Author Erica Miner Unveils the Hidden Mysteries of Opera Through Her Gripping Fiction
Photo: Award-winning author Erica Miner channels her rich experience as a Metropolitan Opera violinist to craft captivating and suspenseful mystery novels.
Award-Winning Author Shares Her Journey, Inspirations, And Unique Insights Into Opera And Mystery Writing
Erica Miner discusses her Julia Kogan Opera Mystery series, blending suspense and opera backstage drama. She reflects on her writing process, career influences, and the importance of empowering female characters.
E
rica Miner, an acclaimed Seattle-based author, lecturer, screenwriter, and arts journalist, draws upon her extraordinary two-decade career as a violinist at the Metropolitan Opera to craft the intricate worlds of her Julia Kogan Opera Mystery series, published by Level Best Books. Her literary journey, rooted in the drama and intrigue of the opera world, combines her artistic background and creative imagination, offering readers a unique lens into a realm rarely explored in fiction.
Miner’s debut novel, Travels with My Lovers, garnered the Fiction Prize in the Direct from the Author Book Awards, setting the tone for a celebrated writing career. With her expertise in screenwriting, journalism, and fiction, and as a regular contributor to major arts websites, Erica has also lectured extensively on opera and writing, captivating audiences across the United States and internationally.
Bringing Opera into the Realm of Mystery
Miner’s time at the Metropolitan Opera has given her an unparalleled vantage point on classical music’s theatrical world. When asked in Reader’s House how this influenced her fiction writing, she reflected, “The onstage drama is fictional, yet it reflects real-world people and their dilemmas. Fictionalizing that world was a natural outgrowth of my observing it for 21 years.”
Erica’s career transition from Metropolitan Opera violinist to award-winning writer of the Julia Kogan Opera Mystery series.
The Julia Kogan series uniquely marries music, mystery, and suspense. But why set a detective series in the world of opera? For Miner, the answer is clear: “An opera house is the perfect environment for mischief and mayhem, and what goes on away from the stage can be more dramatic than what happens on the stage,” she said. From labyrinth-like backstage hallways to shadowy staircases, opera houses provide ideal settings for thrilling, nefarious events.
Crafting Intricate Mysteries with Authenticity
Her debut in the series, Aria for Murder, which became a finalist in the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Awards, demanded a balance of creative storytelling and precise detail. “The mystery genre is the most difficult to write,” Miner noted, adding, “My first challenge was to create a believable story in a milieu that even opera aficionados know little about. I performed at the Met long enough to be intimately familiar with the backstage happenings to recreate them as fiction.”
Each book in the series reflects the distinct atmosphere of iconic opera houses, shaping the tension and allure of the stories. While Aria for Murder is set in the grand Metropolitan Opera, Prelude to Murder transports readers to Santa Fe Opera’s striking outdoor theater amidst breathtaking mountain ranges. Miner is currently exploring San Francisco’s historic War Memorial Opera House in Overture to Murder. “They all have mystery oozing from their pores,” she remarked.
Life Beyond Fiction: A Diverse Writing Journey
Miner’s ability to write with credibility and versatility draws from her multifaceted career across screenwriting, journalism, and fiction. Comparing these writing formats, she explained, “Screenwriting is the most restrictive. Action is key, description minimal, and dialogue snappy. Novels, on the other hand, allow for deeper character exploration and creativity. Journalism, being factual, requires objectivity, especially when critiquing performances.” This adaptability underscores her strength as a storyteller who can maneuver seamlessly between genres.
Her stories often highlight the darker side of the opera world—secrets, rivalries, and egos clashing within a high-pressure environment. While much of it is fictional, Miner admitted to drawing from backstage experiences. “An opera house is a high-pressured performance milieu with the world’s most eminently bruisable egos,” she revealed. The blend of real-life drama and her imagination allows her to craft rich, high-stakes narratives.
Strong Female Leads and Lasting Lessons
One of Miner’s signature elements is her portrayal of strong, courageous female characters, led by her protagonist Julia Kogan. “Julia reflects my own ingenuousness when I first started at the Met—a young, naïve musician navigating backstage jealousies and backstabbing,” said Miner. However, Julia also represents the determination of women breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Miner’s female characters hold prestigious positions, championing the growing presence of women in high-profile opera roles. “Through Julia, I want to show readers that female musicians are holding their own and that bravery can shine in non-musical challenges,” Miner shared.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
To those hoping to weave their professional experiences into fiction, Miner offers timeless advice: “Keep a journal of your experiences. Study the genres you wish to write in. Read the works of the greatest writers in those genres. Take writing courses, connect with other writers, and join critique groups. With these strategies and a ton of perseverance, the world is your oyster!”
Erica Miner’s remarkable journey from an accomplished violinist to the author of gripping mysteries serves as an inspiration to many. Her ability to translate the captivating, high-stakes environment of the opera world into compelling stories solidifies her position as a masterful storyteller. By drawing on her unique personal experiences and eloquent imagination, Miner continues to enthrall readers with her distinctive blend of melody and mystery.
Editor’s Note
In Overture to Murder, Erica Miner captivates readers with her third installment of the Julia Kogan Opera Mystery series. Set against the backdrop of the San Francisco Opera, this gripping tale draws readers into a world of backstage drama, artistic rivalries, and murder. With a suspicious hit-and-run and a grisly homicide, Julia Kogan’s sleuthing instincts take center stage as she navigates danger alongside her family. Miner’s rich detail and insider knowledge of opera add authenticity to this suspenseful mystery, making it a compelling read for lovers of both music and crime fiction.
