 Terry Newman writes the most extraordinary books! Heartquake was surprising enough. Lion shifters! I love shifter romance. But Rewrites of the Heart? Completely different and wow! Welcome, Terry! 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I read all sorts of books as a kid. But one series that stuck with me was The Happy Hollisters. It was so very 1960s-ish, but it stirred not only a love of reading, but a desire to write. My favorite all-time book I read as a child was A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle. I loved that story so much I read it to my daughter. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? At the moment, I’m reading a lot of romantic comedies. But I discovered Becky Chambers. She’s a sci-fi author. I love her novella A Psalm for the Wild-Built. It’s a Monk and Robot book and why, yes, the two main characters are a monk and a robot. I had to then read the second book, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy. Equally as good. These books aren’t just science fiction. They hold marvelous and moving life lessons. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I’m developing this theory that writers (at least some of us) knew we wanted to be writers at a young age whether we actually had the courage to voice it or not. But the trick with writing, is that it doesn’t always translate into serious writing immediately. Sometimes, it’s delayed for decades. But that gnawing need to write stays with you and eventually you have to. I suppose the signs were pretty clear when I took an assignment in grade school to write a sentence for each spelling word and I created a complete story. Everyone else had 10 sentences. I had the entire back of my spelling word sheet covered. Oh, I love both your theory and that story! 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? A short story I wrote as a junior or senior in college. It filled a requirement for a history essay, actually. I had asked the professor instead of writing a regular essay, if I could submit a short story. It was an American social history class of the early twentieth century. I wrote about a woman who went to the 1920 Republican convention and tried to show the social trends of the day. I thought it was pretty darned good. I got an A minus on it. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I’m not sure where my creativity comes from. It comes from everywhere and nowhere. I can get an idea for a story or even a scene from an off-hand remark or an incident. Writing is almost a need for me. It’s like I have a Storyteller App in my head, where information goes in and comes out as a tale. Writing is just so much a part of who am I. 6) What’s your writing space like? I have this large office with a great view and it…oh, wait. That’s the writing space of my dreams. Sorry. I live in a small efficiency apartment. My desk sits on one side of my small kitchen. But…I don’t use it. The chair isn’t comfortable, so I end up in my recliner with a TV tray butting up against one arm of it. My laptop and my coffee are always on the tray. And I have a large external monitor hooked up to the computer to lessen eye strain. And why yes, my monitor is larger than my television. It’s unconventional but it works for me. 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I love to write in the morning. While I don’t write as soon as I get up, I do write as early as possible, depending on the day. I have more energy in the morning. Not only that, but the world seems to be filled with limitless possibilities in the morning. I love the idea of limitless possibilities. That is one more reason to love the morning! Beautiful. 8) Time to talk about your latest release (rubbing hands together). But first, how did you come up with the idea for the book? Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? Years ago, I was in a community theater production of Jake’s Women, a Neil Simon play. I played the psychiatrist and was totally a figment of Jake’s imagination. So was every other actor in the play, except for his current wife. Jake was writer. I turned that idea around and created a writer whose characters come to life. At first, I wasn’t sure who would be able to see them, but finally decided it’d be more fun if they were fully formed and interacted with everyone. 9) Now let’s hear about Rewrites of the Heart. This is the story: JJ Spritely, historian-turned-romance-author, a talented writer who writes characters that jump off the page. Figuratively, of course. Until one day, she wakes up to find Alex Zurich and Blake Teesdale, the heroine and hero of her work in progress, sitting in her home office. And they’re on a mission: To help JJ writer her own love story with the man of her dreams. There’s only one problem with that. JJ has already met the man her characters think is the love of her life, Kennedy King Cooper. She believes he’s an arrogant jerk who, by the way, think romance novels are trash and those who write them, well, “bimbos.” His words. If that weren’t the only complication in JJ’s life, it seems her characters can’t find their way back to their own pages. They’re stuck in her world. And believe me, they try some inventive ways to return. 10) I comprehend that you’ve just recently published a book. I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? My paranormal novella, The Wizard of her Heart, releases July 3. Our hero, Wyatt Ginn, meets our heroine, Sydney Thomas, when his car rear-ends hers in front of the post office. They both think they’ll never see each other again. She’s his new employee and on her first day of work, Wyatt is asked to cast a love spell over a bag of jelly beans. Sydney is just emerging from a bad marriage and bitter divorce. She doesn’t believe in romantic love or magic. So why does she keep thinking about him? It sounds like such a fun romance! 11) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? Heartquake, my first novel with The Wild Rose Press, turns one year old this month. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. This story centers on Charlee Lightheart, a coffeeshop owner, and her boyfriend, Riley Brockton, a very wealthy businessman. Riley doesn’t know how to tell her he’s a lion shifter and, well, he believes she’s his lioness. At the request of a local anti-fracking group, Charlee runs for city council to oust the incumbent who is pro-fracking. But there’s someone who wants Charlee out of the race and keeps sending her threatening messages. A rogue reporter, with a history of hounding Riley, reveals the one secret that can destroy the anti-fracking movement and Riley and Charlee’s relationship. Happy book birthday to Heartquake! I so enjoyed it. Terry, thank you for sharing your time and talent with us. Congratulations again on Rewrites of the Heart! I wish you all the best! Thank you, Anastasia, for your hospitality. I enjoyed my visit.  JJ Spritely, romance author, writes characters that jump off the page. Figuratively, that is. She never expects them to make a literal leap off the page and smack dab into her world. But Alex Zurich and Blake Teesdale do just that. And they’re on a mission to help JJ write her own personal love story with a man she recently met, Kennedy King Cooper. A history professor, Cooper doesn’t see the value of romance novels and he has even less regard for those who write them. Until he meets a woman who haunts his thoughts. There’s only one small snag in Alex’s and Blake’s plan…okay…two rather large snags. JJ wants nothing to do with Cooper. The other snag? Alex and Blake aren’t able to return to the pages of their own book. Will JJ ever write her own love story? And will it be with Cooper? Will Alex and Blake return to the pages of their own book? Excerpt Just my luck, she thought, bedraggled ex-history professor meets hunk at bookstore. Hunk yawns, excuses himself in a panic, and breaks the sound barrier running in the opposite direction. Surprisingly, he didn’t run. Instead, he struck up a conversation. They chatted politely about history. It seemed like the obvious topic with World War II flashing at them from the shelves and the Civil Rights movement towering before them. Then he made a remark about the book signing. She listened, amused, and then she slowly became irritated as he rambled on about the absurdity of the “trash” of romance novels (his exact words, she recalled). “It’s refreshing to see a woman who appreciates the finer points of an education,” he told her, “and doesn’t stoop to reading such mindless garbage. Only a hopelessly mindless bimbo would read that stuff. And I couldn’t imagine what type of woman would actually lower herself to such depths to write that drivel.” Just at that moment, as fate would have it, a fan walked up to her. “Excuse me, Ms. Spritely, I hate to bother you, but the clerk said you wouldn’t mind. Would you please sign my copy of Love’s Revenge?” She smiled, retrieved all the details needed for the autograph, chatted for a few moments with her fan, and then turned back to the gentleman. “And you were saying?” The man’s jaw hung open wider than the entrance to a cavern. She, however, glowed. “Yep, that’s me,” she said. “And by the way, you know what this hopelessly mindless bimbo—those were your words, weren’t they?—did before she became a fulltime author?” She paused for the sole purpose of creating a dramatic moment. “This bimbo was a history professor.” She abruptly turned on her heel, smiling broadly as she headed for the in-store café. She bought her favorite coffee, a caramel mocha, grabbed an asiago pretzel as a treat, and went back to her seat at the book signing table. Oh, yeah. Life was good. Later, the man stopped by the booth to apologize. She smiled graciously. Her thoughts, though, were anything but gracious. What a waste of a sexy, attractive body. It’s stuck in the mindset of an arrogant Neanderthal. Just my luck, she thought. To meet a guy with some chemistry to him—and even similar interests—only to find he’s not just the proverbial frog, but the pompous ass as well. And that’s my modern fairy tale. “May I make this up to you?” he offered. He had asked for her phone number, but she declined to give it to him. Not to be brushed aside quite so easily, he handed her his business card. “Kennedy King Cooper, Professor of History, University of Northern Ohio.” She read it briefly. “If you should like to go for coffee some time and help me remove my foot from my mouth, I’d be grateful.” She held the card for a moment, almost tempted to take it. He did look attractive there in a boyish sort of way, part pouting, part pleading for a second chance on making a first impression. And, yes, she really did feel some type of attraction to him, pompous ass or not. But something told her not to take the card. She politely handed it back to him. “No, thank you. I don’t think we have much more to talk about.” Thankfully, an individual with a book to sign walked up, signaling the end of the conversation. “But he didn’t mean to be such a sexist, elitist egotist, JJ.” Alex pleaded the professor’s case for him. “Remember the absolute bozo Blake was when I first met him? And we overcame it.” Blake’s eyebrows scrunched together, his lower lip jutted out as he quietly muttered, “Bozo? I was a bozo?” Alex calmly shook her head and took his hand. “You were a loveable bozo, honey.” The characters’ banter shook her out of her reverie, and she discovered they were peering at her, apparently still expecting an answer. Purchase here.  About the Author Two things you should know about me: I have an offbeat sense of humor and characters are constantly talking to me, trying to get me to tell their stories. Other than that, I’m a normal person. I’ve spent most of my adult life writing in some fashion, from small-town reporter, to editor-in-chief and ghostwriter for a national natural health publishing firm. The last decade and a half I’ve worked as a freelance writer, penning ebooks that range from starting a doula services business to Native American herbs. I’ve finally took the plunge to fiction after pushing oh, so many doubts aside. My first novel with The Wild Rose Press, Heartquake, won a 4.5 crowned heart review with Ind’tale Magazine. All my books are set in fictional towns in northeast Ohio, where I grew up, and I write about things I love—like coffee. I have a daughter, a son-in-law, and a grandpuppy and live in North Lima, a real town in northeast Ohio with all my characters. Yes, it does get crowded.
12 Comments
 I'm proud to welcome award-winning author Jennifer Ivy Walker today! I recently started reading The Lady of the Mirrored Lake. Talk about intense! Jennifer will tell us more about her latest release, but first let's learn a little more about her! 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I enjoyed stories about medieval knights and ladies, such as tales of King Arthur, Lancelot, and Robin Hood. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I love paranormal, medieval, and historical romance! 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I discovered I had a knack for writing when I was eleven—the same year I started studying French. I realized I had a passion for the French language, history, literature, and culture as well. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? A short story about my cocker spaniel in seventh grade. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? Growing up, I lived far from friends, so Nature was my companion, and being alone a lot fostered my imagination. Later on, I learned to sew, so in addition to writing, I also create couture (which I sell on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/bohemienneivy. As a French teacher, I used creative methods—such as puppets, Theater in the Classroom, music, dance, and literature to enhance my students’ learning. Beautiful shop -- seriously boho! What it must be like to be so creative ... 6) What’s your writing space like? I redecorated a spare bedroom, furnishing it with light aqua French antique furniture, huge pink roses, and lots of plants!  So lovely! Thank you for sharing your space with us. 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I prefer to write during the day when it’s quiet and peaceful. I always work out plot developments or character backgrounds on my daily beach walks. Nature--especially the ocean-- inspires me so much! 8) Time to talk about The Lady of the Mirrored Lake, which I am reading at the moment (rubbing hands together)! But first, how did you come up with the idea for the series? Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? When I earned my MA in French literature, I discovered the medieval legend of “Tristan et Yseult”. I have always loved Arthurian myth, and when I discovered that Tristan was a Knight of the Round Table and friend of Lancelot, it gave me the idea to do a paranormal fantasy adaptation of that medieval French legend, incorporating the French version of Arthurian myths. You've done it beautifully. 9) Now let’s talk about… A recent five-star review said this about my new release, The Lady of the Mirrored Lake (book 2 of The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven trilogy). “Decidedly more dark and decadent…the author deftly weaves some daunting new enemies into this magical tale, creating a rapturous fusion of myth, lore, and wizardry. 10) I comprehend that you’ve just recently published a book. I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask -– do you have anything waiting in the wings? “The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight”—the conclusion of my trilogy—will be published on June 21st. “Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle” – a passionate romance between a fiery French princess descended from Vikings and the sullen, solitary knight who suffers an impossible love for her--will be published later this year. I just submitted the completed manuscript for “Flames of Flamenco”, an exotic romance set in Montmartre, the bohemian heart of Paris. I hope it lands another contract!  Finally, my current WIP (work-in-progress) -- “Amour in Avignon”—is a Cyrano de Bergerac kind of love story where a lonely American divorcée falls for a romantic French actor when she goes to the Festival of Theater in Avignon (a city in Provence, in the south of France). Wow! Bravo! Seriously, do you write in your sleep? 11) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I am THRILLED to share the news that my debut novel, “The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven”, won FIRST PLACE in the Paranormal Romance Guild 2022 Reviewer’s Choice Awards in the Historical Romance category. I am truly honored to have won this prestigious award! I happen to know that The Lady of the Mirrored Lake also recently won The Titan Gold Award! Congratulations, Ivy, for the honors as well as for your latest, award-winning release! Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us. Wishing you all the best!  Mirror, mirror on the lake. Reveal the path the queen will take. Hunted by the Black Widow Queen, Issylte--a healer with the verdant magic of the forest--must flee Avalon with the two finest knights in the Celtic realm, both wrongly accused of treason. The trio travels to Bretagne, where Issylte heals a critically injured wolf and obtains fiercely loyal, shapeshifting allies. In mystical Brocéliande, Issylte becomes a warrior priestess of the Tribe of Dana and otherworldly mate of the Blue Knight of Cornwall, discovering with Tristan a passion that transcends all bounds. When she becomes the Lady of the Mirrored Lake, sworn to defend the sacred waters of the Goddess, Issylte must undertake a perilous quest to discover what priceless object lies hidden in its murky depths. As a nascent evil emerges in a fetid cave, Issylte and Tristan must face a diabolical trio that threatens their lives, their love, and their kingdoms. Enchanted. Enflamed. Entwined. Can their passion and power prevail? Amazon B&N  Excerpt Their bodies sated—at least for now—they lay together, a tangle of limbs, reluctant to leave their enchanted realm. Tristan propped himself onto his elbow to unabashedly appreciate her nudity, worshipping her beauty with admiring eyes. He kissed her softly. “I love you, Issylte. With every breadth of my soul. With every beat of my heart. I am yours. Now, and forever.” His sea raven heart soared in the love light shining in her forest fairy eyes. “And I love you, Tristan. You are my warrior. My friend. My teacher. The only one who ever believed in me. Who promised to fight for me. Beside me.” Rising onto her knees, she took both of his hands in hers and kissed them. Her eyes glistening, she whispered, “You gave me weapons. Trained me to fight. To defend myself. And that…” she choked, gazing up at him, “is not only the greatest gift I have ever received. It also saved my life.” She kissed his hands again. “You are helping me to grow, Tristan. To believe in myself. To face the wicked queen who denies me my birthright. Who killed so many of those I loved. Whose evil threatens us all.” Lying down at his side, she laid her head over his pounding heart. He softly stroked her long blond hair. “You have made me strong, whole, and complete, Tristan. I am totally, utterly, undeniably yours. “ He held her for a few moments. His wild rose. Then, rising to his feet, Tristan took her hands, and pulled her close. He wrapped his arms around her waist, gazing intently into the deep green eyes of his Muse. “Toi et moi. So it shall be. You and I are entwined. Eternally.” Amazon B&N  About the Author Enthralled with legends of medieval knights and ladies, dark fairy tales and fantasies about Druids, wizards and magic, Jennifer Ivy Walker always dreamed of becoming a writer. She fell in love with French in junior high school, continuing her study of the language throughout college, eventually becoming a high school teacher and college professor of French. As a high school teacher, she took her students every year to the annual French competition, where they performed a play she had written, "Yseult la Belle et Tristan la Bête"--an imaginative blend of the medieval French legend of "Tristan et Yseult" and the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast", enhanced with fantasy elements of a Celtic fairy and a wicked witch. “The Lady of the Mirrored Lake”—book 2 of “The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven” trilogy--is a blend of her love for medieval legends, the romantic French language, and paranormal fantasy. It is a paranormal fantasy adaptation of the medieval legend of "Tristan et Yseult" (Tristan and Isolde), interwoven with Arthurian myth, dark fairy tales from the enchanted Forest of Brocéliande, and otherworldly elements such as Avalonian Elves, Druids, forest fairies and magic. Explore her realm of Medieval French Fantasy. She hopes her novels will enchant you.  It's an exciting week for my blog! Today, I'm proud to welcome cozy mystery writer Ana Diamond. Her latest cozy is Body Snatched, just published this past November. We'll get to the book -- we have a great excerpt -- but first let's get to know Ana a little better. 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I've always loved a good series. Growing up, The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel was one of my favorites. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? Currently, I enjoy Psychological Thrillers and Cozies. I’m currently reading Frieda McFadden and Tamara Berry. 3) Around what age did you realize you like to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I started writing short stories when I was around 10 years old but writing a book didn't seem possible until about 5 years ago. 4) What's the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? When I first started out I was learning the ropes by attending online workshops and entering contests to get feedback on my writing. I was super pleased to be a finalist and that made me keep going. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspired you to write, to create? I enjoy the process of moving the story forward and working through the conflicts. It's similar to painting a picture and watching it develop. Beautiful. 6) What's your writing space like? My writing space is by a window in my bedroom, nothing fancy. My cats stay close by keeping me company.  7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I like to write in the morning. It's when I have the most energy and inspiration. I don't have any rituals, but I find the longer I work on something the more likely it stays on my mind all day as I work through any kinks in the story. Thank you! I'm going to try that -- working longer as opposed to procrastinating when I run into kinks. 8) Time to talk about Body Snatched (rubbing hands together)! But first, how did you come up with the idea for the series? Are there any interesting tidbits you'd care to share with us? Usually, the first line of a story comes to me first and then I build around it. I thought the idea of finding a dead body in a funeral home that didn't belong there seemed kind of kooky in the same vein of Cozy Mysteries. I also have a dark sense of humor. I work in the medical field so medical terms and medical humor come natural to me. 9) Now for Body Snatched! Body Snatched is book 2 in the Body Conscious series. Here's a blurb: What’s worse than losing a body from a funeral home? Losing two. But mortician and amateur sleuth, Lily Reynolds has a hunch. The new visitor in town, Rick Drakon, may have charmed his way into her life but she’s not fooled by his smooth talking ways. Problem is, Rick is a long-time friend of Lily’s new husband, Detective James Rivers. While James is busy convincing her to look elsewhere, Lily embarks on a dangerous path toward uncovering the truth. Will this case come between the couple or will Lily find herself closer to evil than ever before? Now, that's suspense! Wow! 10) I comprehend that you just recently published a book. I know what that takes. Still, I can't help but ask -- do you have anything waiting in the wings? I am working on something new set in a New England bed and breakfast with a whole set of new characters and intrigue. I always like to add a little romance in my stories to spice things up. Joy dance! That sounds fabulous! You probably wouldn't be surprised to know that all my favorite cozies have at least a hint of romance! Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us, Ana! Once again, congratulations on Body Snatched!  Excerpt In a town full of secrets, who will come out alive? Black River reminded James of one thing: murder. Hidden in dense foliage, the river stretched out far beyond his view and also happened to be a perfect spot to dump a body. He had no doubt there had been many missing people over the years who wound up weighed down by rocks at the bottom of the river until their flesh disintegrated into nothing. His boss, Donald Abrams had a bad habit of telling him about their worst cases, probably to freak him out. The sicko with the garden of people floating upright like weeds was particularly gruesome. The chills he got from that one made the hairs on his neck stand up. However, since Manorview’s crime rate was low, James wasn’t entirely sure if the stories were folklore or not. “Congrats on your last case. I heard you’re a big boss detective now,” Rick said as he reeled in his empty line. James impaled a worm on his hook and swung the line out into the water. “Thanks. I wouldn’t say big boss though. More like maybe I’ll get to keep my job.” “Have you ever caught anything here?” Rick asked. “No, but I hear there’s trout.” And bodies. Purchase here. About the Author When Ana Diamond isn't writing about tough gals finding love in unexpected places, she’s at work by day in the medical field. She writes romantic cozy mystery novels with feisty strong women and alluring men who can’t resist them. Her books are fast paced, entertaining and heartfelt all at once. Ana is a 2020 Tara Contest Finalist for Body Conscious and 2015 Melody of Love contest finalist. She lives in New York with her husband, two children and two needy but wildly entertaining kitty cats. Twitter Facebook TikTok Instagram https://anadiamondauthor.com/   I'm thrilled to welcome Lynn Griffin. She gives wonderful support and encouragement to fellow authors and I've been enjoying her latest book, The Twenty-One Year Contract. We will definitely get to the book, but first let's learn more about author. Welcome, Lynn! 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? Enid Blyton was one of my favourites. She was not only a prolific writer, she covered all ages and did wonderful series, all of which served me well until I hit around 11. I also loved Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. I think it’s quite possibly why I love writing children’s books in a similar vein. Think Alice walking through Lemony Snicket. As you can see, I like dark. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? Oh, gosh. I will literally read anything, though I’m so keen on horror if there’s unnecessary tons of blood and guts. Sorry you guys that write in this genre, and to those who read it. I know it’s a popular genre and there are really great horror authors out there. To give you a flavour of my most recent reads: Ishiguro, Richard Osmond and on my bedside table at the moment Rachel Brimble, if you check any of these out you can see how diverse they are and who I have reviewed on Goodreads, Bookbub, Ben Shepard. For me, it’s all about getting inside the story, losing myself and learning. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I can’t put my finger on exactly when I knew I wanted to write books, but it’s been there since I was a child. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? I wrote a children’s story. It’s still on the backburner waiting for me to submit, though I need to work out the best place for it. I keep thinking Tim Burton. All my children’s books, much like my adult books, a little dark and with a meaning. Think Alice in Wonderland meets Lemony Snicket. At the moment though, my debut – Secrets, Shame, and a Shoebox is my proudest achievement. Why? Because I was brave enough to submit it, but only because a friend said: “Do it now before you pop your clogs mate.” She was right, life is too short. Bravo! 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? My imagination is rife with wild and wonderful things. Writing allows me to express all things beautiful, yet all things honest in life. My stories are inspired by the wealth of people I have met, by those who have survived through courage and determination, and who area real life heroes. 6) What’s your writing space like? Oh my goodness. I have a lovely converted bedroom specifically set up for the job. Trouble is I share it with my husband, so not always a good space, because I chat to my imaginary friends, and he either thinks I’m going bonkers or I’m talking to him! Since I retired, I find I can write anywhere. In the garden, on the sofa, or in a café. It has become a moveable feast. That all sounds wonderful. 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I always wrote around the paid job. Up at silly o’clock, then dash out to work. Toast in one hand and fixing my hair with the other because I forgot the time. 8) Time to talk about your latest book (rubbing hands together)! But first, how did you come up with the idea for the series? Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? Adoption. Life. Humour. Survival. Crime. Mystery. Coincidence. All these elements are ensconced in my novels. They share the reality of life, the drama of survival and inspirational courage. Thinking about coincidence. How many of us have walked down a road in a different town, city, or in another part of the world and bumped into someone you haven’t seen for years. My stories are also filled with coincidence as this is life. Well certainly this has been life for me. The Twenty-One-Year Contract is the sequel (also standalone) to Secrets, Shame, and a Shoebox. 9) Now let’s hear about The Twenty-One Year Contract. Only a simple shoebox, but full of secrets... Kathleen is 14, wild, fun, and talented. When her adoptive family died in tragic circumstances she is devastated and alone. Uncle Jack is wonderful, but he lives in America, and works across the world. He can’t be father to her. Kathleen takes a chance. She becomes Kate and runs away to London with the hope of fulfilling her dream to become a fashion designer. Here she meets and makes friends with Harriet (in Secrets, Shame, and a Shoebox). Who would have guessed her new friend would hold life changing secrets hidden in a shoebox. All I can say, from what I've read so far, is that it's a truly beautiful book. 10) I comprehend that you’ve just recently published a book. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? Yes, The Twenty-One- Year Contract was released July 2022, but I’ve got a couple of projects on the go. I’m in the throes of editing a contemporary romance who is third generation of Harriet/Kate’s story. I also have an idea bubbling around for the coming years of Harriet and Kate – so from the early 60s. We all know London was a hive of sex, drugs and rock and roll, but crime and fashion were reaching dizzy heights of fame and infamy. Enough said. 11)Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I love to help budding writers. I know it’s a lonely occupation, and as a result I have teamed up with our local library and offered a free writing workshop and am following it up with kickstarting critiquing groups. These were far and few between when I started looking for help, so I started my own – one has been running for fifteen years and another around four. I do a random blog so check that out – it hosts wonderful authors and is interspersed with information for writers. www.wifeinthewest.com Most recently I hosted my editor Nan Swanson – in two parts, first about her background and the second that will be a very useful tool for writers who are starting out. This all goes so well with how I think of you -- kind, generous, genuine. Thank you for sharing your time with us today, Lynn. Wishing you all the best! Thank you so much for hosting me Anastasia, it’s been an absolute pleasure. And now for an excerpt from The Twenty-One Year Contract!  Only a simple shoebox, but full of secrets… Kathleen Gray—talented, a little wild, at times rebellious, but always popular—has a fun, easy life in rural Somerset, with a doting family. Suddenly, they are gone, everything is changed, and she has only Uncle Jack. Try as he might, he cannot be father and mother to her—he has a business to run and his own life to manage. Kathleen takes a chance and becomes Kate Westfield, fending for herself in London, with a new life built on her hopes and dreams and new friends. She could hardly have imagined that one of those friends has a shoebox full of answers. Excerpt ‘After a glass of water, Jack made himself a cup of tea and returned to the job in hand. This was going to be much harder than he could ever have imagined. Working deep through the night, Jack methodically sifted through volumes of paperwork until light inched its way through the curtain. Though he felt thoroughly ready for bed, he continued searching, his aim to find at least a smidgen of information about his niece. Randomly tidying up as he went, Jack noticed an encyclopaedia oddly extended over one of the top shelves. He tried pushing it back into place. It was jammed. It looked awkward. Pulling it out to check the depth of the book, he found a box file hidden behind. Upon the side panel was one word, capitalized in thick bold lettering: KATHLEEN As the hazy sunlight grew, puzzled, Jack pulled the curtains to lend natural light, took the file off the shelf, sat back in Henry’s chair, and looked inside…’ Purchase here.  About the Author L.B Griffin loves to write stories to touch people’s hearts. She draws upon social issues that are often hidden in deep drawers but readers can identify with. Her women don’t see themselves as courageous, strong, or survivors, but they certainly are. Her debut, Secrets, Shame, and a Shoebox has received superb five star reviews, amongst them Whispering stories and VINE VOICE reader/blogger Michelle Ryles, singing high praise: Incredibly well-written, Secrets, Shame, and a Shoebox is a magnificent debut. It’s a poignant, disturbing, and a heart-warming page-turner that has left me chomping at the bit to continue Harriet’s story. The sequel, also a standalone – The Twenty-One Year Contract, is already receiving famtastic five star reviews such as VINE VOICE: This book will have you laughing, crying, and cheering. L.B. Griffin continues to turn silent stories into courage, hope, and survival. Be warned, she is a self-confessed chocolate-raisin and strawberry addict! www.instagram.com/lynngriffinauthoruk www.Facebook.com/lynngriffinauthor/ www.twitter.com/lbgriffinauthor www.wifeinthewest.com mybook.to/twentyone More from author Lynn Griffin...  1950s London and everybody has a secret...
When Harriet Laws loses her grandmother and her job, her happy life in London seems over. Alone, grief-stricken and penniless, she thinks wildly of ending it all. Fate steps in as Tom Fletcher saves her, gives her hope, and guides her to new employment. He takes her to dinner, and she finds him attractive. He's older, but she doesn't mind. Does he? Tom, a quiet, hardworking man, is unsure of Harriet's feelings, but he's also very busy building his business interests. So it's no wonder a suave, sophisticated fellow walks off with Harriet right under Tom's nose. What follows, no one could have predicted, as Harriet not only loses contact with all her friends but must again fight for her very life...will she ever see Tom again? Available at Amazon.  Today I'm pleased to welcome author Mary Ann Jacobs, whose debut cozy mystery recently launched. Congratulations, Mary Ann! Thank you for sharing your time with us. 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I read all the series books, Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames Student Nurse, Charlotte's Web, The Babysitters’ Club. Charlotte’s Web was always my favorite and still is. Charlotte's Web -- such a beautiful story. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I enjoy spy novels and mysteries. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? After getting a degree in English, I realized that I actually enjoyed writing papers. After that, I had many causes and wrote essays about whatever cause I was passionate about. While teaching grade school, I discovered the poetry of Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutski and realized I loved poetry. Thus began my poetry writing career. I didn’t know I wanted to write books until Covid hit, and I decided to try writing a book as my Writing Therapy to keep from going crazy because of the isolation. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? I always felt proud of the essays I wrote, especially when some of them were published. I also wrote my first children’s book, but looking back on it, it was a disaster. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? In fiction, characters just pop into my mind, and I create scenes for them. In poetry, I like to observe and create poems from my observations. I think it's wonderful that you write poetry. Do you know, I "Invented" a hashtag: #theworldneedsmorepoetry? 6) What’s your writing space like? A very cluttered desk with numerous projects in different piles – not the model workplace for anyone. 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I grab snatches of time in my busy schedule to write. 8) Time to talk about your new book, Don't Mess with Me (rubbing hands together). How did you come up with the idea for the series? Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? After immersing myself in cozy mysteries to relieve stress during Covid, I decided to try my hand at a cozy mystery. I love strong women protagonists, so I created a widow, modeled after many widows I know who have carried on after the death of a spouse. For Sadie, I modeled her after my Lebanese aunts who were very strong women. Once I had my two strong women, it was time to create the Super Sleuths and the ensemble of characters who would populate this group. Tidbits – I am a city girl. Visiting my daughter in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, I was introduced to festivals and small-town living. This became my setting. It all sounds wonderful! 9) Now let’s hear about the book. The recipes in the book came from my grandmother who taught my mother how to make Lebanese food. My mom was English and Austrian so before she could marry my Lebanese father, she stayed for a week with his mother and learned to cook the ethnic food. Interestingly, she became one of the best cooks in the family. Mmm. I love this! I'm half-Lebanese, mom's side, and my husband is from Lebanon. Fabulous cuisine -- good for body and soul! 10) I comprehend that you’ve just recently published a book. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? Oh yes. I have written a collection of modern fables for children, a book on how to write poetry with sample poems and instructions on how to create poems. I just got notice that two more of my poems will be published in an anthology in May. I have several picture books I’m marketing, and last, but not least, if the Berkshire Mystery Series is to carry on, I need to finish book two. I am about a third of the way through. You are busy! 11) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I just need a week alone in a cabin somewhere to finish all I have started. It’s hard to find time to write and even harder to find time to market what I have written. Thank you again for joining us today, Mary Ann. Congratulations again on your new release! Wishing you all the best! Thank you.  Sheriff Houtman, who left Boston to have a more peaceful career, finds himself faced with two murders and a kidnapping. He is challenged by a band of amateur sleuths who doubt his competence. Will his conclusions hold, or will he have to admit defeat? Unfortunately, Sheriff Houtman’s judgement is impaired because of his infatuation with Sadie, and his immediate suspicion of a homeless teen that Robin and Sadie befriended. Robin George narrates the story. She is a widow with a young son who moves to the Berkshires after her beloved husband died. Her bookstore, Bookworms, and Sweet Indulgences, her best friend Sadie’s restaurant, become the hubs for Robin’s amateur detective group where they plan how to solve the local crimes and exonerate Billy, the Sheriff’s main suspect. Will they prove the Sheriff wrong?  Excerpt from Don't Mess With Me by Mary Ann Jacobs The Sheriff, losing his normally calm demeanor, confronted Fergusson, “Are you aware that someone was murdered last night? Not only are we investigating a murder, but we also are looking for a vandal and a robber. I suppose you think a little noise is more important than all that. You are a self-centered so and so,” sputtered the Sheriff. Shaking, Sheriff Houtman turned around and said to the rest of us, “I’ll get back to all you later. One crime at a time. I better get back to the station and check out this rumor of arson. Let’s hope my deputy has turned up some evidence. Houtman then rushed for the exit. I thought, “Wow, he really went off on Fergusson. I wonder why. But the Sheriff is a coward to just leave without even a comment about Billy’s interrogation. I’m worried that Houtman has already tried and convicted Billy in his own snap-judgement mind.” Fergusson shouted at Sheriff Houtman’s fleeing figure. Fuming, Fergusson left the shop, banging the door behind him. Billy came back with his head down and his hands stuffed in his pockets. Gone was his cocky attitude. Whatever Houtman said to him seemed to have broken his spirit. “I’m really sorry, Ms. George, that I crashed through your door and made such a commotion,” said a subdued Billy. Worried, Sadie went to Billy, and they found a secluded corner of the store and sat and talked. At least he seemed to be open to Sadie’s questioning.  To Contact Mary Ann: Website FB Twitter Amazon maryalexanderjacobs@gmail.com maryannjacobsauthor@gmail.com   I’m thrilled to welcome Susie Black, whose latest book in her Holly Swimsuit cozy mystery series recently launched. Susie, congratulations on Death by Pins and Needles! So exciting! We are eager to hear all about it, but first, let’s learn more about you. 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? SUSIE: As a young child I was given the Mary Jane series and The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew series from my mother-these were her books when she was a child, so they were of course, quite special to me. When I was older, hands down, the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series were my favorites. I also loved the biography of Amelia Earhart. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? SUSIE: I enjoy reading books in the mystery genre in general, but gravitate towards the same type of books I write -- humorous cozy mysteries. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? SUSIE: Actually, it was at a rather young age. I can remember writing short stories in the third grade. In junior high, high school, and college, I was a reporter and wrote for the school newspapers. I was ultimately made the Editor-in-Chief of all three. Oh, wow! Bravo! And when did you know that you wanted to write books? SUSIE: While writing the daily journal entries that chronicled the interesting people I encountered and the crazy things I got myself into and out of during my career as a ladies’ apparel sales exec was when I knew I wanted to turn my experiences into books. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? SUSIE: My first column as the Editor-in-Chief of my high school newspaper. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. SUSIE: The creative force within me is how I see the world. That is why I write in the first person. So, it is my voice that the readers hear in their heads when they read my books. The way you see the world, then, is with a wry and wonderful humor. What inspires you to write, to create? SUSIE: I am a people person. People are utterly fascinating and are my inspiration to write and create. I can sit for an hour in the mall food court or an airport departure lounge and people watch and come up with hundreds of stories about the folks I observe. 6) What’s your writing space like? SUSIE: I have commandeered our family room as my writing space. I have a large-screen computer on a computer desk adjacent to a copier, a TV, and a stereo. If the writing is going well, I listen to either jazz or rock N’ roll oldies. But if I am struggling, I find music a distraction and turn it off. We live in the southern California desert on a golf course. I can look out the window onto the fairway and watch the hapless duffers whack away or observe the ducks and geese in the water hazard lounging around for comic relief. It is a very peaceful atmosphere and always gets my creative juices flowing. 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? SUSIE: I don’t have a set daily schedule or a set number of hours a day to write. I try hard to write at least something every day, but candidly, life often gets in the way of the best-laid plans…That said, I can tell you that I rarely write in the morning. I am a night owl and often do my most productive writing late into the wee hours. Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? SUSIE: Before I sit down to write, I make sure there is a full pot of fresh coffee brewed and keep a jar of mixed nuts next to the computer. When I am plotting, I step away from the computer and walk. Some people do their best thinking in the shower or the car. I do my best thinking while walking. 8) Time to talk about your latest release (rubbing hands together)! But first, how did you come up with the idea for the Holly Swimsuit Mystery series? SUSIE: I came up with the idea for the series based on my career. My protagonist’s name is Holly and she is a successful ladies’ swimwear sales exec in the Los Angeles area and an amateur sleuth. Holly is the me I always wanted to be. My journal is the source of all my writing all my characters are based on real people I have crossed paths in my apparel career.  Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? SUSIE: I inherited my maternal grandmother’s love of perfume, jewelry, taking chances, speaking my mind, a wicked sense of humor, and regrettably, her fear of death that we both nervously compensated with by laughing whenever we heard someone died. I incorporated this weird trait into my Holly Swimsuit Mystery series by giving Holly Schlivnik, the protagonist, the same affliction and response to death. 9) Now let’s hear about Death by Pins and Needles! SUSIE: Set in the heart of the competitive Los Angeles Apparel Industry, Death by Pins and Needles is the story of one ruthless woman who didn’t care who she had to step on to get to the top. Lissa Charney is the showroom manager of a ladies’ swimwear line in the California Apparel Mart. Since Lissa didn’t think any of the rules applied to her, she had no problem breaking them all. From job stealing to dumping a boyfriend when he needed her the most, selfish and self-centered Lissa’s list of enemies rivaled those of Al Capone. So, when Lissa is murdered, no one on the swimwear aisle was particularly surprised…the only surprise was what had taken so long. 10) I comprehend that you’ve just recently published a book. I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? SUSIE: I do. After Death by Pins and Needles is released, I have three more new books that will be published this year, ninety days apart. I also have one half-completed manuscript that candidly should have been finished long ago, but kept getting pushed to the back of the “to do” pile. I have vowed to finish writing this one and submit it to my editor by the end of this year. 11) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? SUSIE: Yes, actually, two things: First, I want to thank you for hosting me on your blog and giving me the opportunity to introduce myself and my books to your followers. Second, on behalf of all authors, I’d like to ask your readers to please consider writing and posting a review for the books they read. Reviews are the life blood of all authors. Word of mouth is the most effective way to have the light of approval shined on our works. If readers aren’t quite sure how to write a review, I have a terrific guide to point everyone in the right direction. E-mail me at: mysteries_@authorsusieblack.com and I’ll gladly send out a copy. As a fellow author, I thank you for your request on our behalf. Susie, thank you for spending time with us. It's a pleasure to host you and I love your latest book. Congratulations again! And now, more of Death by Pins and Needles.  Who wanted Lissa Charney dead? The list was as long as your arm….but which one actually killed her? The last thing Mermaid Swimwear sales exec Holly Schlivnik expected to find when she opened the closet door was nasty competitor Lissa Charney’s battered corpse nailed to the wall. When Holly’s colleague is wrongly arrested for Lissa’s murder, the wise-cracking, irreverent amateur sleuth sticks her nose everywhere it doesn’t belong to sniff out the real killer. Nothing turns out the way she thinks it will as Holly matches wits with a heartless killer hellbent for revenge. Death by Pins and Needles -- Excerpt! I’d combed the place from one end to another and found no sign of Lissa. Where the Sam Hill was she? Not in the showroom. Not in her office. Not in the kitchen. Not in the copier room. In the ladies’ room? Abducted by aliens? Hiding in a closet? I was out of options and time; so, for giggles and squeaks, I pulled open the doors to the enormous sample closet that stretched across the back wall and peered inside. Good news. I found Lissa Charney. A dozen swimsuits picture -framed Lissa’s battered, bloody corpse like a museum exhibit. Ringed with matching black and purplish-blue shiners, her wide-open, sightless eyes stared into space as though surprised by her situation. No kidding. That made two of us. I was no doctor, but you didn’t need a medical degree for this diagnosis. No need to take her pulse. One thing was for sure, Lissa Charney had made her last sales presentation. Naturally, I burst out laughing.  About the Author Named Best US Author of the Year by N. N. Lights Book Heaven, award-winning cozy mystery author Susie Black was born in the Big Apple but now calls sunny Southern California home. Like the protagonist in her Fashion & Foul Play Mystery Series, Susie is a successful apparel sales executive. Susie began telling stories as soon as she learned to talk. Now she’s telling all the stories from her garment industry experiences in humorous mysteries. She reads, writes, and speaks Spanish, albeit with an accent that sounds like Mildred from Michigan went on a Mexican vacation and is trying to fit in with the locals. Since life without pizza and ice cream as her core food groups wouldn’t be worth living, she’s a dedicated walker to keep her girlish figure. A voracious reader, she’s also an avid stamp collector. Susie lives with a highly intelligent man and has one incredibly brainy but smart-aleck adult son who inexplicably blames his sarcasm on an inherited genetic defect. Looking for more? Contact Susie at: Website: www.authorsusieblack.com E-mail: mysteries_@authorsusieblack.com   Charlotte Harkness thinks there is a quiet grace and dignity among the dead. Well, as long as they’re not feeling chatty. I'm thrilled to welcome Author Mary Culler today, LAUNCH DAY for her new book, The Undertaker's Daughter. The book looks absolutely fabulous! We have all the information plus an excerpt. But I thought it might be fun to learn more about Mary first. Here's our interview. Literary You 1) Hi, Mary! What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I loved The Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Books, Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie, and Baby-Sitters Club. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? Mysteries and fantasy with romantic subplots. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I realized it very early on, when I was in second or third grade and I realized that if I didn’t like reality I could rewrite it. Awww, bravo! 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? I wrote a whole short story (I thought it was a novel) that was a historical fiction romance when I was in 6th grade, but my mother didn’t like it, so I stopped showing anyone my writing for a long time. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I like taking pain and turning it into something positive. I find that both amazing and inspiring. 6) What’s your writing space like? Space? What’s that? I have a corner of a table and my husband has made me a portable office because he’s the BEST. 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I love writing any time, anywhere. One thing that helps me crank it up is sprinting with other writers and working toward a certain word count per sprint, like 500 words in 15 minutes. 8) Congratulations on your new release! How did you come up with the idea for your book? Please tell us all about it. My Undertaker’s Daughter Series was originally a trilogy, but it’s being released as one big, fat novel. The strange thought that started it all was that someone is a serial killer’s first victim—what if the people around the crime were fast and drastic enough to stop him before he killed again? I created the character of strong-willed Charlotte Harkness, an undertaker’s daughter who hates Victorian gender constraints. When a beautiful young woman turns up at her father’s funeral parlor, she joins forces with someone else who takes her fears seriously—the victim’s brother, Dr. James Everly. James is far above her station. In Victorian times, they wouldn’t have mingled, so to solve the crime, they form a fake courtship. As clues pile up, Charlotte and James’ feelings turn real and so does the danger. 9) I realize you’ve just published a new book and I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have another story waiting on the backburner? About twenty! But, a handful at a time! What are you working on now? I’m working on The Earl’s Christmas Contest to offer to The Wild Rose Press. Excellent! 10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I hope you have fun reading and I’d love to see you at my online book hideaway, Book Dragons! Mary, thank you for sharing your time, talent, and RELEASE DAY with us! Wishing you continued joy and success. Now let's learn a bit more about The Undertaker's Daughter.  What if Jack the Ripper was stopped before he ever got started? Charlotte Harkness has (quite cheerfully) accepted that she’ll never find love. An undertaker’s daughter who reads embalming manuals and hears the dearly departed? It’s enough to make any Victorian patriarch despair. When Lavinia Everly’s corpse arrives at Harkness and Sons, Charlotte is tormented by the girl’s final memories, her death at the hands of the mysterious “Jack.” Charlotte knows she must find the killer before madness consumes her. Dr. James Everly shuns society’s rules to find out who killed his little sister. When he joins forces with the undertaker’s daughter, he never expected his new ally to be so quick-witted and beautiful. James and Charlotte agree to pose as a courting couple to continue their investigations. Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan. As danger mounts, Charlotte and James race to stop “Jack” before he can strike again. Will they succeed, or become the next victims on his list?  Excerpt from The Undertaker's Daughter “Do you know what it feels like when no one believes you?” “I do now. Intimately,” James chuckled bitterly. “Some people,” she paused, knowing she had to tread carefully, “think that simply because they haven’t seen a thing, it can’t be so.” “Exactly, but you have seen it!” He seized upon this point eagerly. Not so much a matter of seeing, but of hearing, she thought woefully. “I’d like to tell you something. You must promise to hear me out. I’d like you to believe me, as I believe you.” Puzzled, he nodded. “I can help you. I may have the lead that you need, something even the police don’t know.” “What? You do? How?” James leaned forward and grasped her hand, so grateful that he forgot all sense of propriety. “The man who did this to your sister? His name is Jack, and Lavinia knew him well, well enough to have seen him before that night, anyway.” “But… but this is incredible. My Lord, the name of the murderer! Oh, Miss Harkness, I cannot thank you enough. Tell me, how did you find this out?” “I heard it, Dr. Everly. From beyond the grave. Lavinia’s spirit allowed me to hear her final moments.”   About the Author Bestselling author M. Culler can’t stick to just one genre. She writes fantasy, mystery, and all flavors of romance. M.Culler lives in historic Chester County, Pennsylvania, where potentially haunted battlegrounds and 18th century buildings serve as neverending inspiration. M.Culler lives for her two brilliant children (mini-bookworms), her gorgeous husband, her endlessly entertaining students, and her wonderful community. If she’s not hunched over a laptop, you’ll find her baking up a storm in the kitchen, playing board games, or watching Brit Coms. Soli Deo Gloria. Website and Newsletter Reader’s Group: Book Dragons Historical Heat Historical Romance Group Twitter Instagram Amazon Bookbub Goodreads mcullerauthor@gmail.com   I'm delighted to welcome author Rachel Brimble. Let's learn more about her latest book Victoria and Violet, the first book in her new Royal Maids series, and get to know her a bit better. Hi, Rachel! 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? My absolute favourite author as a child was Enid Blyton and it was her Secret Seven series that inspired me to write. As I grew into my pre-teens and early teens, I devoured anything by Judy Blume and as many of the Sweet Dreams romances as I could find! 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I read so many different genres – almost everything except for Sci-fi and horror. My favourite genres are romance, romantic suspense, crime and biographies…especially of past British royalty. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? See question 1, haha! I was around eight or nine when I started writing short stories and binding them with ribbon. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep any of them – I would love to have read them now! I wrote on and off, but never wrote seriously toward publication until my youngest daughter started school full-time. My first novel was published in 2007 and I’ve had a least one novel published per year ever since. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? It was when I won my first short story competition – it was online and I came first. After that, it was my first book contract and then when I secured a multiple-book deal with Harlequin – that was a big day in my career! 5) You have an amazing website. Please tell us about what drives you and about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? Writing is a huge part of who I am and has been for many years – it is no longer a case of me choosing to write, rather that I am compelled to do it. I genuinely need to work, or I become agitated and grumpy. Ask my family! I can usually manage about 3 days without writing before my mood changes…which is why my laptop always comes on holiday with me! 6) What’s your writing space like? I am lucky enough to have my own home office these days – I started off on the kitchen table, but about five years ago I commandeered our spare bedroom for my office space. It is my haven and I love it. I have corkboards in front of me which are filled with visuals from my works in progress, a beautiful big white desk and three floor to ceiling bookshelves overflowing with research books and novels. My window looks down onto our back garden. Your office sounds dreamy! 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I suppose my favourite time of the day to actually write is late morning onwards – I am always at my desk by 8.30am but the first two hours are taken up with emails/creating social media content/completing interviews or writing blogs. I then walk our Labrador, Tyler. Once I’m back at my desk, the rest of the day is for writing. I try to finish my work day around 5.30pm. 8) Congratulations on Victoria and Violet. Won’t you tell us about a little about the book and also the series? Victoria & Violet is the first book in my new Royal Maids series – it is set in the court of a young Queen Victoria and revolves around her relationship with her housemaid, Violet. As they get to know one another, they become confidantes and allies against their overbearing mothers. However, the main event of the novel is the burgeoning romance between Violet and handsome courtier, James Greene… I plan for each book in the series to be set in the court of the succeeding monarch – so book 2 will be Edward VII’s court, book 3 George V’s and so on with a royal maid to the reigning queen consort being the focus of the romance. It all sounds absolutely wonderful! 9) I comprehend that you only recently published your latest book. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have another story waiting in the wings? Indeed I do! In fact, I have just submitted book 2 in the Royal Maids series to my editor so watch this space! In addition to that, I am working on a new contemporary romance series idea and starting the research for the next Royal Maids book. 10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? Yes! I would love to tell you and your readers about my First Chapter Critique service – this is my way of helping new and aspiring writers in the careers as so many published writers helped me. If any of your visitors would love to write a romance or women’s fiction novel, I’d love to help! Here’s the link for all the details: https://rachelbrimble.com/first-chapter-critique-service/ Rachel, thank you again for sharing your time and talent. Wishing you all the best!  It should be a dream come true to serve the Queen of England… When Violet Parker is told she will be Queen Victoria’s personal housemaid, she cannot believe her good fortune. She finally has the chance to escape her overbearing mother, a servant to the Duchess of Kent. Violet hopes to explore who she is and what the world has to offer without her mother’s schemes overshadowing her every thought and action. Then she meets James Greene, assistant to the queen’s chief political adviser, Lord Melbourne. From entirely different backgrounds and social class, Violet and James should have neither need nor desire to speak to one another, yet through their service, their paths cross and their lives merge—as do their feelings. Only Victoria’s court is not always the place for romance, but rather secrets, scandals, and conspiracies…  About the Author
Rachel lives in a small town near Bath, England. She is the author of 29 novels including the Ladies of Carson Street trilogy, the Shop Girl series (Aria Fiction) and the Templeton Cove Stories (Harlequin). Her latest novel, Victoria & Violet is the first book in her new Royal Maids series with the Wild Rose Press and released 17th October 2022. Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association as well as the Historical Novel Society and has thousands of social media followers all over the world. To sign up for her newsletter (a guaranteed giveaway every month!), click here: https://bit.ly/3zyH7dt  A Little Bit of Lust… Don’t you love the title? It’s the newest book in Shirley Goldberg’s Starting Over series, and today is its release day! I’m thrilled and honored that she’s sharing this special day with us. To celebrate, I thought it might be fun to learn a little more about her literary life and to get to know more about A Little Bit of Lust straight from her. Welcome, Shirley! Thank you for sharing launch day with us. You’re welcome. I’m thrilled to be here. Seriously. 1. Going back to the beginning, what sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I read dog and horse stories when I was little, along with Nancy Drew and books about animals, especially dinosaurs. 2.What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I read across genres. My favorites are humorous relationship books––I guess they’re called women’s fiction (even though there’s no genre called men’s fiction) although it’s a broad term. I like my stories with a heavy dab of romance but I don’t limit myself. Right now, I’m reading fellow author Marilyn Barr’s ARC Quartermaster, a spin-off of her pirate series, and Amor Towles The Lincoln Highway on audio. 3. Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I wrote and illustrated a newsletter with my best friend as a kid and started writing short stories when I was thirteen. Tried a novel in my thirties. Didn’t have a clue how to structure a book. We all know it ain’t easy, hah. 4. What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? I wrote essays and newspaper articles and began thinking seriously about writing but didn’t give up my ESL teaching job. Fortunately, I enjoyed the company of kids. 5. You have an amazing website. Please tell us about what drives you and about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I blog less often than I used to. It’s not that I have to be inspired to sit down and write, because the idea of waiting for a muse has never been my driving force. Writing is hard work. The creativity comes when we authors up the stakes or throw breadcrumbs into the story to foreshadow an event to come. It’s all about the characters. If your readers love your characters, chances are they will love your writing. By the way, I love making graphics for promotions, but I’m slow and still learning. I’m also reluctant to star in my own reels. 6. What’s your writing space like? My study has old photos and a painting I did a few years ago. My desk is a rolling table and I wish I had a better, more expensive chair. But I love my monitor, a 32 incher! 7. Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I try to write in the morning but I have to go to the gym and that breaks up my day. Which is a good thing. I couldn’t write if I didn’t exercise. When I’m working on a book, I often let the little things go, like laundry and social media. The only way I can get into the book is to immerse myself, and my study is strewn with papers and notes, a real mess. I admire writers who are better organized than I am and welcome any suggestions or comments in the organization department. 8. Congratulations on A Little Bit of Lust! Won’t you tell us about a little about the book and also the series? Starting Over is the name of the series and my characters are in their forties and fifties. They’re all starting over in life and love. That’s a simple way to put it. The books are standalone, but the characters pop up in other books for an occasional guest appearance. In Lust, the three characters, Lucy, Deon, and Phoebe are best friends and then there are…complications. Yes, love complicates everything and with the lust factor, well, things get messy. I love a happily ever after, though. A satisfactory ending is all-important in my reading and in my movie watching, although I’m also a sucker for a great tear jerker, too. Deon, the hero, is a hot harmonica player who’s based on a musician friend of mine. I love using my friends’ names for minor characters and sometimes borrow their quirks and habits. Do other authors do that? My friends don’t mind. At least they haven’t complained yet. I would think they love it. How fun -- and the story sounds riveting! 9. I comprehend that today is the launch day of your new book. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have another story waiting in the wings? Yes, how sweet of you to ask. I’m part of a series with six other authors. Each book has a magical mortar and pestle that travels through the Middle Ages to present day, causing people to fall in love. My book, Revamped, stars an energy vampire who doesn’t want to be an energy vampire––he wants out of that life. And he meets a “normal” woman. Coming in 2023. This is all so exciting for us fans! 10. Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? Only that I’ve read paranormal romance, but I’ve never written it. Writing in a genre that’s unlike anything I’ve ever written in was more fun than humans should have. I’d recommend the experience of tiptoeing on the other side, however you’d define “the other side.” Both in our reading and our writing lives. Has anyone reading this column done that? I’d love to know more. I think that is excellent advice! Thank you again for sharing your time, talent, and launch day with us! Also, thank you for the sneak peak that follows. What a fabulous excerpt! I can hardly wait to read the book! Time for A Little Bit of Lust! How many second chances will she give him? Love-cynical Lucy Bernard delights in her independence. Baking, all things Instagram, the occasional special guy, and most of all hanging out with best friends Deon Goldbloom and Phoebe Karis. But when Deon kisses Lucy at the beach on a chilly afternoon, the two friends jump into a lust-filled romantic weekend. So what’s with slotting her into "ignore" status afterward? Deon Goldbloom is a widower who can’t move on after his wife's death. Is he a little crazy spending a sexy few days with Lucy and calling it the best time he’s had in four years? Yeah. Except blue Monday comes calling, and Deon isn’t ready for the guilt. Lucy wonders how a smoochy weekend turns into a friends-with-benefits disaster. And Deon wonders if he’s made the biggest mistake of his life putting Lucy on "ignore." Using all his nerdy charms, he launches a campaign to bring Lucy around. Maybe they can chart a course back to one another if Lucy will only forgive him. Excerpt “You’ve got chick flicks? Seriously?” Lucy read the movie titles aloud. “When Harry Met Sally. You’ve Got Mail. Sleepless in Seattle. Nora Ephron.” She turned to him. “So you love Nora as much as I do?” “Well, it’s more––” “An Affair to Remember. That’s romantic. Heartburn, not so much, but it’s a great movie. Who doesn’t love Meryl and Jack?” “There’s more,” he said, gesturing inside the cabinet. “Let’s watch You’ve Got Mail. I always cry at the end.” “So do I.” “You’re a man. What are you doing with romantic––” She stopped in mid-sentence. “Sorry.” “Melinda loved them, yeah. We weren’t big on vacations or fancy restaurants. She loved a plain old movie night. And men cry at the movies too, you know.” “Oh, of course.” Lucy hugged him. “You cry at the movies, that is so, so romantic.” “Sit, relax.” He knelt down. “And by the way, my lips hurt from all that good kissing. Do yours?” “Nope, because I’m tough and you’re a wuss.” Deon leaned in and kissed her a nice juicy one right when the opening credits started rolling. Halfway through the movie, when Meg Ryan was losing her bookstore, Deon paused the movie. They opened the bags to let out the oregano and basil and homemade tomato smells and prepared the plates with all the delicious Italian from Niki’s. Deon warmed the food and poured more wine, which contributed to their getting all misty-eyed at the end when Tom Hanks comes around the corner and Meg says, “I hoped it was you.” Which is what Lucy remembered her saying when she thought back on this moment. Then Deon found Arsenic and Old Lace and they took turns fast-forwarding to all the scenes with Peter Lorre and Raymond Massey. Deon did his Raymond Massey imitation, thrusting out his jaw, threatening the Cary Grant character. “Mortimer, just because you’re my brother doesn’t mean I won’t kill you.” Lucy howled and they rolled on the couch and made out a little. And then it was time for bed. Lucy’s new favorite time, since of course, she’d be staying over.   About the Author Shirley Goldberg is a writer, novelist, and former ESL and French teacher who’s lived in Paris, Crete, and Casablanca. She writes about men and women of a certain age starting over. Her website http://midagedating.com offers a humorous look at dating in mid-life, and her friends like to guess which stories are true. A Little Bit of Lust is her third book in the series Starting Over, although all her books are standalone. Shirley’s characters all believe you should never leave home without your sense of humor and she agrees.  I’m thrilled and honoured to be hosting my dear friend author Mary Morgan today of all days – the launch day for her new book, Wishes Under a Highland Star. It's a brilliant, beautiful story. Congratulations, Mary!  As chieftain for his clan, Alex MacFhearguis struggles with the burden of an unwanted responsibility. With the midwinter feast approaching, he flees his castle to find comfort and solitude within the forest. Yet on his quest, Alex stumbles into a world filled with magic, mysteries, and a woman with beguiling eyes who could capture his heart. When half-Fae Aine Fraser makes a powerful wish, her simple request unlocks the magic she possesses and brings forth a Highlander into her world. Though the man has lost all his memories, she finds her attraction growing for this brooding warrior with each passing day. Unable to deny her feelings, Aine risks everything when she confesses her greatest secret. Can a beauty who wished for a champion tame the beast of Leòmhann Castle?  Excerpt Alex grumbled a curse and walked away. Striding with intent, he gave a curt nod in passing when Aine stepped from her safe haven. She hurried after him. “Ye are bleeding.” “Aye,” he returned, making long strides through the bailey and ignoring her concern. “The cut requires tending to. Glenna is a healer. I can take ye there,” she suggested, doing her best to keep up with him. “Nae need.” “What do ye mean?” she pressed. Alex clenched his jaw. Rory’s talk about marriage settled like a nettle’s sting. Without a clear path in front of him, he had no intention of luring any woman into his life with false hope. Especially the one who smelled like wildflowers on a spring day with enchanting eyes that beguiled him. “The wound will heal in time,” he gritted out, sweeping past a yew tree and heading toward the sounds of a nearby stream. Aine grasped his arm with a force that surprised him. “Can ye stop for a moment!” Halting his stride, he glared down at her. The look he gave her would singe the hair from any warrior or animal. “Do ye have more to say?” “Why do ye refuse aid?” she demanded, fisting her hands on her round hips. Her stubborn refusal to leave intrigued Alex. Would she flee if he challenged her? He lowered his head near hers. “Why do ye care?” Her eyes widened, and her luscious lips parted. “Because I do,” she whispered. Alex’s breathing became shallow and the air around them thick. Her pink lips begged to be kissed. Would they be as sweet as berries? Or as heady as the wine he drank last evening? An ache to take her in his arms filled him. He wrestled with the conflict—duty, honor, possession. She was pure as new-fallen snow on a crisp morn, and he no better than a rutting stag. Though his hands shook to hold her in his arms, Alex steeled his emotions and moved away from her. Ye deserve a better man, Aine. Ye are a beauty, and I am but a beast. Aine’s smile came slowly as she took a step toward him and did the unthinkable. Standing on her tiptoes, she brushed a kiss along his bearded cheek. “Is it wrong to care for ye?” Indecision plagued him as he regarded her—disbelieving, curious as to what his real fear might be. Shoving aside the conflict within, Alex grasped her around the waist. He nuzzled the spot below her ear. “Ye tempt your fate with a kiss, Aine? With a man ye do not ken?” She lifted her gaze to his—her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. “Did I tempt ye?” Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/Do71DuMcO98 Meet Mary Morgan Multi award-winning paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return. Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic and Norse mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories. If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of fantasy, then travel back in time within the pages of her books.  Literary You I thought I'd seize this opportunity to learn a bit about this talented author's writing life! Mary, I'm so glad you are with us today! Thank you for agreeing to this little interview! Hello, Anastasia! Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m delighted to be here on my special day. Now for your fascinating questions… 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? When I was ten or eleven years old, I devoured the Nancy Drew series. I would curl up on the floor between me and sister’s beds and read how Nancy solved a mystery. This was a magical time, until my mom would come in and make me go outside for some fresh air. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? Since I write historical fantasy, specifically medieval, I’m always eager to read out of the period I’m writing in. I’m a huge fan of regency romance, historical fiction and non-fiction books, and anything on Celtic or Norse mythology. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I’ve been writing stories since I was a young girl. I’d write about daily happenings in my diaries, poems about animals, and pen plays for my siblings to perform for our parents. There’s always been a book percolating in my mind. Yet it was on my first trip to Scotland in June 2000, when I had an overwhelming desire to write stories. The Dragon Knights were created on hilltop at sunset, and the rest is magical history. Magical, indeed! 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? My first published book, Dragon Knight’s Sword. I’m an introvert, so stepping outside my comfort zone into an arena where others would read and review my book was a huge personal milestone. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I’m a constant daydreamer, Anastasia. There’s always a running story and/or characters fighting for control of a scene. As a young girl, I was told to get my ‘head out of the clouds’ and pay attention. Ha! My mom is extremely happy I chose not to listen to her and follow my daydreams. 6) What’s your writing space like? I have this lovely corner in my bedroom that overlooks the garden. I write all my stories on an antique writing desk. I’m surrounded by all my favorite reference books, crystals, stones from my travels, and nature. Perfect for me!  7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? For me, my writing works best in the early afternoon to evening hours. Before any writing begins, I take three deep cleansing breaths to calm and bring in the muse. If I don’t do this little quirk, the writing doesn’t seem to flow. 8) Congratulations on your new release, Wishes Under a Highland Star. It is such a beautiful story. You amaze me. How did you come up with the idea for book? Please tell us all about it. I always wanted to give Alex MacFhearguis his story—his happy ever after. But his gruff demeanor made it difficult on finding the one woman who could stand beside him. Ironically, I was watching a children’s holiday show in December 2019, and the word misfits resonated strongly with me that evening. I dashed to my writing desk and started writing down the prologue for Wishes Under a Highland Star. And yes, the title came to me instantly. 9) I realize you’ve just published a new book and I know what that takes. But I believe you have another book in the works? Please, won’t you tell us about it, even just a little? You’re so kind to ask, Anastasia, and I’m happy to share. I’m writing Steinar’s story, the third book in The Wolves of Clan Sutherland series. Here’s a teaser: This man is known for his exceptional battles fought at sea. In his search to seek the ultimate treasure for Scotland—a prize valued by both Norse Gods and Kings—Steinar MacDougall must surrender what he treasures the most. Yesss! I confess to doing a little happy dance over here! 10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I’ve learned this journey of writing can be a solitary path. Yet I’ve met so many wonderful readers and author friends along the way. I feel I’ve been blessed, even with the hardships, to find readers who enjoy my stories. They are one of the main reasons why I continue to weave tales. Mary, thank you for sharing your time, talent, and this exciting day with us! You know I adore both you and The Dragon Knights! Congratulations, again! I wish you continued joy and success.  For more Medieval Monday, be sure to visit Mary's Tavern and Barbara Bettis!
|
Romance!It's no secret that I prefer fat HEAs. Where better than in a beautiful romance? Archives
March 2023
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed