An Interview with Mindy Starns Clark

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You’ve taken an interesting path toward becoming a novelist. What else have you written?

Plays, musicals, computer software manuals, comedy routines, short stories, articles, speeches, catalog descriptions, marketing and public relations copy, advertising, corporate and copywriting—everything except the back of a cereal box! Once I got a flyer in my credit card bill and realized I had written it!

At what point did you finally consider yourself a writer?

About 15 years ago, one of my plays was taken on the road by a church theater troupe. I was invited to ride along to a performance and as they ran their lines, I realized that there were 20 people on that bus and every single word was something that I had written. I understood then that I was a writer.

Have you always aspired to be a novelist and is the Million Dollar Mysteries series your first attempt?

My main writing goal was to be a novelist and in college, I was trained to write “literary” works. Slowly I realized that I most enjoyed reading mysteries, so why not write them? I wrote several during the learning process, including one that was 2,000 pages long (!), but A Penny for Your Thoughts was the first I thought might be good enough to publish. The story “came alive” and flowed like never before. All of the books in the series did. I’m sure it’s because I included my faith as a part of the story.

Do you wish you had achieved your dream earlier in life?

It sounds like a cliché, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart:  God’s timing is the only perfect timing. If I had achieved my dream earlier, I wouldn’t have had the depth of experience my writing needed, and I couldn’t have been a full–time mom because writing is an incredibly time–consuming career.

Have you pursued any other creative endeavors?

Years ago, I was hired to lay down the vocal tracks for a line of karaoke music. If you recorded a karaoke song, chances are the voice you were singing along with was mine! One of my favorite writing jobs was as a Contributing Editor to a regional bridal magazine. I reviewed restaurants, hotels, and wedding–reception facilities—which meant lots of dining and dancing, all for free. I also worked as a stand–up comedian but didn’t like the late–night hours. So, I combined comedy with singing and created a “Senior Entertainment” business. During the day when my kids were in school, I performed at senior clubs, nursing homes, and retirement communities.  It was a lot of fun.

How have your career choices impacted your family?

For the career I have now, my kids are the perfect ages, since they’re old enough to let me work from home but young enough to delight in the experience with me. My books are definitely a family affair—from the extra chores they take on so that I can write to the input they have on the stories. I cannot overstate my husband’s contributions either. He is a wonderful brainstorming partner, story problem–solver, technical advisor, and editor. Truly, these books would not exist without him!

Are your parents or siblings involved in your career?

My family is invaluable to my writing career, even though they live in Louisiana and I live in Pennsylvania. My mom is an amazing proofreader and gets the final pass on all of my manuscripts. My dad is a doctor, so he’s my advisor for all things medical and/or scientific. My younger brother, Joey, is a cop, and is always good at answering questions. My older brother, David, contributed to one of my books in a very unique way. A professional musician and songwriter, he penned a song that appeared in the book A Quarter for a Kiss. If you visit my website (www.mindystarnsclark.com), you can listen to a clip. It’s gorgeous!

The plot lines of the Million Dollar Mysteries series unfold within themes of social concern and generosity. How do these themes reflect your life?

The idea for the series came when I was writing public relations materials for nonprofit organizations. I saw such a wide gap between ethical charities and unethical ones that I remarked to my husband, “Gosh, to know which charities are on the up and up, you’d have to be a detective!” And voila, Callie Webber, my P.I. who investigates charities, was born. In my novels, Callie and her philanthropist boss, Tom, seek out worthy organizations doing fantastic work with limited resources and help them achieve their mission. I love that, and wish the world were filled with more Callies and Toms!

What is the “Name the Charity” contest?

Each book features several fictional charities and I had a hard time coming up with titles for them. So, I created a contest on my website and invited readers to name them. The contest was a huge hit; I got some extremely inventive names. It was a great way for my readers to participate in the creative process, kind of like having a worldwide brainstorming session. With a new series coming out, I’ll have to think of a new contest!

Tell us about your new series.

The Trouble with Tulip features Jo Tulip, a chemist who writes a household hints column. Jo uses her knowledge of household tips to solve crime. Her neighbor and best friend, Danny, is secretly in love with her, but can’t quite figure out how to tell her—and in the beginning she’s not ready to hear it anyway. I have a lot of twists and turns in store for them! The series debuts in July 2005. The books are light and funny, with a sassy, can–do attitude that’s very enjoyable to write.

When you address audiences at retreats, seminars, and church and civic events, what message do you hope to convey?

To trust in the Lord’s plan and timing for your life. As a writer, I will often put a character through trials, joys, difficulties, etc., because I can see the big picture. I know where I need them to grow and how what they go through will prepare them for what will come. God must feel the same way. We just need to trust that He will lead us to where He wants us to be—and that He always desires the best for us.

Has your life ever gotten off course and, if so, how did you get it back on track?

Though I accepted Christ as a teenager, I felt very far from Him in my twenties. Lots of theological questions concerned me, but I wasn’t willing to put forth the effort in Bible study and prayer to get my questions answered. A few years later while visiting my parents’ church, the pastor gave an altar call that spoke to my hurting, empty heart. I rededicated my life to Christ and have been growing and learning ever since.

Besides writing, speaking, singing, and entertaining, what do you do for fun?

I love to travel, so when time and budget permit, my family and I head off to somewhere new. I’ve been to 44 states—including Alaska and Hawaii. With just six to go, I’m determined to get to all 50 soon. Then I’ll start working on the seven continents (so far, I’ve got three down and four to go)!