Exclusive Interview with Author Jackie Kabler

Today I’m sharing a bit about a new novel called The Development written by author Jackie Kabler. Even better? I’m sharing an exclusive interview with the author herself AND there’s a fun giveaway to enter. Scroll on and enjoy!

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Title: The Development

Author: Jackie Kabler

Book Blurb: After a stressful week, TV reporter Cora Baxter is ready for a quiet weekend. But what she hadn’t counted on was witnessing the shocking death of a young woman on her way home. She discovers seventeen-year-old Leanne had been protesting against a new housing development, angering the powerful establishment. Leanne’s death is ruled a suicide, but when puzzling information comes to light, Cora decides to investigate further.

She doesn’t know what an unscrupulous businessman, a suspended police officer and hate-mail sending neighbours have to do with the case – but she knows there is a news story there.

With her eccentric camera crew on hand to help, can Cora tie the strands of Leanne’s case together – or will other forces interfere?

The Development is the third in the Cora Baxter Mysteries series.

Q & A with Author Jackie Kabler

What inspired you to write The Development?

I live in Gloucestershire and work in London so do a lot of driving, and inspiration for my books often strikes when I am on the road. I was driving under Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge one day (sadly a well-known suicide spot) and suddenly thought “imagine if some poor soul was up there right now, about to jump?”. Then I thought about it some more and wondered what would happen if the death happened in rather suspicious circumstances. Those musings became the plot of The Development, the third in my series of Cora Baxter mysteries, about a TV news reporter who ends up getting involved in murder investigations.

What character do you most relate to and why?

I was a TV news reporter for twenty years so Cora Baxter’s life is loosely based on my career. She definitely isn’t me though (although lots of readers think she is!). We have a few similarities but she has a much more exciting love life than I ever did and I wouldn’t necessarily do the things or make the choices she does. I do like her though, and love writing about her.

What are the challenges of writing a series? Did you plan the series out before writing or did the books come together as a series once you’d begun writing the first one?

I never intended to write a series at all! I had written my first book, The Dead Dog Day, as a standalone, but was then offered a three-book deal by Accent Press who said they wanted a series. I had absolutely no idea how I was going to write two more books but I’m very much one to say yes to good opportunities and worry later about how I’m going to manage them, so I signed the contract and then panicked! I soon realised though that Cora Baxter and her friends had many more adventures in them so writing three books turned out to be fine. There may even be more in the future although I’m taking a break from the series for now as I want to try writing something different. I think the main challenge is in writing a fresh story each time while continuing to develop the characters and move their lives on. You also have to remember lots of stuff from book to book, like what colour somebody’s sofa or eye colour is!

What are the things you can’t live without in your wardrobe?

At the moment I’m obsessed with jumpsuits, and funky trainers. I work as a presenter for shopping channel QVC which means I’m surrounded by shoes, clothes and makeup all day long – I love it but it’s not good for my bank balance!

What are the things you can’t live without in your makeup bag?

Again, QVC has so many great brands to pick from so I change constantly! At the moment it’s Becca foundation, Tarte eyeshadows, Benefit mascara and Doll 10’s contouring palette.

What would we find if we looked in your handbag right now?

Apart from the usual purse, keys, mobile phone and makeup bag there are eleven pens (eleven? Why do I need ELEVEN?), an old-fashioned Dictaphone that I use to make a verbal note of any story ideas that come to me when I’m out and about, and my Filofax. I’m such a dinosaur when it comes to diaries – I just need to write things down! I don’t think I’ll ever be able to use the diary on my phone, I just don’t like it.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like travelling, gardening, reading (usually crime novels) and I’m also a bit of a fitness fanatic. I love long-distance running and walking – I started with 10km, then did a 10-mile event, then a marathon distance and last year I did my first ultramarathon event, a 100km (62 mile) non-stop trek across the South Downs. It nearly killed me but I’m now addicted and want to do more, and to try even longer distances. I’ve had a back injury this year so I had to pull out of two events but I’m hoping to be back in action next year.

What would you be doing if you weren’t an author?

I’m a journalist and TV presenter as well as an author and I adore my job. But I think I’d also have loved being a police officer – ideally working on a murder investigation team!

What is your favourite inspirational phrase or quote?

“She believed she could, so she did.”

Your favourite:

Animal? Cats, snakes, tarantulas, elephants…(I have a degree in zoology – I’m kind of a big animal fan!)

Food? Curry. Hot and spicy. Always chicken.

Curse Word? I saw the insult “twat waffle” recently. It’s my new favourite. Don’t be such a twat waffle!

Colour? I buy far too much blue in clothing, but I love it. And interiors-wise I love purple – cushions, chairs, rugs, anything!

Location? New York. I love travel and always like to go somewhere new but New York is the city I can return to over and over again.

Red or white wine? Always white. Ideally with bubbles!

Coffee or tea? I only drink tea, always black and Earl Grey. I love the smell of coffee but the taste – ugh!

Summer or winter? I love summer for the outdoor lifestyle, but I’m not great in very hot weather and I definitely prefer winter clothes. On balance, the cooler weather probably suits me better.

Sleep in or get up early? I am the ultimate early bird! I’ve had to get up at 2 or 3am for TV early shifts for so many years that now even on days off I just can’t lie in and still get up really early. Morning is the best time of the day! I love watching the sun rise and seeing a new day begin.

About the Author Jackie Kabler

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Author bio: Jackie Kabler is a journalist, TV presenter and author. She spent twenty years as a TV news reporter for GMTV, ITV and BBC news, and now works as a presenter for shopping channel QVC and is author of the Cora Baxter Mysteries, a series of murder mysteries set in a television newsroom. The Development is her third novel. Jackie lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, who is a GP.