INTERVIEW WITH HEATHER HAVEN'S LEE ALVAREZ

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lee’s Uncle Tío is smitten with the guest chef at a Silicon Valley culinary arts institute. When the woman is arrested for the murder of a fellow chef, a reluctant Lee agrees to help prove Tío’s lady love innocent. But Lee suspects the ambitious, southern belle of a cook might just be guilty. Undercover work at the institute proves to have more pitfalls than whipping up a chocolate soufflé. The killer isn’t done and tries to get Lee out of the way permanently. But just who is the murderer? The accused? One of her two sons? Another inmate from a cooking school with more to hide than dirty dishes? With secrets as plentiful  as sauces, the nagging question remains, if Lee proves the lady chef guilty, will Tío ever forgive her for sending his new love to jail?

ABOUT LEE ALVAREZ

Lee Alvarez grew up wanting to be a ballerina. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. At 5’8” she was considered tall for the profession, but more than that, she was a mediocre dancer, at best. She knew if she pursued a career in ballet, she would be relegated to the back line of the chorus. What she was, however, was a crackerjack ferret. She can find anything or anybody just by putting together the facts, no matter how long ago they took place. As the family-run business is Discretionary Inquiries, Inc. an agency specializing in cybercrimes, it was a natural fit. And she loves her job. But solving cybercrimes isn’t all she does. Lee tends to fall over dead bodies when she’s not looking. She hates that.

INTERVIEW WITH HEATHER HAVEN'S LEE ALVAREZ

Lee, how did you first meet your Heather? 
I was minding my own business, thinking about something or other – probably a shoe sale – when I felt this ‘pull.’ I looked up from my mocha macchiato and this woman, we—know—who,  was staring at me over her latte. You never know who you’re going to see in Starbucks these days.

How true is that. Want to dish about her?
Nah, Heather’s okay. Besides, she’d probably pay me back by putting me on a sinking boat. Even though I can swim, I have this shark thing.

Why do you think that your life has ended up being in a book?
Just my luck. Actually, I’m pretty lucky. Maybe I ended up in this book because the author wanted to show a family of immigrants who made good, who may not get each other all the time, but work their darndest at it, and love each other no matter what happens. She thinks we’re one of the American success stories. You can’t beat that type of good fortune.

Did you have a hard time convincing Heather to write any particular scenes for you?
I spend a lot of my time trying to convince her NOT to write particular scenes for me. I mean thank you very much, but she’s not the one who has to dance in a lizard lounge act in Vegas or shinny over a sailboat’s boom in the middle of the Pacific or as in this book, disguise herself as a dishwasher in a cooking school for eight-hours a day wearing a stupid wig and buckteeth.

What do you like to do when you are not being actively read somewhere?
I like to play with my cats and my husband, Gurn. Not necessarily in that order.

If you could rewrite anything in your book, what would it be?
Honestly? Not a thing. I suspect it has the right amount of humor, drama, plot, suspense, and action. Anyway, that’s what Heather told me.

Tell the truth. What do you think of your fellow characters?
As most of the continuing characters are my family, thank gawd I like them. My brother, Richard, is the head of IT. He’s a brainiac, but in that techy, nerdy sort of way. And he’s a good guy. Besides, he married Vicki, who gives the Alvarez family a lot of heart. They recently had a baby, my niece, Stephanie. Then there’s Tío, my uncle, retired executive chef of San Jose’s famed Las Mañanitas Restaurant. Everyone should have a Tío in their lives. He gives unconditional love while serving up the best chimichangas ever. My mother, Lila Hamilton Alvarez, believes what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom is our ability to accessorize. She’s also the CEO of the family business, Discretionary Inquires. Everyone else calls it D. I. Not Mom. She would rather eat broken glass than use initials or nicknames. And do not even think about wearing navy blue with black at any time. You will live to regret it. Behind her back, I call her She Who Must Be Obeyed. We may be poles apart on nearly everything in the world, but we are quite fond of one another. I guess it’s that mother/daughter thing.

Do you have any secret aspirations that your author doesn’t know about?
I would like to play the ukulele. But don’t let that get around the neighborhood.

Understandable. Tell us about your best friend.
My best friend is my husband, Gurn Hanson. Maybe that’s why I married him. Yes, he’s got green-grey eyes, a lop-sided smile that just sends shivers through me, but he’s also an ex-navy SEAL, one of the good guys. And he gets me. He brings out the best in me. I tell him everything. He says I bring out the best in him, too. Pretty win-win.

What are you most afraid of?
Sometimes I’m afraid it all might go away. I work really hard to see that it doesn’t, but there are no guarantees in life. Just do your best and hold on tight.



What’s the best trait of another character in the book?
Best: Lila Hamilton Alvarez, my mother, is probably the most perfect woman in the world. She is smart, beautiful, savvy, and never has a bad hair day.
Least: See above.

How do you feel about your life right now? What, if anything, would you like to change?
I wouldn’t change a thing! Not that I have it all, I don’t. But I do have a great job, except when Heather has me chasing the bad guy over rooftops. I have a wonderful, loving family, and I’ve been married for four months to a guy who thinks I’m about as great as I know he is. I even lost two pounds. I mean it doesn’t get much better than that.

Will you encourage Heather to write a sequel?
Could I stop her? Heather’s got a few things going now,  Curtain Call For A Corpse (working title), Book Seven of the Alvarez Family Mystery Series. Then there’s the spin-off Lee Alvarez Novellas based on just Gurn and me. The one out now is called Honeymoons Can Be Murder. She’s working on Marriage Can Be Murder. Let’s face it, she keeps me hopping!



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Multi-award winning author, Heather Haven, writes humorous, noir, historical, and romantic mysteries, short stories, and plays. The San Francisco Book Review writes of her Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries set in today’s Silicon Valley, “I found the strongest part . . . is Lee Alvarez herself: strong, competent, and witty, in a growing tradition of tough female detectives . . . All in all, this is a strong work in the genre of the mystery/thriller.” Heather and her husband of thirty-five years are allowed to live in the foothills of San Jose with their two adorable but demanding cats.


Connect with Heather:
Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter 

Buy the book:

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Kobo 

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FEATURED AUTHOR: MARCY MCKAY

ABOUT THE BOOK

Eleven-year-old Copper Daniels is homeless and alone. She spends her nights sleeping beneath the cemetery’s Warrior Angel statue for protection, and her days battling the mean streets of Remington, Texas, hell-bent on learning what happened the night her Mama disappeared. While Copper and her rag-tag group of friends uncover more questions than answers, only two things are certain – her Mama’s missing and someone’s trying to kill Copper.

In the tradition of The Lovely Bones and Room, Pennies from Burger Heaven tells a dark story through the eyes of a child. With wit and wisdom, Copper Daniels will steal your heart, as well as break it in two.

Awards for Pennies from Burger Heaven:
*2010 First Place – Writers’ League of Texas, Best Mainstream Novel Competition
*2010 First Place – Frontiers in Writing, Best Mainstream Novel Contest
*2010 Winner – Frontiers in Writing, Overall Best of Show

INTERVIEW WITH MARCY McKAY

Marcy, how did you get started writing?
I’ve always loved to read, but in 1995, a voice told me in a dream to write a book. I’ve been telling stories ever since.

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?
The secrets I discover about my characters that even I didn’t know I knew about them!

If you could only watch one television station for a year, what would it be?
I don’t watch much TV, but on the weekends I’ll watch the USA Network while folding the laundry (glamourous, I know). I can get going on a Law & Order SVU marathon that’s EMBARRASSING. Those shows give me nightmares; they’re especially heinous . . .

For what would you like to be remembered?
Making a difference.

What five things would you never want to live without?
1.    My Kindle (I still prefer print books, but my Kindle gives me access to almost any book on the planet).
2.    My Burt’s Bees chapstick (I’m kind addicted).
3.    My car radio. (Not Syrius XM, just good ol’ fashioned FM radio, with a DJ playing tunes I love. Reminds me of driving around in high school with my BFFs).
4.    Homemade Chocolate-chip cookies (soft and gooey ones).
5.    Naps (That’s not a “thing”, but I love ‘em anyway).

Naps totally count! Who would you want to narrate a film about your life?
Meryl Streep or Mickey Mouse, I’m not sure which.

3D movies are . . .
Kinda awesome, kinda distracting. It depends on the movie.

If you had a swear jar, would it be full?
Hell, no!

What do you love about where you live?
I love living in the Texas panhandle where the sky is wide and we enjoy four, real seasons. I love that it’s easy to drive to Dallas for awesome shopping or to New Mexico or Colorado to the mountains.

Do you write every day?
Yes, even just for 10 minutes. Otherwise, I feel grumpy and “off.”

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I’m an odd combination of the two called an ambivert. I love being around people and connecting with individuals, but afterwards I CRAVE solitude. I’m like a battery that shines bright, then must be recharged.

What is the most daring thing you've done?
Letting others read my writing. It feels like standing naked in front of a stadium full of people to judge you.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to write?
A story narrated by a drug addict. I had to find compassion in her, and not condemn her poor choices. I was shocked at how much I liked her at the end because I understood her, even though I disagreed with her lifestyle.


You can be any fictional character for one day. Who would you be?
An Oompa Loompa. I want to give life advice through witty songs, and work in a chocolate factory.

That's excellent! When you put it that way, I want to be an Oompa Loompa too! How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
I once had a roommate in college tell me that after 9 p.m., I became “an inoperable wench.” I MUST get my rest. I strive for eight hours of sleep, but six is my bare minimum (otherwise, I’m still an inoperable wench).

Do you sweat the small stuff?
Not usually, but when I DO sweat the small stuff, I know that’s a sign I need to get still, get quiet, and get my priorities straight again.

If you had to choose a cliché about life, what would it be?
Life is what you make it.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on book #2 in the Burger Heaven series. It’s called Hell Bent and Heaven Bound.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marcy McKay knew she wanted to write stories the moment she read about Oompa Loompas in fourth grade. She’s an award-winning short-story author and copywriter, as well as a freelance journalist and the creator of Mudpie Writing blog. Her work has appeared in Writer’s Digest, The Write Practice, Write to Done, Positive Writer and Jane Friedman.com. Marcy lives in Texas with her husband and two teens, who all still like her . . . most of the time. McKay is a member of the Writers’ League of Texas and the Texas High Plains Writers.

 

Connect with Marcy:

Website  | Blog  |  
Facebook  |  
Twitter  |  
Goodreads 

Buy the book:
Amazon 

Guest Post by Connie L. Smith

About the book:

Preston and Nick endured the breakup of all breakups when Nick accused her of cheating on him. He insisted, and she denied while the rain pounded against her driveway and thunder roared in the distance. Then they both ran – Preston to a life of Rock and Roll, and Nick to a career in the Army. 



Over four years later, they’re damaged and broken almost beyond repair. He’s carrying baggage from his military days, and she bears the scars of living a lifestyle she’s grown to hate. 



When Preston’s label forces her to take time away from music, their paths cross in a parking lot not twenty-four hours after her hometown return, anger and sparks flying in a confusing blend. But regardless of the feelings neither has been able to shake, too many lies and secrets stand in the way of the one thing they need in order to recover. 



Each other.

Guest Post by Connie L. Smith

Sometimes people get so caught up on their dreams that they don’t take the time to figure out all the steps that are involved in seeing that dream come to fruition. That overall concept has been a piece of my life since I first published Essenced back in July 2013. There was a lot I didn’t know about publishing, and many more things that I’ll probably learn along the way. One thing I’ve learned is that building a career in this field can be a long, drawn out process. If you want to see good book sales, you might have to do more than just write a book. It’s okay to want your book to be a hit immediately. . . But don’t be too surprised if it takes more time and effort to reach your goals in this business.

As important as that lesson has been for me, that’s not the point of this guest post. Instead, I’m writing this to comment on something that I noticed very vividly while going through CreateSpace to prepare a paperback version of Enscrolled, this last book in my Division Chronicles trilogy. What is that something?

Nervousness has yet to go away.

With my first book, I was anxious and excited, wanting to see my book do well but also experiencing a vulnerability that I hadn’t dealt with before. When you construct an entire story with characters you’ve made and a plot you had enough confidence in to create the novel, you’re really offering readers a view into your mind by putting the book for sale. It’s from your head, and it’s ideally been polished to the point that you’re willing to put your name on it and let people know it’s your product.

When the final product is something like 90,000 words of you, there’s room for a whole lot of you to end up on the pages.

So I was concerned that maybe I hadn’t built a story worth reading, that maybe people would just hate my writing style. Did I rush things, or was the pace so slow that people would lose interest? What if it was an idea that few people would even care about?

Then came a novella, In Your Wings. This was the first time that I’d written something that was primarily romance, and I was concerned that I’d completely botch the attempt. There’s something particularly revealing in writing romance, because you’re dealing with deep emotions and toeing the line of cheesy, and it was an odd moment when I finally published it for the first time in December of last year.

Then Emblazed, the second book of The Division Chronicles. This time, I worried about sophomore slump for my trilogy. Sure, some people seemed to like Essenced, but what if I ruined everything with the second book? The plot, the approach… What if it didn’t do justice to the book that came before it?

Then, with the end of the trilogy, I still worried. Would the ending be fulfilling to readers? Would the characters’ plights and actions flow with the previous books? Did it conclude the trilogy with quality and satisfaction?

And now, Tail Lights – my first attempt at publishing contemporary romance. And New Adult. Did I do the story justice? Is it compelling? Can you actually fall in love with these two characters in a way that would make an author proud?

I leaped away from the fantasy world I’d been involved with. Was it worth the risk? Did I create a good final product?

With another work waiting for its turn at publishing, I can tell you that the feeling of nervousness isn’t going anywhere. And, maybe, it shouldn’t. Maybe that would mean that I’m not pushing myself as an author, or that I’m not putting decent effort into what I’m penning.

There are plenty of lessons I’ve learned about writing and publishing, and this is one that really sticks. Every book might very well be a different piece of me, and publishing it for the very first time might always be nerve-wracking experience.

But… it’s so worth it :)

Excerpt from Tail Lights

Surprisingly, he was leaving his apartment when I reached his floor, and he smiled at me like no animosity existed between us. “Hey, Preston.”

“Hey, Preston,” I mocked, then held up the figurine and fastened a glare on him. “Take it back.”

He had the nerve to smirk. “How do you know I gave that to you?”

“Who else would leave a dolphin on my doorstep besides the guy who knows I love dolphins and wants to suddenly fix four years’ worth of betrayal?” His smirk disappeared, and I shoved the object closer to him. “Take it back.”

He shook his head. “I don’t want it back.”

“Well, I don’t want it ether.” When he arched a brow, I rolled my eyes. “Okay, it’s cute. It’s absolutely adorable, and it would look fantastic on my end table, but I can’t take this.”

“Why not?”

“Because I know what it means! You made a mistake, and you’re trying to make up for it. But it’s too late, Nick. And if I take this, it’s like saying that you have a chance to make things right, and you don’t.”

His brow again lifted. “You sure about that?”

I frowned. “Which part?”

With a grin, he shrugged in an almost casual manner, far too comfortable in a conversation that made me anxious. Evidently he’d meant what he said about mending things between us, and he wasn’t about to let my reservations ruin his determination. “You’re absolutely right about what the dolphin means, but are you sure I can’t make things right?”

“I’m so far beyond sure that sure isn’t even in my line of sight anymore.” I held the dolphin farther out, hoping that he’d take it. “I can’t keep clinging to things that weren’t good for me in the first place if I want my next four years to be any better than the last four years.”

Then he scowled. “And you think I wasn’t good for you in the first place?”

“I know you weren’t. If you were, you wouldn’t have believed Dad and dumped me, and. . . " Sighing, I waved the figurine in his direction. “Take it.”

“Your sentence trailed off,” he pointed out, a small smile forming on his lips. “That’s a good sign for me.” Eyes on me, he stepped closer, completely invading my personal space and causing the hand holding the dolphin to fall back against my stomach. After a moment of silently looking at me, so intense and needing, he pointed a finger at my face.

“That’s exactly why I can’t take it back,” he whispered. His finger moved to brush my hair behind my ear, trailing along my jaw before tracing my lips. I knew I should move, slap his hand away, something. But I couldn’t. I just stared, my mouth gaping in shock, my mind consumed with Nick and his caresses. “That was the biggest mistake of my life. And you are my life.”

His index finger exchanged for his thumb, outlining my bottom lip over and over. “I should’ve fought for this, and I’m not making the same mistake twice. I’m getting my life back.” Then he stepped away, gesturing at the dolphin. “That’s only the first step.”
Turning, he walked to the stairway entrance at the other end of the hall, leaving me standing – still gawking where he’d been and suddenly holding the dolphin figure much tighter.

About the author:

Connie L. Smith spends far too much time with her mind wandering in fictional places. She reads too much, likes to bake, and might forever be sad that she doesn’t have fairy wings. And that she can’t swing dance. Her music of choice is severely outdated, and as an adult she’s kind of obsessed with Power Rangers. She has her BA from Northern Kentucky University in Speech Communication and History (she doesn’t totally get the connection either), and is currently working on her MA.

Connect with Connie:

Website/Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest |  Readwave 

Featured Author: Christoph Fischer

About the book:

When Charles and Tony's mother dies, the estranged brothers must struggle to pick up the pieces, particularly so given that one of them is mentally challenged and the other bitter about his place within the family.

The conflict is drawn out over materialistic issues, but there are other underlying problems which go to the heart of what it means to be part of a family which, in one way or another, has cast one aside.

Prejudice, misconceptions and the human condition in all forms feature in this contemporary drama revolving around a group of people who attend the subsequent funeral at the British South Coast.

Meet flamboyant gardener Charles, loner Simon, selfless psychic Elaine, narcissistic body-builder Edgar, Martha and her version of unconditional love and many others as they try to deal with the event and its aftermath.

Excerpt from Conditions

Martha was petite and fragile looking with bleach blonde hair, very light skin and lots of freckles. She seemed lost in her overly large black dress.  When she saw it was a stranger answering the door she trembled, mumbling a barely audible greeting. Charles quickly stuck his head out of the kitchen and shouted:

“Martha, this is my friend Simon.”

She looked puzzled.

“Remember, I said there’d be someone from Torquay. The orchid guy?”

She nodded slightly, hesitantly stepped into the hallway and looked searchingly around.
“Talk to each other while I’m making dinner,” Charles ordered them. “I’ll be out soon. Go, sit in the living room!”

Martha shrugged and gave a little grin, then stood there waiting for Simon to do something.

“You have been here before, haven’t you?” he asked surprised at her lack of initiative.
“Yes, of course,” she said, continuing to stand until he started to walk. Only then did she move towards the living room, following his lead. She sat down on the sofa, put her handbag on the floor and folded her hands over her knees. She remained that way, without saying a further word, her gaze averted towards the floor. Simon sat down on the other sofa and tried to think of the right thing to say, but was stumped. Although she was as shy as Charles had predicted, there was something quite forceful underneath that exterior that didn’t sit comfortable with him. An unspoken pressure surrounded that woman and tensed up the atmosphere. She, too, had very attractive features, he thought. A hint of Meg Ryan maybe, if only her face was more relaxed.

“Can I get you a drink?” he eventually asked, grateful that something had finally sprung to mind.

“No thank you,” she said, her voice cracking halfway through the first syllable. He noticed that her eyes were melancholic and seemed to be continually searching for something. She smiled and shrugged as if to apologise for it. Only then did Simon remember being told about her drinking problem and felt the sting of embarrassment. To add to his discomfort Martha now seemed to have lost some of her initial shyness and looked expectantly at him. The mounting pressure began to feel very uncomfortable.

He remembered her story vaguely from one of Charles’s long monologues. Martha and Charles had met in hospital after his accident at the estate while she was being treated for nasty bruises and fractures - souvenirs from a recent fight with her latest abusive husband. The memory made him even more self-conscious as to what to speak to her about.

“How was the journey?” Simon had finally thought to ask.

“Alright,” she said, repeating her grin and shrug routine.

“Are you still living in…” Simon paused, realising that he couldn’t remember the name of the town.

“I’m still in the same place that I lived in with my ex-husband Clive,” she said eagerly. She had moved to the front of the seat and was leaning towards him. “It has to be sold to complete the divorce settlement and the sale is taking its time,” she added.

“Sorry to hear that,” he said, surprised by her sudden change of attitude.

“Like our marriage, the sale has turned into a tedious and painful affair,” she said, giggling slightly.

“I see,” Simon said, feeling embarrassed by the sudden intimacy. “I hadn’t meant to ask that, of course.”

“I don’t mind talking about it,” she said. “I’m in AA and there we share everything. Clive and I worked at the same firm and nothing about the split has ever been secret. Everyone knows my story and in parts I find that quite liberating. Charles probably mentioned the saga to you. At least he probably told you why I don’t drink,” she added.

Simon was stunned into silence by her forwardness.

“You don’t have to get embarrassed,” she assured him.

“I am embarrassed,” he said, to which she just shrugged her shoulders.

What reviewers are saying:

"Author Christoph Fisher skillfully weaves a tale with a unique cast of characters that are realistic.” 
Thomas Baker

“
In Conditions he has taken on a very difficult topic - a family dealing with mental illness - and brought his characters to life.” 
Yael Politis

“
This book gives us a fascinating glimpse into a world that few of us will experience, but many of us are curious about.” 
Purple Violin

"I found the writing captivating as Christoph Fischer gave a storyline with stormy relationships, exploring the fragility of the human spirit from such different angles by giving the characters their own set of shortcomings." -M.C.V. Egan

"Author Christoph Fischer with his latest book "Conditions" has once again produced an amazing read. His passionate words and novel brings one to reality in life - dealing with mental illness - family trials and tribulations - an excellent story line with a cast of realistic characters. Extremely touching, emotional and heart tugging. Lovely read!" -Anna Othitis

Other books by Christoph Fischer:

About the author:

Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he is still resident today. The Luck of The Weissensteiners was published in November 2012; Sebastian in May 2013; The Black Eagle Inn in October 2013.
His first contemporary novel is called Time To Let Go and was released June 2014.
He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.

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

Guest Post with Susan Daffron

How Did You Get Here?

by Susan Daffron

In reviews, readers often comment about the town of Alpine Grove, which although imaginary does have some similarities to the small town where I live in northern Idaho. I even had one reader say she wants to move to Alpine Grove. There's no doubt that many people would love to move to a small town for the peace, quiet and sense of community.

I know I did.

In both my first novel, Chez Stinky, and the second, Fuzzy Logic, the main characters are actually transplants from somewhere else who subsequently fall in love with small town life and decide to stay.

I think that's true of many small towns. Where I live in Idaho, I have met only a few "natives" that actually grew up in this area. As a result, a popular topic of conversation is "how did you end up here?" Realistically, a town of 7,000 people is not exactly an employment mecca, so in most cases people have specifically chosen to live here.

Because it is such a key question in small towns, my books also include the answer to the question, "how did you get here?" as story elements. In Chez Stinky, Kat Stevens had been a tech writer but inherits a house in Alpine Grove. In Fuzzy Logic, Jan Carpenter graduates from college with a degree in library science and can't find a job anywhere except at the tiny Alpine Grove library, which it turns out she loves.

Most of the people I have met here in Idaho have a similar story. They move out here to the middle of nowhere, decide they love it, and never want to leave. We started a business so we could move here in the first place and not be dependent on the (nonexistent) local economy. Since 1996, technology has made it possible for us to do freelance work from our bedroom offices in our log home in the woods. Even with feeble bandwidth that makes other people cringe, we have managed to find ways to make money for almost two decades and through two nasty recessions.

In much the same way, the characters in all three of my novels have to figure out a way to continue to live in their small town of Alpine Grove. So readers, be advised that the little town of Alpine Grove is likely to turn into quite a little hotbed of entrepreneurial activity!

Excerpt from Fuzzy Logic

This is part of the scene where the main character, Jan, is on the plane to San Diego. She explains to the person in the seat next to her why she is taking the trip.


Ethel tilted her head, causing the ossified bluish curls on her head to shift in an unnatural way. “Why are you going to San Diego?”

Jan sighed a little too loudly. Maybe Ethel wouldn’t notice. “My mother is getting married.”

Ethel straightened in her seat and leaned closer to Jan. “That’s wonderful! I love weddings. Who is the lucky man?  What does he do? Are you excited? It’s beautiful to see such an expression of love. Where are they getting married?”

It was apparent that Ethel had not been retrieving breath mints out of her suitcase. Jan replied slowly, “Well, they are getting married on the beach. The man was actually her next-door neighbor many years ago. I knew him when I was growing up.” Jan shrugged. “I don’t know if I’m excited exactly. But it will probably be interesting.”

“Interesting? But weddings are so gorgeous. The flowers! The lovely food! How can you not just adore that?”

Jan twisted in her seat, leaning her back away toward the window. If she were any farther away from Ethel, she’d be outside the plane. Discussing anything related to her mother was never fun. “My mother tends to do things differently, I guess.”

“What do you mean differently? It’s a wedding! There are traditions. People say vows!”

“Well, I think for one thing, there will be a puppet show.”

The woman looked slightly taken aback, but then smiled knowingly. “Oh, is it one of those sex-puppet shows? I’ve never seen that at a wedding. But it could be fun.”

Jan didn’t know what a sex-puppet show was. And she didn’t want to know. She’d seen way too many puppet shows in her lifetime as it was. “No, no, nothing like that. My mother was on local children’s television for a long time. She was the assistant to The Farmer, the kid’s TV show in San Diego. She did the puppet shows with the sock-puppet farm animals.”

“You mother is the Farm Lady? I loved her. My kids loved her. My grandkids love her in the reruns. Oh my goodness me, I can’t believe I’m sitting next to the daughter of the Farm Lady. This is so exciting! Oh and the Farm Lady is getting married? How wonderful for her! Is she finally marrying the Farmer?”

After so many years, Jan was used to people knowing her mother as the Farm Lady with the sock puppets. And it never failed to embarrass her. Years of being teased at school by other kids making every possible form of revolting farm noise was hard to shake. The pig sounds were to the point that she still couldn’t eat bacon. And what people didn’t know was that the wholesome sweet TV persona was nothing like the real woman, Angie Carpenter. Responsible motherly farm matron, she certainly was not. “Maybe you didn’t hear, but Bob Myers, the Farmer, died a few years ago and the show went off the air. The man my mother is marrying is in the plumbing business.”

Ethel narrowed her eyes and gave Jan a knowing look, “Oh, plumbers make a lot of money. He must be a great catch. How did their love blossom? I’m sure there’s a romantic story there.”

“I don’t know how romantic it is. Like I said, we were neighbors a long time ago, but he was on television, too. They met again recently on a retrospective special that featured stars from old TV shows and commercials. If you saw the ads for the Toilet King years ago, that’s him.”

Ethel clapped her hands together, “My heavens! The Farm Lady is marrying the Toilet King! I can’t wait to tell all my friends. Does he still have purple hair and wear the blue jumpsuit? I just loved those commercials with the swirling and all that.”

“I haven’t seen him in a long time. I live in Alpine Grove now.”

About the author:

Susan Daffron is the author of the Alpine Grove Romantic Comedies, a series of novels that feature residents of the small town of Alpine Grove and their various quirky dogs and cats. She is also an award-winning author of many nonfiction books, including several about pets and animal rescue. She lives in a small town in northern Idaho and shares her life with her husband, two dogs and a cat--the last three, all "rescues." You can read more about her on her website.


Connect with Susan: 
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Buy the book:
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Featured Author: Steven Manchester

The Story Plant brings Steven Manchester here today to talk about his latest release, Pressed Pennies. To read an excerpt from the book and see the schedule for Steven's virtual book tour, click here.

About the book:

Rick and Abby grew up together, became best friends, and ultimately fell in love. Circumstance tore them apart in their early teens, though, and they went on to lives less idyllic than they dreamed about in those early days. Rick has had a very successful career, but his marriage flat-lined. Abby has a magical daughter, Paige, but Paige's father nearly destroyed Abby's spirit.



Now fate has thrown Rick and Abby together again. In their early thirties, they are more world-weary than they were as kids. But their relationship still shimmers, and they're hungry to make up for lost time. However, Paige, now nine, is not nearly as enthusiastic. She's very protective of the life she's made with her mother and not open to the duo becoming a trio. Meanwhile, Rick has very little experience dealing with kids and doesn't know how to handle Paige. This leaves Abby caught between the two people who matter the most to her. What happens when the life you've dreamed of remains just inches from your grasp?



Pressed Pennies is a nuanced, intensely romantic, deeply heartfelt story of love in its many incarnations, relationships in their many guises, and family in its many meanings. It is the most accomplished and moving novel yet from a truly great storyteller of the heart.


Steven, you have twelve published books. How long have you been writing, and how did you start?


I’d just returned home from Operation Desert Storm and was working as a prison investigator in Massachusetts. Needless to say, there was great negativity in my life at that time. I decided to return to college to finish my degree in Criminal Justice. During one of the classes, the professor talked about police work but nothing else. I finally raised my hand and asked, “The criminal justice system is vast. What about the courts, probation, parole – corrections?” He smiled and told me to see him after class. I thought I’d done it! In his office, he explained, “There’s no written material out there on corrections or prisons, except from the slanted perspective of inmates.” He smiled again and dropped the bomb. “If you’re so smart,” he said, “why don’t you write it?” Nine months later, I dropped the first draft of 6-5; A Different Shade of Blue on his desk. From then on, I was hooked. I was a writer.

Is your book based on real events?


Pressed Pennies is one of my favorite works because it’s so personal to me. And if I didn’t admit to that, then I’m fairly certain that my wife, Paula, would have my neck. At its foundation, Pressed Pennies is autobiographical. After both suffering failed marriages, Paula and I were blessed with a second chance at love. Just like Rick and Abby, we met at the party of a mutual friend. And from the moment we laid eyes on each other, the adventure had begun. Although Rick and Abby’s details are completely fictional, the feelings are the same. As a writer, my greatest goal is always to make my readers feel. By placing myself within the scene, I have a much better shot at successfully pulling that off.


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?


Being from frigid New England, he’d impale me with an icicle...watching as the evidence just melts away.

Diabolical! 
How do you get to know your characters?


Characters: Learn them. Know them. If they become real enough, your characters will tell the story for you. Think about it: The raised eyebrow from a well-established character is worth more than a paragraph or two. The saddest time for me is when a novel comes to its end. This is mostly true because I start to miss the people that I’ve grown to love and hate. And if you don’t feel that for your characters, then your readers won’t, either. When I'm completely vested in a story, the first thing I think about in the morning is the characters (what they’re thinking and feeling, and how they might act), and the last thing I think about before turning in at night is the characters.


Which character did you most enjoy writing?


Abby...because she’s primarily my wife, Paula.

What song would you pick to go with your book?

The Dance by Garth Brooks.



I love that song! Who are your favorite authors?

Stephen King, Mitch Albom, and Lou Aronica.

You get to decide who would read your audiobook. Who would you choose?

Morgan Freeman.

Where’s home for you?

Massachusetts

.



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

My wife’s Fettuccini Alfredo.

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


Hang outdoors with my kids.

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

Addicus Finch.


What would your dream office look like?

Some historical library.

With you living in Massachusetts, you should

 check out the Stockbridge Library, if you haven't already. The upstairs room in particular. Best. office. ever. What’s one of your favorite quotes?

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney.



What’s your favorite candy bar?

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!



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

With my wife and kids...location wouldn’t much matter.



What are you working on now? 


Although it took me nine months to pen Gooseberry Island, it’s been a novel in the making for better than twenty years. Again, I served in Operation Desert Storm and have both experienced and witnessed the terrible suffering that accompanies combat service. More times than not, the wounds that are invisible prove much more painful than those that can be seen.

On the heels of Pressed Pennies, we decided to create another love story. In Gooseberry Island, David and Lindsey fall deeply in love, but quickly face a monstrous obstacle—the after effects of war.

Gooseberry Island is a tribute to all who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as those who stayed behind and suffered every moment until their loved one’s return.

The novel’s excerpt depicts David during his first few days of returning home from combat in Afghanistan. He is suffering terribly from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and must decide whether to continue seeing Lindsey, the woman who helped him survive the twelve months of hell. My life is in complete chaos, but maybe if I tried talking to Lindsey? David thought, shaking his head. No...it wouldn’t be fair.

About the author:

Steven Manchester is the author of the #1 bestsellers, Twelve Months and The Rockin' Chair. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed, award-winning novel, Goodnight, Brian, as well as A Christmas Wish (Kindle exclusive), Pressed Pennies (released May 13, 2014) and Gooseberry Island (due out January 2015). His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN's American Morning, and BET's Nightly News. Three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or their four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing.


Connect with Steven:
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Goodreads |
Amazon | 
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Featured Author: Traci Andrighetti

Great Escapes Book Tours brings Traci Andrighetti here today with her brand new cozy mystery, Limoncello Yellow, published by Gemma Halliday Publishing. Traci answers some of my burning questions, and she treats us to an excerpt from the book.

About the book:

Francesca "Franki" Amato is a tough-talking rookie cop in Austin, Texas—until an unfortunate 911 call involving her boyfriend, Vince, and a German female wrestler convinces her once and for all that she just isn't cut out for a life on the police force. So Franki makes the snap decision to move to New Orleans to work at her friend Veronica's detective agency, Private Chicks, Inc. But Franki's hopes for a more stable life are soon dashed when Private Chicks is hired by the prime suspect in a murder case to find out what really happened to a beautiful young boutique manager who was found strangled to death with a cheap yellow scarf. When she's not investigating, Franki is hoping to seduce handsome bank executive Bradley Hartmann, but most of her time is spent dodging date offers from a string of "good Italian boys"—make that not-so-good aging Italian men—that her meddlesome Sicilian grandma has recruited as marriage candidates. As Mardi Gras approaches and the mystery of the murdered shop girl gets more complicated, Franki must decipher the odd ramblings of a voodoo priestess to solve both the murder and the mystery of her own love life.

Interview with Traci Andrighetti

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

I wish I could tell you that I’ve been writing for years, but I haven’t—-not unless you count the boring academic papers and the thesis and dissertation I wrote in graduate school. The truth is that I wrote a Nancy Drew–style mystery with my cousin when I was twelve (which, thankfully, has been lost), and then I wrote Limoncello Yellow last year under the expert guidance of internationally bestselling author Kristin Harmel.

How did you come up with the title of your book?

Well, I wanted colorful titles with an Italian word in them. So I made a list of the types of Italian words Americans know, and I came up with types of pasta and alcohol. LOL! And I really wanted my first title to include the word “yellow,” because the Italian word for “yellow (giallo)” also means “mystery novels” in Italy (because the colors of the first mystery novels were yellow, so they became known as “gialli,” or “yellows”). Anyway, once I had “yellow” in mind, the drink “Limoncello” was a no-brainer.

How would you describe your book in five words?

An outrageous romp through NOLA!

Which character did you most enjoy writing?

My favorite character to write is definitely the aging ex-stripper Glenda O’Brien. The thing I like most about Glenda is that she says and does whatever she wants. Plus, she always brings a smile to my face because she was inspired by a real-life “adventure” I had one day on Bourbon Street in New Orleans when I asked to use the bathroom at Big Daddy’s strip club (something I don’t recommend for the faint at heart).

Are any of your characters inspired by real people?

Yes! Veronica Maggio was inspired by my dear friend Marissa Maggio, and David Savoie was inspired by David Turet, who was one of my students at the University of Texas where I used to teach Italian. The speech of the Sicilian grandmother was inspired by the great aunt of an old friend of mine.

Who are your favorite authors?

Actually, most of my favorite authors are Italian. I have a nerdy Italian book blog called italicissima, so spend a lot of my time reading contemporary Italian literature rather than American. Crazy, I know.

How long is your to-be-read pile?
I’m too afraid to look. I mean, I know how tall the tower of books in my bedroom is, but I’ve been afraid to count how many unread books are on my Kindle.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

My favorite place to write is at The Flight Path Coffee Shop in Austin, Texas, on a Saturday morning. When I’m there with a double soy latte in hand, I feel like I can write anything.

Your last meal would be…

...an entire jar of Nutella, my one true addiction. “Nutella” is Italian for “Nirvana” (not really)!

Would you rather work in a library or bookstore?

Oh, for sure in a library! At a bookstore, you really only find the classics and whatever is current. Libraries are full of those hidden gems that have either been forgotten or that never really got discovered. For example, I recently stumbled upon the Outdoor Girls series (1913 to 1933) at the University of Texas library. They were the original Hardy Boys, only they were girls!

What’s one of your favorite quotes?

I don’t have a favorite quote, but my favorite saying is without a doubt, “When life gives you lemons, make Limoncello.”

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Well, if I have the money and the time, I travel. But if I’m at home, I love to watch old movies from the 1950s and 1960s. And trashy reality TV, of course!

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

I would live in one of the fabulous apartments above the Piazza Navona in Rome (but only if the apartment walls have been soundproofed to reduce the noise from the crowds below). That’s my version of paradiso.

What are you working on now?

I’m writing Prosecco Pink, the second novel in the Franki Amato Mystery series. Be sure to read the book blurb on my blog!

Excerpt from Limoncello Yellow

I parked in front of my new home. Before I could get out of the car, Veronica was already walking out her front door, smiling and waving with Hercules in tow in a turquoise fuzzy sweater that matched hers perfectly. Despite her Sicilian father, Veronica looked Swedish like her ex-ballerina mother, with long blonde hair, cornflower blue eyes, and pale skin. 
      
"Franki!" Veronica yelled.

I bent over—at the waist—to hug her. I'd forgotten how tiny she was, and I wondered for at least the hundredth time how her internal organs could function in such a small frame.
She looked up at me and smiled. "How does it feel to be in New Orleans?"

I glanced over at the cemetery and then back at her. "At the moment, it feels fairly morbid."

"Oh, come on! You don't still have that weird cemetery issue, do you?"

"Yes, Veronica. And I can't believe you didn't tell me that there's one right across the street! You know, lots of people would find it disturbing to go to sleep at night with a cemetery basically in their front yard, especially a New Orleans cemetery."

Veronica shook her head in mock disgust as she grabbed a box from my back seat.

"Thank God there's a bar right next to it," I continued. "In case I need to drink myself to death from despair."

She smiled. "Well, if you do drink yourself to death, I wouldn't have to carry you very far for your burial."

I quickly made the customary scongiuri gesture that my nonna had taught me to do to ward off the threat of death, which Veronica had just so carelessly cast upon me. It looks like the University of Texas's hook 'em horns sign with the index and pinky fingers pointed up like horns, only you point the horns downward.

Veronica rolled her eyes. "Do you still do that silly scongiuri thing too? God, Franki, you make me so glad my nonna stayed in Sicily. You're so superstitious!"

"I do it just in case," I snapped. "I mean, you never know..."

Veronica walked up to my new front door, which was right next to hers, and pulled a key from the front right pocket of her AG jeans. "Glenda—our landlady—told me to let you in. She'll come downstairs to meet you in a few minutes."

With the box balanced on her left hip, Veronica unlocked my front door with her right hand. She gave the door a shove with her shoulder, and it swung open. She turned to me and bowed. "Welcome to your humble abode."

I excitedly entered the apartment with Napoleon at my heels. As I surveyed the living room, a number of adjectives came to mind, but humble was not one of them. The room could only be described as the home decor equivalent of Amsterdam's Red Light District. The walls were covered in fuzzy, blood-red wallpaper with shiny gold fleurs-de-lis, and hanging from the ceiling was a baroque red-and-black crystal chandelier. The couch was a rococo chaise lounge in velvet zebra print, and next to it was a lilac velour armchair with gold fringe that matched the drapery to perfection. On the opposite wall there was a mahogany wood fireplace with a hearth covered in white candles of various sizes and shapes. In front of the fireplace, a bearskin rug replete with a bear head covered the hardwood floors. The only thing that was missing was the red fluorescent light in the living room window announcing my availability for prospective clients.

I realized that my mouth was hanging open. "Wow. So…this Glenda…is she a prostitute?" I joked.

"Former stripper, actually," Veronica replied. "And she's really touchy about the difference, so don't use the word prostitute in front of her."

I gaped at my best friend. "You're serious?"

Veronica just blinked innocently, as if renting me an apartment from a former stripper across from a cemetery were perfectly normal. "You know, I was reading that the brothel look is really in right now. I believe it's called 'bordello chic.'" She began to pace back and forth as she tried to reconcile her unusually conflicted sense of fashion. "But now that I think about it, Lenny Kravitz redecorated his house here in New Orleans, and designers call his style 'bordello modern.'"

"Something tells me that Lenny didn't decorate this place. And I wouldn't exactly call this 'bordello modern.' It's more like 'bordello seventies.'"

"Well, at least you won't have to add any touches of color," Veronica said.

About the author:

Traci Andrighetti is the author of the Franki Amato mystery series. In her previous life, she was an award-winning literary translator and a Lecturer of Italian at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a PhD in Applied Linguistics. But then she got wise and ditched that academic stuff for a life of crime—writing, that is.

If she's not hard at work on her next novel, Traci is probably watching her favorite Italian soap opera, eating Tex Mex or sampling fruity cocktails, and maybe all at the same time. She lives in Austin with her husband, young son (who desperately wants to be in one of her books) and three treat-addicted dogs.



Connect with the author:
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Featured Author: Gillian Felix

I'm happy to have Gillian Felix here today to talk about her young adult/contemporary novel, Changes (Family Portrait V.1). The second book in the series, The Banovic Siblings will launch on December 3.    

About the book:

Adriana Banovic's 15th birthday sucked! She was fired after eight years of playing Shayanne Montgomery on the #1 soap in the country, found out that her family was on the verge of bankruptcy and worst of all, forced to return to Westwood Academy. Her only saving grace was a chance glance at dreamy mystery boy Haze Lyndon. Armed with only his picture and a determination to find him--even if it means turning Los Angeles over on its ass.
 
In this young adult novel you'll meet Robin Banovic, Adriana's father; financially challenged, dealing with the death of a family member and his brother's disappearance. You'll meet Savannah DaCosta aka Savi, mother/manager; Savi enjoys the life her rock star daughter Leighann has provided. When Leighann makes a choice to end her career, Savi sees it as a personal attack. You'll meet college boy Haze Lyndon; New to Los Angeles, Haze soon realizes how quickly money changes hands in the City of Angels. Will he return to questionable ways to survive or go back to the safety of his family in Wisconsin?

Interview with Gillian Felix

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

I’ve been writing since I could hold a pencil. It has always been a part of my life. I love it. I believe it really started in creative writing class back in primary school. I grew up in the West Indies and creativity is encouraged at an early age.

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

Family Portrait is the series title, it seemed fitting because the series is about family and their relationships. Under all the drama and mayhem at the end of the day it's about family. Changes (the first novel in the series) is the pilot episode of the television series which the book was originally. Changes introduces the characters and show how they are all connected through major changes in their lives.

What’s your favorite line from a book? 

“You’re too nice and I thought chivalry was massacred.” --Carys Wilson from Changes.
“What’s he gonna do? Go stomping down the hall, yelling who took my weed!” The Banovic Siblings.

How do you get to know your characters?

Before I start writing I build character profiles. I have a 5-subject spiral notebook that I use to break down the characteristics for each person-—from their favorite food to what they wear. It helps me set up conflict and make sure no two characters are exactly alike.

Which character did you most enjoy writing?

In Changes, I enjoyed writing “the stoners.” The stoners are the comic relief of any scene they are in. They are 3 college guys Chellon, Kai, and Jason. I call them the stoners because they are always stoned, they don’t have many lines by they tend to steal the scene.

In The Banovic Siblings, I love love love writing Savi. She is just so out there and her logic is so left field, that she scares me. She’s not a particularly nice person but people still like her. She makes no apologies for who she is or her behavior and that’s a hard thing to pull off, but she does it well.

Are you like any of your characters? How so?

I would have to say I am a little like Leighann. She kind of reminds me of me when I was about 10 or 12 years old. Despite her rock star persona she is very shy and timid, and carries around her worries in the pit of her stomach, (the only time I was a rock star was in my mind, but in other ways she is like how I was). 

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?

(I LOVE this question) That would be Savi. Savi would kill me in my sleep. I think she would put a pillow on my face and sit on it till I stopped breathing.

Ouch! I'd steer clear of her! If you could be one of your characters, which one would you choose?

I’d be Adriana. I love Adriana because she is a wild child, she is carefree, she is not afraid to go after what she wants.

With which of your characters would you most like to be stuck in a bookstore?


I would like to be stuck with Haze. Haze is interesting because he is a thinker, he is focused and a generally nice person.

Tell us about your favorite scene in the book.

When Haze finally shows up at Adriana’s door and she can’t believe he is real or there. Imagine your favorite celebrity showing up at your front door. How would you react? It would be a surreal feeling right? In that scene, that surreal feeling is played out in Adriana’s mind, like a scene from a romantic movie.

What song would you pick to go with your book?

There are a number of songs that would go with my book—-usually a song would go with a particular scene. There is a sound track I will be posting on the Facebook fan page soon-- there will be fan interaction.

Who are your favorite authors?

Gavin Weston and Jackie Collins.


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

I usually double read. Right now I am reading Come As You Are by Theresa Weir in e-book format. Success Principles by Jack Canfield in paperback.

I don’t claim to be an expert on writing, but there are some writing techniques (or mistakes) that stand out to me when I read (e.g. when an author switches POV mid-scene). What’s one pet peeve you have when you read?

Spelling errors make me CRAZY.


Do you have a routine for writing?

My routine if I am starting a new book is the story arc. That is the first thing I do. I have a white board that I do scene breakdowns on like you would see in the writer’s room of a television series. Then I make notes in my 5 subject note book, and then I hit the computer for the manuscript.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

I write week nights from 9p-12a. On Sundays, I write from like about 5p-11p or later, depending on how the ideas are flowing. I enjoy writing from home--anywhere in my apartment would do.

Where’s home for you?

Port of Spain Trinidad is home for me. I was born there and most of my relatives and childhood friends live there. I have adopted Albuquerque New Mexico as my 2nd home (where I live currently). When I’m away from Albuquerque I miss it and can’t wait to return.

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

Lucky by Jackie Collins.

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

Funny you would mention that. Earlier this year, I visited my home country for the first time in 15 years. I totally missed the food! The last thing I ate was Mario’s Pizza. OMG seriously the best pizza on the planet! It still tastes the same from when I was a kid.

Would you rather work in a library or a bookstore?

I think I’d rather work in a bookstore. I volunteer at a library, and it is too quiet.

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

Hike and then get a massage.

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

Elena Gilbert from The Vampire Diaries. Why? One word...Damon.

What would your dream office look like?

My dream office would have floor to ceiling windows, with a view of the mountains. It would have a draughtsman’s desk with a high stool (I love to stand and write), nice plush carpet, plenty of books on built-in shelves. My printer, laptop and a wall with my white board, radio with a remote. Positive quotes would adorn the wall, good storage for my research files and scripts and a nice comfy couch. The room would be light and airy painted in mild colors.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

I love the flexibility of being able to tell the story how I want to tell it. It’s a lot more work but you have more control. How successful you are depends on the amount of work you put in.  A traditional publisher is great, but I see now that a lot of big name authors are going indie/self published. They get to keep more of the profits, and have more creative control. I’m also an entrepreneur, so I enjoy the business part of it and forming connections with bloggers/writers like you.

Are you happy with your decision to self-publish?

I am very happy with that decision. About 3 years ago when I’d first written Changes (at the time it was called Family Portrait), I queried it to several publishers. It got mixed results but no takers. Some I never heard from again. It can be very disheartening sitting around and waiting. I don’t like to do that, so when the opportunity to self-publish came up, I did my research and just went for it. It was the best decision I’ve ever made for my career. I feel like I actually have some kind of control over my career.

What steps to publication did you personally do, and what did you hire someone to do?

I do all my formatting and marketing. I hired someone to proof read, story edit, and design the cover.

Is there anyone you’d recommend for a particular service?

For proof reading, I use Pauline Nolet, I cannot rave about her enough. She totally gets my style and the tone of my work. She is thorough, patient and very good at her work.  (http://www.paulinenolet.com/http://www.paulinenolet.com/)

For story editing and cover concept, I use Sherrian Felix, my sister. She worked as a Production Manager at Warner Brother’s television animation for years and is very good at breaking down my work and telling me what works and what doesn’t. http://www.plaintalkbm.com/about/

For cover design, I use Kendell Clarke https://www.facebook.com/KcDesigns101

For book trailer, I use Jovon Tucker at Book2Buzz Production http://book2buzzproductions.blogspot.com/

What’s one of your favorite quotes?

“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” -Toni Morrison.

What’s your favorite candy bar?

That would be Caramel by Tunnocks. It’s not big in the US, but you can get it at stores that sells British foods or at world markets.

What three books have you read recently and would recommend?

Harmattan by Gavin Weston. Harmattan is a story about an 11-year-old girl forced into marriage to a 60-year-old man. It is very heart wrenching.

Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson. LOVE him! It is his autobiography.

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jefferies. Great for if you need a little motivation.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Hike. I love to go out in nature, and I make it a point to do that every weekend.

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

Amsterdam! I love their culture. Or anywhere in Northern England.

What are you working on now?

I am in the process of publishing The Banovic Siblings (Family Portrait V.2) which will be available December 3, on Amazon. I have just finished the story arc for the 3rd book in the Family Portrait series. I am aiming for an April/May release.

And you'll be back to tell us more about them--right?! See you soon!

Book Trailer

Excerpt from Changes

Chapter 8: The Muse

Adriana strutted into the audition hall, pleased with herself that she snagged an audition for a national television commercial. No thanks to her useless agent, Stanley Jenkins. This was all her; she found the audition on a website, submitted her headshot, and called to follow up.

It called for a female spokesmodel between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two. Even though she had just turned fifteen, she was confident she could qualify. She was on the number one soap in the country for eight years.

The audition hall was like a cattle call. Girls of all ages and sizes turned up, but that did not faze her. She was prepared to give it a shot. Adriana signed in and waited.

Meanwhile, down the hall Haze Lyndon was gearing up for a teen magazine photo shoot. He was in between demographics. That in between age where he could be a teenage girl’s fantasy and at the same time women could easily lust after him and that would be okay, kind of like Justin Timberlake.

The obviously gay photographer was very smitten with Haze. Haze was sure of himself enough not to be freaked out. He even ‘worked it’ at times, sending the photographer into a frenzy of excitement.

“Where did you say you were from again?” Luca, the photographer, asked as his camera snapped away at Haze. Haze was quickly becoming his favorite subject. He marveled at his chiseled body and that face, those eyes, those high cheekbones. It was like God himself had sculpted Haze with his own hands. Haze was truly a work of art. To Luca, a precious work of art.

“Wisconsin,” Haze replied as he positioned himself to catch the floodlights. A trick he’d picked up from his photographer ex-girlfriend, who taught him how to use light to accent his natural features. At first he was camera-shy, but she quickly put him at ease. At first he only worked with her. Slowly she eased him out of that and encouraged him to spread his wings. She knew she couldn’t hold on to him. As much as she loved him, she knew he had something special that the world had to see.

“You have a good look; you'll go far. Your mixed race thing could put you at an advantage against the blond, blue-eyed California boys,” Luca said as he paused for his assistant to reload the camera.

Down the hall, Adriana waited for her turn to audition. The place still had lots of girls even though the process seemed to be going by quickly. She got up to stretch her legs and get some water at the water fountain down the hall.

She noticed a photo shoot taking place in the room adjacent to the water fountain. Curious, she headed toward the window and peered through the glass.

Everything was random, large floodlights illuminated a gray backdrop cloth. The room was divided into two parts by a portable screen room divider with an opening at either end. The dimly lit back room was closest to the room entrance; there was a table with a laptop and camera equipment, story boards, a notebook and other items.

Adriana spotted the photographer, a handsome-ish petite Italian talking to his butch assistant, dressed all in black. She was about to walk away when she spotted Haze. Her eyes fixated on him. He emerged wearing jeans and a graphic tee. Adriana was simply mesmerized by him. He was the handsomest man she had ever seen. She entered the room for a closer look. ‘Was he for real?’

The photographer instructed Haze on the next set-up. At first no one noticed Adriana as she stood in the shadows. She was unable to take her eyes off him. ‘Who is he?’ she wondered.

The photographer received his freshly reloaded camera from his assistant. Just then Adriana noticed a Polaroid of Haze on the floor; she picked it up and stared at it. Her fingers traced his smile. His brown eyes were lit up, and a naughty but sweet smile blanketed his face. Adriana felt her inside get soft and mushy; she felt a flash of heat and excitement. This was new territory for her. Whoever he was, she knew she would never forget him.

The butch assistant interrupted her thoughts with a disapproving tone. “What are you doing in here?!”

Adriana was startled.

“You're not supposed to be in here. This is a closed shoot! Get out!”

Adriana slipped the picture into her pocket, then left.

About the author:

Gillian Felix has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She enjoys creating characters that could be your next-door neighbor, but would you want them as your neighbor is another story.
Originally from the island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Felix moved to the United States in 1998. Since then she has been involved in the entertainment industry for over ten years. Her experience ranges from script supervisor to production manager on many independent features. She is trained in the Meisner and Stanislavski technique of acting, which she credits as an asset to her character development and writing.
Miss Felix is an entrepreneur and advocate for children's and women's rights.

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