Originally to be a wine & cheese reception, due to scheduling conflicts it became an impromptu lunch instead and I had the privilege of being extended an invitation to the lovely intimate meal. It was a little intimidating at first, being among such amazing people in the industry such as Sarah Murdoch from the Toronto Star, Valerie from Indigo, editor/writer/publicist Becky Toyne, the Penguin team of Adrienne, Vesna & Laura and of course the guest of honour, Becky Masterman. And then lil’ ol’ me.

With only 8 of us at lunch, it allowed for some great candid conversation among each other, and with Becky. Laura prepared some Penguin postcards with conversation prompts to ask Becky (mine was “Ask Becky about.. forensics”) but it really wasn’t needed as there was such an easy flow of chatter. Currently living in Tucson, Becky told us about signing with her agent, the inspiration for some of the characters and scenarios in her book and the “adultery” cards she had with her 2nd husband. (aka “freebie 5”)

People say to write what you know, and being a forensics science editor it seemed to make sense for Becky to have written a crime novel. However, she does reach out to other people in different industries to correct or validate the elements that she may not be as familiar with. Her inspiration for a female protagonist isn’t necessarily stemmed from other fictional characters but moreso those she knows in her real life.

Colour me surprised to be the only blogger, but what an amazing opportunity that I’m so honoured to have been invited to. I love that Penguin has been showcasing many female crime writers lately, like Peggy Blair, and it’s exciting to add Becky Masterman to that list.

Thank you so much to Becky Masterman and the Penguin team for a delicious lunch with some great company & great conversation!

(I particularly enjoyed this little bio of Becky on the Penguin.ca website)

Becky Masterman is the acquisitions editor for a press specializing in medical textbooks for forensic examiners and law enforcement. Rage Against the Dying is her first thriller. Masterman is nothing like her protagonist, Brigid Quinn. For one thing, she is rather tall and not terribly fit. More significantly, she has never killed anyone. Masterman lives in Tucson, Arizona, with her husband.

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