HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: We are doing some celebrating around here today: We are so honored to host a newly anointed award nominee!
The fabulous Mia Manansala’s first novel, Arsenic and Adobo just received a coveted Agatha Award nomination! And that is the best possible beginning to any mystery writer’s career.
Click here to see all the nominees, including our own Jan Brogan for Best Non-fiction for The Combat Zone: Murder, Race, and Boston's Struggle for Justice…and me for HER PERFECT LIFE for Best Contemporary Novel! I have to say I am still floating and I bet Jan and Mia are too—along with the other nominees. And we say hurray. And congratulations to all.
And now Mia, like any good writer, is on to her next book! And she's shares some secrets... and an incredibly prophetic Tarot card.
Embracing Side Character Energy
by Mia Manansala
For the last few years, I’ve pulled a tarot card to represent my year. I don’t choose the card I want to symbolize my year, as some do, I shuffle my cards and leave it up to them to tell me what the year will bring.
In the past, I separated the major arcana from the stack and would choose my card from among the twenty-two cards of the major arcana only. But you know what? Not every year needs to bring huge, life-changing experiences (which is what the major arcana often symbolizes). Sometimes you’ll have a quieter, minor arcana year and that’s absolutely fine. In fact, considering the tumultuous last few years (who knew The Hermit card I pulled at the beginning of 2020 would’ve been so prophetic!) I am absolutely craving a minor arcana year.
Which is why I was absolutely thrilled when I pulled the Three of Cups, a card symbolizing community, teamwork, and celebration.
I always tell new writers that building a good, supportive community is one of the best things you can do as an author. And I also tell them to celebrate their wins, big or small, because this industry is tough and we all experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows–sometimes on the same day. So you need to enjoy each moment while you can.
I give that advice, but to be honest, it’s often hard to follow it. As writers, particularly if you’re a series writer, you’re always looking ahead and working on the next thing.
2021 was my debut year and it was wonderful in so many ways, but I spent so much of the time overwhelmed by everything and always looking ahead to the next book I had to write that I know I didn’t properly enjoy it. So this year, I aim to slow down, ground myself in the present as much as possible, and CELEBRATE.
Along with embracing the minor arcana vibes of this year, I also decided that this is the year of side character energy. I came across this idea in this hilarious tweet by Delia Cai:
For the last few years, I’ve pulled a tarot card to represent my year. I don’t choose the card I want to symbolize my year, as some do, I shuffle my cards and leave it up to them to tell me what the year will bring.
In the past, I separated the major arcana from the stack and would choose my card from among the twenty-two cards of the major arcana only. But you know what? Not every year needs to bring huge, life-changing experiences (which is what the major arcana often symbolizes). Sometimes you’ll have a quieter, minor arcana year and that’s absolutely fine. In fact, considering the tumultuous last few years (who knew The Hermit card I pulled at the beginning of 2020 would’ve been so prophetic!) I am absolutely craving a minor arcana year.
Which is why I was absolutely thrilled when I pulled the Three of Cups, a card symbolizing community, teamwork, and celebration.
I always tell new writers that building a good, supportive community is one of the best things you can do as an author. And I also tell them to celebrate their wins, big or small, because this industry is tough and we all experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows–sometimes on the same day. So you need to enjoy each moment while you can.
I give that advice, but to be honest, it’s often hard to follow it. As writers, particularly if you’re a series writer, you’re always looking ahead and working on the next thing.
2021 was my debut year and it was wonderful in so many ways, but I spent so much of the time overwhelmed by everything and always looking ahead to the next book I had to write that I know I didn’t properly enjoy it. So this year, I aim to slow down, ground myself in the present as much as possible, and CELEBRATE.
Along with embracing the minor arcana vibes of this year, I also decided that this is the year of side character energy. I came across this idea in this hilarious tweet by Delia Cai:
In my second book, Homicide and Halo-Halo (Feb 8), my protagonist Lila Macapagal is going through a really difficult time dealing with the aftermath of the events from the first book, as well as the pressure of opening her own cafe with her best friends Adeena and Elena. While Lila is dealing with a murder at the Miss Teen Shady Palms Beauty Pageant, which she’s judging and is connected to some uncomfortable memories from her past, Adeena and Elena are just vibing, enjoying their newfound relationship and full of plans for their burgeoning business.
Illustration credit: pandesaii (art commission)
I’ve decided that for 2022, I’m sidestepping that protagonist life and embracing my inner Adeena Awan, where I get to be the sassy barista best bud with fabulous hair and a drama-free love life.
If you could channel the energy of any fictional side character, who would it be and why? Drop your comments below for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of Homicide and Halo-Halo! U.S. entries only.
HANK: YAY, Mia! And I am off to try that. And hmmmm.. one of the cards you pulled was…celebration! Your decision was to CELEBRATE! Guess that's working! Gotta love that.
And I would choose the energy of Rowen Atwood in Her Perfect Life. (What an experience to be a smart confident mischievous 7 year old, right?)
How about you, Red and Readers?
Mia P. Manansala is a writer from Chicago who loves books, baking,
and badass women. She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture.
She is the winner of the 2018 Hugh Holton Award, the 2018 Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award, the 2017 William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant for Unpublished Writers, and the 2016 Mystery Writers of America/Helen McCloy scholarship. She's also a 2017 Pitch Wars alum and 2018-2019 mentor.
Homicide and Halo Halo
Death at a beauty pageant turns Tita Rosie's Kitchen upside down in the latest entry of this witty and humorous cozy mystery series by Mia P. Manansala.
Things are heating up for Lila Macapagal. Not in her love life, which she insists on keeping nonexistent despite the attention of two very eligible bachelors. Or her professional life, since she can't bring herself to open her new café after the unpleasantness that occurred a few months ago at her aunt's Filipino restaurant, Tita Rosie's Kitchen. No, things are heating up quite literally, since summer, her least favorite season, has just started.
To add to her feelings of sticky unease, Lila's little town of Shady Palms has resurrected the Miss Teen Shady Palms Beauty Pageant, which she won many years ago—a fact that serves as a wedge between Lila and her cousin slash rival, Bernadette. But when the head judge of the pageant is murdered and Bernadette becomes the main suspect, the two must put aside their differences and solve the case—because it looks like one of them might be next.
https://www.miapmanansala.com/
I’ve decided that for 2022, I’m sidestepping that protagonist life and embracing my inner Adeena Awan, where I get to be the sassy barista best bud with fabulous hair and a drama-free love life.
If you could channel the energy of any fictional side character, who would it be and why? Drop your comments below for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of Homicide and Halo-Halo! U.S. entries only.
HANK: YAY, Mia! And I am off to try that. And hmmmm.. one of the cards you pulled was…celebration! Your decision was to CELEBRATE! Guess that's working! Gotta love that.
And I would choose the energy of Rowen Atwood in Her Perfect Life. (What an experience to be a smart confident mischievous 7 year old, right?)
How about you, Red and Readers?
Mia P. Manansala is a writer from Chicago who loves books, baking,
 |
| Jamila Yip Photography |
She is the winner of the 2018 Hugh Holton Award, the 2018 Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award, the 2017 William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant for Unpublished Writers, and the 2016 Mystery Writers of America/Helen McCloy scholarship. She's also a 2017 Pitch Wars alum and 2018-2019 mentor.
Homicide and Halo Halo
Death at a beauty pageant turns Tita Rosie's Kitchen upside down in the latest entry of this witty and humorous cozy mystery series by Mia P. Manansala.
Things are heating up for Lila Macapagal. Not in her love life, which she insists on keeping nonexistent despite the attention of two very eligible bachelors. Or her professional life, since she can't bring herself to open her new café after the unpleasantness that occurred a few months ago at her aunt's Filipino restaurant, Tita Rosie's Kitchen. No, things are heating up quite literally, since summer, her least favorite season, has just started.
To add to her feelings of sticky unease, Lila's little town of Shady Palms has resurrected the Miss Teen Shady Palms Beauty Pageant, which she won many years ago—a fact that serves as a wedge between Lila and her cousin slash rival, Bernadette. But when the head judge of the pageant is murdered and Bernadette becomes the main suspect, the two must put aside their differences and solve the case—because it looks like one of them might be next.
https://www.miapmanansala.com/
Congratulations, Hank, Jan, Mia, and all the Agatha Award nominees . . . .
ReplyDeleteMia, I hope you enjoy the celebrating . . . could you tell us a bit about “Arsenic and Adobo?”
Ah, side characters . . . I think I’d choose Bess in the Nancy Drew stories or perhaps Doctor Watson in Sherlock Holmes . . . .
Thank you! And perfect choices!
DeleteThanks, Joan!
DeleteMy debut, Arsenic and Adobo, is a culinary cozy mystery set in a fictional town outside of Chicago. It centers around a Filipino family restaurant, and the series kicks off when my protagonist, Lila, returns to her small Midwestern town to recover from a breakup, only to have to deal with her family’s failing business, a gaggle of meddling aunties, and her vindictive ex-boyfriend-turned-food critic who has the bad taste to die in her aunt’s restaurant, leaving her the main suspect in his murder.
Louise Penny's Clara is a side character that comes to mind. Her life as a painter intrigues me, and I'm already renowned for winding up with random "stuff" in my hair--hay, leaves, thread, you name it. When that happens, I think of Clara.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! Wouldn’t that be so much fun?
DeleteI've only read a couple of her Inspector Gamache books, but that's a series I've been meaning to return to since I really enjoyed them. As a fellow creative (though I have ZERO talent for the visual arts), I'd be interested to see what her life as a painter is like.
DeleteI am so, so happy for your nominations, Mia! And for Hank's and Jan's, too. I can't wait to read book two - when will it be out?
ReplyDeleteI love the side characters. (And yes, let us all have a side character year.) Aunt Adele in my Country Store series is a badass in her seventies - tough and supportive and loyal.
Yes, that is a wonderful choice! She is brilliant. And so are you.
DeleteAnd aw, thank you. Xx
Thanks so much, Edith! Book 2 comes out February 8th, so just over a week from now.
DeleteAnd great choice!
Welcome Mia and big congrats on the nominations! I loved the first book and look forward to the second. How fun that you use a tarot card to kick off the year. That's a lot of weight for one card.
ReplyDeleteI thought immediately of Miss Gloria in my series--I don't want to be her age (yet) but I'd love to have her energy and wisdom.
You have a tremendous amount of energy and wisdom, dear Roberta!
DeleteThanks, Lucy/Roberta! Ah, to have that wisdom without having to work for it. Sounds like a great choice!
DeleteCongratulations Mia for your nomination! And Hank and Jan as well.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading the next book.
Peabody from the In Death series by J.D. Robb. Love seeing her growth and being her own in Dallas' world.
Dang, Dru, I shoulda read your quote b4 posting mine. Glad we think alike.
DeleteYou know, I have never read a JD Robb book. Dare I admit that? Should I start at the beginning?
DeleteHank, if you plan to read the In Death series, start with Naked In Death, the first book in the series.
DeleteThanks, Dru! I've had the first couple books on my Kindle for years now, but I've always been intimidated about starting since I know it's a long series. I've heard so many good things, so maybe this is the year I give them a try.
DeleteOK! If you love it, I know I will love it!
DeleteCongratulations on your nomination, Mia (Hank & Jan). I just reserved bk 1, and requsted bk 2. Looking forward to some wonderful Filipino cuisine and meeting Lila and her crew. What is a book coach? The term is new to me. Hank? Do you look for the name derivations before naming your characters? Their names are so evocative of their persona.
ReplyDeleteMy choice for a secondary character would be Delia Peabody from the In Depth series. She is intuitive, sensitive caring. She also lives in the future. So I would be there, along with the flying cars.
Well, I see a theme! I guess I better get to the bookstore !
DeleteLove Peabody
DeleteThanks so much, Coralee! It seems like I really need to start those J.D. Robb books.
DeleteA book coach is basically a mix between developmental editor, consultant, accountability buddy, cheerleader, etc. Here's a more in-depth article about it: https://www.janefriedman.com/why-do-writers-hire-book-coaches/
Congratulations, Mia. I am thrilled for your success, and best of luck with the Agatha nomination.
ReplyDeleteWho would I be - I see Joan opted for Bess in the Nancy Drew books. I would have to take George. I grew up with a brother in a neighborhood filled with boys. George definitely spoke to me!
I think Bess and George really changed all of us, don’t you think? Although it always drove me crazy that ‘Nancy referred to Bess as plump. :-)
DeleteAs a plump girl (and now older person), I never minded that at all, Hank. Truth in description!
DeleteThanks so much, Kait! Bess and George are definitely popular picks. Though if I didn't pick the BFF character in my own series, I'd go with Sally from the Encyclopedia Brown series. Loved that she was the muscle.
DeleteSo many works being noticed and nominated for awards. Congratulations to all. Would embracing the side character make them a major character, at least for the length of the book? Anyway, a side character I would like to be - I like feisty Ruth. Not too sure I would like to drink as much as she does but the fact that she seems to have had no means of income and survives is nice. She doesn't mince her words and often hits the nail on the head when while not seeming to care what others think. But she does care, you just know she does.
ReplyDeleteWouldn’t that be so much fun? Just to absolutely say what you absolutely think? I wonder…
DeleteThanks, Deanna! The problem with great side characters is that they're usually such strong personalities and fun to write that they threaten to take over the story. I know I had to pull back on the Adeena scenes in my first book because of that. But yes, to be able to say what you want and not care what others think of you, what freedom...
DeleteHow exciting, Mia! Congratulations on your Best First nom. You have plenty of excellent company around here.
ReplyDeleteLoads of fun secondary characters to choose from, but I have long admired Lady Georgie's pal Belinda. She was a driver in the war, and despite a lot of hardship she has come a long way. She has plenty of derring-do, and has had her own career. I'm always happy when she and Georgie team up for an adventure.
Hank, Hallie, Judy, Brenda, Dru, and anyone else on the East Coast: Are you all right after the storm?
DeleteThank you! We are fine… Lots of snow, lots of wind, always kind of fascinating and we didn’t lose power, so that is the best of all worlds.
DeleteMe too - we didn't lose power, and early this morning shoveled out of eighteen nice fluffy inches in the pristine quiet air. Could have been much worse.
DeleteEdith, I have seen your Facebook posts about your impressive shoveling efforts!
DeleteGlad to know you didn't lose power, Hank!
Hi Karen! Thanks so much. That's definitely a character who's lived a full life and must have some great stories.
DeleteHi Karen, we're fine, thanks. A neighbor brought over his snow blower this morning and did our driveway before Irwin even had his coffee:-0 Really nice neighborhood! Lovely neighbors!
DeleteI was thinking of Belinda, too, although her resume is a bit risqué! I also thought of Melody in Debs' series but you know, both she and Belinda do have some drama of their own!
I would love to be able to channel Jessica Fletcher- a great writer and an amazing crime solver, plus she gets to travel all over, and meets interesting people.
ReplyDeleteSounds great! But lots of dead people in her life, you know? You have to wonder how that affects her :-)
DeleteJessica Fletcher is awesome, but I agree with Hank. Too many dead bodies around her!
DeleteHmmm...well I can't obviously be him because I'd get cancelled for cultural appropriation but I sure as hell would love the energy and effortless sense of menacing cool that comes with being Hawk.
ReplyDeleteI can see that, Jay.
DeleteShoot, even I wanted to be Hawk, Jay!
DeleteHi Jay, I don't think I'm familiar with that character. What series are they from?
DeleteFrom Robert B Parker‘s Spenser for hire! And Jay would make a perfect Hawk!
DeleteI've heard great things about that series, so another one to add to my TBR.
DeleteHank, I don't know if I could pull off being Hawk. The descriptions of his workouts with Spenser at Henry Cimoli's gym are agony reading. And given how worn out I am just from shoveling snow today, I've got a long way to go before I approach that level. Plus, I'm pretty sure Hawk has a higher body count than Jessica Fletcher, we just don't know about most of them. My body count remains at 0 (or 1 if you believe in coincidence).
DeleteEdith - Thank you!
Karen in Ohio - Really, that's very cool.
Mia, Robert B. Parker's Spenser books were one of my gateway series into my love of mysteries and thrillers. And the three season TV show starring Robert Urich as Spenser and Avery Brooks as Hawk remains a beloved part of my DVD collection. Brooks was everything in live action that Hawk was on the printed page.
Congratulations, Mia! And great question.. I'd go with Chef Viv in Deb's A BITTER FEAST. Or the baking sisters or Tarot card reader in Lucy's work in progress.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hallie! A chef, bakers, and a tarot card reader...those definitely sound like characters I want to be!
DeleteCongratulations, Mia! Love the minor arcana year--I'm with you. As to minor characters--I agree that being the sassy sidekick is what I want for 2022. They're involved, have all the great lines, and usually have a fun subplot to keep them engaged.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie! Honestly, the side characters get all the fun and the MC gets all the work.
DeleteYes, so much fun to write ….and be! Remember, we are all side characters in someone’s life!
DeleteCongratulations, Mia! I loved Arsenic and Adobo, as you know, and I can't wait to read Homicide and Halo-Halo! That tweet is hilarious and - yes! - I would be happy to be a side character this year. But which one? Hmmm....
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jenn!
DeleteLove you, Jenn!
DeleteSo I just read a description of Halo-halo, and despite the fact it's 16F and snowy here, I am literally salivating. I may have to wait to read this until March, when I'll be in NYC and can get Filipino food to accompany the mystery!
ReplyDeleteAs for side characters, I think I'd like to be Miss Climson in the Peter Wimsey novels. Warmly and sensibly dressed, a high-church Anglican, smart and a bit nosy. I could use the upgrade in my typing skills as well.
Thanks, Julia! I love when my books introduce readers to new-to-them foods.
DeleteI've had Gaudy Night on my TBR for a while, but people say you should read the books in order. Do you agree?
I'd say you should at least start with Strong Poison, which introduces Harriet Vane, and read on from there for the character and relationship arc.
DeleteOh, that’s a good idea! And Julia, I can completely see that!
DeleteThanks, Deborah! I'm usually a start from the beginning of the series person, but that particular book has been calling to me. I'll make sure to start from Strong Poison.
DeleteCongratulations on your nomination, Mia. For a side character I would go with Aunt Kiki in Duffy Brown's Consignment Shop series. She is a real character and adds a lot to the story.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The aunt side characters seem quite popular in mystery, and with good reason.
DeleteOh, brilliant!
DeleteCongratulations on your nomination, Mia! And I love your Tarot card for the year. We all want to be minor characters about now! For my fictional secondary character, Hallie beat me to my first choice, chef Viv from A Bitter Feast. All my continuing secondary characters seems to be having drama in the book in progress, so they don't get a pick!
ReplyDeleteCannot wait to read it, Debs!
DeleteI can't wait to read the next book, Debs. You do give your secondary characters quite a bit of drama, so I don't think I'd want to live their lives, but I do admire them totally!!
DeleteThanks so much, Deborah! I've been thinking of ways to seed in more drama for my side characters for future plot lines, so now I'm worried about them. I love their fun, fuss-free lives!
DeleteAnd welcome again, Mia! You are such a perfect guest…
ReplyDeleteAnd I continue to be amazed that you drew the celebration card. whoa.
Thanks so much for the opportunity, Hank! I love the Jungle Reds, though I'm more of a lurker than commentor. And yes, when I pulled that card, the illustration was so joyful that I smiled. Considering the recent nominations (which have been ASTOUNDING and so exciting), I guess it's the right card after all! Even if I don't win, the nominations mean everything to me.
DeleteSO agree! xoxoo And we love having you here!
DeleteCongratulations Mia! Your first book is delightful and I look forward to book #2! I read the post before I went out to shovel the snow and snow-shoe a path into the yard for our elderly dog so I'm just getting back to it now. I've spent the morning thinking about side characters, especially the ones you come to love in on-going series. There are so many terrific ones that come to mind! Iona Whishaw's Lane Winslow series is chock full of fabulous characters you meet again and again in every book. I've mentioned above that I agree with Karen about Belinda in Rhys's Her Royal Spyness series. Also, I love Melody (Doug, too) in Deborah Crombie's series. Both Sophie and Lexi in Jenn McKinlay's Wait for It are so completely fleshed out and real for a stand-alone book. Each one is very accomplished and professional. I could keep going but will stop here. Adeena is a terrific character. Congrats again, Mia!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Judy! I'm the kind of person who tends to latch onto the secondary characters rather than the main, which is why I'm glad I was able to cheat and name one of my own characters. If I had to name one from a different series, that list could go on forever!
DeleteSuch good choices, Judy! And you were SHOW-SHOEING? I am so impressed!
DeleteCongratulations, Mia and Hank, on your Agatha nominations. It must be thrilling to see your work acknowledged in such a wonderful way. I wish you both the best of luck. Hank, I'm sure the excitement is always there, no matter how many nominations and wins you've had. Mia, I have seen your first book everywhere, on so many favorite reads lists.
ReplyDeleteThe first secondary character that came to mind was Lucy's Miss Gloria. But, like Lucy, I'd like the energy without Miss Gloria's advanced age.
Thanks so much, Kathy!
DeleteIt's fiction! We cab do whatever we want! xx
DeleteHi Mia, nice to see you here! Congrats to you and all the nominees! Besides the secondary characters already mentioned, two others came to mind: The painter Agatha Troy in Ngaio Marsh books about Inspector Roderick Alleyn, and I like the somewhat kooky Ruby Wilcox in the China Bayles series by Susan Wittig Albert!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh..I love Agatha Troy! Good one!
DeleteI think I'll go with Lois from Amanda Flower's Amish Matchmaking series. She is a real character. Congratulations on your nomination and second book.
ReplyDeleteI will have to look this up! Thank you!
DeleteCongratulations all on your award nominations! That's exciting.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite side character has to be Bunter, Peter Wimsey's right hand. In our house, he isn't just a character, he's a full blown concept. "Where's Bunter when you need him" is a common refrain when the coffee isn't made. Unfortunately, he seems to be happily retired. As a character, I think he is about the best friend a somewhat precious though conscientious nobleman with PTSD could have.
BUNTER! Perfection.
DeleteAND THE WINNER of Homicide and Halo Halo is BETH! Email me at hryan@whdh.com! YAAY!
ReplyDelete