you. If you get constructive criticism, it can help better your writing. But always take it with a grain of salt. That’s the most important lesson I’ve learned, because not everyone will be a fan of your work.
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About Denise Forsythe:
Denise Forsythe has written several mystery, horror, and science fiction short stories that have appeared in Mystery Magazine, Kings River Life, and Blood Moon Rising as well as several anthologies, including Determined Hearts: A Frankenstein Anthology; Black Buttons Vol. 3: A Family Affair; Buried; Murder of Crows; WhoDunit!; A Warm Mug of Cozy; and Portal: The Inner Circle Writer’s Group Children’s Anthology 2019; 518 Pub’s anthology, Cold and Crisp; and PulpCult's It's All in My Mind anthology. A few of her stories have garnered recognition from Writer's Digest and other regional writing contests.
Denise is a freelance business writer/editor by day and also an occasional yoga instructor.
Misconception is her debut novel.
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