Welcome, cozy mystery lover! I’m Nancy Basile, the author of the River Sutton Mysteries series, and I’m super excited that you’re here. That must mean you want to know more about me, or, even better, my books.
My dream has always been to be a mystery writer. I grew up reading Encyclopedia Brown, then Nancy Drew Mysteries, and then I read all of Agatha Christie’s books. To this day, I’m a voracious mystery reader. Some of my favorite current authors are Tana French, Louise Penny, Elizabeth George, Jodi Taylor, and Jacqueline Winspear.
The other part of my dream has always been to shine a spotlight on the beautiful part of the Ohio Valley where I grew up in West Virginia. Those hills, valleys, creeks, and dirt roads are emblazoned on my memory, and I remember them fondly, like they’re an old friend. That’s why I set my mystery series in the fictional “town” of River Sutton, which is based on the “town” where I grew up. (The “town” was so small our July 4th parade went around twice and still finished in about twenty minutes, tops.)
It only took my 50 years to self-publish my first book. Ha! Part of me wonders what I was doing all that time, part of me knows (oh boy), but part of me also thinks that I couldn’t have written as well 25 years ago. I needed to live more life to be a better author. I also needed years of writing practice. So, here we are.
I never feel comfortable writing these “about me” pages, so instead of writing off the top of my head, I found a quiz with lots of questions I can answer. If you think of something else you’d like to know, email me and I’ll be sure to add it.
Who has had the biggest impact on my life?
My husband, Ross. We married in 2000. It was the most important decision I’ve ever made, and I couldn’t have done better.
What is my favorite drink?
Troegs Nugget Nectar, but I don’t drink beer anymore.
What are 3 things that I would want to have if I was stranded on an island?
Air conditioning. Iced tea. Chocolate chip cookies.
Did I have a favorite restaurant as a child?
Heck, yeah, I did. Pizza Hut.
Did I ever go to summer camp?
Boy, howdy, did I. A week at Christian church camp when I was 13 was the longest year of my life.
Do I like waking up early or staying up late?
Neither. I love to sleep. Sadly, the older I get, the earlier I wake up, unable to go back to sleep. If you’re one of those people whose head hits the pillow, and you don’t wake or dream or move until your alarm goes off, I want to be you.
How does my morning routine look like?
Cold brew with sugar-free sweetener. Get the kids up. Feed kids. More cold brew.
When did I learn to swim?
I was five years-old at the public pool in New Martinsville, West Virginia. I swam like a fish and still do. I swear I’m part mermaid.
What did I like to do as a child?
Sing, put on shows, read, and ride my bike.
Do I have any addictions?
I always say, thank goodness I never smoked or did drugs, because if I had started, I wouldn’t be able to quit. I’m addicted to sugar and coffee. I’m allowed to have coffee, but I limit it. Sugar is only for special occasions. I white-knuckle it the rest of the time.
What is my favorite TV genre?
Fantasy.
Did I have any pets while growing up?
My beautiful calico cat, Pokey. She was a queen among cats. Lived to be 23 years-old.
What is my favorite food?
It’s a tie between mac and cheese and that dessert with the hot chocolate chip cookie in a skillet, topped with ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry.
Do I like meeting new people?
I love it.
What is my deepest fear?
Snakes. Anything to do with snakes.
Would I rather be a famous musician or actor?
Actor. Hands down.
Where do I come from?
Most of my childhood was spent in New Manchester, West Virginia.
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