I’m thrilled to welcome crime writer Delia Pitts to the podcast! Delia’s journey to becoming a mystery author is absolutely fascinating, shaped by an impressive and diverse career. We could have talked for hours about her background and how each stage of her life, from journalism to diplomacy, added layers to her fiction writing.

Delia is a proud board member of Sisters in Crime, serving as the DEIJB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging) liaison. She’s passionate about representation in the crime writing world and is a valuable voice in our shared community of writers.

Here’s a bit more about Delia: she was born and raised in Chicago, studied history at Oberlin College, and earned her Ph.D. in African history from the University of Chicago. She’s worked as a journalist, university administrator, and U.S. diplomat, bringing a unique perspective to her storytelling. This summer, she released her latest novel, Trouble in Queenstown, a private eye mystery published by Minotaur Books, and her short story The Killer was featured in *Best American Mystery and Suspense 2021. Delia is also the author of the Ross Agency Mysteries, which feature an unforgettable cast of characters.

Join me for this conversation as we dive into Delia’s unique journey to crime fiction, the inspiration behind her characters, and her thoughts on the evolution of the genre.

We covered:

• Delia’s unique career path, from journalist to U.S. diplomat to PI novelist.

• Insights into her DEIJB role with Sisters in Crime and the importance of diverse voices in crime fiction.

• The making of Trouble in Queenstown and what inspired her private eye protagonist.

• How Delia’s experiences in various fields inform her characters and settings.

• The concept of justice and how it manifests in her work.

And so much more.

Tune in for an engaging conversation that explores the intersections of life experience and fiction—and get inspired by Delia’s journey to becoming a standout voice in crime writing.

You can connect with Delia here: https://www.deliapitts.com/

Want more writing inspo? I have answers to all your burning questions about writing and

publishing. Download my Ultimate Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Mystery.

I’m on IG @lizmugavero - follow for info on the latest episodes!