Hey there, folks! Kendra Cassidy here, back in the interviewer’s chair, and I’m thrilled to welcome back a returning guest—Jessica Thompson! That’s right, she’s back, and you know what that means… more books, more mystery, and undoubtedly, more delicious recipes woven into crime-solving brilliance.
Jessica made a name for herself with her Caterer’s Guide to Crime series, where food and murder go together like, well, a perfectly seasoned dish with a killer twist. Since we last spoke, she’s been busy adding more stories to her growing library, and I, for one, can’t wait to hear what new deliciously devious plots she’s cooked up this time. Whether you’re here for her culinary cozy mysteries, her short story collections, or just her sharp wit, you’re in for a treat.
We’ll chat about her latest projects, what’s next on the menu, and maybe even settle some hard-hitting debates—like whether Han shot first (spoiler: he did) and just how overrated Firefly really is. If you missed our last chat, don’t worry; you’ll catch up fast. And if you’re already a fan, well, buckle in—because Jessica always has something new and intriguing up her sleeve.
Be sure to check out her website at Jessicathompsonauthor.com, follow her on Instagram at @jessicathauthor2, and give her a like on Facebook at Jessica Thompson Author.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff!
Star Trek or Star Wars?
I like both, but Star Wars! My husband and I have deep conversations about Star Wars lore. And I'm not a fan of the old Star Trek episodes from the 60s.
Firefly – gone too soon or overrated?
I was in until (no spoilers) a certain someone died at the end of the movie. That character was my favorite. Now I'm out.
A book that pleasantly surprised you?
I was not ready for “I, Robot” by Isaac Asimov to be so good, or Robert Heinlein books like ”The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.” Those have no business being so insightful and mind-opening.
- When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I always liked and was told I was good at writing and storytelling, but it seemed too competitive. I realized that it was something I could do when I found the subgenre of culinary cozy mysteries. It helped that the first one I read was terrible, so the bar was low!
- Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Because I start with the “how” of the mystery, I get ideas for books from the theories I think of while reading/watching other mysteries, true crime, and even medical cases while learning about plants and poisons. Then I fill in around that and make the love interest some version of my husband 💗
- What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Cook! I'm one of those people with too many hobbies, but I'm trying to pare down to just writing, cooking, and necessary stuff, like working on the car and helping at my parents' ranch. After I finish this interview I'm off to bake a lemon meringue pie with a gingersnap crust.
- Is there a trope you find yourself going back to in multiple works? Or one you avoid?
Mysteries forever! Even when I write a short story for a friend’s fantasy anthology or a campfire story collection, it still ends up as a mystery. Or it at least has a mystery subplot. It's gotta have an interesting plot and apparently my brain equates that with mystery.
- What does your family think of your writing?
My husband and kids are super supportive and treat it like a slowly building profession. My parents are also supportive, but everyone else treats it like a hobby or finds little openings to poke fun. That's okay, they're just jealous.
- What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
I relearned a lot of marketing lessons from my college marketing courses (I got a minor in Business Management. I called it my Minagement.) I don't think I expected to have to do some much marketing while having a publisher.
- How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I now have 4 full-length novels out, have created 2 anthologies, and have short stories in 12 collections with 2 more on the way. On May 1st I'll put out my collected cozy mystery shorts. It's my first anthology that's all mine!
- What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
My best writer friends are J.R. Lancaster and Heidi O’Barr. Both are endlessly supportive and motivating. I also love being imbedded in the Messy Manuscript Society and the Storymakers Authors’ Guild. These groups are how I'm growing and learning more about the craft and business of writing. These groups are so wonderful that I can't imagine doing this crazy career without them.
- Who shot first, Han or Greedo?
It's so obvious that Han shot first that I can't believe it's even a debate. He had to start as a scoundrel for his later triumphal return and character arc to mean anything. I don't care how much the later movies chickened out.
- Are you traditionally or self published? Or both? Do you feel there are advantages to one over the other?
I call myself a hybrid author because I am now self-publishing but started my career with a publisher. Those early books are now republished by yours truly, so does that count as hybrid?
Anyway, there are definitely advantages to both. Indie publishing is like driving a small, responsive sports car. You have full and immediate control, but you don't have the safety of the tank that is a big publisher.
- What do you have coming next?
Right now I'm pushing my culinary cozy mystery, A Caterer's Guide to Valentines and Violence, especially the audiobook that didn't come out until after Valentine's Day last year.
I'm also about to put out my collected short stories in A Caterer's Guide to Crime. That will wrap up the series and put it all in one place, instead of having it scattered across lots of anthologies.
Excerpt from "A Caterers Guide to Valentines and Violence" -
“Hey, gorgeous!” Josh called as the door closed behind him.
“Hey, handsome!” Violet said, raking her highlighted, chocolate-brown hair under a Cupid’s arrow headband. No matter how many times he told her, and no matter how platonic she knew it was, it always brightened her day. He knew it, and that’s why he always did it. She again adjusted her headband which made it look like she’d been shot through the head with a heart-tipped arrow. Violet grinned. “You’re late. And did you remember your receipts?”
“Only ten minutes—I’m getting better! I think you’re a good influence on me,” he said as he took off a black baseball cap, uncovering short ash-blond curls, and tossed down a wad of tangled strips of paper. “Thanks for always keeping track. You’re the best. You know the IRS would be all over us if it were left to me.” He called to Taylor as she joined them in the commercial kitchen from the long, curved hallway beyond, “Hey, rockstar!” His ever-so-slight Scottish accent appeared only in his inflection.
“She’s the only one keeping the health department at bay too,” Taylor said, giving Violet a grateful smile.
Josh squeezed Violet’s shoulder and laughed at Taylor. “Nice headband. I thought you were serious when you said you would wear those devil horns from last Halloween.”
Taylor gave him a sarcastic smile from under her headband which featured little hearts on springs that bobbled when she moved. They had all agreed to wear their solid black catering outfits, but with the addition of some fun accessories to match tonight’s themed dinner. Violet knew that the Dining Out dinner was a formal event for the Army, but she thought the unit would appreciate their small effort to match the Valentine’s Day motif. “Yeah, I wanted to, but I wouldn’t do that to Violet or our new business. And where is your outfit’s Valentine’s twist?”
Both girls hovered while Josh bent to his bag. He spun around with his hands at his throat. “Ta-da!”
“Is that a clip-on?” Taylor said, laughing.
“Nice, right?” Josh said, leaning back on his heels to display his addition of a pre-tied necktie covered in tiny red hearts.
Violet grinned. “I think it’s perfect. Thanks, y’all.” She got back to chopping onions and spied Taylor rolling her eyes at Josh and sighing.
The tingle of onions in the air threatened to make Violet tear up as Josh looked between Taylor and Violet. He said, “Anyway … are you two okay?”
“What do you mean?” Violet said, looking at Taylor in time to catch a stink-eye that she was shooting at Josh. Her bright blue eyes glared in sharp contrast to her dark skin and natural twist out, making her icy stare look extra chilling. Violet’s eyes narrowed in response. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Taylor said, a little too quickly. “He means you. Is today a good day or a bad day? Need me to grab some Dove chocolates for you from the big bowl out there?”
Violet sighed. “Always, but … I’m feeling … medium. Knowing that I have to see Derek tonight is not helping. It’s so strange. When he was deployed, all I could think about was seeing him again and wondering if his battalion would be back before Valentine’s Day. And now, with all that’s happened, I don’t know … I don’t know how to feel when I see him. And he keeps calling me, but … I don’t know.”
Taylor lunged and snatched Violet’s hand, raising it to show Josh. “Oh no. Look!”
“Uh-oh,” Josh said, frowning and letting his shoulders slump. “She’s relapsed.”
“I can’t believe you’re wearing it again,” Taylor exclaimed and turned towards the cooler bag Josh had brought. “Fine. Do whatever you want. I’m starving.”
Violet looked down at the big engagement ring, the object of their ridicule. It had been such a source of comfort to her the whole year and a half that her new fiancé had been deployed—it was hard to let it go. Her mouth opened and closed a few times, but she didn’t have any defense that her two closest friends hadn’t heard before.
“When your fiancé cheats on you, you’re supposed to dump him. Hard,” Taylor scolded and pinned up one side of her natural curls, then the other, revealing the undercut she hid beneath. She wrapped her apron around her waist twice. “You’re supposed to scream, throw things, and never speak to him again. You are supposed to throw that giant rock in his face, or at least pawn it and spend the money on our new catering business. If all you do is take a step back, then …”
As Taylor trailed off, Violet couldn’t help but admire the diamond’s sparkle under the bright lights. Despite Violet’s insistence on something modest, her fiancé had wanted to give her a ring she could show off. The industrial lights illuminated every facet and mirrored them back in fractured prisms on the walls. The Pearl Stable did have great lighting, and it had even been in the running for Violet’s reception—before her wedding planning had ground to a halt.
The Stable was nestled in the heart of the trendy part of San Antonio that had once been the sprawling Pearl Brewery. Back then it was the home of the draft horses but was now an elegant event venue. Each day, when Violet left her culinary school classes to walk home, she traced her path around the oval building. She admired its antique Texas limestone, curved walls, and intricately carved details. Every day it gave her something pleasant to daydream about on the way home. Or at least it used to.