Page 64 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

Teresa Inge Shares How Classic Cars,
Canine Companions, and Crime-Solving
Fuel Her Mystery Writing
Teresa Inge reveals how her love of classic cars, pets, and short fiction fuels her award-winning mystery stories while balancing a full-time career and active role in writing communities.
Mystery, TBy Carine O'Leary London
whose passion for mysteries and Motors And classic cars elegantly intersects
fiction. With a career spanning Mutt Mysteries more than a dozen anthologies and novel-
64 II NOVELIST POST
eresa Inge is a literary force
How has your experience as a Navy brat influenced the characters or settings in your stories?
As a military family, we moved a lot, which gave me great insight into different settings, adaptability for my characters, and a strong sense of community. This contributes to my protagonist's resilience to solve the murder and clear their name.
Can you share the story behind your Torch Red 1955 Thunderbird and how it connects to your writing?
As a teenager, I cruised the local strip known as 'gasoline alley' and watched American Graffiti with the “blonde”
in the T-Bird. This inspired me to buy my own T-Bird. I later found out I was the first female to own the car and that it had been featured in a magazine. The car always draws attention and sparks conversation at my book signings.
What draws you to writing short fiction and novellas over full- length novels?
Writing short stories and novellas is gratifying because they create a complete narrative with engaging characters, conflict, and resolution in a few pages. My short story writing is inspired by my early years reading Edgar Allan Poe.
How did your involvement with Sisters in Crime and the Guppies chapter shape your writing journey?
Sisters in Crime and the Guppies, an organization dedicated to suppor- ting female crime writers, helped my writing career through networking,
in her captivating works of
las, Teresa’s storytelling prowess has earned her accolades and a devoted readership. From the pages of First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder to Murder by the Glass,
her tales keep readers on the edge of their seats, offering intrigue, heart, and a dose of nostalgia with every story.
Her distinct voice and engaging characters embody her lifelong love of crime-solving heroines like Nancy Drew while reflecting her vibrant personality and unique life experiences. Whether she’s crafting mysteries inspired by her Torch Red 1955 Thunderbird or drawing on her Navy brat upbringing for richly layered settings, Teresa brings authenticity, depth, and an undeniable spark to her writing.
In the following interview, Teresa shares her inspirations, challenges, and the joys of weaving together mysteries, classic cars, and lovable pets into her stories. Join us as we celebrate this remarkable author and uncover the secrets behind her creative process and literary success.
What inspired you to blend your love for mysteries and classic cars into your writing career?
Growing up, I was captivated by Nancy Drew mysteries, especially her iconic blue Roadster that she seamlessly maneuvered to solve crime and murder. Her adventurous spirit fueled my love for classic cars. This passion for timeless, stylish vehicles transitioned into my storytel- ling as my protagonists’ cruise through their own adventures in a T-Bird, a rugged Jeep, or another classic vehicle.