Welcome...
...and thank you for stopping in. This is the home for information about the works of Amy Metz. She spends a lot of time in Goose Pimple Junction with her imaginary friends and on her blog, A Blue Million Books, but occasionally she ventures out to try something new. Check below and the Favorites page for the interviews and guest posts Amy has done and the News page for the latest with Amy and Murder & Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction. For a quick rundown on projects Amy is currently working on, keep reading...
Murder And Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction is the first book in a series of humorous southern mysteries set in the fictional town of Goose Pimple Junction. In it, Tess Tremaine and Jackson Wright attempt to solve a seventy-five-year-old murder. Murder And Mayhem was launched on August 5, 2012. The book has been on Amazon's Top 25 Best Sellers for Women Sleuths (even dropped to #2!) and Top 100 for Mystery. Amy made it to the top 100 for Most Popular Mystery Authors. For more information on this book and to read the first chapter, please turn the page or click here.
"A Right Good Choice" is a short story set in Slick & Junebug's Diner. The folks gossip about Pete the Greek and his new girlfriend, who they think has questionable morals. Should someone tell Pete? This purely-for-fun story is available for free on Readwave.com.
At Locust Grove is a photography coffee table book of Amy's favorite place in Louisville, the national historic landmark, Locust Grove. It includes pictures of the house and grounds in all four seasons...at Locust Grove. At Locust Grove is due to be published in 2013...hopefully.
Heroes And Hooligans In Goose Pimple Junction is the second book in the mystery series. This book picks up four months after the murder and mayhem of the first book. Now the zany town is troubled by a serial thief, a stalker, and a murderer, making the new police chief busier than a set of jumper cables at a redneck picnic. The manuscript is now complete, and is in the querying process.
Rogues And Rascals In Goose Pimple Junction, the third book in the series, is about the perils of being a Southern Belle. Caledonia Culpepper thought she had enough to worry about just trying to be a good Southern woman, until she is kidnapped and left for dead in the woods. And then worry takes on a whole new meaning. Chief Johnny Butterfield will be busy once again, trying to find Caledonia, her would-be assassin, and the killer of a rogue publisher who is found brutally murdered.
Waxman is a thriller set in the deep south, about a young serial killer who disguises himself as an old man. He counts on the fact that most people will stop to help an infirm old person. And then he strikes. Private Investigator Kate Pepper and FBI agent Sam Mulrooney hunt him down.
That Would Taste Better In Your Mouth, is a children's book about Louie, who is a very picky eater. This picture book is complete, and looking for a publisher.
A Blue Million Books is Amy's blog that features author interviews, character interviews, guest blogs, and book excerpts. An expression used particularly in the South, "a blue million" means an infinite amount. She hopes to host a blue million authors and spotlight their books. In other words...a lot. There is a campaign supporting local business in Louisville, called Keep Louisville Weird. Amy wants to remind people to keep authors weird too.
Murder And Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction is the first book in a series of humorous southern mysteries set in the fictional town of Goose Pimple Junction. In it, Tess Tremaine and Jackson Wright attempt to solve a seventy-five-year-old murder. Murder And Mayhem was launched on August 5, 2012. The book has been on Amazon's Top 25 Best Sellers for Women Sleuths (even dropped to #2!) and Top 100 for Mystery. Amy made it to the top 100 for Most Popular Mystery Authors. For more information on this book and to read the first chapter, please turn the page or click here.
"A Right Good Choice" is a short story set in Slick & Junebug's Diner. The folks gossip about Pete the Greek and his new girlfriend, who they think has questionable morals. Should someone tell Pete? This purely-for-fun story is available for free on Readwave.com.
At Locust Grove is a photography coffee table book of Amy's favorite place in Louisville, the national historic landmark, Locust Grove. It includes pictures of the house and grounds in all four seasons...at Locust Grove. At Locust Grove is due to be published in 2013...hopefully.
Heroes And Hooligans In Goose Pimple Junction is the second book in the mystery series. This book picks up four months after the murder and mayhem of the first book. Now the zany town is troubled by a serial thief, a stalker, and a murderer, making the new police chief busier than a set of jumper cables at a redneck picnic. The manuscript is now complete, and is in the querying process.
Rogues And Rascals In Goose Pimple Junction, the third book in the series, is about the perils of being a Southern Belle. Caledonia Culpepper thought she had enough to worry about just trying to be a good Southern woman, until she is kidnapped and left for dead in the woods. And then worry takes on a whole new meaning. Chief Johnny Butterfield will be busy once again, trying to find Caledonia, her would-be assassin, and the killer of a rogue publisher who is found brutally murdered.
Waxman is a thriller set in the deep south, about a young serial killer who disguises himself as an old man. He counts on the fact that most people will stop to help an infirm old person. And then he strikes. Private Investigator Kate Pepper and FBI agent Sam Mulrooney hunt him down.
That Would Taste Better In Your Mouth, is a children's book about Louie, who is a very picky eater. This picture book is complete, and looking for a publisher.
A Blue Million Books is Amy's blog that features author interviews, character interviews, guest blogs, and book excerpts. An expression used particularly in the South, "a blue million" means an infinite amount. She hopes to host a blue million authors and spotlight their books. In other words...a lot. There is a campaign supporting local business in Louisville, called Keep Louisville Weird. Amy wants to remind people to keep authors weird too.
About the author
Amy Metz attended Centre College and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Elementary Education. She taught first grade until her first child was born, and then motherhood and volunteer work took up her time. When her mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2009, she turned to writing as therapy. Needing an escape from life and from the memoir, and desperately needing to laugh, she began writing a humorous southern mystery that eventually became Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction, and an author was born.
Amy has been richly blessed with two sons--an adult and a teenager--and a daughter-in-law. When not actively engaged in writing or spending time with her family, Amy can usually be found with a mixing spoon, camera, or book in her hands. Amy's debut novel, Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction, was published in August 2012. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky. Contact Amy at: amy@amymetz.com
Note from Amy:
I want to extend a huge thank you to Karen Mathison Schmidt for her fantastic cover art (seen in the banners on this site and on the front and back covers of Murder & Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction.) She captured the essence of my Goose Pimple Junction perfectly. Thank you, Karen! To find out more about Karen, and to see more of her work, go to her website.
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A humorous southern mystery Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction by Amy Metz
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A Moment with Amy Metz, by Dan O'Brien
Dan O'Brien, editor of Empirical and author of The End of the World Playlist, Bitten, Cerulean Dreams, and The Journey asked me some really fun questions in this interview for his website, The Dan O'Brien Project. Thank you to the website Before It's News for re-posting it on your site.
Tell us about your most recent release.
Murder & Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction was inspired by events in my family’s history. I remember hearing accounts when I was a little girl of the murders and thinking they were heartbreaking and intriguing. One of the murders is unsolved to this day, except for in my novel, where main character Tess Tremaine comes up against the killer’s relative who is intent on keeping the murder a cold case. But Tess is a little too stubborn to let a little mayhem get in the way of her solving the mystery and bringing a murderer to justice.
What else do you have coming out?
My next book due to be published is a photography coffee table book on Locust Grove, a historical house in Louisville. It’s one of my favorite places to go, and I was able to combine my love for the estate and my love of photography to create this book. The second book in the Goose Pimple Junction mystery series is complete, but I’m not sure when it will be published.
What’s the most blatant lie you’ve ever told?
Two years ago I had to tell my mother that she was going to an assisted living facility for just a few weeks for rehab, when in fact her dementia had earned her a one-way ticket.
What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?
Someone said my book was offensive and sadly idiotic. But I have twenty 5-star reviews and 10 4-star reviews that counteract that comment.
How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?
I try to keep it in perspective, remembering that everyone is entitled to a different opinion. What really bothers me are the people who don’t say anything. When someone tells me they can’t wait to read my book but they never comment on it. Or they say, “I read your book,” followed by silence. I can deal with constructive criticism—I may not agree with it, but at least I know what they didn’t like—it’s silence that I find hard to deal with. It’s difficult, because we’re talking about people I know, and I thought they’d be more supportive, but also their silence doesn’t help me become a better writer or write a better book.
When are you going to write your autobiography?
Actually, I’ve already written it. It’s not an actual autobiography, because I wouldn’t make anyone read that drivel, but it’s a memoir about my mother, her dementia, and our contentious relationship. I’m currently collecting rejection letters from agents and publishers for it. Are you an agent or publisher? Let’s talk—it’s fabulous!
Are the names of the characters in your novels important?
Yes, names are important. My book is set in the south, where oftentimes names are varied, interesting, and weird. I’m particularly fond of nicknames, like Pickle and Butterbean, and double names, like Henry Clay and Martha Maye.
What about the titles of your novels?
What about them? Oh, are they important? Well, yes. Many times a title can make or break a reader’s decision to buy the book. I named my town Goose Pimple Junction and put it in the title because, to me, the name reflects the quirkiness of the town and the book. It’s a fun town, and I hope the title reflects that. But I think people either love the title or hate it.
Are there any occupational hazards to being a novelist?
Besides being a little mentally unbalanced? Yes, I’ve found extra poundage to be an occupational hazard. Sitting all day at a computer doesn’t burn many calories, and weight gain is inevitable. I’m trying to be more disciplined and get my big behind up for exercise periodically each day, but sometimes it’s hard to stop when I’m on a writing roll.
What’s your favorite fruit?
Lemons. Does that count? A runner up would be peaches. Although it really depends on the season. In the summertime I love strawberries, honeydew, and peaches, in the fall I love crisp apples, early winter is those little Clementine oranges. And then there are pineapple and bananas, which are both good pretty much year-round. And lemons. I love lemon anything. Is that TMI?
How many people have you done away with over the course of your career?
Well let’s see…I think the total is only five. Maybe I should bump that up a bit for GPJ3.
Ever dispatched someone and then regretted it?
Yes. I can’t say whom, because I don’t want to ruin it for someone who may not have read the book yet, but there’s one character in Murder & Mayhem who is maybe my all time favorite. It killed me to kill him off (sorry, that was lame—but true). I’m still in mourning. Maybe I can make him have an evil twin. Double trouble!
Have you ever been in trouble with the police?
Hahahahahahahaha. That’s funny. At least, people who know me will get a kick out of it. I did have to go to the county jail two years ago, but that was to deliver some evidence. That’s a whole nother story. The answer to your question is a big no.
So when were you last involved in a real-life punch-up?
Way back when I was a little girl, fighting with my sister. That’s as bad ass as I get.
If you were going to commit the perfect murder, how would you go about it?
I think it would involve poison. And that’s all I’m saying on that one.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Betty White.
What is your favorite bedtime drink?
Sweet tea or juice.
Do you ever wish that you had an entirely uncreative job, like data entry or working in a factory?
Absolutely not. Are you nuts?
Do you believe in a deity?
Yes. I am a Christian, and I believe in God.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Maybe Oprah. Yes, I know I’m Caucasian, but who wouldn’t want Oprah to play them?
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
I think a sane writer is an oxymoron.
Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?
Maybe Eeyore. Or the Catwoman, played by Halle Berry. Oh wait, that was in my dreams.
What is the single most powerful challenge when it comes to writing a novel?
For me, it’s coming up with a good plot. It seems like all the good ones have already been taken. I had a plot all planned out for GPJ3, and I hadn’t told a soul about it. One day, my son started telling me about a book he read—and it was my plot! Or mine was theirs. I swear I’d never heard of it. I changed my plot line pdq.
What do you consider your biggest failure?
Dropping out of college my sophomore year. I transferred to another college the following fall, but leaving school remains a big part of my checkered past.
Do you research your novels?
In Murder & Mayhem I researched the real murders that were the impetus for the plot. I read everything I could find so that I could get the facts right for that portion of the book.
How much impact does your childhood have on your writing?
Well, considering I wouldn’t be who I am if I hadn’t had a childhood, I’d say a lot. Is that too cheeky?
What was the greatest thing you learned at school?
When God sends us on hard paths, He provides strong shoes. That, and you should dress for every occasion. There’s no sense in looking like a wash-woman.
Do you laugh at your own jokes?
Sure, somebody has to. (LOL.)
Do you admire your own work?
Yes and no. I love the characters and the town I created, but I have a hard time reading the book. It’s kind of like actors who say they can’t watch themselves on screen. I find myself wanting to rewrite or edit it every time I pick the book up.
What are books for?
Different things for different people. For me, they’re for escape. Pure pleasure.
Are you fun to go on vacation with?
That would be a better question for my family. I think that my son would say I spend too much time behind my camera.
How do you feel about being interviewed?
It’s somewhere in between getting a root canal and a day at the beach.
What’s the loveliest thing you have ever seen?
A full moon reflecting on the ocean.
Tell us about your most recent release.
Murder & Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction was inspired by events in my family’s history. I remember hearing accounts when I was a little girl of the murders and thinking they were heartbreaking and intriguing. One of the murders is unsolved to this day, except for in my novel, where main character Tess Tremaine comes up against the killer’s relative who is intent on keeping the murder a cold case. But Tess is a little too stubborn to let a little mayhem get in the way of her solving the mystery and bringing a murderer to justice.
What else do you have coming out?
My next book due to be published is a photography coffee table book on Locust Grove, a historical house in Louisville. It’s one of my favorite places to go, and I was able to combine my love for the estate and my love of photography to create this book. The second book in the Goose Pimple Junction mystery series is complete, but I’m not sure when it will be published.
What’s the most blatant lie you’ve ever told?
Two years ago I had to tell my mother that she was going to an assisted living facility for just a few weeks for rehab, when in fact her dementia had earned her a one-way ticket.
What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?
Someone said my book was offensive and sadly idiotic. But I have twenty 5-star reviews and 10 4-star reviews that counteract that comment.
How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?
I try to keep it in perspective, remembering that everyone is entitled to a different opinion. What really bothers me are the people who don’t say anything. When someone tells me they can’t wait to read my book but they never comment on it. Or they say, “I read your book,” followed by silence. I can deal with constructive criticism—I may not agree with it, but at least I know what they didn’t like—it’s silence that I find hard to deal with. It’s difficult, because we’re talking about people I know, and I thought they’d be more supportive, but also their silence doesn’t help me become a better writer or write a better book.
When are you going to write your autobiography?
Actually, I’ve already written it. It’s not an actual autobiography, because I wouldn’t make anyone read that drivel, but it’s a memoir about my mother, her dementia, and our contentious relationship. I’m currently collecting rejection letters from agents and publishers for it. Are you an agent or publisher? Let’s talk—it’s fabulous!
Are the names of the characters in your novels important?
Yes, names are important. My book is set in the south, where oftentimes names are varied, interesting, and weird. I’m particularly fond of nicknames, like Pickle and Butterbean, and double names, like Henry Clay and Martha Maye.
What about the titles of your novels?
What about them? Oh, are they important? Well, yes. Many times a title can make or break a reader’s decision to buy the book. I named my town Goose Pimple Junction and put it in the title because, to me, the name reflects the quirkiness of the town and the book. It’s a fun town, and I hope the title reflects that. But I think people either love the title or hate it.
Are there any occupational hazards to being a novelist?
Besides being a little mentally unbalanced? Yes, I’ve found extra poundage to be an occupational hazard. Sitting all day at a computer doesn’t burn many calories, and weight gain is inevitable. I’m trying to be more disciplined and get my big behind up for exercise periodically each day, but sometimes it’s hard to stop when I’m on a writing roll.
What’s your favorite fruit?
Lemons. Does that count? A runner up would be peaches. Although it really depends on the season. In the summertime I love strawberries, honeydew, and peaches, in the fall I love crisp apples, early winter is those little Clementine oranges. And then there are pineapple and bananas, which are both good pretty much year-round. And lemons. I love lemon anything. Is that TMI?
How many people have you done away with over the course of your career?
Well let’s see…I think the total is only five. Maybe I should bump that up a bit for GPJ3.
Ever dispatched someone and then regretted it?
Yes. I can’t say whom, because I don’t want to ruin it for someone who may not have read the book yet, but there’s one character in Murder & Mayhem who is maybe my all time favorite. It killed me to kill him off (sorry, that was lame—but true). I’m still in mourning. Maybe I can make him have an evil twin. Double trouble!
Have you ever been in trouble with the police?
Hahahahahahahaha. That’s funny. At least, people who know me will get a kick out of it. I did have to go to the county jail two years ago, but that was to deliver some evidence. That’s a whole nother story. The answer to your question is a big no.
So when were you last involved in a real-life punch-up?
Way back when I was a little girl, fighting with my sister. That’s as bad ass as I get.
If you were going to commit the perfect murder, how would you go about it?
I think it would involve poison. And that’s all I’m saying on that one.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Betty White.
What is your favorite bedtime drink?
Sweet tea or juice.
Do you ever wish that you had an entirely uncreative job, like data entry or working in a factory?
Absolutely not. Are you nuts?
Do you believe in a deity?
Yes. I am a Christian, and I believe in God.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Maybe Oprah. Yes, I know I’m Caucasian, but who wouldn’t want Oprah to play them?
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
I think a sane writer is an oxymoron.
Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?
Maybe Eeyore. Or the Catwoman, played by Halle Berry. Oh wait, that was in my dreams.
What is the single most powerful challenge when it comes to writing a novel?
For me, it’s coming up with a good plot. It seems like all the good ones have already been taken. I had a plot all planned out for GPJ3, and I hadn’t told a soul about it. One day, my son started telling me about a book he read—and it was my plot! Or mine was theirs. I swear I’d never heard of it. I changed my plot line pdq.
What do you consider your biggest failure?
Dropping out of college my sophomore year. I transferred to another college the following fall, but leaving school remains a big part of my checkered past.
Do you research your novels?
In Murder & Mayhem I researched the real murders that were the impetus for the plot. I read everything I could find so that I could get the facts right for that portion of the book.
How much impact does your childhood have on your writing?
Well, considering I wouldn’t be who I am if I hadn’t had a childhood, I’d say a lot. Is that too cheeky?
What was the greatest thing you learned at school?
When God sends us on hard paths, He provides strong shoes. That, and you should dress for every occasion. There’s no sense in looking like a wash-woman.
Do you laugh at your own jokes?
Sure, somebody has to. (LOL.)
Do you admire your own work?
Yes and no. I love the characters and the town I created, but I have a hard time reading the book. It’s kind of like actors who say they can’t watch themselves on screen. I find myself wanting to rewrite or edit it every time I pick the book up.
What are books for?
Different things for different people. For me, they’re for escape. Pure pleasure.
Are you fun to go on vacation with?
That would be a better question for my family. I think that my son would say I spend too much time behind my camera.
How do you feel about being interviewed?
It’s somewhere in between getting a root canal and a day at the beach.
What’s the loveliest thing you have ever seen?
A full moon reflecting on the ocean.