The Bookshelf: Author Spotlight: Jodi McDaniel Lowery

Published 11:00 am Saturday, February 17, 2024

We have housed Jodi McDaniel Lowery’s books at the Chatsworth-Murray County Public Library for years. She graciously donates a copy (or two) for our collection with each subsequent publication. Sometimes we need two copies as her works are very popular in this area. She is of course from Chatsworth, and is known for her books that explore criminal cases that took place in and around Northwest Georgia.

Enjoy the Q&A I conducted with Lowery who expounded on her works and life.

Prompt: Tell us about your writing process and the way you brainstorm story ideas.

Lowery: My writing process involves lots of research. Since my books are nonfiction, I deal with as many primary sources as I can (trial transcripts, newspaper articles, case files, interviews, etc.). My favorite place to write is either my office or my camper at the lake. At each location, there will be papers spread out around me, notebook paper and #2 lead pencils. When I am working on a book, a typical workday consists of 3-4 hours of research and writing. It usually takes me about nine months to write a true crime work. That is because of interviews, one bit of information leading to something else. I want to have as much of a complete picture as I can in order to say a book is finished. I want the reader to know everything that I know.

Question: What is your inspiration for writing?

Lowery: My inspiration for writing is sharing unusual crime stories that I have come across that occurred in my area. There have been many ideas that have not made it into book form out of respect for the victims who wish not to have a story told. They are still filed away and I gain personal knowledge by reading the case files that I have.

Q: Do you believe in writer’s block?

Lowery: I don’t necessarily have writer’s block. I have what I call “cleansing” time. Doing the kind of research that I do, I see photos of the crimes themselves. I don’t include these photos in my books because I don’t want others to experience that image or hear the story that I heard. However, I must find the words to describe those images so the readers understand what happened. That means looking at them more than once. Sometimes, I walk away and read a fluff novel or do something else to “cleanse” my thoughts.

Q: How did you celebrate the publishing of your first book?

Lowery: When my first order of books for “Eula” came in the mail, I took the first copy to my father, Carlton McDaniel. That was my tradition with every book that came out till his death in 2019. I spent several years researching for “Eula” because I was still teaching at the time and it was a labor of love. He helped me choose the price of my book and the cover art. My mother helped me read over some of Eula’s story, but she passed away before the book became a reality.

Q: What other authors are you friends with and how do they help you become a better writer?

Lowery:

I am friends with several authors of different genres. I think the best thing we do is encourage each other. Sometimes, the biggest thing is stepping outside our comfort zones, whether it means sharing an idea or letting someone else read your work. My former high school English teacher, Judy Alred, reads and edits my books. I eventually had the privilege of teaching alongside her. The first time I took her my manuscript the only thing I asked her was to not use a red pen. I never used that color when I graded papers. I feared my paper could look like a crime scene itself.

Q: If you were given the opportunity to form a book club with your favorite authors of all time, which legends or contemporary writers would you want to become a part of the club?

Lowery: When I think about the authors I would like to meet, I think of the ones who have interviewed hardcore criminals or those writers that have inspired me. A few would be: Ann Rule (she worked with Ted Bundy); Vincent Bugliosi (he tried Charles Manson); and most of all, Pat Summitt, she was such an encourager to every female athlete that was part of her program, and her legacy is huge.

Q: How do you think the concepts such as Kindle and ebooks have changed the present or future of reading?

Lowery: I think the Kindle and ebooks are great to an extent. I have a book with me everywhere I go. I have books downloaded on my phone and tablet, and physical books in my home office. I like genres of all types but lean towards crime, both fictional and nonfiction. I think anytime we can get a book into someone’s hands, in any form, that is the perfect compliment to an author.

Q: What marketing strategies do you find most helpful?

Lowery: I use a variety of marketing strategies. I use word of mouth, social media, book signings, workshops, whatever sparks an interest. I am still learning to use social media; it is a struggle for me with so many platforms.

Q: Can you tell us about your current projects?

Lowery: I just began researching a crime that happened in 1963. It involves a lovers’ lane scenario and a flawed justice system. I don’t want to go into too much detail yet. I also recorded a podcast the other night called “One Last Question” that will begin airing this month. The hosts are former FBI agent Marc Veasey and attorney Aleks Litts. We discussed my current book “Murder, Mayhem and Whitecapping.” We are already making plans for a second appearance in season two. “Mazi Jo The Therapy Dog” came out in December and is my first journey into children’s books. It is coauthored by Treasa West and illustrated by Susan Ingle Daniel. We (Mazi Jo included!) will hold a book signing at the Chatsworth-Murray County Public Library on March 16 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Q: Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?

Lowery: Never give up on your dream of writing. Everyone has some kind of story to tell.

• Lowery just launched a vibrant new website jodimcdaniellowery.com. You can purchase her collected works, ask her a question, read her blog and more. Her books can also be found locally at Pat’s Antiques.

And of course, all of her books can be checked out with your PINES library card.

Brian Latour is the branch manager of the Chatsworth-Murray County Public Library.