An attorney by day and author by night, Stephanie McCarthy has made a lively career out of writing about the dead. A paranormal enthusiast, she published her first book, Haunted Peoria, in 2009, and earlier this year, debuted her comedy-of-manners mystery novel, Murder Actually. McCarthy holds a B.A. in English literature from Southern Illinois University, as well as a J.D. from the SIU School of Law. She lives in Peoria with her husband, Tim, and three children: David, Madeline and Nathan. Besides uncovering new material for her books, she is always on the hunt for evidence of paranormal activity—as well as fat-free nachos. Learn more at stephaniemccarthyauthor.com.
- Three words that best describe me: Driven, caring and creative.
- Which talent would you most like to have? To write like F. Scott Fitzgerald… only without all the booze.
- Childhood dream job: Hunting the Loch Ness Monster.
- Who are your favorite writers? Dorothy Sayers, Barbara Pym, Anita Brookner, Muriel Spark, David Lodge, Agatha Christie, Nick Hornby, P.G. Wodehouse, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham. How many was that? I just went back and noticed they’re all British. I guess I should add “Anglophile” to my list of self-descriptors.
- At what time of day do you feel your best? 9:37am. I’m fully awake and haven’t hit my 11am slump. Plus, I’m allowed to have a Diet Coke after 9.
- What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Selling your soul for a job.
- What was your first job? DQ. See also: “lowest depth of misery.”
- Do you collect anything unique? Time-Life Books’ Foods of the World series circa 1969. What? Everyone has those? In that case, no, nothing unique.
- What book do you think everyone should read? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s amazing.
- How do you unwind after a long day? Play “Bowl Soccer” with my son (it’s complicated), or play “Mom, Do This” with my daughter (fairly simple, usually I’m just patting my head). a&s
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