Meet Trish Arrowsmith
Indie Author Spotlight
Welcome to Indie Author Spotlight where I interview talented writers who have valuable insights to share on their writing process, publication, and what it means to be an indie author.
Trish recently moved across the country where she found her forever home, enjoying the desert sunshine and wildlife all year long. She was born and raised in a small town in northern Connecticut.
Growing up, she was always fascinated by unsolved mysteries and true crimes as well as the psychological elements behind them.
As an avid reader, her go to books are thrillers, suspense, and true crime.
Trish currently has six novels available: two standalones, one domestic suspense duology, and two books in a cozy mystery series.
How did you initially get into fiction writing?
I like to believe it’s based on my love of books. Even as a young child, I always carried a book with me. When I decided I wanted to write professionally, it was during a tough period in my teenage years when my doctors, my family, and I believed I had something physically ailing me. It turned out to be a mental health issue (it was a different time then). Writing was the only thing that allowed me to focus and pull my concentration away from how I was feeling.
How would you describe your particular style of mystery writing?
I’m not sure I have a set style. I write based on what the story needs. In my cozy mystery series, I write in a much more lighthearted way than I do for my mystery/thrillers. My domestic suspense duology holds very little flowery, fluff writing because it doesn’t fit with the story. Just as each character has their own voice, so do each of my books.
Do you draw inspiration for your characters from people you know?
Sometimes. I try not to make it obvious who the character is inspired by. If anything, I do my best to use personality traits from multiple people to create a character of its own.
What’s your writing process? Do you start with characters? Plot ideas? How do you get started on a project?
I start with a plot idea for most books/stories. My debut novel, Nursery’s Rhyme, came to life because I heard one line of a nursery rhyme on a commercial. Once I have a solid idea of where I can take the story, the characters start inserting themselves into their role. And I plan a lot. I have the entire story, characters, and chapters/scenes all mapped out before I start writing.
Tell us about your writing routine. Do you have any creative rituals or a favorite place to write?
Rituals? No. But all of my stories start with pen and paper. Writing by hand helps me slow down and think about the words I’m putting on the paper. It allows for a much better first draft. The majority of my writing gets done between 4-6am when it’s quiet and I don’t have any other distractions.
What criticism have you received that has helped you grow as a writer?
All of it. Every single piece. I know everyone says reviews are for readers, but I learn so much from them. It doesn’t matter if the review is a 1-star or 5, I take feedback everywhere I can get it and I apply it accordingly.
What are some of your writing influences? Favorite books?
Kevin O’Brien is my main influence. What I wouldn’t give to be able to write like that man. (If you haven’t read any of his books yet, do it. I recommend starting with Disturbed). Linwood Barclay and Heather Graham are two other authors I admire for their writing ability.
My favorite books are: Against Gravity by Farnoosh Moshiri, The Outsiders by SE Hinton, The Bone People by Keri Hulme
What’s your approach to marketing? What has worked or not worked for you?
I think attending conferences and making public appearances have worked best for me (which is funny because I’m socially awkward). I’m sure most authors would agree, aside from writing the blurb, marketing is, by far, the hardest part of the process. Trying to stand out among thousands of social media posts per day is next to impossible.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a thriller/mystery called The Puppet Hunter. I love the concept of the book and the cast of characters has been so much fun to create. Could you imagine finding out that one of your neighbors, whom you know and trust, is kidnapping and turning teenagers into live marionettes? The book is fun!
Where can readers find you?
Readers can find me on my author website at www.trisharrowsmithauthor.com or on social media listed under Trish Arrowsmith Author.
Follow Trish on Instagram @trisharrowsmithauthor
Distorted Perception and False Reflections are part of the domestic suspense Altered Views Duology. What the Children Know and Nursery’s Rhyme are stand alone psychological thrillers. Ink or Swim and Calculated in Color are part of the Dakota Maddison Tattoo Shop Mystery series.
And coming soon in early 2025, The Puppet Hunter.
