Nancy, tell us about yourself.

I grew up in New Jersey where reading Cherry Ames books gave me an interest in nursing as a career. I got a bachelor's degree from University of Rochester and a master's degree from University of California in San Francisco. After working as a clinical nurse specialist for 10 years, I retired to pursue writing as a full-time career. Currently, I reside in South Florida with my husband, two teenage children, and a poodle named Misty.

I've always enjoyed traveling to new places and observing how other people live. Journeys have taken me to the South Pacific, Orient, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and throughout the United States. By this time, I could act as tour guide to Disney World and on Caribbean cruises! I like to try new restaurants, watch Star Trek, and go outlet shopping.

What led you to write mysteries?

I used to be an avid reader of Nancy Drew stories and graduated to romantic suspense authors such as Victoria Holt, Phyllis Whitney, and Mary Stewart. Later, I discovered female amateur sleuth stories, and these remain my favorite today. I enjoy the puzzle in a cozy mystery and the intimate settings. My reading tastes range in all genres, as can be seen by my writing history.

Your story is a bit unusual in that you were first published in another genre. Tell us about your road to mystery publication.

My first published novel was a futuristic romance written under the name Nancy Cane. CIRCLE OF LIGHT won the prestigious HOLT Medallion Award. Three more books followed, all of them published by Dorchester's Love Spell imprint.

My last two stories included mysteries which I'd really enjoyed plotting. Why not write a straight mystery myself? I loved reading female amateur sleuth stories, so this appeared to be a natural direction for me to take next. I already had an agent, and she sold my first mystery novel to Kensington Publishing as part of a three-book contract. PERMED TO DEATH may be my first mystery, but it's my fifth published book. I'm thrilled that the book will be out in hardcover and that I'll be considered part of the mystery community.

What kind of research was involved for your first mystery?

When I decided upon using a hairstylist for my series protagonist, I spent many hours in the beauty salon taking notes. Of course, I had to get my hair permed for PERMED TO DEATH and learn different hair care tips to pass on to readers (a tough job -haha). Research for the first book in The Bad Hair Day Mysteries included an exciting air boat ride into the Everglades. Also, I attended citizens police academy in our town which gave me insight into the respected role of police officers. Mystery conferences are a valuable source of information on crime scene investigation, although any police work takes a background in my stories. I like to focus on my heroine's relationship with the people she cares about and on the South Florida lifestyle which is so vibrant.

What are your working habits?

I write during the day between nine and three using a Dell computer and WordPerfect. My critique group meets every other week, and I attend monthly meetings of the Florida Romance Writers and regular meetings of the Florida Mystery Writers of America. Both groups have conferences which I attend in the winter and I am happy to participate on panels. I'm also a member of Sisters in Crime and Novelists, Inc.

Who influences you as a writer?

I read books by fellow members of my local writing organizations; and I admire other writers of popular female amateur sleuth stories. Not wanting to offend anyone by omission, I like many different authors and series in this genre.

What does your family think of having a mystery author in their midst?

My husband wants to retire on my future earnings, my 20 year old son thinks it's cool, and my 17 year old daughter gives out my flyers to her English teachers!

What your plans for future books?

PERMED TO DEATH is book one in The Bad Hair Day Mysteries. Following a year later is HAIR RAISER, and then comes MURDER BY MANICURE. I have titles for subsequent books so I hope the series continues!

How can readers get in touch with you?

Write to me at: P.O. Box 17756, Plantation, Florida 33318. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped business-size envelope for a personal reply. Or you can contact me via email: ncane@worldnet.att.net

Nancy, thanks for visiting with us, and best of luck with your series! Readers, expect a review of PERMED TO DEATH on our site shortly.

December 22, 1999