Ally Shields's Blog, page 22

Book Spotlight: Missing Deposits by Leeann Betts plus Giveaway

​Missing Deposits
Author: Leeann Betts
Genre: Cozy Mystery
 
Carly looks forward to a vacation when Mike is hired to assist a rancher family in western Colorado catalogue their various mineral rights following the discovery of a large copper field on their property.
 
However, Carly soon learns that the real wealth—and the real danger—aren’t below ground. Someone is out to keep a secret bigger and more profitable than copper.
 
And they’re willing to kill for it.
 
Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Deposits-Numbers-Leeann-Betts/dp/1943688540

Smashwords:   https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/992895


WANT IT FREE? Enter a comment, and one random commenter will win a free ebook of Missing Deposits! Excerpt:

Chapter 1
 
 
Carly gritted her teeth. Would they never get off this plane and begin their working vacation? Well, working for husband Mike, vacation for her. The door of the jet stood wide open, the ramp waiting for their exit, but nobody was moving.
She should have insisted on sitting closer to the front. But Frugal Mike—cheap to some—insisted they didn’t need to spend the extra few bucks to choose their seat. And besides, everybody knew sitting nearer to the back of the plane was safer in the event of an airborne incident.
Who was he kidding? No in-the-air event was likely to have a good outcome.
At which point, she’d reminded him that flying was safer than driving a car.
Not true of Bear Cove, of course, since it had no airport and only a couple hundred vehicles. Accidents were few and far between, and even more rare was a fatality.
Despite her best arguments, they occupied the seats three rows from the back.
Finally, the illuminated seatbelt sign went dark, and people filled the aisle, pulling all manner of carry-on items down, handing them along the line to their owner, or setting them on their seats. Inch by inch, minute by minute, the hundred and fifty or so passengers ahead of them filed out.
When she thought she would scream, Mike stood, retrieved their items, and smiled at her. “Our turn. Hurry up. What’s taking you so long?”
Then down the aisle he went, smiling and nodding like the life of the party he was, as though he owned the entire airline.
She sighed. Vacation. Vacation. If the next seven days were anything like this flight, she’d return home more tense than she left.
And she left Bear Cove uptight for a good reason. Their return flight was booked for the evening of the day before Thanksgiving. Then they had the four-hour drive from Bangor to get home. And she was hosting dinner. Sure, Denise was cooking the turkey, and Sarah volunteered to look after desserts, but seriously? Who knew what mischief Doc the cat would get into in their absence? They might return to find he’d shredded the sofa or chucked up hairballs all over the dining room table.
Of course, Mike poo-pooed her worries, saying everything would be fine. And he was probably right. Didn’t stop her from fretting, however.
She followed her husband out of the plane and up the jetway, glad he took stewardship of their small carry-on cases. Especially the one with the wonky wheel. As he stopped to right the bag, she chuckled. If it was up to her, she’d toss it in the trash and get a new one.
Not Frugal Mike, though.
Welcome to Denver.
No matter how much she traveled, she never tired of that rush of excitement at being in a new place. Her first time in the Mile High City, so named for its altitude. She recalled her recent research that advised ‘lowlanders’—folks from sea level—to be sure they drank lots of water and limited physical activity for the first few days. Well, flying and water didn’t mix—at least, not for her. She’d make up for it now, though.
She dug her phone from her purse. “Mike, hold up. I want to get a picture of you under the welcome sign.”
His brow pulled down but he paused and posed, and she snapped the picture. Nope, that wouldn’t do. A stranger had inserted himself into her keepsake photo. She held up a hand as Mike turned to continue his trek. “Hold on a minute. Let me try that again.”
But the man seemed intent on remaining right where he was. She caught his eye and gestured with her phone toward where Mike stood and then indicated for him to move in the opposite direction, but he either didn’t get the message, or didn’t speak Carly-ese.
Maybe a different angle. She took a couple of steps to the left. Nope, the sun through the glass meant Mike would be in shadow. Perhaps the other direction? The stranger was now more in the frame than ever.
Well, it had to be done. “Excuse me, sir? Could you move aside while I snap this photo? Then you can stand wherever you like.”
In response, the intruder shifted a millimeter to his left and broke eye contact with her.
She clamped her jaw tight. Fine. At this rate, she’d need dental work before getting back on the plane next week. “Mike, let’s go. I’ll simply crop him out of the picture.”
And out of our lives, I hope. About the Author:
 
Leeann Betts writes contemporary romantic suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical romantic suspense. Missing Deposits is the 11th title in her cozy mystery series, and together she and Donna have published more than 30 novellas and full-length novels. They ghostwrite, judge writing contests, edit, facilitate a critique group, and are members of American Christian Fiction Writers, Writers on the Rock, Christian Authors Network, and Sisters in Crime. Leeann travels extensively to research her stories, and is proud to be represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary LLC.
 
Contacts:
 
Website: www.LeeannBetts.com  Receive a free ebook just for signing up for our quarterly newsletter.
Blog: www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://bit.ly/1pQSOqV
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1qmqvB6
Books: Amazon http://amzn.to/2dHfgCE  and Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2z5ecP8

Coffee, Tea, and Book Talk with Mystery Author Lida Sideris

​Welcome to the Coffee Chat!

This week’s guest author for our book chat is Lida Sideris, bringing us her featured mystery, Murder Double or Nothing.

Good morning, Lida. May I get you something to drink?

LS:  I’m a tea drinker  - passion flower being my current favorite for when I like to relax. I like it hot!

Ally: Especially on a cold, winter morning! While I pour coffee and tea, please introduce yourself to readers. BIO: 
 
 Lida Sideris' first stint after law school was a newbie lawyer's dream: working as an entertainment attorney for a movie studio...kind of like her heroine, Corrie Locke, except without the homicides. Lida is the author of a Southern California Mystery series, and the picture book, The Cookie Eating Fire Dog. She was one of two national winners of the Helen McCloy Mystery Writers of America Scholarship Award for her first book. Lida lives in the northern tip of Southern California with her family, rescue dogs and a flock of uppity chickens.
 
Something unique/unusual about you that isn’t in your regular bio: I’m currently big on watching Hallmark movies, something I thought I’d never do. I like the feel-good tones where everyone is kind, thoughtful and good-natured. Also, the background scenery is beautiful and reminds me of the small town where I live.
 
CONTACT INFO:
 www.LidaSideris.com
 Lida@LidaSideris.com
https://www.facebook.com/lidasideris      
Twitter: @lidasideris
Instagram INTERVIEW:
 
Ally:  How did you get that first book or story published?
 
LS:  I thought writing a mystery was an impossible task…until I won a scholarship to the San Francisco Writers’ Conference. I’d submitted the first chapter of a historical fiction novel (a work in progress) and won. When I got to the Conference, I was surprised to find that people thought I could actually write. That gave me the boost I needed to write #1 of my Southern California Mysteries. I got rejections along the way, but then I won another award! I was one of two national winners of the McCloy/Mystery Writers of America scholarship. After that, I completed my manuscript and sent it out. I got a bite from a small press in New York, and I happily accepted.
 
Ally:  What do you find most rewarding about a writing career? Most negative or frustrating?
 
LS:  Most rewarding are the wonderful people I get to meet – other readers, writers, librarians, bookstore owners and staff, bloggers and so on. Best people ever! And the incredible satisfaction of completing a novel is unparalleled. Most frustrating is writing the next book. I write by the seat of my pants, which is like finding your way out of a maze…blindfolded. I tried outlining first, but it wasn’t nearly as fun. I guess I’m a fan of surprises (and driving myself crazy)!
 
Ally:  Do the people in your real life show up in your writing? In what way?
 
LS:  Only people with whom I’ve had very limited contact. For instance, I was once on the golf course with my junior golfer/younger son and we happened to run into a basketball superstar. He seemed so pleasant and courteous, I inserted him into my first book. I pegged him as a cat lover, too, which played a part in Book #1.
 
Ally:  What's the best writing/marketing advice you can pass on to other writers?
 
LS:  Be persistent. Never ever give up! I wrote a children’s picture book twenty years ago. I got a bite right off the bat from a big publisher, but they ultimately declined and did their own similar book (about a fire dog). Fast forward to 2018 and The Cookie Eating Fire Dog was published! The difference was I didn’t give up after a few tries the second time around.
 
Ally:  Do you read reviews of your books? Do you respond to them? Good reviews are wonderful, but are you affected by the bad ones?
 
LS:  I am so grateful for anyone who takes the time to leave a review, and I’m beside myself when the review is a stellar one. I write to have fun and try my best to pass along that fun to my readers. When they enjoy reading one of my books, I know I’ve hit bulls-eye. As to bad reviews, I’ve only had a few that made me feel bad. But I tell myself that there’s no way to please everyone, as much as I’d like to. I don’t respond unless they are good reviews.
 
Ally:  What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
 
LS: I am currently writing #4 in my SoCal Mystery series: Slightly Murderous Intent.
It should be out late summer.
 
Ally:  Which of the quick answer questions did you select to answer?
 
LS: a. memorable book you’ve read – I really enjoyed The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, The Horse That Inspired A Nationb. book you're currently reading – Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.c. ebook or print? Print – I love the feel and smell of books, but truthfully, most of the books I read these days are audio. I commute to my day job and it’s the best way to spend my time.d. color of nail polish you have on  - I’m a big fan of nail polish. Currently wearing a darker berry, kind of a deep pink-red.e. the best thing a book fan has ever said to you – I love your books!f. pie or cake? – Pie, almost any kind, but especially lemon meringueg. Your pets - Two old sheps, Barbie and Duncan and an assortment of hens. I’m big on rescue dogs. They are the best! Ally: It was a pleasure having you, Lida. Good luck with your career. Before you go, please show us your featured book...

​Murder Double or Nothing 
(Southern California Mystery Series )
Genre: traditional mystery
Rating: G/PG

Corrie Locke, newbie lawyer and daughter of a late, great PI, is learning the ropes at the Hollywood movie studio where she works--and where things are never what they seem. Life imitates art when a fictional murder attempt turns real--right before her very eyes. 
 
With more than a little help from friends and a crazy movie legend, Corrie trips down a trail littered with wisecracks, mysterious messages, and marginally legal maneuvers to track down the killer. Meanwhile, clues keep disappearing and Corrie makes an enemy whose deadly tactics keep escalating. Will her impromptu sleuthing skills be enough to catch the mysterious assailant before he takes her down?
 
Amazon buy link.

Paranormal Romance Guild's Reviewers Choice Awards Nominee

I'm thrilled and honored to share with you that RING OF FIRE (Guardian Witch Legacy #3 and the last novel of the Guardian Witch saga) has been nominated in two categories for PRG's Reviewers Choice Awards!
If you'd like to vote for any of the nominated books, here is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/e/1FAIpQLScpElcY3jOO7rg_Uv3SfKaRRr6YG3ssKGQfx5W6vVb9KfBnxg/formResponse
​

Author Interview: Donna Schlachter (and featured book, Double Jeopardy)

Happy 2020, Booklovers!

I hope you're ready for another year of sharing books and meeting new authors you might not have read before. This week's guest is Donna Schlachter with her historical romantic suspense novel, Double Jeopardy.
​Happy New Year, Donna! How do you take your coffee?

DS:  With cream only, please.

​Ally: Coming right up. Please introduce yourself to readers while I pour. Bio:

Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick. As a hybrid author, she writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts, and has been published more than 30 times in novellas and full-length novels. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Writers on the Rock, Sisters In Crime, and Christian Authors Network; facilitates a critique group; and teaches writing classes online and in person. Donna also ghostwrites, edits, and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, and travels extensively for both. Donna is represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management.

Something  personal that isn't in your regular bio: "I am a Canadian by birth, an American by choice."

Contacts:

www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com
www.HiStoryThruTheAges.com  Receive a free ebook simply for signing up for our free newsletter!
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter
What Can Be Online University: https://what-can-be-online-institute.teachable.com/ INTERVIEW :
 
Ally:  What’s the most meaningful thing a fan has said about your book?
 
DS:  A successful fellow writer of contemporary suspense said she loved Double Jeopardy. It was like having Agatha Christie compliment my work.
 
Ally:  Tell us about your reading habits. Favorite genres. Books read per month, year? Print or ebooks? Current favorites?
 
DS:  I read suspense/mystery, contemporary and historical. About 4 books a month. Prefer print to ebook, since I spend so much time on the computer during the day. Current favorites are anything by Agatha Christie or Patricia Moyes.
 
Ally:  Do you prefer to read standalones or series books? 
 
DS:  I prefer to read series, because if I like the characters, I want to read more about them. If I don’t—well, then that series just became a standalone for me. I also binge watch crime drama the same way—one season after the other, often from Season 1.
 
Ally: Tell us about your writing habits. Do you write on a desktop, laptop or on paper? Does it make a difference whether it’s a first or last draft?
 
DS:  I write on a laptop which is also my desktop. I use a separate mouse and keyboard, and when I pack up and go to a coffee shop or anywhere else to write, I carry another separate mouse and keyboard with me because I hate my laptop’s keyboard and mouse.
 
However, I often use a notepad to help me flesh out an idea or a scene. And I keep index cards of characters in my file so I can keep track of whether their eyes are blue or green, and how far one place is from another.
 
And no, it doesn’t matter if it’s a first or final draft.
 
Ally:  What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
 
DS:  Next project is editing some historical mystery/suspense novels I’ve written, getting them ready for my agent. No release date yet. However, my alter ego, Leeann Betts, who pens cozy mysteries, has releases twice a year. Number 11, Missing Deposits, just came out in December. Find her on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com
 
Ally: Which short answer questions did you pick to answer?
 
DS: a. memorable book you’ve read: Dead of Night by Brandilyn Collinsb. book you're currently reading: Winnie the Pooh on Managementc. an author (living or dead) you'd love to take to lunch: Agatha Christied. an item on your bucket list: Visit Europee. ebook or print?: PrintAlly: It was a pleasure to chat with you, Donna. Before you go, please show us your featured book, Double Jeopardy. Double Jeopardy
Genre: historical romantic suspense
PG
 
Set in 1880, Becky Campbell leaves her wealthy New York lifestyle in search of her father, only to learn he was murdered in the small town of Silver Valley, Colorado. Unable to return to her mother in humiliation and defeat, she determines to fulfill her father’s dream—to make the Double Jeopardy profitable.
 
Zeke Graumann, a local rancher, is faced with a hard decision regarding his land and his dream. After several years of poor weather and low cattle prices, he will either have to take on a job to help pay his overhead expenses, or sell his land. He hires on with this Easterner for two reasons: he can’t turn his back on a damsel in distress. And he needs the money.
 
Becky isn’t certain Zeke is all he claims to be, and after a series of accidents at her mine, wonders if he isn’t behind it, trying to get her to sell out so he can take over.
 
Zeke finds many of Becky’s qualities admirable and fears he’s losing his heart to her charms, but also recognizes she was never cut out to be a rancher’s wife.
 
Can Becky overcome her mistrust of Zeke, find her father’s killer, and turn her mine into a profitable venture—before her mother arrives in town, thinking she’s coming for her daughter’s wedding? And will Zeke be forced to give up his dream and lose his land in order to win Becky’s heart?
 
Buy Links:
​
Print: https://shoplpc.com/double-jeopardy/
​Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Double-Jeopardy-Donna-Schlachter-ebook/dp/B07YSZRZQS

Other Books: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq and Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2gZATjm

Happy New Year!

May All Your Dreams Come True In 2020! Let's get the New Year off to a terrific start! I am away this holiday season visiting with my amazing family, but the regular Coffee Chat author interviews will be back starting January 8, 2020.
Hope to see you then!
​Ally Shields 

Merry Christmas!

Have a Wonderful Christmas Holiday! Pentatonix: Mary Did You Know? https://youtu.be/ifCWN5pJGIE Bless Us One and All...

Christmas Eve in Olde Town

​Christmas Eve in Olde Town

Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through Olde Town,
Not a creature was stirring nor making a sound.
The werewolves were running all night through the woods,
The demons were hiding their faces in hoods.

The elves all were dancing; the dwarves were so merry,
The nymphs were excited and so very cheery.
With Ari, Andreas and Rayne altogether,
The town was all settled, snug in the cold weather.

When out of the sky with a light pure and bright
Came a dragon so bold glowing gold and pure white.
Ari dashed across town, stopped on a dime,
If the dragon was hostile, she couldn't get there in time.

The children were gathered in the town square
Singing and dancing, their thoughts without care.
When what did their wondering eyes behold
But the dragon that stories had once foretold.​ With scales of pure gold, and eyes oh so green
They knew in a moment it was the Dragon's queen.
She'd come to bring presents, to those old and young,
To recapture the stories that once had been sung.

Of a beautiful princess who had fallen in love
With a handsome dragon from the clouds far above
And every Christmas she brought back her joy
By sharing her gifts with each girl and boy.

When Ari arrived, Rayne and Andreas close by,
The queen pulled out a bag and undid the tie.
She dropped all the toys at Ari's feet
So they could surprise every child with a treat.

Then blowing snowflakes out of her nose,
The dragon winked boldly, or so the story goes,
And spreading her wings, she rose to the sky
"Merry Christmas to all, and I bid you Good-Bye!"

                                               Ally Shields (2013, reposted 2019))

‘Tis the Season for a Little Bite on the Neck: Christmas Vampire Stories

‘Tis the Season for a Little Bite on the Neck: Christmas Vampire Books
 
Vampires are not what you typically associate with Christmas. But a friend asked me to name my favorite Christmas book about vampires, and I couldn’t do it! Not a single title came to mind, so I went looking. There aren’t a whole lot, and even less that other readers recommend. Most are holiday novellas, but I actually found a few I’d read. Some I even liked. Maybe one of these will provide you with a quick holiday vampire fix! :)
 
So, here goes...



​The Bite Before Christmas  by Lynsay Sands and Jeaniene Frost. Two novellas featuring familiar faces from their popular Argeneau family and Night Huntress series. Loved one of these stories. https://www.amazon.com/Bite-Before-Christmas-Argeneau-Vampire-ebook/dp/B005DIB72E
​



All I want for Christmas is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks (Love at Stake, Book 5) ~ Working as a bodyguard for the undead can make you want all the wrong things under the mistletoe. https://www.amazon.com/Want-Christmas-Vampire-Love-Stake/dp/006111846X






Christmas Moon by J.R. Rain (A Vampire for Hire novella) ~ This Christmas, Samantha Moon's world is about to be rocked... https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Moon-Vampire-Hire-Book-ebook/dp/B006HHDYPS




Vampire for Christmas by Felicity Heaton. A Christmas novella. Can a demon hunter and a vampire find love during the holidays? A cute story (4.1 stars on Amazon), and it’s free! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AM59T6






A Vampire for Christmas , an anthology of four stories by Laurie London, Michele Hauf, Caridad Pineiro, and Alexis Morgan. Vampires looking for love in the most magical season of the year. A nice collection and way to meet new authors. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373776446/ ​




Real Vampires Take a Bite Out of Christmas by Gerry Bartlett ~ A short, quirky novella for fans of the Real Vampires series. https://www.amazon.com/Real-Vampires-Take-Bite-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00ICBY1MC There you have it! If I’ve missed some great vampire Christmas reads, tell me about them in the comments!
Have a Terrific Holiday!
Ally Shields

Writing Places, a Guest Article by Author Kath Boyd Marsh

​Welcome, Booklovers!

My critique partner, Kath Boyd Marsh, is taking over the blog this week, and she LOVES dragons. So I thought I'd let this little guy be our logo! :)

Okay, Kath, it's all yours...

​This is Kath Boyd Marsh. I write Young Adult and Middle Grade fantasy and humor from my 27th or 28th home (I misplaced my calculator, so I’m unsure.) Dragons inhabit my office and my stories. And that brings us to my topic. Writing Places?
​
Where I write is important. Sometimes I do write in waiting rooms. Oddly easy to do, unless the people around me are very interesting. But day to day my writing is done at home. It starts in my office where all the office dragons inspire my writing. Almost every story I’ve ever written has at least one dragon. Well, the project I’m working on now that started at NANO this year doesn’t. But I’m a Panster, and it’s too soon to be sure.
​
But sometimes I need to get away from all those dragon eyes.  Thanks to my trusty laptop I have some great options. There’s the gazebo, now that nesting season is over and the little bird is finished with it. I don’t think I bother the possum who lives under it. I’m a pretty quiet writer. Hmm, there is a dragon on top.

How about the porch while the dogs play in their corral? This rarely works, because of Hank, our 70# part pit bull mostly lap dog. He needs a lot of attention. Not to mention the view from the porch over the valley below is awesome. Hank and I spend a lot of time taking it in.
​
Okay, what about the table on the patio? Good one. No view of the valley. No dragons, and Hank is napping. There’s just a clear view of the woods where the bear lives … Next. Inside. The bedroom downstairs. Two normal windows with less of the spectacular view. The cats will follow. It only takes about fifteen minutes for them to wear out the jump up and down from the window over the desk. Then they’ll form the SleepingCatPile on the bed. Write fast before Zoe wakes up, heads off to find her stuffed duck, and returns yowling for praise for hunting, killing, and dragging back a stuffed toy nearly as big as she is. There is no such thing as enough praise in a cat’s eyes.

The SleepingCatPile re-forms, and if I’m really quiet I can sneak upstairs to my bedroom. Nice

 and quiet, and … another concentration-breaking view out over the ridges to the mountain. Head down, look at the laptop. Soon, the cats will find me. Which means they will start over with the: check out the desk, the laptop, the window. Three cats, one space to examine, and the lamp is always in danger. Do they swish their tails on purpose to knock it over?Back to my office. The dragons will guard my writing space, and my computer faces a wall of bookshelves. I can get lost in my words. And only two cats will follow. One will sleep in the antique trunk on top of a dragon throw. One will snore in the chair by the big window. Did I just see the bear in the back woods through that big window? 
I’ll start over tomorrow, Pre-dawn! Downstairs in the living room with my back to the windows and the views. Uh, oh. The sun is rising! I have to watch!
ARGH!

​
Kath
kathboydmarshauthor.com
lettersfromearth.blogspot.com


The Lazy Dragon and the Bumblespells Wizard-http://amzn.to/2c6IOH4,
Dragon Bonded-  https://amzn.to/2MMNhhF

The Pendragon Crystal from the Dragons and Witches anthology- http://amzn.to/2nOX8tv)
Perilous Princesses-  https://amzn.to/2In05gn .
  
Bubbles and Smush: Closet Monsters -  https://amzn.to/2mW7OrJ
Bubbles and Smush: Trick or Treats-   https://amzn.to/2mWjf2C
Bubbles and Smush: Dragon Rescue: https://amzn.to/2lQSRas

Mystery Author Heather Weidner: On Writing & Reading

​Happy Holiday Season, Booklovers!
 
I can’t believe it’s December already. We’re in the middle of shopping and baking and holiday plans, but there’s always time for books (and coffee!). This week’s guest is mystery author Heather Weidner, bringing us her featured book, Glitter, Glam and Contraband.
 
Welcome, Heather. How do you take your coffee?
 
HW:  I drink iced coffee (even in the winter) with a lot of cream/milk. My team teases me because I have a little coffee with my cream.
 
Ally: As long as it has that coffee taste, I’m sure it’s fantastic. While I prepare our drinks, please introduce yourself to readers. BIO:
 
Glitter, Glam, and Contraband is Heather Weidner’s third novel in the Delanie Fitzgerald series. Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, and Deadly Southern Charm. Her novellas appear in The Mutt Mysteries series. She is a member of Sisters in Crime – Central Virginia, Guppies, International Thriller Writers, and James River Writers.
 
Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers.
 
Heather earned her BA in English from Virginia Wesleyan University and her MA in American literature from the University of Richmond. Through the years, she has been a technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager.
 
Ally: Tell me something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “I’m a CK (Cop’s Kid). My dad, now retired, is my best law enforcement resource. And I didn’t realize that other families didn’t talk about crime and murder at the dinner table until I was a teenager.”
 
Contacts:
 
Website and Blog: http://www.heatherweidner.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherWeidner1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherWeidnerAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather_mystery_writer/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8121854.Heather_Weidner
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HeatherBWeidner/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-weidner-d6430278-c5c9-4b10-b911-340828fc7003 INTERVIEW: ​Ally:  How did you get that first book or story published?
 
HW:  My first mystery short story was published in a Sisters in Crime anthology, Virginia is for Mysteries. It was my first publication credit, and I learned so much working with all the other talented authors.
 
Ally:  Do you use a professional editor? If not, what do you do to ensure a quality book?
 
HW:  I do. I send all of my novels to a professional editor after they have been reviewed by my critique group and beta readers. For the traditionally published works, that’s just the beginning. The work goes through the editorial process at the publishers, too.
 
Ally:  Do your characters come to you fully formed with names and backgrounds?
 
HW:  They all came with names, and I knew what they looked like. In the Delanie series, Chaz was supposed to be just a client in the first book, but my readers really liked him, warts and all. Chaz’s role has expanded, and he’s been in all three books. He grows on you after a while.
 
Ally:  Do you know the book’s ending before you start writing?
 
HW:  I think I know. I start out with a pretty detailed outline, but when I start writing, the story takes off. Sometimes, the endings have varied a little from the original outline.
 
Ally:  What's the best writing/marketing advice you’ve been given?
 
HW:  Mary Burton gave me the best writing advice. It was to write your next book. Marketing and book promotion take up a great deal of an author’s time, but in the end, it’s all about writing the next book and making it the best it can be.
 
Ally:  Tell us about your reading habits. Favorite genres. Books read per month, year? Print or ebooks? Current favorites?
 
HW:  I read a lot, mostly mystery, thriller, and suspense, but I do like history and biography. I read about 3-4 books a month. I read a lot more when I wasn’t writing. My favorite authors are Lee Childs, John Berry, John Grisham, Lisa Scottoline, Sherry Harris, Rhys Bowen, Louise Penny, Agatha Christie, and Janet Evanovich.
 
Ally:  Do the people in your real life show up in your writing?
 
HW:  Nobody is safe around me. I’m always jotting down ideas and bits of dialogue, and they often end up in stories and novels. I also write where I know. All of my mysteries are set in Virginia. The stories are fiction, but the places are real.
 
Ally:  What three books in your genre would you recommend to fans (after they’ve read your books, of course!).
 
HW:  I love mysteries. I think readers should read anything by Sherry Harris, Amy Reade, Rhys Bowen, K. L. Murphy, Lisa Scottoline, and Diane Vallere.
 
Ally:  What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
 
HW:  I am working on a cozy mystery series set outside of Charlottesville, VA. I also have a novella coming out in the spring in the dog-themed, Mutt Mystery series.
 
Ally:  Which of the short answers questions did you pick?
 
HW: favorite book: There are too many. Charlotte’s Web, The Wind in the Willows, The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbirdbook you're currently reading:  Blue Moon by Lee Childan item on your bucket list:  Travel to New Zealand and Australiafavorite movie: The Wizard of Oz, The Breakfast Clubhigh heels or sneakers:  Flipflops – I’m a beach girl. I’m doomed to flats now. I ruptured my Achilles tendon a few years back, and I had to give up on my cute heels.Your pets: We have two Jack Russell Terriers – Disney and Riley  
Ally: Thank you for spending time with us, Heather. Before you hurry off to shopping, please show us your featured book. Glitter, Glam, and Contraband (Delanie Fitzgerald series #3)
Genre: Mystery/humor
Rating: PG
 
Private investigator, Delanie Fitzgerald, and her computer hacker partner, Duncan Reynolds, are back for more sleuthing in Glitter, Glam and Contraband. In this fast-paced mystery, the Falcon Investigations team is hired to find out who is stealing from the talent at a local drag show. Delanie gets more than she bargains for and a few makeup tips in the process. Meanwhile, a mysterious sound in the ceiling of her office vexes Delanie. She uses her sleuthing skills to track down the source and uncover a creepy contraband operation.
 
Glitter, Glam, and Contraband features a strong female sleuth with a knack for getting herself in and out of humorous situations like helping sleezy strip club owner, Chaz Smith on his quest to become Richmond’s next mayor, tracking down missing reptiles, and uncovering hidden valuables from a 100-year-old crime with a Poe connection.
 
Book Links for featured book:
 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Glitter-Glam-Contraband-Delanie-Fitzgerald/dp/099945983X/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=heather+weidner&qid=1573726545&sr=8-3
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/glitter-glam-and-contraband/id1487475119?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/glitter-glam-and-contraband-heather-weidner/1134862421?ean=2940163591978
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/glitter-glam-and-contraband

Other Books on Amazon: www.amazon.com/s?k=B00HOYR0MQ&ref=nb_sb_noss