Laurie Buchanan

Laurie Buchanan: I write the Sean McPherson novels—fast-paced thrillers set in the Pacific Northwest that feature a trifecta of malice and the pursuit and cost of justice. As a photographer and avid reader, I carry a laptop, book, and a camera with me wherever I go. Growing up, I wanted to be a magician, international spy, and mad scientist. There’s still time! I live in the Pacific Northwest with my pilot-husband, Len, where I enjoy yoga, bicycling, and camping. I love to travel and take walks—long walks! I walked across Scotland, a 211-mile journey from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. At the mid-point, I climbed Ben Nevis, the highest point in the British Isles. My Achilles’ heel? Red licorice. I adore it!

Twitter: @TuesWithLaurie

Instagram: @LaurieBuchanan.Author

What's the oddest thing a reader has ever asked you?

The oddest thing that a reader has ever asked me is, "Do you read books, or just write them?" That question took me by surprise because part of an author's job description is to read, Read, READ!

Favorite non-reading activity?

I love to walk. I take three two-mile walks each day. Fun fact—I followed the Caledonian Canal and walked 211 miles across Scotland.

Is your go-to comfort food sweet or savory? Is it something you make yourself? Does food inspire your writing?

My go-to comfort food is savory—vegetable fried rice that I make myself. And yes, my writing (set at a writing retreat in the Pacific Northwest) features lots of delicious meals with wine pairings. On a side note, if I'm going to have something sweet, you can bet your bottom dollar that it's going to be red licorice!

Not all books are for all readers… when you start a book, and you just don't like it, how long do you read until you bail?

I use to finish every book that I started but soon realized that life is too short to read books I don't enjoy. I will give any book I pick up a solid three chapters before I give up. It doesn't often happen because I read book reviews. They help me know if the book's for me (or not). 

Is there another profession you would like to try?

Growing up, I wanted to be a magician, an international spy, and a mad scientist. Instead, I became an author. Now I can be all those things and more!