ABOUT THE BOOK
While not usually a big deal, one overlooked email would haunt teacher Gilda Greco. Had she read it, former student Sarah McHenry might still be alive.
Suspecting foul play, Constable Leo Mulligan plays on Gilda’s guilt and persuades her to participate in a séance facilitated by one of Canada’s best-known psychics. Six former students also agree to participate. At first co-operative and willing, the camaraderie is short-lived as old grudges and rivalries emerge. The séance is a bust.
Determined to solve Sarah’s murder, Gilda launches her own investigation and uncovers shocking revelations that could put several lives—including her own—in danger. Can Gilda and the psychic solve this case before the killer strikes again?
Book Details:
Title: A Different Kind of Reunion
Author: Joanne Guidoccio
Genre: Cozy mystery
Series: Gilda Greco Mystery Series, book 3
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press (April 23, 2018)
Print length: 236 pages
On tour with: Great Escapes Book Tours
INTERVIEW WITH JOANNE GUIDDOCCIO
Q: Joanne, tell us about your series. Is this book a standalone, or do readers need to read the series in order?
A: A standalone book, A Different Kind of Reunion is the third book in the Gilda Greco Mystery Series. Based in Northern Ontario, these cozy mysteries feature a fifty-something Italian woman, her meddling relatives, deserving and undeserving men, food, and murder. These books do not have to be read in any particular order.
Q: What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned?
A: There is a morning after. Regardless of the many storms in my personal and family life, among them a breast cancer diagnosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, the clouds finally did lift. What got me through—praying and putting one foot in front of the other as I faced each day.
Q: What’s one thing you wish your younger writer self knew?
A: Use your “waiting time” effectively. While querying, start writing the next book in the series or an entirely new project. Alternatively, you could take an online course or sign up for a series of workshops. Keep your skills sharp!
Q: What’s one of your favorite quotes?
A: "We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can't have both. Not at the same time.” ― Brené Brown (Rising Strong)
Q: Are any of your characters inspired by real people?
A: Having lived and taught in different cities throughout the province of Ontario, I felt free to “borrow” characteristics from former colleagues and students to create composite characters. To date, no one has recognized himself/herself.
Q: Are you like any of your characters?
A: While imagining the protagonist of the Gilda Greco Mystery Series, I realized she could easily be my literary twin. In fact, I like to tell people that Gilda Greco is 70 percent of me. As to how I came up with that particular number, let’s just say my well-honed left brain did all the work. Our similarities . . . Italian Canadian, born and raised in Sudbury, relocated to Southern Ontario, mathematics teachers, career development practitioners, yoga enthusiasts, non-foodies.
One major difference–Gilda won a $19 million lottery. I’m still hoping!
Q: Who are your favorite authors?
A: I admire late-blooming authors who have launched successful second acts. Two favorites come to mind: Maeve Binchy and Louise Penny. Their novels and writing journeys have inspired me to launch my own second act as a writer. From Maeve, I’ve learned that success is not a pie where only a select few have access to the slices. I’ve taken several pages out of Louise’s disciplined approach to structure my own writing practice.
Q: What book are you currently reading and in what format?
A: I’m reading Grit by Angela Duckworth (hardcover).
Q: Do you have a routine for writing?
A: After some experimentation, I came up with a daily regimen. Nothing too dramatic, but it works for me. I like to sleep in each day and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. But after my second cup of coffee, I start writing. My goal is 1,000 words a day. After I reach that quota, I’m free to meet with friends for lunch or coffee and plan other outings.
Q: Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
A: When I first retired, I assumed I would be writing in my den. Everything was in place: desk, new computer, bookshelves crammed with novels and craft guides, and inspiring Monet prints on the wall. But after several frustrating attempts, I realized the den was too small. While the room could easily be a second bedroom, it was not spacious enough for my creativity to flourish. So, I relocated to a corner of the living/dining area of my condo. With over 900 square feet of space and easy access to my kitchen and balcony, I no longer feel constrained.
Q: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received about your writing?
A: Here is one of my favorite reviews: English teacher Colleen McConnell describes Between Land and Sea as “a classic wisdom tale with a twist . . . reminiscent of Jane Austen.”
BOOK TRAILER
OTHER BOOKS BY JOANNE GUIDOCCIO
A Season for Killing BlondesToo Many Women in the Room
Between Land and Sea
The Coming of Arabella
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Connect with Joanne:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Buy the book:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Indigo | iTunes | The Wild Rose Press
