First, I want to thank everyone who has been patient with me about not posting. You guys are beyond awesome. I’ve been writing for the last two years and hiding, plotting my next book. So what brings me out of my writer’s cabin to focus on the real world?

Check it out below: Please share your thoughts – Scam or No Scam?

Wow, just when I thought I was aware of “all” the literary scams. I never thought I’d receive this one. The person who wrote me the email claimed to be from Classic FM.

When I received it, I was intrigued because, as a classical music listener, I started following Classic FM on social media a few years ago. So, seeing the subject line above in my inbox was a moment filled with temporary excitement.

Then I had to come back to reality. Why would a classical radio station want to interview me?

OF NOTE:  It has Gmail in what should be just the name of a professional company for its contact information.

Dear Marguerite,

My name is Dan Walker, and I am writing on behalf of Classic FM regarding a prospective author interview feature connected to your gripping YA mystery novel, Shadowed Seats, the opening installment in the Oliana Mercer series.

Classic FM is widely recognised for its in-depth arts, cultural, and literary programming, reaching a substantial national and international audience. We are currently curating a series of broadcast conversations exploring theatrical subgenres in mystery fiction, adoption and family secret narratives, amateur sleuth dynamics, and how contemporary authors blend adolescent career ambitions with suspenseful crime.

Your work in Shadowed Seats stands out as an atmospheric, emotionally complex, and tense mystery, masterfully interweaving the high-stakes world of high school theater with dark family secrets and murder.

What particularly drew our attention:

Oliana Mercer’s dual journey of chasing her dreams at the prestigious Reyersen Drama Academy while grappling with shocking secrets revealed by her adopted family after a tragic turn of events

The intricate emotional tug-of-war Oliana faces between two distinct families, testing both her sense of identity and her relationship with her boyfriend

The dramatic turning point when her best friend Devin dies during dress rehearsal, recasting Oliana as the lead while propelling her into an investigation

Oliana’s determination to prove that Devin’s death was murder rather than suicide, even as her search for clues places her directly in the killer’s sights

The vivid theatrical setting, using the high school senior play and the stage environment as a pressure cooker for secrets, jealousy, and danger

The proposed conversation would explore:

Your creative process in utilizing theater and student production as a backdrop for high-stakes mystery and suspense

How you approached writing Oliana’s emotional arc as she navigates adoption revelations, personal grief, and amateur sleuthing

The mechanics of crafting a compelling YA whodunit that balances relatable teenage relationship dynamics with genuine mortal peril

The enduring appeal of theater-set mysteries and building a multi-book arc for a resilient young protagonist

If this opportunity is of interest, we would be pleased to coordinate scheduling at a time convenient for you and provide further details regarding format and timing.

We very much hope to have the opportunity to feature your voice and perspective on Classic FM.

Warm regards,
Dan Walker
Classic FM

Sadly, this isn’t my first, and I don’t think it will be my last. But if you’re out there receiving anything out of the blue, please be careful about responding.