Chrissy Munder's Blog, page 41
July 29, 2015
Day 3 - July Fun
We also spent a weekend redoing the landscaping around the exterior of the cottage. The previous owners had kept things simple with white rock and edging around the entire perimeter. Except ... and there's always and except, isn't there? The edging wasn't quite tall enough to corrall all the rocks. Before we could mow we needed to redo all the edgework and pickup all the rocks scattered about the round and return them to where they belong. If this continues into the coming years I think we'll be removing that rock and returning it all to grass. We'll see.
After all that fun we headed out to a great restaurant w/outdoor seating and a view of the stairs leading down to the lake and channel. A perfect place for an after dinner stroll.
After all that fun we headed out to a great restaurant w/outdoor seating and a view of the stairs leading down to the lake and channel. A perfect place for an after dinner stroll.
July 28, 2015
Day 2 - Fun in July
Some of you may know we sold our faithful West Coast cottage after 15 wonderful years. It was truly our happy place, and despite my grumblings over the lack of cell or internet access, that was one of the features that made it so relaxing. But don't worry - the new West Coast cottage while improved, still doesn't have cell or internet service. Go figure. :) Of course, a new cottage comes with new work to be done, and work we have. How do we reward ourselves after a tough weekend of painting? Why channel walking and boat watching of course. The new cottage gives us access to not only 1 channel to Lake Michigan, but 3!! Plenty of inspiration for my 5 novella series currently being roughed out.
July 27, 2015
Hither and yon in July. Pics & Updates!
Wheeeeeoooooo! Yep, that's me wiping the sweat from my forehead. Not only because our AC crapped out on Friday night. Friday and night being the operative words. Can you say time and half repair bill? Of course you can. Thankfully, we have a basement to retreat to when the temps soar above 90 degrees F. But that's been our July. One thing after another. Most of them good, but still, we've been gone every weekend and my little routine-loving soul is craving the more peaceful pace of Autumn.
What have we been doing in addition to writing, revising said writing, and somehow signing up for more craft classes than is good for me? What haven't we! Rather than jamming it all into one post, I'm going to put up a picture a day this week so you can share the fun.
We started out the weekend of the 4th w/a bang that included fireworks and a visit to TigerTown:
How have you spent your summer? Do you prefer staycations? Lazy days at the beach? Or do you like to travel?
What have we been doing in addition to writing, revising said writing, and somehow signing up for more craft classes than is good for me? What haven't we! Rather than jamming it all into one post, I'm going to put up a picture a day this week so you can share the fun.
We started out the weekend of the 4th w/a bang that included fireworks and a visit to TigerTown:
How have you spent your summer? Do you prefer staycations? Lazy days at the beach? Or do you like to travel?
July 13, 2015
A quote I'm thinking on today
From the book "Outlaw Platoon" by Sean Parnell:
“It is easy to be a virtuous man in good times. It is easy to be judged a success when luck runs with the fortunate son. But when adversity strikes, the true measure of a man percolates to the surface."
“It is easy to be a virtuous man in good times. It is easy to be judged a success when luck runs with the fortunate son. But when adversity strikes, the true measure of a man percolates to the surface."
July 8, 2015
Jumping in with both feet!
Because I'm now *officially* behind on everything. Ha! We took some unexpected time off and stretched the holiday as far as we could manage. We had great fun (hopefully I'll get some pictures posted), and now reality is back with a vengance.
Did I really sign up for two intensive classes at the same time? I still need to finish my latest Hadley course so I guess that makes it three. But they all looked so interesting .... All right, no whining allowed. :) I haven't had a chance to sit down, review my first 1/2 a year and revise my goals for the next half a year. Best get cracking on that. And ooh, lookee! A property tax bill for the property we sold back in April. Need to find out what happened there. New releases abound, plenty of blog posts and friends to catch-up on.
Best get on it, eh?
Do ever sometimes find the post-vacation makes you question if the actual time off was worth it? What did you do for the holiday? Or, non-US folks, the gorgeous weekend?
Did I really sign up for two intensive classes at the same time? I still need to finish my latest Hadley course so I guess that makes it three. But they all looked so interesting .... All right, no whining allowed. :) I haven't had a chance to sit down, review my first 1/2 a year and revise my goals for the next half a year. Best get cracking on that. And ooh, lookee! A property tax bill for the property we sold back in April. Need to find out what happened there. New releases abound, plenty of blog posts and friends to catch-up on.
Best get on it, eh?
Do ever sometimes find the post-vacation makes you question if the actual time off was worth it? What did you do for the holiday? Or, non-US folks, the gorgeous weekend?
July 6, 2015
Guest Author: Welcome Back Anne Barwell
What a great way to start off my July! I'm excited to celebrate Anne's newest release.
Thanks, Chrissy, for hosting me.
Family is a reoccurring theme in not just Family and Reflection but within The Sleepless City—the urban fantasy series which is a joint project between myself and Elizabeth Noble.
Family and Reflection explores two concepts of family, one of which is the one you are born into. The guys who live at Boggs’s Castle are all separated from their families in one way or another, either because of geography, differences in opinion, or because their families are long dead.
Lucas is the only one who has family close by. He was born in Flint where the series is set, and his father is not only the alpha of the Coate werewolf pack, but also the head of the Flint Supernatural Council. They don’t see eye to eye on many things, and Lucas’s friendship with vampires is something his father won’t tolerate. After their last argument, his father threw him out and Lucas moved into Boggs’s Castle with Forge and Simon. That was ten years ago.
In having more of a focus on the werewolf community, Family and Reflection gave me the opportunity to explore some of Lucas’s past. However, this is a sore spot for Lucas, as family is a very important part of werewolf society, and Lucas is no longer a part of that. A conversation with his cousin, who was also his childhood friend, brings bittersweet memories of an earlier time in his life.
When family in the traditional sense is no longer available, often people create another. This is what has happened with not just Lucas, but the others he lives with. They’re stronger together than apart, each person’s personality and skills complementing the greater whole.
One of the reasons I love writing the characters living in Boggs’s Castle is the banter between them and their knowledge that their friends are always there for them. It’s not just that the friendship between has stood the test of time—they’re now family in all the ways that count.
Family and Reflection
Book 3 of The Sleepless City, Sequel to Electric Candle
For as long as Lucas Coate can remember, werewolves have been taught to mistrust vampires. Lucas is an exception—he has close friends who are vampires. The werewolf pack in Flint—and their leader, Jacob Coate—have made it clear that Lucas’s association with vampires is barely tolerated, and another transgression will be his last. When Lucas finds out about the plague of werewolf deaths in the area, he wants to help even though his own life may already be in danger.
Declan has been away from Flint for ten years, but he isn’t surprised to learn that the internal politics of the Supernatural Council haven’t changed for the better. When a series of burglaries hit close to home soon after he arrives, Declan—a vampire and professional thief—is their prime suspect, although for once, he isn’t responsible. With the council keeping secrets, no one is safe. Time is running out, and for Lucas and Declan, everything is about to change.
Buy links:
eBook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6464
Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6465
Excerpt:
Declan turned the page of his book, read the first paragraph, then shook his head. He wasn’t sure why he’d bothered, as he couldn’t for the life of him remember what had happened on the previous page, let alone in the last few chapters. He closed the book with a thump, got up from the table, went over to the fridge, and opened it.
He wasn’t hungry, but if he had been, the mold-covered plate on one of the shelves would have put him off whatever else had taken his fancy. Someone really needed to have a word with Lucas about leaving his science experiments to breed. Declan lifted the plate somewhat cautiously and sniffed it, then wished he hadn’t. City coroner or not, this wasn’t… normal. Normal people cleaned out their leftovers before they got the chance to become strange new life forms.
Even if, in this case, his definition of normal was a werewolf.
But, despite his reaction, Declan couldn’t bring himself to throw the—whatever it was—away. To him it was disgusting, but to Lucas it might be some new discovery crucial to whatever he was currently working on. And Declan didn’t want to upset Lucas. In the short time they’d known each other, he’d become quite fond of Lucas, and enjoyed the time they spent together.
Declan sighed. He returned the offending thing to its previous resting place, ignoring the visions of reanimated zombie leftovers creeping up the stairs to attack him in the middle of the night, and instead got a wineglass out of the cupboard. He poured himself a decent-sized portion of his favorite red beverage and settled back down on the chair he’d recently vacated. As much as he enjoyed a good vintage wine, there were times when one had to quench one’s other thirsts. He sniffed the glass and savored the aroma before swallowing.
Hmm, not bad. It was amazing the standard of blood available to purchase through the right sources. It made it so much easier to feed than it used to be, and less messy too.
He heard the light step on the stairs and human heartbeat long before Ben reached the kitchen and stood awkwardly in the doorway.
“Hello, Ben,” Declan said. “Don’t worry, you’re not disturbing me.”
“If you’re sure?” Ben Leyton ran one hand through his thick dark hair. He looked tired. “I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d make a Milo and see if that helps.”
“I heard Simon having a nightmare earlier. He never did sleep well on anniversaries.” He’d known Simon Hawthorne a long time; Jonas Forge had introduced them shortly after Simon had been turned. Declan had also helped Simon through a dark part of his life, triggered by the events he suspected had prompted this particular nightmare, given the time of year. “I also don’t mind if you turn on the light.”
Although Declan didn’t need much light to see, especially with the full moon casting its glow into the room, Ben would appreciate more illumination.
“Yeah, well, they’re the worst times for most people, I guess.” Ben flicked on the light switch before walking across the kitchen. He filled the kettle and put it on to boil before reaching into the cupboard and bringing down a green can. “Do you want some? It’s a chocolate drink.”
“Thank you but no.” Declan indicated the glass in front of him.
The loud howl almost made him jump, and only years of practiced self-control stopped him. Even so, Declan’s hairs stood on end on the back of his neck, and the howl sent a shiver through him.
Lucas howled again. Frustration, anger, and loss all rolled into a sound that was pure wolf.
Declan knocked his glass over, spilling its contents. Without thinking, he moved at vampire speed, catching what was left of the blood in his palm and drinking deeply.
The glass fell to the floor, smashing into tiny pieces. He ignored it and finished the blood, then wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. A low growl escaped his lips. He knew his eyes were completely green. They tended to do that when his fangs extended.
When he looked up, Ben was staring at him, his eyes wide. “I’ll clean up the mess, shall I?” Ben said hurriedly, already heading for the broom.
“Don’t worry,” Declan said. “I’ll do it. Make your chocolate drink, mon ami. It’s my mess, so my responsibility, yes?”
Bio:
Anne Barwell lives in Wellington, New Zealand. She shares her home with two cats who are convinced that the house is run to suit them; this is an ongoing "discussion," and to date it appears as though the cats may be winning.
In 2008 she completed her conjoint BA in English Literature and Music/Bachelor of Teaching. She has worked as a music teacher, a primary school teacher, and now works in a library. She is a member of the Upper Hutt Science Fiction Club and plays violin for Hutt Valley Orchestra.
She is an avid reader across a wide range of genres and a watcher of far too many TV series and movies, although it can be argued that there is no such thing as "too many." These, of course, are best enjoyed with a decent cup of tea and further the continuing argument that the concept of "spare time" is really just a myth.
Anne’s books have twice received honorable mentions and twice reached the finals in the Rainbow Awards.
Blog: http://anne-barwell.livejournal.com/
Website: http://annebarwell.wordpress.com/
Coffee Unicorns: http://coffeeunicorns.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anne.barwell.1
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/115084832208481414034/posts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4862410.Anne_Barwell
Dreamspinner Press Author Page:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/AuthorArcade/anne-barwell
Thanks, Chrissy, for hosting me.
Family is a reoccurring theme in not just Family and Reflection but within The Sleepless City—the urban fantasy series which is a joint project between myself and Elizabeth Noble.
Family and Reflection explores two concepts of family, one of which is the one you are born into. The guys who live at Boggs’s Castle are all separated from their families in one way or another, either because of geography, differences in opinion, or because their families are long dead.
Lucas is the only one who has family close by. He was born in Flint where the series is set, and his father is not only the alpha of the Coate werewolf pack, but also the head of the Flint Supernatural Council. They don’t see eye to eye on many things, and Lucas’s friendship with vampires is something his father won’t tolerate. After their last argument, his father threw him out and Lucas moved into Boggs’s Castle with Forge and Simon. That was ten years ago.
In having more of a focus on the werewolf community, Family and Reflection gave me the opportunity to explore some of Lucas’s past. However, this is a sore spot for Lucas, as family is a very important part of werewolf society, and Lucas is no longer a part of that. A conversation with his cousin, who was also his childhood friend, brings bittersweet memories of an earlier time in his life.
When family in the traditional sense is no longer available, often people create another. This is what has happened with not just Lucas, but the others he lives with. They’re stronger together than apart, each person’s personality and skills complementing the greater whole.
One of the reasons I love writing the characters living in Boggs’s Castle is the banter between them and their knowledge that their friends are always there for them. It’s not just that the friendship between has stood the test of time—they’re now family in all the ways that count.
Family and Reflection
Book 3 of The Sleepless City, Sequel to Electric Candle
For as long as Lucas Coate can remember, werewolves have been taught to mistrust vampires. Lucas is an exception—he has close friends who are vampires. The werewolf pack in Flint—and their leader, Jacob Coate—have made it clear that Lucas’s association with vampires is barely tolerated, and another transgression will be his last. When Lucas finds out about the plague of werewolf deaths in the area, he wants to help even though his own life may already be in danger.
Declan has been away from Flint for ten years, but he isn’t surprised to learn that the internal politics of the Supernatural Council haven’t changed for the better. When a series of burglaries hit close to home soon after he arrives, Declan—a vampire and professional thief—is their prime suspect, although for once, he isn’t responsible. With the council keeping secrets, no one is safe. Time is running out, and for Lucas and Declan, everything is about to change.
Buy links:
eBook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6464
Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6465
Excerpt:
Declan turned the page of his book, read the first paragraph, then shook his head. He wasn’t sure why he’d bothered, as he couldn’t for the life of him remember what had happened on the previous page, let alone in the last few chapters. He closed the book with a thump, got up from the table, went over to the fridge, and opened it.
He wasn’t hungry, but if he had been, the mold-covered plate on one of the shelves would have put him off whatever else had taken his fancy. Someone really needed to have a word with Lucas about leaving his science experiments to breed. Declan lifted the plate somewhat cautiously and sniffed it, then wished he hadn’t. City coroner or not, this wasn’t… normal. Normal people cleaned out their leftovers before they got the chance to become strange new life forms.
Even if, in this case, his definition of normal was a werewolf.
But, despite his reaction, Declan couldn’t bring himself to throw the—whatever it was—away. To him it was disgusting, but to Lucas it might be some new discovery crucial to whatever he was currently working on. And Declan didn’t want to upset Lucas. In the short time they’d known each other, he’d become quite fond of Lucas, and enjoyed the time they spent together.
Declan sighed. He returned the offending thing to its previous resting place, ignoring the visions of reanimated zombie leftovers creeping up the stairs to attack him in the middle of the night, and instead got a wineglass out of the cupboard. He poured himself a decent-sized portion of his favorite red beverage and settled back down on the chair he’d recently vacated. As much as he enjoyed a good vintage wine, there were times when one had to quench one’s other thirsts. He sniffed the glass and savored the aroma before swallowing.
Hmm, not bad. It was amazing the standard of blood available to purchase through the right sources. It made it so much easier to feed than it used to be, and less messy too.
He heard the light step on the stairs and human heartbeat long before Ben reached the kitchen and stood awkwardly in the doorway.
“Hello, Ben,” Declan said. “Don’t worry, you’re not disturbing me.”
“If you’re sure?” Ben Leyton ran one hand through his thick dark hair. He looked tired. “I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d make a Milo and see if that helps.”
“I heard Simon having a nightmare earlier. He never did sleep well on anniversaries.” He’d known Simon Hawthorne a long time; Jonas Forge had introduced them shortly after Simon had been turned. Declan had also helped Simon through a dark part of his life, triggered by the events he suspected had prompted this particular nightmare, given the time of year. “I also don’t mind if you turn on the light.”
Although Declan didn’t need much light to see, especially with the full moon casting its glow into the room, Ben would appreciate more illumination.
“Yeah, well, they’re the worst times for most people, I guess.” Ben flicked on the light switch before walking across the kitchen. He filled the kettle and put it on to boil before reaching into the cupboard and bringing down a green can. “Do you want some? It’s a chocolate drink.”
“Thank you but no.” Declan indicated the glass in front of him.
The loud howl almost made him jump, and only years of practiced self-control stopped him. Even so, Declan’s hairs stood on end on the back of his neck, and the howl sent a shiver through him.
Lucas howled again. Frustration, anger, and loss all rolled into a sound that was pure wolf.
Declan knocked his glass over, spilling its contents. Without thinking, he moved at vampire speed, catching what was left of the blood in his palm and drinking deeply.
The glass fell to the floor, smashing into tiny pieces. He ignored it and finished the blood, then wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. A low growl escaped his lips. He knew his eyes were completely green. They tended to do that when his fangs extended.
When he looked up, Ben was staring at him, his eyes wide. “I’ll clean up the mess, shall I?” Ben said hurriedly, already heading for the broom.
“Don’t worry,” Declan said. “I’ll do it. Make your chocolate drink, mon ami. It’s my mess, so my responsibility, yes?”
Bio:
Anne Barwell lives in Wellington, New Zealand. She shares her home with two cats who are convinced that the house is run to suit them; this is an ongoing "discussion," and to date it appears as though the cats may be winning.
In 2008 she completed her conjoint BA in English Literature and Music/Bachelor of Teaching. She has worked as a music teacher, a primary school teacher, and now works in a library. She is a member of the Upper Hutt Science Fiction Club and plays violin for Hutt Valley Orchestra.
She is an avid reader across a wide range of genres and a watcher of far too many TV series and movies, although it can be argued that there is no such thing as "too many." These, of course, are best enjoyed with a decent cup of tea and further the continuing argument that the concept of "spare time" is really just a myth.
Anne’s books have twice received honorable mentions and twice reached the finals in the Rainbow Awards.
Blog: http://anne-barwell.livejournal.com/
Website: http://annebarwell.wordpress.com/
Coffee Unicorns: http://coffeeunicorns.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anne.barwell.1
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/115084832208481414034/posts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4862410.Anne_Barwell
Dreamspinner Press Author Page:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/AuthorArcade/anne-barwell
July 2, 2015
Put a little M/M in your holiday weekend w/author Anne Barwell
Celebrate with author Anne Barwell as she shares her new release "Family and Reflection" (The Sleepless City, Book Three) with us.
July 2nd - (That's Today!!) she's at Lou Sylvre's blog
July 5th - she's at the Dreamspinner Press Goodreads Group
July 5th - come back here to the blog
Yay!
July 2nd - (That's Today!!) she's at Lou Sylvre's blog
July 5th - she's at the Dreamspinner Press Goodreads Group
July 5th - come back here to the blog
Yay!
June 29, 2015
Yep. I'm a Believer. I Love, Love, LOVE!! this Pen!
An unfortunate aspect to my vision loss is not being able to see - much less read - ink on paper anymore. Hell, I can't even see the *lines* on paper anymore. It's an interesting position for a die-hard, list making pen and paper kind of gal to be in and something that has had a huge, frustrating impact on my writing process.
I started making my own "notepaper" with super big spaces separated by thick black lines on the computer and then printing them off. While not the prettiest solution - it works. But I still couldn't see my handwriting when I scrawled out a quick and dirty grocery list or more importantly, a story outline. I finally gave up trying, tossed all my ink pens into Mr. Munder's desk drawer, and started using Sharpie permanent markers. On EVERYTHING. They work. If I write large enough.
But (and isn't there always a but?) they bleed through almost every paper known to man.
If you take a look on websites for independent living aids you'll see listings for the 20/20 pen . I certainly saw them enough. But honestly, I kind of blew then off. What could they do my Sharpie couldn't? Well, baby - cue an audio clip from The Monkees (heh, listen here and try to get the song out of your head) 'cause I'm a Believer. These pens are smooth writing, dark enough to catch even my eye, and DON'T BLEED THROUGH. *sighs happily*
Now, if only I could do something about this damn double vision ...
How about you? Do you have a favorite type of pen you can't live without?
I started making my own "notepaper" with super big spaces separated by thick black lines on the computer and then printing them off. While not the prettiest solution - it works. But I still couldn't see my handwriting when I scrawled out a quick and dirty grocery list or more importantly, a story outline. I finally gave up trying, tossed all my ink pens into Mr. Munder's desk drawer, and started using Sharpie permanent markers. On EVERYTHING. They work. If I write large enough.
But (and isn't there always a but?) they bleed through almost every paper known to man.
If you take a look on websites for independent living aids you'll see listings for the 20/20 pen . I certainly saw them enough. But honestly, I kind of blew then off. What could they do my Sharpie couldn't? Well, baby - cue an audio clip from The Monkees (heh, listen here and try to get the song out of your head) 'cause I'm a Believer. These pens are smooth writing, dark enough to catch even my eye, and DON'T BLEED THROUGH. *sighs happily*
Now, if only I could do something about this damn double vision ...
How about you? Do you have a favorite type of pen you can't live without?
June 26, 2015
Welcome Guest Author: An Interview with Joe Cosentino
2015 has been a good year in publishing for today's guest author, Joe Cosentino. I've been pleased to feature him on the blog in both February and March, and I hope you've had a chance to pick up at least one of his enjoyable novels. If you haven't yet, give this latest release a try. You won't be disappointed.
Welcome back, Joe. First up, I’d like to congratulate you on the release of DRAMA QUEEN. It’s been receiving high praise as a humorous, fast-moving, keep-us-guessing mystery, and readers are eager for the return of Nicky and Noah, myself included.
I’m diving right into the questions today, because I’m excited to have another chance to talk.
1. Your familiarity with the background used in the story gives the reader a real insider’s view to the world of college theatre. Knowing that truth is much stranger than fiction, did you stick pretty close to reality or did you make use of artistic license?
Thanks so much, Chrissy. I always love answering your questions. As you know I was a professional actor and am currently a college theatre professor/department head. Colleges, especially theatre departments, are communities unto themselves with more humor, drama, romance, surprises, and interesting characters than found on television. Thankfully nobody has been murdered at my college, so the novel’s five murders were obviously made up in my active imagination, as were the quaint characters. However, some of the situations, particularly when Noah directs the play on campus, were based on incidents in my life. Of course the wacky sense of humor is mine too. I love Nicky and Noah and all their hijinks. So far readers are falling in love with them as they fall in love with each other. DRAMA QUEEN is currently (June 12) #46 on the Top Best Seller List in its category on Amazon Kindle. The paperback has just released, and the audiobook will be out in about a month.
I have already written the next two novels in the series, and I hope they will be published soon. In the first novel, Drama Queen, Nicky and Noah have to uncover why college theatre professors are dropping like stage curtains while Nicky directs the college play production—a murder mystery. In the second, Drama Muscle, Nicky and Noah must find out why musclemen are dropping like weights in the Physical Education department while Nicky directs the Student Bodybuilding Competition. In the third, Drama Cruise, Nicky and Noah go on a cruise to Alaska, and discover why college theatre professors are going overboard like lifeboats while Nicky directs a murder mystery dinner theatre show onboard ship. Since I acted in murder mystery dinner theater, I used a few incidents from my life—though greatly exaggerated. I will probably write the fourth this fall. I want to play Martin Anderson, the theatre department head, in the TV series!
2. With multiple releases under your belt, have you changed any part of your writing process since your first novel?
My writing process has stayed the same. I generally write in the evenings. I create a character biography then an outline. In a mystery, it’s so much fun to plan the clues, red herrings, suspects, plot twists and turns, and the surprising yet justified ending. Then I move on to the first and second drafts. After my spouse reads it and offers comments, I write the third draft, which goes to the publisher.
3. What’s the worst bit of advice on writing you’ve ever received?
Try to write for a particular market. I think what makes all of my books special is my ability to weave in mystery, romance, humor, compelling and fast-paced plots, and a surprise ending. I use my background in show business and academia often. My books come from my heart. I can’t imagine what they would be like if I tried to write for a particular audience or publisher. That may be why I have three different publishers for my books (Lethe Press, Dreamspinner Press, Whiskey Creek Press)—so far!
As much as we love your work, I’d also like to give your readers a glimpse of the man behind the cover. Ready?
Always!
4. What is your favorite part of the day?
About ten pm. I’ve finished all my work at the college, exercised, and eaten. My spouse has gone to sleep. I enter my home office (with cherry wood desk, fireplace mantel, and bookshelves—like Martin Anderson’s office in DRAMA QUEEN). I unleash the voices in my head and write until bedtime.
5. What’s the one thing that drives you crazy, no matter who does it?
Texting when I am talking to them. I have a funny scene in DRAMA QUEEN where the students do it while Nicky tries to give notes on the play. That actually happened to me. It drives me crazy, and my students know it. That’s probably why they do it. Hah.
6. What’s your favorite love story? (movie or book)
I love Armistead Maupin’s TALES OF THE CITY saga. Sadly only the first three were made into television movies. His characters are unpredictable, outrageous, but extremely loveable, as are their stories. I try to emulate that in my writing.
7. I asked you this question back in February when you first appeared on the blog, so I’m curious to see if anything has changed. If we were to look at your desk right now, what three things would we see?
The same things! Hah. Folders marked ‘Past Releases,’ ‘Current Releases,’ and ‘Future Releases.’ My desk at the college is another matter!
Thank you, Joe, for spending time with us once again.
It’s always a pleasure. All my best wishes to you, Chrissy, and to your readers. I’d love to hear from them via my web site at http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com.
Are you ready to see what new fun Joe has in store for us?
DRAMA QUEEN (a Nicky and Noah mystery)a comedy/mystery/romance novelby JOE COSENTINOfromLethe Presspaperback and ebookavailable now in all formatsaudiobook coming soon
Purchase links:Purchase the paperback from Lethe Press at: http://www.lethepressbooks.com/store/p303/Drama_Queen%3A_A_Nicky_and_Noah_Mystery.htmlPurchase the paperback from Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Drama-Queen-Nicky-Noah-Mystery/dp/1590214676/Purchase the ebook from Smashwords at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/546002Purchase the Kindle from Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Drama-Queen-Nicky-Noah-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00YCJSEJO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432850588&sr=1-1
It could be curtains for college theatre professor Nicky Abbondanza. With dead bodies popping up all over campus, Nicky must use his drama skills to figure out who is playing the role of murderer before it is lights out for Nicky and his colleagues. Complicating matters is Nicky’s huge crush on Noah Oliver, a gorgeous assistant professor in his department, who may or may not be involved with a cocky graduate assistant...and is also the top suspect for the murders! You will be applauding and shouting Bravo for Joe Cosentino’s fast-paced, side-splittingly funny, edge-of-your-seat, delightfully entertaining novel. Curtain up!
Excerpt:
With the student actors and technicians sitting in the front of the theatre (obliviously texting on their phones), my student stage manager, SuCho, screamed for everyone’s attention, and for me to come to the front of the theatre house to give them my notes. This thankfully sent David off to his office in a huff.After I had given my first few notes, I noticed Noah Oliver standing in the back of the theatre. Noah is tall and lean with curly blond hair, blue eyes, and the sweetest smile I have ever wanted to kiss in an Assistant Professor. While I teach Theatre History and Play Directing, Noah is our department’s specialist in Acting, and for good reason. Noah is a terrific actor, a creative and passionate teacher, and a wonderful colleague. More importantly, I have had a crush on him since the moment he made his entrance into our humble campus three years ago. Noah is single, gay, and seems to really like me. Why don’t I ask him out? Noah is twenty-eight years young. As a junior professor in my department in need of my vote for tenure this year, if I make a pass at him it could be considered attempted coercion on my part.
It was difficult for me to concentrate on giving my notes to the students since Scotty Bruno, my graduate assistant and Assistant Director of the play, was talking, laughing, and obviously flirting with Noah in the rear of the theatre. I had reason to be concerned. Scotty has bleached blond hair, contact lens turquoise eyes, ultra-white bonded teeth, and muscles as if sculpted by Michelangelo, housed in multi-colored, stuffed shorts and tank top (in winter) that were not unnoticed by Noah. Unless I was becoming nearsighted, I could have sworn that Scotty whispered something into Noah’s ear then handed Noah a box. What the heck is in it? Love letters? Condoms? My heart on a silver platter?
About Joe:
Joe Cosentino is the author ofDrama Queen the first Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press),An Infatuation (Dreamspinner Press), Paper Doll the first Jana Lane mystery (Whiskey Creek Press), and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Eldridge Plays and Musicals). He has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. His one-act plays, Infatuation and Neighbor, were performed in New York City. He wrote The Perils of Pauline educational film (Prentice Hall Publishers). Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. His upcoming novels are Drama Muscle the second Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press), A Shooting Star (Dreamspinner Press novella), A Home for the Holidays (Dreamspinner Press holiday novella), and Porcelain Doll the second Jana Lane mystery.
Web site: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeCosentinoauthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/JoeCosenGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4071647.Joe_CosentinoAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00KRPXJP6
Welcome back, Joe. First up, I’d like to congratulate you on the release of DRAMA QUEEN. It’s been receiving high praise as a humorous, fast-moving, keep-us-guessing mystery, and readers are eager for the return of Nicky and Noah, myself included.
I’m diving right into the questions today, because I’m excited to have another chance to talk.
1. Your familiarity with the background used in the story gives the reader a real insider’s view to the world of college theatre. Knowing that truth is much stranger than fiction, did you stick pretty close to reality or did you make use of artistic license?
Thanks so much, Chrissy. I always love answering your questions. As you know I was a professional actor and am currently a college theatre professor/department head. Colleges, especially theatre departments, are communities unto themselves with more humor, drama, romance, surprises, and interesting characters than found on television. Thankfully nobody has been murdered at my college, so the novel’s five murders were obviously made up in my active imagination, as were the quaint characters. However, some of the situations, particularly when Noah directs the play on campus, were based on incidents in my life. Of course the wacky sense of humor is mine too. I love Nicky and Noah and all their hijinks. So far readers are falling in love with them as they fall in love with each other. DRAMA QUEEN is currently (June 12) #46 on the Top Best Seller List in its category on Amazon Kindle. The paperback has just released, and the audiobook will be out in about a month.
I have already written the next two novels in the series, and I hope they will be published soon. In the first novel, Drama Queen, Nicky and Noah have to uncover why college theatre professors are dropping like stage curtains while Nicky directs the college play production—a murder mystery. In the second, Drama Muscle, Nicky and Noah must find out why musclemen are dropping like weights in the Physical Education department while Nicky directs the Student Bodybuilding Competition. In the third, Drama Cruise, Nicky and Noah go on a cruise to Alaska, and discover why college theatre professors are going overboard like lifeboats while Nicky directs a murder mystery dinner theatre show onboard ship. Since I acted in murder mystery dinner theater, I used a few incidents from my life—though greatly exaggerated. I will probably write the fourth this fall. I want to play Martin Anderson, the theatre department head, in the TV series!
2. With multiple releases under your belt, have you changed any part of your writing process since your first novel?
My writing process has stayed the same. I generally write in the evenings. I create a character biography then an outline. In a mystery, it’s so much fun to plan the clues, red herrings, suspects, plot twists and turns, and the surprising yet justified ending. Then I move on to the first and second drafts. After my spouse reads it and offers comments, I write the third draft, which goes to the publisher.
3. What’s the worst bit of advice on writing you’ve ever received?
Try to write for a particular market. I think what makes all of my books special is my ability to weave in mystery, romance, humor, compelling and fast-paced plots, and a surprise ending. I use my background in show business and academia often. My books come from my heart. I can’t imagine what they would be like if I tried to write for a particular audience or publisher. That may be why I have three different publishers for my books (Lethe Press, Dreamspinner Press, Whiskey Creek Press)—so far!
As much as we love your work, I’d also like to give your readers a glimpse of the man behind the cover. Ready?
Always!
4. What is your favorite part of the day?
About ten pm. I’ve finished all my work at the college, exercised, and eaten. My spouse has gone to sleep. I enter my home office (with cherry wood desk, fireplace mantel, and bookshelves—like Martin Anderson’s office in DRAMA QUEEN). I unleash the voices in my head and write until bedtime.
5. What’s the one thing that drives you crazy, no matter who does it?
Texting when I am talking to them. I have a funny scene in DRAMA QUEEN where the students do it while Nicky tries to give notes on the play. That actually happened to me. It drives me crazy, and my students know it. That’s probably why they do it. Hah.
6. What’s your favorite love story? (movie or book)
I love Armistead Maupin’s TALES OF THE CITY saga. Sadly only the first three were made into television movies. His characters are unpredictable, outrageous, but extremely loveable, as are their stories. I try to emulate that in my writing.
7. I asked you this question back in February when you first appeared on the blog, so I’m curious to see if anything has changed. If we were to look at your desk right now, what three things would we see?
The same things! Hah. Folders marked ‘Past Releases,’ ‘Current Releases,’ and ‘Future Releases.’ My desk at the college is another matter!
Thank you, Joe, for spending time with us once again.
It’s always a pleasure. All my best wishes to you, Chrissy, and to your readers. I’d love to hear from them via my web site at http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com.
Are you ready to see what new fun Joe has in store for us?
DRAMA QUEEN (a Nicky and Noah mystery)a comedy/mystery/romance novelby JOE COSENTINOfromLethe Presspaperback and ebookavailable now in all formatsaudiobook coming soon
Purchase links:Purchase the paperback from Lethe Press at: http://www.lethepressbooks.com/store/p303/Drama_Queen%3A_A_Nicky_and_Noah_Mystery.htmlPurchase the paperback from Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Drama-Queen-Nicky-Noah-Mystery/dp/1590214676/Purchase the ebook from Smashwords at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/546002Purchase the Kindle from Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Drama-Queen-Nicky-Noah-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00YCJSEJO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432850588&sr=1-1
It could be curtains for college theatre professor Nicky Abbondanza. With dead bodies popping up all over campus, Nicky must use his drama skills to figure out who is playing the role of murderer before it is lights out for Nicky and his colleagues. Complicating matters is Nicky’s huge crush on Noah Oliver, a gorgeous assistant professor in his department, who may or may not be involved with a cocky graduate assistant...and is also the top suspect for the murders! You will be applauding and shouting Bravo for Joe Cosentino’s fast-paced, side-splittingly funny, edge-of-your-seat, delightfully entertaining novel. Curtain up!
Excerpt:
With the student actors and technicians sitting in the front of the theatre (obliviously texting on their phones), my student stage manager, SuCho, screamed for everyone’s attention, and for me to come to the front of the theatre house to give them my notes. This thankfully sent David off to his office in a huff.After I had given my first few notes, I noticed Noah Oliver standing in the back of the theatre. Noah is tall and lean with curly blond hair, blue eyes, and the sweetest smile I have ever wanted to kiss in an Assistant Professor. While I teach Theatre History and Play Directing, Noah is our department’s specialist in Acting, and for good reason. Noah is a terrific actor, a creative and passionate teacher, and a wonderful colleague. More importantly, I have had a crush on him since the moment he made his entrance into our humble campus three years ago. Noah is single, gay, and seems to really like me. Why don’t I ask him out? Noah is twenty-eight years young. As a junior professor in my department in need of my vote for tenure this year, if I make a pass at him it could be considered attempted coercion on my part.
It was difficult for me to concentrate on giving my notes to the students since Scotty Bruno, my graduate assistant and Assistant Director of the play, was talking, laughing, and obviously flirting with Noah in the rear of the theatre. I had reason to be concerned. Scotty has bleached blond hair, contact lens turquoise eyes, ultra-white bonded teeth, and muscles as if sculpted by Michelangelo, housed in multi-colored, stuffed shorts and tank top (in winter) that were not unnoticed by Noah. Unless I was becoming nearsighted, I could have sworn that Scotty whispered something into Noah’s ear then handed Noah a box. What the heck is in it? Love letters? Condoms? My heart on a silver platter?
About Joe:
Joe Cosentino is the author ofDrama Queen the first Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press),An Infatuation (Dreamspinner Press), Paper Doll the first Jana Lane mystery (Whiskey Creek Press), and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Eldridge Plays and Musicals). He has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. His one-act plays, Infatuation and Neighbor, were performed in New York City. He wrote The Perils of Pauline educational film (Prentice Hall Publishers). Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. His upcoming novels are Drama Muscle the second Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press), A Shooting Star (Dreamspinner Press novella), A Home for the Holidays (Dreamspinner Press holiday novella), and Porcelain Doll the second Jana Lane mystery.
Web site: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeCosentinoauthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/JoeCosenGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4071647.Joe_CosentinoAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00KRPXJP6
June 23, 2015
A quick break from editing for June's monthly focus: Acceptance
“If you begin to understand what you are without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation.”
― Jiddu Krishnamurti
― Jiddu Krishnamurti
