Interview with Kirsten Weiss

Kirsten Weiss, author of The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum is here today to answer all of our questions about her writing process and her new book. 

What was the last mystery novel you read, other than your own, that you LOVED? Why did you love it?

I love, love, LOVE Charlaine Harris’s new Midnight, Texas series. I think she went back to her roots with this book – the paranormal isn’t quite so obvious, and the characters and setting are quirky and fun.

 If your protagonist were actually a real person, would you be friends with them? Why or why not?

Sure! Maddie’s a small business owner, like me. She’s a fan of pizza and burritos, so lunch would be easy. And more importantly, she’s a smart, kind person who is loyal to her friends. (Even if she does occasionally give them a hard time).

 If you could meet any author alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Edgar Allan Poe. I’m fascinated by his poetry and his prose. He had a handle on words and rhythm that astounds me.

How long did it take you to get your first draft done of this book? How much time do you spend in revisions? 

It took me about two months to write, two months to ferment, and another two months to edit, but I wasn’t working at any of that full-time. As to the fermentation-phase, I like to set my original manuscript aside for two months before I start editing. That way, I can get some distance from it and see what needs fixing more clearly. 

What did you do to research the book?

There are a surprising number of paranormal museums around the US, and most of them have websites. But I also did research on what sort of historical objects might be in the museum, particularly from America’s 19^th century spiritualist movement. The 19^th century was a wild time for mediums and scientists trying to measure paranormal activity. Many unusual artifacts came from that period – from talking boards to spirit cabinets.

We're on blog tour again with the Fabulous Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. Here are the other stops on the tour: 

March 8 – The Girl with Book Lungs – Review

March 8 – deal sharing aunt – Interview

March 9 – Reading Is My SuperPower – Review

March 9 – Book Babble – Review

March 9 – fuonlyknew – Review

March 10 – The Book’s the Thing – Review

March 10 – Community Bookstop – Review

March 11 – Bubble Bath Books – Review

March 12 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Guest Post  

March 13 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Review, Interview

March 14 – I Wish I Lived in a Library – Review

March 14 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review

March 15 – Moonlight Rendezvous – Review

March 16 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – Review

March 17 – Readsalot – Review

March 17 – Bea’s Book Nook – Review

March 18 – Laura’s Interests – Review, Guest Post  

March 18 – Nadaness In Motion – Review

March 19 – Mystery Playground – Interview

March 19 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – Review