Let's Talk with Terry Ambrose

They say “write what you know,” but in the world of mystery writing, it’s more like “write what makes you want to scream into a pillow until you see stars.”

As an independent writer, I’m used to managing my own plot twists. I like order. I like outlines. I like Chapter One coming before Chapter Two. But during our backyard remodel, our orderly plan quickly fell into a scene of chaos that even I couldn’t have scripted. We had a plan. A logical, sequential, adult plan:

1) Tear down the thirty-year-old pergola.

2) Fix the water leak in the back wall.

3) Rip out the old concrete patio.

4) Put it all back together with beautiful pavers, a new pergola, and make it look pretty.

Naturally, my contractor agreed to that plan and said, “We can start on Monday.”

When Monday came, the crew showed up, tore down the pergola…and then went straight to Step 3. Before we knew it, our back yard looked like it had been transformed into a disaster movie set where the script called for ‘total devastation.’

The Financial Benefits of Fictional Felonies

Let’s be honest: suing a contractor for a project that feels like it’s being built backwards would be folly and would cost more than the project itself. Consider the retainers, court fees, and the soul-crushing realization that legal “discovery” takes longer than it takes for paint to dry on a humid day.

On the other hand, plotting a fictional murder is practically free. All I need is a fresh notebook, a sharp pen, and a devious mind. When I looked out my window to see a jack-hammered wasteland where my patio used to be, I was furious. That moment, I suppose, was the trigger for the ninth Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery.

Writing is the ultimate catharsis. In real life, I had to accept that my contractor’s project timeline resembled a shuffled deck of cards. In Seaside Cove, the contractor isn’t the one doing the shuffling. I’m the architect of karma—designing the perfect ‘unfortunate incident’ for those who truly deserve it. Sweet.

Why the “Backward Builder” is the Perfect Victim

Perhaps you’ve met him. The guy or company who does beautiful work eventually, but insists on doing the roof before the walls. He’s the man who ignores the literal flood at his feet to focus on the aesthetic placement of a fire pit.

In my latest mystery, I’ve poured all that logistical frustration into our victim. He’s unscrupulous, he’s disorganized, and his project management style is “my way, or the highway.” He’s a man anyone could love to hate, which makes every one who deals with him a viable suspect.

Did the gruff building inspector snap because he got tired of butting heads? Did the town’s leading developer lose it when she felt he was undermining her? Or, maybe it was the mayor, whose political career is endangered by revelations the murder investigation is revealing?

A Disclaimer for the Real World

To be fair, the final result of my backyard is lovely. The pavers look stunning, the wall hasn’t leaked since it was repaired, and the drainage of the yard is perfection. The work is excellent. But the journey to get there? Let’s just say it provided enough “character motivation” to tide me through the entire writing process of several books.

Have you ever had a renovation where the “logic” made your head spin? Tell me your construction horror stories in the comments—I might just take notes for a sequel!

If you enjoy small-town, cozy mysteries with heart and wit, the Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery series should definitely be on your reading list. Death by Blueprint hits the shelves this spring.

Want to learn more about our author Terry Ambrose? Visit his WEBSITE

Today, Jan. 22, is the last day of our monthly giveaway. Hurry over to enter if you haven’t done so already! For the contest, click HERE