In Conversation with Ileana Munoz-Renfroe

You enter a softly lit room; the walls are lined with books on their deep rich mahogany shelves and there are still a few empty seats. There is a low murmur of amiable voices and immediately you sense you are among friends. You sink down into the arms of a luxuriously padded wing back chair savouring the feel of its buttery soft leather as all your cares drift away.

A hush falls over the room as a well modulated baritone voice begins, “Welcome to the Reading Room, my friends. We’re glad you could join our conversation. We have the great pleasure to introduce, cozy mystery author, Ileana Munoz-Renfroe. Author of, A Fashionable Fate. We look forward to getting to know Ileana just a little bit better.”

James: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Ileana: I have always wanted to write. The older I got the more stories swirled around in my head until eventually I sat down one day in a café in Paris and the story of Rosa The Cuban Psychic went from something in my imagination to reality.

James: That sounds like such a charmingly romantic anecdote of a writer’s journey to evolution to realization. Do you want each book to stand on its own or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

Ileana: For Rosa The Cuban Psychic Mysteries the series will be a standalone. However, from this series I started a spin-off “Las Cubanitas” which includes Rosa and her very best friends on their travel adventures. These will be connected as all of the women – Rosa, Alexandra, Ellie, Maruchi and Caridad will also be part of the current series.

James: Very ambitious. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Ileana: I enjoy travelling more than anything. Besides that, one of my favourite things to do is enjoy a peaty single malt whisky, cooking, and dancing salsa.

James: Travelling broadens one’s perspective and provides fertile fields of material for an author. Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How does that affect your writing?

Ileana: I am lucky that I work from home so I consider myself a full-time writer.

James: That is especially advantageous in these days of pandemic. Tell us three things about yourself that might surprise your readers.

Ileana: I was born in Cuba, I have a daughter that lives in Paris and I spend several months out of the year enjoying the city, and I had a pet rooster growing up.

James: How old were you when you left Cuba? Are there any insights or anecdotes about life in Cuba you would care to share with us?

Ileana: I was a small child when I left Cuba. My mother actually flew there to deliver me so that she would not be alone as my father worked insane hours.

Cuba/Cubans is also about the close-nit family. Food and music (especially salsa, bolero, etc) play a big part of our culture. When we get together it's all about sitting around talking, eating and dancing. One thing we do and even still in my family is play dominoes. James: Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

Ileana: I choose the cozy genre because of reading so many Agatha Christie novels. The moment I picked her first book I was hooked in that it keeps you guessing until the very end. In addition, the novels are clean with no gore, sex or inappropriate language.

James: Dame Agatha Christie certainly lives up to her reputation as Queen of Mystery. I truly believe that a great author is master/mistress of the principle that less is more when it comes to violence, sex and language. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

Ileana: Yes, actually on the cover of the book. But I can’t tell you.

James: If you told me you'd have to kill me, right? What was the source of your inspiration for A Fashionable Fate?

Ileana: Believe it or not it was a combination of things. The character of Rosa had been floating around in my head for many years. Growing up in a Cuban culture you are exposed to mediumship and belief in spirits. So, this book has elements that I am very familiar with and find appealing. So, one day sitting outside people watching the story started to take fruition and the rest is history.

James: Where do your characters come from?

Ileana: They are either born in Cuba or Miami, FL.

James: Do you feel you relate to your protagonist, Rosa de los Reyes and if so in what ways? Are you psychic?

Ileana: Yes, absolutely. Although she is a combination of my grandmother and mother.

James: What advice would you give to a writer whose manuscript has been rejected several times and told he or she will never make it as a writer?

Ileana: I would tell anyone who wants to write to ignore other people’s comments. They are subjected. If you feel that you have a story you want to tell then write it. Either keep sending those query letters until you find the right fit or go indie. Either way, never let anyone discourage you from being creative. There is someone out there who will be interested in reading your story.

James: Sound advice, Ileana. Thank you. What is the most important tip you can share with other writers?

Ileana: If you decide to write the most important thing is to find a good editor.

James: What was one challenge you had to overcome to become an author? How did you overcome that challenge?

Ileana: Is learning to put thought to paper. The stories are easily created in my mind, but actually writing them down where they make sense has been difficult. My mind words much, much faster than I can write.

James: Do you use any special writing software? If so what is it, and why do you like it?

Ileana: Trying to keep everything in some kind of order. Once I started using Scrivener it was the best investment as now, I have all of the documents I need for each book in its own notebook. The other thing I realized that had been a struggle was that I am a plotter. Now as I work on book 2, I’m much happier with the progress of the book.

James: I’ve tried plotting and I just end up writing the story. I follow where my characters lead. This can be an adventure in itself. Pick an excerpt from A Fashionable Fate you would like to share with readers.

Ileana: Rosa stood poised at the edge of the pool when the vision hit her like lightning. A lifeless body. Threatening words, uttered in anger. Her mother crumpled over on the floor, unconscious. Suddenly, the images were gone. Rosa was a confident swimmer, but those visions sapped her courage. The surface of the water glimmered. She shook her head. This wasn’t her first vision, not by a long shot, and, sadly, she knew it would come true.

For now, she just had to focus on her swim. The laps had a way of calming her nerves and helping her put everything into perspective. She had a lot on her mind, without even including the startling images that had just flashed before her. An hour later, she felt invigorated. Smiling, she dried off, slipped on her dress, and started the walk back to her cottage on Colten Island.

The pool was a pleasant stroll from where she lived. Colten Island was located just north of Key West and accessible only by ferry. Today, there were a little under two hundred people who lived there. Only homeowners, staff, and shop owners could come and go as they pleased. All others were allowed on the island by invitation only, making this exclusive location a reasonably safe place to live. They had a resident sheriff of sorts. He had been a police officer in one of the larger towns in northern Florida, who decided living a quiet life on Colten Island was preferable to moving anywhere else in the country. So, Sheriff Storm, tall and handsome, presided and watched over the Island on a full-time basis.

A wealthy American family with a passion for history purchased the island in the early 1900s. On one of their travels, they discovered an abandoned abbey and decided to acquire it and have it transported to the island and rebuilt. The Coltens restored it to its original glory, and for many years, the Abbey hosted the most elaborate parties of its time. Even then, there were rumors it was haunted, adding mystery to the island.

It did not take long for the ghosts attached to the Abbey to reveal themselves to Rosa and her spirit guide Raul. Although they offered the ghosts the opportunity to move on, they chose to stay. They said that they had grown fond of the townspeople and enjoyed watching over them. On days that Rosa couldn’t find Raul, she knew he was hanging out with the Abbey ghosts.

Although her cottage had a pool, Rosa often walked to the center of town and used the one at the hotel. Since the hotel was used only for guests of the owners that lived on the island year-round, it was one of the perks she was able to enjoy often. It also gave her a chance to stop by La Misteriosa Café for a cafecito after her swim. She co-owned it with her abuela, Nana, although Rosa was more of a silent partner. Between her shop Rosa’s Boutique and sleuthing, she did not have time to manage another business.

The café was where everyone stopped by for all of the local gossip. That was evident today, as almost every table was full of locals and visitors. They must be here for the event tonight, she thought to herself.

Rosa inherited her gift of sight from her Nana, so it was no shock that as she entered the café, Nana had her Cuban coffee ready and waiting at the corner table. She was glad to sit and relax for a minute before she started the day. Nana came over, along with Moro her familiar, smiled, and sat down. Wearing her floral apron and standing at just four feet, ten inches, she looked like a typical lovable, sweet, Cuban abuela. Always smiling and ready to give tight hugs and lots of kisses.

“Buenos dias, Rosa.” Nana wiped her hands on her apron and then cupped Rosa’s face in her hands with a worried expression. “What is wrong, my dear? I can feel something is off. Has something happened?”

Moro looked between Nana and Rosa in anticipation. The tail which is that bread has curled up all the time usually made noises sounding as if he was trying to speak. Nana and Rosa have wondered if he actually can speak and that is his way of communicating.

“No, Nana.” Rosa smiled and patted Moro on his head. “I just had a vision, and it does not look good. I just hope whatever is going to happen will not interfere with the gala and fashion show tonight.”

“I see.” Nana stood and bustled around the two recently emptied tables but kept her eyes on Rosa as she worked. “Well, I must tell you I did a spread of the tarot cards last night, and I, too, received a concerning vision. I could not decipher the message clearly. I just know that you need to be extra careful.”

“I was afraid of that.” Rosa bit her lip. “It’s good to have someone who understands. I remember as I was growing up, I was fascinated by how easily you knew when things were going to happen. Then, when you taught me how to read the tarot cards, I was the happiest child around. I was so afraid once the visions started coming true, but you helped me. We have come a long way. I´m glad I have you and Raul in my life.” Grabbing her hands and squeezing, Rosa promised Nana that she would be careful.

“Good, now enjoy your cafecito, and I will let you know if I hear anything.”

With that, Nana walked back behind the counter. The café was always busy, especially in the mornings. Most patrons swayed to the Cuban music playing in the background. Nana danced and hummed along with Elvis Crespo’s “Suavecito” as she greeted the next customer. Her café was such a hit with the locals that she put in a walk-up window where customers could order their Cuban coffee and sandwiches to go.

Someone at the table next to Rosa was reading the Miami Herald. She could see from the headline that the article was about the adverse health effects of drinking too much coffee. She had to smile. Doctors would have to pry the cups out of Cubans’ hands. They take their coffee very seriously.

Looking up, Rosa saw Esperanza, her Nana´s longtime friend, at the counter, looking around for a place to sit. She waved to her, letting her know she wanted her to join her at her table. As she approached, Rosa patted the chair next to her. “Sit. You can share my table.”

“Gracias, Rosa.” Esperanza smiled as she sank into the seat.

“Of course, it is my pleasure. How are you doing? How is business?”

“There have been a lot of walk-ins. I think the fact that my yarn shop is right next to Beatriz’s hair salon helps. A lot of the visitors are stopping by before or right after their appointment. This is good for business here on the island, so I am very grateful.”

Just then, Jose appeared carrying a tray with a cup of steaming café con leche.

“Gracias, Jose,” Esperanza said. “Nana makes the best café con leche on the whole island.” This was Beatriz’s regular drink whenever she visited the café.

Rosa laughed. “You mean the only café con leche on the island.”

She nodded, smiling as she took a sip. Esperanza was the owner of Lolita’s Yarn Shop. Her store is right in the center of town, in between Beatriz’s Hair Salon and Rodrigo’s Cigar Bar. Esperanza complained about having to air out her place because the smoke from the cigars always seeped in. This feud had been going on for as long as Rosa could remember. She secretly thought that Esperanza and Rodrigo enjoyed each other’s company; they were just too stubborn to admit it.

“Esperanza, is everything alright?” Rosa studied her face.

“Si, why do you ask?” Esperanza’s brow furrowed. “Did you . . . see something?”

“You just looked like something was bothering you.” Rosa patted her hand. “Never mind, I’m sure I’m imagining things.”

Finishing up, she leaned over and kissed the older woman’s cheek and then headed over to Nana to give her a big hug and lots of kisses. Rosa always smothered her with kisses whenever she had the chance. It was something they always did, and then she laughed and pushed her away and said, “Basta, go on now.”

***

Heading out of the café, she walked back to the cottage. Along the walk, Rosa became lost in the scent of gardenias mixed with the yellow roses. Suddenly, Raul appeared by her side, startling her. His translucent shimmer of mist made him look mysterious and quite intriguing. Raul was a very attractive man, standing at almost six feet tall. Too bad he was usually invisible, so most people could not appreciate his looks and wonderful charismatic personality.

“Rosa! Are you listening to me?”

She was having such a peaceful walk and was not in the mood for a bubbly conversation. Maybe if she ignored him, he’d go away. “Mmm . . . don’t you just love the mix of scents along this stretch of the island?” she asked languidly.

Raul rolled his eyes. “Stop ignoring me, Rosa,” he said in his heavy Cuban accent. “I’m trying to tell you about my date last night.”

Realizing she couldn’t continue to ignore him; she turned her head to her left and smiled. “Raul, you and your love life. How is it possible that you are always on a date?”

“Well, it’s magic. I have como se dice—an irresistible personality.”

“Of course, you do. You are the most lovable ghost around. How could you not be irresistible? What I do not understand is how, as a ghost, you can go on dates. You never explained this to me. Where do you go? What do you do on these dates? Besides, you’re supposed to be my spirit guide. Hmm? Isn’t there some rule about you leaving me alone to go off on these so-called dates?”

“Rosa, I have never abandoned you and never will. You can always count on me.”

“All right, go ahead. Tell me all about last night.” Feeling the vibration in her pocket, she pulled out her phone. “Wait, hold that thought.”

A text from Alexandra. Bringing Cynthia.

Oh no. Rosa had forgotten Alexandra said Cynthia had some free time and had agreed to be one of the models in the fashion show tonight. She also mentioned last time they spoke about including her in their luncheon today, but it had slipped Rosa’s mind.

“You know that every time Cynthia is around, trouble follows,” Raul interjected. “That woman is toxic. I don’t understand why you continue to let her in your life.”

“Cynthia looks good in my designs. She carries herself well—she’s a runway model.” I sounded like I was trying to convince myself.

“Well, be forewarned.”

Great, something else to worry about today. Rosa just wanted this gala to go off without a hitch. She also wanted to tell her family about Paris without drama. One could dream, right?

“I really do it because of Alexandra. She is one of my best friends. It means a lot to her, and it’s just for one day. By tomorrow, Cynthia will be gone. Don’t worry, Raul, you are not the only one who feels this way about Cynthia. Las Cubanitas feel the same way. Enough about Cynthia. So, tell me, how did last night go?”

“Las Cubanitas” was the name of their close-knit group of friends. They were five best friends who had known each other since middle school. Let’s see there was Rosa of course. Then there was Alexandra, Maruchi, Ellie, and Caridad. When they were not busy with their lives or work or even trying to solve a murder, you could find them having lunch at Sinclair’s, which was located near the center of Colten Island.

Rolling his eyes and exasperated that he had to wait this long, Raul began to recount the events of the night before. His thoughts, however, were a different story. In his mind, he was complaining about the fact that Rosa never listened to him. Actually, he was whining.

“Remember, I can read minds,” laughed Rosa, “and yours is all over the place. Don’t worry—I’ll keep Cynthia in check. And Raul, I do listen to you. You have my undivided attention.”

For the rest of the walk back to the cottage, Raul relayed every detail of his date. At one point, he had her laughing so hard she was relieved not to be thinking about anything else except his story.

Raul first appeared to Rosa around the same time she developed her ability to read minds. She was still a teenager when she had a vision of one of her best friend’s impending death. He was there to hold her hand through the entire traumatic event. Ever since then, they have been inseparable. She would remember that experience vividly for as long as she lived.

“Well, it sounds like you had a wonderful time. I am so happy for you. But it seems like you are anxious. You need to stop stressing. I’m sure you will have another date soon.” One of these days, Rosa would need to have Raul explain how all this dating works in the afterlife. Who would have thought romance could bloom even after you die?

James: Thank you, Ileana, for that wonderful excerpt. Your writing gives me the sensation of being right there on Colten Island enjoying the sweet floral scents carried upon the warm island breezes.