Six months ago I'd started to think about the plot for Canyons. I knew I wanted Mae to get recognized for her contribution to the booming economy in Normal, but also have to put the continuing success in trouble...meaning a murder that makes tourists think twice about going there for vacation, which is what gives Mae the motivation to want to save the town...yet again!
I also knew that I wanted Mae to be asked to teach a class with an honorary degree because she didn't LOVE school when she was a child. I thought this would be great to bring in to tie her past to the present.
That's when I decided she had to go to the high school. BUT....what would be a big scandal for a teacher to get murdered?
I had to dig back to 30 years ago when I was graduating high school and try to think what the teachers really put stake into...THE ACT!
That's how I got the idea to use the ACT and cheating on the ACT. I clearly remember someone who paid a kid to take the ACT and they got away with it. I used that experience to plot the book.
You can imagine my surprise and giddiness I had when the big ACT scandal broke a couple of weeks ago! I just couldn't believe it!!! It was crazy!!
But I hope you take a chance and read A CAMPER AND CRIMINALS COZY MYSTERY SERIES. Each book can be read as a stand alone and I know you're going to LOVE Mae!!
Can't wait to read this one. I already have it downloaded onto my Kindle to read when I finish the one I'm reading now. This whole thing wasn't a surprise to hear. I hate what they have done, but this kind of stuff, ACTs - paying to get into a good school, etc, has been going on for years and all of a sudden its a big deal.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance.
Love your books! Haven't read this series yet,looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteWhen the news broke I thought, well Ms Tonya has been over to Whispering Falls and got the low down from the crystal ball. Haha. That was serendipitous. I am just dying because they stopped When Calls the Heart. I loved Lori’s character and I get the mayor is a big role but couldn’t they just have something happen to her? I need to know about Elizabeth. I feel like the entire cast and all of us fans of the show were punished for the actions of one. Why yes, I am throwing my hissy. I want my show back.
ReplyDeleteI would love to listen to this! And I am missing When Calls the Heart, also, want to see what is going on with Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteThat's funny that you wrote about a college cheating scandal before a big college cheating scandal hit the news. Wow and it involves the FBI. I have two daughters in college now and 3 middle schoolers thinking of college. Money shouldn't buy you a good school and those parents should have known better. Shame On Them!!!! Oh, but your books are awesome. Congrats on the new book.
ReplyDelete