by Julie, welcoming fall in Somerville
Today we’re welcoming Emily Karmazin to the blog! I love the dynamics of older women, and can’t wait to read this book!
Friendship and Mystery: Writing About Middle-Aged Women and the Bonds That Bind
As we age, our friendships evolve and deepen in ways we might not have anticipated in our younger years. For women in particular, the bonds forged through shared experiences, laughter, and support become even more vital as we navigate the complexities of middle age and beyond. It’s no wonder that stories centered around middle-aged female friendships and the mysteries they unravel have captured the hearts of readers and writers alike.
When I sat down to write the first book in the series, The Case of the Filthy Beast, I knew I wanted to feature middle-aged women as the protagonists. Why? Because I am one and we offer a unique view of like It allowed me to delve into the complexities of relationships that have weathered the storms of life, showcasing the unwavering loyalty, unspoken understanding, and shared history that bind Lexi and Zelda together. Amid a puzzling mystery, these friendships become a source of strength, resilience, and unwavering support.
The middle-aged female protagonists of these stories are far from the stereotypical portrayals often found in mainstream media. They are vibrant, intelligent, and resourceful individuals who refuse to be defined by societal expectations or limitations. Lexi and Zelda embrace their age and the wisdom it brings, while also navigating the challenges and joys that come with this stage of life. Their friendship serves as a reminder that we are never alone, that there are people who know us deeply and love us unconditionally.
The mystery element adds another layer of intrigue. The protagonists work together to unravel the mystery, their individual strengths and vulnerabilities are revealed, showcasing the depth and authenticity of their relationships.
Writing about middle-aged women and their friendships is a celebration of the enduring power of connection. It reminds us that as we age, the bonds we forge with other women become even more precious. These friendships provide a sense of belonging, a safe haven in which we can be our true selves, and a source of unwavering support through life’s ups and downs. In the world of mystery fiction, these friendships become a force to be reckoned with, capable of solving crimes, uncovering secrets, and ultimately, triumphing over adversity.
Reader Question
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about friendship as you’ve aged?
Visit www.emilykwriter.com and join the mailing list to be entered into a drawing for Fall Friendship Goodies! Open to North America residents only. Offer is valid October 8 – October 10, 2024. Open to new subscribers only.
About the book:
Nurse Lexi’s life is comfortably predictable until a teenage patient’s shocking death reveals a sinister truth. Buffy wasn’t just sick – she was murdered. Teaming up with her best friend, Zelda, a high school teacher with a penchant for the supernatural, Lexi plunges into a chilling investigation. As whispers of a mythical beast and long-buried town secrets surface, Lexi and Zelda find themselves in a race against time. Can they unmask the real killer before becoming the next victims?
The Case of the Filthy Beast is a gripping blend of small-town intrigue, supernatural suspense, and the enduring power of friendship. Perfect for fans of Charlaine Harris and Janet Evanovich, this debut novel promises a thrilling ride.
About the author:
Emily Karmazin, an avid reader and traveler, currently resides amidst the breathtaking Wasatch Mountains of Utah with her husband and their dog, Lilo. Her passion for writing blossomed at an early age, penning her first book, a captivating “Little House on the Prairie” fan fiction, in the third grade. Emily’s interests span a fascinating spectrum, encompassing true crime, literature, the pursuit of knowledge, hiking, the peculiar and the ordinary, and the art of baking. She holds a master’s degree in education and is a published author of two novels and an entrepreneur.
Website Link & Social Media
The Wickeds 
Welcome, Emily, and congratulations on the new book! Friendships among women help define my life. Your book cover looks very light, but the description of the story is much darker. How did your publisher arrive at that cover?
LikeLike
I chose the cover! The story is definitely on the edge of cozy but I’m inspired by the television mystery shows I grew up with, Murder She Wrote, Simon & Simon, Hart to Hart.
LikeLike
First off, thank you Wickeds for introducing me to a new to me author!
Congratulations on the release of “The Case of the Filthy Beast”, which I’ve already added to my TBR list.
For me, I’d say some friendships come and go, but friends that can weather with you the good and bad, stand by your side come what may, know when to talk and when to listen, and are there to hold you up or tell you to get your big girl panties on are the friends that become family by choice – often closer to you than those by blood. Those type friends are few and far in between. They need to be cherished for the rare jewel they are. And most of all, we need to be to them what they are to you.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
LikeLike
Yes! Those friends are often closer than blood for me, too. I want people to have a similar relationship with the characters, Lexi and Zelda.
LikeLike
Congratulations Emily! It’s hard for me to remember that I am now a middle-aged woman going through all the things of that period of life. It’s very comforting to be able to reach out to my bestie, who is the same age, and get support.
LikeLike
My bestie of nearly 50 years and I are now officially “old” and we’re having some conflict we never had before. It’s very odd, and I’m not doing well figuring out how to resolve it.
LikeLike
Hugs it works out for the best. Relationships have ebbs and flows. Someone once told me friendships are like highways, sometimes we get off on the same exits. Sometimes not. And it’s possible to get back on the highway together again later.
LikeLike
I hope you work it out, Edith. The ebbs and flows of friendship can be hard.
LikeLike
That’s sad, Edith. Some people’s minds narrow as they grow older–do you think that’s what’s happening?
LikeLike
I’m talking about her mind narrowing, of course, not yours! You’re the person who just got back from Japan!!
LikeLike
Thank you! I still find it hard to believe I’m middle aged…how did this happen? LOL. Friends have been a lifeline for me, especially at this time of life and I’d wager for the future, too.
LikeLike
Welcome and congratulations on your new book. I’m blessed to have a lot of wonderful women in my life including all of the Wickeds.
LikeLike
Congratulations on your latest. I have a cadre of friends from high school and college. We don’t see each other often, but we’re in constant touch. They ground me, and since they know where the bodies are buried (and sometimes helped with the burial) they define the terms unconditional love and safe harbor.
LikeLike
Thank you! If your friends know where the bodies are buried you are going to love Lexi and Zelda!
LikeLike
Welcome to the Wickeds, Emily and congratulations on The Case of the Filthy Beast. Having passed through middle-age into senior citizenship I can report from the other side that friendship gets easier later. Removed from the burdens of a young family, a career, and aging parents, people have much more time to do things together. “Let’s have lunch!” becomes a real possibility. And in recent years I’ve had the opportunity to get together with old friends who were traveling through Key West or Maine, people precious to me whom I haven’t seen in years. Of course, there is also the prospect and reality of losing friends to death but in general friendship in older age is a gift.
LikeLike
Thank you! I can’t wait until we can have more opportunities to get together.
LikeLike
My lesson is don’t wait to reach out after you’ve lost touch, it can be too late.
LikeLike
Isn’t that the truth! It’s easy to lose track of time but we have to make time for friendships.
LikeLike
Hello, Emily, and thanks for the interesting question. I think as I’ve aged, I’ve learned to appreciate different kinds of friendships. I have friends I love whom I’ve known for over 50 years, and newer, younger friends whom I don’t know as well and am not as close to, but whose company I can still enjoy in a different way.
LikeLike
So true! People always ask if Lexi and Zelda are based on me and my best friend. Kind of. But mostly on all of my friendships. Every single one brings something wonderful to my life.
LikeLike
All, I’m terribly sorry! I’ve just noticed that all of my comments are “anonymous.” Guess you can say there’s always a learning curve to new things. Thank you all for the good convos! Appreciate each of you for making me feel welcomed.
LikeLike
True friendship is hard to come by. If you find a true friend, hold tight and do not take it for granted. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
LikeLike