From The Booking Desk:
Gigi Pandian is another of those bright, shining faces that lights up every conference she attends. Her positive attitude and generous nature echo her desire to help others in our tribe with every chance she gets. Her two on-going series can always be counted on to ignite the travel-bug in even the most dedicated armchair detective. I am thrilled that she made a layover here at BOLO Books to answer our weekly questions. Her infectious zeal for life will help to start your weekend right.
Name: Gigi Pandian
Location: California
This person from my personal life is such an inspiration:
My parents. I grew up in a house full of books and was encouraged to read everything (I gravitated toward mysteries, ignoring the science fiction books). Beyond the books that lined the built-in bookshelves across the house, another form of creative inspiration my professor parents fostered was travel. They took me with them on their research trips starting when I was a young child. Traveling to Scotland and India at a young age exposed me to the world, and shaped the books I write. And as of this year, they’ve been together for 50 years, since 1968!
One of the people I admire most in the crime fiction community is:
Since there are so many to choose from, I’ll name the first person I met in the mystery community, because she’s continued to be an inspiration: Harriette Sackler, who serves on the board of Malice Domestic and writes short fiction.
Harriette was the person who called me 11 years ago to let me know I’d won a Malice Domestic Grant for my unpublished work in progress. I was nervous about attending Malice Domestic later that spring, because I didn’t know a soul in the mystery community. But Harriette welcomed me with open arms, answered all of my silly questions, and introduced me to the wonderful community that I’ve been honored to join.
STALKER ALERT! If this fictional character were real, they would likely need to get a restraining order against me:
Vicky Bliss, the intrepid historian penned by Elizabeth Peters. I discovered Vicky in high school, and have been obsessed with her ever since. I wanted Vicky to be my BFF. Once I realized that wasn’t possible, my Plan B was to write a character inspired by Vicky, which is where Jaya Jones came from.
People are always surprised that I am a fan of this individual (singer, actor, or artist):
I adore British pop-singer Robbie Williams. Whenever I need to lift my spirits through music, a Robbie Williams mix hits the spot (Angels, Feel, Millennium, Let Me Entertain You, Rock DJ, etc.).
My personal catch phrase is (or should be):
I’ve got two: “Seize the day” and “Life’s too short to read bad books.”
Neither was my catch phrase until six years ago. But after a cancer diagnosis at 36, my priorities came into focus. I stopped worrying about things that don’t matter or that are beyond my control, and I won’t spend time finishing books that aren’t my cup of tea.
Gigi, you are an inspiration. I’m so honored that I was able to make that first telephone call to you and play a small part in your writing career. I’m so proud of you!
Thanks, Harriette!
I still finish books I’m not enjoying. However, I don’t go back and read the author again.
Such fun to see you here, Gigi.
Mark, I think that’s a perfect compromise. I do get curious sometimes if I give up on a book… but sometimes I just can’t do it!
Gigi is amazing! Love this!
Gigi, this is wonderful! Though we may have to share Vicki Bliss – she’s one of my favorites!
Thanks so much for inviting me to do a Composite Sketch today!
You do light up a room, Gigi. I’m always happy to see your smiling face.