I remember the excitement surrounding the very first Fixer Upper Mystery film that made its way to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and my mother and I were ecstatic to see Jewel and Colin Ferguson (as well as a whole host of Vancouver actors that I know and love) bring a new and entertaining film series to life. Recently, I contacted the author of the novels on which this popular mystery series is based, and Kate Carlisle was quite willing to take a few moments from her busy schedule to answer some questions about her writing career.

Photo credit: Peter Iovino Photography

RH: What inspired you to become a writer and what kind of training have you had?

KC: Like most writers, I’m a lifelong reader. I was one of those kids whose nose was always buried in a book. In the background of every family vacation picture, there I am, reading. But I didn’t start seriously writing until after I’d cycled through several other careers—most notably in television production. I was in law school, and the professor was so tedious that I found myself plotting his murder. Fictionally, of course. That made me realize that I wasn’t meant to be a lawyer and that perhaps I’d better channel my dark thoughts into something productive.

As for training… I don’t have a degree in writing, but fortunately, that’s not a requirement. I have certainly taken lots of writing workshops, but I think the best training for writers is to: A) live an interesting life; B) read extensively; and C) write. Write, write, write.

Why did you decide to write murder mysteries?

The short but true answer is because I love them. I love the inherent structure of the genre. Someone is murdered, clues are discovered, the murder is solved. I find it very satisfying both as a reader and as a writer.

Please describe the mystery series you write and what you had to do to prepare to write these books.

I write two ongoing series: The Bibliophile Mysteries and the Fixer-Upper Mysteries.

I started with the Bibliophile Mysteries, in which bookbinder Brooklyn Wainwright solves modern-day murders that are linked to a book in her care. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been interested in bookbinding and the book arts. I’m a hobbyist, but a serious one. I’ve taken classes on bookbinding, papermaking, book collecting, and more. Every year, I try to take at least one workshop.

My favorite part about the Bibliophile Mysteries is that the action in the present-day reflects the theme of the rare book at the center of the murder. For example, in Buried in Books, Brooklyn is restoring a rare first edition of the Three Musketeers, and two of her old buddies from library school get into all sorts of adventures.

The series with which your readers may be more familiar is the Fixer-Upper Mystery series since Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is bringing those books to the small screen. Jewel and Colin Ferguson are terrific in the roles of Shannon and Mac.

Shannon Hammer (Hughes in the movies) is a home contractor specializing in restoring Victorian homes in her hometown of Lighthouse Cove. During the course of her work, she discovers not just skeletons in her neighbors’ closets, but murder victims, too.

My father was a contractor, so I grew up in that world. When I decided to start a second series, contracting was a natural fit.

With the Cast

Please tell us the story of how your Fixer-Upper mystery series was optioned for Hallmark.

You’re going to laugh. I didn’t even know a deal was in the works until it was done! My agent called me with the news and I ran shrieking through the house. Three Fixer-Upper Mystery movies have aired so far, and I’m beyond thrilled with them. The production value is spectacular, the scripts are terrific, and the acting is spot-on. There are changes from the books, but that’s to be expected. Books and film are different media, and movies have logistical constraints that I don’t have to face when I’m writing. I couldn’t be happier.

Cameo

Have you visited the set when the movies are being filmed? 

Yes, I visited the set when the second movie was being made. And in fact, my husband and I had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in the film.

Any other upcoming works (books/movies) you can mention?

Yes! The next books in each series will be Buried in Books (June) and A Wrench in the Works (November). And the next Fixer-Upper Mystery movie, which will be based on my book Eaves of Destruction will air this fall. If you’ll join my mailing list at KateCarlisle.com, I’ll let you know as soon as I have an air date.

Before the Fixer-Upper mysteries, we’re you a Hallmark movie fan? Why do you think this network is experiencing such unprecedented growth?

With Jewel

I have been a Hallmark fan for years, and especially Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. I love that we can count on the Hallmark channels for just plain good stories. Hallmark is my happy place, and I know a lot of people feel the same way. I think there’s so much turmoil going on in the world right now, that many of us are looking for books and movies where we know the good guy will win, and by the time the final credits roll, all will be right with the world again.

And I’m honored to provide just that kind of story to my readers, as well. You can read free excerpts of all of my books at KateCarlisle.com.

I know that I regularly claim that some certain mystery series is my favorite, but thankfully, I can choose my preferred viewing delights based on a vast array of reasons. While I have not read Kate’s series as of yet (honestly, that’s on my ever-expanding to-do list), the three Fixer Upper Mystery movies I have had the pleasure of watching are remarkably unique in their scope and replete with plenty of on-screen chemistry amongst the core cast. Moreover, the mystery in these films typically stupefies me, which only adds to my overall appreciation of the clever storylines. I would venture to say that any person who can write such dynamic, innovative, and engrossing mystery series that translate immeasurably well to the screen should be hailed as an indisputable genius mystery writer in his/her own right. I can safely state that the Fixer Upper Mystery films are definitely my favorite cozy mystery series featuring a female home contractor. (I don’t happen to know if there are any others that feature such a protagonist.) In truth, my family and I are enraptured with this series and are hoping for many more in the future.

While we anticipate the release of Kate’s books as well as the next installment of Fixer Upper Mystery on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, I sincerely hope that all my readers will watch the three that have already filmed and aired. Additionally, I would invite my readers to visit all of Kate’s links below and follow her where applicable. There is the further opportunity for you to purchase one or more of her books, so don’t miss out! The summer season is nearly here, and what better way to spend those “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer” than savoring a cozy mystery or ten! Nothing thrills me more than observing people like Kate accomplish more than they may have envisioned for their lives and careers, and I can only believe and pray that she has a healthy heap of adventures still to come!

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