Ally Shields's Blog, page 5

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!

Have a terrific holiday season! See you in January 2023!

Chatting with Mystery/Thriller Writer Erica Miner

​Good Morning, Booklovers!
 
I hope you’re keeping warm on this snowy, winter morning in the Midwest. Grab a hot drink and join us around the fireplace as we welcome this week’s guest author, mystery/thriller writer, Erica Miner.
 
Welcome, Erica. What may I get you to drink?
 
EM:  True confessions: I’m an avid tea drinker: anything green, especially Japanese, is my go-to.
 
Ally:  Not a problem. My magic pot can fix any drink you can imagine. While I get those drinks, please introduce yourself to readers. About the Author:
A former violinist with the Metropolitan Opera, I am an award-winning author, screenwriter, arts journalist, and lecturer based in the Pacific Northwest. My debut novel, Travels with my Lovers, won the Fiction Prize in the Direct from the Author Book Awards, and my screenplays have won awards in a number of recognized competitions. Aria for Murder, the first in my Julia Kogan Opera Mystery series, released on Oct. 28, 2022.
 
Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio. “To my knowledge, I’m the only former Met Opera musician who is writing operatic mysteries.”
 
Author Contacts:
https://www.facebook.com/erica.miner1/
https://twitter.com/EmwrtrErica
https://www.instagram.com/emwriter3/ INTERVIEW:
 
Ally: Why did you choose writing as a career? Is it your only career, or do you have a “day” job?
 
EM: I first started writing when I was in grade school, about age 7 or 8. When I was growing up in Detroit in the semi-Dark Ages, the public schools were excellent, with lots of afterschool programs. I was placed in one for Creative Writing and fell in love with the whole process of creating characters and plots and weaving them together to tell stories. I kept writing through high school and university, and when I eventually started playing violin at the Metropolitan Opera, I still took writing classes whenever I could fit them into my schedule. After I left the Met, I chose writing as my creative outlet; my passion for the craft had never abated. I started with screenplays, won some awards, and then tried my hand at novels and arts journalism. I’ve never doubted my choice.
 
Ally:  Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision?
 
EM:  My first novel, Travels with my Lovers, was POD, simply because I couldn’t wait to get it out there. That was in the early 2000s, when being self-published had a stigma attached to it. Even though the book won a major award, I had a hard time gaining credibility from bookstores, writers’ organizations, and other entities where I tried to market my work. After that experience, I decided to go with traditional publishers. I’ve never looked back.
 
Ally:  Have you done any ghostwriting? Tell us about your experience.
 
EM:  I’ve ghostwritten 3 novels, and overall, it’s been a positive experience. I found it challenging to take someone else’s unformed story or concept and fashion it into something literary, but I also enjoyed the process and got a great sense of accomplishment out of doing it. Of course, generally non-writers are not cognizant of the amount of work it takes to construct a coherent, compelling story from the bare bones they hand over to you initially. But ghostwriting is a great exercise in learning how to work closely with another person, how to compromise with them, while producing a final product that will demonstrate your best writing skills and still make them happy with what you’ve done.
 
Ally:  Do people you know sneak into your books as characters?
 
EM:  Absolutely! In Aria for Murder, which takes place at the Met Opera where I was a violinist for 21 years, I got to kill off a bunch of people who made life miserable! But seriously, many of the major characters are based on people I knew and worked with; one of them is an exact carbon copy of a very close colleague, and some of my co-workers recognized him. Julia, the protagonist, is my alter ego as a young violinist just starting out at the Met. When you set a novel in a real place that you know as intimately as I know that opera house, it’s a natural occurrence for characters who populate that fictional milieu to be inspired by people you know.
 
Ally:  Do you write from an outline?
 
EM:  I am a dedicated, perhaps even obsessive, outliner, especially when I’m writing in the mystery genre. Mysteries are tricky. You absolutely must know the ending before you start to write, and preferably who is the villain as well. Each plot point has to grow directly out of the previous one and connect organically with the following one. They’re like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. If one piece is slightly ill-fitting or out of place, the entire puzzle is out of kilter. The same goes for a mystery. For that reason, I outline meticulously, sometimes for months, before I allow myself to write a single word of the book. For me, writing without an outline would be like trying to construct a building without a blueprint.
 
Ally:  What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
 
EM:  Up next is the sequel to Aria for Murder. I’m keeping the title under my hat for the moment. It’s due out in September of 2023.
 
Ally:  Which of the trivia questions did you choose to answer? Favorite comfort food: MangoesFavorite book character: David CopperfieldWhat type of music do you prefer? ClassicalFavorite quote: “There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going.” – Beverly SillsAre you a beach lover or a snow skier? Beach, hands down  Ally: Thank you for visiting with us, Erica. Before you go, please show us your featured novel. Aria for Murder (A Julia Kogan Opera Mystery)
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
​Romance Heat Rating: 2-3
 
Excitement mounts as the moment arrives for brilliant young violinist Julia Kogan's debut in the orchestra of the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera. But the high-stakes milieu of this musical mecca is rocked to its core when, during an onstage murder scene, Julia's mentor, a famous conductor, is assassinated on the podium.
​Thrust into the investigation when her closest colleague in the orchestra is named chief suspect, Julia teams up with opera-loving NYPD detective Larry Somers to solve the murder. In the process, they are shocked to discover the venerable opera house is rife with a web of secrets, intrigue, and lethal rivalries. But all bets are off when Julia suddenly finds herself the real killer's prime target.
 
“A ruthless and clever killer haunts the Metropolitan Opera and the hidden recesses of Lincoln Center. Violinist Julia Kogan, a rising star in the pit, must unmask the murderer or become a victim herself. Erica Miner’s richly satisfying Aria for Murder delivers a compelling mystery, replete with devious characters, glorious music, and plenty of behind-the-scenes dirty laundry. A musical and dramatic triumph. Bis! Encore!”—James W. Ziskin, Anthony, Barry, and Macavity Award-winning author
 
“Erica Miner, the Agatha Christie of the opera world, continues the genre with a wickedly wonderful…brand new thriller, Aria for Murder…This is simply brilliant writing. Bravissima!”
—Richard Stilwell, international opera star
 
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Aria-Murder-Julia-Kogan-Mystery/dp/1685121985/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1669763489&sr=8-1

Cozy Mystery Author Ana Diamond Visits the Coffee Chat

​Good Morning, Booklovers!
 
The Midwest is having a rain/snow mix this week. It’s cold and damp, and we’re huddled close to the fireplace this morning. My cup of coffee is nicely warming my hands. Settle back with your own mugs and join me in welcoming this week’s guest author, Ana Diamond, with her featured cozy mystery, BODY SNATCHED.
 
Welcome to the Coffee Chat, Ana. How do you take your coffee?
 
AD:  I drink hot bold coffee with creamer. 
 
Ally:  Very good. While I pour, please tell readers something about yourself.
Author Bio:
 
When Ana Diamond isn't writing about tough gals finding love in unexpected places, she’s at work by day in the medical field. She writes romantic cozy mystery novels with feisty strong women and alluring men who can’t resist them. Her books are fast paced, entertaining and heartfelt all at once.
Ana is a 2020 Tara Contest Finalist for Body Conscious and 2015 Melody of Love contest finalist. She lives in New York with her husband, two children and two needy but wildly entertaining kitty cats.
Something unique about me: “I was born in Brazil.”
 
Author Contacts:
 
https://twitter.com/AuthorDiamond
 
https://www.instagram.com/anadiamondauthor/
 
https://www.tiktok.com/@anadiamondauthor
 
https://www.facebook.com/anadiamondauthor INTERVIEW:
 
Ally: Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision?
 
AD:  I am traditionally published because I don’t feel that I have the experience or time to handle a business on my own.
 
Ally: Do you write from an outline?
 
AD:  I don’t write from an outline. I like the creative process of getting stuck and having to make my way out of it.
 
Ally:  When you have time to read, where do you go to find a new book? A friend, google search, browsing a brick-and-mortar bookstore?
 
AD:  I love bookstores. I could spend the whole day in a bookstore but unfortunately; they are pretty scarce these days. I find books that are recommended reads based off previous reading or sometimes, social media will convince me to buy a book.
 
Ally: How many drafts (revision passes) do you do on a typical book before submission to your editor/publisher?
 
AD:  I do several revision passes before submission to my editor. I would say I keep going until I’m convinced it’s the best I can do.
 
Ally:  Which of the trivia questions did you pick to answer?
 
AD:  
Ebook or print?  I love printed books but it’s more practical to read e-books.Favorite accessory:   JewelryBook you're currently reading:  I’m reading 2 books. Never Lie by Freida McFadden and Buried in a Good Book by Tamara Berry.Pie or cake? Any kind of cake.Best place you’ve ever visited:  Bora Bora Ally:  It has been a pleasure to meet you, Ana. Before we finish, please show us your featured cozy mystery.
BODY SNATCHED
Genre: Cozy Mystery
PG-13
 
What’s worse than losing a body from a funeral home? Losing two. But mortician and amateur sleuth, Lily Reynolds has a hunch. The new visitor in town, Rick Drakon, may have charmed his way into her life but she’s not fooled by his smooth talking ways. Problem is, Rick is a long-time friend of Lily’s new husband, Detective James Rivers.

​While James is busy convincing her to look elsewhere, Lily embarks on a dangerous path toward uncovering the truth. Will this case come between the couple or will Lily find herself closer to evil than ever before?   
 
Excerpt:
 
Black River reminded James of one thing: murder.
 
Hidden in dense foliage, the river stretched out far beyond his view and also happened to be a perfect spot to dump a body. He had no doubt there had been many missing people over the years who wound up weighed down by rocks at the bottom of the river until their flesh disintegrated into nothing.
 
His boss, Donald Abrams had a bad habit of telling him about their worst cases, probably to freak him out. The sicko with the garden of people floating upright like weeds was particularly gruesome. The chills he got from that one made the hairs on his neck stand up. However, since Manorview’s crime rate was low, James wasn’t entirely sure if the stories were folklore or not.
 
“Congrats on your last case. I heard you’re a big boss detective now,” Rick said as he reeled in his empty line.
 
James impaled a worm on his hook and swung the line out into the water. “Thanks. I wouldn’t say big boss though. More like maybe I’ll get to keep my job.”
 
“Have you ever caught anything here?” Rick asked.
 
“No, but I hear there’s trout.”
 
And bodies.
 
Buy Link:
 
https://books2read.com/u/3LVx5X

A Bit of Sweet Holiday Romance from Author Jill Piscitello

Good Morning, Booklovers!
 
Let’s gather around the fireplace and welcome romance writer Jill Piscitello, featuring her sweet, holiday romance, TINSEL AND TEA CAKES.
 
Please join us, Jill. How do you take your coffee?
 
JP:  I drink one large mug of coffee every morning. Only the slightest bit of sugar and cream are added. I prefer my coffee steaming hot but will partake in the occasional iced coffee during the summer.
 
Ally:  One large mug coming right up. While I pour, please tell readers something about yourself. About the Author:
​
Jill Piscitello is a teacher, author, and an avid fan of multiple literary genres. Although she divides her reading hours among several books at a time, a lighthearted story offering an escape from the real world can always be found on her nightstand.
 
A native of New England, Jill lives with her family and three well-loved cats. When not planning lessons or reading and writing, she can be found spending time with her family, trying out new restaurants, traveling, and going on light hikes.
 
Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “I am a card-carrying, dollhouse enthusiast. Due to my day job and writing at night, progress moves slow on a large house picked up at a yard sale. But I’m proud to say that each room is spruced up enough for young family members to enjoy when visiting. My goal isn’t an untouchable work of art displayed in a glass case. I hope to create a pretty canvas for whatever story worlds current and future generations dream up.”
 
Social media links:
Website ~ Twitter  ~ Facebook ~  Instagram  ~ GoodReads ~ BookBub INTERVIEW:
 
Ally:  Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision?
 
JP:  Tinsel and Tea Cakes was traditionally published by The Wild Rose Press. I understand the many reasons authors choose to self-publish. But at this stage in my writing career, the expertise and guidance offered by a seasoned editor is invaluable.
 
Ally: What is the easiest—or the hardest—part of writing for you? Explain.
 
JP:  For me, the easiest part of writing is dreaming up story ideas and plots. I have a long list of “to be written” books. The hardest part is the final edit. I could edit forever and never be satisfied.  A close tie is marketing. As an introvert, putting myself out there on social media is beyond challenging. But after a few years of pushing through online stage fright, the process is becoming, if not easier, more routine.
 
Ally:  Do you write from an outline?
 
JP:  My writing always begins with an information dump. I feel compelled to write down (yes, in an old-school notebook) the first ideas, characters, conversations, settings, conflicts, etc. that pop into my head. Once I’ve captured everything remembered (ideas rarely arise when I’m home with paper and pen handy), the next step is an outline. The outline is in a constant stage of revision until the first draft of the manuscript is complete.
 
Ally:  Are you a speed reader or do you settle in and savor a book?
 
JP:  I am usually in the middle of reading an average of three books. My mood for genre changes on any given day. As a result, it takes me far too long to finish each story, but I do savor each one.
 
Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
 
JP:  My upcoming release is a cozy mystery. The manuscript is in the final stages of editing. My last two books were holiday romances, so I’m excited to leap into a beach setting with an amateur sleuth on a mission to figure out whodunit.
 
Ally:  Which of the trivia questions did you choose to answer?
 
JP:
Ebook or print?  When reading at night, I prefer to read an ebook. On vacation, I need a print book to read by the beach or pool.Most watched tv show:  Gilmore Girls, Gilmore Girls, and did I mention Gilmore Girls?Favorite accessory (jewelry, scarves, shoes, etc.):  Large, soft scarves – I’m always cold.Pie or cake? What kind?  White cake with sugary, vanilla frosting smothered in roses.Favorite holiday song:  We Need a Little Christmas, by Johnny MathisAlly: It was a pleasure to meet you, Jill. Before you go, please show us your featured book.

​TINSEL AND TEA CAKES
Genre: sweet, holiday romance
 
Hair stylist Scarlett Kerrigan lost her job and her apartment. To alleviate a touch of self-pity, she succumbs to her stepmom’s pressure to attend a wedding in the New Hampshire White Mountains. Unfortunately, she runs into the vacation fling who promised the moon but disappeared without an explanation. Months have passed, but she is not ready to forgive and forget.
 
After a chaotic year, executive Wes Harley settles into his family's event venue, The Timeless Manor. His carefully structured world is shaken to its core when Scarlett arrives for the Victorian Christmas wedding weekend. The feelings he never quite erased flood to the surface.
 
When secrets are revealed, will a magical chateau and a sprinkle of tinsel be enough to charm Scarlett?
 
 
Purchase Links:
Amazon           Nook        Apple IBooks

Author Jana Richards Visits the Blog with Her New Romantic Suspense

​Good Morning, Booklovers!
​
Another wintry day in the Midwest, but we’re all snug before the fireplace.
I have an exciting new addition to my household, and I’d like for you to meet my girl, Pippin, a 5-month-old min pin mix.  ​ ​
Here she is being held by her former foster mom prior to adoption. Have you ever seen such big ears?!

​
​But we’re all gathered here this morning for book talk, so without further delay, let’s welcome this week’s guest author, Jana Richards, bringing us her featured romantic suspense, STRONG ENOUGH.
Nice to have you on the blog, Jana. How do you take your coffee?    JR:  I love coffee! I drink mine with a little milk, enough to make it a café au lait color. I managed to wean myself off sugar in my coffee a long time ago, but I can’t drink it without milk. I’d love cream instead, but it’s just too many calories!

Ally:  While I fill our mugs, please introduce yourself to readers. Bio:

Jana Richards has tried her hand at many writing projects over the years, from magazine articles and short stories to full-length contemporary romance, paranormal suspense and romantic comedy. She loves to create characters with a sense of humor, but also a serious side. She believes there’s nothing more interesting then peeling back the layers of a character to see what makes them tick.
When not writing up a storm or dealing with dust bunnies, Jana can be found pursuing hobbies such as golf (which she plays very badly) or reading (which she does much better).
Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren and two senior cats named Layla and Leelou.

Something unique/unusual that isn’t in your regular bio:  “We recently adopted our thirteen-year-old cats, Layla and Leelou, when their original owner passed away. They were at risk of being surrendered to the Humane Society, and considering their age, we were afraid no one would adopt them together. Or at all.
When we took them to the vet to get some shots, we discovered that Leelou really, really doesn’t like going to the vet. My sweet, gentle senior citizen turned into a screaming, hissing Tasmanian devil. A tech had to be called in to hold the cat down while the vet tried to examine her. Leelou made some unearthly sounds that I didn’t know she, or any other cat, was capable of. Next time I have to take her to the vet, there’s going to be tranquilizers involved, for both of us!”

Social Media Links:
Website:  http://www.janarichards.com
Blog:  http://janarichards.blogspot.com
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_
Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards
Amazon UK Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B002DEVWWG
Newsletter Signup: http://janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jana-richards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janarichard... INTERVIEW:

Ally: Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision?

JR:  I’m a hybrid author, which means that I have self-published some books and have traditionally published others. Both methods of publishing have advantages and disadvantages. My plan for the future is to self-publish more books because I like the control I have over cover art, publishing dates and a host of other things. But it also means I’m responsible for everything, which is a daunting prospect!

Ally:  Do you use critique groups or beta readers? Do you find them valuable?

JR:  Yes, I belong to a small critique group and I find it invaluable. I’ve known most of the people in my small group for a long time and I trust them to be fair, but to tell me the truth. I find that looking at my work through another person’s eyes gives me perspective. My critique partners sometimes make suggestions I never considered. But they often are exactly what the story needs.

Ally:  Where do you go to find a new book to read? A friend, google search, browsing a brick-and-
mortar bookstore?

JR:  I often read a book based on a friend’s recommendation. Or sometimes a book’s blurb intrigues me, or a review will draw me in. Before the pandemic, browsing a bookstore was one of my favorite things to do. Nowadays, I’m more likely to browse Amazon or Audible for a book to read on my Kindle, or listen to as an audiobook.

Ally:   Do you read reviews of your own books? Do you respond to them? Are you affected by
them?

JR:  I do read reviews of my own books. For the most part, my reviews have been positive. I rarely respond to them, however. But every once in a while, a review isn’t as glowing as I’d hoped for. My books are like my children, so if a reader doesn’t “get” it, or calls one of my children ugly, I can’t help but be affected by it. But usually, when I step back and think about it, the reviewer has a point. I try to keep the reviewer’s point in mind when I write the next book.

Ally:   What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?

JR:  My next writing project is a Christmas story. It’s book four in my self-published series, Love at Solace Lake. I loved a couple of the characters in the series so much that I wanted to give them their own book, and what better time to do it than at Christmas. CHRISTMAS AT SOLACE LAKE will be released in time for Christmas 2023. It was supposed have been ready for Christmas this year, but life intervened and I decided to give myself some grace and shoot for next year.

Ally:  Which of the trivia questions did you choose?
​
JR: Ebook or print? I honestly love both. I can also include audiobooks as a favorite. The experience is different with each one, but they all have their places, depending on what you’re doing and where you are.Last time you rode a train (not subway):  In 2014 we were in the south of France on a river cruise. We took the train from Lyon to Paris at the end of our trip.Pie or cake? Hard choice, but if you’re making me pick one, I’d say lemon meringue pie.Your pets:  Two thirteen-year-old calico cats, Layla and LeelouBest place you’ve ever visited:  Maui, Hawaii! I’d go back in a heartbeat. Ally: Thank you for chatting with us today, Jana. Before we finished, tell us about your featured book.
STRONG ENOUGH
Genre:  contemporary small-town romance, romantic suspense
Heat level of excerpt – 3.5 out of 5

Charlotte Saunders has a full life—a rewarding career as a nurse, meaningful volunteer work at a dog shelter, and family, friends and pets she adores. But no matter how hard she tries, she can’t forget the horrible event that’s haunted her for ten years.

A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Damon Greyson now helps others who have suffered trauma. His experience and intuition alert him to trouble in Charlotte’s past, and he wants to help her, if only she’d let him.

Excerpt:
He slowly lowered his head, his breath mingling with hers. But he held back, as if waiting for her permission.

Charlotte’s lips were mere inches from his. Her senses filled with him, with his scent, with the look in his eyes, and the sound of his ragged breathing. She trembled, but she wasn’t sure if it was with excitement or fear. Perhaps it was both.

All she knew was right now she wanted to kiss Damon Greyson more than she’d wanted her next breath. She stretched up on her tiptoes and touched her lips to his.

Damon’s arms came around her and crushed her against his broad chest. Somehow her arms wound themselves around his neck and hung on tight. Every part of his body seemed to fit perfectly with hers, as if they were puzzle pieces made only for each other.

And his mouth. Oh, his clever, wonderful mouth. His kiss was demanding, and yet so utterly tender it made her want to weep. It had been a long time since she’d been kissed like this.

No, she corrected. I’ve never been kissed like this.
​
Buy in Ebook:  Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.UK | B&N | iBooks | Kobo US | Kobo CA | Chapters/Indigo​

Spotlight on Time Travel Novel, BERYL BLUE, TIME COP

Beryl Blue, Time Cop – Book I Beryl Blue’s Adventures in Time
 
Her mission: save the soldier, save the future. Even if she loses her heart.
 
Somewhere in Time meets Terminator as feisty librarian Beryl Blue is hurled from 2015 to WWII, tasked with stopping a time traveling assassin from killing a soldier on leave and changing history forever.
 
Dealing with the bad guy’s easy compared to the trouble his target puts Beryl through. She’s stunned to find herself falling for the sexy, stubborn Army sergeant Tom “Sully” Sullivan, who makes it abundantly clear he can take care of himself.
 
With an assassin on their heels and all of history on her shoulders, Beryl scrambles to figure out how to protect a man who refuses to be protected—and keep her heart intact.
 
Beryl Blue, Time Cop bUY Link: https://books2read.com/u/md1DJw Hop over to my JL Buck blog to read Ms Stevens' tips on writing time travel novels:
​janetlbuck.com/blog/guest-article-on-writing-time-travel-by-author-janet-r-stevens About the Author:
 
Meet award-winning author Janet Raye Stevens – mom, reader, tea-drinker (okay, tea guzzler), and weaver of smart, stealthily romantic tales.
 
A Derringer Award and Silver Falchion Award finalist, Janet’s work has been recognized multiple times, including winning the Daphne du Maurier award for the WWII-set paranormal A Moment After Dark and RWA’s Golden Heart® award for the holiday romance Cole for Christmas. Janet writes historical mystery, time travel, paranormal, and the occasional Christmas romance with humor, heart, and a dash of suspense.
 
She lives in Massachusetts with her handsome better half and their equally impressive children.
 
Something unique/unusual that isn't in my regular bio: I had the singular pleasure of meeting the Three Stooges when I was six, and was presented to the Queen of Bhutan much, much later. The Queen wore a gorgeous gown of colorful Bhutanese textiles; the Stooges wore goofy grins and costumes smeared with pie from their antics performing at the Shrine Circus.
 
Author Links:
  
JRS Website: https://janetrayestevens.com/
JRS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetrayestevens/
JRS BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/janet-raye-stevens
JRS Linktree: https://linktr.ee/janetrayestevens
JRS Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/j9d9u0

A Romance from Author Reggi Allder to Warm the Heart on a Snowy Day

​Good Morning, Booklovers!
 
Winter has arrived in the Midwest with our first snowfall, so we’re gathered around the fireplace this morning. If everyone has your coffee, tea, hot chocolate or whatever, please join me in welcoming this week’s guest author, Reggi Allder, featuring the first book in her Sierra Creek romance series, Her Country Heart.
Welcome, Reggi. How do you take your coffee?
 
RA:  Hi Ally, thank you for having me on the Coffee Chat. I love coffee, caffeinated or decaf. Every morning, I have two cups of the real thing and after dinner, I look forward to a strong cup of decaf with cream. I do occasionally have a cup of chai tea, but coffee is my go-to drink.
 
Ally: White I pour, please introduce yourself to readers. Bio:
“Reggi Allder will hold you on the edge of your seat as you follow her real-to-life characters. Grab one of her books. You won’t be disappointed.” NL reviews
Reggi writes compelling romantic suspense and small-town contemporary novels. Whatever their situation, her characters are determined to overcome obstacles and control their future. She has two series as well as other books. Dangerous Web is the first in the Dangerous Series. The Sierra Creek Series starts with Her Country Heart. Whether in a series or not, each book is a complete standalone read. Reggi has also contributed to two cookbooks.
She has lived in rural towns and large cities and appreciates the pros and cons of both. Her experiences have proven helpful when writing her novels.
When not writing, she likes to take long walks, often stopping to take photos of whatever catches her eye. She lives with her hubby and a rescue dog who barks too much, and a pure-bred dog who doesn’t. 😊 Her hobbies, movie buff and gardener, are sometimes reflected in her books by way of her character’s interests.
Reggi studied creative writing and screen writing at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). She enjoys hearing from readers.
 
Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “Dogs are amazing animals. I raised a Labrador puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind and the dog went on to guide for a woman in Southern California. Smart, gentle and caring, these canines spend their lives in service to people. I have also done foster care for the Humane Society. When it makes sense, I try to add animals, of all kinds, to my books.”
 
Please follow her on:
 
Her website.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Reggi-Allder/e/B00G05PJRS/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/reggi-allder
Allauthor: https://allauthor.com/author/reggiallder/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reggi.allder
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reggiallder​ INTERVIEW:
 
Ally:  Who or what inspired your featured book?
 
RA:  While in Los Angeles, I heard many associates talk about moving to the country and living off the land. For most people, it was only a sweet daydream that helped them cope with the smog, traffic, and noise. What if a young woman, in need of a home, moved back to a small town where she could be self-sufficient? With no faming experience, would she succeed?
 
Ally:  Do you use critique groups or beta readers? Do you find them valuable?
 
RA:  Writing can be a lonely business. When I first started, I didn’t have a critique group, but was lucky to join a local writer’s organization. I met several authors who were planning to start a critique group, and I was asked to join them. That was about eight years ago. They have become not only writing partners, but great friends. If asked to give advice to an author starting out, I’d suggest they try to find a critique group. Even if there isn’t one close by, there may be one online. The group can be very valuable.
 
Ally:  What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
 
RA:  My work in progress is called Dangerous Vacation, with a proposed release date of fall 2023. It is book four in my Dangerous Series; the first book is Dangerous Web. These are standalone romantic suspense novels. They are very different from book four in the Sierra Creek Series, My Country Heart, which I have just finished writing. I like to alternate my series from small town romance to romantic suspense books.
 
Dangerous Vacation Blurb:
Do you need a vacation? Marty Costello does. A workaholic, her life has been spent working toward a goal, whether it was as an Olympic Gymnast or as a member of the US government’s Rapid Response Team. She isn’t good at letting go and relaxing. But when she is injured, her boss tells her to take time off.
She is in San Francisco, with the idea of walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, riding the cable cars, and picnicking in Golden Gate Park. Her plans are stalled when a purse snatcher waylays her.
Hudson Blake, a tall, handsome, and mysterious man, helps her chase the robbers away. Is he the ordinary guy he appears to be or does he have another more hazardous agenda?
 
Ally:  What book setting/location have you never forgotten?
 
RA:  Three of my favorite settings are San Francisco, Carmel by the Sea and Lake Tahoe, California. I’ve used these locations in several of my books, including three suspense and a couple of western contemporary novels. It’s great to go online and check out locations, but nothing can compare with meeting the people of an area. I prefer to experience the food, weather, and atmosphere, things not available online.
I’m looking for another place to visit–any ideas?
 
Ally:  How important do you think writing and reading are in today’s world?
 
RA:  Too often, kids get their information from a screen. They watch and respond with a key stroke. But this limits their ability to communicate. If they don’t read printing or cursive writing, they are cut out of much of the written world. Not only could it make learning and research difficult for a student, but imagine being unable to read books in a library and also never knowing the joy of being entertained by an author’s work?
 
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose?
 
RA:
eBook or print? Both. I have used them at different times. At the beach I like print, no worry if it gets wet. 😊Favorite quote: “You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” Jack LondonFavorite comfort food: Potato ChipsAn item on your bucket list: See the northern lights (aurora borealis)Color of nail polish you have on: Clear with a French tipAlly: It was a pleasure to chat with you on this snowy day, Reggi. Before we finish, please show us your featured novel, Her Country Heart.

​Her Country Heart (Sierra Creek Series Book One)
Genre: mainstream/feel-good romance
 
5 Stars- “Great Characters, I'm hooked!! It’s been a long time since I’ve been engaged with a book’s characters. But this story, and the people in it, got to me. I loved it and didn’t want the book to end!”

Amy Long needs a forever home. Out of work, she lost her apartment in the city and returns to the small town of Sierra Creek to find a fresh start. Her plan is to work the land on her grandmother’s organic apple farm and be self-reliant. Does she belong in the small town?
Cowboy Wyatt Cameron doesn’t think so. He is concentrating on his career and, at this point in his life, wants no female entanglements or other responsibilities. Amy is in the way of his plans. As half owner, he promises to sell the farm and send Amy packing back to the city where she belongs.
What can she offer to change his mind?
Will sparks fly when opposites attract?
​
“If you like sexy cowboys and feisty women, this book is for you.”
 
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B012U5UTGW/

Guest Character Kat Kowalski from WHERE THE STORK FLIES

Good Morning, Booklovers!

​Our guest today is Kat Kowalski, the main character from WHERE THE STORK FLIES, a time travel novel by Linda C. Wisniewski.

Welcome, Kat! Tell us a little about how you fit into this story.  

Kat: Thank you for having me. I'd be happy to. Our guest:
 
Kat, the main character in Where the Stork Flies, is a middle-aged librarian at loose ends after her husband ditched her and their daughter followed suit. When a lost time traveler appears in her Pennsylvania kitchen, she grasps at the chance to give her life meaning by helping the woman find her way home. But a mysterious stranger insists they are together for a purpose. Slipping through a portal to an 1825 Polish village, Kat meets her own ancestors and discovers how her own mistakes derailed her life. 
​ INTERVIEW :
 
Ally:  Are you happy with the name your author chose for you? What would you have picked?
 
Kat:  My parents named me Katherine, my mother called me Kathy, and my Polish grandma called me Kasia. When my mother left my dad and me, I changed my name to Kat. At the age of ten, it felt like a strong name to have. I’ve called myself Kat ever since, and I’m now in my early fifties, until Linda writes a sequel. Then I’ll be a few years older.
 
Ally:  Any hobbies or pets?
 
Kat:  I’m quite fond of New Age and feminist spirituality, but the way I dip in and out of them is more like a hobby. That’s a problem I have: not committing fully to anything, because I have what we in the 21st century call FOMO: Fear of Missing Out. I’m working on it. Oh, and I have a sweet little grey kitty named Selene. Sometimes I think she might be my spirit guide. Or animal spirit. Not sure what to call that. But as a librarian, I can find out. Chasing trails of interesting questions is also my hobby, and it gets me into trouble.
 
Ally:  How many re-writes did you have to live through?
 
Kat:  Oh, my goodness! I lost count. Linda started writing about me over ten years ago, and the first draft was all about Regina, my ancestor. I was just a secondary character, but then, after many writing workshops, classes, critique groups and rewrites, she finally got it. Where the Stork Flies is MY story. I was the character who needed to change. Boy, did I! It was tough, and sometimes I think it gave me vertigo. All the twists and turns she put me through, only to trash them. She did stick some of those parts into a separate file of “scenes taken out of the novel” but really, she can just trash those too. I’m glad she finally understood that the story she wanted to tell was all about me.
 
Ally:  Who was your favorite supporting character?
 
Kat:  Oh, that would be Jadwiga. Definitely. She was sometimes a pain in the neck, but she was so beautiful, so regal, so self-confident…and she was a big help to Regina and me when we got into trouble. I like the way she popped in and out of our story. Okay, maybe not. To tell the truth, I know she was supposed to steer us to find out things for ourselves, but I wish she could have just stayed around and IDK, told us what to do?
 
Ally:  Name three of your favorite things (whether mentioned in the book or not).
 
Kat:  Hmmm. Let’s see. Three of my favorite things. Soft ice cream like we got at the Tastee Freez when I was a teen in Amsterdam, NY. Nancy Drew books that helped me get through my mother’s abandoning us. I still want to be Nancy, with a roadster and a boyfriend named Ned. And number three: I love the ocean. Never got there in Where the Stork Flies, but I try to go to the Jersey Shore every summer, go for long walks on the beach, watch the sandpipers and gulls, take pictures of the sunset and breathe that fresh sea air.
 
Ally:  It has been a pleasure meeting you, Kat. Please show us Where the Stork Flies and where to find it.




Where the Stork Flies
Genre: Time Travel Novel
​Rating: PG-13
 
A Pennsylvania librarian, a 19th century Polish peasant, and a wisecracking medieval queen join forces to fulfill a mission from the Black Madonna of Czestochowa. What could possibly go wrong?
 
Buy Links:
Bookshop.org https://bit.ly/3hUs3iq
Amazon https://amzn.to/3rMnCL7
Barnes and Noble https://bit.ly/3aNtNqW
QR Code https://bit.ly/3hUs3iq About the Author:
 
Linda C. Wisniewski is a former librarian and journalist. Her work has been published widely in literary magazines and anthologies, and on her blog, www.lindawis.com. She is also the author of a memoir, Off Kilter: A Woman’s Journey to Peace with Scoliosis, Her Mother and Her Polish Heritage. Linda lives with her husband in Bucks County, PA.
 
Author Contacts:
 
Website http://www.lindawis.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LindaWis46
Twitter https://twitter.com/Lindawis
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lindacwisniewski/
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-wisniewski-1bba29242/

Goodreads Giveaway of 5 copies of The Dead Betray None

.goodreadsGiveawayWidget { color: #555; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; background: white; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget p { margin: 0 0 .5em !important; padding: 0; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink { display: inline-block; color: #181818; background-color: #F6F6EE; border: 1px solid #9D8A78; border-radius: 3px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; outline: none; font-size: 13px; padding: 8px 12px; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink:hover { color: #181818; background-color: #F7F2ED; border: 1px solid #AFAFAF; text-decoration: none; }Goodreads Book Giveaway The Dead Betray Noneby J.L. Buck

Giveaway ends November 21, 2022.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Cozy Mystery Author Heather Weidner is Back with a New Release!

​Good Morning, Booklovers!

Join me in welcoming Heather Weidner to the Coffee Chat! It's nice to see you again, Heather!

HW:  Thank you so much for having me back on the blog. I’m so excited to be here to talk about the second book in my Jules Keene Glamping series. It’s Film Crews and Rendezvous.

Ally: And we're eager to hear all about it. First, why don't you tell readers something about yourself?

About the Author:

​Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. Vintage Trailers and Blackmailers is the first in her cozy mystery series, the Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries. She also writes the Delanie Fitzgerald mystery series set in Virginia. Her Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries debut in 2023.
Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, Deadly Southern Charm, and Murder by the Glass, and her novellas appear in The Mutt Mysteries series.
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. 

Social Media Links:

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
Amazon Authors: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00HOYR0MQ
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HeatherBWeidner/
LinkedIn:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-weidner-d6430278-c5c9-4b10-b911-340828fc7003
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heather_weidner_author?lang=en INTERVIEW :

Ally:  Do you write in more than one genre?

HW:  Yes and no. I have loved mysteries since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew/ I primarily write cozy mysteries, I do have a private investigator series. That is a light, funny series, but it’s more of a traditional mystery since there’s no amateur sleuth. My short stories are a little darker. I get to experiment more with those.
For my day gig, I’m an IT manager, who used to be a technical writer, so I do have some nonfiction credits. And I was part of a cozy mystery cookbook last year that was a fun project.

Ally:  What is the most challenging part of your writing process?

HW:  I love researching, plotting, and writing. I can (and often did) spent hours on these tasks. My least favorite is the revision process. It’s critical, so I have to get motivated when I have a revision deadline. I tend to play faster music in the background, and I make sure I have little rewards (like chocolate) for big progress.
 
Ally:  What are you currently working on?
 
HW:  I write three series, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, the Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and the Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries. Right now, I’m working on the next few books in the glamping series.
Ally:  Has an association membership helped you or your writing?

HW:  Yes. Writing is a lonely sport. I spend hours writing, researching, and revising. I think authors need to find their crew. You need support, advice, and someone to celebrate with. Your family and friends are a great support network, but they don’t understand the roller coaster ride of the writing life like your writer friends do. I am so grateful for Sisters in Crime (Central Virginia, Chessie, and Guppy chapters), James River Writers, and International Thriller Writers. I have met so many fabulous authors who are generous with their time and encouragement.

Ally:  Who’s your favorite author?

HW:  This is a tough one. I have so many. I acquired my first library card at four, so I’ve been reading for a long time. I love Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Austen, Christie, Dickens, Dickinson, Frost, and Lee. My favorite thriller/suspense authors are Child, Grisham, Coben, and K. L. Murphy. My favorite cozy authors are Diane Kelly, Sherry Harris, Libby Klein, Ellen Byron/Maria DiRico, and Bree Baker.

Ally:  How long did it take you to write your first book?

HW:  It took me five years to finish my first book. I dabbled and shelved it for a while. It took another two years until it was finally published. (I’m much faster now.) I did an experiment one year where I set writing goals, and I found I was more prolific if I wrote or revised daily.
I had had articles and other things published, but I didn’t get a novel published until after I joined Sisters in Crime. I am so grateful for all the authors who shared their experiences and advice.

Ally:  Do you outline, or are you a pantser?

HW:  I’m a hybrid. I outline and plot at the beginning. That helps me stay on track as I’m writing the first draft. It helps me not to write myself into a corner or to get stuck and bogged down in a plothole. This outline also helps me later with the dreaded synopsis.
Then as I’m writing, the story and the characters often have a mind of their own. There have been several times when I’ve had to update my outline.

Ally:  Thanks for spending time with us, Heather. Before you go, please tell us all about your latest release.

Film Crews and Rendezous (Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries #2)
Genre: Cozy Mystery

In the second book of the Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, Hollywood has taken over Fern Valley.

​The town is abuzz with star-sightings and movie magic, but when a key crew member winds up dead under one of Jules’s tiny houses, everything suddenly changes.

Jules and her Jack Russell Terrier sidekick, Bijou, find themselves at ground zero and have to find the killer who goes on a rampage against the cast and crew before film production is shut down and the project shelved.

Book Links
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1685122000
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHLSYBZ9?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420
Barnes and Noble: Film Crews and Rendezvous: A Jules Keene Glamping Mystery by Heather Weidner, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
Booshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/heatherweidner
Fantastic Fiction: Film Crews and Rendezvous (Jules Keene Glamping Mystery, book 2) by Heather Weidner (fantasticfiction.com)
Scribd: Film Crews and Rendezvous by Heather Weidner - Ebook | Scribd
 

   If you haven't yet read book #1, here's the cover to look for to read Jules adventures from the beginning: Have a great week. Hope to see you at the next Coffee Chat!