M.E. Bakos

author M. E. Bakos with their book - The Perfect Match, A Reindeer Falls Holiday Romance

The Perfect Match is the first romance novel penned by M. E. Bakos. She hopes you will enjoy celebrating the holidays with Joel, Merry, Tom Kat, and Fido in quaint Reindeer Falls. Her cozy mystery titles are Fatal, Deadly, Lethal, Killer, and Mortal Flip. M.E. Bakos lives in Anoka County, Minnesota with her husband, Joe, and a spoiled pooch named Chipper.

Tell us about the featured book. What is it about, and why did you choose to write it?  

The Perfect Match, A Reindeer Falls Holiday Romance, is a sweet contemporary romance set in fictional Reindeer Falls, MN. The inspiration for the story of a tenant with a fiercely protective dog and a grumpy super with a mischievous black cat came from my neighborhood’s stray cat who would climb on my deck and taunt my own little dog. The idea for the romance and conflict grew from there. A cousin also challenged me to write a romance besides my cozy mysteries. For this writer, solving a murder or killing a criminal is easier than having two people fall in love. 

Tell us a little about your writing process. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?   

I start with an idea, then imagine who, what, where, when. With a rough plot, I ask myself ‘what happens now or what if’ as I write the story. There is the first, very rough draft, and many revisions along the way. I set up a word document where my research, characters, and ideas are catalogued as I compose the first draft. Much of the research is done on the computer. Writing is hard work. The most difficult part for me is overcoming the voice in my head that doubts my story and/or plot. It’s the writer’s plight.

Are there any writers or authors who have influenced your writing? If not, who are some of your favorite writers?

My all-time favorite writer is M. C. Beaton. I love her wit and enjoy contemporary writers that display a sense of humor. Minnesota has many terrific local authors, too numerous to name.

Has a library or librarian impacted your life or your writing life?  

Libraries were a huge part of my childhood. Every week, my family would go to the local library, and I would check out several books. My school also had a library where I’d check out as many books as I could. I was the kid who would slip my library book in front of a classroom book and read. Now, I will peruse the Kanopy app for movies, use the tech help for computers, and attend library programs.

When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I do some crafting and home projects. I am obsessed with home improvement shows and thrillers. My husband and I are members of our local VFW and participate in their activities as time allows.

Favorite place to visit in Minnesota?

We love the North Shore and travel Up North at least once a year. Duluth or Tofte are our favorite destinations.

Where can readers find you online?