Ally Shields's Blog, page 14
June 8, 2021
From Memories to Stargazing with Suspense Writer cj petterson
Good Morning, Booklovers!Summer in the Midwest can be a scorcher, but a little cloud cover has lowered temperatures so that morning on the deck is very pleasant. Won’t you join me, and welcome this week’s guest, cj petterson with her featured thriller/suspense novel, The Dawgstar?
Welcome, cj! How do you take your coffee?
cj: Thanks for the Coffee Chat invite, Ally. I absolutely love the taste of a good cup of coffee and drink my coffee half-caf, hot, black, unflavored, and eight to ten cups a day.
Ally: Wow, I think that’s even more than I drink! While I pour, please tell readers something about your background.
BIO:cj petterson is the pen name of Marilyn A. Johnston. Born in Texas and raised in Michigan, Marilyn now lives on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
She writes contemporary suspense/thrillers and mysteries with a touch of romance. Her strong protagonists and supporting characters take readers on a fast journey through stories filled with suspense, action, and sassy dialogue. Her non-fiction and fiction short stories, including a paranormal or two, appear in several anthologies.
Marilyn is a member of Sisters in Crime and their online Guppy chapter, Alabama Writers Conclave, Alabama Writers Forum, and a charter member of the Mobile Writers Guild.
Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “Here’s a cherished memory: I developed my taste for coffee when I was about four or five years old—Grandpa dipped bites of my mother’s homemade bread into his strong, black coffee and fed them to me while we sat on logs in the backyard and played games of checkers on top of an overturned washtub. I don’t remember if he let me win, but I do remember that spending alone-time with him and his handlebar mustache was a big win for me.”
AUTHOR CONTACT LINKS:
cjpetterson/author/facebook
Amazon Central Author Page
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6884697.cj_petterson
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson
blog at: https://www.lyricalpens.com INTERVIEW :
Ally: Who or what inspired your featured book?
cj: My youngest son, Jeff, said to me: “What if there was a satellite that was really a weapon, could fly unnoticed, and was sent into orbit by a psychopath?” It took him about eight seconds to ask a question that sent me on a deep dive into a research rabbit hole. The research became addictive, and it took me a couple of years to climb out. I found reports of our government’s program sponsoring college engineering geniuses (or genii) to develop nanosatellites, and it didn’t take a genius (I am living proof of that) to realize the U.S. didn’t have the only scientists in the world capable of developing such a satellite. The plot idea became plausible and possible.
Ally: Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision?
cj: I am both. When the original story (“Deadly Star”) was published by Crimson Romance, it was a happily-ever-after romantic suspense. After Simon&Schuster closed the Crimson Romance imprint in early 2018, the book joined a host of others languishing in marketing purgatory. A couple of years later, I asked for my rights back but only recently decided to self-publish an updated story. Further research found more supporting info for the plot, and I re-edited, revised to up the suspense and changed the genre to thriller/suspense with a touch of romance. I love the characters and their story, and my goal is to reach out to a new audience.
Ally: What do you find is the hardest part of writing?
cj: The hardest part of writing for me is sitting my butt in the chair and putting my fingers on the keyboard. It’s easy for me to find an excuse not to because I share office space with my photographer son who also likes to listen to sports talk shows while he works on his photos. Worse distraction/reason is the cat that keeps walking across my keyboard, as she is doing right now. I have to admit that lately, I’ve been struggling with coming up with “the perfect idea” for a novel which, of course, doesn’t exist. So I’m replenishing my empty mind by studying/reading books in the thriller/suspense genre. I’m hoping stories by Robert Ludlum, Elmore Leonard, Kathy Reichs, James Lee Burke, Patricia Cornwell, the original Robert B. Parker books, etc., will get my creative juices flowing faster.
Ally: Do you write from an outline?
cj: I’ve taken classes and submitted acceptable outlines to the instructor and peers, but really, I cannot outline or plot without feeling that I’ve already written the story. You’d think that would make it easier to finish the story, because the outline becomes like a first draft—and it’s always easier for me to edit than it is to create. (I think that’s the same for every writer, isn’t it?)
I used to call myself a “pantser.” Now I call myself a “pathfinder” because I have a beginning, I know how I want the story to end, and then I discover the path to get from beginning to end as I write the story, creating a maze of barriers and solutions along the way. (Paraphrasing here: Write your protagonist up a tree then throw rocks at her.)
Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
cj: My second novel project in 2021 was “Death on the Yampa,” another thriller/suspense tale with a female protagonist and a touch of romance. It was released April 30, 2021. Originally published by Crimson Romance in 2015 as the romantic suspense “Choosing Carter,” it suffered the same Simon&Schuster marketing death, so I gave it a similar new treatment.
Scheduled to release this fall are two short stories that were accepted for publication in two different anthologies, one of them a charity publication benefiting an animal rescue organization in Michigan. I’m currently eying another possible anthology submission and slugging away at a novel manuscript which doesn’t have an anticipated release date.
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose to answer?
cj:book you're currently reading: Hank Phillippi Ryan, The Murder Lista movie you’ll always remember: “An Affair to Remember”—the 1957 version with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr that shows up every year on TV.favorite fashion accessory: I used to have a closet full of shoes, but now my favorite accessory is earrings (especially diamond studs). They always fit, no matter how much I weigh.favorite book character: Robert B. Parker’s character Jessie Stonefavorite holiday song: Little Drummer Boy, by Bing Crosby and David Bowie (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_ReMi7tVWA OR the same song by For King & Country (https://www.audacy.com/971talk/entertainment/for-king-and-country-performing-little-drummer-boy-live )Do you re-read books? Any book in particular? Only the Bible, every nightAlly: Thanks so much for chatting with us, cj. Before you go, please show us your featured book.
The Dawgstar *
Genre: thriller/suspense (Jane Bond style)
Rating: PG-13
The Dawgstar is a suspense/thriller filled with international political gangsterism, nanosatellites (real things), assassins, fears of Frankenfood, and a touch of romance.
When protagonist Mirabel Campbell’s telescope detects a mysterious point of light in the night sky, she finds herself in the crosshairs of a madman. Mirabel and her CIA ex-husband reconnect in the midst of an action-packed drama where a sociopath’s money can hire an assassin, turn friends into traitors, and build a bioweapon to hold world powers for ransom.
Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3LRRG5
(*The Dawgstar was originally published as the romantic suspense “Deadly Star” in 2013 before it was updated and revised.)
June 1, 2021
Chatting with Writing Coach and Author Bella Mahaya Carter
Good Morning, Booklovers!
June has arrived in the Midwest, and we’re having beautiful weather, perfect for sitting outside and chatting about books. And we have the perfect guest, Bella Mahaya Carter, a creative writing teacher and author with a new self-help book for writers and aspiring writers, Where Do You Hang Your Hammock?
Welcome, Bella. What can I get you to drink?
BC: I drink herbal teas. My go-to is Chamomile.
Ally: Perfect choice for such a relaxing day. While I pour our drinks, please introduce yourself to readers.
Bio:Bella Mahaya Carter is a creative writing teacher, empowerment coach, speaker, and author of Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? Finding Peace of Mind While You Write, Publish, and Promote Your Book. She is also the author of an award-winning memoir, Raw: My Journey from Anxiety to Joy, and Secrets of My Sex, a collection of narrative poems. She has worked with hundreds of writers since 2008 and has degrees in literature, dance, film, and spiritual psychology. Bella’s writing has appeared in dozens of print and online journals.
Something unique/unusual that isn’t in your regular bio: “In my heart of hearts I’m a healer. My work is inspired by my own quest for inner liberation and peace. I explore intersections between the writing life, spirituality, and personal transformation and growth. I’m fascinated with how to stay not only sane, but also joyful, from inspiration to publication, and beyond. I’m concerned with the whole-person—body, mind, and spirit. My writing includes information about self-care, nourishment, mental health, and more.”
Visit her online at www.bellamahayacarter.com.
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/bella.carter.7?ref=tn_tnmn
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=Bella%20Mahaya%20Carter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellamahayacarter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BellaMahaya
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bella-mahaya-carter-18570914/ INTERVIEW:
Ally: What do you find is the hardest part of writing?
BC: The hardest part is not writing. Not writing comes from stories I tell myself. The key word here is “stories,” which are made up, but look real, and have hardened into beliefs. Negative beliefs sabotage writing efforts. The narrative might go something like this: nothing I have to say matters. Or, I’ll never be good enough, or I’m not a “real” writer. I’ve written a chapter about this in my new book. I call it Universal Doubt. Any thought that limits, berates, insults, or hurts falls into this category. Universal doubt is not personal. We all have it. It may be connected to the brain’s negativity bias, which helps us detect danger and is an essential survival mechanism. But often this mental function goes into overdrive and hijacks our mind, which influences our behavior. This is a common cause of writer’s block.
We are designed to focus on one thing at a time: we’re either present to the moment, or to our thinking. Writing takes place in the moment. It’s not that you aren’t thinking when you write, but you are a vessel, and it helps to open up and to allow and welcome what wants to come through. Releasing ideas that show up in the form of expectations and judgment, and trusting yourself and the process is key. Since so much of this process takes place under the radar, many writers—especially those just starting out—don’t realize it’s happening. They are bullied by their own thinking and don’t realize they have a choice regarding which thoughts to believe and which ones to set aside. You can’t turn universal doubt thinking off, but you can create a new relationship with it. You can lay it down, or tune it out. You can consciously choose not to fall under its spell. You can love it and let it be, and realize there’s a far greater force within fueling your creativity.
Ally: Do you write with an audience in mind or to a publisher’s required theme?
BC: I don’t write with an audience in mind when I’m composing early drafts, even if I’m writing to a publisher’s theme. Instead, I quiet my mind and listen. I try to connect with some deep internal truth that’s bigger than I am. My job is to get out of the way and open to the creative process. I often don’t know what I’m going to say until I say it —until it’s expressed through me. I summon trust, faith, and aim to relinquish control—or the illusion of it. As much as I’d like to believe I’m in control, I never have total control in writing or in life. Later, in revision stages, or while working with my editor, I consider the audience, by asking questions such as, have I made myself clear? Or, what do I want the reader to feel? Or, what’s the take-away here? The take-away is what I want to the reader to come away with after reading a scene or chapter. I also consider what’s at stake for the protagonist and how that might impact the reader.
Ally: When did you decide to pursue writing as a career?
BC: I decided to pursue writing after graduating from film school. At the time I was working on a screenplay that became unwieldy. I developed my idea for years, but it never went anywhere. Meanwhile, I stumbled into an adult extension class with L.A. poet Jack Grapes, and fell in love with him as a teacher and mentor, and with poetry. During those years, I didn’t think of writing as a “career,” because I wasn’t making money. I was lucky my husband was willing to support me, because writing was my avocation, a labor of love. I’ve dedicated myself to it for forty years. I studied. I read a lot, and I wrote a lot. I also wrote fiction, memoir, essays, and articles. But that work never paid the bills, either. I became a writing teacher and coach to generate income, but it turns out that this work is a true calling. It comes naturally. I understand it viscerally. It’s creative. I meet people where they are and explore what’s possible. It’s tender, joyful work that feels more like play. It’s a pleasure helping to liberate writers (and others) from thinking that holds them back. Human potential is so much larger than we imagine.
Ally: Are you a plotter, a pantser or a little of both?
BC: I love this question. I’m both. I adore structure and outlines that help me organize my ideas and nail down key points. When I work with students and clients I suggest (if it feels right to them) that they approach structure in this way: 1.) Choose a title and subtitle 2.) Divide the manuscript into parts by creating section heads 3.) Come up with chapter titles, and 4.) Write chapter-by-chapter summaries. The value of chapter summaries is that you can look at the whole picture, and also clarify the purpose and take-away of each chapter. I found this process very helpful while working on my memoir.
The most important thing to do while approaching structure is to hold it loosely and understand an outline is a living document. It evolves with you as you write. When I was working on my chapter summaries for my memoir I was clear about parts one and two of my story, but the third and final part was vague. Still, I made stuff up just to have something on paper. After writing parts one and two, part three came into focus and I reworked my outline and summaries, updating them to reflect what the writing had revealed to me. I’m a panster in the sense that I believe that writing has its own deep, internal structure. I encourage and practice lots of free writing, with no agenda, and then later going back to identify themes and structures. There’s plenty of room in the writing process for spontaneity and planning—and for me, both are necessary. I like going back and forth between the forest and the trees. Plotting and “pantsering” are two sides of a writer’s coin.
Ally: What is the best writing/marketing advice you’d like to pass on to other writers?
BC: Have fun. As much as possible, do what you do because you love it. If you’re showing up to your writing or marketing work filled with a sense of dread or obligation, it may be time to pause and reflect. Life is short. Do what you love. Let go of “shoulds.” Look in the direction of your inner wisdom, identify and then free yourself from self-imposed rules, and discover your joy.
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose?
BC:A movie you’ll always remember: Dreamchild - Here’s a description I found online: “Eighty-year-old Alice Hargreaves (Coral Browne) is about to visit Columbia University to attend a reception in honor of legendary fantasy author Lewis Carroll. As a child, Alice had a close friendship with the writer, who she knew as Rev. Charles Dodgson (Ian Holm), and their relationship was the creative catalyst for Dodgson’s most beloved work. However, as Alice reflects on her experiences with the author, she realizes the complexity of their bond has had lasting, deeply felt ramifications.”Color of nail polish you have on: None. I haven’t worn nail polish since early March 2020. In my pre-pandemic life I received regular manicures. Fingers were polished with “Put It In Neutral” or some variation of a light pink or peach. I was bolder with toe nail polish: purple, fuchsia, orange, or red.Favorite fashion accessory: My mother and grandmother’s jewelry. I inherited jewelry from both. When I wear something that belonged to them, I feel powerful and blessed with their creativity and strength.Pie or cake? Vegan Blueberry Cheesecake. Sun Café (Studio City, CA) makes a decadent, gluten-free, dairy free cheesecake made with blueberries, cashews, coconut and agave.Your pets: Chihuahua/Cocker Spaniel mix, Katie. We adopted her from the pound when she was two. She used to sit with her front paws crossed and I’d call her Lady Katie. Now she’s 15, deaf, almost blind, less graceful, but as loveable as ever! Ally: A pleasure to chat with you, Bella. I wish you success with your book. It sounds like a good addition to an author’s library. Before you go, please tell readers a little about it.
Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? Finding Peace of Mind While You Write, Publish, and Promote Your Book.Genre: Self-Help/Inspiration
Release Date: June 1, 2021
In Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? seasoned coach and author Bella Mahaya Carter shows writers how to use their present circumstances as stepping-stones to a successful and meaningful writing life, navigated from the inside out. It encourages writers and authors to rethink their ambitions (which may be fueled by the tyrannical demands of the ego) and trust in their heartfelt purpose and values in the journey to becoming, or continuing on, as authors.
Many writers believe their self-sabotaging thoughts are trustworthy and true. They take rejection personally. They surmise that if they don’t achieve their goals they have failed, and lose sight of who they are and what matters most.
This book is for writers looking for inspiration and for authors daunted by the publishing process, who might lack the requisite author platform to get published the way they dreamed, or whose careers may not be unfolding as expected. It aims to be the friend and trusted expert writers turn to when hijacked by their own thinking. Ultimately, it reminds authors that they are infinite creators.
What others are saying...
“Carter’s voice instills a sense of calm and assurance in uncertain times, a respite for any writer navigating not only their inner critic but also the brass tacks of publishing, an often fickle industry. I truly love this book!”
—Elizabeth K. Kracht, author of The Author’s Checklist: An Agent’s Guide to Developing and Editing Your Manuscript
“Carter beautifully points to that which is beyond words. This book is a gift for anyone who wants to improve their writing or become a writer. The author’s gentle touch left me feeling uplifted—and motivated to begin my next book!”
—Natasha Swerdloff, coauthor of Coming Home: Uncovering the Foundations of Psychological Well-being
Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mADradYDymU
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Do-You-Hang-Your-Hammock/dp/1647420652/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=where+do+you+hang+your+hammock&qid=1612302430&s=books&sr=1-1
Indie Bound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781647420659
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/where-do-you-hang-your-hammock-finding-peace-of-mind-while-you-write-publish-and-promote-your-book/9781647420659
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-do-you-hang-your-hammock-bella-mahaya-carter/1138006881?ean=9781647420659
May 25, 2021
Interview of PJ MacLayne: Author, Computer Geek, & Mountain Lover
Good Morning, Booklovers!
On this beautiful Wednesday in May we’re welcoming writer PJ MacLayne to the Coffee Chat with her featured mystery book, The Ranger’s Dog Tags.
Nice to have you here, PJ. What may I get you to drink?
PJ: I don't drink coffee. I never learned to like it. When we first got married (years ago) I'd make a pot in the morning and have a cup with my husband before he went to work. One day, I realized I never finished my cup because I really didn't like it. I'd still get up and make the coffee for him, but I'd have a cup of tea or a glass of orange juice instead. Orange juice is still my go-to morning drink. After that, I drink water most of the time, with an occasional cup of tea.
Ally: Orange Juice it is! All the more coffee left for me. :) While I get our drinks, please introduce yourself to readers.
Bio:Born and raised among the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, P.J. MacLayne still finds inspiration for her books in that landscape. She is a computer geek by day and a writer by night who currently lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. When she's not in front of a computer screen, she might be found exploring the back roads of the nearby national forests and parks. In addition to the Harmony Duprie Mysteries, she is also the author of the Free Wolves adventures.
Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “In the first 20 years of our marriage, we moved 12 times. (And no, not military)”
P.J. MacLayne can be reached at:
Website: https://pjmaclayne.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/pjmaclayne
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjmaclayne
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/p-j-maclayne
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cL73Cz
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/P.J.-MacLayne/e/B00HVE8WZI INTERVIEW :
Ally: What do you feel is the hardest part of writing?
PJM: Staying focused. Between my day job, keeping the house running, and writing, I often stretch myself too thin. I end up jumping from task to task. Then there's the biggest distraction, the internet. I wrote The Ranger's Dog Tags by hand, and I was able to concentrate better. (It took 14 pads of paper and 5 or so pens.)
Ally: Do you write from an outline?
PJM: I'm a pantster. I write from the seat of my pants. I usually have a beginning and end in mind, with everything in between up for negotiation. Although in my past few books, I'm finding those aren't set in stone either. Once I get into the story, my characters let me know what I've done wrong and we have a discussion about what really happened.
Ally: What’s the best thing a reader has said about your book?
PJM: I love getting kind reviews from readers. This one made my day: “There is so much suspense/mystery in this story & I'm talking about a TON! The twists & turns are insane so I didn't quite know the direction it was all going in, but I sure did love the eclectic group of people because they really made this book entertaining on top of the mystery that I was trying to solve along with Harmony.”
Then there was this one: This book is a great wrap up to a wonderful mystery series featuring a female Librarian sleuth. I have read this and every Harmony Duprie Mystery book and I highly recommend you do the same. You'll love all of them.
Reviews make a difference to authors. I encourage everyone to leave reviews for authors they enjoy, even if it isn't me.
Ally: How many drafts (revision passes) do you do on a typical book before submission to your editor/publisher?
PJM: As many as it needs? Until I'm satisfied? Actually, I don't count. Typically three or four before I let it go to my editor, and then another three after I get it back. For my final edits, I let the computer read the book to me (in a very monotone voice) and I always end up finding small edits I want to make.
Ally: Have you co-authored a story or novel? How did it work? Would you do it again?
PJM: I haven't co-authored a story. The closest I've come is being part of a collection of short stories tied to a theme, where we used characters from each others' stories in ours. It was an interesting experience, but I was happy I wasn't the one organizing it!
We tried a second collection of short stories with the a new theme but without involving characters from other author's stories. It didn't sell.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Well, it depends. A few years back, I was invited to write for one of Amazon's worlds. I had to turn down the offer, because I had too many of my own stories demanding to be written. Timing is important.
The bigger question is, would I co-author a book with one other person? I'd be open to the idea. It would depend on the genre, the other person, and of course, whether I could commit my time to the project.
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you pick to answer?
PJM:
favorite comfort food: Chicken and dumplings. I have an easy recipe and I cook it several times every winter. It's perfect for days when it's snowing outside and you want to feel warm inside.What type of music do you prefer? Classic rock. Or John Denver, depending upon my mood. And I've been getting into classic Irish music lately. Do I have to pick one?best place you’ve ever visited: The top of just about any mountain. If I have to pick one, the Beartooth Mountains on the Wyoming/Montana border. It's where I first fell in love with the mountains.If you couldn't write anymore, what would you want to do? I'd probably get back into needlepoint. I love the creative process of building a picture one stitch at a time. (But I've run out of room for needlepoint pieces in my home!)a supernatural ability you’d love to have: Healing. Too many people are hurting today and modern medicine can't help them. I'd love to be able to take away some of the pain.Ally: Thanks for chatting with us, PJ. Before you go, please show readers your featured mystery, The Ranger’s Dog Tags.
The Ranger’s Dog Tags
(Harmony Duprie Mysteries #6)
Genre: Mystery/Amateur female sleuth
Eli Hennessey has vanished.
His house in Oak Grove is in flames, his cell phone is out of commission, and friends in Florida can't find him. It's up to Harmony Duprie to track down her missing lover before her life shatters and his ends.
Harmony's first discovery: Eli tricked her into signing paperwork putting her in charge of his company. Had he planned his disappearance?
The answers won't be found in Oak Grove. Harmony hightails it to Florida in search of Eli and the truth.
The Ranger's Dog Tags, Book 6 of the Harmony Duprie Mysteries, is the final book of the series, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092YTWBX1
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1563561154
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=2940162511434
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-ranger-s-dog-tags
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/3R85NL
Series on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074C6CTKP?ref_=dbs_r_series&storeType=ebooks
May 21, 2021
Book Spotlight: The Last Legwoman by Penny Pence Smith
THE LAST LEGWOMAN
Genre: mystery
Time setting: 1983
A NOVEL OF HOLLYWOOD, MURDER…AND GOSSIP!
Meredith Ogden is at the top of her game in Hollywood as Legwoman (assistant in modern terms) to Bettina Grant, the country’s most widely read celebrity gossip columnist. But life changes for the 36-year-old journalist when she arrives for work at Grant’s Bel Air home-office on a December morning in 1983 to find her famous boss dead, murdered. A book manuscript lies on the floor next to the death bed.
Partnering with High-Profile crimes detective T.K. Raymond to find out who killed Grant and why, Meredith faces more than questions or answers. A volatile TV night-show host lobs threats because of a damaging news investigation about his background, Grant’s children have demands on the office and valuable celebrity files. Meredith’s home is broken into and searched, and she is assaulted.
With T.K. Raymond’s help, and that of an unlikely team of colleagues, Meredith deals with the threats to herself, her future and even ghosts from her own past brought up by the emotional chaos.
Buy Link: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086JGHNDW
Excerpt: (An untimely arrest of night-time TV personality Joey O’Neal has caused Hollywood journalist Meredith Ogden to discover a past life he is not willing to reveal. After she attempts to meet with him through his agents and representatives, he unexpectedly arrives in person at her office.}
. . . Meredith bid an appreciative farewell to the publicist, reclaimed her car from the parking area and headed to the office. She drove the Ventura Freeway to Coldwater Canyon and took the winding verdant street over the top of the hill to enjoy the open air of the canyon. She was pulling off the freeway onto the Boulevard when the bulky much-touted—and rarely carried—cellular phone rang. Sonia alone had the number. It was seldom used because it was cumbersome, expensive and didn’t always transmit or connect.
“Hope you’re close to the office,” said an intense Sonia through static-laced air. “Joey O’Neal in the flesh is on his way over here right now and he sounds mad!”
“Is Ito in the house?” asked Meredith.
“Yeah, why?”
“I think it might be helpful to have a male presence around with the macho ego of Joey about to descend upon us.”
“Good point,” said Sonia, then she chuckled. “Ito? Macho? Well…”
Meredith had scant minutes to push the Mustang over the Canyon through the complex maze of Beverly Hills streets. She parked and ran from the car to prepare to meet up with one of America’s favorite late-night stud-muffins. She was in her office no more than five minutes reviewing the facts of the story when she heard the limousine pull up and the driver ring the front doorbell. She waited while Ito answered the door, then directed O’Neal into her office. She stood up and extended her hand cordially.
“Joey, it’s nice to meet you.” Joey O’Neal, all six foot two of him, did not speak at first, but rather glanced around the room, as if confused, and then glared at her with anger in his eyes. He was perfectly coifed and dressed in a gray brushed silk sports jacket, wide, loosely cut black slacks and a black shirt with a multi-patterned tie. He was the vision of the tony single guy.
Meredith withdrew her hand and gestured toward the couch. “Please sit down, won’t you?”
He moved toward the couch, still silent. Well, she thought, at least he’s obedient.
“What the hell do you want from me?” he asked suddenly, contained rage straining from his barely controlled voice. Meredith sat down in a side chair.
“Just the truthful story,” she said. “Coffee? Tea?”
He waved an impatient hand. “Do you have any idea how you’re fucking up my life?” he said, nearly shouting.
“Tell me,” she directed him without rancor.
“I’d like to tell you where you can fly your broomstick to,” he growled. “You’re one big busy-body, aren’t you? And who gave you permission to walk into a private rest home? That’s trespassing, you know!”
She folded her hands slowly. “I had nothing to do with that. The person who visited with Rebecca identified herself as a TV news person and was told to make herself at home. No one even suggested there was a restriction on Rebecca’s guests.”
Joey suddenly became quiet, glaring at Meredith as he slowly pointed an angry finger at her face. “If you so much as say one word about any of this…”
“Someone else will,” she finished the sentence for him.
About the Author:Penny Pence Smith began writing professionally during high school for the Indio Daily News, in Southern California. She went on to receive a Communication and journalism B.A. at the University of Washington, an MA from the Annenberg School at the University of Southern California, and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
From the beginning, she was engaged in the entertainment industry: Warner Communication movie magazine editor, correspondent/LA Bureau Manager for New York Times Special Features Syndicate covering entertainment, Hawaii Correspondent for The Hollywood Reporter, and later, author of best-selling tourism books, Under a Maui Sun and Reflections of Kauai (Island Heritage).
Along the way, she managed advertising, public relations agencies and marketing consulting firms then became a professor at UNC Chapel Hill and Hawaii Pacific University. Her work appears current magazines.
Penny lives in Hawaii with her husband of nearly 40 years, Dixon, and cat, Bob.
Contact/follow Penny through her Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/Penny-Pence-Smith/e/B085FQLB2F?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000
May 18, 2021
Just "Keep Writing" Says Mystery Author Mary Keliikoa
Good Morning, Booklovers!
On this fine May morning we’re under the deck umbrellas because showers are predicted. Please join me in welcoming mystery author Mary Keliikoa and her featured novel, Denied, to this week’s Coffee Chat.
Nice to have you here, Mary. How do you take your coffee?
MK: Definitely love my coffee! Kona coffee is my favorite, but nearly anything will do. And with a splash of milk please!
Ally: My magic pot is up to any request, so Kona it is. While I pour, please tell readers about yourself.
BIO:Mary Keliikoa is the author of the Lefty award nominated PI Kelly Pruett mystery series. Her short stories have appeared in Woman's World and in the anthology Peace, Love and Crime: Crime Fiction Inspired by Music of the ‘60s. A Pacific NW native, she spent a part of her life working around lawyers. Combining her love of legal and books, she creates a twisting mystery where justice prevails.
When not in Washington, you can find Mary on the beach in Hawaii where she and her husband recharge. But even under the palm trees and blazing sun, she’s plotting her next murder—novel that is.
Website: www.marykeliikoa.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Keliikoa/e/B084Y77521
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mary.Keliikoa.Author/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mary_keliikoa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mary.Keliikoa.Author/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-keliikoa
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20038534.Mary_Keliikoa INTERVIEW :
Ally: What book/author was the biggest influence on your writing?
MK: That would be a four-way tie because my first love in the mystery genre was Mary Higgins Clark. Reading her for the first time I knew that I would write in this particular genre. However, over time, I found myself gravitating to the procedural work found in Faye Kellerman, Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich’s mystery series. So I would have to say all 4 truly influenced my writing in different ways.
Ally: What three books in your genre would you recommend to fans?
MK: There are so many great PI novels, but I’m a huge fan of Tracy Clark, Kristen Lepionka and Matt Coyle’s mystery series. Start at number one and go! In thriller/suspense, I love No Bad Deed by Heather Chavez, The Lady Upstairs by Halley Sutton and Death in the Family by Tessa Wegert. And in historical, by far my favorite series are written by Dianne Freeman (The Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder is her first book) and Heather Heistand for the Charles Dickens series.
Ally: You’re thrown into a different time—either past or future—what book hero would you want with you? Why?
MK: I’m taking Kinsey Milhone with me. I always loved the way she thought things through in the Sue Grafton series, and I know whatever predicament we’d get into, between the two of us, we’d figure a way out!
Ally: How many drafts (revision passes) do you do on a typical book before submission to your editor/publisher?
MK: Well, I tend to write a fairly comprehensive first draft. I know there’s a lot of suggestions about just getting it written, but I need to have the next logical step going in the story for me to continue it. So every day I go over that previous section before I move forward. That said, I will go through it at least 6 to 8 more times, before I’ll even let my critique partner see it. Because I’m looking for high level edits, I like to have it cleaned up at that point. And then after incorporating any of their changes and another read through, it will hit my editor or agent’s desk.
Ally: What's the best writing/marketing advice you’d like to pass on to other writers?
MK: Best writing advice is to keep writing, regardless. You only get better if you practice and each book represents a master course in writing. Marketing I think overall is just hard for us introverts, but what I’m finding is I choose things that I enjoy doing. Like being here – Coffee Chat! Such a fun concept and great questions. If you keep it fun and be real with your readers, then it doesn’t really feel like marketing and selling and I think people respond to that.
Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
MK: Deceived, the third book in the Kelly Pruett series, will be out May 2022. Kelly is going to be going undercover in a woman’s shelter and she’ll definitely be stepping into her own as a fully realized PI. I’m quite excited for her next adventure!
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you select to answer?
an item on your bucket list: I want to see the Northern Lights from Iceland in one of those glass igloos!favorite comfort food: Lasagna, or most anything Italian.Your pets: Bella is my golden retriever and August is my kitty.Your hobbies: I love to golf and play the ukulele and piano. And I’m starting to teach myself how to crochet. I have aspirations to have my grandchildren in all new scarves and hats by next winter!If you had to evacuate your house (your family and pets are already out safe), what one thing would you try to take with you? My laptop. It has my story ideas, and books I’ve written, and many of my photos over the years. So even though I back it up often, it would be a top priority!Ally: It was a pleasure to talk with you, Mary. Before you go, show us your current release, Denied.
Denied (Kelly Pruett Mystery #2)
Genre: mystery/suspense
A high-risk pregnancy. A dangerous secret. When her case turns deadly, can this investigator avoid racking up a fatal debt?
Despite her injuries, PI Kelly Pruett is eager to get back to work. So when a mommy-to-be hires her to locate her estranged dad, Kelly is thankful for the straightforward missing-persons case. But as she rummages through his trash in search of clues, she uncovers gambling debts to gangsters… and a blood-soaked severed finger.
With her investigation no longer cut-and-dried, Kelly’s hunt takes a deadly turn when her quarry is found driven off a cliff to his doom. And she’ll need more than her cop boyfriend’s help to expose the truth when the mob sends her a cease-and-desist notice with an explosive ending.
Can the determined detective take on the mafia and make it out alive?
Denied is the second book in the gripping Kelly Pruett Mystery series. If you like strong heroines, off-the-charts tension, and breathtaking twists, then you’ll love Mary Keliikoa’s action-packed story.
Buy Links:
https://bookshop.org/books/denied-9781603817837/9781603817837
https://www.amazon.com/Denied-Mary-Keliikoa-ebook/dp/B08V3G2Z73
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/denied-mary-keliikoa/1138693315
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/denied-9
May 11, 2021
Getting Cozy with Murders Written by Debra H. Goldstein
Good Morning, Booklovers!We’re half-way through May, and the Midwest can’t decide whether it’s Spring or not. Our temps are yo-yoing, although the sun is warm and feels good by most afternoons. I suppose in another month we’ll be complaining it’s too hot. :) The birds are singing loudly - a good sign it’ll be a pleasant day - so, we’re meeting on the deck (but bring your sweatshirts or light jacket). So, down to business. Our guest author this morning is cozy mystery writer, Debra H Goldstein.
Welcome, Debra. How do you take your coffee?
DHG: If I’m making it, I drink it black, but I tend to buy flavored coffees like Kahlua. If I’m purchasing it from Starbucks, it will be something iced, preferably with whipped cream. If I want a hot drink, my go to is a skinny white chocolate mocha, but don’t hold the whipped cream.
Ally: Since the magic pot can make any wish come true, how about a hot mocha with a liberal dollop of whipped cream? :) While I get our drinks ready, please introduce yourself to readers.
BIO:Judge Debra H. Goldstein writes Kensington’s Sarah Blair mystery series (Four Cuts Too Many, Three Treats Too Many, Two Bites Too Many, One Taste Too Many). She also authored Should Have Played Poker and IPPY Award winning Maze in Blue. Her short stories and novels have been named as Agatha, Anthony, Derringer, and Silver Falchion finalists. Debra serves on the national board of Mystery Writers of America and is president of SEMWA. She previously was on Sisters in Crime’s national board and president of SinC’s Guppy Chapter.
Something unusual that isn’t in your regular bio: “I took eleven years of piano lessons and occasionally relax by playing the piano that my parents bought for me when I was six years old.”
Contacts:
Website – www.DebraHGoldstein.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DebraHGoldsteinAuthor/
Twitter - @DebraHGoldstein
Instagram – debrahgoldstein
Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/debra-h-goldstein INTERVIEW :
Ally: Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision?
DHG: I am a hybrid writer, but that isn’t by choice. My first publisher went out of business and returned my files to me so that I could put the book, which was still in demand, back up on Amazon through what was then Createspace. In that instance, I had the files and cover art, so I didn’t have to go through the various steps of self-publishing. My choice, and what I have done in all other instances, is to seek traditional publishing house contracts. Although self-publishing would give me more control of all aspects of a work, I don’t want nor do I have time to write, promote, volunteer, and juggle my everyday activities with handling formatting, cover art, and all the other logistics necessary to be a successfully self-published author. Early on, I realized my limitations and immediately sought a traditional publisher.
Ally: What do you find is the hardest part of writing?
DHG: The hardest part of writing for me is to be disciplined enough to do it. When an idea or phrase is triggered, I write with a total abandonment of time. My focus is directed, and I am in the zone. Sadly, which has been more noticeable this past year, is that when I’m not motivated, anything can be a distraction. Ironically, I thought when I walked away from my day job, I’d treat writing like I had my job instead of as that thing I did between two and four a.m. It didn’t happen. Instead, I am a sprint writer, who does best when faced with a deadline.
Ally: Why did you choose writing as a career? Is it your only career, or do you have a “day” job?
DHG: I walked away from my day job as a judge a few years ago to follow my passion to write. At the time, I had had one book published and had just sold a second book. Although I had no idea if my writing career would take off, I knew it was something I wanted to give my full attention to no matter what happened. I haven’t looked back since.
Ally: Are people you know models for your book characters? In what way?
DHG: Yes and no. For me to copy a friend or someone I know isn’t possible because I could never capture them in their entirety. Instead, I steal bits and pieces of people I know to create complex new characters.
Ally: What's the best writing/marketing advice you’ve been given?
DHG: The best writing/marketing advice I was given was to “invest in yourself.” As the person explained, sometimes you have to put out money and effort to succeed. This may mean underwriting something, giving out free or discounted books, or being willing to have something function as a loss leader for others to be introduced to your work. Investing in myself also meant taking classes, reading books, and putting in the time to improve my writing and skills. Finally, it meant taking what I’ve learned or succeeded with and paying it forward because the return is an investment in “yourself” that can’t be measured.
Ally: What are you currently writing? Anticipated release date?
DHG: "Biff's Place," a short story was recently released in Jukes & Tonks and I will have at least two more short stories coming out later in 2021.
Four Cuts Too Many (the fourth Sarah Blair mystery and today's featured book) will be released by Kensington on May 25. Last Friday, I turned in the fifth book, Five Belles Too Many, which is slated for 2022.
In Five Belles Too Many, Maybelle and George are one of five finalist couples vying to win “the perfect wedding” in a competition being filmed in Wheaton by a national television show. To Sarah’s dismay, because the rules of the show require each belle to have a live-in chaperone to make sure the belle doesn’t engage in hanky-panky during the show’s taping, Sarah is drafted by her mother to be Maybelle’s chaperone.
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you answer?
DHG:an author (living or dead) you'd love to take to lunch: Leonard Elmore, Jrmost watched tv show: Perry MasonIf you were a color, what would it be? BlueWhat type of music do you prefer? Show Musicfavorite quote: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try. and try again.” Ally: Thanks for spending time with us, Debra. I hope you visit us again, but before we finish today, please show us your featured new release, Four Cuts Too Many.
Four Cuts Too Many (Sarah Blair Mystery #4)
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release date: May 25, 2021
Sarah Blair gets an education in slicing and dicing when someone in her friend’s culinary school serves up a main corpse in Wheaton, Alabama . . .
Between working as a law firm receptionist, reluctantly pitching in as co-owner of her twin sister’s restaurant, and caretaking for her regal Siamese RahRah and rescue dog Fluffy, Sarah has no time to enjoy life’s finer things. Divorced and sort-of dating, she’s considering going back to school. But as a somewhat competent sleuth, Sarah’s more suited for criminal justice than learning how many ways she can burn a meal.
Although she wouldn’t mind learning some knife skills from her sous chef, Grace Winston. An adjunct instructor who teaches cutlery expertise in cooking college, Grace is considering accepting an executive chef’s position offered by Jane Clark, Sarah’s business rival—and her late ex-husband’s lover. But Grace’s future lands in hot water when the school’s director is found dead with one of her knives in his back. To clear her friend’s name, there’s no time to mince words. Sarah must sharpen her own skills at uncovering an elusive killer . . .
Includes quick and easy recipes!
Pre-order and order links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Cuts-Sarah-Blair-Mystery/dp/1496732219
Barnes & Noble: Four Cuts Too Many by Debra H. Goldstein, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
May 4, 2021
Talking of Writing and Sweet Romance with Author DV Stone
Good Morning, Booklovers!
We’re having light Spring rain this morning, so I have the deck umbrellas up to keep us dry while we visit with DV Stone, featuring her sweet romance novella, Rainbow Sprinkles. (This is her second visit to the Coffee Chat. You can find her previous interview HERE.)
Welcome, Donna. It's nice to see you again. As I recall you take your coffee with one Splenda and cream.
DVS: Yes, I do, and I brought my own mug this time!
Ally: That's great. While I pour, please introduce yourself to readers who might not have been with us a year ago.
BioHi, my name is D. V. Stone. I am a multi-genre author of two independently published books. Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar is a fantasy romance. Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake is a mid-grade paranormal. Recently, Rock House Grill was released by Wild Rose Press. I also host Welcome to the Campfire and A Peek Through the Window, both weekly blogs. Here’s a little more about me.
Born in Brooklyn, D.V. Stone has moved around a bit and even lived for a time on a dairy farm in Minnesota before moving back east. Throughout her wandering, she always considered herself a Jersey Girl. She met and married the love of her life, Pete—a lifelong Jersey Man, and moved this time to Sussex County. They live with Hali, a mixed breed from the local shelter and their cat Baby.
You can find out more about D. V. by following her on Social Media:
Website Amazon Author Page Facebook Twitter Instagram
Pinterest Bookbub Goodreads Newsletter
Blogs: Welcome to the Campfire Blog Peek Through the Window INTERVIEW:
Ally: Who or what inspired your featured book?
DVS: My publisher, The Wild Rose Press, called for submissions to the One Scoop or Two series about Ice Cream. I used to own an ice cream shop, so it seemed like a great idea. At the time, the name Gloriana kept rolling around in my mind. The two came together in a perfect twist cone.
Ally: What is your favorite marketing tool? Why?
DVS: I’m a Canva fan. After using the free version, I splurged and bought it. In another life, I’d probably have gone to school for graphic design. I love playing around and creating videos. I’ve done them for other authors too.
Ally: Do you read reviews of your books? Do you respond to them? Are you affected by them?
DVS: I do read reviews. I’m so blessed and thankful that most of them are 4 and 5 stars. In an early release titled Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar, I had one, who said it wasn’t for her, and she didn’t finish it. I’ve only responded to one with more than a like, and that was because she contacted me by email with some lovely things to say about Rainbow Sprinkles.
It’s tough when you get a poor review. It’s like someone criticizing your child. However, in my opinion, it’s good to look at some of the negative critiques. Some you can brush off, but others may have wisdom to think about for future books.
Ally: Do you have a newsletter? Tell us about it. Do you think it is an effective marketing tool?
DVS: My newsletter goes out on the first of the month. It’s a little about me and my life, then any book news I have to share. As an avid reader, I’ll post reviews of books I like and those on my TBR (to be read) list. Often there is a giveaway or two. When my readers interact with me, I’m so happy. Often they tell me how some of my work or insights are uplifting. I don’t know how great a marketing tool it is, but I enjoy the interaction.
Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
DVS: I’m in the process of submitting Jazz House, the second Impact Book. Many of the characters from Rock House are in it, but I introduce a new female lead. Madeline Cielo is a jazz singer with a secret. Michael Machau, one of my favorite characters, is the male lead. I’m thrilled with how the story turned out.
But I’m also working on a novella called Christmas Cookie Chaos. Lacey, Nathan’s daughter from Rainbow Sprinkles, is an often commented on character. I decided to give her a story as well. I’d hoped it would be available for this year, but life got in the way. We’ll have to see what happens.
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose? memorable book you’ve read: My inspiration for writing is spread through many authors and books—certainly, JRR Tolkien. But growing up, Heidi, Black Beauty, all the Misty of Chincoteague (I’m visiting there this summer). I began reading romance in the late 70s and 80s, so those authors as well.ebook or print? I’m an ebook person and do most of my reading on my phone. I love having it with me wherever I go. If I don’t know a word or want to research an idea, I press and hold. The world is at my fingertips.What type of music do you prefer? I’m an equal opportunity listener. My radio is programmed from the 40s to top hits. I’m partial to classic rock, blues, and prime country, which is the 80s to 2000s.Your hobbies: I’m a camper or glamper, actually. After I retire I plan to take long trips across the country. Cooking over the open fire. Reading, of course. I make jewelry, sketch, and sort of play the guitar.e) best place you’ve ever visited: Many years ago, I went on a whale watch off the coast of Maine. I’ll never forget it. The water was smooth as glass and the same color as the sky. Then a pod of whales breached. In a particularly touching moment with a mother and calf, I turned to the guide and said, “This must be what Heaven is Like.” She agreed.Ally: Always enjoy chatting with you, Donna. I hope we’ll see you again. Before we wind this up for today, please show us your featured novella, Rainbow Sprinkles.
Rainbow Sprinkles (A One Scoop or Two Story)
Genre: Sweet Second Chance Romance with light paranormal
Novella
Retired and widowed Gloriana Jones is forging on with the plans she and her late husband dreamed of—bringing joy and happiness, one ice cream cone at a time, to Lake Unami. But bad weather is drowning her dream.
A trip to Upstate NY is bittersweet for Nathan James. He is excited to see his first granddaughter but without his wife he's lonely. When his car breaks down, he heads to the only light he can see, an ice cream shop.
With aid from a heavenly source, electricity sparks, but will the two weather the summer storms and find love a second time? Or will their hopes and dreams melt away?
Excerpt:
“Do you mind if I wait until the tow truck gets here?” He plucked the wet shirt away from his chest with the long fingers of one tanned hand. “It must be electrical, even the radio stopped working.”
“No, you're welcome to hang around as long as you need.” Gloriana riffled through a cardboard box under the counter, pulled out an extra-large t-shirt, and tossed it to him. “Here you go. The restroom is through there.”
Mr. Gorgeous beamed a perfect toothy smile. “Thanks. I'll be right back.”
When he disappeared into the hallway, and the door clicked shut, Gloriana fanned her face. What the hot fudge was wrong with her? “Coffee. Make coffee.”
Buy Links:
Amazon Barnes & Noble iBook’s
One Stop Shop for links Other Books by D. V. Stone
Rock House Grill
One man’s choices. One woman’s Impact
Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar
One foolish thought. One brutal act. Instead of a peaceful alliance––war.
Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake
A Mid-grade paranormal
Contributing Author: Australia Burns
April 27, 2021
Blog Interview with Historical Mystery Writer Barbara Monajem
Good Morning, Booklovers!It’s a beautiful day in the Midwest, and we’re back on the deck this morning. I have my coffee and am delighted to welcome Barbara Monajem to the Coffee Chat for book talk and a peek at her new release in the Lady Rosamund historical mystery series.
Nice to have you here, Barbara. How do you take your coffee?
Barbara: Half-caf or decaf with milk. I also drink quite a bit of tea brewed on a samovar.
Ally: I drink half caf myself these days, so I’ll have that ready in a moment. Meanwhile, please introduce yourself to readers.
BIO:Rumor has it that Barbara Monajem is descended from English aristocrats. If one keeps to verifiable claims, however, her ancestors include London shopkeepers and hardy Canadian pioneers. As far as personal attributes go, she suffers from an annoying tendency to check and recheck anything and everything, usually for no good reason. Hopefully all this helps to explain her decision to write from the point of view of a compulsive English lady with a lot to learn about how the other ninety-nine percent who lived in 1811 or so.
As for qualifications, Barbara is the author of over twenty historical romances and a few mysteries, for which she has won several awards. On the other hand, she has no artistic talent and therefore is really stretching it to write about an artist who draws wickedly good caricatures. But she’s doing it anyway, because he’s irresistible. To her, anyway. Not so much to the aristocratic lady. Or at least not yet.
Something unique/unusual about you: “The only thing that was on my bucket list was to succeed in knitting socks. I have since taken it off the list because I’ve given up. This is not a bid for immortality, but the dismal truth.”
Author Contacts:
Website: http://www.BarbaraMonajem.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.monajem
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbaraMonajem
Newsletter signup: http://www.barbaramonajem.com/contact.html
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/barbara-monajem
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3270624.Barbara_Monajem INTERVIEW :
Ally: Who or what inspired you to write your featured book?
Barbara: This answer applies more to the Lady Rosamund series as a whole rather than the featured book, which is book two. I wanted to try writing from the point of view of an aristocratic lady from the 1800s who really THOUGHT like a lady of her time – in other words, not a modern lady in historical clothing. On the other hand, I wanted her to appeal to modern readers despite having a lot of old-fashioned prejudices. In the series, she would have to go through a learning process to figure out which of her views made sense and which had to be discarded.
To make her vulnerable enough to want to change, I gave her a form of OCD – checking things over and over. Back then, this sort of compulsive behavior was seen as a form of madness. She tries her best to hide her compulsion, especially from her controlling mother, for fear of being locked away. Fortunately, she becomes friends with a Scotsman, Gilroy McBrae, who helps her learn and grow. With him, she becomes involved in solving crimes.
Ally: Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision?
Barbara: Both. I prefer to be traditionally published because self-publishing is way more work than I have time for (what with a demanding day job as well). However, self-publishing is perfect for putting out novellas that were originally in anthologies, or for stories that I think will be harder to sell to a publisher.
Ally: Do you write with an audience in mind or to a publisher’s required theme?
Barbara: Not really. I just write what I like, and hope there are readers out there who like the same thing. I am not very good at consistency. I have written contemporary vampire mystery/romances, historical romances, historical paranormal romances, and historical mysteries, and even a children’s fantasy which was published eons again when my kids were young. Some of my romances include a mystery, and my mysteries include some romance (and maybe a very tiny touch of the paranormal; it depends on what the characters believe).
Ally: How many drafts (revision passes) do you do on a typical book before submission to your editor/publisher?
Barbara: A whole bunch at the beginning! (It averages around eight.) The further I get into the story, the fewer drafts there are. The mysteries have fewer drafts than the romances.
Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
Barbara: A historical romance, His Lordship’s Incorrigible Wife (a sequel to The Smuggler’s Escape), is scheduled for a June release. The next Lady Rosamund story will be out in April 2022.
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose to answer?
Barbara:ebook or print? Both!most watched tv show: Pride and Prejudice—the British one in several episodes starring Colin Firth.pie or cake? What kind? Pumpkin chiffon pie! Oh, and carrot cake! And Bruce Bogtrotter’s chocolate cake, too. And back to pies, I’ll take rhubarb. And blueberry. And…this is torture, as I eat very low carb nowadays. Big sigh.a supernatural ability you’d love to have: Invisible time travel!Do you re-read books? Any book in particular? Everything by Georgette Heyer, Dorothy Sayers, Mary Stewart, and Lois McMaster Bujold. And many more…Ally: What a nice chat we’ve had. Do come back and see us again. Before you go. I’d love to hear more about your new release.
Lady Rosamund and the Horned God (#2 in the Lady Rosamund series)
Genre: historical mystery (Regency)
Rating: PG
Widowed Lady Rosamund spends the first months of her mourning in the Lake District, where it’s safe and peaceful, and murders are exceedingly rare. Luckily, she is rescued from this tedium by a house party comprised of playwrights, poets, and actors—an immoral set of persons with whom no respectable lady should associate. Even so, she hardly expected to wake in the wee hours to find one of the guests lying dead.
As if that wasn’t troublesome enough, Gilroy McBrae is at the same party, masquerading as a footman to investigate a series of thefts. Was the sudden death an accident—or murder? Almost everyone had reason to loathe their unpleasant fellow guest. Rosie must set aside her confused emotions about McBrae and work with him to find the culprit before an innocent person is accused of the crime.
Amazon links (It will be available at various other vendors.):
US https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Rosamund-Horned-God-Regency-ebook/dp/B0913LPHMC/
Canada https://www.amazon.ca/Lady-Rosamund-Horned-God-Regency-ebook/dp/B0913LPHMC/
UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lady-Rosamund-Horned-God-Regency-ebook/dp/B0913LPHMC/
Australia https://www.amazon.com.au/Lady-Rosamund-Horned-God-Regency-ebook/dp/B0913LPHMC/
April 20, 2021
Chatting about Murder and Mystery with Author Edith Maxwell
Good Morning, Booklovers!Who would have thought we’d be mowing lawns in April in the Midwest? And then it snowed yesterday! So, it a little too cool for deck time. In fact, I have the fireplace on this morning. Pull up a chair and settle in for this week’s interview with mystery author Edith Maxwell.
Welcome, Edith. How do you take your coffee?
EM: I drink two cups of a good dark roast, the darker the better, with a splash of whole milk. I carry it upstairs to my office in a Contigo travel mug – even though my commute is all of thirty seconds – because I like it to stay hot.
Ally: My magic pot can duplicate that, so while I pour, tell readers a little of your background.
Bio:Agatha Award-winning author Edith Maxwell writes the Quaker Midwife Mysteries, the Local Foods Mysteries, and short crime fiction. As Maddie Day she pens the Country Store Mysteries and the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries. Maxwell is a member of Mystery Writers of America and a lifetime member of Sisters in Crime. She lives with her beau and maniac cat north of Boston, where she writes, gardens, cooks, and wastes time on Facebook: Edith M. Maxwell and Maddie Day Author. She blogs with the Wicked Authors and at Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen, and can also be found at twitter and Instagram.
Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “I was a certified childbirth educator and taught classes to expecting couples in my living room. I also worked as a doula, doing labor support.” INTERVIEW:
Ally: When did you first decide to pursue writing as a career? Is it your only career, or do you have a “day” job?
EM: I started writing stories as a child. I kept writing for the next few decades but it was non fiction: journalism, essays, academic writing, and technical documentation. My first short story as an adult was published in 1999, and my first novel didn’t come out until 2012. I left my most recent day job in 2014 – and haven’t looked back. I’m living my dream, writing 3-4 books a year.
Ally: What is the hardest part of writing?
EM: For me it’s the middle of the book. I get stuck every time. I’m currently writing the middle of my 29th mystery, and I’m oddly more inspired by this story than in previous books. Stand by for news!
Ally: Do the people in your real life show up in your writing? In what way?
EM: Traits of real people show up, for sure - people I know well and people I’ve only seen walking down the street. I’ll remind myself to include a character who walks like that guy, laughs like that friend, wears a coat with flair like a woman on the bus, has ears like that kid.
Ally: What's the best writing/marketing advice you’d like to pass on to other writers?
EM: Write – butt in the chair, fingers on the keyboard. Write the best book you can. Fix it, and fix it some more. Then find your tribe (like Sisters in Crime), learn from them, and write some more.
Ally: What is your next writing project?
EM: I’m writing (as Maddie Day) Murder in a Cape Cottage, the fourth Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery. It will likely release in fall, 2022.
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose to answer?
EM:a. most watched tv show: “Call the Midwife”b. a movie you’ll always remember: “Bridges of Madison County” – I am a total sucker for sappy romances.c. the best thing a book fan has ever said to you: “Your book got me through my mom’s eight-hour surgery. Thank you.”d. Your pets: Maniac one-year-old teen tiger cat Ganesh. He’s sweet – and he’s crazy and dangerous.e. favorite comfort food: Warm home-baked bread with tons of butter. Or a warm steamed tamale. Or a bowl of hot rice with butter and salt. Or a bowl of hot pasta with homemade pesto. The theme is starch!Ally: It’s been a pleasure to chat with you this morning, Edith. One last thing before you go, show us your featured book, A Changing Light.
A Changing Light (A Quaker Midwife Mystery)
Genre: historical traditional mystery
PG-13
Midwife Rose Carroll sees signs of progress and change everywhere. Her New England mill town presents its 1890 annual Spring Opening, when world-famous carriage manufacturers throw open their doors to visitors from all over the globe. This year’s festivities are tainted when a representative from a prominent Canadian carriage company is murdered, and plans for a radical new horseless carriage go missing. Faced with the question of whether the two crimes are connected—and a list of suspects that includes some of Amesbury’s own residents and any number of foreign visitors—Rose delves into a case with implications for the future, even if the motive for murder is one of mankind’s oldest.
Find A Changing Light here:
Jabberwocky Bookshop (specify in the comments who you would like Edith’s signature endorsed to)
Amazon
April 13, 2021
Coffee Chat Interview with Urban Fantasy Author JC Keough
Good Morning, Booklovers!Where did our summer days go? We had a few days close to 80 degrees, now it was 35 degrees this morning! Sigh. I guess we'll have to wait a few weeks before regular deck time. So we’re inside again today (the good news is that puts us closer to the coffee pot) for book talk with urban fantasy writer J.C. Keough.
Welcome, Jamie. What can I get you to drink?
JCK: I’m an American, but I prefer tea. Being from the South, I drink a lot of iced tea during the summer, and hot tea during the winter. I like plain black tea–no sugar or milk for me.
Ally: That’s easy enough to fix. While I hustle up our drinks, please tell readers something about yourself.
Bio:J.C. Keough grew up and attended university in small Texas towns. She lived and worked for twenty-five years in Dallas, Texas. In 2016, she and her husband Paul moved lock, stock, and dogs to Kenmare, Ireland. Since the move, Jamie has been creating the urban fantasy mystery series, The Laramie Harper Chronicles, set in Dallas, Texas. The first two books in the series, Dying in Dallas and The Blood Will Tell, hit the shelves in 2020, and the third book in the series is coming out in October 2021. Jamie writes about Texas, vampires, wine, dogs, and murder. Sometimes voodoo, beer, and werewolves make the cut.
Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “My current favorite alcoholic drink is a pickle martini. They’re made the same way as a dirty martini, but with pickle juice instead of olive brine. You wouldn’t think that gin and pickle juice would go together, but somehow they work. Combine three parts gin (I’m partial to Bombay Sapphire), one part pickle juice, and crushed ice in a shaker. Give it a good toss about, then strain it into a martini glass. I use Best Maid Dill pickle juice - it’s a Texas thing - and it is very tart.”
Author Contacts:
Website: http://jckeough.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jckeough
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jckeough
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCKeough INTERVIEW :
Ally: Writing can be fun, but it isn’t easy. What is the hardest part for you?
JCK: Starting. I can find any number of things to do besides write. I believe that this comes from the feeling that because I enjoy it so much, I must be goofing off. The other thing that I find is that if I’ve hit a roadblock in the story, even if I haven’t realized it, it’s harder to sit down and write the story. So I have a several tricks to make myself write at least a few words each day, because once I start, I don’t want to stop. The simplest one is that I put a gold star on my calendar each day I write. It may be childish, but I love opening my calendar and seeing all the stars.
Ally: Do you write with an audience in mind or to a publisher’s required theme?
JCK: My first series is one hundred percent based on what I want to write and, more specifically, the type of books I would love to read. However, I’ve found that many readers aren’t as genre fluid as I am, so I’m writing my second series with an audience in mind.
Ally: Do the people in your real life show up in your writing? In what way?
JCK: I’m excited about the book I’m currently writing for this exact reason. I have a group of six long-time friends who always read my work first and who I bounce ideas off of. One of them asked me when I was writing my second book, when would I include the people in this group as characters in my book. So I asked them if they wanted to be in the book to send me a character name and description. As they will be members of a coven, I gave them some parameters and allowed them to choose an ability, unique to their character. They blew me away with their names, descriptions, and the backstories they already had in mind for their characters. And funnily enough, their characters slotted right into the book I’d already written—that they hadn’t read—and made it so much better
.
Ally: Do you consider yourself a plotter (with an outline), a pantser (no outline), or a little of both?
JCK: I was a complete pantser on my first book. That it was okay to be a pantser was one of the things that allowed me to start my first novel. One of the things that held me back for years was the idea of sitting down and writing an outline for a novel. It seemed like so much work and so boring – just the thought of it made me feel like I was back in high school working on an outline for an English paper. Yuck. But I then heard a podcast on pantsers and got really excited. I could just sit down and start writing my story? Yes, please! The excitement lasted until I hit 150,000 words on what I’d planned to be a 100,000 word or less novel and there was still no end in sight. Then I had to admit that, at least for me, there had to be a better way and I have plotted every book and story since. However, I still find myself pantsing within the plot points. I end up cutting a lot more words in the editing phases than if I’d stuck completely to the plot outline, but I feel like the books are more creative because I give myself that leeway.
Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
JCK: I am currently working on the first book in another paranormal mystery series that takes place in Texas. My expected release date is December 2021.
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose to answer?
JCK:a. memorable book you’ve read: The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straubb. book you're currently reading: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynchc. an item on your bucket list: Visiting Transylvaniad. a movie you’ll always remember: The made for TV mini-series of Salem’s Lot in 1979. It sent me traipsing down the vampire path. Things that go bump in the night, or as I call them, bumpies, have fascinated me ever since.e. Your pets: Maeve and Niamh, both mixed breed rescue dogs. They are the inspiration for my canine characters in The Laramie Harper Chronicles.Ally: It’s been a real pleasure, Jamie. I hope you’ll come back again when you have a new release. Before you go, please show us your featured book, Dying in Dallas.
Dying in Dallas, Book 1 of The Laramie Harper ChroniclesGenre: Urban Fantasy
PG-13
Viciously attacked. Framed for murder. Turning thirty.
Laramie Harper is having a horrible weekend. Strangers viciously attack her, she finds a dead body, and the police arrest her for murder. The worst thing, though? She is turning thirty.
When young widow Laramie takes a break from renovating her Victorian home to celebrate her birthday, she just wants to live a little. But when she becomes an unwitting pawn in the hunt for a centuries-old relic, she gets more action than she bargained for.
After a rough night out, Laramie returns home with a killer hangover and vague memories of being attacked, only to find a dead community activist stuffed into her dumbwaiter. As if that isn’t bad enough, police believe she is the murderer.
Her dead husband’s best friend, Van, vows to help her. When he tells her that her attackers were werewolves and a vampire saved her life, Laramie’s sure one of them has gone around the bend. But her dog, Bodacious, fears her, and she can’t deny the changes happening in her body, or her craving for blood.
With only seventy-two hours before The Change is complete, Laramie must prove her innocence and find the vampire who turned her so the process can be reversed. She wants to trust Van, but he comes from a long line of vampire hunters, and he seems to know a lot more about what’s going on than he is willing to share. Is he there to help her, or to put a stake in her heart if she can’t stop The Change?
If you like vampires, voodoo, dogs, and wine, then you will love J.C. Keough’s debut novel.
Buy Links:
Dying in Dallas: http://mybook.to/DyinginDallas
The Blood Will Tell (Book #2): http://mybook.to/TheBloodWillTell
