Diane Bator's Blog, page 31
March 19, 2022
PRETTY UGLY, Winner of the 2022 Helicon Award for Best Horror Novel By author Jennifer Anne Gordon
PRETTY UGLY
Winner of the 2022 Helicon Award for Best Horror Novel
By critically acclaimed Literary horror author
Jennifer Anne Gordon
Released and published by Livre Maison!
The book is available worldwide in digital and paperback formats
“Pretty/Ugly is a modern gothic filled with sensuality, dread and a dark kind of love that can only exist during an apocalypse..."SA Cosby author of BLACKTOP WASTELAND"
Interitus: noun. ruin; violent/untimely death, extinction; destruction, dissolution
Omelia fills the empty place in her heart with Instagram clicks, likes, and subscribes, hiding the scars of grief under a mask of makeup, cloaked in an online personality. She yearns to be someone new: a girl in a magazine, a character in a book, a beauty queen. Anything not to feel, to be numb, but the sharp pain accompanying the red spot on her face cannot be ignored. Nor can the black, spindly tarantula-like vines that creep up the side of her face and the fever she spikes, forcing her to confront the fact that the person she has become may not be who she is at all.
Dubbed ‘the New JFK,’ Sam is the heir apparent to a powerful but emotionally distant political family, living the life he neither dreamed nor wanted. He sleepwalks through his days filled with self-loathing, rage, boredom, and an ache under his heart that reminds him that he is not complete. He is roused from slumber when a political scandal erupts that coincides with the end of the
Amazon.com: Pretty/Ugly eBook : Gordon, Jennifer Anne: Books
Pretty/Ugly eBook : Gordon, Jennifer Anne: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store
"Pretty/Ugly, the story of two damaged people living in a dystopian nightmare, is an exquisitely written horror novel. But, is it really fiction? In these times, it seems chillingly possible for an Instagram star and a politician wrapped in a façade of is own to be facing a relentless pandemic that may well lead to the end of the world... Pretty/Ugly is a deliciously frightening, absorbing tale that seems all too real." - Wendy Webb (The Haunting of Brynn Wilder)
"More than a simply a fine horror fantasy, this is a highly polished psychodrama exploring early trauma, identity, life’s exigencies, and fates – all woven together in a stunningly creative tapestry of a unique novel. Jennifer Anne Gordon is on the ascent as a literary figure of stature! " Grady Harp, Top 100 Amazon Reviewer.
Pretty/Ugly is a lyrical, hallucinogenic train ride through the end of the world. It’s the story of two people falling in and out of loneliness as the end draws near. Each moment is more beautiful and terrifying than the last. Pretty/Ugly is the combination of Contagion and Lost in Translation I didn’t know I needed. It’s Lost in Contagion” – Allison Martine (Author of the Bourbon Books)Pretty/Ugly
MORE BOOKS BY JENNIFER ANNE GORDON:
Beautiful, Frightening and Silent From Daylight To Madness
When The Sleeping Dead Still Talk
2020 Kindle Horror Book Of the Year
ABOUT JENNIFER
Jennifer Anne Gordon is a gothic horror/literary fiction novelist. Her work includes Beautiful, Frightening and Silent which won the Kindle Award for Best Horror/Suspense for 2020, Won Best Horror 2020 from Authors on the Air, was a Finalist for American Book Fest’s Best Book Award- Horror, 2020. It also received the Platinum 5 Star Review from Reader’s Choice as well as the Gold Seal from Book View. Her second Novel, From Daylight to Madness (The Hotel book 1) received the Gold Seal from Book View, as well as The Platinum Seal from Reader’s Favorite, her third novel When the Sleeping Dead Still Talk (The Hotel book 2) Was published in late 2020.
Jennifer also had a collection of her artwork published Victoriana: The Mixed Media Art of Jennifer Gordon.
Jennifer is one of the hosts as well as the creator of Vox Vomitus, a critically acclaimed video podcast. As a podcast host, Jennifer has interviewed authors such as V.C Andrews, James Rollins, Paul Tremblay, Sarah Langan, Mary Rollins, Josh Malerman, Carol Goodman, Wendy Webb, and Matt Ruff. She had been a contributor to Ladies of Horror Fiction, Horror Tree, Writers After Dark, Reader’s Entertainment Magazine, Nerd Daily, and Ginger Nuts of Horror.
She is a member of the Horror Writers Association where she sits on one of the Juries for the Bram Stoker Awards. She is also a member of New England Horror Writers.
Jennifer is a pale curly haired ginger, obsessed with horror, ghosts, abandoned buildings, and her dog "Lord Tubby". She graduated from the New Hampshire Institute of Art, where she studied Acting. She also studied at the University of New Hampshire with a concentration in Art History and English.
She has made her living as an actress, a magician's assistant, a "gallerina", a comic book dealer, a painter, and burlesque performer and for the past 10 years as an award-winning professional ballroom dancer, performer, instructor, and choreographer.
When not scribbling away (ok, typing frantically) she enjoys traveling with her husband and dance partner, teaching her dog ridiculous tricks (like 'give me a kiss' and 'what hand is the treat in?' ok these are not great tricks.) as well as taking photos of abandoned buildings and haunted locations.
She is a leo, so at the end of the day she just thinks about her hair. For more information and benevolent stalking, please visit her website at http://www.JenniferAnneGordon.com
To request additional review copies or an interview with Jennifer Anne Gordon, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
We look forward to the coverage!
March 18, 2022
Round Robin Blog Fest March 2022
Welcome back to yet another Round Robin Blog Fest! If you've never joined us before, this is a fun little blog tour that will introduce you to several amazing authors. Our ring leader, Robin, asks us a question that we all answer in our own way. This month's question is:
What messages do your books give your readers?
One thing I've come to recognize is that all of my sleuths, from Audra Clemmings to Gilda Wright have one trait I love to play on. They are all resilient! When life gets tough, they all get up and GO!
Gilda, the protagonist in my Gilda Wright Mysteries, has a bad breakup with a boyfriend which sends her to work at a local karate school to learn how to defend herself and gain some confidence. Instead, she falls in love with the school's owner, Sensei Mick Williams and ends up with a whole other set of problems when she discovers a body in the school. Throughout the series, Gilda gains confidence even after set backs and perserveres until she is ready to go for her black belt...OOPS! Spoiler alert!
In my Sugarwood Mysteries, Audra Clemmings deals with an empty nest, running a craft shop, a diststracted husband, and a young puppy. Despite it all, she maintains a brave face. Alongside her best friend Merrilee, she solves the murder of a cowboy at Halloween and is anticipating her next adventure in September 2022.
Glitter Bay Mysteries features sisters Laken and Sage Miller. Both have had their share of heartache and have settled in Glitter Bay, Oregon to run Sage's vintage boutique, Vintage Sage. Laken has endured cancer, an unfaithful husband, public humiliation, and the demise of her modeling career. She moves in with her sister to rebuild a quiet life while she figures out her next move. In the meantime, she brings trouble from Hollywood into the small town. Joined by a trans gender woman named Quinn, life is never dull in Glitter Bay!
Lastly, my Wild Blue Mysteries begins and ends with Katie Mullins who changed her name after running from her bosses with half a million dollars of their money. She ended up in a small town and chose to live a small life. Until her bosses find her. In spite of everything, she needs to decide whether to keep running or face her past head on.
My protagonists deal with all kinds of situations as well as hunting for bad guys. No matter what life throws in their way, they don't give up. Sometimes they want to. There's a scene in one of my Gilda Wright Mysteries where Gilda locks her door, turns off the lights, and hides from the world. It doesn't last long. Her friends and her curiosity drag her back out to finish the job!
Let's check out what messages other authors share in their books!
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/
Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2A9
Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog
Robin Courtright https://www.rhobincourtright.com/
March 17, 2022
Featuring ETERNITY’S MIRROR, Book 2 of the Eternal Chronicles Series, by Zachary Hagen
ETERNITY’S MIRROR
Book 2 of the Eternal Chronicles Series
The newest novel by critically acclaimed author
Zachary Hagen
Flip the coin and find a whole new world on the other side.
The Circle is uniting the countries of Lux Terra. Elior, Nyx, and Opal are finding that some things have changed as the result of their adventures with Michael. Yrahkaz has been tasked with squashing the growing obsession with Michael.
When an important clue to finding Eliam and fixing Nyx’s and Opal’s problems is given to them, they recruit the help of a disgraced magi-technician to get to him, but their initial success is more than they bargained for.
The other side of the Mirror of Eternity is filled with wonders and dangers they never imagined. Will they still be able to prevail against an evil that is bent on devouring them whole, or will they fall prey to its cunning pursuit?
Eternity’s Mirror is the thrilling continuation of The Eternal Chronicles picking up where Eternity’s Well left off.
Amazon.com : Amazon.com: Eternity's Mirror (Eternal Chronicles Book 2) eBook : Hagen, Zachary: Kindle Store
Amazon.ca : Eternity's Mirror (Eternal Chronicles Book 2) eBook : Hagen, Zachary: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store
More Books in The Series:
When you lose family, friends, and country, how far is too far?
Elior watched as his twin brother, the only real family he had left run into a building as it disappeared.
Nyx, a cursed merman, watched as his father and best friend were killed in front of him.
Opal’s father died leaving her with a legacy to live up to and a throne to protect.
When they join forces with a wise professor to find the Well of Eternity, can they find answers to their problems? Can the ancient evil lurking in the shadows of society be stopped before it’s too late, or will blood be spilled killing their hope and dooming Lux Terra forever?
Eternity’s Well will hook you from the very beginning and take you on a spellbinding, breathtaking journey through a new world where anything is possible.
About Zachary:
ZACHARY HAGEN is an Minnesota based author and editor. Writing has always been a passion for him since he was little kid when he put together little books from scrap paper. The earliest story he remembers writing was about a dragon who gave flowers to children. He also teaches creative writing to his students and loves to see their talents flourish. When he isn’t working hard at his two passions, he enjoys spending time with his wife and dog and making music any way he can.
More information can be found about him at: Zachary Hagen Writes
To request additional review copies or an interview with Zachary Hagen, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: | 403.464.6925.
We look forward to the coverage!
March 15, 2022
Catalyst, the stunning Mafia Romance debut by Author Nicole Fanning is being relaunched!!
Cupid miss his mark for you in February???
Never Fear
Catalyst, the stunning Mafia Romance debut by Author Nicole Fanning is being relaunched to ensure that readers get all the love and thrills they need!!
A new Look!!
New Covers!!
Same style echoed with the quality writing one can only expect from Nicole!!!
When Natalie Tyler arrives in Chicago to attend her cousin's wedding, she is just hoping to survive the week with her estranged family... And her ex-fiancé. One week. One uneventful week at the beautiful Hotel Jefferson, is all she has to endure before she can return to her quiet life in Miami.
However, fate has other plans. A split-second decision, unknowingly puts her in the path of one of the city's wealthiest bachelors. And one of the deadliest. She finds herself thrust into a world she does not understand. The world of Jaxon Pace. Billionaire. Hotelier. Mafia Boss. In an expansive underworld of crime, violence and deceit, Jaxon is KING. He is heartless, ruthless, and runs the city with an iron fist. The devilishly handsome Jaxon is used to getting what he wants, no matter the cost.
However, Natalie did not come to Chicago for love, and certainly not for an ungrateful, spoiled playboy with a god complex. But soon she begins to wonder if there is more to this mysterious man than meets the eye? Entangled in their fiery romance, and a fleeting hope of happiness, Jaxon sets his sights on the beautiful and charismatic Natalie Tyler. But his enemies have noticed Natalie too. Can Jaxon win Natalie's heart, before everything goes up in flames?
Their passionate romance will take you on a heart pounding wild ride of suspense, mystery, and chemistry so explosive, it could set the whole city on fire! Catalyst is the first of THREE incendiary installments in the Heart of the Inferno Series. It will have you cheering for true love and gripping your seat, unable to put it down!
Amazon.com : Catalyst (Heart of the Inferno): Fanning, Nicole: 9798736659715: Amazon.com: Books
Amazon.ca : Catalyst (Heart of the Inferno Book 1) eBook : Fanning, Nicole: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store
“Taking Chick Lit to a new level, Nicole Fanning appears to have as much emphasis on mystery/crime variations as on steamy erotica. Managing to build a cast of credible characters makes her tale of mafia romance surge forward like a steam engine.” _ Grady Harp, Top 100 Amazon Reviewer
“Once in a great while a book comes along that just wows you. It grips you hard by the throat and doesn't let go, even long after you've finished the book. Catalyst by Natalie Fanning is that book.” _ Knotty Girl Reviews
MORE FROM NICOLE FANNING:
IGNITE:
She never expected to fall in love with a mafia don.
He never expected to fall in love at all.
But will their love be enough?
Four weeks ago, Jaxon Pace, the billionaire "Don Supreme" of Chicago's underground mafia syndicates, took a bullet.
This bullet was meant for the only girl who stole his heart, the beautiful Natalie Tyler, a simple nurse from Miami.
Overwhelmed by the horrors she witnessed in Chicago, Natalie chose to return home, leaving the broken and broken-hearted Jaxon Pace to recover on his own.
A month after her visit, Natalie's heart still belongs to Jaxon...And you better believe The Don Supreme is coming to collect HIS woman.
But when he arrives, he learns that Natalie has a little surprise for him: She is pregnant.
However, his enemies will give the happy couple no reprieve.
Especially, Jaxon's presumed-dead ex-girlfriend, Rachel, and her psychotic brother, Michael.
They are the leaders of Chicago's newest twisted mafia clan, the Two-Headed Dragon.
The Two-Headed Dragon has one goal: the complete destruction of the Pace Family Mafia.
If successful, they will destroy the entire mafia hierarchy that has guided Chicago's underworld for a century, sending the city into complete chaos.
Will Natalie & Jaxon's love be enough to defeat the dangers of the present...and the demons of the past?
Filled with exhilarating highs, steamy romance, and heart-pounding suspense, "Ignite" picks up where "Catalyst" left off, and joins our favorite mafia couple as they fight for each other in a world filled with deceit, depravity, and unspeakable darkness
Amazon.com: Ignite: Heart of the Inferno Book II eBook : Fanning, Nicole: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store
About Nicole:
Nicole is a smitten wife and super proud dog mom to three rambunctious rescue dogs.
She is an old school romantic, with a proclivity for a little mischief, and an obsession with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Nicole is the author of the Heart of the Inferno Series, which follows the story of a dangerous mafia don and the girl who became his only exception.
To request additional review copies or an interview with Nicole Fanning, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: | 403.464.6925.
We look forward to the coverage!
March 12, 2022
Dr. Teresa Cody explains the magic that is Platelet Rich Plasma in You Healing You!
YOU HEALING YOU
A book that truly demonstrates the power of healing factors within all of us!
Written by Dr. Teresa Cody as she explains the magic that is Platelet Rich Plasma!! !
Published by C & C Publishing and available in paperback and e-book format
Everyone Has This Priceless Gift --- BUT most Never Discover It!
Come learn how each and every one of us has a miracle at our fingertips……
Coursing through your bloodstream is a miraculous golden healing liquid called Platelet Rich Plasma [PRP, for short]. PRP contains all the healing factors your body uses to heal. Using this knowledge, we can concentrate this priceless blood component and reintroduce it into your body to heal injuries or as an esthetic treatment. Learn how your own body holds the key to healing. It truly is “you healing you”.
Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/You-Healing-Teresa-Cody-ebook/dp/B08MWTBX8N
Dr. Cody Interviewed on the Trudy Beerman Show: The Miracle of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=suzkpJEQhQU&feature=youtu.be
ABOUT TERESA:
Dr. Teresa Cody earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Texas, then her Dental degree at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston in 1992. The next year she and her new husband, also a dentist, bought a practice in Sugar Land, Texas. Through a sequence of extraordinary events in 2018, Dr. Cody discovered the healing power of Platelet Rich Plasma. PRP for short. PRP is found in the plasma portion of the blood. Everyone has this priceless gift; however, most are unaware of its amazing healing powers which lead her to write her book entitled You Healing You. Her passion is to introduce others to the multiple health benefits of PRP treatments. In February 2019 Dr. Cody opened C & C Wellness to treat patients with PRP and other natural treatments.
To request additional review copies or an interview with Dr. Teresa Cody, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com | 403.464.6925.
We look forward to the coverage!
March 10, 2022
The Conned Lady has arrived! The dramatic conclusion of the Wild Blue Mystery series!!
IT'S HERE!!I never thought I'd end this series whiich was the first one I started writing, but here we are!Katie, Danny, and the gang in Packham have reached the end of their story and were not happy to go out with a whimper. In case you've lost track, this is the fifth book in the series. I've shared all the book blurbs below.To purchase, simply click on the book cover or title!
Danny Walker is tracking Paulina Chourney who is lucky to get out a bad situation before her boyfriend kills her. She arrives in a small town, changes her name, buys a bookstore and joins a local writing group to fade into anonymity. Until Danny Walker shows up and figures out who she is. When Danny disappears, she has to choose between spending her life on the run or standing up to face her past. Hopefully before the quirky townsfolk turn her death into a spectacle.
Wanna-be writer Lucy Stephen never wrote about murder until her husband moves out and she thinks some man in a blue car is stalking her, namely Danny Walker. When her husband and his girlfriend take her kids on vacation, Lucy discovers a hidden package of jewelry he desperately wants. The more she learns about the assorted pieces, the more Lucy realizes she may never see her kids again and needs to fight back with the help of the man who stalks her.
From the moment Leo Blue meets the tattoo artist 's sister Christina, he's drawn into a web of bread dough and lies. Christina Davidson has returned to Packham with a duffle bag full of secrets. Leo soon discovers her biggest secret is Christina's alter ego and her husband who stands accused of murdering an up-and-coming artist. He promises to help set things straight and plans to bring husband and wife together for Christmas—even if it costs him his sanity and the love of his life.
Leo Blue can't escape Packham nor the life of a private detective no matter how hard he tries. Six months after the murder of artist DJ Gage, the prices of Gage's paintings soar. When a woman winds up dead and a forgery is discovered in the local art gallery, Leo has to find a murderer and a forger. When people from Christina Davidson’s past turn up, her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble and the only one who can help her now is Leo.
Eccentric romance novelist Mimsy Lexington has a secret. When she approaches Katie Mullins to help find details around her late husband’s death, Katie and her boyfriend Danny Walker are drawn into a web of lies and deceit. The deeper they dig, the more they realize the biggest dangers may lurk close to home and need to suspect everyone—including Mimsy.
Here's a special excerpt for everyone to get a taste of what's in store for Katie Mullins!
The Conned Lady, Book 5 Wild Blue Mysteries by Diane Bator
Chapter OneKatie
“Hey, isn’t that your friend on television?” Hilda Clayton interrupted Katie’s thoughts as she scanned through the thirty emails that had popped up like daisies overnight.
Katie peered at the screen but didn’t see a familiar face. “Who?”
Her landlady turned the volume up to a nine despite normally keeping at a seven this early in the day.
The news anchor announced, “As we reported earlier, all charges against Gerard Maddox, the former CEO of DMR Architectural have been dropped due to a technicality. He and two of his cohorts, Alphonse Duvall and Chevalier Duvall, were arrested last summer after an altercation in a small bookstore in the small town of Packham an hour west of Newville. Maddox was charged with murder after his partner Kenton Dunnsforth was found dead near his Newville home. The judge declared there was not enough evidence to try the men and dismissed the case. A third partner, Joseph Roland has managed to elude police for over a year.”
Katie dropped her phone in her lap as a still of her former boyfriend stared back at her from the television. “Are they kidding? There was plenty of evidence. Danny and Leo dug through every waste basket, file cabinet, and garbage bin to get it. The police gave boxes of paperwork to the District Attorney’s office.”
“It sounds like the judge didn’t think so,” she said. “Do you think Danny knows Maddox is on the loose?”
“I’d bet on it.” Her eyes welled with tears she refused to let fall. “He was supposed to be in the court room for the hearing. If he wasn’t, the D.A. would’ve called, right?”
“Then why didn’t he call you?” Hilda asked.
Katie blinked away the tears. “Maybe he didn’t want me to panic. Either that or he’s waiting to talk to me in person when he gets back from the city.”
“Then he should’ve told you not to watch the morning news.”
Her heart raced and her palms grew damp. If he didn’t want her to panic, he was too late. Since he’d taken away her gun last summer, she’d need to find a different way to protect herself. Maybe buying a big, snarling dog would help.
“I have to get a few groceries this morning. Would you like me to drop you off at work?” Hilda asked turning off the television as she stood. “I know it’s not far to the bookstore, but I’d feel better.”
Katie nodded. “I would, too. At least until I talk to Danny and he tells me there’s nothing to worry about.”
“I’ll go get dressed while you call him,” her landlady said. “What time does Laura get to the store?”
“When we open at ten. She needs to get in her workout before she shows up or she’s cranky all day. Ray shows up whenever the mood strikes him.”
Katie picked up her phone then blew out a breath to calm her nerves. Maddox and his cohorts were supposed to be in jail for the next hundred years. How could they possibly have ducked beneath the legal radar? Maddox had likely paid off the right people in the right places. Bribery was nothing new at DMR.
After sending Danny a quick text—she didn’t trust her voice not to break just yet—Katie gathered her belongings. She followed Hilda to the garage beside the house to her landlady’s shiny new Honda and got inside. Once she got to Tales and Retales, she’d do some digging to see if she could find more information. She’d call Danny once she wasn’t on the verge of bursting into tears.
In her old life, she worked as Kenton Dunnsforth’s secretary at DMR. Last April, Dunnsforth handed Katie half a million dollars to leave town and never look back. Since her boyfriend, Maddox was one of the big dogs at DMR at the time, she’d lived like a queen until he hired the Wild Blue detectives to find her.
Instead of getting their money back, they went to jail. She changed her name from Paulina Chourney to Katie Mullins with her parents’ blessings and remained in Packham running the bookstore surrounded by an obsessive group of guardian angels who refused to call her anything but Katie.
By the time she unlocked the front door of the bookstore ten minutes later, Katie could barely stand up straight. Her legs trembled and her hands shook. The overwhelming feeling she should’ve stayed at home in bed seized hold of her.
She’d barely settled in front of the computer to find out more details about Maddox’s release when the bells above the door heralded the arrival of an early customer.
“Good morning, Katie.” Mimsy Lexington, aka Katerina von Herrington one of Katie’s favorite romance writers, strolled toward her pushing her silver glitter-covered walker.
In her early eighties, Mimsy wore a rich purple ball gown in spite of the late June heat and a glittering diamond tiara nestled in her snow white up-do. A large sparkling purple tote bag rested on the seat of her walker. The staff at the seniors’ home must have had her up extra early to get her glammed up and out the door before nine.
“Good morning, Mimsy, what can I do for you today?”
She paused her walker on the other side of the custom-made barn board counter before she announced, “I’d like to report a murder.”
Considering the events of the morning, Katie mustered a small smile. “Are you finally writing that murder mystery you were talking about? I think I have a book on the shelf that’ll help.”
“Oh, no, dear,” she said, waving a crêpe-skinned hand. A thin diamond bracelet sparkled on her wrist. “Someone really died.”
Katie caught her breath staring in disbelief. First Maddox was released from prison and now this. She hadn’t drunk enough coffee to process two shocks in one day yet. After a long minute, she asked, “Mimsy, you do realize this is the bookstore, not the police station, right?”
“I know that, dear. I trust you much more than them.”
While she looked and smelled perfectly sober, Katie had her doubts as she reached for her phone. “If there’s been a murder, we need to call someone. Were you there when it happened?”
Mimsy tilted her head then giggled. “You’re such a silly girl.”
Not the answer she expected. “Excuse me?”
“There’s no rush,” Mimsy said. “The poor man’s long dead.”
Katie froze. “Long dead? Who is it?”
“Harold Lexington.”
“Your husband?” Katie sat back on her stool and almost laughed in relief. “I thought you said he died ten years ago.”
“He did. I want to write about his death in my new book but...” She paused before she said, “Oh, this is so embarrassing. I can’t remember for the life of me how I did it.”
Katie’s pen clattered to the wooden floor. “How you did it or wrote about it? Are you missing some pages you need help finding?”
“My pages are all in order, thank you for asking, but I can’t remember how I killed him.” Mimsy batted her lavender eyes.
“You killed your husband? Are you sure about this?”
“Oh, good heavens. You’re not usually so frustrating to talk to. Perhaps I should have a word with Sir Daniel about this. He is a detective, is he not?”
Danny Walker knew Mimsy well enough he’d be just as speechless.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I mean yes, he’s a detective but...” Katie’s mouth worked like a fish gulping air, but no more sound came out. What would Danny think? More than likely that Mimsy had even more cobwebs in her belfry and all the bats were missing.
Maybe it was best he heard Mimsy’s revelation from Katie first. He’d lock Mimsy up if she told him in person. Actually, he’d lock them both up and throw the key into a lake.
“Why don’t we call Bobby Holland?” Katie suggested. “You remember him, right? He was Danny’s partner on the force.”
Mimsy brightened. “The handsome man who helped you with those bad men last year. I thought he got shot and was in a wheelchair now.”
“He is. He’s working cold cases,” she said. “This might be one he can help with. I can get his number and give him a call.”
Mimsy patted her hand. “That’s okay. I’ll call Sir Daniel. You don’t seem to be able to cope with this and I need help now.”
Katie frowned. "After ten years, why is this suddenly so urgent?”
“I’m old,” she said, turning to leave. “I’d like to sort this mess out before the inevitable happens.”
“Wait, Mimsy, I don’t...” She stumbled around the counter to stop her from leaving then paused to take a deep breath. “I’m sorry. Today’s been a little crazy. Maddox was released from jail and I can’t get in touch with Danny to find out where he is. I’m afraid he’ll come after me again.”
Mimsy stopped and reached for the sparkling purple tote bag. “Say you’ll help me. I have an envelope with information that could help There are things I can’t seem to recall. I hoped you could find the answers I need.”
“Are you for real?” Katie whispered.
“Is who for real?” Laura Davidson strolled into the bookstore with two coffees and a bakery bag. It was the first time she’d been early in over a year.
Mimsy flashed a smile. “Hello, Laura, darling. Katie would like to know if I’m for real. I can assure her I am.”
“Why this time?” she asked.
“I’ve committed a murder and can’t seem to remember how.”
Laura set one of the coffees in front of Katie. “Of course you did. Just like you forgot where you left your white steed last month. Looks like you’re really going to need this today. I’ll be back in a jiff.”
Once Laura disappeared into the back room, Mimsy placed her hand on Katie’s. “I know you think I’m a bit dotty, but I wouldn’t ask for your help if I weren’t serious. There’s a great deal of money in it for you to sort this out. Are you willing to help?”
“Yes.” The word seemed to jump out of Katie’s mouth on its own accord. If nothing else, Mimsy’s strange request would be a great distraction from her worries about Maddox. Particularly if Danny decided she should be locked up for her own protection.
Mimsy removed a fat manila envelope from her tote bag and placed it in Katie’s hands. “Wonderful. Everything you need to know is in there. You know where I am if you need anything else.”
The front door opened once more before a man called out, “Are you ready to go, Grandma?”
“I was just leaving. My business with Katie is done.” Mimsy continued on her trek to the entrance.
Mark Lexington, her grandson, gave a wave. “Great. I have to drop you off at the home before I get to work. How’s it going, Katie?”
“Hi, Mark. Where are you working?”
He grinned. “My uncle helped me get a job at an equine center. Since I grew up with horses, he figured I’d be a good fit. It’s a dirty job, but I like it.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Mimsy chuckled. “It’s one less thing for me to nag him about. Now he just needs a girlfriend. Are you still seeing Daniel?”
“Yes, I am.”
“That’s too bad.” she said.
Katie watched them leave then stared at the envelope in her hands still not quite sure what Mimsy wanted her to do.
As far as she understood Mimsy had confessed to killing her husband who’d been dead for ten years. Katie, in her infinite wisdom, had volunteered to figure out his cause of death and what Mimsy had to do with it. If everything she needed was in the envelope, that shouldn’t take too long. Unless there was some sort of catch.
What she expected to discover inside the envelope was an outline and research for one of Mimsy’s novels. Maybe even a manuscript. Her concern was that someone had drawn colorful doodles all over it. There was no way Mimsy would let anyone desecrate even the envelope that housed her work.
If she discovered it was something she’d need help with, Danny might not be so lenient toward Mimsy, considering she’d helped to kidnap him last year. “He’s never going to let me out of his sight without an armed guard again.”
“Who won’t?” Laura asked as she slipped behind the counter.
“Danny, when he finds out I’m helping Mimsy.”
“Is she serious about the whole murder thing?” She bobbed her head trying to get a peek at the envelope.
Katie spun around and held the envelope behind her back. Should she lay it all out on the counter and let Laura help? She did need to bounce ideas off someone. It wasn’t even ten o’clock and her day had already taken some strange twists.
“I think she was talking about writing a mystery novel. At least, I sure hope so.”
“I’ll bet Danny would just love to help with that,” Laura said as she headed for the stairs. “We all know he doesn’t exactly hold the local writing group in high regard.”
“Don’t I know it,” Katie muttered as she returned to the front counter.
While Laura tidied the mess around the wicker chair in the loft, Katie took advantage of the few minutes alone to examine the envelope. Someone—presumably Mimsy—had several doodled names and dates in marker on the outside. Each was decorated with delicate flowers or fancy ivy wreaths. Mimsy had far more talent than just writing.
Taking a blank notebook from beneath the counter, Katie jotted down every scribble of information from the envelope. Joe. Laurel. Miracle. Heather. Glory. The name Isabella was circled in blue. Even though they might be character names and not have any relevance, if she was going to help Mimsy she couldn’t take any detail lightly.
Katie starred the names that stood out and made quick notes before Laura returned to the front counter. She’d barely had time to copy the information from the envelope before the front door opened.
Lucy Stephen blew inside in a flurry of long dark hair and excitement. “Wow. The wind’s picking up out there. I’ll bet we get a wicked thunderstorm tonight. The kids will love that.”
“Hi, Lucy,” Laura waved as she raised her coffee cup to her lips.
“Hey, how’s the new grandbaby?” Lucy asked.
Laura reached for her phone. “He’s adorable. I just want to pinch those chubby little cheeks. My son had to wrestle him away from me on the weekend.”
“That would be me, too,” Lucy said. “I can’t wait until Christina and Leo have their baby. They’ll be stuck with a babysitter whether they want one or not.”
Katie tore her gaze away from the envelope and her notes. “I am so glad to see you.”
She smoothed her unruly hair. “Do you have time for coffee? I have some news to share.”
Lucy Stephens and her overactive imagination were exactly what Katie needed to help Mimsy. Since she wasn’t only a mystery buff but a mystery writer, Mimsy’s announcement and envelope would certainly pique her interest.
Katie nudged the cup Laura brought to one side. “Sure. What’s up?”
“I’ll tell you at Java Jo’s.”
“How are the kids?” Laura asked. “Are they excited for summer holidays even though you’ll be working?”
Lucy nodded. “Only two more sleeps. Casey’s had the last day of school circled in red marker for three months. I’ll only be casual here as long as I can still get my sitters to look after them. The kids insist we’re taking some day trips. We’re also arranging a visit to my parents’ cottage for a week.”
“That sounds fun,” Katie said. “Do you mind if Lucy and I run to Jo’s?”
She waved a hand. “Go. Ray won’t be in until after lunch anyway, so I’ll be fine.”
Technically, Ray Colter didn’t even work in the bookstore but Katie afforded the former owner certain privileges. He spent his days hanging out in the loft on the wicker chair he’d dragged upstairs after she’d renovated and opened up the loft that used to be his apartment. She also gave him an employee discount, much to Laura’s chagrin.
Katie tucked the envelope beneath her arm and hustled her best friend up the street to Java Jo’s. They each ordered a coffee before Katie realized she'd forgotten her purse.
“Don’t worry, it’s on me,” Lucy said before she ordered two Pecan tarts. “What’s going on? You’re not usually so forgetful.”
“Did you see the news this morning?” Jolene Raymond, the owner of Java Jo’s asked as she rang in their order.
Lucy shook her head. “Not me. It’s the day of school. I have more editing and drama at home than I can handle. I’ve been avoiding the news.”
Katie nodded. “Hilda and I saw.”
“Saw what?” Lucy frowned.
“One of the men Katie used to work for was released from prison,” Jolene said.
“Maddox. No. He can’t be.” She grabbed Katie’s arm. “How did that happen? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Katie shrugged. “I didn’t want you to worry, especially after you said you had news.”
“I do but—”
“Let’s go get a table then I’ll come back for the food.”
They took their coffees then climbed the two steps up to the second tier and chose a table to the immediate left. Katie sat facing the front of the coffee shop, then set the envelope on the chair nearest the wall while trying to figure out how to explain Mimsy’s request. Maybe she’d be better off blurting it out the way Mimsy had.
“Lucy, I—” Katie started.
“I’ll be right back.” She strode back to the front counter and returned a minute later with two forks and two plates holding Pecan Tarts.
She smiled. “These are awfully decadent this early in the day. What’s going on?”
“We’re celebrating. I’ll tell you in a sec.” Lucy darted back to the front counter and grabbed a few napkins.
After the news about Maddox, celebrating was at the top of Katie’s to-do list.
Lucy sat across the table from her and took a deep breath. “Okay. Are you ready for this? My agent sold my book.”
"What?” She stared.
“That agent Danny introduced me to in Newville pitched my book to a publisher in New York and they loved it. They think it could do so well that they’re giving me a six-figure advance.”
“Are you serious?”
Katie jumped up to hug her and nearly knocked everything off the table in the process. “Lucy, that’s amazing! Congratulations.”
When the few people around them looked to see what was going on, Katie laughed then motioned to Lucy. “My best friend’s going to be a published author.”
“Thanks.” Her face grew red as she leaned closer to the table. “She called this morning after I took the kids to school, so they don’t know yet. I did call Clancy. He’s so thrilled he’s bringing dinner tonight to celebrate. Do you and Danny want to join us?”
“That sounds like fun,” Katie said. She’d feel safer surrounded by friends. “Once you have more details, we’ll plan a book launch at the store and post on social media.”
Lucy’s eyes sparkled as she reached for her fork. “That sounds great.”
After brainstorming ideas for her book launch, Lucy met Katie’s gaze. “Wasn’t there something you wanted to tell me? The way you keep looking at that envelope, I’m expecting something to jump out of it.”
The café had emptied considerably. The only other person there was a man hidden hunched behind a laptop screen.
Katie lowered her voice. “Mimsy asked me for a favor.”
“Is that a manuscript?” Lucy asked as her eyes widened. “I’d love to edit one of her books. She’s so talented.”
“Not exactly. It’s some research materials. She asked me to figure out how she killed her late husband.”
Lucy gave a small laugh. “Excuse me? I thought he died of cancer or something.”
“Same here, but Mimsy insists she killed him and can’t remember how.” When Lucy’s face went blank, Katie added, “I had that same look.”
“What’s in the package?” she asked.
“Everything we need to figure it out.”
Lucy raised her eyebrows. “What do you mean we? What do you need me for?”
Katie grimaced. Wasn’t it obvious? “You’re a mystery writer, Lu. You have this fabulous ability to do research with eagle eyes. I figure you might be able to pick up on things I’d miss.”
“Can I take it home?” Lucy asked.
Katie didn’t want to let it out of her sight. She wanted to tear open the package there and then to figure out what Mimsy was talking about. “I thought we could do it together.”
“Except that you’re supposed to be at work and I have to finish a chapter before I pick the kids up after school,” she said. “When do you want to get together?”
“We could get Danny and Clancy to take the kids to a movie or something tonight. That way we can go through it tonight after dinner.”
Lucy shook her head. “It’s a school night. That’s not happening.”
“I thought you said it was the last day of school,” Katie said.
As she blew out a long breath, Lucy reached for the envelope. “Mimsy doesn’t strike me as the forgetful type. That woman remembers all my kids’ names, birthdays, and my phone number. Honestly, I can’t even do that some days. How could she forget something so important?”
“Maybe she was traumatized and blocked it out.” Katie shrugged. “People do that.”
Lucy shook her head. “Actually, most killers either thrive on the conquest or get eaten alive by guilt. It’s rare for anyone to block something like that out.” She paused. “Is there stuff you’ve blocked out?”
“Stuff I’d rather not talk about. I doubt there’s much I’ve blocked out aside from when I’d blacked out.”
“I know. You don’t like to talk about your past. Can I take this home? I’ll have a little time before the kids get home.” Lucy tilted her head in thought. “I could make notes to see what we’re dealing with.”
Katie wasn’t ready to let the envelope out of her sight until she looked through its contents.
“I could make copies,” Lucy said. “I bought a fancy new printer with my income tax return this year. I’ll put it in a binder and you can grab it when you come over later.”
She wanted to tell Lucy not to bother. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
“I’m a writer. I thrive on musty libraries, coffee, and the Internet.”
Katie chuckled. “Good because that’s the part I hate the most. Why don’t you start researching Mimsy and let me know what you dig up? I’ll call Danny and we’ll come over tonight for dinner then the kids can play video games or something while we go through the stuff in the envelope. I’ll keep it somewhere safe until then.”
Lucy chuckled. “You really don’t want to let it out of your sight, do you? I have a filing cabinet with a lock and key. It’ll be fine. This isn’t just about Mimsy, is it?”
"Why would you say that?” she asked.
“Because you’re not normally so anal,” she said. “Is this about the guy Jolene mentioned?”
Katie groaned. “Am I that obvious?”
“We’ve been friends for how long?”
“A year, give or take. You’ve become the padded walls in my crazy life making sure I don’t self-destruct.”
“Same here,” Lucy said. “Between my divorce and my ex’s court dates, and giving me a job, you’ve been there for me a lot.”
Guilt gnawed at her. She didn’t want to worry Lucy any more than she had to. “You’re right. I’m being overly cautious. Take it. Copy it. Memorize it. Whatever. I’ll be busy anyway now that I have a book launch to plan.”
“If you mean my book that doesn’t come out until next year, don’t panic. You have plenty of time.” She paused then grinned. “I can’t believe I said that. I guess it won’t sink in until I’m holding a copy in my hands.”
“And I’ll plaster pictures of your launch all over social media. I’ll bet Clancy’s proud of you.”
“Yeah, he is. He wants me to stop at the tattoo shop before I head home.” Lucy’s face fell and she stared at the empty plates. “He keeps hinting that he wants to get married.”
Katie winced. “And you don’t?”
“The ink on my divorce papers is barely dry.” She stared at a painting on the wall. “Besides, I still have nightmares about what happened and need time to myself to get my act together. I want to get my writing career going and become more independent.”
“You can get all that as a single mom with three kids underfoot?” Katie asked as she glanced at the same picture. An abstract creation filled with dark blues and greens entitled Drowning by Jason Epps.
“Only during school hours, which reminds me I’d better go. I still have to pick up treats for the kids and see Clancy.” She stood up then paused. “After you fill me in on what was in the news that has you rattled.”
“Outside.” As they left Java Jo’s, Katie’s looped her arm through Lucy’s and whispered, “Maddox’s getting out of jail on a technicality.”
“Your old boss?” Lucy stared. “Are you sure?”
Katie nodded. “It was all over the news this morning.”
“Did you talk to Danny yet?”
“I haven’t been able to get in touch with him. Hilda dropped me off at work then Mimsy came in. She left right before you showed up. I’ll call him when I get back to the store.”
Lucy hugged her. “You’d better. I’ll see what I can find out. Don’t worry. You have a lot of people looking out for you. Danny, Leo, me, the writing group…”
“Don’t go there.” Katie groaned. The Packham Writing Group was a crazy, obsessive bunch of guardian angels who scared her more than comforted her. The last time Maddox and his men showed their faces in Packham, her bookstore and inventory were nearly destroyed.
Once they reached the bookstore, Lucy said, “Promise you’ll call Danny.”
Katie had a feeling her paranoia about the envelope had rubbed off when Lucy stuck it in her tote which she clutched to her chest. “I’ll call him right now.”
“Start dialing. I’m leaving.”
Katie held up her phone so Lucy could see the screen then hit the phone icon near Danny’s name. After five rings, his soothing voice told her to leave a message. She sighed. “Danny, it’s Katie. I know about Maddox. Call me as soon as you can.”
She pushed open the front door then strolled through the true crime section while a million thoughts flew through her head as to why Danny didn’t get back to her. He was on a case. He was on another call at the same time she called. He was driving. He already knew about Maddox and meeting with Leo to figure out how to keep her safe. All of the above made her eyes water.
This was one of those days she wished Lucy was working in the shop to give her a distraction. She never thought she’d be best friends with a mystery writer let alone in love with a private detective, especially after being involved with a mobster. Life was strange that way.
Gerard Maddox looked great in a suit and tie but had a penchant for violence and money-laundering. Katie still had the scars he’d left behind both inside and out. All the therapy in the world couldn’t help her unsee the things she’d witnessed and experienced.
While Laura stocked shelves and helped customers, Katie busied herself doing an online search to learn more about Mimsy and Harold. If she was going to solve the man’s murder, she wanted to know who she was dealing with. She typed Harold Lexington’s name into a search engine. It responded with over five thousand items with headings like mobster, crime, and prison.
“Mimsy, what was your husband up to?” she whispered so she didn’t attract Laura’s attention. “Who was this guy?”
The more she learned over the next four hours, the more worried she became for Mimsy and whatever can of worms they were opening.
To Buy THE CONNED LADY, click here
Thank you for joining me!!
Diane
March 8, 2022
Man Down, First Coast Thriller Book 3, from mystery and horror author Armand Rosamilia
MAN DOWN
First Coast Thriller Book 3
The critically acclaimed series continues from mystery and horror author, Armand Rosamilia
Released and published by Rymfire Books!
The book will be available worldwide in digital format
Amazon.ca: Man Down (First Coast Thriller Series Book 3) eBook : Rosamilia, Armand: Amazon.ca: Books
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Armand Rosamilia is a New Jersey boy currently living in sunny Florida, where he writes when he's not sleeping. He's happily married to a woman who helps his career and is supportive, which is all he ever wanted in life...
He's written over 200 stories that are currently available, including crime thrillers, supernatural thrillers, horror, zombies, contemporary fiction, nonfiction and more. His goal is to write a good story and not worry about genre labels.
He not only runs two successful podcasts...
Arm Cast Podcast - interviewing fellow authors as well as filmmakers, musicians, etc.
The Mando Method Podcast with co-host Chuck Buda - talking about writing and publishing
But he owns the network they're on, too! Project Entertainment Network
He also loves to talk in third person... because he's really that cool.
You can find him at https://armandrosamilia.com for not only his latest releases but interviews and guest posts with other authors he likes!
To request additional review copies or an interview with Armand Rosamilia, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
We look forward to the coverage!
March 5, 2022
Beverly Rearick releases Party, Potions & Peril, a paranormal cozy mystery.
Welcome to Beverly Rearick, Paranormal Cozy Mystery Author.
Beverly A. Rearick is the author of paranormal cozy mysteries. The paranormal has always been something she's been interested in since she was young. She even did some paranormal investigations at one time and even worked as an executive producer for a radio show about the paranormal. Besides her love of the paranormal, she is also a lover of anything to do with bats. You will find a bat somewhere in every story she writes.
Website: www.beverlyrearickauthor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/beverlyrearickauthor
Do your characters come before or after your plot?
My characters always come before the plot. To me, the characters are what make the plot. I get this image of certain people and scenes. From there I start to fill in the blanks. Once I know the characters well enough, they direct the plot.
When I started planning my current series, I though about what I always wanted to see in a main character. I’ve never read a paranormal cozy mystery where the main character didn’t have any magical abilities, but lived among paranormals. I knew that is what story I wanted to tell. Samantha Reitenbach, the main character in my Moonflower Mysteries Series, came from this. I knew I wanted someone who had to deal with everybody around her being a paranormal in one type or another and being almost an outsider. She just grew from there. And know she is such a part of my imagination that she actually takes over the stories as I write, telling me how things are going to happen. It can really cause havoc on a plot because I will need to go back and change a bunch of things after the first draft is written.
How do you choose a villain and how do you make them human?
My villains usually come from the main victim in the story, but not always. Typically, I will think about who is going to die first in the story and figure out which characters have a reason to want that person dead. Sometimes there can be a very long list.
Once I know who will be the killer, I take a close look at them. What caused this person to get to the point where they are willing to kill? I don’t like to have a villain who doesn’t have a real reason, at least in their mind, to kill the person. The reason for killing needs to be more than just they are a bad person. And I try to show this reason throughout the book by the way they act and the things they say.
Do your reading choices reflect your writing choices?
Absolutely. I read cozy mysteries exclusively. From the moment I read my first one, I fell in love. I’ve always loved mysteries and trying to figure out who did it. To the point that my family don’t enjoy watching shows with me because I’ll guess the answer before the show gets too far in.
Cozy mysteries give you the mystery, along with a dose of love and laughter. It’s nothing for me to be reading and just start laughing because of something that happens in a book. The more I laugh, the more I love the story.
I occasionally will read other genres, but cozy mysteries are my go to. Looking at my list of books I’ve read in the past years, the list is 75% cozy mysteries. And when I finally decided to take my writing career from just a hobby to a profession, I knew I wanted to write in this genre. And of course, I had to go in the paranormal route because that has been my interest for as long as I can remember.
Which type of characters are your favorite to write?
In my series, there is a group of older paranormals who meet every morning at the diner to gossip. They are called the Morning Club. They are a mixture of people I have met throughout my life, including one who is close to my heart. I love writing their interaction with the main character because it is always fun, while also full of clues.
What are you working on now?
I always have several projects going at once.
My second book in the Moonflower Mysteries Series, Construction, Curses & Crime, is in the final revision before sending off to my fabulous editor. I’m going through the comments I got from my beta reading group to make sure there are no loose ends and everything makes sense.
I just finished writing the first draft of Reunion, Runes & Revenge, the third book in the series. Now I am getting ready to go back through and try to get the beginning to match the ending since halfway through the book my main character took over and the story went in a completely different direction I had planned.
Party, Potions & Peril mentioned an incident that happened with my main character when she was a teenager and I’m working on a short story to give the readers the complete story. I’m hoping to have the finished soon.
And, finally, I am plotting out future books in the series and also starting the initial preparations for a whole new series.
What sort of research do you do for your work?
Reading other cozy mysteries is the one research I do that I enjoy more than anything else because I’ve been an avid reader since I learned to read.
But I am a researcher at heart. I love learning new things. I researched runes for Reunion, Runes & Revenge. Just recently I researched growing mushrooms for a story. It all depends on the story and what I need to know. I try not to go too deep into the research though because I can spend too much looking into a topic and not focusing on the book.
PARTY, POTIONS & PERIL
Birthday parties can be deadly.
Samantha Reitenbach is the only non-magical witch in the small, paranormal town of Moonflower. Being a single parent while working at her great-aunt’s diner was never how she imagined her life turning out, but this is where she ended after her husband’s death.
A huge party to celebrate her daughter turning fourteen turns deadly when a body is discovered in her grandmother’s potion room. To make matters worse, the handsome vampire sheriff believes Samantha’s best friend is the killer.
Between raising a teenager, a cursed talking bat, the sheriff breathing down her neck, and an old flame, can Samantha find the killer before her innocent friend is charged with murder?
Party, Potions & Peril is the first paranormal cozy mystery in the Moonflower Mystery Series.
March 3, 2022
Cozy mystery author Nikki Knight releases Live, Local, and Dead.
Welcome to radio news anchor and cozy mystery author, Nikki Knight (aka Kathleen Marple Kalb!
Nikki Knight is the pen name of award-winning New York City radio news anchor Kathleen Marple Kalb. She’s been on the air since she was a teenage DJ in her small Western Pennsylvania hometown, working in newsrooms in Pittsburgh, Vermont, and Connecticut – and never losing her love of radio, or her hatred for snow. She also writes the Ella Shane historical mystery series for Kensington, and her short stories appear in several anthologies. Her Vermont story “Bad Apples” was an Honorable Mention in the 2021 Black Orchid Novella Contest. She, her husband, and their son live in a Connecticut house owned by their cat.
WHERE TO FIND Nikki:
Website: https://kathleenmarplekalb.com/nikki-knight
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiKnightAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiKnightVT
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenmarplekalb/
How many hours a day do you write?
I’m entirely at the mercy of school and work schedules! If my son has a full school day, and I didn’t take an extra early-morning shift over the weekend, I might get most of the six-hour school day at the laptop. If I worked extra (I have a three-hour commute each way to the NYC radio station), I’m probably going to take a nap first. If it’s a short school day – who knows? When we were doing Virtual School, I would write while my son was in class across the room…and we somehow made it work. I like to say I write whenever I have five free minutes and a flat space for the laptop, and it’s true!
What is your favorite childhood book?
Hands down, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES! I loved the main character, who’s so intelligent and feisty – and not easy! I loved the community around her. And, growing up in the western Pennsylvania back-country, I just adored the whole escape to Prince Edward Island. My family went to P.E.I. once when I was really young, and it was wonderful being able to go back with Anne. Even now, I dig out my old Anne’s once in a while when I’m stressed.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Finding – and taking – the time to really let ideas mature. Between the scramble for writing time, and my newsroom training in deadlines, I’m just not good at letting things sit. But it’s so important, to walk away for a while, and return with fresh eyes, or to just sketch out a few points and turn it over in my head before writing. I have to remind myself to do that, but when I do, the work is much better.
Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?
Hopefully, still writing a couple of series, and short stories in between. And, please sooner than five years, actually seeing readers and other writers in person! I was a lockdown debut, and I’ve never signed a book for a live reader or gone to a conference. Starting a writing career alone in my basement was pretty ugly, and I’ll probably be one of those annoying people who is EVERYWHERE when it’s really safe again!
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Actually, a lot! Next installments in each series ready to go. Plus, complete first books in three new and entirely different cozy series. Not to mention a couple of sample chapter and proposal packages. Oh, and one utterly insane women’s fiction thing I wrote as a kind of brain-cleanser after my first try at a Vermont mystery didn’t sell! That one probably isn’t saleable, either, but it was really important to know that I could write something else.
Was there a person who encouraged you to write?
When I was a kid, my mother bought me legal pads to write on, and I always “borrowed” my Grandpa’s classic mysteries. Fast-forward to my son going to kindergarten, and I say to my husband, “Maybe I’ll try writing while the kid’s at school.” He tells me to go for it, and backs me all the way, through two brutal years of querying and submission – much of it during his own treatment for lymphoma. And then there’s my son. One day, I was crying over a bad rejection, and the then-seven-year-old hands me a quarter and says, “I’ll buy your book.”
I still have the quarter…and he gets every first copy.
LIVE, LOCAL, AND DEAD (2/8/22) follows New York City DJ Jaye Jordan’s new start at a tiny Vermont radio station, after her husband survives cancer but their marriage doesn’t. She thinks she’s got enough trouble with protests because she replaced angry talk with love songs…and then the talk show host turns up dead in a snowman in front of the station. Plus, her second-chance romance with her old crush – the governor – turns out to be much more dangerous than either of them expected. Add in a colorful cast of locals, the cranky station cat Neptune, and Charlemagne the Moose, who has flatulence issues…and it’s more fun than anyone should be allowed to have in maple sugaring season.
Buy: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/695810/live-local-and-dead-by-nikki-knight/
March 2, 2022
Are you tired of reading dull as dishwater books about organizing your writing career? Katie O'Connor can help!
Welcome to Canadian author Katie O'Connor!
Best-selling author Katie O’Connor lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She married her high school sweetheart and is living her happily ever after. She is the mother of two grown daughters and is extremely proud of her five grandchildren.
She is the founder of The Write Chicks, a private romance writer’s group in her hometown. Currently, she is chapter president of the Calgary branch of the Romance Writers of America. In the past, she’s been their secretary and has also served on the organizing committee for When Words Collide, a reader and writer conference in Calgary, Alberta.
Katie’s career path has been long and twisted, with most of her life devoted to her family. She’s been a waitress, chambermaid, cashier, store manager, as well as a lab and X-ray technician. She’s been a small business owner and is an avid quilter and crafter.
She’s dabbled in writing since high school because something drives her to create stories. She swears it’s impossible for her NOT to write. Unsatisfied with one genre, Katie writes contemporary romance, erotic romance, fantasy/paranormal romance, romantic suspense, and erotica.
She believes in all things magical, including dragons, fairies, UFOs, ghosts, and house pixies. But most of all she believes in love, romance, and hope.
LINKS:
Mailchimp Signup: http://eepurl.com/Q2nRr
Website: https://katieohwrites.com
Email: katie@katieohwrites.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katieohwrites
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/katie-o-connor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieohwrites/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5362469.Katie_O_Connor
MeWe: mewe.com/i/katieoconnor7
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.ca/Katie-OConnor/e/B007GZT1IO/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/katieohwrites/_created/
Katie's Kittens: https://www.facebook.com/groups/345891595596122
What would you write if you knew you couldn't fail?
Hmm. That's a tough one. Honestly, fear of failure isn't huge for my writing ego. Don't misunderstand, I always worried about reader reactions to my story, and those negative reviews do hurt. But for me, I simply write the stories I have to tell and write them the best way I can. I've already stepped out of my box with my Creative Career Planning for Authors Workbook. I knew I had important information to share with writer's, so I bit the bullet and wrote it. My next big step, the one I'm more afraid of, it the sequel to that book which is a life planner. It's about how I planned my life into a place of career success and general happiness. I'm worried that nobody will want to read a life planning book that isn't from a medical professional or life coach. But, again, I have information to share, so I'm putting it out there.
How do you know your book is finished?
I'm a pantser. I write by the seat of my pants. I create two well detailed main characters, and a couple minor players. Then, I set them loose and follow them to see where they go. I generally have a couple plot points in mind and know where they'll end up, I just don't know how they'll get there. The rough draft is done when they achieve their happily ever after. Of course the edits are next. That's tougher for me to know when it is finished. I make four to six passes through the entire book. I look for phrasing and comprehension flaws, plot holes, characters acting out of character for who they are. I keep going until it feels right. Then, it's off to beta readers for feedback. After that comes another two rounds of edits and a professional editor for the final polish. In short, the book is finished when it reads nicely, the story is finished, and it has an emotional impact on me.
Do you write full or part time?
I am a full time writer. I write seven days a week. I rarely take a day off. If I'm not plotting, or writing, I'm working on social media, book keeping, advertising. There's a lot of behind the scenes work when you are an author. But generally, I spent six to eight hours a day at this writing job. When the words are flowing well, I can spend up to twelve hours behind my desk.
How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?
Each book is its own entity. The story itself determines how long it will be. Generally, it takes about 30 days to write a 65K word romance. Some stories are harder, some are faster. I just take the words as they come, and when they don't come, I force them. My record is 48k in 8 days, by hand with a pen and paper. I'm old school, my mind works better with a pen than with a keyboard.
What is the most difficult part of the artistic process?
Honestly, this varies day by day. Some days I cannot write a description. Other days, all my characters sound the same when they talk. But generally, it's remembering to include all of the senses. I want at least three senses in every scene as I find that brings the scene to life. Touch, scent, sight, sound, taste. They all need to be there and add to the scene without being blatantly visible.
What is your next project?
I am a multi-project author. When I'm struggling with one, another takes its place. I hop back and forth. But in a general sense, I'm planning to finish my Coyote Creek and Three Moon Falls series next. When I'm not working on them, I'm working on that life planning workbook, and a book about positive self-talk and how it can change your life.
A LESSON IN LOVE: (EBook and print)
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B086VQKYY5
Fired from her job and accused of a crime she has not committed, Tricia Paxton retreats to Coyote Creek to recover from trauma and rebuild her career. Though she shields herself from the past, her secrets challenge her relationships, and her new position as an elementary school teacher further complicates personal boundaries when an eye-catching stranger requires lessons of his own.
Carefree bachelor, Riley Flint, has problems, too. While focusing on building a veterinary practice, his plans grind to a halt when a daughter he has never known enters his life. Accepting the troublesome news that the mother has passed away and her maternal grandparents cannot offer their care, he assumes the responsibility of raising his daughter. But he has little experience with children and the girl needs more instruction than a man can give, so Riley approaches the new teacher for help.
THE CREATIVE CAREER PLANNING WORKBOOK FOR AUTHORS: (Print only)
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1989816274
Are you tired of reading dull as dishwater books about organizing your writing career?
Are you looking for career planning help that doesn’t put you to sleep or make your head spin? Does your logical brain interfere with your creative brain?
If this describes you, and if you’re looking for a revolutionary approach to planning your writing career, this workbook is for you. We’re going to color and doodle our way to the perfect career plan. The plan that suits you.
Yes, I said color. With actual crayons. Like a five-year-old child, we’ll let our minds soar while our fingers color and doodle.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a longtime author or a beginner. You might be highly productive; you might just have a few stories to tell. Whoever and whatever you are, there is an ideal career path for you and best-selling romance author Katie O'Connor will guide you there.
