anita-higman Anita, describe yourself for our visitors.

I love to read, decorate, go to the movies, and have my friends over for brunch.

As far as my music tastes, I am a Grobanite. Josh Groban is an incredible singer. I saw him in concert and was truly awed by his voice as well as his gentle and humble spirit.

As far as ministries, I’ve been a fan of Jews for Jesus for a long time. They are great folks.

How do you find time to connect with God?

My husband and I have started getting up early and reading the Bible and praying together. It’s been a way to connect with God, and it’s also strengthening our marriage. I highly recommend it!

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

  • Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice
  • Wilkie Collins The Woman in White
  • Ann Radcliffe Romance of the Forest

Tell us about your journey to publication.

I’ve been writing for about twenty-five years, so it’s been a long journey. My twenty-fourth book just came out. I really enjoy what I do, but if it all appears like a perfect dream come true, let me burst that fantasy bubble. I experienced a lot of rejection for a long time. But in the midst of my seemingly endless setbacks there were just enough nods that kept me going. I did lots of writing and reading and going to conferences and learning the craft, and it finally paid off.

AnotherHour[1] Tell us about your current book.

Another Hour to Kill is the second novel in the Volstead Manor Series. This mystery includes a character, Vlad Tepes, who is delusional and believes he’s a vampire. I’m hoping readers will have a fun ride with this story.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

All three novels in my Volstead Manor Series are cozy mysteries with a gothic tone. Volstead Manor is such an integral part of the story I’ll explain what inspired me to write about this foreboding place. I’m sure the idea came from growing up in a slightly scary one-hundred-year-old farmhouse. We had bats in the attic, murky shadows and dank smells in the cellar, an old-fashioned, inferno-style floor furnace in the kitchen, and a snake that rose up like a cobra to corner me in the basement. There was also a secret place under the floorboards where the former owner of the house must have kept his money hidden. Or treasure. Or whatever else needed concealing. Funny thing, hiding places and secret passageways also show up in the old mansion that is featured in my mysteries.

By the way, just as a side note, the name of my fictional mansion comes from Prohibition—The Volstead Act of 1919—and even though this series is contemporary, the dark history of the house is connected to that era. I suppose I’ve always been intrigued with that period of time in American history, but more than that, I’ve always been fascinated with really old houses and their secrets.

List your three most recent books.

  • Another Stab at Life
  • Another Hour to Kill
  • Love Finds You in Humble, Texas

What’s next for you?

In the future I hope to continue writing mysteries and romance.

Where can visitors find you online?

www.anitahigman.com