From the Booking Desk:

I was first introduced to Carla Coupe by Dana Cameron during a Malice Domestic convention in Bethesda, Maryland. It wasn’t long before we were all laughing as though we had known each other for years. Very quickly I learned about all the wonderful work Carla had done – and continues to do – via Wildside Press. The books they produce are invaluable to the crime fiction community. And she’s quite the talented short story writer to boot! Let’s see what else we can learn about Carla.

Name:Carla Coupe
Location: near New Market, Maryland

This person from my personal life is such an inspiration:

When I was in college, I had the good fortune to meet and become friends with Cynthia Behrman, one of my history professors. I already loved the subject, but she helped broaden my definition of the field to include cultural history and history from a woman’s perspective—which were just beginning to gain a grudging acceptance as ‘real’ history from (overwhelmingly male) academia. Intense and iconoclastic, curious and kind, she encouraged me to follow my passion for the personal narrative in an historical setting, which led, ultimately, to my joy in writing historical (as well as contemporary) mysteries.

One of the people I admire most in the crime fiction community is:

I admire many, many authors and can’t possibly choose one, so I’m going to take a slightly oblique view. Without independent booksellers, without their care and interest and recommendations, we would have fewer places for signings, and fewer places to recommend and support us. One of the mystery community’s most ardent supporters is Kathy Harig of Mystery Loves Company in Oxford, Maryland. An MWA Raven Award winner, Kathy hosts signings and teas at her Oxford store, and regularly travels far and wide to sell books at writers’ meetings, conferences, and other events. She is a writer’s greatest friend, and without her (and those like her), writers would find a difficult job almost impossible.

STALKER ALERT! If this fictional character were real, they would likely need to get a restraining order against me:

Dr. John Watson, hands down. As much as I love the character of Sherlock Holmes, I honestly wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time with him outside of his cases. He’s fascinating, but not the sort of person one could spend a comfortable evening with, sharing a whisky-and-soda (or two), just hanging out and getting to know each other. John Watson, on the other hand, is kind and patient with both Holmes and his clients without being a complete doormat. He’s competent and fearless, and despite Holmes’s protestations about Watson’s narrative style and story choices, Watson portrays his (occasionally frustrating) friend in a positive light, even playing down his own contributions to keep the spotlight on Holmes. In fact, he’s far kinder to and more patient with Holmes than I would be! I admire his quiet gallantry and deep concern for many of Holmes’s clients. And yet he’s not one-dimensional, a bland ‘nice guy,’ for he has a refreshingly snarky side, as well, which adds spice to his character.

All-in-all, you can’t do better than consult Sherlock Holmes about a problem or mystery in your life, but outside those events, give me stalwart, good-hearted, thoughtful, and occasionally tart-tongued Dr. John H. Watson any day!

People are always surprised that I am a fan of this individual (singer, actor, or artist):

This was a really tough question! For those who know I was a belly dancer for (mumblemumble) years, it’s probably not a surprise that I adore Shakira’s music. I love her vibrant lyrics, the way she melds Middle Eastern and Latin rhythms, and her amazing voice. I look forward to every album (er, CD … er, download … er, whatever) and hope she continues to make wonderful music for many years to come.

My personal catch phase is (or should be):

“Remember: half the population is below average.” Too cynical? Okay, let’s try this: “measure twice, cut once”. Applicable to so much of life!