FEATURED AUTHOR: JULIE ANNE LINDSEY

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It's been three months since Jake Archer rolled into town, accused Mia Connors of murder and stole her heart. She hasn't heard from him since. So when a man collapses at the fall Renaissance Faire, she's surprised to see the US marshal arrive on scene. And shocked when he points the finger at her—again. Mia would sooner be able to resurrect the poor fellow than poison him.

Jake Archer's career has been rising fast, but it's about to come to a crashing halt. The Ren-Faire victim was in protective custody — Jake's custody — and they were painfully close to nabbing a major crime boss. If Jake doesn't solve the murder soon, he'll be fetching donuts instead of protecting his nation. A difficult enough task without the alluring Mia Connors in the way.

Working with Jake to catch the killer might push Mia into crazy-cat-lady territory. But with a murderer on the loose — and Mia's reputation on the line — they'll have to work fast to find the killer before the killer finds them.

INTERVIEW WITH JULIE ANNE LINDSEY

Julie, do you write every day?
Yes! I’m a dedicated outliner, and I write one chapter every day, reread it for cleanup, then send it to my critique partner. By following this process, I finish writing my novels in under a month. (Of course, that doesn’t count the time spent prepping my outline, researching the project or reworking the novel after my beta readers have given feedback on the completed project). I’m a firm believer in writing every day. Writing daily builds momentum, finishes projects and give agents and editors a reliable time frame for completion.

How often do you read?
I read daily, though sometimes it isn’t more than a few pages. Reading is so important. I read for research, for entertainment, and to better understand the industry. Reading teaches me new ways to say old things, gives me a little reprieve from the writing, and shows me what editors are buying, what readers are reading and where to aim my next project.

What books do you currently have published?
Currently, I have two cozy mystery series with Carina Press.

The Patience Price Mysteries:
•    Murder by the Seaside
•    Murder Comes Ashore
•    Murder in Real Time

The Geek Girl Mysteries
•    A Geek Girl’s Guide to Murder
•    A Geek Girl’s Guide to Arsenic
•    A Geek Girl’s Guide to Justice (arrives this fall)

And several books for young adults:
•    Deceived
•    Prophecy
•    Goddess
•    In Place of Never
•    What She Wanted (arrives in July)

Is writing your dream job?
Absolutely. I love writing. I can’t imagine life without it.

For what would you like to be remembered?
I’d like to be remembered as the author who made people smile.
The wife and mother who put God and her family first.
The friend who never lets you down.

What do you love about where you live?
I live in rural Ohio, and I love everything about it. There’s little crime, beautiful seasons, a thriving Amish community, lots of open land and livestock. The library is nicely stocked and funded. The pace is slow. The neighbors are friendly, and the schools are fantastic. There’s no other place I’d want to raise my family.

What’s your favorite fast food?
Chipotle veggie bowl with fajitas, black beans, tomato salsa and guac!


What’s your favorite beverage?
Coffee. I live for the coffee.

Where is your favorite place to visit?
New Orleans!
I visited the city last summer when one of my books was nominated for a mystery award, and I fell hopelessly in love. I extended the trip and spent the extra time learning everything I could about local history and culture. Inspiration was everywhere. I started outlining a new mystery on the flight home. That book is called Cat Got Your Diamonds. It’s now finished! Sold! And in the fall lineup with Crooked Lane Books!

What’s your least favorite chore? Why?
I loathe laundry. There are five in my family, and the laundry never ever ends. There’s not even hope for an end. There will never be a feeling of accomplishment when I reach the bottom of the hamper. I don’t think my hamper has one. Dirty clothes, towels, swim gear (all three kids are competitive swimmers), ski gear, etc just keeps coming. It’s depressing to think about.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to write?
Last summer, I had to write a novel about a teen whose grandfather had a massive heart attack. The novel was sold months earlier on proposal and the due date was fast approaching. Unfortunately, my life was in upheaval. We lost my father-in-law to a massive heart attack while I was writing the manuscript. My husband, children and heart were in utter turmoil. It killed me to write/relive our loss. The wound was too fresh. I took days off writing to support my family and mental health, attend memorials and the funeral, but I had to finish the manuscript. So, every day that I sat down to write, I’d lose my mind. My emotions would take over, tears would blur the screen and I’d end up in bed. That book is called What She Wanted, and it releases this July, a year after our devastating loss. I’m not sure I’ll even be able to promote or talk about it when it arrives. A year later is still too soon.


What is the wallpaper on your computer’s desktop?
My wallpaper is a summer pic of my three kids playing in the rain, fists raised skyward, mouths open. They went out to play, but didn’t come in when the thunder started, so I went to call for them inside. I found them screaming, “By the power of Asgard!” (My family loves Marvel, especially Thor).


What are you working on now?
I’m writing book two in The Kitty Couture Mysteries! It’s a fun new series set in the famed New Orleans Garden District with lots of pets, fun and flavor. My heroine, Lacy Marie Crocker, runs Furry Godmother, a pet boutique and bakery on Magazine Street. She’s drawn into investigations that impact her close knit community of wealthy eccentrics and devoted pet lovers. Book one, Cat Got Your Diamonds, releases November 7, 2016!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie Anne Lindsey is a multi-genre author who writes the stories that keep her up at night. She’s a self-proclaimed nerd with a penchant for words and proclivity for fun. Julie lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three small children. Today, she hopes to make someone smile. One day she plans to change the world. Julie is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC). She is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyons Literary Agency. Julie also writes as Julie Chase.

Connect with Julie Anne:
Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  | 
Twitter  | Goodreads 

FEATURED AUTHOR: JULIE ANNE LINDSEY

ABOUT THE BOOK

IT manager Mia Connors is up to her tortoiseshell glasses in technical drama when a glitch in the Horseshoe Falls email system disrupts security and sends errant messages to residents of the gated community. The snafu's timing couldn't be worse — Renaissance Faire season is in full swing and Mia's family's business relies on her presence.

Mia doesn't have time to hunt down a computer hacker. Her best friend has disappeared, and she finds another of her friends murdered—in her office. When the hunky new head of Horseshoe Falls security identifies Mia as the prime suspect, her anxiety level registers on the Richter scale.

Eager to clear her name, Mia moves into action to locate her missing buddy and find out who killed their friend. But her quick tongue gets her into trouble with more than the new head of security. When Mia begins receiving threats, the killer makes it clear that he's closer than she'd ever imagined.

INTERVIEW WITH JULIE ANNE LINDSEY

What’s the story behind the title A Geek Girl's Guide to Murder?
This title was inspired by one of my favorite geeky books, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I had a serious internal battle with my feminism before deciding to put the word “girl” in this title. It seems silly, but it bothered me. Mia isn’t a girl. She’s a strong, educated woman. Still, Geek Girl has a better ring than Geek Woman, so what’s an author to do?

Tell us about your series. Is this book a standalone, or do readers need to read the series in order?
This is book one in The Geek Girl Mysteries series. I’m not sure how many books will be a part of the series, but I can say that books two is already written and set to release early in 2016. Book three will arrive next summer. After that, I don’t know. Hopefully readers love Mia and ask for more.  This spring, the unpublished manuscript was requested by a production company for consideration as a television series. I hear it's making its way through the system, so keep your fingers crossed on that!

I will! Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the same town I live in now. It’s a fantastic place to raise a family, if you don’t mind following the occasional Amish buggy or farm tractor at eight miles per hour. You get used to leaving early or being a little late, but it’s worth it.

What do you love about where you live?
So much. I love the scenery. The peacefulness. The seasons. I love that Amish women go door to door selling their baked goods and that there are more horses and cattle who reside on my street than humans. I love the low crime rate and gorgeous sunsets. The view from my rear deck is basically heaven. Life is good here.

What’s your favorite memory?
Honestly, I think my life is enchanted. It’s definitely blessed. I couldn’t pick a favorite memory sooner than I could pick a favorite child.


What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned?
Chase your dreams. No one’s going to chase them for you, and no one can take away what you learn in the process. Not the bank or a thief or a jaded ex-husband. The rewards earned from dog-headed tenacity, in the face of adversity, in pursuit of your dreams is all yours. Keep going.

What dumb things did you do during your college years?
Everything. I did all the stupid things. Regularly and with enthusiasm. Let’s just say I’m super thankful those were the days before Instagram and cell phone cameras. Yes. I’m old.



What’s one thing that you wish you knew as a teenager that you know now?
Don’t wear tube tops to amusement parks. They’re no good on roller coasters, and those sneaky contraptions take photos which are displayed at the ride’s end. To everyone. You’re welcome, Cedar Point goers, summer 1994.  



What makes you nervous?
The dentist. Strangers. Animals without people. Monkeys. Dark alleys. Parking garages. Driving. Crowds. Traffic. Public speaking. Meeting new people. Small groups of power, like the PTO and other parent-run organizations. Ringing phones. Dressing rooms. People at my door. I could go on. Forever. 


What makes you happy?
Life. Health. My family. Friends. Twitter and Tumblr. Reading and writing. My many shows and fandoms. Comic Con. Board games. Marvel. Coffee. Sugar. The ocean. Art. Music. Books. Silence. Laughter. I could go on. Forever.

What makes you scared?    
I’m afraid of everything.

What makes you excited?
I get excited really easily. I’m overtly happy, and I make a habit of it.

Do you have another job outside of writing?
I mom. I know mom isn’t a verb, but it should be. Momming should also be a paying gig. I mean in cash, not warm fuzzies and excellent memories. Kids are expensive.

I totally agree! What’s one of your favorite quotes? “She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain.” ― Louisa May Alcott, A Story of Experience

Who are your favorite authors?
Janet Evanovich and Gemma Halliday
.

Where and when do you prefer to write?
I will write anytime, anywhere, including but not limited to napkins, receipts from my purse, and my arm.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received about your writing?
When someone tells me my story made them smile, or laugh, I drop the mic and toss my hands over head. That’s a victory, folks. If I can give one reader a reprieve, even for a minute, if I make you smile, I reached my goal.

What are you working on now?
I keep a full plate, so at the moment, I’m celebrating the release of A Geek Girl’s Guide to Murder. I’m editing book two in this series, which arrives in March 2016. I’m writing book one of a new mystery series (that I hope will find a home), and putting the finishing touches on an issue-driven YA which will release next summer. I’m also working on a proposal for a new contract and adjusting my family’s life to the back-to-school schedule. Basically, the usual.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Anne Lindsey is a multi-genre author who writes the stories that keep her up at night. She’s a self-proclaimed nerd with a penchant for words and proclivity for fun. Julie lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three small children. Today, she hopes to make someone smile. One day she plans to change the world.

Julie also writes The Patience Price Mysteries series.

Connect with Julie:
Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  | 
Instagram  |  Pinterest  

Guest Post by Julie Anne Lindsey

"Copyright © 2014 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Cover Art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited
® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its
affiliated companies, used under license."

About the book:

With the chaos of summer tourists and fall birders out of town, counselor Patience Price is looking forward to the quiet life she remembers. She longs for some peace. And an apple fritter. But the calm is cut short when a reality show sets up camp to film a special about ghosts on her little island. Now fans, reporters and crew have flocked to sleepy Chincoteague. Who knew ghost hunters had an entourage?

When two cast members are killed in a room at the local B&B—a room usually occupied by Patience's FBI agent boyfriend, Sebastian—she finds herself on the case. Sebastian doesn't want Patience ruffling any feathers but, as always, she can't help herself.

Patience promises to let Sebastian handle the investigation—he is FBI, after all—but after a drive-by shooting, her wicked curiosity gets the best of her. And with the TV show forging ahead with filming, the list of suspects (and the line of food trucks) only grows. But has the shooter already flown the coop? And how do you find a killer when you don't know who the target is?

An Island of Inspiration

by Julie Anne Lindsey

In 2008 I visited Chincoteague, Virginia. Until that year, I didn’t even know Virginia had an island. I’d lived on the East Coast my entire life, clueless. There was an island? I had to see that! So, my family vacationed there for a week and the place has courted my soul ever since. I knew before we arrived. I wouldn’t want to leave. I didn’t. I can remember how it sounded and smelled and buzzed in my system. It was like going home. Except I live in Ohio.

If you’ve never been to Chincoteague, it’s a quintessential coastal town surrounded by harbors and the Atlantic. An old fashioned drawbridge separates the island from the world. The drawbridge might as well be a cone of silence because mainland worries seem to splinter and stop before reaching the tiny community.

The town library is in a quaint little building across the street from a Misty of Chincoteague statue. The local ice cream parlor has a wall of faces who’ve finished the biggest sundae in town. The theatre is one of those small town, two show wonders. Life moves slower. People are kinder. The island measures 3x7 miles small. It bustles with fishermen, craftsmen and people who crave the sea. If that isn’t enough to get you packing your bags (or in my place firing up my laptop) did you know Chincoteague is attached to a sister island, Assateague? Assateague is even smaller than Chincoteague, united by a bridge over a marsh, and home to wildlife. Assateague is a national forest and shoreline. The beaches are pristine. The forest has wild ponies. Did you stop and reread that? Wild. Ponies. There are trails and nature centers and historical lighthouses. I mean. *jaw drop* Where has this place been my whole life? And why can’t I move immediately?

I visited Chincoteague four years before it occurred to me I could write anything longer than a grocery list, but the town burrowed into my heart and has since occupied my daydreams. Chincoteague is now home to my heroine, Patience Price, and The Patience Price Mysteries series I wrote for Carina Press. Patience adores her hometown as much as I do. Writing the series on this island has been a real gift. I’ve loved telling readers about the unfathomably gorgeous sunrises over the harbor and the bleating tug boats already busy at work. I need to tell other in-landers how hilarious and borderline dangerous it is to grill out because gulls line the roofs waiting for dinner to be served. Oh, and I’m terrified of horses, so rounding a corner and coming nose to nose with a wandering pony was a real heart stopping concern for me because I walked everywhere. Who needs a car when nothing is more than a few blocks away? For me, the island was magical. Perfection.

Book one in my mystery series, Murder by the Seaside, flowed easily from vivid memories of that trip. I could literally envision every detail. But then I needed a sequel. I needed a new problem for my heroine. I love the island so much, it was tough to think of a problem and then I wondered, “What kind of things could cause a ruckus on such a peaceful island.” Guess what? I watched a movie that night with Steve Martin and Jack Black. Do you know it? The Big Year? It’s a movie about birders who travel the globe hoping to see the greatest number of different species of birds. You know what island has a ton of awesome birds? *nods* Yep. *steeples fingertips* If a few busloads of birders all rushed to the island to see the same rare bird, it could get kind of full out there. *taps chin* Birders seemed like a great addition to the problems my amateur sleuth already had on her plate, what with work, a new boyfriend, an ex who won’t go away (and he has a dimple). Life. Work. Family. Oh, and a murder. Birders were exactly what she needed to lose her tenuous cool.
So, I sent them.

This time around, I needed something bigger to push my heroine to her limits. You know what drives me batty? Reality television. What if a reality show set up shop on her island? What if one of the “celebrities” was murdered? Ohhhh, I loved that idea. Fans and reporters and gawkers galore would come from everywhere to get a look at the cast and crew, leave a memento at the crime scene or bask in the unfolding drama. You know what else would come along? Food trucks. I love food trucks. We don’t have any in my town, so when I travel and they’re lined up somewhere, I make a quick detour to take advantage of the gourmet delights. Food trucks would make my heroine’s eye twitch. So, I sent a herd her way. I’m ornery like that. 

For me, The Patience Price Mysteries are all about taking the bland and making it grand. I twist and stretch the mundane we all relate to and make it a source of endless frustration for my heroine. Her friends are the best. Her parents are nutty. Her love interests are handsome, fearless and sweet. Everything’s better on the island and hopefully, the murders have enough twists to keep readers guessing. If you’re ready for a reprieve from the everyday, I hope you’ll consider one of my mysteries. More than that, I hope they will make you smile.

About Julie:

Julie Anne Lindsey is a multi-genre author who writes the stories that keep her up at night. She’s a self-proclaimed nerd with a penchant for words and proclivity for fun. Julie lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three small children. Today, she hopes to make someone smile. One day she plans to change the world.

Murder in Real Time is the conclusion to The Patience Price Mysteries series, from Carina Press.
  


Connect with Julie:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

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

Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway