When Shes Not Mowing the Lawn, Connie Spanhake is Writing, Writing, Writing

PRATTSVILLE — The police don’t believe her, her husband thinks she’s crazy, and people are trying to kill her. 

And that’s just for starters.

So opens Conesville author, Connie Spanhake’s most recent mystery novel, The Neighbors. 

No stranger to small towns or enigmatic neighbors, Spanhake has made a career of writing mysteries, romances, and children’s books based on her own rural experiences.

An elementary-math teacher by-day-and-award-winning-novelist-by night (or any time she can find the time) began her career as a children’s book author. She was raised in a military family and moved around for most of her childhood. Her traveling experiences are evident in her latest series, The Code. She has also written picture books that she hopes help children learn about adversity, respect, and diversity.

Spanhake moved from children’s book author to novelist in 2018. Her mystery novel, Finding Me, appeared in print that years and has since become an audiobook. The novel also placed as a Top Ten Finalist in the Author Academy Awards. Her second novel, Dark Secrets, came out in 2021, The Neighbors in 2023. Dark Secrets is a mystery with a heart of gold. The Neighbors is a taut thriller about the Paradise-Paradise Lost character of a small upstate New York town. Finding Me, her first mystery novel is a tale of college-age partying turned tragic.

The mystery novelist’s father was in the armed forces, resulting in frequent childhood moves. Her favorite time and place during those moves was the Island of Bermuda, which eventually became the inspiration for her latest book series, The Code.

“The island of Bermuda is majestic,” said Spanhake. “Although it is only 24 miles long there was so much to do as a kid. My family and I would go to Sunday brunch where ice and butter sculptures would be on display. We would explore the Crystal Caves which had the most beautiful azure blue water or go to Botanical Gardens that had a vast array of colorful flowers and plants along with peacocks roaming about. Of course, I swam nearly every day and learned to water ski. What more could a child want?”

Spanhake began writing children’s books to address issues that her students faced every day. “I wanted to help other kids who also struggled with the same issues such as bullying or persevering through difficult times.” Somehow, that transitioned to writing a children’s book series, and then into writing adult mysteries which is where my niche seems to be at the moment.”

Now living in upstate New York, Spanhake writes in her home office.” It is peaceful and for the most part quiet,” said the author “I also have all my resources readily available when I need them so it’s very convenient. When I am stuck on a scene I can put on my shoes and go for a walk. By the time I arrive home I usually have it worked out in my head and know what I want to write.

“I know this sounds crazy but I get my best writing ideas on a lawnmower cutting the grass.  I am a person who is constantly in motion and I’m always doing something. Sitting on a lawnmower forces me to sit still and just think. I keep a small notebook with me and jot down notes as they come to me.”

These days Scrivener is Connie Spanhake’s main writing program. “This program allows me to insert and delete chapters while keeping everything organized. I have a place where I can keep a summary of each chapter. It also helps me to develop my characters as well as save websites when I need to do research,” said the author.

And research she does: from what it’s like to be arrested to the body’s reaction to mixing medications and alcohol. 

Spanhake is currently working on her latest mystery novel, as yet untitled, the second book in a series of The Neighbors. The mystery begins with Neighbors’ main character, Jess accepting an offer to help find a little girl, Callie, who had disappeared several years before. As secrets begin to unravel, Jess gets closer to revealing what happened to the little girl. But sometimes the answer isn't what it seems. What really happened that fateful night when Callie disappeared? And most importantly, is she alive?

Move over, Frieda McFadden.

Mett Author Connie Spanhake at the Gilboa Historical Society’s Psychic & Craft Fair on Sunday, Sept. 27, 11 am-4 pm. Stryker Road, Gilboa, NY  General Admission: $5.  Admission to the Gilboa Museum & Juried History Center is free (suggested donation appreciated). All funds are used to support the Gilboa Historical Society and its activities.

Don’f forget to visit the Gilboa Museum & Juried History Center while you’re there !