Featured Author: Bonnie Glee

Bonnie Glee is my guest today, and she's here with her novel Satin Murder, published by Safkhet Publishing.

About the book:

Sallee Anderson is a wealthy, somewhat naive, socialite living in the Seattle area in the late 1950’s, who suddenly finds herself a forty-year old widow, the beneficiary of a multi-million dollar shipping company, and the prime suspect in her almost ex-husband Seth Anderson’s murder.  How could she be so neglectful as to misplace the .25 she bought after their separation? How could she not be aware that someone was constantly following her? One thing her gifted discernment did tell her was that her overly caring brother, suddenly by her side, had ulterior motives.

While trying so hard to stay out of the limelight, she is suddenly confronted at a dinner party with someone who could reveal her tiny little secret. She couldn’t suddenly faint because that very person would be at her side in a flash, and the social section in the local Seattle Times would have a hey-day.
She relies heavily on two alias, Nell her best friend and Max the shipping business lawyer. Both rush to her side with motives of their own.

The story weaves through trials with her family, friends, even her loyal housekeeper, and her never tiring, recently acquired personal investigator, Ryan.

Interview with Bonnie Glee

How long have you been writing, and how did you start?

Let me see how far back my memory can go. Grade school I guess is when my right brain began to make up stories, young love stories that classmates would gather around during lunch and recess to hear the next revealing chapter. The desire was somehow always there, though it was years before I took myself seriously.

I wrote a letter to the editor and they printed it; unleashing my buried need. I began sitting at my kitchen table as the sun rose over the Wasatch mountains writing snippets of Today Because before our four, soon to become five, children scurried out of bed.

As the children grew, I became a single mom working full time as a grocery clerk and with so many emotions whirling I began writing poetry on any scrap of register tape or torn paper bag I could find. I joined the League of Utah Writers and the Utah State Poetry Society and hoped for Tuesday nights off so I could attend their meetings (the kids loved being at the local roller skating rink next door to the library while I learned from some of the best). Small, but encouraging publications of short stories, poetry, and articles began to happen.

When my oldest son was called on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he asked if I wanted to buy his computer. What joy. Every morning at 5:00 a.m. we met and became the best of friends. I wrote my first novel on that computer, then lost the entire manuscript until just six years ago when I was going through some boxes after moving, looked inside an old briefcase, and there it was. Still trying to find a publication home for this one.

I took a challenge from a newspaper article to write a book during the month of November nearly five years ago, and that is when Silent Memories aka Sallee’s Secret aka Satin Murder was born.

I live in a quiet, friendly, book loving neighborhood near the Wasatch mountains with my life’s companion, Joe, where we plan to enjoy working for a couple more years while watching grandchildren grow and become beautiful people like their parents, camp, fish, hunt, golf, and cook delicious dinners together.

What’s the story behind the title of your book? 

Pretty funny really . . . the first working title was Silent Memories because some of the characters are only children trying to find their way in life. The second working title was Sallee’s Secret because my main character, Sallee has secrets. Then other characters held secrets too; then my publisher, Safkhet Publishing, wisely put my novel into their suspense division and suggested we find a new title. A former co-worker who had read and edited my manuscript, Aimee Frances, came to my aid and suggested, ‘Murder in White Satin Gloves’ thus Satin Murder is now the lasting title.

How did you create the plot for this book? 

It came from a family story about an Aunt whose husband was murdered by his partner. I planned to carry on with that plot, but my characters soon told me different.

How do you get to know your characters?

By following them along the paths they tell me.

Which character did you most enjoy writing?

I love them all, but Sallee’s brother took me to thoughts that never would have been my own.

Is your book based on real events?

Someone in a poetry class once told me "everything has already been written," I nearly gave up writing but then decided, perhaps so, but not written my way.

One of your characters has just found out you’re about to kill him off. He/she decides to beat you to the punch. How would he kill you?

By taking away my computer, my journal, and the right side of my brain.


With what five real people would you most like to be stuck in a bookstore? 

My librarian friend, Sue; my mother if she were alive; my neighbor, Liz Goodell who reads constantly; my cousin, Karey, e-book fanatic; and my Joe.

Tell us about your favorite scene in the book. 

Sallee arrives home ready to relax only to find police cars parked on all sides. The anxiety she endures when a search warrant is flung in her face while policemen are violating her possessions and how her wish for some saving grace to suddenly appear happens.

Who are your favorite authors?

Pearl S. Buck and Belva Plain
.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)? 

Two, really. One is My Name was Five and Little White Lies and Butterflies both in e-book form on my iPad.

What’s one pet peeve you have when you read? 

Way too many sub-characters.


Do you have a routine for writing? 

While still working part-time, I write in the afternoons.

If you could only keep one book, what would it be?

My hearts says the Bible like Corrie ten Boom, author of The Hiding Place and my mind says Evergreen, which has been my greatest example of an exceptional novel.

You’re leaving your country for a year. What’s the last meal (or food) you would want to have before leaving?

Our Friday date--night homemade burgers and cheesy fries with a very cold coke.

Would you rather work in a library or a bookstore?

A library. I’d be too tempted to spend all my earnings at a bookstore.

You’re given the day off, and you can do anything but write. What would you do? 

Have Coke-thirty with family, or friends.

You can be any fictional character for one day. Who would you be? 

Scarlet OHara from Gone With the Wind.

What would your dream office look like? 

Just like the one I have now, cozy and endearing but with a new computer.

How did you find Safkhet Publishing and how long did your query process take? 

The process has taken over two years. I could have vanity published several times but after the last offer was $7000 upon signing and another $7000 upon release, I made up my mind to hold on to the dream of a traditional publisher. I sent my query to Safkhet after reading of them on Preditors and Editors Inc.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?

“Life holds special magic for those who dare to DREAM.” I saw it framed on the wall of an office I visited.

What’s your favorite candy bar?

Dark Chocolate Milky Way.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

Mackinac Island, Michigan for the summer and Hawaii for the winters.

What are you working on now? 

I have two novels I’m writing and continuing to submit a previously finished novel. I plan to present a book of my poetry to each of our children on their 50th birthday.

About the author:

Bonnie Glee is a freelance writer who enjoys membership in the League of Utah Writers and the Utah State Poetry Society with previous leadership positions in both. Her publications include a short story "Pigtails" in the Cache Valley Magazine, poetry in Utah Sings: Volumes Seven and Eleven, and other publications; essays in the Healing Ministry, Not Everybody Can Cry, Wasatch Woman, Life After Motherhood; and human interest articles printed in the Logan Herald Journal, Kirk Peterson: Paradise’s Professional Jockey, and the Pied-Piper Marsha Anderson and the Gingerbread Kids. In 2012, she won Honorable Mention for her poem "Where is Comfort" sponsored by Whitmore Library. September 1, 2014 will be the release date of her first novel, Satin Murder by Safkhet Publishing.
She lives in Cottonwood Heights, Utah with her husband Joe, is the mother of five children and two chosen children, 20 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.


Connect with Bonnie:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Featured Author: Suzie Tullett

Little White Lies and Butterflies is Suzie Tullett's contemporary romance novel, published by Safkhet Publishing, due to be released on August 1. She's here to tell us about the book and give us a sneak peek.

About the book:

A child of the nineties, Lydia Livingston is different. The last thing she’s ever wanted is to be superwoman; she knows first-hand that ‘having it all’ isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be. As far as she’s concerned, when it comes to job versus family, it’s a definite case of one or the other. And whilst most women her age have spent years climbing the corporate ladder, she’s made a career out of bagging her perfect man. At almost thirty and still single, Lydia wonders if she’d made the right choice all those years ago. And realising the time has come to take stock, she goes against her family’s wishes and banishes herself off to a distant land—all in the hope of finding a new direction.

At least that’s the plan.

But Lydia Livingston isn’t just different, she’s misunderstood. A fact she knows all too well. So when the totally unsuitable Sam comes along, she decides to tell a little white lie, re- inventing herself as a professional chef – not exactly the best new identity to come up with for a woman who can’t even cook. Of course, the last thing she expects is for him to find out the truth and start blackmailing her. Let alone find herself roped into catering for a local wedding. But with things going from bad to worse, her madder than mad family also turn up in something of a surprise visit, intent on celebrating a birthday she’s no intentions of celebrating!

Interview with Suzie Tullett:

Suzie, how long have you been writing, and how did you start?

I started writing years ago when I did a Master’s Degree in Television & Radio Scriptwriting. Through this, I was lucky enough to be chosen by the BBC for their New Writers’ Initiative, which led to opportunity to write for their drama series Doctors. But because I’ve always loved prose, it seemed only natural that one day I’d move into novel writing too. So here I am, doing exactly that.

How would you describe your book in a tweet? (140 characters or less.)

When Lydia Livingston tells a little white lie events start to snowball. Suddenly she’s in way over her head & forced to deal with the ensuing hilarious consequences.

Or for those who prefer their tweets short and sweet:       
When you’re digging yourself into a hole, stop digging!

Do you outline, write by the seat of your pants, or let your characters tell you what to write?

Writing by the seat of my pants would be way too scary, so I always outline. That’s not to say I rigidly stick to any plan though; characters very often have a way of surprising their authors by wanting to go off in a different direction. So outlines do tend to change.

Tell us a book you’re an evangelist for.

Dead Run by Erica Spindler. I wouldn’t normally read thrillers, but I’d run out of books whilst on holiday one year and this one was left lying around. I was gripped from the very first page right through to the last and I’ve been recommending it to anyone who’ll listen ever since.

Have you ever bought any books just for the cover?

A cover is definitely what first attracts me to a book; it’s what makes me pick it up in the first place. But I can’t say I’d buy simply because of the images on the cover alone. I always look at the blurb too, to see if the story is something I’d actually enjoy reading.

Which character did you most enjoy writing?

Ooh, that’s a hard question to answer. Lydia was fantastic to write. Because of her personality, every time she finds herself in yet another dilemma, instead of getting herself out of it she just keeps making things worse. And I love how Sam is able to use these predicaments to his own advantage – the relationship between the two of them is hilarious. Then there’s Lydia’s family, plus the Fatolitis...Of course, when you read the book, you’ll understand why I’m finding it hard to choose.

What would your main character say about you?

I’m not sure what they’d say ‘about’ me, but I’d like to think they’d thank me for telling their story.


With which of your characters would you most like to be stuck on a deserted island?

All of them for one reason or another!

What five real people would you most like to be stuck on an island with?

That’s easy – my husband, two sons, daughter-in-law and soon to come along grandson. Everyone’s so busy we don’t get as much time together as I’d like, so for us all to be marooned together would be fantastic.

Where’s home for you?

Up until recently I’d been spending a lot of time out in Greece. The landscape there is absolutely stunning and the culture and history of the place fascinating. It provided a great setting for Little White Lies and Butterflies, and when I wasn’t writing, I have to say my down time wasn’t half bad either. I’ve since learned I’m going to be a grandmother though (I know, I’m way too young!) so for now I’m back in the UK until little Elijah Gabriel makes his appearance. As much as I love Greece, it’s a little too far away now our family is growing.

Would you rather work in a library or a bookstore?

When it comes to all things literary, I can be an absolute chatterbox. I love talking to readers, not just about my books but about any book. I couldn’t do this in a library because I’d have to keep quiet. So I’d definitely rather work in a bookstore.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?

“I think therefore I am.”

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go? (Don’t worry about the money. A publisher is paying.)

If a publisher is paying I’d book myself on a round the world trip and go everywhere! All in the name of research, of course.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on my next novel - another laugh out loud, romantic comedy.

Excerpt from
Little White Lies and Butterflies:

Following the incident at the beach, I had been hoping to avoid any future
contact with Sam the Climber, yet here he was, larger than life. Not that I
was sure which had bothered me the most-the football in the face, or the
slightly unnerving eye contact. Neither of which I wanted to experience ever
again and I wondered if I should just get up and leave while the going was
good. But my drink still hadn't arrived and the last thing I wanted to do
was look rude in of front Efthimeos. I had to think of something else and
quick.

Grabbing my book from my bag, I opened it up and used it to shield my face.
This should do it! However, just to make sure I began sinking lower and
lower into my seat, until I was horizontal to the point I was almost on the
floor. Now he'll never notice me.

I wondered if I should take a peek just to check on his whereabouts. But
before I got the chance, a drink landing on the table in front of me caught
my eye instead. It wasn't the simple glass of Coke I'd originally ordered, I
further noticed, but some fancy, fandangle cocktail.

I stared at the umbrellas, the tinsel and the cherries on sticks, not even
daring to look up.

Please let it be Efthimeos. Please let it be Efthimeos. I thought, finally
plucking up the courage. Lifting my gaze I realised that unless my host had
undergone some sort of superfast extreme makeover in the last few minutes,
the game was up.

'There you go,' said Sam, indicating to the heavily adorned concoction. 'Not
just my apology, but as requested, the most expensive drink on the menu.'

I put my book down and began the difficult task of hauling myself up into a
more vertical alignment. 'I didn't request it,' I replied ungratefully. 'In
fact, if I remember rightly, I said such a purchase wasn't necessary.'

My unwanted guest just carried on standing there, for some reason refusing
to see this as his cue to leave-choosing instead to raise an eyebrow. He
nodded to the drink. 'Well,' he asked. 'Aren't you going to at least try
it?'

I considered his request for a moment, deciding it was a small price to pay
if it meant getting rid of the man. And, duly picking up the glass and
locating the straw from among all the flora and fauna, I took a long hard
draw. 'Jesus, Mary and Joseph!' I spluttered, all at once choking and
coughing. 'What the hell's in it? Meths?'

Sam laughed. 'A bit of everything,' he said. He plonked his beer down on the
table and took a seat, uninvited.

'Well excuse me if I don't share your amusement,' I replied, realising that
was the second time that day he'd tried to kill me. 'And I don't remember
asking you to join me either.'

There was something of a twinkle in his eye and thanks to his air of
confidence I could see that he was one of those men used to getting his own
way when it came to members of the opposite sex. However, I'd met his type
before and knew there was no way he'd ever come across the likes of me. Such
a sparkle might've been enough to make any other girl go weak at the knees,
but unlike theirs, my kneecaps were made of sterner stuff.

About the author:

Born and raised in Lancashire, Suzie Tullett has worn many hats in life: from office work to teaching, from managing an advice center to being an outreach worker for Women’s Aid. She’s achieved a Bachelor’s and a Master’s and works with the BBC as a scriptwriter—all while raising her family. Ultimately, she wants to leave scriptwriting behind and write full-time. She says “it’s fair to say my working life has given me the chance to get to know all kinds of people, from all kinds of backgrounds; a definite asset for anyone looking to write for a living.”


Connect with Suzie:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

Cover Reveal for White Lies and Butterflies

I'm happy to join Safkhet Publishing and author Suzie Tullett in the cover reveal for Suzie's laugh out loud contemporary romance, Little White Lies and Butterflies, to be released August 1. Drum roll please...

About the book:

A child of the nineties, Lydia Livingston is different. The last thing she’s ever wanted is to be superwoman; she knows first-hand that ‘having it all’ isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be. As far as she’s concerned, when it comes to job versus family, it’s a definite case of one or the other. And whilst most women her age have spent years climbing the corporate ladder, she’s made a career out of bagging her perfect man. At almost thirty and still single, Lydia wonders if she’d made the right choice all those years ago. And realising the time has come to take stock, she goes against her family’s wishes and banishes herself off to a distant land—all in the hope of finding a new direction.
At least that’s the plan.

But Lydia Livingston isn’t just different, she’s misunderstood. A fact she knows all too well. So when the totally unsuitable Sam comes along, she decides to tell a little white lie, re-inventing herself as a professional chef – not exactly the best new identity to come up with for a woman who can’t even cook. Of course, the last thing she expects is for him to find out the truth and start blackmailing her. Let alone find herself roped into catering for a local wedding. But with things going from bad to worse, her madder than mad family also turn up in something of a surprise visit, intent on celebrating a birthday she’s no intentions of celebrating!

What reviewers are saying:

"A fun holiday read."
"Strong, down to earth, identifiable characters."
"Unique aspects – unlike most books in this genre, the 
characters here don’t live in cities like London or work 
in advertising ."
"Controversy – some might say Lydia is going against 
the modern day feminist grain, but one could also argue she’s asserting her feminist right to choose."

About the author:

Born and raised in Lancashire, Suzie Tullett has worn many hats in life: from office work to teaching, from managing an advice center to being an outreach worker for Women’s Aid. She’s achieved a Bachelor’s and a Master’s and works with the BBC as a scriptwriter—all while raising her family. Ultimately, she wants to leave scriptwriting behind and write full-time. She says “it’s fair to say my working life has given me the chance to get to know all kinds of people, from all kinds of backgrounds; a definite asset for anyone looking to write for a living.”

Check back on June 29 for an interview with Suzie.

Connect with Suzie:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter |Goodreads | Amazon

Featured Author: Will Macmillan Jones

I'm happy to have Will Macmillan Jones here today to talk about his soon-to-be-released fantasy novel, Bass Instinct, the fourth outing for The Banned Underground series.

About the book:

Dai the Drinking Dragon has been kidnapped by the Dark Lord for nefarious purposes, and by his Receptionist for even less reputable reasons.  Without their bass player, The Banned Underground are now in deep trouble with their Record label.  They have to produce the recordings for an album, and someone has stolen the tapes from the last gig.  Can they make some more recordings, or will Freya, the renegade dwarf bass player, distract the boys whilst the Dark Lord’s evil schemes come to fruition?

The Dark Lord has found some Thugs to help him in his latest plan to invade the Dwarf Mansion, but they have other things on their minds.  Like looting and pillaging the locals, and it’s all going wrong again.

Will record-producing Adam set his Ants on The Banned?  Or will it all come good in the end?  Time is Tight on this one for The Banned Underground.

Interview with Will

How long have you been writing, and how did you start, Will?

I’ve always been interested in writing, I think. I was lucky enough to have an English teacher at school who encouraged all of his class to write, and I enjoyed it at school.  Then I wrote my first book in my twenties. And awful rubbish it was as well. But it formed the basis (after a lot of reworking!) of the first book I had published, The Amulet Of Kings - the first in The Banned Underground series.  I’ve been lucky enough to be signed by  Safkhet Publishing to write a series of eight of these comic fantasy books for them.  Which I think means that they like the books.

I'd say so! That's great. How do you come up with the titles?

Titles are a treat to play with for me. I love messing around with ideas centered on the story I’m creating, and then finding a suitable short title. Two or three words work best for me, and are easier to repeat when marketing!

Tell me about it. What was I thinking when I titled my book Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction? But I digress. Do you have another job besides writing?

I’ve been self-employed in tax and accounting for thirty years now. And horribly dull it is too. But it has provided me with a huge base of characters to use in my books...

How do you create your plots?

I fall between the two stools of ‘plotting’ and ‘pantsing,’ really. I start by imagining the basis of the story, and then build that into a series of checkpoints. I insist my characters meet the checkpoints, but a lot of the time I leave it entirely up to them to get there on their own. And sometimes, they all fly away on a tangent, and I have to alter my careful plan to accommodate what they want to do.

Some characters do have that annoying talent of ruining a writer's plans sometimes. How do you market your book?

My favourite way is actually to sell the books inside bookshops at signings. Some authors hate doing that, but I love engaging with the readers. As signings inside Waterstones are much less easy to come by these days, I do a lot of online marketing too.

How do you get to know your characters?

They muscle in on my dreams and daydreams, and force their way into whatever I’m writing.  Freya, for example, the ‘bad girl/rock chick’ in Bass Instinct first appeared in the previous book in a bit part, and we got on so well that she got a much bigger role in book four. Can I leave her out in the future? I’m not sure, but I would certainly not rule out another appearance. The same for Ricky Vander. I’ll say little about him, so as not to spoil the surprise. But I think he’s coming back, too.

Which character do you most enjoy writing?

That just has to be Grizelda the witch. I’m not brave enough to tell you who she is based on...but she only has to appear and the scenes take off. Many of the other characters take off too. They can run away, of course, whilst I can’t.

You can run, but you can't hide, right? What would your characters say about you?

Oh dear. Grizelda threatened to turn me into a frog.

Yikes!

The Banned Underground took me out drinking, then dropped me back home insensible and naked.

I hate when that happens!

The Dark Coven came past one evening and magically bricked up my front door.

Now, that was just mean-spirited.

The only one who isn’t consistently rude to me is Freya. So if I get to go to a desert island, she’s my choice. Just don’t tell the others...

Mum's the word. Are any of your characters inspired by real people?

They all are. I’ve met everyone of them in real life, although some of course are composites. But an attitude here, a mannerism there, a behavioural trait...and some of the minor characters are actually friends of mine who have begged for a cameo, suitably disguised of course!

Your favourite scene?

It comes down to a choice of two:

In the first scene, The Banned Underground are playing on stage, when –to Jumping Jack Flash – their guitarist is blown across the stage by some feedback, and smashes apart the mystical Throne of The King Under The Mountain.

Oops.

The other scene is also in The Mystic Accountants. The Banned have just recruited their fist bass player, a drunken welsh dragon called Dai. Dai has been to fetch his Fender Bass guitar, and on the way back, he meets the RAF…

“Pen-bre Firing Range, this is Victor Kilo One Six, inbound from RAF Valley.”
“Victor Kilo, this is Pen-bre range.  Go ahead.”
“Pen-bre Range, Victor Kilo is a training flight, inbound for a strike mission, five minutes to run from the east, height 800 feet.”
“Victor Kilo, Pen-bre Range.  Radar contact acquired.  Your strike clearance is approved. Be aware of local traffic in your 10 oclock, same height.”
“Pen-brE Range, stricke clearance copied.  Looking for the traffic..AND WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?  ARMING WEAPONS SYSTEMS!”
“Victor Kilo, are you visual on the traffic? Can you identify?”
“IT’S A RED DRAGON, CARRYING A BASS GUITAR!”
“Victor Kilo One Six, Pen-bre Range. Your strike clearance is cancelled. Disarm weapons systems and return to base immediately.”

What song would you pick to go with your book?

Music runs throughout my books.  Well, writing about a blues and rock n roll band, that’s a given, isn’t it? Every scene has its own theme or music, and it’s always rock and blues.

Who are your favourite authors?

Well, obviously I’m going to say Tolkein, as a fantasy writer. But I do read quite widely, and like a lot of different things. I’ve been reading The Dresden Files recently, by Jim Butcher, and inevitably I read the comic writers: Pratchett, Holt, Rankin. One of my favourite authors is Richard Bach, who writes about flying and life. Jonathon Livingston Seagull and Illusions will always be on my bookcase. As will Roger Zelazny’s Lord of Light.
What are you reading right now?

One of the greats: Ray Bradbury. Something Wicked This Way Comes. It’s a paperback, because I don’t think I could afford a hardback copy, which is what I’d prefer. I don’t own an e-reader of any sort.

How do you handle criticism of your work?

With silence, as far as the writer of the comments is concerned. That, for me is the only proper response. Then I think about what has been said, and take what I can from it for the future.

Do you have a routine for writing?

No, I don’t really. I’m lucky, because I work from home and so my laptop – and the current WIP - are always available to me. I can just write whenever the mood takes me. 

About the author:

Will Macmillan Jones live in Wales, a lovely green, verdant land with a rich cultural heritage.  He does his best to support this heritage by drinking the local beer and shouting loud encouragement whenever International Rugby is on the TV.  A fifty-something lover of blues, rock and jazz he has just fulfilled a lifetime ambition by filling an entire wall of his home office with (full) bookcases.

His major comic fantasy series, released by Safkhet Publishing, can be found at:
www.thebannedunderground.com and information on his other work and stuff in general at:
www.willmacmillanjones.com and www.willmacmillanjones.wordpress.com

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