Chapter Member
Spotlight Profile
November 1999
Chapter MemberSpotlight Profile
November 1999
Molly Weston
Reader, Exceptional
Molly Weston loves reading. Better yet, she loves reading mysteries. She loves it so much that she is rarely without a book in her hand. One wonders if as a child she roller-skated with book in hand. Her love eventually led to publishing a mystery review newsletter, Meritorious Mysteries. The title tells you right off the bat where Molly's coming from--only the books she likes are reviewed. Those Molly doesn't like? Maybe they are in book purgatory--on their way to book heaven. (Of course, there is the puppy. Hmmm...) Molly's goal for her newsletter is to fill a niche sometimes left vacant by other reviewers. When an author is in town, no doubt you'll find Molly somewhere in the vicinity.Conquering early season goblins camped on her doorstep and shoot-em-ups out at Ball State while attending Magna cum Murder (Mid-America Mystery Conference), Molly came through in time to grace us with an insight into her life.
IC
Your Bouchercon bio indicated that you had perfected "the prop-the-book-behind-the-faucets method of washing dishes in the sixth grade." Do you recall the best book you read by this method?
Molly
Good gracious no! That was more than 40 years ago, and I've been reading voraciously ever since.
IC
What prompted you to begin writing your reviews?
Molly
The independent bookstore I patronized had a good newsletter, but it had no mystery reviews. I had just begun my own desktop publishing business, and I offered to publish the newsletter free of charge for a staff discount--and the opportunity to write the mystery reviews.For a long time I had been unsatisfied with the reviews published in mainstream papers and magazines--they were always about books that I would have noticed anyway in their dumps [prominent book displays] with flashing lights and arrows. I wanted someone to tell me about the books by new authors and less well known authors I might not find on my own. With a book-a-day habit, I needed fresh material!
This is the mission I set myself when I began writing reviews: expose mystery readers to good authors who might not be as well known as the Mary Higgins Clarks or John Grishams.
IC
Do you ever get reader feedback?
Molly
Yes, and I'm always delighted to hear it! My best compliment was from a DTP customer who received the newsletter that published my first reviews. "I pull your page and give it to my husband and tell him, 'If you want to buy me a gift that I will like, here's a list.'"
IC
How about author feedback?
Molly
Many authors have been very appreciative of the exposure I've given them--and I'm always delighted when they tell me that a blurb from my review will appear on the jacket.
IC
What's the first thing that strikes you about a book you've just started to read?
Molly
I'm usually aware fairly quickly if I've been transported to the place of the story. That doesn't involve a great deal of descriptive passages, just a few words to sketch the setting and its associated mood. If that feels right, I start to see the character and decide if s/he is someone I want to spend time with. S/he doesn't always have to be someone I'd want as a friend, but I'm usually better pleased if I like the protagonist.
IC
Have you or do you plan to read any e-books, be they PDF form or Rocket eBookTM form or whatever other popular electronic format may exist?
Molly
No, I have to spend too much time at a computer doing work. If they were PDF format, I'd still have to print them so I could read them in the bathtub!
IC
In any given year, about how many books are so striking that you can recall their essence months or years later?
Molly
I'm not good with numbers, but there are many. I rarely finish a book that isn't striking, so if I read it to the end, it's usually going to be a very good one. You'll have to remember that I have the luxury of choosing from many, many books. Even as fast as I read, there's no way I can possibly read everything that's sent to me; so, I have a rule in my life now that unless I'm really enjoying the book, I put it down and go on to another.
IC
Do you read sitting up or lying down or both?
Molly
I read any way! Lying down in the bathtub, lying perched up in my bed, sitting at the breakfast table, flopped in my easy chair--you name it, I read that way.
IC
Has your puppy, Peaches Dann of Baker Street, eaten any of your review books yet?
Molly
Unfortunately her tooth prints are on a couple of covers. Right now though, her tastes run more to shoes and whatever she can salvage from the dirty clothes hamper.
IC
And what, really, do you call this puppy when you want her attention?
Molly
Peaches. Incidentally, I rarely have to call her. She's pretty much my shadow.
IC
Are you seeing a trend in new mysteries?
Molly
I think more people are working to have a "hook" because the agents and publishers are requiring it. Somehow, I'd rather just see well drawn characters and great plots!
IC
If you were to write a mystery, where would you set it and what would be the most memorable characteristic of the main character?
Molly
I have absolutely no interest in writing any kind of fiction. If I had a protagonist and a great setting, I'd be on my way. Unfortunately, I don't.
IC
Outside of reading, what else do you do with your spare time?
Molly
I'm an avid football and basketball fan, so I watch a lot of TV games. When I can, I try to see the Tarheels [North Carolina-Chapel Hill] in person. (No comments about this season, ok!)
IC
Heh! If you could live anywhere, in any time period, what would you choose?
Molly
I'm boring. I'm totally happy where and when I am.
IC
What do you like best about the NC State Fair?
Molly
I worked three years for the NC Cattlemen's Association, and had to go every day, all day, during that time. I really don't like anything about going to the fair now. Maybe after I retire and I can go during the days before it gets crowded, I'll change my mind.
IC
Is there an advantage to belonging to Sisters in Crime and SinC Internet Chapter?
Molly
Naturally! SinC has brought me in contact with some of the greatest folks in the world. I truly believe that mystery writers are among the most generous, supportive people I've ever met. It's a great organization, and I'm happy to be part of it.
IC
What are you reading right now?
Molly
Just before I left for Magna cum Murder, I started Jeanne Dams' latest hat mystery. It's still in my suitcase calling me back. On the plane coming back, I started Parnell Hall's new series about the Puzzle Lady. It's in my car screaming for attention. Then, last night when I got ready for my bath, I started Barbara Taylor McCafferty and Beverly Taylor Harold's new twin ARC [advance reading copy]. All are great, and I'll finish them before the weekend.
IC
In closing, do you have some wisdom you'd like to pass on to our visitors?
Molly
Keep reading mysteries! Thanks.
Thank you Molly. You are far from boring.
This interview was conducted during October 1999 for SinC-IC by Louise Guardino.
Be sure to take a look at an online copy of one of Molly's newsletters, found at:
Meritorious Mysteries
Molly_Weston@sinc-ic.org spot@sinc-ic.org
Read an earlier Spotlight Profile
