Toby Speed

I was born in Queens, New York, in the days of black and white TV, and I grew up on Long Island, the fish-shaped land east of New York City with many rivers, inlets, and islands of its own that I only discovered when I learned how to fly. In the far distant past I went to day camp, wore tight bathing caps, drank Sundew, and ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on Wonder bread. None of these things I miss.

Writing 20 or 30 years ago meant scribbling and crossing out sentences on lined yellow pads. Sometimes papers blew away or got lost. Speaking of which, do you remember paperweights? Do those exist anymore?

My dad was an artist, and my uncle was a musician, so it seemed natural and expected that I would go into something creative. Writing called to me at an early age, perhaps six. I was writing stories and poems in second grade, and I had my first short story published in a magazine called “The Creative Writer” when I was in fifth. When the principal called me down to the main office to give me the news, I walked through the hallways with dread—I thought I was in trouble!

I wrote a lot of poetry after that, and didn't start writing for children until my own were born (built-in audience). Now I'm creating murder and mayhem in a small village, and loving it.

I have none. I’ve taken a lot of college and writing courses over the decades and once went to bartending school.

Avon lady

I have three of these, all grown up and far-flung. My oldest daughter, Vanessa, has moved back to San Francisco from Wellington, New Zealand, where she'd lived for nearly two years. My second daughter, Kate, just started a new job in advertising and marketing in New York City. My youngest daughter, Zoe, graduated last spring from McGill University and is living in Montreal. Thank goodness for instant messenger and cell phones!

flying
coffee in the morning
the ocean
windows with views of trees
my lime green pocketbook with snap pockets
baby back ribs at Smokin’ Al’s
Monster Truck jams
my cat, Kashi
Google Earth
taking long walks
having friends all over the country
swing dancing
chocolate

I write brochures, ads and articles for a university by day. My favorite parts of my job are interviewing students and professors and visiting classes to write about them. I write my books early in the morning, waking up around 4:30 to huddle around the comforting beacon of my laptop. Two cups of coffee are usually needed to get the brain in gear.

There are always too many things to choose from. I’d like to fly around the United States someday and land on as many grass strips as I can.

I’m also going to learn how to shoot a gun. It’s all in the name of research (right!)

Right now I'm going through the Suffolk County Police Department Citizens' Academy, a four-month intensive course that closely follows police training, without the testing and physical performance standards. Loving it. (Research again!)

If Emma Trace has any courage left after DEATH OVER EASY, I may plunk another murder in her lap.