CHARACTER INTERVIEW: SHERIFF PROMISE MARY FLYNN

ABOUT THE BOOK

Years after the Willis Asylum closed, the secrets of its past lingered in its decaying halls as a reminder to the good people of Auburn Notch—when Evil closes a door, he also opens a window. Sheriff Promise Flynn was new to the town, and she was about to find out some windows should never be opened. 

Promise Flynn is an overly impulsive Metro Detective whose disregard for procedure finally resulted in her being shot and left for dead during an investigation. To repair her bruised ego and splintered confidence she abandons the callous dark alleys of Chicago to patrol the quiet, birch-lined streets of Auburn Notch—a favorite vacation spot of her youth. For two years everything was idyllic, until the body of a young girl found in the abandoned asylum outside of town awakens the insecurities she thought her new life would insulate her from. As the new Sheriff she begins her investigation ignoring the similarities between the young woman’s death and her own case, oblivious to being unexpectedly recognized and penciled in at the top of a clever murderer’s To-Do list. Her internal struggle intensifies when a discredited crime reporter from the past suspiciously arrives in town to resurrect his threadbare reputation, along with an FBI agent chasing down a lead in a cold case. Both men quickly become entangled in Flynn's investigation and her attempts to finally put her past to rest. Flynn reluctantly accepts the murder of the young girl might be the work of the two men responsible for her hasty departure from Chicago, but Agent MacGregor insists the evidence points to a man he’s been chasing. As the rising current of her past threatens to pull her under, Flynn finds herself unprepared for option three.

ABOUT SHERIFF PROMISE MARY FLYNN

Promise Mary Flynn was a decorated Metro Detective, one of the youngest to achieve the rank. She was overly impulsive, charging right into danger without regard to procedure at times.  She ruffled a lot of feathers on her way up the ranks, but she didn’t care. Her penchant for disregarding procedure when it suited the situation finally resulted in her being shot and left for dead during an investigation. It had a devastating affect. Her was ironclad outer shell was shattered, along with her confidence. To repair her bruised ego and splintered confidence, she abandons the callous dark alleys of Chicago to patrol the quiet, birch-lined streets of Auburn Notch where she spent summers with her family. What follows is anything but therapeutic.

INTERVIEW WITH SHERIFF PROMISE MARY FLYNN

Sheriff, how did you first meet your writer?
Michael also spent a good deal of his youth in New Hampshire. He was very familiar with Auburn Notch, so when it came time to develop a new mystery series he decided to use our town as the setting. I was delighted to be included, though I could do without the murder and mayhem that goes along with his stories. Just don’t tell him I said that.

Want to dish about him?
He’s a very polite and modest kind of guy. I wouldn’t want to embarrass him. I can tell you he’s incredibly creative when it comes to new ways to remove people from this world. He doesn’t just use the old bang-bang-shootem-up methods, he’s always looking for new ways to surprise a reader and raise a few eyebrows. If you want to know what I mean, in this first book I would have never guessed you could kill someone that way.

Did you have a hard time convincing your author to write any particular scenes for you?
I’m a little irritated that the only men I meet are either deranged or a bit slimy around the edges. Michael and I have had a small discussion about this, and he has assured me in the next book I’ll be meeting a “rather dashing fellow,” as he put it. I’m looking forward to it, but I’m sure there will also be a few strings attached.

Tell the truth. What do you think of your fellow characters?
For the most part I get along with most of them. Sure councilwoman Johnson and I have words every once in a while, but at the end of the day we’re friends. My deputy, Hank, and I had a rough start, but we worked it out just in time. Agent MacGregor is as good as any fed could be. The only problem is he just shows up at the worst times, and trouble is not far behind. I’ll let you size up Bob Clayton for yourself, just don’t do it at night alone.

Do have any secret aspirations that your author doesn’t know about?
As my confidence is returning, I sometimes think I’d like to go back to a big city. Not Chicago, but maybe Boston.



What's the worst thing that's happened in your life?
The worst thing that happened is a result of the stupidest thing I’ve done, but it turned out to be the best thing I’ve done. I was a Metro detective in Chicago when I ignored procedure and followed up on an anonymous tip without backup. It lead me right into a trap, where I was shot and left for dead. If it weren’t for Williams, my partner, I would have died that day. I won’t admit this in public, but it was an irritating reporter that had been shadowing us during a case involving a serial killer that alerted Williams to my stupidity. The one good thing that came out of that whole ordeal is I came to Auburn Notch to recuperate and never looked back . . . at least not until the incident at the asylum. I wouldn’t have put the two together if it wasn’t for that black candle they left burning in the window.

Tell us about your best friend Dr. Laura Dearing.
She is the precinct’s clinical psychologist in Chicago and my close friend for many years. It was Laura’s suggestion for me to return to the quiet, pleasant ambiance and familiarity of Auburn Notch to recuperate. We met there years ago during one of our family summer vacations. We were so surprised when we both ended up in the same precinct in Chicago. It didn’t take long to rekindle the friendship we enjoyed so many years ago.

What are you most afraid of?
The bitter scent of ash, and lets just leave it at that. 



What’s the best trait your author has given you?
My ability to size up a person within minutes of meeting them is the greatest strength he’s given me. It’s come in handy more than once. 
What’s the worst?The most irritating trait, and I’m embarrassed to say it, are what he refers to as my “runway looks.” I’d be much happier with a pleasant expression and authoritative glance.

What do you like best about your deputy, Hank Harris? Least?
Hank and I started out on a friendly note when I first arrived in town. He knew I was a detective from Chicago, but he didn’t know what brought me to Auburn Notch. There was a mutual respect for the badge between us. Everything changed when the mayor offered me the sheriff’s position. Hank became gruff, deliberately irritating, and went running to the town council about every little decision I made. I began to wonder if I could trust him. I found out he did a little digging into my past, which fueled his fire even more. He also felt he should have been made sheriff instead of me. I’ve worked with a lot of cops. Hank is a good one, but still a little wet behind the ears. This became very evident, even to him, when we found the body of that young woman in the abandoned asylum. Our relationship changed dramatically after that. I’m so happy it did, otherwise I might not be here today.

What’s your author’s worst habit?
He has an uncanny knack for digging up the worst humanity has to offer and giving them directions to Auburn Notch. Sure, he dresses them up a bit, makes them appear somewhat normal, but it isn’t long before I start to unravel their true character. And people in town wonder why I’m so suspicious of every stranger that strolls into town.

What aspect of your author’s writing style do you like best?
Michael has an artist touch when it comes to describing the setting of a chapter. I really believe it gives the reader a deeper understanding of the surroundings. He doesn’t just explain where the scene is taking place; he places the reader in the room experiencing all the sights and sounds the characters experience. At times it’s quite creepy.

If your story were a movie, who would play you?
This is the one reason I would be happy about my looks and say I would be thrilled to see Charlize Theron play my character in a movie. Putting her stunning looks aside, she has just the right edginess to her attitude and the toughness to carry the badge.

Describe Auburn Notch.
Auburn Notch is a quiet New Hampshire town nestled beneath the shadows of the White Mountains. I spent many summers here as a young child with my parents, so returning after so many years felt like going home. The people are friendly, the air is clean and brisk, and the fresh scent of pine lingers over the town like a delicate lace throw. It’s the complete opposite of the gritty streets of Chicago I left behind. It’s the last place you would expect to find crime, but unfortunately it rears its ugly head from time to time even in this tranquil setting.

What makes you stand out from any other characters in your genre?
That’s a tough question. I don’t know whether I would want to stand out from others in my genre. What I would really like is to be accepted as an equal to some of the great characters that have come before me. Having accomplished that would be a great achievement.

Will you encourage your author to write a sequel?
I’m very excite to say I just found out a second book has been submitted to Sunbury Press for publication toward the end of this year. It details a very strange occurrence in town, and will introduce readers to Alice Norbury. Alice is the town matriarch, and she becomes embroiled in an eco-terrorist plot after the mysterious death of her husband. I’ll tell you this one is not a story to miss. They say it’s not nice to fool Mother Nature; but when you do, look out. Her fury has never been so threatening. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael is a classically trained artist turned mystery writer. By combining his creative talents with a passion for mysteries he conceived his first series—The Ernie Bisquets Mysteries. It introduced Ernie Bisquets, a retired London pickpocket who decided he was going to assist the London police with their most difficult cases—whether they want his help or not. Michael has completed 3 books in the series, and has plans for at least five additional books. Book 4 is in the works now.
   
Michael travels a bit, especially to Great Britain, but also has a fondness for New England. He spent many winters in the shadow of the White Mountains, skiing and enjoying the beautiful countryside. Those fond memories are the backdrop now for the new Auburn Notch Mysteries being published by Sunbury Press. The main character is Sheriff Promise Flynn—an ex-metro detective who left a dark past and her big-city detective shield behind and moved to a small New England town.
   
When he’s not painting or writing, Michael is an avid antique collector, filling his current home—an 1894 Queen Ann Victorian he, his wife, and son are restoring—with an assortment of antiques from around the world. Michael also enjoys cooking, working in the garden, and playing in the yard with their two rescues, Beau and Pup.

Connect with Michael:
Website  |   Blog  |   Facebook  |   Twitter  |   Goodreads  

Buy the book:
Amazon  |  Barnes &Noble  |   Sunbury Press  

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FEATURED AUTHOR: BLAIR HOWARD

ABOUT THE BOOK

Checkmate is the fourth standalone novel in the Harry Starke series of mysteries.

Angela Hartwell lay dead in the shallow waters beside the golf course. There was not a mark on her, yet she had been strangled. How could that be?

Once again, it’s up to Harry Starke to find out. The investigation takes him into a world he’s very familiar with, a world of affluence, privilege, and corruption.

To solve the mystery, he must deal with three murders, a beautiful used car dealer, her lovely twin sisters, and a crooked banker.  Not to mention Burke and Hare, two crazy repo men who will stop at nothing to protect their employer’s interests. There's also the matter of an ingenious, sadistic killer. But nothing is ever quite what it seems . . .

Harry Starke is a hard-boiled private detective, an ex-cop, a tough guy from the right side of the tracks with finely tuned senses, good instincts, and friends in high places. He’s single, successful, well educated, and yes, he will hurt you if he needs to.

Excerpt from Checkmate

She walked around the desk, sat down, reached over and punched a number into the intercom. “Max. If you wouldn’t mind. Please come in here.”

A few seconds later, the door opened and in walked what could only be described as the Terminator. Max Tully was about as tall as me, but there the similarity ended. He must have weighed at least 250 pounds, but his body fat was probably less than five percent. He was a body builder, a powerhouse, probably on steroids. He was so muscled his arms wouldn’t hang by his sides.

“Mr. Starke is leaving now, Max,” Ruth said. “Please show him out.”

I stayed where I was. “I have a few more questions, if you don’t mind,” I said reasonably.

“I do mind. Max?”

He took a step toward me. “You heard the lady.”

“Back off, Fatso,” I said, even more reasonably than before, so I thought, as I got to my feet and turned to face him. “Fatso,” probably wasn’t what I should have called him, but I learned a long time ago that the best way to handle a tough guy was to throw him off his game before he got started. Anyway, he went for it. He growled, and took another step forward. I took a step backward.

“I said, back off.”

He grinned, exposing a set of white but crooked teeth, and raised his right hand to grab my shoulder. That’s the trouble with big, strong guys like him. They think their size and strength are all they need. This one, by the self-satisfied look on his face also thought he was better than me.

Fat chance, Blutto.

He didn’t even see it coming. I grabbed two of his outstretched fingers—the pinky and the one next to it—and bent them back. He howled in pain. His knees bent. His arm crooked upward toward his shoulder. His eyes closed. His head went back. Ruth sat staring, wide-eyed and open-mouthed.

“Down, boy,” I said, as I slowly forced him to his knees. I sighed and shook my head as I increased the pressure until he was down on his back.

“All you had to do was ask nicely, and I would have left,” I said quietly. “You didn’t need to bring in the heavy — and that’s all he is, Ruth: heavy.”

I pulled on Max’s fingers, and he rose into sitting position. I bent down, put my mouth close to his ear.

“Max, I’ll say this just once, so listen up. I’m going to let you go now. When I do, you’ll stand up and go back to whatever hole in the wall you crawled out of. If you don’t — if you decide you think you can ambush me — I’ll blow away one of your kneecaps. I’ll put you on sticks for the rest of your days. Understand?”

He nodded. He was in too much pain to even speak. I let him go and stepped back and pushed my jacket back to expose the grip of the MP9 under my left arm. He got up and staggered out of the office, his right hand clasped in his left, close to his chest.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Blair Howard is from a small town in England, near Stratford-upon-Avon, on the edge of the English Cotswolds. He is Kentucky Colonel, an honor bestowed upon him in 2008 by the then Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Steven L. Beshear. Until 2015, he wrote sweeping historical epics, and is the author of five historical novels. In July of 2015 he decided to try his hand at writing mystery novels, thus we have Harry Starke. The first in the series, Harry Starke, was released in mid-September 2015. The second novel, Two for the Money, was released October 19, the same year, Hill House, in mid-December 2015, and Checkmate in February 2016, and there are more to come.

Blair is the author of more than 40 books and more than 4,500 magazine, newspaper, and web articles. His work has appeared in many national and international publications, including Delta's Sky Magazine, PHOTOgraphic magazine, The Mail on Sunday, The Walking Magazine, Petersen's Hunting Magazine, The Boston Herald, The Detroit Free-Press, The Anchorage Times and many more.

Connect with Blair:
Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Amazon  


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FEATURED AUTHOR: CONNIE ARCHER

ABOUT THE BOOK

The village of Snowflake, Vermont is buzzing with excitement. Hilary Stone, the famous author of Murder Comes Calling, is planning a visit. Even the discovery of the body of an unidentified woman strangled in the woods hasn’t dampened the spirits of Snowflake’s avid mystery fans – that is, until the villagers learn the murder mimics the popular novel. Could the killer be a deranged fan hoping for attention? Or is a copycat killer on the loose? 

INTERVIEW WITH CONNIE ARCHER

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?
I think it’s those wonderful moments when the words and images are flowing and you feel as if you’re actually inside your own story, clearly visualizing everything as it comes to life. It’s like an out of body experience!

What do you wish you’d done differently when you first started the publishing process?
I can’t say I have any regrets about anything I’ve done. I do wish I had known more about marketing and book tours and blogging at the time. That was a whole new experience quite different from the challenges of writing. So I had a huge learning curve in front of me.  I was very lucky that the first book was so well received and even though there was no time to kind of pre-advertise the first book, readers seemed to really like it and I was thrilled to be able to connect with so many fans of the series from the beginning. 

What do you think is hardest aspect of writing a book?
I’m laughing.  I think the hardest part of the whole process is sitting down to begin a new book. The moment you must start to craft a plot from maybe nothing but an idea and you don’t know if it will work. It feels like there’s a mountain looming in front of you that you must climb and come out at the end with a (hopefully entertaining) cohesive 80,000 word story. 

How often do you read?
I read all the time. With coffee in the morning, in bed at night, on lunch breaks, waiting at the doctor’s office. I’m always carrying a book around, and they’re always pretty much crime novels.

What do you think makes a good story?
I think the first, most essential aspect of a good story is creating characters that the reader can connect with and identify with at an emotional level. Those are the stories that always stay with me. And in crime novels, whether cozy or hard-boiled, I believe some edge-of-your-seat moments are important. They maintain tension and keep a reader turning pages to find out what’s going to happen next.

What books do you currently have published?

There are five books in the Soup Lover’s Mystery series: A Spoonful of Murder, A Broth of Betrayal, A Roux of Revenge, Ladle to the Grave, and now A Clue in the Stew.  In my other series, the Zodiac Mysteries, the first book will be out on June 8th. It’s called The Madness of Mercury.  So all in all, I will have six books published.

Do you have any secret talents?
I’ve found that some of my other interests have had to take a back seat, given my writing schedule. When I’m in the mood, I like to sew, and I love to browse thrift shops looking for interesting fabrics. I love old furniture too and several years ago discovered that I was pretty good at restoring pieces, stripping them down to the bare wood and refinishing them. I haven’t had time to do any of those projects lately, but I’ve done them quite a lot and it’s a very satisfying feeling to see a beat up old piece of furniture come back to life.

Is writing your dream job?

Hmmm.  Yes, I think it is.  I wish I could spend eight hours a day doing nothing but. I have tons of ideas for different kinds of stories and there doesn’t seem to be enough time to work on them. The first priority is always whatever deadline is in front of me. That has to come first. 

If you could only watch one television station for a year, what would it be?
Any station that offers international mysteries. I could watch that all the time. For the last few years, one of my local stations has done just that. I’ve been able to watch so many wonderful crime productions – Swedish, Danish, Italian, British – Inspector Montalbano, the Donna Leon series (a German production), Van Veeteren, Beck, Wallander, George Gently, Vera. I could go on and on. Every single one has been wonderful! 

What’s one THING you never leave the house without?
I do always remember my keys. I hate to go out with my hair a mess and no makeup, because if I do, I know I’ll run into someone I haven’t seen for ten years!

What do you love about where you live?

I live in California, and I love the winters! We’ve had a drought for many years, but if it’s going to rain, it rains in the winter and everything turns fresh and green.

What’s your least favorite chore?
Food shopping. I’d rather wash windows or dig ditches. I like to cook, but food shopping is my least favorite chore. I always go with a list, grab a cart and race through the supermarket. My neighborhood market (no names mentioned here) has a new marketing plan. If you’re looking for an item, it won’t be where it logically should be. For example, I wanted to buy a package of barley last week – to make soup of course! It wasn’t in the aisle with the pasta and the rice and the quinoa. It should have been, but it wasn’t. It was three aisles away, placed with more quinoa and rice noodles. Go figure! The market likes to offer coupons if you take a survey, and believe me, I always complain about this. Their marketing execs, I’m sure, are convinced their customers will buy more if they’re confused and forced to wander the store. It’s the new cruelty.

What is the wallpaper on your computer’s desktop
Right now, my screensaver is a photo I took of the Golden Gate straits on the western end of San Francisco. I’ve been busy taking lots of San Francisco photos because my new series – the Zodiac Mysteries – is set there and I knew I would be needing them. I love this particular picture. It’s taken from the top of Sutro Heights between two twisted trees, across the entrance to the bay and shows fog on the hills on the Marin County side of the ocean. I always sigh when I look at this picture. It’s so relaxing and I can almost feel the sea breezes. 

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m getting the second book in the Zodiac series – Dark Sun – ready to send to my publisher. It’s finished, but I like to give myself plenty of time to go over it again and again, so it’s in the best shape possible before an editor reads it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connie Archer is the author of the national bestselling Soup Lover’s Mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime. A Clue in the Stew, the fifth in the series will be released on April 5, 2016. You can find her excerpts and recipes in The Cozy Cookbook and The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook. Writing as Connie di Marco, she’s also the author of the upcoming Zodiac Mystery series from Midnight Ink featuring San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti.  The Madness of Mercury, first in the series, will be released on June 8, 2016.  She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. 
  


Connect with Connie:
Website  |   
Blog   |  Facebook   |   
Twitter   |    
Goodreads   

Buy the book:
Amazon  |   Barnes & Noble   |   IndieBound 

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FEATURED AUTHOR: ELLEN MANSOOR COLLIER

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1920s Galveston, society reporter Jazz Cross is in for a surprise when she attends a traveling vaudeville show with her beau, Prohibition Agent James Burton, and discovers that an old flame acts in the production. That night, they find a stabbing victim behind the Oasis — her half-brother Sammy’s speakeasy — who’s identified as an actor in the troupe. When the victim disappears and later turns up dead, Jazz must help prove that Sammy wasn’t the killer.

Meanwhile, a ring of jewel thieves is turning up all over town, robbing rich tourists of their precious gems. After a second vaudeville actor is found dead, Jazz discovers that the events behind the scenes are much more interesting than the outdated acts onstage.

To make matters worse, Sammy’s old nemesis demands that he settles a score and forces him into yet another illegal scheme. Can Jazz help solve the murders and prove her brother’s innocence—so he can escape the Downtown Gang for good?

A historical Jazz Age mystery inspired by real-life Galveston gangs and local landmarks.

INTERVIEW WITH ELLEN MANSOOR COLLIER

Ellen, how did you get started writing?
My mother was a World History teacher and always wrote part-time so I used to play around on her old typewriter. (She’s had several articles and a novel published as well.  We actually co-wrote a couple of romantic short stories published in Woman's World.) I won a few writing awards (and placed in the Texas state UIL contest) when I worked on my high-school newspaper so naturally majored in Journalism at UT/Austin.  Originally I always wanted to be an international correspondent, like Christiane Amanpour—but after my first newspaper internship, I quickly realized I don’t have the stomach for hard news.

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?
Working in my pj’s! LOL  I love being able to create characters and plots that interest me and getting to control the outcome. Obviously I’m fascinated by the 1920s and enjoy doing the research needed to bring the Jazz Age era to life. When I can connect the dots in ways that make sense or come up with a new plot twist, that can be very satisfying.

Do you have a writing routine?
I write when I’m inspired and have free time without distractions, often at night.  As a magazine writer, I always had deadlines to meet so that was my motivation.  Now I let my ideas percolate and when I suddenly get a burst of energy (usually every other day), I can write fairly quickly. I envy those disciplined writers who just pound it out every day. I worked as a magazine writer and editor for most of my adult life, so I don’t want writing fiction to turn into a job. So far it’s worked for four mystery novels!

What do you wish you’d done differently when you first started the publishing process?
I wish I’d done more research into marketing and “building a brand.”  Since I don’t blog or tweet (by choice), I had no idea how important it was to have an online presence.  But I’d rather spend my time trying to get my books on shelves than selling online.  I used to work in advertising sales and PR, but it’s a lot harder to sell your own books! 

What do you think is hardest aspect of writing a book?
In a mystery, everything has to make sense and build to a satisfying yet logical conclusion. What’s difficult is keeping readers in suspense while connecting the dots.  We’re told to “play fair with the reader” and include a lot of clues — but then again we need to provide a surprise ending so critics don’t call your novels “predictable.”  Tough to do both well!

Do you have any marketing tips you could pass on to indie authors?
My advice to indies is: Discover what is unique and special about your novels and target your books to that market. e.g. If your book centers on a candy store or bakery or spice shop, locate shops in your area who might want to sell your books.  If your novel involves pets or animals, perhaps a grooming salon or pet shop may want to sell your books.

Better yet, find a chain who can place your books in several locations so you won’t be running all over town just to sell a handful of books.  Since my novels are set in 1920s Galveston, I’ve approached local and regional outlets as well as souvenir/gift shops.  Wherever I go, I try to pass out postcards with my book covers and info printed on front.

Currently my books sell well at luxury hotels in Galveston and area stores. In addition, I’ve set up at a few antique shows and sold several books per show (usually 10-20).  Not only do I make twice as much selling my novels directly, I’ve made new friends who come back for the latest titles. So far, I’m the only author who sells books along with vintage Deco items — and my books seem reasonable in comparison. LOL  A few dealer friends also display my books and/or postcards on their tables during major antique shows.

Why not ask your friends and contacts about various markets that might be interested in featuring your books? They may even be willing to set up a book-signing or talk. (I’ve done several book-signings in Galveston.) Also I’ve donated my books to area charities and fund-raisers — not only is it a great way to make new friends and contacts, your books receive wonderful publicity and exposure. Once you find that unique niche, you may hit just the right target market for your novels. Good luck — and think outside of the big box shops!  

What are you working on now?
I’ve just begun the fifth book in my Jazz Age series but now I’m spending more time marketing than writing! Hope to release it later this year.  Stay tuned! 

EXCERPT FROM VAMPS, VILLAINS AND VAUDEVILLE

“Please take your seats. The Villains, Vixens and Varmints Vaudeville Show is about to begin.” The master of ceremonies’ mellifluous voice boomed across Martini Theatre, and lights dimmed as a uniformed usher escorted me and Agent Burton to our front-row seats.

Disoriented, I tried not to trip in the dark while the orchestra broke into a classic overture. We squeezed in the cramped seats, our elbows and knees bumping, his long legs stretched out in front. Always a gentleman, he rarely took my hand in public though we’d dated steadily for four months now. You’d think I still lived in my old University of Texas dorm with its strict code of conduct: No ODA — overdisplay of affection.

The society editor — my boss, Mrs. Harper — had snagged two front-and-center seats to Friday night’s opening performance. No doubt the traveling troupe expected the Galveston Gazette — rather, me — to give them a rave review. Well, we’d see if this dog-and-pony show lived up to its billing, literally. The MC gave a short introduction and a chubby clown paraded onstage with a spotted pony, a small terrier-mix perched atop its back. When the clown tried to coax the pup to stand on its hind legs, the spunky mutt refused to cooperate, while the audience laughed with glee.

Next Farmer Brown came onstage with Polly, a “talking pig” that oinked and grunted to Old McDonald. Luckily the pig drowned out Burton’s groans of, “You call this entertainment?”

“Relax and try to enjoy the show,” I nudged him. “You’ve got to admit, it’s funny.”

“I’d rather catch crooks than have to endure this nonsense.”

“Hogwash! Personally, I think the pig is cute,” I razzed him, feeling sorry for the poor farmer who beamed proudly at his porky pig. “You do your job, and I’ll do mine.”

Burton could be so stubborn and yes, pig-headed, at times.

After the animal acts came a beautiful ballerina, a French mime, a boyish barbershop quartet, and a short scene from Gilbert and Sullivan’s H. M. S. Pinafore.  A chorus line of long-limbed hoofers clad in sparkly sequined tap pants and tops danced to lively Cole Porter tunes, reminding me of the bathing beauties.

When Vera, a burlesque dancer, appeared in a Gay ‘90s costume and feather boa, Burton perked up, saying, “This is more like it!” Annoyed, I hushed him to keep quiet. Fortunately she only strutted around the stage twirling her boa, not disrobing, while the men clapped and whistled. What a relief!  Overall, the performers appeared more polished than the local yokels who competed in talent shows, hoping to be the next Fanny Brice, Buster Keaton or Theda Bara . . .

During intermission, the MC announced a last-minute replacement for Dan Dastardly in the final act. So far, the routines seemed accomplished yet rather outdated, a point I’d make in my review. No need to be rude or demeaning, but a little constructive criticism never hurt, right?

“Now we can make our escape,” Burton half-joked.

“The show’s almost over. Besides, I can’t give my honest opinion without seeing the whole production. What kind of critic would I be?”

After the break, Burton stayed seated, stoically suffering through two corny comedy acts.  He perked up after a sword-swallower appeared, and applauded a knife thrower who narrowly missed his victim, a beautiful showgirl in a silky gown. I yelped and squirmed when he aimed an arrow at his brave target—and struck an apple on her head.

“These are my type of acts,” Burton grinned, while I clutched his arm, trembling.

Next “Milo the Magician” took the stage, elegant in a tux, top hat and white gloves, and  performed his requisite card tricks and rabbit in the hat act. Millie, his pretty redheaded assistant, flitted around in satin tap pants and top, diverting the audience’s attention.  I cringed when Milo sawed his willing sidekick in two halves while Millie smiled sweetly at the audience. Then he made her disappear in a large painted box—and reappear again in a gypsy outfit.  Voila!

Last but not least, Milo invited a volunteer to participate while he distracted the audience with his sleight-of-hand, deftly stealing the man’s  wristwatch. “Do you have the time?” Milo asked the flustered fella, who fumbled for his missing watch—then pulled it out of his top hat.

The final act highlighted a short scene from The Perils of Pauline, featuring a dastardly villain wearing a black mask and cape trying to kidnap helpless, hapless Pauline. Twirling his handlebar moustache, the evil masked man tied poor Pauline to a tree while the Tom Mix character managed to chase off the villain, and rescue his beloved damsel-in-distress. Yes, the act was so corny and hammy that it was comical, but I enjoyed the melodrama of it all.

I knew Amanda, an aspiring actress, would love the show. Too bad the troupe remained in town for only a week.
After the show, the performers gathered on stage, and as each act stepped forward to take their separate bows, the applause grew louder. When the Perils of Pauline actors appeared, the audience stood up, clapping wildly and cheering as the performers grinned and waved. Seems I was wrong about vaudeville: The appreciative audience gave all the actors a standing ovation.

Strange, I noticed the villain smiling at me from his vantage point onstage — or was he? Surely I imagined it . . . until he took off his hat and held it out to me like a rose, or a bribe. Then he gave me a bold wink—right in front of Burton.

Blushing, I did a double-take: Was the villain flirting with me?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ellen Mansoor Collier is a Houston-based freelance magazine writer and editor whose articles and essays have been published in a variety of national magazines. Several of her short stories have appeared in Woman’s World. During college summers, she worked as a reporter for a Houston community newspaper and as a cocktail waitress, both jobs providing background experience for her Jazz Age mysteries.

A flapper at heart, she’s worked as a magazine editor/writer, and in advertising and public relations (plus endured a hectic semester as a substitute teacher). She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Magazine Journalism and served on UTmost, the college magazine and as president of WICI (Women in Communications).

Flappers, Flasks And Foul Play is her first novel, published in 2012, followed by the sequel, Bathing Beauties, Booze And Bullets, released in May 2013. She lives in Houston with her husband and Chow mutts, and visits Galveston whenever possible.

“When you grow up in Houston, Galveston becomes like a second home. I had no idea this sleepy beach town had such a wild and colorful past until I began doing research, and became fascinated by the legends and stories of the 1920s. Finally I had to stop researching and start writing, trying to imagine a flapper’s life in Galveston during Prohibition.”

Connect with the author:
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FEATURED AUTHOR: S. VALENTINE

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Gabriella Woods finds matches from a gentlemen’s club in her fiancé’s pocket, her suspicions require a search for answers.

At the club, she realizes it’s not her fiancé’s fidelity that can’t be trusted . . .
It’s her own.

Darion Milano is daring, intriguing, and unpredictable . . . 

Unable to get him out of her head — and against Darion’s explicit warning —
Gabi begins a torrid affair. No longer fighting the urge to enter the depth of his dark and mysterious lifestyle, she indulges in his most intimate desires.

They become the most exciting, wild, infatuated couple everybody knows.

Until his confession changes everything . . .

Her heart is telling her to stay.

Her instinct is telling her to run.

She can never match his outrageous ex-wife and become the fun, fearless woman he craves . . .
Or can she?

Discover a world of sex, secrets, and seduction.

 

INTERVIEW WITH S VALENTINE

How did you get started writing?
I started writing at a very young age in primary school. I used to write stories set in the Elizabethan era. I was obsessed with that time and how they lived. I guess I just found a passion for it when writing in English classes, and couldn’t stop doing what I enjoyed.

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?
Being able to create a story with my own unique voice to reach out and entertain readers.

Do you have a writing routine?
Pretty much. I can’t begin until I have had a coffee. I then respond to emails, messages, post blog stuff, and then I settle down to write for a few hours. Usually, I have music or the TV on in the background.

Do you write every day?
I try to, although this doesn’t always happen, as I end up blogging, or doing marketing stuff for my Booktrope authors, and before I know it, the day is up!

What do you wish you’d done differently when you first started the publishing process?
I wish I hadn’t let my writing take a backseat when I studied and worked in law. I wish I had sent my stories off at aged eighteen, when I completed some manuscripts. Who knows what would have happened.

What do you think is hardest aspect of writing a book?
Marketing and promotion is by far the most difficult. Also, overcoming writers block. Sometimes, the words won’t flow at all.

What’s more important – characters or plot?
Tricky Q. I try to let the plot come to me as I go along. I plan the outline very briefly, and sometimes the endings that come to me surprise even myself. Character development is probably the easiest, as I sort of know them inside out before I start writing. I know why they are the way they are, and what hurts them, and what heals them. You need to know what you’re characters are looking for, else how will the readers?

How often do you read?
I used to read a few books a week, now I barely get time. I do squeeze in a book a week though.

What is your writing style?
I write different genre’s, so I’d say my erotic romances were sizzling suspense stories. And my contemporary is bad-ass books that will entertain and enlighten you.


What do you think makes a good story?
The plot first and foremost – it’s not got an interesting blurb, who wants to read it. Also, interesting characters that you’re drawn to. If I don’t feel an emotional connection with characters, I won’t really care as much what happens to them, or root for their desired journey.

What books do you currently have published?
I have an erotic romance series being published this year. I also have two other novels which I’m hoping to pitch in the future. 


What do you know now that you wish you knew then?
I wish I had marketed/built a readership sooner. I also wish I knew that you can make your dreams come true, if you overcome the fear.

Do you have any secret talents?
I’m quite creative. I like making things. I also used to try my hand at DJ-ing, but I didn’t continue it to be able to get any good. Music is another massive passion of mine.

Is writing your dream job?
Yes. Other than writing, sometimes that involves music is my dream job. 


What is the worst job you’ve ever had?
I’ve had a mix of jobs, a carer, a legal secretary, a trainee legal executive, and a waitress in a hotel. The worst was waitressing. I haven’t a thick enough skin to deal with rude people. 

Do you have any marketing tips you could pass on to indie authors?
Yes. Start marketing and building a readership straight away! Also, have confidence in yourself. Everything you do, ensure it’s done professionally, from the editing, to the cover, to the website. People won’t spend money on poor quality products, so if you’re serious about it, do it properly.

If you could only watch one television station for a year, what would it be?
HBO. Or whichever Gossip Girl, Sex & The City, Sons Of Anarchy, or Dexter is on!

How often do you tweet?
Every day.

How do you feel about Facebook?
I love Facebook in terms of meeting new people, and sharing content.

For what would you like to be remembered?
For being a nice person, treating people well, and bringing great books into the world.

What scares you the most?
Spiders.

Would you make a good character in a book?
I believe so. My life has been pretty interesting. I packed up my job, sold my car, left the UK for Spain, and had a crazy season in Ibiza, and still here now.

What five things would you never want to live without?
iPhone, Kindle, CD player/iPod, cosmetics, perfumes.

What’s one thing you never leave the house without.
I used to say make-up, but now that doesn’t really bother me. My handbag. I feel a bit naked not having anything on me.

What do you love about where you live?
The weather and beaches. 


What’s your favorite thing to do on date night?
Either the cinemas, as I love movies, or a restaurant, as I love food.

What's your favorite treat for movie night?
Chocolate.

What's the biggest lie you ever told?
Hmmmm. Sometimes I tell little white lies to protect people’s feelings. I’m not a fan of huge lies, and can’t stand compulsive liars.

What’s your favorite fast food?
Chinese. 


What’s your favorite beverage?
Cosmopolitan, or strawberry daiquiri.

What drives you crazy?
Messy people, I’m a bit of a neat-freak. Oh and rude people, there’s no need.

Totally agree! What is your superpower?
Having tolerance when it comes to not so nice people. It takes tolerance and willpower to overlook things, and not let people turn you into someone you’re not. Never lower yourself to other people’s levels. 



What do you wish you could do?
Help the world, the poor people, the system, everything.

What is one of your happiest moments?
Anything where my family are all together is a happy moment.

What do you like to do when there’s nothing to do?
Read.

Where is your favorite place to visit?
The beach, or a library, or a café overlooking the beach with a coffee.

What would you name your autobiography?
The Journey, as it would take you through my life to where I am now, the obstacles, the bad and good times, and those who lived it with me.

What’s your least favorite chore?
Washing up. Hate it!


Would you rather be a movie star, sports star, or rock star?
Movie star. I could then star along Charlie Hunnam.

Do you procrastinate?
All the time.

What’s one thing that drives you crazy?
People that eat loudly. It really grates on me, lol.

What’s your favorite/most visited Internet site?
Sadly, it’s Facebook or my blog.

What’s in your refrigerator right now?
Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate.

What is the most daring thing you've done?
Released a book into the world. It’s very scary!

What is the stupidest thing you've ever done?
I rarely do stupid things. I’m too much of an over-thinker/worrier, so I tend to think of pro’s and con’s before I do most things. Unless you count ‘blonde moments’ which I have, which are many. LOL.

What is your most embarrassing moment?
Ah too many. Like above, I have a few ‘blonde moments.’

What choices in life would you like to have a redo on?
I would have pitched my stories to agents/publishers sooner, aged 18. I would have liked to re-do my teens, and told myself not to worry so much, and just enjoy it.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?
What’s goes around comes around. I’m a massive believer in karma.

What would your main character say about you?
That I’m an extremely loyal friend.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to write?
Infidelity, as I’ve experienced it, and heartbreak.


Who is your favorite fictional character?
Tough one! I really like F Scott Fitzgerald’s Mr. Gatsby. He loved Daisy, and all he ever wanted was to be liked. He seemed like a nice caring character. It was a shame as no-one really cared about him in return.


What’s one thing that very few people know about you?
I’m shy when I don’t know someone. 


You have a personal chef for the night. What would you ask him to prepare?
A nice pizza. 


How do you like your pizza?
LOL! Boring as it sounds I only like cheese and tomato, but a bit of strong cheese makes it much better.


What is the wallpaper on your computer’s desktop?
A landscape photo that changes into different ones. 


Describe yourself in 5 words.
Outgoing, shy (at times,) loyal, friendly, caring. 


What’s your favorite song?
Oooh TOO many! Maybe Hard House "Heaven’s Cry" – "Til Tears Do Us Part." Love the vocals, and it’s an uplifting song.


What’s your biggest pet peeve about writing?
When I get writer’s block and it won’t flow. 


What would you do for a Klondike bar?
What’s that? I just Googled. Us Brits call them choc ices. I wouldn’t do much for that, but for a white chocolate Bueno bar, I may be swayed to dance in the street.


What is your favorite movie?
I have SO many! Savages was brilliant! So was Blow. 


Do you have a favorite book?
Too many faves. Again, I loved Savages by Don Winslow. His writing is fresh and unique.


If you had to choose a cliché about life, what would it be?
You never knew what you had until it was gone. Not true. Sometimes, I knew what I had and was glad it was gone, lol!


What are you working on now?
The Black Door Trilogy series, published this year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S. Valentine grew up in England. Studying English language and literature, as well as law, she worked in a  solicitors for many years before moving to Spain. She does however still visit the UK, which in a way, will always be home.

Returning to her lifelong passion of writing books, she’s also a weekly columnist for The Ibizan newspaper on: lifestyle and fashion. Her other interests include reading, shopping and a nice glass of wine to shows such as Sons Of Anarchy, Dexter, Gossip Girl and SATC. She’s a social media addict, and loves connecting with new people.

If you join her newsletter, you will be the first to receive sneak peeks of chapters, teasers, news, giveaway prizes and more!

Connect with the author:

Website  | Blog  | 
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  

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FEATURED AUTHOR: KAIT CARSON

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Hayden Kent’s mentor and friend discovers her son Mike’s dead body, dressed in full scuba attire, washed up on Pigeon Key, she needs Hayden. Her paralegal and dive skills may help unravel the tragedy of Mike’s last days. He’d recently discovered a sunken Spanish galleon and rumors that he hit the mother lode ran through the Keys like wildfire.

Hayden’s dive on the treasure site uncovers gold, and clues that Mike’s death was something far more sinister than an accident. When two different wills, both signed the day Mike died, are delivered to the courthouse, the suspect list grows, as do the threats against her. The danger escalates as she tries to save herself, discover the motive, and find the killer.

INTERVIEW WITH KAIT CARSON

Kait, how did you get started writing?
A lucky break. I only wish I’d known it then. When I was twelve, I wrote a letter to the editor of our local paper. The letter appeared (and I remember being very offended that they edited it) and a week or so later, I was contacted by an agent. I wrote short stories in teen magazines under various pen names throughout high school. Sounds glamorous, right? No. I had signed the contract, when the poor man discovered I was not only under twenty-one, but under eighteen, he dropped me like a hot potato. That wasn’t so bad, I didn’t write in college. Study and party took up too much time. A few decades later when I returned to writing, I discovered how lucky younger me had been! Still looking for an agent. It’s on my to do list for this year. Make that a wish list!

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?
It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes there’s a moment when the characters and images in your mind meld with the words on the page and become one. At that point, it’s not writing, it’s taking dictation and the pages fly.

Do you have a writing routine?
How funny, we were just discussing this today on Jungle Reds. I did when I wrote by typewriter. Now that I write on a laptop, no. I should though. I think every writer needs a routine. It tells your brain to shut off the everyday and enter creative world.

Do you write every day?
My bad, no. I do something writing related every day though. Read and respond to blogs, visit Facebook, do some marketing, editing, reading. Something that confirms to me that I’m a working writer.

What do you wish you’d done differently when you first started the publishing process?
I wish I’d taken the time (or had the ability — there is always that) to become more technologically knowledgeable. So much of getting the word out is technologically dependent. I haven’t done a newsletter yet because the set-up has me befuddled. I know the banner I want, but not how to construct it.

What do you think is hardest aspect of writing a book?
I keep a tube of Boudreaux's Butt Paste next to my laptop. It’s a reminder that the only way to write is to get the butt in the chair and keep it there. That’s the hardest thing for me. I mean, there’s always laundry to be done, Facebook to visit, friends to call . . . and I can always crank out those words later . . . after I feed the cats, take a five mile run, go for a swim.

What’s more important – characters or plot?
Characters for me. The plot doesn’t spring from them, because my characters are often dumped into a situation not of their making. What does spring from characters is reality. Your characters have to be likable, but flawed (just like real folks — and even your villains have to have good qualities), and they have to react in ways that are consistent. If you have that, you have a story that will hold people.

How often do you read?
Every day without exception. I can’t fall asleep without a book. I was the kid under the covers with the flashlight.

What is your writing style?
I’ve been told my style is light and breezy. Lots of short sentences, and action. I like to have fun writing, and I think my characters like to enjoy their roles in the story as well. Well, maybe not the victim so much . . . but everyone else. I wish I could write with more humor, but it plum eludes me.


What do you think makes a good story?
Heart. I write murder mysteries, so that may seem a strange answer, but you have to have heart. You have to care about your characters, care about your readers, tell a story that readers care about, always play fair, and have the story hang together logically. Then there is the second prong. Action. Keep it moving, carry your reader along on a breathtaking adventure. Both are equally important.

What books do you currently have published?
I have two series published. The Catherine Swope Mysteries are my self-published books. The titles are Zoned for Murder and Murder in the Multiples. My Hayden Kent series is published by Henery Press, those titles are Death by Blue Water and Death by Sunken Treasure. I’m currently hard at work on the third in the series, Death Dive.


What do you know now that you wish you knew then?
How rewarding it is to write novels. I started out with short stories, and I still write them, but novels, they are love at a different level. Getting something you worked so hard for into the hands of readers and getting feedback is a very special kind of wonderful. Okay, sometimes the feedback is not so wonderful, but not everyone is going to like your books. It says something about the reader/author bond that a person cares enough to comment. One way or another.

Do you have any secret talents? I can take any three ingredients and make a full meal out of it. I have an innate sense of direction that beats out a GPS, and I can fold a bottom sheet!

I'm impressed! Is writing your dream job?
What an easy question. YES!


What is the worst job you’ve ever had? What did it teach you?
I’ve never had a bad job. Oh, there have been parts of jobs I didn’t like, but the jobs themselves were always good at the time, and I’ve had a bunch. Maybe the lesson was always see the glass half full. I am a terrible Pollyanna!

Do you have any marketing tips you could pass on to indie authors?
Yes, network. Get to know as many people as you can, authors and readers. Readers are your best friend. Find your best place to find them. Always be generous of your time and help promote other authors as well. They will return the favor.

If you could only watch one television station for a year, what would it be?
Blush – Home and Garden TV – I may be a house voyeur. I love seeing how other people live and what features they have in their homes.

How often do you tweet?
Not often enough. I try to hit the Twitter board at least once a day, but most often it becomes once a week. And on that one day, I think the Twitterati get well and truly sick of me, because I’m busy tweeting everything I’m just discovering! Twitter recently changed their posting protocol. I’m curious to see how the new system works.

How do you feel about Facebook?
I love it. I have a Kait Carson page and a Kait Carson Author page. I like to keep up with friends on FB, personal and professional. I like to share things with my followers on my author page and get feedback. I think it’s great fun.

For what would you like to be remembered?
For empathy. I think life is hard these days, harder than it was twenty years ago because it happens so fast. I like letting people know they are not alone and that they matter. I try to bring that to my writing as well.

What scares you the most?
Cruelty and injustice. Neither has a place in my world.

Would you make a good character in a book?
Probably not, but some of my experiences would make great stories!

What five things would you never want to live without?
Books, my Kindle, my SCUBA gear, a good pair of running shoes, and fountain pens.

What’s one THING you never leave the house without?
My Garmin watch. I want to know how many steps I’ve done. Even if I’m dressed up, the watch is in my evening bag.

What do you love about where you live?
It’s rural. I’m a country girl at heart. I like to go out at night and see the stars so close that I feel I could touch them.


What’s your favorite thing to do on date night?
Pack a picnic dinner and head to the beach or a lake. Of course, this is Florida, so in mosquito season Plan B goes into effect. That’s a fun restaurant usually one with a pinball machine, followed by a walk around the neighborhood or on a beach.

What's your favorite treat for movie night?
We don’t go out for movies usually. At home, we like to make chicken wings, put out some cheese and crackers and nibble away. Of course, if it’s a theme movie, then we’ll fix something that fits. Pizza or antipasto for an Italian movie, fried green tomatoes and fried chicken tenders for a Southern theme . . .

What's the biggest lie you ever told?
My biggest lie turned into my secret talent. A bit of backstory . . . when I was in college, I wanted to travel the Caribbean. I scraped together enough money to fly to St. Thomas and rent a room in a student rooming house. I didn’t want to leave. It was wonderful. I heard about a job, cooking on an interisland freighter. It sounded perfect, so I went. I had no crew papers, and no passport. I told the Captain that I was an accomplished cook. At the time, boiling water was a challenge. The men and women of that crew took me under their wing (they wanted to eat) and taught me to cook. It was a great time. And I saw the Caribbean.

What’s your favorite fast food?
Yellowtail snapper. Ever seen them swim? Whopper with Cheese, and large fries, please.


What’s your favorite beverage?
Earl Grey Tea.

What drives you crazy?
Rude people.

What is your superpower?
I’m able to get by on four hours of sleep a night. And I can type 100 words a minute on an IBM Selectric.


Name one thing you’re really good at and one thing you’re really bad at. 
I’m great at SCUBA diving. My handwriting is illegible, but I try.


What do you wish you could do?
I wish I could fly.

What is one of your happiest moments?
Trite, but the day I was married, the second time.

What do you like to do when there’s nothing to do?
Meditate. It clears the mind.

Where is your favorite place to visit?
The wreck of the Thunderbolt. It’s in 120’ of water off Marathon in the Florida Keys.

What would you name your autobiography?
No Regrets.

What’s your least favorite chore?
Cleaning litter boxes. We have six cats. ‘Nuff said.


Would you rather be a movie star, sports star, or rock star?
Sports star – Indy car driver.


Do you give your characters any of your bad traits?
What bad traits? LOL. No. I tried to form my characters when I first started writing. They fought back. It was the strangest thing.

Do you procrastinate?
I’ve had this questionnaire for a month. I might slightly procrastinate, even with fun things.

What’s one thing that drives you crazy?
Besides rudeness? Scratchy wool. They should be able to do something about that in this day and age.

What’s your favorite Internet site?
Fiddlehead Focus. It’s the local newspaper of the St. John Valley in Maine. We have a house there, and I love it. It’s how I keep up with the news when I’m away. Other than that, Goodreads. It’s the library of the Internet.

What’s in your refrigerator right now?
Homemade leek potato soup and a bottle of red wine from a label named “Chateau Les Paws.” A portion of the proceeds benefits no kill shelters. That’s important.

What is the most daring thing you've done?
I learned how to skydive when I was 16.

What is the stupidest thing you've ever done?
Some would say my answer above.

I have found that the two usually do go hand in hand! What is your most embarrassing moment?
Thinking someone was flirting madly with me only to discover that what they were really doing was staring at my wardrobe malfunction!

What choices in life would you like to have a redo on (Besides the wardrobe malfunction)?
I don’t have many regrets but there are times I wish I had known were so precious and that I had the sense to be more in the moment.

What’s one of your favorite quotes? 
It’s a line from an Eagles song. “Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.”

What would your main character say about you?
Catherine would tell me to lighten up. (She gets into some really sticky situations). Hayden would say I need to let her follow her gut more.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to write?
My bio and the back of book blurbs. I don’t like talking about myself, just not that interesting, and the back of book blurbs walk such a fine line between trying to entice a reader but not give too much away.


Where is your favorite library, and what do you love about it?
The New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue and Forty-Second Street. My father used to take me there when I was a child. I thought it was a church of books. I would love to get turned loose in their back stacks.


Who is your favorite fictional character?
Torn here. Jo March. She made me want to be a writer. Nancy Drew because she was my first mystery icon.


If you had a talk show who would your dream guest be?
I should say something really deep here, but in fact, Jimmy Buffet. I love the way his mind works and how he turns a phrase.


What’s one thing that very few people know about you?
I grew up speaking four languages and I learned English last. These days I struggle with all four, English included! It’s a tough language to get right.


You have a personal chef for the night. What would you ask him to prepare?
Just for the night? Oh, not enough time. Red Snapper Louisianan (a wonderful sauce with a hint of hot, artichoke hearts, and bay scallops sautéed in butter), fresh asparagus with a hint of lemon lightly steamed, roasted tri-color potatoes, a wonderful fresh Caesar salad with anchovies, thank you, a perfect pear and Wensleydale cheese for dessert, followed by a Frankfurter Kranz cake to blow the entire diet!


How do you like your pizza?
Very thin crust, baked in a coal oven with tomato sauce, mushrooms and lots of fresh basil.


What is the wallpaper on your computer’s desktop?
Oh dear, I’m not sure I should say. It’s a photo of me aiming my Glock. (If you look closely, you’ll see it’s in slide-lock. Firearms are not for fun!)


Do you have any hidden talents?
I crochet. One year for Christmas, I gave everyone afghans I had made.


Describe yourself in five words.
Cheerful, resourceful, prepared, funny, happy.


What’s your favorite song?
Jimmy Buffet’s "Life is Just a Tire Swing."


What’s your biggest pet peeve about writing?
Spellcheck not getting colloquial English.


What would you do for a Klondike bar?
Skydive!


What is your favorite movie?
Twelve O’Clock High. It’s an amazing story of just how far one can go and still come back.


Do you have a favorite book?
More than I can count, but I keep returning to two books from the James Clavell series, Tai Pan and Noble House. There is a spirit of perfection in both that intrigues me.


If you had to choose a cliché about life, what would it be?
The saying on the first bookmark I ever had – When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade. I warned you I was a Pollyanna.


What are you working on now?
The third Hayden Kent book, Death Dive.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kait Carson lives in a South Florida airpark with her husband, six rescue cats, and four, tropical birds. By day, she’s a practicing probate and litigation paralegal, in the evening, legal pads give way to a keyboard, and she spins tales of murder and mayhem set in the tropical heat. Kait writes two series, the Catherine Swope series, set in the Miami area, and the Hayden Kent series set in the Fabulous Florida Keys.

Connect with Kait:
Website  |  Blog 1  |  Blog 2  |  
Facebook  |  Twitter  | Goodreads    

Buy the book:
Amazon