DARDEN NORTH: MAN OF MYSTERY AND MEDICINE

Pen Name and real name are the same: Darden North

Genre: Fiction/Mystery/Thriller/Medical Mystery-Thriller

Tell us a little about yourself.

Darden North’s mystery and thriller novels have been awarded nationally, most notably an IPPY in Southern Fiction for Points of Origin. The Five Manners of Death (June 2017/WordCrafts Press) is his fifth novel and also follows Wiggle Room, Fresh Frozen, and House Call. Darden North has served on author panels at writing conferences including Killer Nashville, Murder on the Menu, SIBA Thriller Author Panel, and Murder in the Magic City. His author website is www.dardennorth.com. A board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist practicing at Jackson Healthcare for Women in Flowood, Mississippi, Darden North is Chairman of the Board of the Mississippi Public Broadcasting Foundation and a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of the Mississippi Medical Association. He lives in Jackson with his wife Sally and enjoys family, travel, and, outdoor activities. The Norths have two adult children, who also work in the medical field.

In North’s fifth novel, The Five Manners of Death, there are five ways to die. Surgeon Diana Bratton believes that homicide is the only way left … then the police prove her wrong. Diana learns that murder is her family secret.

When and why did you begin writing?

My first novel was published in 2005, and I spent about 10 years thinking about it and writing it.

What inspired you to write your first book?

In my debut novel House Call, I had some unique characters who needed to get out of my head and into real trouble.

Do you have a specific writing style?

It is important to make every sentence and every piece of dialogue move the plot along. That’s what keeps readers coming back for more.

Are your writings based on someone you know or events in your own life?

A novelist denies that question every time it is asked. Part of the intrigue of a novel for a reader is wondering if the author is really telling his or her own story and if the fictional settings are someplace real.

What book or are you reading now?

The Late Show by Michael Connelly

How do you help new writers?

I take them seriously. I encourage them to keep going and not to give up.

What are your current projects?

I have been busy promoting the June 2017 release of my fifth novel, The 5 Manners of Death. As I answer these interview questions, I am thinking about novel number six and have narrowed it down to two ideas.

Other than family members, who has supported you most and how?

Dr. Karen Cole, one of the partners in my medical practice at Jackson Healthcare for Women, has read my recent novels several times before publication. Karen’s honest assessments have been invaluable in clarifying plot details.

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, a second career for me. Some people know me as a doctor who writes novels. Others know me as an author who is a doctor.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No. Many say that The 5 Manners of Death is my best yet.

Who designed your covers?

David Warren, associated with my publisher Wordcrafts Press, designed the cover of The 5 Manners of Death.

What TV shows/ films do you enjoy watching?

Growing up, I knew the scheduled time of every network TV show. But, of course, there were only three networks then. Now I’m a binge watcher. The latest, greatest television or cable show is a major topic at work, and I think that’s true of most people. I’m current with “Game of Thrones” and “House of Cards” and keeping up with “Ozark,” “The Sinner,” and “Orphan Black.” Now, except for Thursday night, I couldn’t tell you the line-up of network television and that’s only for ABC.

Favorite foods/colors/places to travel.

My wife, Sally, and I traveled Alaska at the end of last summer. That was true natural beauty, and we never left the U.S.

Any other comments or spotlight any events:

All five of my novels are available in print and in eBook. Two of my novels, Points of Origin and Fresh Frozen, are available on audio through audible.com and iTunes.

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