From The Booking Desk:
How do I even put into words what Oline Cogdill means to me? Not only do I highly respect her reviewing abilities and output, but she’s also a caring, supportive, and wonderfully entertaining individual – not to mention hella smart! I was first introduced to her by Lauren Henderson at the Albany Bouchercon, but of course, I had been admiring her from afar for years. Thankfully, Lauren didn’t tell me who she was inviting to join us for dinner, otherwise, I would have been much more nervous. That said, Oline has absolutely not one pretenious bone in her body, so needless to say the dinner that followed was one of wonderful conversation, witty repartee, and endless frivolity. You are are going to love her answers to our Composite Sketch questions.
Name: Oline H. Cogdill
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
This person from my personal life is such an inspiration:
My parents because they instilled in me so many of the values I have now. My father’s father was a sharecropper and my dad had to quit school in fifth grade to help support the family. So I come from humble background. My mother finished high school and had a wonderful collection of mysteries from the ‘30s and ‘40s and those are the ones I first latched on to and became a fan. Blame mom. It was never an idea that I might go to college, it was always that I would go to college.
In high school, I also had a wonderful teacher, Theresa Harbin, who taught me how to read. By that, I mean she taught me how to see what names meant, that plots were not just about a story but about issues, deeper meanings and how stories keep us grounded. I am still in touch with her.
One of the people I admire most in the crime fiction community is:
For an author, Michael Connelly who despite his success is still one of the nicest guys and does a lot for others; things that no one knows about.
For a non author, Margery Flax who is the Administrative Director at Mystery Writers of America. Her organization skills show each year at the Edgars as does her love of the genre and sincere appreciation of authors.
STALKER ALERT! If this fictional character were real, they would likely need to get a restraining order against me:
Laura Lippman’s Tess Monaghan, she’s funny, cranky, independent and cynical. All things I can get behind.
People are always surprised that I am a fan of this individual (singer, actor, or artist):
Ardent viewer of The Real Housewives of (Orange County, Beverly Hills, New York). I refuse to apologize, try to justify it, or explain. Also Project Runway.
My personal catch phase is (or should be):
Right? I know! I tend to say this a lot. Also, a few well-placed curse words.
Another great Composite Sketch!
Thanks Sherry. It’s fascinating how much we can learn about someone with only a few questions.
I enjoy this Composite Sketch series! Thanks, Kristopher
Thanks George. I still want you to participate!
Love this one.
Thanks Dru.
So fortunate to know Oline for years and get the benefit of all her insight!
Wonderful interview–and yes to Housewives! 🙂