M.E. Bakos

M.E.-Bakos---Killer-Flip
M.E. Bakos writes cozy mysteries about a house flipper, turned sleuth, in fictional Crocus Heights, Minnesota. The delightful series earns five-star reviews from Readers Favorite. Her mystery short stories receive kudos. If she isn't plotting mysteries, she's planning home improvements. She lives with her husband, Joe Sebesta, and spoiled pooch in Coon Rapids.  
  1. Tell us about the featured book. What is it about, and why did you choose to write this story? 
    Killer Flip is Book 4 in the Home Renovator Mystery series. It was fun to write and continues Katelyn’s adventures in home renovation and wraps up a couple of threads with characters from Lethal Flip, Book 3. She confronts the killer in the cold case murder associated with the house, and steps up the romance with the sheriff, along with some surprises about the hunky character’s past. Of course, the bad guy meets a satisfying end.

  2. Tell us a little about your writing process. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?   
    I’m somewhere between a pantser (someone who writes by the seat of their pants) and a plotter (someone with a detailed plot). Maybe a plotser? My process starts with a mystery or murder, then the house, and who could have done it. I spend a couple of weeks doing a rough outline, thinking about where the home renovator characters are, and how they evolve. The books are relationship driven, and each quirky character has a path. I write the rough outline both in computer and on a giant sketch pad where I find pictures of the house, characters, etc. I research as topics come up. I’ve called on Sisters in Crime members when I’ve been stuck finding the answers. The creative process is the most fun, the saggy middle is difficult, keeping the story alive, and editing is challenging. 

  3.  Are there any writers or authors who have influenced your writing? If not, who are some of your favorite writers?
    Every author has a style or voice that impresses the reader. Local Minnesota authors are my favorites. We have a bounty of wonderful writers and I try to read as many as I can. 

  4. What inspired you to start writing? What is your favorite place to go for inspiration and/or your favorite place to write?
    I’ve always wanted to write. I was an avid reader as a child and that motivated my desire to write. I freelanced and wrote short stories while working a full-time job. When I had more time, I started writing the cozy series. If a change of scenery is needed from my home, I gather my computer and hunker down in one of the library cubicles. 

  5. When you’re not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
    Reading, home improvement projects, yoga, and chilling with friends and family. 

  6. Favorite place to visit in Minnesota?
    We enjoy Duluth, Gooseberry Falls, Grand Marais, and Tofte for regular visits.

  7. Where can readers find you online? 
    Website: mebakos.wixsite.com/author
    Facebook: @mebakos