Jennifer S. Alderson's Blog, page 7
March 12, 2017
Notes of a Naive Traveler: Nepal and Thailand is now available as pre-order!
Beta readers call it a ‘must read’ for those interested in – or wanting to travel to – Nepal and Thailand.
Pre-order Notes of a Naive Traveler now on iBooks, Kobo, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble NOOK and Smashwords for 2.99 and have it delivered to your eReader the moment it is released!
I am thrilled to see the first review is already in!
"Jennifer S. Alderson’s Notes of a Naive Traveler: Nepal and Thailand is a travel journal, letters to home and personal diary. It breathes with authenticity.
I couldn’t get enough of her 'transportation' descriptions. I am sure it was hair-raising at the time but reading her take on it, I laughed my ass off.
Notes of a Naive Traveler: Nepal and Thailand is a heart filled journey through the eyes of a young nomad who had the courage to exchange Starbucks for Stupas. So pack your bags and enjoy your trip. Just be sure to bring hand sanitizer."
Read her review here on blog:
https://kyraleary.com/2017/03/10/rece...
Thank you, Kyra Leary (a.k.a. Ame Terra) for reviewing Notes of a Naive Traveler: Nepal and Thailand!
Description:
“The ride back to Kathmandu was comfortable and relaxing. There were more overturned trucks (the gas-powered ones seem to tip the most, I’m surprised there weren’t more explosions), goats being herded across the highway by ancient women, children playing games in traffic, private cars and buses alike pulling over in the most inconvenient places for a picnic or public bath, and best of all the suicidal overtaking maneuvers (or what we would call ‘passing’) by our bus and others while going downhill at incredible speeds or around hairpin turns uphill with absolutely no power left to actually get around the other vehicle.”
I was twenty-six years old, had a well-paid job, fantastic apartment and large circle of friends. I had everything, except I didn’t. I couldn’t shake the feeling I was missing out on the experience of living.
Part cultural and travel guide, part journey of self-discovery, this travelogue takes you on a backpacking adventure through Nepal and Thailand, and provides a first-hand account of one volunteer’s experience teaching in a Nepali school and living with a devout Brahmin family.
According to beta readers, Notes of a Naive Traveler is ‘a must-read for those interested in learning more about, or wishing to travel to Nepal and Thailand’. I hope it inspires you to see these amazing countries for yourself.
Pre-order Notes of a Naive Traveler now and being your adventure on or before May 15!
Pre-order Notes of a Naive Traveler now on iBooks, Kobo, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble NOOK and Smashwords for 2.99 and have it delivered to your eReader the moment it is released!
I am thrilled to see the first review is already in!
"Jennifer S. Alderson’s Notes of a Naive Traveler: Nepal and Thailand is a travel journal, letters to home and personal diary. It breathes with authenticity.
I couldn’t get enough of her 'transportation' descriptions. I am sure it was hair-raising at the time but reading her take on it, I laughed my ass off.
Notes of a Naive Traveler: Nepal and Thailand is a heart filled journey through the eyes of a young nomad who had the courage to exchange Starbucks for Stupas. So pack your bags and enjoy your trip. Just be sure to bring hand sanitizer."
Read her review here on blog:
https://kyraleary.com/2017/03/10/rece...
Thank you, Kyra Leary (a.k.a. Ame Terra) for reviewing Notes of a Naive Traveler: Nepal and Thailand!
Description:
“The ride back to Kathmandu was comfortable and relaxing. There were more overturned trucks (the gas-powered ones seem to tip the most, I’m surprised there weren’t more explosions), goats being herded across the highway by ancient women, children playing games in traffic, private cars and buses alike pulling over in the most inconvenient places for a picnic or public bath, and best of all the suicidal overtaking maneuvers (or what we would call ‘passing’) by our bus and others while going downhill at incredible speeds or around hairpin turns uphill with absolutely no power left to actually get around the other vehicle.”
I was twenty-six years old, had a well-paid job, fantastic apartment and large circle of friends. I had everything, except I didn’t. I couldn’t shake the feeling I was missing out on the experience of living.
Part cultural and travel guide, part journey of self-discovery, this travelogue takes you on a backpacking adventure through Nepal and Thailand, and provides a first-hand account of one volunteer’s experience teaching in a Nepali school and living with a devout Brahmin family.
According to beta readers, Notes of a Naive Traveler is ‘a must-read for those interested in learning more about, or wishing to travel to Nepal and Thailand’. I hope it inspires you to see these amazing countries for yourself.
Pre-order Notes of a Naive Traveler now and being your adventure on or before May 15!
March 11, 2017
How Traveling Abroad Turned Me into a Writer by Melissa Burovac
Melissa Burovac and I could spend many enjoyable hours swapping travel stories. After reading her excellent memoir, Wandering, I was struck by the similarities between our experiences on the road, as well as how we – as women traveling solo – reacted to the people and places we visited.One of the things I love about Wandering is how Melissa was able to stay ‘in the moment’. After reading her article, ‘How Traveling Abroad Turned Me into a Writer’, I now understand how she did it!
How Traveling Abroad Turned Me into a Writer
By Melissa Burovac
My first experience of living in another country was a somewhat spontaneous RTW (Round the World) trip, beginning with a one-way ticket to Mexico and a pocket full of margarita money from selling my truck. I had long been wanting to travel, but gifted at birth with an awful sense of direction and a giant helping of anxiety, I never imagined I could make it work. My soon-to-be best friend moved to Kauai, where I live, and brought with her tales of exotic countries and fascinating people, and a house full of beautiful artifacts purchased around the world from her years of travel. She persuaded me to face my terror and take the leap — life is short, she told me, get out there and see how much more there is. With her help, I found a place to live at a school in Mexico, a very safe first step until I could get used to being abroad and so far outside my shoe-box-sized comfort zone.
Read the rest here: http://jennifersalderson.com/2017/03/...
March 7, 2017
Fiction and Memoirs written by Expats and Travelers
In a few short weeks I will be releasing Notes of a Naive Traveler: Nepal and Thailand, excerpts from travel journals and emails I’d written while volunteering in Kathmandu and backpacking through Nepal and Thailand. This journey also served as the basis for my first novel, a travel thriller entitled Down and Out in Kathmandu.
My plan was to volunteer in Nepal for four months then backpack around Southeast Asia for another six. Things didn’t quite work out that way…
Traveling is an amazing adventure, one that can transform your world view – if you let it. Yet it can also be quite scary and lonely when you’re so far from home, especially the first time.
When I decided to set off from Seattle to Kathmandu, I was a twenty-six-year-old computer geek who didn’t have a passport because I’d never left the States. This first trip abroad ignited my wanderlust. This journey led to another and another, and after having traveled much of the world, I settled in the Netherlands and reinvented myself as an art historian.
Long-term travel and the expat experience are topics near and dear to my heart. To celebrate the impending release of Notes of a Naive Traveler: Nepal and Thailand, I’ve asked six incredible authors, travelers and expats to share their stories.
Every Monday and Friday during the month of March, I will be featuring fascinating articles by Jill Dobbe, Melissa Burovac, Beth Green, Anne Hamilton, Annika Milisic Stanley and Pamela Allegretto – as well as an article I’ve written about claiming your place in this world – on my blog.
I hope you enjoy learning more about these incredible women in the coming weeks, in particular their expat and travel-related experiences and the influence it’s had on their life and writing.
See you Friday!
BLOG: http://jennifersalderson.com/2017/03/...
Claim an ARC (unedited review copy) of Notes of a Naive Traveler: Nepal and Thailand on Instafreebie until March 9, 2017: https://instafreebie.com/free/eDO5h
Notes of a Naive Traveler is now available as pre-order for 2.99 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XFJ9KT2?...
*** The release date is currently listed as May 15, 2017, though I expect to be published by April 17, 2017.
March 5, 2017
Mystery Thriller Week 2017 wrap up & Hello MTW 2018!
Participating in Mystery Thriller Week 2017 has been an amazing experience.
I’ve seen an increase in the sales of both of my books, have collaborated and cross-promoted with fabulous authors writing in similar sub-genres, and have picked up a plethora of new and effective marketing tips.
Best of all, I have connected with a supportive and generous community of mystery and thriller authors I wouldn’t have ‘met’ otherwise and have reached a new, broader base of readers and reviewers I hope will become fans.
I’m already looking forward to next year!
A Look Back at MTW 2017
One of the amazing event organizers, Vicki Turner Goodwin, posted a wonderful wrap up of the Mystery Thriller Week After Party here, including a list of the award winners: https://vickgoodwin.wordpress.com/201...
I am pleased and honored to have won the award for Most Reviewed Author during Mystery Thriller Week!
Speaking of reviews, MTW author Janice Richardson bought my books during the Super Sale and has already posted two glorious reviews of my books. I am humbled by her insight and proud to now have reviews of both on Amazon Canada.
The Lover’s Portrait:
“More than just a story – this book is a work of ‘writing’ art. It is alive in its language and description.
Beautifully told, the story of Zelda’s search for art stolen from Dutch owners in World War II comes to life. While a work of fiction, Ms. Alderson’s meticulous research makes for a rich learning experience. It is a breathtaking tale.
Another five star hit from this author.”
Down and Out in Kathmandu:
“Wow.
What a ride.
It isn’t every day you find a book that keeps you up late and is hard to put down. Down and Out in Kathmandu was such a book.
We were all there once, young, idealistic and self-centered. Zelda, Ian, Tommy – looking for adventure and meaning, finally realizing that they were responsible for their own actions and happiness.
The story builds slowly, teasing you until the final chapters. I was holding my breath.
Definitely a 5 star read.”
Name a Character Giveaway Winner
I also wish to congratulate Aliya DalRae on winning my MTW Name a Character Mega Giveaway with her winning entry: Elizabeth P. Jansen!
It was so difficult choosing one name! I tried to envision the characters based on the names provided, and decided that Elizabeth P. Jansen is the perfect rival for my main character Zelda Richardson. Having Canadian-Flemish parents allows her to study in the Netherlands without having trouble getting a visa and she knows the language thanks to her Belgian father. Her self-assuredness and multi-cultural background is sure to drive Zelda insane.
Congratulations! THANK YOU SO MUCH everyone for participating and making it fun!
If you aren’t Aliya, please don’t fret; everyone who entered the contest wins either The Lover’s Portrait or Down and Out in Kathmandu. (Please check your email for more information).
The Future in Now
I really enjoyed collaborating with so many wonderful MTW authors this year and want to continue sharing articles or features written by MTW authors. I would love to post on my blog articles about historical mysteries, art history, art exhibitions, travel, research conducted when writing your book, the use of setting in your novel, or another related topic. Please send me a message via Facebook or email me at jennifersalderson@gmail.com with your idea.
It was a pleasure to share articles by Marie Silk, Paul Russell Parker III, Zaheera Walker, Sarah Key, Colin Garrow, Catherine Dilts, Michael Smorenburg and more on my blog during MTW. They are all great examples of the types of posts I’m interested in. You can find them on my website's blog under the Category Mystery Thriller Week, Guest Post (http://www.jennifersalderson.com/blog].
Sign up is open for 2018!
Fellow authors, bloggers and reviewers: Sign up for Mystery Thriller Week 2018 is open! Find out more and sign up now on the Mystery Thriller Week website.
http://www.mysterythrillerweek.com
I hope to see you there!
I’ve seen an increase in the sales of both of my books, have collaborated and cross-promoted with fabulous authors writing in similar sub-genres, and have picked up a plethora of new and effective marketing tips.
Best of all, I have connected with a supportive and generous community of mystery and thriller authors I wouldn’t have ‘met’ otherwise and have reached a new, broader base of readers and reviewers I hope will become fans.
I’m already looking forward to next year!
A Look Back at MTW 2017
One of the amazing event organizers, Vicki Turner Goodwin, posted a wonderful wrap up of the Mystery Thriller Week After Party here, including a list of the award winners: https://vickgoodwin.wordpress.com/201...
I am pleased and honored to have won the award for Most Reviewed Author during Mystery Thriller Week!
Speaking of reviews, MTW author Janice Richardson bought my books during the Super Sale and has already posted two glorious reviews of my books. I am humbled by her insight and proud to now have reviews of both on Amazon Canada.
The Lover’s Portrait:
“More than just a story – this book is a work of ‘writing’ art. It is alive in its language and description.
Beautifully told, the story of Zelda’s search for art stolen from Dutch owners in World War II comes to life. While a work of fiction, Ms. Alderson’s meticulous research makes for a rich learning experience. It is a breathtaking tale.
Another five star hit from this author.”
Down and Out in Kathmandu:
“Wow.
What a ride.
It isn’t every day you find a book that keeps you up late and is hard to put down. Down and Out in Kathmandu was such a book.
We were all there once, young, idealistic and self-centered. Zelda, Ian, Tommy – looking for adventure and meaning, finally realizing that they were responsible for their own actions and happiness.
The story builds slowly, teasing you until the final chapters. I was holding my breath.
Definitely a 5 star read.”
Name a Character Giveaway Winner
I also wish to congratulate Aliya DalRae on winning my MTW Name a Character Mega Giveaway with her winning entry: Elizabeth P. Jansen!
It was so difficult choosing one name! I tried to envision the characters based on the names provided, and decided that Elizabeth P. Jansen is the perfect rival for my main character Zelda Richardson. Having Canadian-Flemish parents allows her to study in the Netherlands without having trouble getting a visa and she knows the language thanks to her Belgian father. Her self-assuredness and multi-cultural background is sure to drive Zelda insane.
Congratulations! THANK YOU SO MUCH everyone for participating and making it fun!
If you aren’t Aliya, please don’t fret; everyone who entered the contest wins either The Lover’s Portrait or Down and Out in Kathmandu. (Please check your email for more information).
The Future in Now
I really enjoyed collaborating with so many wonderful MTW authors this year and want to continue sharing articles or features written by MTW authors. I would love to post on my blog articles about historical mysteries, art history, art exhibitions, travel, research conducted when writing your book, the use of setting in your novel, or another related topic. Please send me a message via Facebook or email me at jennifersalderson@gmail.com with your idea.
It was a pleasure to share articles by Marie Silk, Paul Russell Parker III, Zaheera Walker, Sarah Key, Colin Garrow, Catherine Dilts, Michael Smorenburg and more on my blog during MTW. They are all great examples of the types of posts I’m interested in. You can find them on my website's blog under the Category Mystery Thriller Week, Guest Post (http://www.jennifersalderson.com/blog].
Sign up is open for 2018!
Fellow authors, bloggers and reviewers: Sign up for Mystery Thriller Week 2018 is open! Find out more and sign up now on the Mystery Thriller Week website.
http://www.mysterythrillerweek.com
I hope to see you there!
February 27, 2017
The Displaced Nation's Top 36 Expat Fiction Picks for 2016
"Top 36 Fiction Picks for, by & about expats and other global creatives in 2016"
This is such an incredible list of expat fiction! I'm honored beyond belief to see The Lover's Portrait: An Art Mystery on it. :)
"Are bookworms like earth worms: do they come to the surface during the spring rains? In which case, the Displaced Nation’s timing—we publish our yearly roundup of recommended books for, by, and about expats and other global creatives in late February and early March—may not be as eccentric as all that. And at least we’re not competing with lots of other “best of 2016” lists that came out in December!
Without further ado, we’re calling on all of you displaced bookworms to come out and start feasting! This year there are 60 books on our list, a first. Hopefully it means you’ll find a title or two that you missed. Or perhaps you’ll see books whose titles sound familiar—especially if you subscribe to our Displaced Dispatch—but of which you forgot to make a note.
Part One, published today, presents 36 works of fiction, both novels and story collections, indie as well as traditionally published works. Part Two will add 24 works of nonfiction, bringing the total to 60. As in years past, the books appear in reverse chronological order."
https://thedisplacednation.com/2017/0...
This is such an incredible list of expat fiction! I'm honored beyond belief to see The Lover's Portrait: An Art Mystery on it. :)
"Are bookworms like earth worms: do they come to the surface during the spring rains? In which case, the Displaced Nation’s timing—we publish our yearly roundup of recommended books for, by, and about expats and other global creatives in late February and early March—may not be as eccentric as all that. And at least we’re not competing with lots of other “best of 2016” lists that came out in December!
Without further ado, we’re calling on all of you displaced bookworms to come out and start feasting! This year there are 60 books on our list, a first. Hopefully it means you’ll find a title or two that you missed. Or perhaps you’ll see books whose titles sound familiar—especially if you subscribe to our Displaced Dispatch—but of which you forgot to make a note.
Part One, published today, presents 36 works of fiction, both novels and story collections, indie as well as traditionally published works. Part Two will add 24 works of nonfiction, bringing the total to 60. As in years past, the books appear in reverse chronological order."
https://thedisplacednation.com/2017/0...
February 26, 2017
The Lover's Portrait heads to the Oscars!
The Lover's Portrait: An Art Mystery and the rest of these award-worthy titles are heading to the Oscars this weekend!
Congratulations to all who made it into this year's Swag Bags - who know who will be reading our books this weekend :)
Full list of participating authors:
Congratulations to all who made it into this year's Swag Bags - who know who will be reading our books this weekend :)
Full list of participating authors:
February 23, 2017
Congratulations Name a Character Giveaway winner & runners up!
THANKS to everyone who entered my Name a Character Mega Giveaway this past month! Your entries were incredible and made it extremely difficult to choose one winner.
I tried to envision the characters based on the names provided, and decided that Elizabeth P. Jansen is the perfect rival for my main character Zelda Richardson.
Having Canadian-Flemish parents allows her to study in the Netherlands without having trouble getting a visa and she knows the language thanks to her Belgian father. Her self-assuredness and multi-cultural background is sure to drive Zelda insane!
Congratulations Aliya DalRae for entering the winning name!!
You win this fabulous prize package:
If you aren’t Aliya, please don’t fret! I decided everyone who took the time to enter deserves a prize. There are also 26 runners up who win either The Lover’s Portrait or Down and Out in Kathmandu!
And the lucky eBook winners are:
Ian Lahey
Brian Greiner
Susan Wee
Thomas
Sarah Marissa
Christina Pitt
Jane Dunning
Nik Krasno
Rishit
Shawn Remfrey
Kandi Lopez
Susan Bass Marcus
Sonia Perry
P.J. Lazos
Jane Jago
Susan Elizabeth Girard
Renee Gauthier
Robert
Kathy Richardson
Tammy
S. Lynham
Abbie Chandler
Lisa Petersen
Sharon Guagliardo
Nerisha Kemraj
cj petterson
[Two more entrants are reviewers who already have both books, so I’ll work out something with them.]
I will contact you quite soon to find out which book and format you prefer! Thanks again for entering my contest and happy reading!
I tried to envision the characters based on the names provided, and decided that Elizabeth P. Jansen is the perfect rival for my main character Zelda Richardson.
Having Canadian-Flemish parents allows her to study in the Netherlands without having trouble getting a visa and she knows the language thanks to her Belgian father. Her self-assuredness and multi-cultural background is sure to drive Zelda insane!
Congratulations Aliya DalRae for entering the winning name!!
You win this fabulous prize package:
If you aren’t Aliya, please don’t fret! I decided everyone who took the time to enter deserves a prize. There are also 26 runners up who win either The Lover’s Portrait or Down and Out in Kathmandu!
And the lucky eBook winners are:
Ian Lahey
Brian Greiner
Susan Wee
Thomas
Sarah Marissa
Christina Pitt
Jane Dunning
Nik Krasno
Rishit
Shawn Remfrey
Kandi Lopez
Susan Bass Marcus
Sonia Perry
P.J. Lazos
Jane Jago
Susan Elizabeth Girard
Renee Gauthier
Robert
Kathy Richardson
Tammy
S. Lynham
Abbie Chandler
Lisa Petersen
Sharon Guagliardo
Nerisha Kemraj
cj petterson
[Two more entrants are reviewers who already have both books, so I’ll work out something with them.]
I will contact you quite soon to find out which book and format you prefer! Thanks again for entering my contest and happy reading!
February 22, 2017
Last Mystery Thriller Week update!
Mystery Thriller Week has turned out to be the most productive, collaborative event I’ve ever participated in! Many thanks to Vicki Goodwin, Benjamin Thomas and Sherrie Marshall Spitz for organizing such an amazing event!
I’m so glad you invited me to participate this year and can’t wait for 2018. If you are an author or blogger who is interested in participating next year, you can sign up on their website now: https://mysterythrillerweek.com/
Reviews of The Lover's Portrait: An Art Mystery and Down and Out in Kathmandu: Adventures in Backpacking
Many thanks to Joanne Van Leerdam for posting this incredible 5 star review of The Lover’s Portrait: An Art Mystery on her blog The Book Squirrel. I am honored, delighted and a bit teary-eyed.
“It may sound contrived or mundane to say that a book is a “page-turner” and that one “couldn’t put it down”, but it really is true of ‘The Lover’s Portrait’. Set in Amsterdam, it’s a well-designed, fabulous historical puzzle, solved decades later by someone who has no intention of becoming a detective; rather, it is through her dogged commitment to the truth that she uncovers the answers. The author has woven together a number of compelling plot lines to construct her own work of art.”
Read the full review on Goodreads or her blog: https://bookssquirrel.wordpress.com/2...
Many thanks to Robyn of The Blithering Bibliomaniacs for reviewing both of my novels: The Lover’s Portrait: An Art Mystery and Down and Out in Kathmandu: adventures in backpacking!
The Lover’s Portrait – 4 stars
I love the detail of her review and in particular the ending: “the actual story is just fantastic. It’s beautiful, and sad, and maddening and just… everything.”
Read the full review here: http://tbbmaniacs.wixsite.com/reviews...
Down and Out in Kathmandu – 3 stars
Robyn’s the first reviewer to remark on the (intended) humor in the story!
“While it could have been a little quicker in pace, I really enjoyed it. It shows just how easily one can succumb to temptation, and also that every dog does indeed get his day. Adventure, diamonds, travel and culture abound and while I may not have seen eye to eye with her, I look forward to meeting Zelda again on her next adventure.”
Read the full review here: http://tbbmaniacs.wixsite.com/reviews...
Fellow Mystery Thriller Week author Ritter Ames also reviewed The Lover’s Portrait! She gave it 5 stars, writing: ‘Such a treat to get immersed into not only a terrific art-themed mystery, but to be able to virtually look over the shoulders of characters charged with the responsibility of returning art to families who lost masterpieces in WWII. Great detail and engaging characters. Will be reading more by this author.”
Read the full review here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
Events
I’ve participated in two live Facebook events for Mystery Thriller Week so far.
The first was a fun and rather silly evening involving lots of travel stories. You can check the transcript here: https://www.facebook.com/events/20023...
The second was an insightful and interesting Q&A on the wonderful Facebook group Books and Everything. It was a pleasure to answer all of these in-depth questions by interested readers. Read the full transcript here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/68445...
On the last day of MTW, February 22 from 3-4 p.m. EST I’ll be hosting a third live event! During this one I’ll be releasing a free ARC version of my new travelogue, Notes of a Naive Traveler, based on my real experiences in Nepal and Thailand, the same trip that served as the basis for Down and Out in Kathmandu.
I’ll also be revealing the winner of the Name a Character Mega Giveaway! I’ve gotten 29 wonderful entries so far and am going to have one heck of time choosing!
https://www.facebook.com/events/14440...
Featured Articles and Interviews
I’m so pleased to see my article about the Restitution of Artwork Stolen by the Nazis on Mystery Thriller Week‘s website!
The restitution of looted artwork is an extraordinarily complex process, even when the rightful owner has the proper paperwork. This article is based on research I conducted when writing The Lover’s Portrait: An Art Mystery.
Read the article here: https://mysterythrillerweek.com/2017/...
Suzanne Adair also shared my article about archival research I’d conducted while writing The Lover’s Portrait, as part of her Relevant History feature on her blog.
“Why shouldn’t authors of historicals settle for that first, superficial information they find during research? My blog guest this week, historical fiction author Jennifer S. Alderson, relates how digging deeper in her research about Nazi art theft revealed a unique plot gem for her novel.”
Read the article here: http://bit.ly/2kFqs04
As Suzanne explains, ‘Relevant History: For many, high school history was boring and extraneous. In this feature on my blog, guests show just how non-boring, non-extraneous history is to people in the 21st century.’
I’m also honored to see The Lover’s Portrait featured on D.E. Haggerty‘s Spotlight on her wonderful blog! Read the post here: https://dehaggerty.wordpress.com/2017...
I’m so grateful to Darcia Helle for interviewed me for her feature The Writing Life on her blog Quiet Fury Books. It turned out to be a fun and interesting interview! Read it here: http://quietfurybooks.com/blog/explor...
Catherine Dilts also invited me to participate in her Mystery Thriller Week feature ‘The Mysteries of Indy Publishing’. I’m thrilled with how it turned out; thank you, Catherine! Read it here: http://www.catherinedilts.com/catheri...
Jackie Boyster of fallinlovewiththesoundofwords blog also invited me to participate in an author interview. It ended up being a fun, travel-related session, thanks Jackie! Read it here: https://fallinlovewiththesoundofwords...
I also see she’s 40% through The Lover’s Portrait. I can’t wait to read her review!
And last but not least:
Super Sale!
For the first time ever, Books 1 and 2 of the Adventures of Zelda Richardson series are on sale for 99 cents!
Don’t miss your chance to pick up The Lover’s Portrait: An Art Mystery and Down and Out in Kathmandu: adventures in backpacking now for a ridiculously low price!
If you love art, history and mysteries, The Lover’s Portrait is right up your alley:
American art history student Zelda Richardson discovers clues to the whereabouts of a cache of missing masterpieces buried somewhere in Amsterdam, hidden away in 1942 by a homosexual art dealer who’d rather die than turn his collection over to his Nazi blackmailer.
If you love travel fiction, thrillers and a bit of mystery, you won’t want to miss Down and Out in Kathmandu: adventures in backpacking!
An idealistic backpacker volunteering as an English teacher in Nepal finds herself entangled with an international gang of smugglers whose Thai leader believes she’s stolen their diamonds.
I’m so glad you invited me to participate this year and can’t wait for 2018. If you are an author or blogger who is interested in participating next year, you can sign up on their website now: https://mysterythrillerweek.com/
Reviews of The Lover's Portrait: An Art Mystery and Down and Out in Kathmandu: Adventures in Backpacking
Many thanks to Joanne Van Leerdam for posting this incredible 5 star review of The Lover’s Portrait: An Art Mystery on her blog The Book Squirrel. I am honored, delighted and a bit teary-eyed.
“It may sound contrived or mundane to say that a book is a “page-turner” and that one “couldn’t put it down”, but it really is true of ‘The Lover’s Portrait’. Set in Amsterdam, it’s a well-designed, fabulous historical puzzle, solved decades later by someone who has no intention of becoming a detective; rather, it is through her dogged commitment to the truth that she uncovers the answers. The author has woven together a number of compelling plot lines to construct her own work of art.”
Read the full review on Goodreads or her blog: https://bookssquirrel.wordpress.com/2...
Many thanks to Robyn of The Blithering Bibliomaniacs for reviewing both of my novels: The Lover’s Portrait: An Art Mystery and Down and Out in Kathmandu: adventures in backpacking!
The Lover’s Portrait – 4 stars
I love the detail of her review and in particular the ending: “the actual story is just fantastic. It’s beautiful, and sad, and maddening and just… everything.”
Read the full review here: http://tbbmaniacs.wixsite.com/reviews...
Down and Out in Kathmandu – 3 stars
Robyn’s the first reviewer to remark on the (intended) humor in the story!
“While it could have been a little quicker in pace, I really enjoyed it. It shows just how easily one can succumb to temptation, and also that every dog does indeed get his day. Adventure, diamonds, travel and culture abound and while I may not have seen eye to eye with her, I look forward to meeting Zelda again on her next adventure.”
Read the full review here: http://tbbmaniacs.wixsite.com/reviews...
Fellow Mystery Thriller Week author Ritter Ames also reviewed The Lover’s Portrait! She gave it 5 stars, writing: ‘Such a treat to get immersed into not only a terrific art-themed mystery, but to be able to virtually look over the shoulders of characters charged with the responsibility of returning art to families who lost masterpieces in WWII. Great detail and engaging characters. Will be reading more by this author.”
Read the full review here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
Events
I’ve participated in two live Facebook events for Mystery Thriller Week so far.
The first was a fun and rather silly evening involving lots of travel stories. You can check the transcript here: https://www.facebook.com/events/20023...
The second was an insightful and interesting Q&A on the wonderful Facebook group Books and Everything. It was a pleasure to answer all of these in-depth questions by interested readers. Read the full transcript here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/68445...
On the last day of MTW, February 22 from 3-4 p.m. EST I’ll be hosting a third live event! During this one I’ll be releasing a free ARC version of my new travelogue, Notes of a Naive Traveler, based on my real experiences in Nepal and Thailand, the same trip that served as the basis for Down and Out in Kathmandu.
I’ll also be revealing the winner of the Name a Character Mega Giveaway! I’ve gotten 29 wonderful entries so far and am going to have one heck of time choosing!
https://www.facebook.com/events/14440...
Featured Articles and Interviews
I’m so pleased to see my article about the Restitution of Artwork Stolen by the Nazis on Mystery Thriller Week‘s website!
The restitution of looted artwork is an extraordinarily complex process, even when the rightful owner has the proper paperwork. This article is based on research I conducted when writing The Lover’s Portrait: An Art Mystery.
Read the article here: https://mysterythrillerweek.com/2017/...
Suzanne Adair also shared my article about archival research I’d conducted while writing The Lover’s Portrait, as part of her Relevant History feature on her blog.
“Why shouldn’t authors of historicals settle for that first, superficial information they find during research? My blog guest this week, historical fiction author Jennifer S. Alderson, relates how digging deeper in her research about Nazi art theft revealed a unique plot gem for her novel.”
Read the article here: http://bit.ly/2kFqs04
As Suzanne explains, ‘Relevant History: For many, high school history was boring and extraneous. In this feature on my blog, guests show just how non-boring, non-extraneous history is to people in the 21st century.’
I’m also honored to see The Lover’s Portrait featured on D.E. Haggerty‘s Spotlight on her wonderful blog! Read the post here: https://dehaggerty.wordpress.com/2017...
I’m so grateful to Darcia Helle for interviewed me for her feature The Writing Life on her blog Quiet Fury Books. It turned out to be a fun and interesting interview! Read it here: http://quietfurybooks.com/blog/explor...
Catherine Dilts also invited me to participate in her Mystery Thriller Week feature ‘The Mysteries of Indy Publishing’. I’m thrilled with how it turned out; thank you, Catherine! Read it here: http://www.catherinedilts.com/catheri...
Jackie Boyster of fallinlovewiththesoundofwords blog also invited me to participate in an author interview. It ended up being a fun, travel-related session, thanks Jackie! Read it here: https://fallinlovewiththesoundofwords...
I also see she’s 40% through The Lover’s Portrait. I can’t wait to read her review!
And last but not least:
Super Sale!
For the first time ever, Books 1 and 2 of the Adventures of Zelda Richardson series are on sale for 99 cents!
Don’t miss your chance to pick up The Lover’s Portrait: An Art Mystery and Down and Out in Kathmandu: adventures in backpacking now for a ridiculously low price!
If you love art, history and mysteries, The Lover’s Portrait is right up your alley:
American art history student Zelda Richardson discovers clues to the whereabouts of a cache of missing masterpieces buried somewhere in Amsterdam, hidden away in 1942 by a homosexual art dealer who’d rather die than turn his collection over to his Nazi blackmailer.
If you love travel fiction, thrillers and a bit of mystery, you won’t want to miss Down and Out in Kathmandu: adventures in backpacking!
An idealistic backpacker volunteering as an English teacher in Nepal finds herself entangled with an international gang of smugglers whose Thai leader believes she’s stolen their diamonds.
February 16, 2017
Mystery Thriller Week: my reviews of The Praying Nun, Choke and Mona Lisa's Secret
Mystery Thriller Week is here and that means it's review time!
I've posted three reviews so far.
The first is of Choke by Kaye George, "a fun read about a small town filled with eccentric characters and a naïve, yet loveable, protagonist. Those who love to read cozy mysteries with gutsy amateur sleuths in the lead role will enjoy this one." 4 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next up is Mona Lisa's Secret by Phil Philips, "Mona Lisa’s Secret is a faced-paced, contemporary thriller whose story revolves around the authenticity of the Mona Lisa." 3 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And the third is Michael Smorenburg's excellent adventure novella, The Praying Nun - A Slave Shipwreck Saga, easily a 5 star read.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
"The Praying Nun is an excellent, real-life adventure story that adventurers, amateur archaeologist, divers, treasure hunters and adventure fiction fans will love and probably relate to. I highly recommend it."
I'll be posting reviews of When the Devil's Idle, Skeletons in the Attic and Fast Track to Glory later this week.
Happy Mystery Thriller Week everyone!
I've posted three reviews so far.
The first is of Choke by Kaye George, "a fun read about a small town filled with eccentric characters and a naïve, yet loveable, protagonist. Those who love to read cozy mysteries with gutsy amateur sleuths in the lead role will enjoy this one." 4 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next up is Mona Lisa's Secret by Phil Philips, "Mona Lisa’s Secret is a faced-paced, contemporary thriller whose story revolves around the authenticity of the Mona Lisa." 3 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And the third is Michael Smorenburg's excellent adventure novella, The Praying Nun - A Slave Shipwreck Saga, easily a 5 star read.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
"The Praying Nun is an excellent, real-life adventure story that adventurers, amateur archaeologist, divers, treasure hunters and adventure fiction fans will love and probably relate to. I highly recommend it."
I'll be posting reviews of When the Devil's Idle, Skeletons in the Attic and Fast Track to Glory later this week.
Happy Mystery Thriller Week everyone!
February 9, 2017
MTW Interview with Janice J. Richardson
MTW Interview with Janice J. Richardson
Today I’m pleased to welcome Janice J. Richardson, author of The Spencer Funeral Home Niagara Cozy Mystery Series. The first book in her series, Casket Cache, is already on my Kindle!
I love her unique take on the cozy mystery genre and Canadian setting. Now lets take a few minutes to get to know Janice and her books a bit better…
http://jennifersalderson.com/2017/02/...
Today I’m pleased to welcome Janice J. Richardson, author of The Spencer Funeral Home Niagara Cozy Mystery Series. The first book in her series, Casket Cache, is already on my Kindle!
I love her unique take on the cozy mystery genre and Canadian setting. Now lets take a few minutes to get to know Janice and her books a bit better…
http://jennifersalderson.com/2017/02/...
Jennifer S. Alderson's Blog
Musing and information about my books and the publishing process.
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