I noticed the 80s flashback mysteries on your website, so I assume I Scream is not your first book. How did it come about?

I Scream will actually be my first published book.  I wrote A Dark Day for a White Wedding, the first of a series about a struggling rocker who joins an 80s cover band, and I adore the story and the characters, but it hasn't found a home just yet.  If you're a fan of 80s music, death metal, belly dancers, hairless cats, and/or wildly underachieving 30-something characters, let me know ... maybe we can start a letter-writing campaign to get Dark Day in print.

Have you worked in a ice cream shop? If not, how much weight did you gain doing the research?

Just as drug addicts probably shouldn't be pharmacists, I should not work in an ice cream parlor.  I'd be big as a house.  As it is, my poor husband might need insulin soon, and my friends are getting sick of sundaes.  I figure, as long as we all get fat together, it'll be o.k.

What was your inspiration for Tallulah? Is there some Wendy in her?

Absolutely.  I think every character I write reflects some corner of my own soul.  Tally's goody-two-shoes rule following is all me, as is her anxious insomnia.  But I've definitely borrowed from some of my friends, and I've given Tally a history and a few personality quirks that are all her own.

I see you like 80s music, Asian horror films, reality TV and, of course, ice cream.  Quick--what's your favorite song, film, reality show and flavor?

My favorite song depends on my mood, but right now I'm digging "Head Over Heels," by The Go-Go's.  Asian horror film?  "Audition" (1999).  Uber-creepy.  My favorite "reality" show is actually COPS.  I could watch COPS for hours on end.  But in terms of the competition-type reality shows, I love America's Next Top Model.  Just the right amount of crazy, you know what I mean?

Asking me to pick my favorite flavor is like asking me to pick my favorite child.  On the other hand, I've heard my own mama express a preference -- usually for the child who is within earshot.  So, with the understanding that "favorite" is a flexible term, I'll give a shout out to the Thai Chili from Jeni's in Columbus, OH (you must go to Jeni's if you get the chance).  It's a coconut milk/peanut butter ice cream with just a touch of cayenne.  Yummy.

I know I Scream is the first in the series.  Are you working on number 2?

Yes, Scoop to Kill is slated for a July 2010 release, and a third as-yet-unnamed third book will be out in 2011.

Contributing editor Sandra Balzo turned to mystery writing after twenty years in corporate public relations, event management, and publicity. BEAN THERE, DONE THAT, the sequel to her Anthony and Macavity-nominated novels, UNCOMMON GROUNDS and GROUNDS FOR MURDER, received a starred review from Kirkus in 2008. Her latest is BREWED, CRUDE AND TATTOOED.