Geri Krotow is…On the Writing Block!

Sherry Ickes
Jun 17
3 min read

June is the start to summer, and that means…vacation reads! So, what better read than the one written by this author, Geri Krotow!

Geri Krotow is the award winning, bestselling author of over 40 novels spanning several genres including suspense and mystery. A US Naval Academy graduate and former Naval Intelligence Officer, she informs her fiction with her worldwide travels and military experiences. Geri's newest suspense series, Cascade Confidential, debuts in September 2025 with book one of five, Agent Under Wraps, from Harlequin Romantic Suspense. Connect with Geri at www.gerikrotow.com, on Instagram and Facebook.

Do you have a writing schedule, or do you write whenever you can squeeze it in?

I definitely have times of day where my flow is stronger. Meaning, I can sit down and achieve my word count for the day. More than a strict schedule, I go by my deadlines, whether they’re self-imposed (when I’m writing a book on spec, for example, and haven’t sold it yet) or for my publisher (for a book I’m under contract for). When I know I have a book due in six months, I divide the word count/pages of the book by the number of days I’m available to write (usually M-F and then weekends as the deadline approaches). I do my best to reach if not surpass my daily targets, because I’m not a fan of deadline stress. It’s challenging enough to sit at the computer for the several days in a row it requires before a book gets turned in. I try to avoid adding the extra stress of being behind on my words!

Any advice for other authors?

Yes—Never, never, never give up. Keep going. Whether you’re writing your very first book or your 100th, keep going. Believe in the power of story and treasure the gift you’ve been given. Not everyone can put onto paper the conversations they hear in their mind! 😊

How much is based on real life versus made up?

My books are all works of fiction and 100% made up, including my characters. I do not base my fictional characters on anyone I’ve ever met. That said, I inform my characters and plotlines with my experience. Sometimes that’s real-world experience. For example, if I’m writing about military operations, or knitting, or dogs, or parrots, I draw from my experience doing these activities, or working with my doggies and birdie (we’ve had our parrot Ripley since he was a chick—he’s 37 now). Readers can see my military background coming to light in my Silver Valley, PD suspense series, and my love of animals in my Shop ‘Round the World cozy mystery series. My upcoming suspense series, Cascade Confidential, draws its setting from when our family lived in the Pacific Northwest, and I use my military expertise to make the characters who are veterans stand out.

Who is your favorite mystery sleuth? (Books, TV, amateur and professional alike)

I’ve really enjoyed “Elsbeth” on CBS. Carrie Preston is such a good actor, and while the plots may seem simple, figuring out the killers’ motives is always more of a challenge. I like how the writers/creators have built a world within New York City that is vibrant and appealing. Plus, I love all of Elsbeth’s quirky outfits!

What is A Mid-Summer’s Murder about?

This small Pennsylvania town once again becomes a hotbed of secrets.

Only Angel Warren, a retired Navy Pilot and owner of Shop ‘Round the World, can turn a summer day at the river into a murder investigation. But when her brother Bryce’s unicorn float snags on a corpse’s hand, suddenly Angel and Bryce are suspects. It doesn’t help that Angel knows the victim and was one of the last people to see Hank Price alive, or that Angel witnessed a disturbing argument between Hank and his wife. Plus, she and Bryce may have heard the shot that killed Hank.

Once more, Angel inserts herself into the middle of the investigation, this time with her best friend Detective Trinity Colson’s tacit approval. Who could have wanted Hank dead? Angel soon discovers Hank had a secret life that included sketchy business dealings and a gambling addiction.

The question isn’t how Angel will juggle her sleuthing alongside managing her gift store during the height of tourist season, family drama, and a burgeoning romance. It’s how will Angel solve the crime without stumbling into the killer’s sights?