Deborah Sprinkle's Blog

Does Suspense Belong in Romance . . . Women’s Fiction . . . etc.? by Eva Marie Everson

 

Does Suspense Belong in Romance . . . Women’s Fiction . . . etc.?

by Eva Marie Everson

“The big difference between suspense and shock or surprise is that
in order to get suspense, you provide the audience
with a certain amount of information and
leave the rest of it to their own imagination.”
Alfred Hitchcock

Recently, someone handed me a copy of my own book (she had two, read one), The Road to Testament, a book that Abingdon Press released in 2014. This means I wrote the book in 2013. And this means I had little to no memory of what happened between the book’s covers. I placed the book in my car and, one day while stuck somewhere waiting for someone, I picked it up and began reading.

I am a women’s fiction—mostly Southern women’s fiction—writer. What surprised me was the element of suspense I found within the pages. In the story, Ashlynne Rothschild, a woman born with a silver spoon in her mouth, is forced to spend six months in a small Southern town in hopes of teaching her more about everyday people. She hopes to “fit in,” because a promotion rides on it, but when she uncovers two secrets—one from the past and one from the present—she must decide on what is more important: fitting in or exposing the truth.

As I read, I found myself wondering how Ashlynne would get herself out of this situation (I literally could not remember) and thinking, “Hey! This is good suspense but without terrifying me.”

Suspense doesn’t have to be written in the vein of a Stephen King novel because suspense is more than fright. Suspense follows on the heels of mystery, intrigue, tension, innuendo, action, secrets, and atmosphere. Not necessarily all of those, but at least a few. Romance, however, rides in on the coattails of the desires, the needs, the doubts, and a whole host of emotions between the hero and heroine. Add to that their individual quirks and histories and you’ve got yourself a romance. But women’s fiction is driven by women whose worlds revolve around home, family, community, work . . . and overcoming overwhelming real-life challenges in the midst of all that. Or will they?

In my latest work, Dust, published by Firefly Southern Fiction, the protagonist, Allison overcomes infertility and deception while trying to manage life as a new wife and stepmother to a child she learns about two weeks after her wedding. Throughout the book, which begins when Allison is 19 and ends when she is in her 60s, Allison faces life’s odds, each one building on the other. This is a critical piece of writing suspense within women’s fiction. The stakes are raised with each crisis, but each crisis is not necessarily solved. Through it all, Allison lives with a fear, and for the reader the question becomes: will that fear be realized? And when it is, will another fear be realized?

Suspense in its truest form is vital to most genres of writing. The unknown, the unexpected, and the expected but dreaded keeps readers turning pages long into the night. But suspense doesn’t have to come only within the elements mentioned above (mystery, intrigue, tension, innuendo, action, secrets, and atmosphere) but also through character flaws. And, especially, if those flaws are those the readers can see but the character cannot. For example, does the character keep doing something to self-sabotage relationships? Or can the reader see danger coming that the character cannot?

For writers of any genre who want to use elements of suspense, the first step is knowing the elements on those genres. Then, marry those elements within your story using the characteristics of your characters to get there. Sounds easy enough, right? It’s not. Writing a page-turner is more than telling a story; writing a page-turner is knowing the story and then not being afraid to insert the “scarier” stuff.

Eva Marie Everson is the multiple-published, award-winning author of both fiction & nonfiction titles. She is the president of Word Weavers International and the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference. When she is not teaching at writers conferences, she enjoys time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

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An Interview with Cindy Bonds

 

An Interview with Cindy Bonds

Cindy Bonds wears many hats. Author of Hostage and Rainstorm, she also works for an aviation insurance agency and is a devoted wife and mother. She manages to write in between work, gymnastics, ballgames, and all the other things that a mom and a wife does for her family. It makes me tired thinking about it!

I interviewed Cindy to find out where her inspiration comes from and any words of wisdom she might have for other writers.

What or who inspired you to become a writer? How?

I’ve always enjoyed reading and after college and kids and work, I finally got back into it. Some friends gave me the Karen Kingsbury Baxter family series. It was, of course, amazing! I started consuming more and more novels from the local library, finding much more interest in the suspense side of Christian romance. Characters started forming in my mind, storylines, ideas and I decided to start typing, putting it all down and trying to make it a story.

I understand how hard it is to read—much less write—when you’re involved in raising a family. How long did it take you to write your first novel? What was it and why? How about your second?

The first novel I wrote took a few months. The story line was about a woman in the military, working undercover in a boot camp where the commanding officer had been accused of mistreating new recruits. While there, she stumbles on another situation that ends up putting her in harms way. The second was a sequel to that storyline and I’ve yet to complete it! Starting out with a series probably wasn’t the best idea, but it all just seemed to fall into place. I’ll finish it someday!

I’m sure you will. Tell us a little about how you came up with the ideas for your books. Did you draw any of your story or characters from real life?

Nothing really comes from real life. Sometimes I’ll watch a movie or drama and some small aspect will spark an idea. I tend to enjoy strong female characters, workaholics who’ve focused so long on their career the thought of finding a different lifestyle with a husband and family seems too far away. On occasion, the female protagonist will have that same stubborn streak I do or perhaps my sense of sarcasm and will be easily annoyed with pompous attitudes! But the storyline, it really does start with some spark and writes itself from there.

Recently, I reviewed book, Your protagonist has skills! Are you a black belt or how did you learn to write those amazing fight scenes?

I have no fighting skills! I did box with my dad when I was young, 6-7, and tend to have a greater than average fight over flight sense. I’ve always enjoyed action movies instead of the romantic comedies, so I’ve just seen enough that it makes sense to me! I do want to actually attend a class or two, make it more realistic as I’m writing those scenes.

Is there a personal quote or a quote from one of your books that you want to share?

As I began this journey of writing, there was a lot of cost- financially as well as time. I had two young children when I began and we were a one income family. So finding a balance was difficult. I put this verse on my home screen on my phone: “Show me the right path, o Lord; point out the road for me to follow.” Psalm 25:4. When I get a novel ready to publish or shop, I would pray that it was exactly how God would want it presented. Because ultimately, these books are for His glory, not mine. The time, the money, the cost had to be worth the path. So I always say if this is the path, then that’s what I’ll do. The second I feel God’s pull another direction, I’ll stop. It’s a mantra I’ve had to trust in even when it’s hard!

We certainly hope God continues to lead you on the path of writing. What are you currently working on?

I have a three book series that I’m in the process of completion. The first book comes out November 16th, the other two will be in May and November 2022. It’s my first published series so I’m really excited about it! You can get a sneak peek at the covers in the back of Rainstorm as well as a preview of the first one, Fighter.

I read the preview and can’t wait for Fighter to come out! Any additional thoughts or advice you might have for my readers?

I have a lot of people ask how I started writing. The truth is, you just have to sit down and do it! My first 10 novels were unedited mounds of characters and undeveloped plot lines, but I typed them out anyway. I had no idea what I was doing and even now when I go back over them, I groan at overused words and phrases, unfinished thoughts and the fact they aren’t even spaced correctly! But that can all be fixed. Sit down, get your thoughts on paper and then study how to make it come together. Go to writer’s conferences where you’ll learn the best books to help you hone your skill, talk to other writers, practice editing other’s novels and then you’ll be able to see what you need to do in yours.

How can readers find you?

You can always find me at my website: www.CindyBonds.com where I have links to my books and more information about me and my military connection. I’m also on Facebook @ cindybondsauthor. My books are available on Amazon as well as Kindle and if you’re visiting or passing through Arkansas, my books are available at The Pottery Shop here in Clinton, AR.

Thanks for helping us get to know you better, Cindy, and for your words of advice. We look forward to many more books from you in the future.

I hope you enjoyed my interview with Cindy Bonds. Be sure to check out her website and look for her books on Amazon.

 

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Rainstorm by Cindy Bonds: A Book Review

Make sure to read Rainstorm by Cindy Bonds in a place where you feel safe and secure with the lights on. Set in Cave Springs, Arkansas, in the fall, much of the action takes place in the rain. The weather mirrors the inner storms of the heroine.

Laurel Ashburn, complete with skills and scars she gains while serving in the military, is the heroine of the piece. After her time in service, she returns to Arkansas where she must face old scars. She battles her way through the book struggling to right wrongs and protect those she loves. But after all she’s endured to this point, she’s lost faith in God and strives to do everything on her own. She pokes her nose into the wrong places and her stubborn insistence on not asking for or accepting any help, nearly gets her killed.

Until an unwanted ally in Detective Dev Hollister enters the picture. New to Cave Springs, he refuses to listen to all the negative talk about Laurel and persists in following the path God has put on his heart. Besides being a good action story, Rainstorm by Cindy Bonds is also a story of salvation. Dev determines not only to protect Laurel and help her, but to show her that God still loves her and has always loved her.

In Rainstorm by Cindy Bonds, Laurel Ashburn and Detective Dev Hollister journey together through a well-crafted story of twists and turns to find the truth, fight evil, and learn to trust each other.

Get Rainstorm on Amazon along with Cindy Bonds’ debut novel, Hostage.

 

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Building Suspense in Historical Novels by Sandra Merville Hart

Every story contains the element of suspense whether it be a mystery or a historical romance, like the ones my guest Sandra Merville Hart writes. It’s what engages the reader and holds them there until the very last page. Today, Sandra discusses how she uses characters and settings in building suspense in her historical novels.

Welcome, Sandra!

Building Suspense in Historical Novels

by Sandra Merville Hart

You may have described a book as a page-turner to a friend. The book grabbed your attention and held it throughout the novel. You may have been on the edge of your seat in some sections. If so, the author did a great job of writing a suspenseful novel.

“But it wasn’t a suspense novel,” you might say.

It’s true that suspense novels are a genre category. It’s also true that all good fictional stories have an element of suspense.

Consider the following definitions of suspense: pleasant excitement as to a decision or outcome (a novel of suspense); and the feeling of excitement or nervousness that you have when you are waiting for something to happen and are uncertain about what it is going to be.

Reading a novel should bring excitement, anxiety, uncertainty … in other words, suspense.

For example, I write historical romance novels typically set during the American Civil War. The feelings and actions of citizens and soldiers were varied and complex. Research and then transport your readers back to the excitement, uncertainty, and drama as experienced through the eyes of your character.

My novel, A Rebel in My House, is set during the tragic Civil War Battle of Gettysburg. Many readers know who won that battle but may not know specific details. In this story, Gettysburg seamstress Sarah helps Jesse, a Confederate soldier from Tennessee who finds himself behind enemy lines on the battle’s first day—a decision that leads to more troubles.

The nightmare experienced by the townspeople during and after the battle may surprise some readers as the following excerpt from A Rebel in My House shows:

Pounding footsteps struck the dirt road. Over one hundred Union soldiers poured into town behind her. More shouts coming from the north spurred her forward.

“Where can we go?” a male voice yelled.

“How far back are those Rebs?” another stranger shouted.

“Go!”

Unfamiliar voices accompanied the popping of gunfire. Sarah placed an icy hand over her mouth to muffle her screams. Gray smoke rose in eerie tendrils. Shells hissed in northern fields. The war veered its way to her beloved town. Not even her nightmares had been this frightening.

This excerpt reveals the panic of Union soldiers retreating into Gettysburg with Confederates in hot pursuit—and Sarah is on the streets with them.

An Amazon review shows the reader experienced the suspenseful element in this historical romance: “A Rebel in My House is an on the edge of your seat, emotional read.”

In another example, discovering some four hundred known cases of women disguising themselves as Civil War soldiers prompted me to write A Musket in My Hands where two sisters disguise themselves as soldiers and muster into the Confederate army with the men they love.

Callie loves Zach, her brave soldier. Her sister Louisa is betrothed to his cousin Nate. The sisters join their regiment yet hide their identity to protect themselves from their father. They have no idea that the safe haven they seek propels them toward the dangerous Battle of Franklin, Tennessee.

Exciting battle scenes put readers on the edge of their seats yet the unfolding story can be suspenseful as well. In the following excerpt from A Musket in My Hands, Callie and Louisa are still dressed as women while making their way to Confederate General Hood’s army. The suffering of citizens was used to build drama, emotion, and uncertainty for coming events.

The sisters slipped into a church four hours later and sat on the last pew during prayer. It was a long prayer in which the gray-bearded minister pleaded for an end to the hostilities. He asked for God’s protective hand over their soldiers and solace for the grieving. His voice broke then. Several women sobbed.

Then he prayed, “Lord, hear the cry of our hearts because we have no words to express our pain.”

Two women moved across the aisle to sit with a woman wearing mourning black who wept brokenheartedly. Her sobs reverberated throughout the small church. One friend sat beside her. The other placed a hand on the weeping woman’s shoulder from the pew behind.

Tears rolled down Callie’s cheeks as she again bowed in prayer. It wasn’t difficult to imagine the woman’s loss … perhaps a husband or a son. A dozen faces of friends gone too young rose in her mind. Zach’s original regiment, the Twenty-Seventh Tennessee, had lost so many men that those remaining were now part of the First Tennessee. Bitterness spurted up like bile. This dratted war had taken the best the South had to give … and demanded more.

An Amazon reviewer described this historical fiction novel as “definitely suspenseful from beginning to end.”

All fictional novels should have an element of suspense, the wonder of “what’s next?” that brings so much pleasure to readers.

Good luck and happy writing!

Sources

Merriam-Webster’s School Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Publishers, 1999.

“Suspense,” Cambridge Dictionary, 2021/01/03 https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/suspense.

Sandra’s Bio:

Award-winning author Sandra Merville Hart loves to uncover fascinating historical facts for her stories. “Her military haven isn’t a shelter anymore” in A Musket in My Hands, Selah Award Finalist.  “A promise to her sister becomes impossible to keep…” in A Rebel in My House, Silver Illumination Award.  A Stranger on My Land is IRCA Finalist. Everyday citizens become heroes in Surprised by Love in “From the Lake to the River.” “Taming the West—one heart at a time…” in Trail’s End in “The Cowboys.” Visit her blog.

 

 

 

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Building Suspense–Part 1

Building Suspense—Part 1

 

“Think of suspense as building worry or apprehension.”1

Steven James

 

“…when it comes to suspense, what I think of is everything the writer does—or has at her disposal to do—to keep the reader turning the pages of her book. That’s it.”2

Elizabeth George

 

I believe that every story contains elements of suspense. And the basics for building suspense are the same no matter the genre. In a romance, we follow the lovers through a sequence of overcoming set-backs to happily ever after. While in a mystery we pit our wits against the detectives to discover whodunit. A thriller has us on the edge of our seats as the good guys race to save the world. And in science fiction, fantasy books, and historical novels, the characters encounter the same basic problems but in different worlds or different eras.

Which leads to my first point. In building suspense, as in any building, we must start with a solid foundation. Well-written characters. Suspense begins with characters the readers care about. It’s our job as writers to make sure they find some way to connect with our protagonist(s), and in some cases, even our antagonist. If we accomplish this, then building suspense into our books will be easy because our readers want to know what happens next.

What makes a character likable or relatable? Share with readers the character’s concerns or fears. On the first page of the Prologue to A Stranger on My Land, a Civil War romance, Sandra Melville Hart shows her main male character, Private Adam Hendricks, struggling with doubts about his commanding officer and his orders to advance up the hill. But Adam prays and then follows his comrades up the mountain. We care what happens next. Will he survive the battle?

Let the reader see the character in a situation they can identify with. Starr Ayers paints a picture on page one of her time-slip romance novel, For the Love of Emma, of a young man, Noah Anderson, smitten with a pretty young waitress, but he can’t bring himself to sit at her booth. Who hasn’t been attracted to a stranger before?

Show the character’s strengths and weaknesses. Make her or him human. In my book, Deadly Guardian, a romantic suspense, I open with my protagonist, Madison Long, feeling as if she’s being watched. She wills herself to remain still and scan the scene for any place he could be hiding. But after a while, she shudders and moves away from the window. We’ve all struggled to be strong in the face of a possible threat.

As you can see, catching a reader’s interest in a character begins with the first page. Sometimes the first sentence. Look at the books you’ve enjoyed. Examine the first pages and see what drew you into the story. Was it the characters?

What makes you care about a character in a book?

Is it possible for a book to be suspenseful if you don’t care about the characters in it?

 

1 James, Steven. Troubleshooting Your Novel: Essential Techniques for Identifying and Solving Manuscript Problems (Cincinnati: Writer’s Digest Books, 2016), 202.

2 George, Elizabeth. Write Away: One Novelist’s Approach to Fiction and the Writing Life (New York: HarperCollins Publishers Inc., 2004), 167.

 

 

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An Interview with Darlene L. Turner

Today I have the pleasure of doing an interview with Darlene L. Turner, an award-winning author who lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband Jeff. She loves flavored coffee and plaid shirts. And, I happen to know she decorated her Christmas tree this year in black and white buffalo plaid ribbons. So her love of plaid extends beyond shirts!

Please join me in learning more about why Darlene began writing and what drew her to romantic suspense. At the end, there is a more extensive bio and a list of ways you too can connect with Darlene Turner.

Hi Darlene. As a young girl, who were some of your favorite authors? What influence did they have on your writing career?

DLT: I fell in love with Nancy Drew books at a young age. That’s where my love of mystery/suspense started! It also gave me the writing spark and I started my own Mindy Dobson series. I wish I would have kept them. It would have been fun to go back and read them. I also loved to read Anne of Green Gables.

When did you first feel seriously called to write? And what did you do to prepare yourself—to learn the craft?

DLT: My love of writing began with that first Nancy Drew book, but even though I continued to read, the writing spark faded and life happened. I started working, got married, and eventually moved to a different city. I didn’t have time to write…or at least, I didn’t think I had the gift, so I put it out of my mind.

Years flew by and then the unspeakable happened. I went through some rough times and a betrayal by someone close to me (you can see my full story on my blog under My Story https://darlenelturner.com/category/my-story/). On my journey working through the hurt, I decided to take a creative writing course. This triggered the idea for the very first book I wrote. That’s when my love of writing re-surfaced and grew. So, God does use ALL circumstances in life to grow us, right? J

I took some amazing courses through the Jerry B. Jenkins group and had some wonderful mentors. I started attending writing conferences in an attempt to get an agent and was contracted with Tamela Hancock Murray in 2018.

Darlene, you’ve written devotionals, articles, short stories, and several blog series. What have you learned through working in all these different types of writing? Would you recommend that writers try their hand at the various forms of exposition?

DLT: I definitely recommend writing different types of pieces. Blogging helped me with my writing, organization, and developing a deadline since I was posting once a week. It also gives a writer experience in various genres.

You now have a debut novel called Border Breach . What drew you to romantic suspense?

DLT: I’ve been a mystery fan ever since I picked up my first Nancy Drew book, so it was a natural decision for me to write romantic suspense. Of course, I also loved law enforcement shows like Charlie’s Angels growing up (I now realize that cops do NOT wear high heels! Haha).

Tell us a little about how you came up with the idea for your book. Did you draw any of your story or characters from real life?

DLT: I’ve crossed different borders into the States many times and I’ve often thought it would be fun to put a female border patrol agent together with a police officer to solve a smuggling ring. When I started googling some ideas, the doda drug came up and that’s when the storyline came to me. I do insert a few of my life experiences into some of my stories from time-to-time. And some of my quirks! Haha.

What’s in store for your readers? Will there be more Kaylin Poirier and Hudson Steeves books?

DLT: Yes, Kaylin and Hudson do appear in Abducted in Alaska which is releasing in March 2021.

Thank you so much, Darlene. Any additional thoughts or advice you would like to share with my readers and other writers?

DLT: For writers, I would say keep on and don’t give up. I know that’s easy to say as there were times when I felt like giving up, but I had many supporters cheer me on. Also, read writing books, go to conferences, and find a writing mentor. These will all help you.

For readers, thank you for reading our books. We appreciate YOU! If you feel led, please post reviews on Amazon/Goodreads. Authors are so grateful when you do!

 

Darlene L. Turner’s love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

Darlene won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense twice and an ACFW Genesis award. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. Her debut book, Border Breach, released in April, 2020 with Love Inspired Suspense. Abducted in Alaska releases March 2021.

Darlene met her husband Jeff at the turtle races in Ontario, Canada. She loves flavored coffee and plaid shirts. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

Website: https://darlenelturner.com/

Facebook (author page): https://bit.ly/2Woy8dK

Facebook (personal): https://bit.ly/3kLG5ST

Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Qso27O

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/2UhbelT

BookBub: https://bit.ly/2QrdkhP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Book Review: Border Breach by Darlene L. Turner

Get ready for an exciting trip to Canada! And you won’t need your passport or to exchange your dollars for loonies and toonies. All you need is a copy of Border Breach by Darlene L. Turner.

In the U.S., the words Border Patrol send our thoughts south to our boundary with Mexico. But our northern neighbor, Canada, shares a border with us as well, and has many of the same problems we have with drug smuggling, etc. Turner’s book begins with Canadian border officer Kaylin Poirier stopping a suspicious van at the entrance into Windsor from Detroit. What starts out as a tense situation for Kaylin escalates into a deadly one, and sets the tone for the remainder of the book.

It’s clear Turner has done her research before writing Border Breach. In the first ten pages she talks about Kaylin’s father, Chief of Police Marshall Poirier who is in charge of security at the border, Detector Dog Services that patrol the border frequently, and the Ontario Provincial Police, the local force in charge of the surrounding area. It can be a bit confusing, but reassuring that she put the effort into getting it right.

Then Canadian police constable Hudson Steeves shows up. Not being familiar with Canadian law enforcement agencies, I’m not quite sure if he is part of the OPP or another agency. But no matter. The main point is that a drug task force is formed, and that he and Kaylin are both assigned to it. They’ve worked together before and that didn’t go so well. Will it be better this time around?

The suspense intensifies when Kaylin becomes the personal target of the drug kingpin. Can she remain a valued member of the team while continuously watching over her shoulder? And can Hudson protect her from an unknown assailant while investigating a drug ring?

Border Breach by Darlene L.Turner takes us on a wild ride to root out a drug-smuggling ring with lots of action and suspense—and maybe some romance? I’ll never tell. You’ll have to read the book to find out. I, personally, couldn’t put it down until the end.

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Deborah Sprinkle on PJNET.tv

Thanks, Coach Prasek for the chance to be on your show.

 

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An Interview with Kathy Cretsinger

It’s a privilege to interview Kathy Cretsinger on my blog today. My debut novel was published by her company, Mantle Rock Publishing, LLC,. Since then, she and I have become good friends.

Kathy wears many hats besides author and publisher—wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Until recently, her Friday nights have been spent watching her grandsons play football and granddaughters in the marching bands. Her life is full of church and her family.

She and her husband Jerry live in western Kentucky, but their roots are in eastern Tennessee. As a result, Kathy’s writing career began with her stories of the Melungeon people from east Tennessee. She now writes about people in a small community in the northeastern corner of Tennessee, Shady Valley.  According to Kathy, “Colorful people are everywhere, even in your mind.”

Kathy, most of us know you as the owner of Mantle Rock Publishing. Would you briefly tell us what led you to start your own publishing company?

In the beginning of my writing career, I realized most authors had a very hard time getting their first book published. My first book was Callie’s Mountain, a historical romance set in 1795 in Eastern Tennessee. Callie’s Mountain told the story of the Melungeon race. One editor with a large publishing house told me she would be interested if the Melungeons was a religion. No, it wasn’t. They were a race of people. This was pivotal to me starting the publishing company. After talking to other authors, I found they were having the same problems.

Tell us more about your series of books on the Melungeon Race. How did you choose the subject of your series, and what special research did they require?

The real story about the Melungeons is my heritage. I have Melungeon blood running through my veins, or at least a little of it. Melungeons were not well treated. They were neither black or white, but were treated more like a black person. They were not trusted as being dependable, honest, or hard working. I wanted to show the world that they are good people.

I researched through people contacts, books, and the internet has a lot of good information. There is a website from the University of North Carolina, and I read a lot of how they speculate the Melungeons or Spanish came to America. Most of the Melungeons settled in Hancock County, Tennessee in a little community called Newman’s Ridge. They were isolated from most of the world.

Recently, you decided to sell most of your authors to another publishing company. As a result, the extra time has allowed you to complete Bogged Down by Murder, a romantic suspense set in Shady Valley, TN. Were you always drawn to romantic suspense books? As a young girl, who were some of your favorite authors? What influence did they have on your writing career?

I loved reading anything as a child. I loved Nancy Drew Mysteries and the biographies of historical personalities you found in the libraries in elementary school. In high school, I loved Victoria Holt books and think I have read all of them. I loved Rebecca. I seemed to like romantic suspense at an early age.

Let’s talk more about Bogged Down in Murder. Why did you choose Shady Valley as your setting?

They say to write what you know. My husband, Jerry, is from Shady Valley, and we had lived there twice. I feel comfortable there. It is beautiful. We have family still living in Shady Valley. I am at peace when I go there. Can’t wait to attend the Cranberry Festival on October 10, 2020.

How many books can we look forward to in the series, Nothing Shady Ever Happens in Shady Valley? I love that name! Will Daisy McQueen be in all of them?

To some people, Shady Valley is a boring place, and nothing ever happens in Shady Valley. At this moment, there will be four more books. Yes, Daisy will be in all of them in some way. She won’t be the main character, but she will have a part in the story.

Readers seem to love pets in books. Do you have any pets in your books? If so, are they fashioned after your own pets?

I do have pets in my books. Oliver is Daisy’s dog in this book. Oliver is an English Shepherd. We had English Shepherds when our children were small. They were the best protection for the children and me. If a stranger came up, they stood between the stranger and me. If the stranger moved his hand toward me, he growled.

Book number three or four, I can’t decide when to release it, will have goats in it. Goat yoga anyone?

Any additional thoughts or advice you would like to share with my readers and other writers?

Most people want to know what I am working on now. I am working on the next book in the series, Death by Doubloons.

Also, several years ago, Pam Watts Harris and I had an idea about a Christmas bride book around the Great Smoky Mountains. We have since separated the book, and we are both working on improving Smoky Mountain Brides into two books. Mine will be Keeper of the Stars. My plans are to have it ready in October.

Death by Doubloons should be out in the spring.

I love writing, and I love hearing from my readers. My website is http://kathycretsinger.com.

Join Kathy on Facebook at facebook.com/kathycretsinger/, facebook.com/kathycretsingerauthor/, and on her website http://kathycretsinger.com. Kathy is active in KenTen Writers Group and KenTen Writers Retreat. She also speaks at several conferences in the South.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Book Review: Bogged Down by Murder by Kathy Cretsinger

Nothing Shady Ever Happens in Shady Valley

 Bogged Down by Murder by Kathy Cretsinger is her first book in a new series. In it, she introduces us to Shady Valley. Nestled between the Iron Mountains to the southeast and Holston Mountain to the northwest, Shady Valley is an actual small town in eastern Tennessee—and I do mean small. This picturesque little village consists mainly of a general store, one locally owned restaurant called the Raceway Grill, a post office, and an elementary school.

However, Shady Valley contains something very rare in this part of the country—cranberry bogs. Brought here during the Pleistocene ice ages, as the ice melted, the cranberries flourished in a few places in the south—Shady Valley being one of them.

It’s in one of these cranberry bogs that our protagonist, Daisy McQueen, finds a body. But when she calls for help, she’s told the police can’t get to her for half an hour because they must traverse the mountain. The sheriff instructs her to get her grandmother’s gun and guard the body from bears.

Bears, a gun, and a body! Oh my! Daisy left her thriving business in Miami, Florida, to come to Shady Valley and claim her inheritance from her grandmother. In order to do that she must live in Shady Valley for six months. Finding a body is not a good start. Lucky for her, the handsome Harry Greer shows up to help.

But the dead man in her bog is only the beginning of her troubles. Someone doesn’t want her there, and they make it very clear. Leave or die.

To top it all off, she believes in healthy eating and everything in Shady Valley is fried!

Will Daisy and Harry discover who killed the man in her bog?

Will they figure out why someone wants her to leave Shady Valley? Or else?

And will Daisy succeed in getting Harry and all of Shady Valley to eat healthy?

You’ll need to read Bogged Down in Murder by Kathy Cretsinger to find out, the first book in her new series, Nothing Shady Ever Happens In Shady Valley. Kathy combines action, humor, and romance into an engaging story that you can’t put down until the last page.

Kathy Cretsinger’s  first three books are under the name of Katt Anderson, but the books she publishes now are under her real name. Her writing career began with stories of the Melungeon people from East Tennessee. She now writes about people in a small community in Tennessee—Shady Valley. She enjoys revisiting the mountains and the beaches and helping authors find their niche in the writing world. Her life is full of church and her family.

Watch for more about Kathy in my author interview with her on September 10th.

 

 

 

 

The post Book Review: Bogged Down by Murder by Kathy Cretsinger appeared first on Author Deborah Sprinkle.