Interview with Cyndy
about "Crime & Clutter"

Added July 1, 2007

In the Library Reviews welcomes Cyndy Salzmann!

Joyce: Crime & Clutter offers readers a meaningful mystery based on relationship issues. How did the idea for a Friday Afternoon Club originate?

Cyndy: The inspiration for the Friday Afternoon Club came from my own group of friends that has been getting together on Friday afternoons for more than 15 years. We even call ourselves the Friday Afternoon Club (FAC for short).

I came up with the idea for the mystery series when our group was taking one of our "road trips." We spent ten hours on a train going to Chicago and laughed the entire time. On the trip home, I thought the trip would be a great premise for a mystery. We ended up plotting a story with the help of several passengers and the conductor, who happened to be a part-time mortician. Although the trip inspired the series, that particular story hasn't been written-yet.

Joyce: Do you feel women need to spend more time developing friendships?

Cyndy: Definitely! We are so much more relational than men. Sometimes we just need to "talk a subject to death" - as my husband says. This type of friendship doesn't just happen. You need to be willing to invest in building relationships. But trust me - the return on this investment is more than worth it. I count the friendship of these women as one of the most precious blessings in my life.

Joyce: I understand you're the founder of a home management ministry and often speak on the topic of "clutter control" Do you see a connection between emotional issues and clutter?

Cyndy: Absolutely! But the reasons people allow things to pile up are often very different. Some people are too sentimental to toss anything. Others are afraid they might need it. Then there are others who are just too busy to manage their lives - much less their homes. I really believe the first step to uncluttering your home is to first unclutter your heart. Figure out why you are hanging on to stuff - then address that issue first.

Joyce: How did you develop the characters in this novel? Are they composites of people you know or do each of the women represent a personality profile you wished to highlight?

Cyndy: My characters start out as a composite or basic type - but once I start writing, they come alive with their own quirks, speech patterns, etc. It's such fun to see this happen - and I often have trouble remembering they aren't real.

In an interview recently, I was asked what the FAC girls would give each other for Christmas. I had no trouble at all answering - which was a little scary once I thought about it. : )

In case you're wondering... Mary Alice's gift will be handmade - and gorgeous. Jess will give everyone an assortment of pesto made from the herbs in her garden. Lucy will choose a beautiful candle or ornament for each member. Practical Kelly will give gift cards to Starbucks. Marina will sign the group up for a lesson in self-defense. And poor Lizzie will fret for weeks and end up stopping by the grocery store on the way to the party and picking up a Poinsettia for everyone.

Joyce: I love the recipes! And the best part is they all seem easy to do.

Cyndy: I've always said that I like to be domestic as long as it isn't hard. : )

Joyce: Why do you think there is such a strong relationship between food and friendship?

Cyndy: Food is meant to be shared - and who better to enjoy it with than someone you care about.

Joyce: In the novel, Mary Alice had to confront the past before moving ahead with her future. This is difficult for many people. Do you have advice for any reader who may be in a situation that is similar to Mary Alice?

Cyndy: In my own FAC group, we've gone through career changes, divorces, the deaths of parents and spouses, illnesses, marriages-just about every major life change you can imagine. I've found that it's much easier walking forward when you know a friend's got your back.

Joyce: I enjoyed the feeling of camaraderie between the women in this novel. What characteristics make a good friend?

Cyndy: Good friends love us even when we show up without lipstick and with hairy legs. They'll also take the secret of our peeling wallpaper and dust bunnies to their graves.

Joyce: I mentioned in my review of your book that the friendships of these women are to be envied and emulated. How can women start to establish friendships like the ladies in the Friday Afternoon Club?

Cyndy: Take the plunge and invite a few women to your home for an informal get-together. To help, I've included some advice for starting your own FAC on my website http://www.fridayafternoonclub.com/Start_your_own_FAC.html I realize this isn't easy for everyone - but if you are willing to be vulnerable and invest in building relationships, the return is life-changing.

Joyce: What will the next book in the series be about? Which one of these gals will you focus on?

Cyndy: The working title is The Killer Karpool - and believe it or not - it has an Amish element to the plot. The focus this time will be on Marina and Jess. I really LOVE this story!

Joyce: Cyndy, your book is terrific and I'm looking forward to the next one. Thanks for answering some questions for your readers.

Cyndy: Thanks so much, Joyce! This has been a fun interview!

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