June 27, 2014 at 1:47 p.m.
Local woman publishes mystery novel
Local woman publishes mystery novel
By Kayla Thomason-
"It's a story of two nurses - young 24-year-olds - they go to Maui for a vacation ... and they overhear something they shouldn't have and they get themselves into all sorts of trouble," Carlson said. "It's a murder mystery but I call it a cozy mystery because it's a fun mystery. It's a fun read, a short read."
Carlson never planned to write a book but after taking writing classes at the School of the Arts (SOA) at Rhinelander she discovered her passion. She will be attending this year's SOA next month to talk about her book.
She said she joined an online writing group through SOA and the members offered constructive criticism that proved quite helpful as she outlined the storyline of "Thunder in the Tropics."
Members of the writing group give each other writing prompts, which allowed Carlson to experiment with many genres. She submitted the first few paragraphs of what was to become "Thunder in the Tropics" and the members of the group encouraged her to continue.
"When I started this it was going to be a short story and I couldn't stop so I just kept writing and it turned into a book," she said.
Carlson didn't map out the major plot points, she just let the story flow as she went.
"Actually it wasn't until the last few chapters that I really decided who the murderer was," she laughed.
After completing the first draft she went back through the story and peppered some clues throughout so the murderer wouldn't be a complete surprise.
When the book was done Carlson asked several people to edit her work. Her husband pulled out his red pen and obliged.
The book took five years to complete, as Carlson had to take breaks from writing at times. She said she never thought it would be published.
Those who enjoy her book will be pleased to learn she is writing a sequel and in September will be signing books at the Rhinelander District Library.
"Thunder in the Tropics" is sold at Book World, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and is available at the library.
Carlson's publisher is First Edition Design Publishing and she has been pleased with them.
"They've been very good to work with, I really have enjoyed them," she said.
The publishing company designed the book cover, which is lightning over the southern coast of Maui. Carlson is very pleased with it.
It's not an accident that the protagonists of "Thunder in the Tropics" are in the medical field.
Carlson was a nurse at the Rhinelander Medical Center for 19 years, then went into research which took her to Maui several times.
She and her husband spend the winter in Spring Hill, Fla.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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