FEATURED AUTHORS: ELIZABETH PERONA

ABOUT THE BOOK

When the septuagenarian women of the Summer Ridge Bridge Club gather in secret late one July night, their goal is to check #10 off Joy’s bucket list (#10 Go Skinny Dipping). But as Francine observes, the jittery members seem more obsessed with body issues and elaborate preparations than actually stripping down and getting in the pool. A pungent smell emanating from the pool shed leads them to open it and a dead body flops out, practically an answered prayer for Charlotte and her bucket list (#1 Solve a Murder Mystery). But before Charlotte and Francine can discover who really killed the dead man, they must negotiate neighborhood tours of the crime scene, press coverage of their skinny dipping, warnings from the Homeowner’s Association about keeping dead bodies, a disastrous appearance on Good Morning America, media offers sought by a hungry publicist, and a clever killer determined to frame the husband of one of their friends.

INTERVIEW WITH ELIZABETH PERONA
The father/daughter writing team of Tony Perona and Liz Dombrosky

Liz and Tony, where's home for both of you?
Liz: Home, for me, is in Warsaw, Indiana. We have a cute 100-year-old house (full of lots of projects) that I share with my husband, Tim, and our two kids.

Tony: Home, for me, is Plainfield, Indiana. My wife Debbie and I still live in the house we bought in 1982, the year after we were married. We’ve raised our two daughters here and built our life here. The house has seen an addition and a remodel, but we still live here and hope to continue to do so well into our retirement.

So from that answer, we now know that Liz grew up in Plainfield. Where did you grow up, Tony?
I grew up in Speedway, Indiana, about two blocks from the Indianapolis 500 track. Though I’m not a true racing fan, I do enjoy a lot of the fanfare and hoopla surrounding the 500. The first story about Francine and Charlotte, the two main characters of the Bucket List series, came about because I was asked to be part of an anthology in which all of the stories revolved around the race. The book was Racing Can Be Murder, and my story, “The Land Grab” takes place in a house across the street from the track. Charlotte and Francine find the body of Charlotte’s uncle in the house, and though the police think he died of natural causes, Charlotte believes he was murdered and proceeds to prove it. That became the genesis of this series, which I’m pleased to say Liz has become a part of.

What’s your favorite memory? 
Liz: My parents took us on family vacations most summers. These trips usually involved LOTS of time in the car, but we got to see many amazing landmarks all over the United States. My sister and I would complain and whine sometimes, but I’m really glad that we got to experience so many things. I hope that I can do that for my kids when they get older.


What do you love about where you live? 
Liz: I love the summer. Our town is full of lakes, parks, bike trails, and lots of things to do outside. Almost every weekend there is a festival to check out or a concert in the park to enjoy with friends.



What makes you happy? 
Liz: Spending time with my family. We moved about 3 hours away from where I grew up, and I look so forward to visiting them and having them come visit us.

Tony: I completely agree with Liz. This past Father’s Day both of my daughters and their families were able to come to our house and celebrate. It was truly a wonderful day!

What makes you scared? 
Liz: Still storms. I’ve been afraid of them since I was tiny. I remember sleeping on my parents’ floor because I was so scared, and I guess I thought it was safer in there than my room. Obviously I don’t do that anymore, but just this week we were under a tornado watch, and instead of sleeping (which is a hot commodity at our house with a newborn), I was trying to set up text alerts just incase anything rolled through during the night.

Elizabeth is a stay-at-home-mom (the hardest but most rewarding job in the world, if you ask me). Tony, do you have another job outside of writing?
Tony: I have had a variety of jobs outside of writing books. I was the Public Relations and Advertising Manager for a division of General Motors, a stay-at-home dad, and managed my own communications business, Tony Perona Writing. Currently I’m serving as the Interim Town Manager for the Town of Plainfield, Indiana. 

What brings you sheer delight? 
Liz: Watching my kids learn new things. Our littlest just started smiling this week, and I can’t get enough of it!

Those are precious times. What’s your favorite line from a book?  

Liz: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It’s not.” -Dr. Suess, The Lorax  (The elementary school teacher in me can’t resist Dr. Suess.)

Ditto! Are any of your characters inspired by real people? 
Tony: Francine is a lot like my mom, Frances. She died from cancer when Liz was only 4 years old. Writing in her voice is a real joy for me because I get to remember her again. She always saw the best in people, which is how Francine is able to cope with Charlotte’s wilder side. Charlotte is a lot like my Grandma Bonte, who was my mom’s mother. She was quite a character. She cheated at cards, for example. Playing euchre with her was hilarious. If she was partners with her sister, my great-Aunt Annie, there was a lot of table talk we couldn’t understand because they could both fluent in Slavish. They also had elaborate hand signals.

Do you have a routine for writing?
Tony: Because I work during the day — I serve in town government and have a lot of evening meetings as well — morning is the only reliable time I have for writing, so I get up between 5 and 5:15 most every morning to write. I also try to fit in time during the weekends to write.

As a new mother, I'm assuming Liz writes whenever and wherever she can! Tony, where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
Tony: If I didn’t have to work — and retirement is looking better and better - I love to write at Starbucks. Nothing works better for me than having a strong cup of coffee by my side and my Microsoft Surface in front of me and the bustle of busy people around me that forces me to block everything else out. I also enjoy writing at my local Panera Bread. Morning is always my best time to write. I feel like I’m at my best creatively.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to write?
Tony: This is going to sound odd to mystery readers, I think, but killing a character off is always tough. It’s less difficult if it’s a bad guy, but it’s never easy. I remember it took me two weeks to recover from killing off a character in my first novel, Second Advent, part of my Nick Bertetto mystery series. And I had tears in my eyes when I wrote a couple of chapters in Saintly Remains when Nick is dealing with the death of a pet.

You can be any fictional character for one day. Who would you be?
Liz: I’d be Hermione Granger. She’s such a strong female character, full of brains and wit. She’s a quick thinker, able to solve problems, and drops everything to help her friends. Not to mention, she’s a witch and gets to do all of the awesome stuff that comes along with that!

You’re published by Midnight Ink. How did you find them and how long did your query process take?
Tony: I want to mention this, because I want to give hope to writers who are trying to get published traditionally. When I was first trying to get published, I made a list of agents with another writer friend, and we developed a methodology for how we would send out five queries at a time and when we got three back we would send out another five. Although I would from time to time get a response from an agent asking for sample chapters, it took a year and a half before I got an agent to represent me, and I was down to #36 on my list. It took another year and a half before that agent placed the book with Five Star Publishing. The agent and I parted ways before I started this new series, and despite having been published before, it took three years of querying publishers and agents before Murder on the Bucket List landed at Midnight Ink. That happened without an agent, although a good friend provided the introduction to the editor at Midnight Ink.

And the all-important question: What are you working on now?
Tony: Liz and I are working on book #3 in the Bucket List series. We just finished up book #2 and sent it in to the publisher.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Elizabeth Perona is the father/daughter writing team of Tony Perona and Liz Dombrosky. Tony is the author of the Nick Bertetto mystery series, the standalone thriller The Final Mayan Prophecy (with Paul Skorich), and co-editor and contributor to the anthologies Racing Can Be Murder and Hoosier Hoops & Hijinks. Tony is a member of Mystery Writers of America and has served the organization as a member of the Board of Directors and as Treasurer. He is also a member of Sisters-in-Crime.

Liz Dombrosky graduated from Ball State University in the Honors College with a degree in teaching. She is currently a stay-at-home mom. Murder on the Bucket List is her first novel.

Connect with the authors:
Website |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  

FEATURED AUTHOR: KATHI DALEY

ABOUT THE BOOK

A cozy mystery series set on Madrona Island, a fictional island within the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State. As a fourth generation islander, Caitlin Hart is struggling to make her way as the economy and culture of the island evolves toward a tourism based industry. Cait lives in a cabin on her aunt's oceanfront estate where she helps her aunt run Harthaven Cat Sanctuary. When she isn't working with the cats, she helps best friend Tara, operate the coffee bar/bookstore/cat lounge they own, named Coffee Cat Books. In the fourth installment in the series, the body of a long time island local is found buried in her own grave. Cait and the gang set out to investigate the strange occurrence and along the way they uncover the truth about the mysterious man who arrived on the ferry every week and is followed everywhere he goes by a black and white cat.

INTERVIEW WITH KATHI DALEY

Kathi, what’s the story behind the title Much Ado About Felines?
All of the books in this series are created by taking the title of a classic and reworking it to demonstrate a cat theme. The gang that hangs out at Kathi Daley Books Group page (Facebook) is often asked for their input on things such as book titles, covers, character names, etc. This title was a result of a brainstorming session by this very active group of fans.

Tell us about your series. Is this book a standalone, or do readers need to read the series in order?
This book is part of a series and is probably best enjoyed when read as part of the series, but the mystery is a standalone so can be read independently. The series is set on Madrona Island, a fictional island within the San Juan Islands off the Washington Coast. The setup for the series is one of change and transition. Madrona Island was originally inhabited by Irish Catholic fishing families and the culture of the island was based on both fishing and traditional Irish Catholic values. We find that in recent years the fishing regulations have changed to the point where the cannery closed and many of the original fishing families have moved away. This decline in the old way of life coincided with the arrival of ferry service to the island bringing a new industry, tourism. There is a natural conflict on the island as the families who want to protect the old way of life clash with those who are bent on progress and economic renewal. Caitlin Hart, a middle daughter of five children from one of the founding families, is the protagonist in the series. In addition to solving murders (this is after all a cozy mystery) we follow her as she tries to walk the fine line between her old life and the new life she hopes to build. The main themes of the series are personal growth in the midst of environmental change, romance as she falls in love, and close friendships that have stood the test of time. I really love writing this series. There is something very interesting about a group of people who live in such a close and isolated environment.

Where’s home for you?
Lake Tahoe. I moved here as a teenager and LOVE living here. I would not want to live anywhere else in the world. It is a beautiful location with a crystal clear lake, world class skiing, abundant wildlife, and enough outdoor activities to keep even die hard sporting enthusiasts happy.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned?
As far as what I’ve learned in life, it is to be kind. You never know what someone else might be going through, so if you have the opportunity to choose kindness in any situation, do so.


What makes you bored?
Waiting. I hate waiting for anything. I am not a patient person although I do try. 


What makes you happy?
A lot of things. I am a happy person. I love my family, nature, holidays, animals in general, my crazy dogs, sunsets, sunrises, rain, sunshine, being outdoors in nature, hot coffee on a cold day, sentimental movies, new flip-flops in crazy colors, finding the perfect pair of faded shorts at the bottom of my closet.

What makes you excited?
Having a really good idea for a new plot. I think I publish so often because I have a lot of ideas I want to explore.

How did you meet your spouse?
My husband Ken and I are high school sweethearts. We married right out of high school and have two grown sons in their mid-thirties. We also have six grandchildren. I’m not sure if it was love at first sight, but it was definitely like at first sight. We became friends first and then began dating. We have been together for over 40 years, and we are still very much best friends who enjoy spending time with each other.

If you could only save one thing from your house, what would it be?
The photo albums would come first and books that I love to read and reread that are out of print (mostly old Harlequin Romances).

Are you like any of your characters?
I am a little bit like all of my protagonists but not completely like any of them. I tend to write athletic females who love animals and nature and are just a tad quirky. I think my characters are a bit gutsier than I am and the level of energy they possess more closely resembles my younger self, but I can definitely see parts of me in all of them.

Do you have a routine for writing? Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
I live in a state of chaos most of the time. I have animals and people in my life and my house is crowded. While I’d love to have a really awesome office, I do my writing at the kitchen counter due to the fact that is the only space left available. (Two of my grandchildren live with me.) I treat writing like a job, and I write every day when I am working on a book. I put in the seat time required to complete the number of words I have set as a goal for any given week.

What would your dream office look like?
I would love someday to build a third story on my house. I live on a meadow with a breathtaking view of the summit, so I can envision a wall of windows facing south so I can watch the storms roll in. I’d have to have a fireplace (gas) and a comfy sofa for my kitty assistant to curl up on. My dogs like to lie under my feet while I work, so I think a soft carpet would be in order as well. I’d also like to have the wall to the north that does not feature windows, to be equipped with floor to ceiling bookshelves. Oh, and I’d need to have a coffee station and mini fridge so I wouldn’t have to run up and down the stairs every time I needed a refill.

Sounds good to me! Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish because I am impatient. It really is as simple as that. The amount of time it takes to get a book from completion to publication via the traditional route is absurd. I publish a book a month (or more) and I do it on my terms. I also like the fact that I own my work. I decide on the cover, and I control the length, content, and title. I guess I’m a bit of a control freak as well.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on Halloween In Paradise – A Paradise Lake Cozy Mystery with a Halloween theme. After I get that off to the editor, I plan to start Ghostly Graveyard, a Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery with a Halloween theme.

OTHER BOOKS BY KATHI:

Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery:
Halloween Hijinks
The Trouble With Turkeys
Christmas Crazy
Cupid’s Curse
Big Bunny Bump-off
Beach Blanket Barbie
Maui Madness
Derby Divas
Haunted Hamlet
Turkeys, Tuxes, and Tabbies
Christmas Cozy
Alaskan Alliance
Matrimony Meltdown
Soul Surrender
Heavenly Honeymoon
Hopscotch Homicide – August 2015
Ghostly Graveyard – October 2015
Santa Sleuth – December 2015
Ashton Falls Cozy Cookbook

Paradise Lake Cozy Mystery:
Pumpkins in Paradise
Snowmen in Paradise
Bikinis in Paradise
Christmas in Paradise
Puppies in Paradise
Halloween in Paradise – September 2015

Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery:
Romeow and Juliet
The Mad Catter –
Grimm’s Furry Tail
Much Ado About Felines
The Legend of Tabby Hollow – September 2015
The Cat of Christmas Past – November 2015

Seacliff High Mystery:
The Secret
The Curse
The Relic
The Conspiracy – October 2015
Road to Christmas Romance:
Road to Christmas Past

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathi Daley lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and Bernese mountain dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn’t writing, she likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese), and garden (planting and planning, not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she’s not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home.

Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.

Kathi has been a top 100 mystery writer for Amazon for over a year and she won the 2014 award for both Best Cozy Mystery Author and Best Cozy Mystery Series.

She currently writes four series: Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery, Whales and Tails Mystery, Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mysteries, and Seacliff High Teen Mystery.


Connect with Kathi:
Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Facebook teen  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Tumblr  |  Pinterest  |  Amazon

The Whales and Tales Mystery Series:

FEATURED AUTHOR: DONNA MCDONALD

Contemporary Romance / Romantic Comedy

Date Published: 5/17/2012

They say life gets more interesting after 40. Chloe sure hopes so.

Freshly divorced at 40, Chloe has few illusions left about her ability to make any of her dreams come true. She is never going to be thin, never going to be a famous singer, and obviously never going to be sexy enough to keep a man like her handsome ex-football player husband from cheating. Thank heavens she at least has great friends.

Celebrating her return to Cali with a long weekend at the 5-star Blue Skies Hotel and Spa with them seems like just the thing she needs to jump start her “do over” post-divorce life. How much Chloe ends up liking sexy owner, 45-year-old Jasper Wade, is a surprise though. So is the way Jasper's unrestrained kisses send lust and renewed hope singing through her.

EXCERPT FROM NEXT SONG I SING

Chloe had laughed so much in the last hour that her face hurt. And several mai tais had put a humorous haze over pretty much everything.

“Emma, those quizzes are all going to say that I can’t get a guy because I have some sense of decorum about not groping a guy’s crotch in public. Do women in their twenties actually follow that advice?” Chloe demanded.

“Yes,” Emma said firmly. “And I think they have a lot of sex.”

“But do they ever find a genuine love-that-lasts kind of relationship?” Taylor asked, trying to sound wise.

Emma scrunched up her face. “Well, two of them found mine and Chloe’s husbands, so I think the answer is yes in some cases. Of course, this is assuming they actually love our ex-husbands and vice versa.”

Chloe snorted. “Well, I say good luck to them for trying. My ex’s new woman better stay skinny for the rest of her life.”

They laughed again and took another sip of their drinks.

“Okay—okay,” Emma said more soberly, “one more question and I’ll quit.”  She paused until she knew Chloe and Taylor were paying close attention.

“You and your best friend are having lunch. She tells you there’s a hot guy checking out your breasts,” Emma said seriously. “What do you say in reply? Taylor—you go first.”

Taylor laughed, the drinks having worked their magic on her by loosening her tongue. “Well, I would dip into the sarcasm I hold back just for these special situations. I would say ‘Sure, him and every other guy’ in my best, most confident voice. Then I’d do this.”

Lifting her small breasts in her hands like an offering to the gods, Taylor pursed her lips in a smooch, and leaned over the table to her friends. They laughed so hard and so loudly that all the people in the pool starting leaving.

“Just like the old days,” Taylor said. “We’re clearing the area.”

“Okay Chloe—what would you say?” Emma said, swinging an innocent gaze in her direction.

“If the man is checking out my breasts, it’s because he’s not used to seeing so much untanned flesh in the state of California,” Chloe declared, laughing and holding the edges of her lapels open as wide as she could to peer into her dress. “Look—the girls and I haven’t seen sunlight in five years. It will take me months to tan all this.”

They all looked at Chloe’s large and very white breasts, giggling without denying her statement. It was the truth after all.

“Maybe you can start with one of those self-tanners or a bronzer. You have to work your way up to a real tan again,” Emma said with a laugh.

“Emma—that question didn’t sound like the other quiz questions,” Taylor commented, looking at her not-so-innocent friend who was giggling softly and looking guilty.

“Okay—fine. It wasn’t a real question on the quiz. There’s a good-looking guy in the dining room who has been admiring Chloe’s cleavage since we sat down to have lunch,” Emma said, laughing. “I think she should practice her subtlety theory on him.”

“Well I’m certainly in the mood to practice after three mai tais. Show him to me,” Chloe demanded on a tipsy laugh.

Emma’s eyes grew larger as she giggled and whispered. “Okay I will, but just don’t turn around. He’s headed to our table. Just smile at Taylor and pretend to be fascinating.”

Chloe’s eyes widened as she heard the deep voice at her side.

“Good day, ladies. I’m Jasper Wade, hotel manager. I hope you’re enjoying your stay. If you need anything while you’re here, please let me know,” he said gallantly, his gaze taking in all of them before coming back to Chloe and her breasts.

Chloe, full of mai tai and happy laughter, turned her head and smiled into his very nice face, sighing with ego happiness as she watched Jasper Wade’s gaze straining to stay away from her cleavage. The day was certainly turning out to be a very nice way to celebrate her return to California.

“Well, aren’t you sweet, Mr. Wade? I was just going to look for the ladies room,” she said, laughing. “Can you point me in the right direction?”

“It’s in the hallway just outside the dining area. If you like, I’d be happy to show you,” Jasper said, his heart beating rapidly as she rose slowly to her full height.

Jasper couldn’t remember the last time he had been so excited by a woman he didn’t even know. She was tall, smiling, and quite an alluring woman altogether. It was all he could do not to reach out and put his hands on her to assure himself she was real.

Chloe purposely stayed bent over the table until the last minute, and then straightened slowly, her breasts following her slow moments. “Sorry. I seem to be a bit tipsy. Too many mai tais.”

“Lovely way to enjoy a sunny afternoon by the pool,” Jasper said with a smile, placing a solicitous hand on her arm, or at least he hoped it was coming off that way.

Chloe took two steps and stumbled slightly, forcing Jasper to catch her, which momentarily squashed her ample cleavage against the front of him. “Oops—sorry.”

She watched his eyes darken and had to restrain the giggle fighting to be set loose. Behind her, Chloe could hear Emma and Taylor’s in-drawn breaths at her boldness.

Turning innocently to look at them, she had to fight laughter at their obvious surprise. She didn’t need a damn quiz to tell her how to interest a man. She just needed the good-looking motivation currently with his hands on her. It was the most wickedly confident thought she’d had in years, and it brought an equally wicked smile to her face.

“I’m fine girls, but I guess I need to walk off a little of the buzz. Don’t worry. Mr. Wade seems quite dependable. I’m sure he won’t let me fall,” Chloe said, winking at their wide-eyed expressions.

Chloe turned back slowly, brushing her breast lightly across his sleeve as she put her arm through Jasper Wade’s. He inhaled sharply at the contact, but Chloe pretended not to notice or hear, though of course she had. It was all she could do to bite back a sigh of happiness. “Sorry again. Can’t believe I’m so tipsy. Thank you for helping me, Mr. Wade. You really do have a nice hotel.”

“Really?” Jasper asked, his voice breaking on the word so he cleared it. “Sorry. I mean—thank you.”

About the Author

Donna McDonald is an active dreamer and finds writing to be the best way to use her creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of her brain, she is a cross-genre author of contemporary, fantasy, and paranormal romances. Her books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. She craves laughter from her readers and focuses her attention on making that happen as often as possible. She loves to hear from anyone who has read her books.

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Guest Post by Julie Sarff

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lily Bilbury needs to find the remnants of the French Blue and find them fast. It’s been three long years since her Italian husband cheated on her, and she is facing financial ruin. In desperation, she teams up with fellow housemaid, Francesca – an irascible Italian fashionista and self-proclaimed psychic. Together they search Villa Buschi for some of the most famous gems in the world, the diamonds that were cut away from the French Blue to make the infamous Hope. 

But when Lily can’t find the diamonds, and nothing seems to go her way, she briefly contemplates running around ranting drivel and frightening the whole reserved population of Arona, Italy. 

Follow Lily and several rambunctious rescue kittens on her quest for precious antiquities; a journey which may lead to something far better than long lost gems. 



GUEST POST BY JULIE SARFF

Writing the Sweet Delicious Madness mystery series all started after reading a book about the lost and stolen treasures of the antiquity world. These true stories seemed more fabulous than anything a fiction writer could invent. Fights over antiquities between upstanding museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the government of Turkey put a spotlight on the murky underworld of smuggled artifacts and the desire by some in the antiquities world to obtain the treasures at any cost.

As a reader, I have always preferred the stories of the hapless heroine that works her ways into our hearts by being the everyday sort. This kind of heroine isn’t pulled together or polished, but rather struggles to pay her bills, take her kids to school on time. This kind of heroine never has a good hair day. Enter Lily Bilbury, one extraordinary mess who takes a job as a maid in a villa on the romantic shores of Lago Maggiore. It is here that she enters into the world of dusting around Imperial Faberge Eggs while being unable to make her rent payment at home. When a fellow maid, Francesca, claims to be a psychic channeling Carlo Buschi, former owner of the villa, Lily doesn’t pay much attention – after all she has a lot on her mind. She’s trying to obtain a divorce from a cheating husband, she has children to look after, and she is several thousand miles for her closest relatives.

The stakes soon rise for Lily when her big-hearted girlfriend also falls on hard times. After learning that Carlo Buschi was an avid collector of smuggled antiquities, Lily teams up with Francesca to search for the remnants of the French Blue, the diamond that was last seen intact before the French Revolution. The same diamond that was later cut into the Hope.

The search for the diamonds that were cut away from the Hope is the first in a series of mysteries based on stolen and lost antiquities that will lead a very unlikely heroine into the dark world of antique smuggling. Along the way she will fall hard for the new owner of the villa, Hollywood heartthrob Brandon Logan. One part romantic comedy, one part cozy mystery, the first book in the Sweet Delicious Madness series was released March 21st.

*This guest post originally appeared on Dianne Harman's blog.

FROM THE AUTHOR

I am a happily married mother of two. Raised in Colorado, I was lucky enough to spend a couple of years of my life in Northern Italy. I graduated with an M.S. in math and economics from The Colorado School of Mines, and then promptly went to work on the Titan program for Lockheed Martin Astronautics.



I have to say, I worked on the more boring bits of rocketry, but the fun thing was we all got to wear shirts that said, "Actually, it is Rocket Science." Around the same time, I began working as a part-time professor of Economics and Statistics. Some people find these subjects a little dry, but I made my classes super scintillating by dressing up on occasion as Professor Trelawney form Harry Potter and trying to forecast the future. 

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be the next Carolyn Keene. When I was in third grade, I used to sit on the porch and read Nancy Drew in the morning, and then write my own mysteries in the afternoon. My characters in Sweet Delicious Madness are completely fictitious, but draw on people I met when I lived in Italy. For my first series I wanted to write a Cinderella story, I wanted to ask, what if a perfectly ordinary woman, flawed in many ways, messed up her life the first go around, but got a second chance to meet and fell in love with her own version of Austin's Mr. Darcy. And what if, along the way, she met and learned from other characters who surrounded her; characters that had quirks of their own - a women with a passion for animal rescue, an Italian housemaid who talks to the dead, and a curator of a museum who intimately knows the history of the stolen antiquities market. All of these items synthetized into the making of The Sweet Delicious Madness Series.



In 2015, I am busy tying up loose ends in the fifth book in the series, tentatively titled The Knotty Bride. I am also asking myself a new question: what if Arthur Pendragon had a daughter? I look forward to releasing my newest series, Magda Pendragon: Heir to Arthur in the coming months. Oh, and for the record, I was lucky enough to meet and marry my own version of Mr. Darcy on the first go round. We live our lives in the Colorado sunshine, with an ever-changing collection of adopted dogs and cats.


Connect with Julie:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter 

Featured: Crazy Lady Authors

Happy 4th of July!

I'm celebrating the 4th of July with an excerpt from Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction. Small towns are known for their festivals and celebrations, and GPJ is no exception. So grab a glass of sweet tea and sit down a spell for a visit to Goose Pimple Junction and the town's 4th of July celebration. And don't miss the special on Heroes & Hooligans in Goose Pimple Junction. Buy it now through July 6 for just $0.99.

EXCERPT FROM MURDER & MAYHEM IN GOOSE PIMPLE JUNCTION

CHAPTER 14

Tess and Jack walked the few blocks to the town’s Fourth of July celebration, commenting on all the homes’ patriotic decorations. 

“The town sure is decked out,” Jack commented.

Flags hung on utility poles and street lamps that dotted the street, and every home leading in or out of town had a big American flag posted either on the house or lawn.

“I’ve never seen so many decorations in all my life.” Tess looked first one way and then the other, trying to take it all in.

“The women’s club sponsors a contest, and people really get into it, decorating houses in any way imaginable, ranging from tasteful to downright tacky.”

To prove his point, they passed a house where window boxes with red, white, and blue flowers spilled out over the sides and mini American flags sprouted among the foliage. Several houses had red, white, and blue bunting hanging from covered porches. Small flags lined the sidewalks leading up to some of the houses. Streamers decorated trees in one yard; in another, mini versions of the stars and stripes were attached to tree limbs, making them look like leaves. Tess was so engrossed in a lawn’s solid sea of mini Old Glories, she wasn’t watching where she was going and almost tripped over a dog. Jack caught her arm, and she silently dared him to comment.

“Do the businesses have a contest, too?” she asked, looking around the town square.
“Oh, yeah, each one has to outdo the other.”

Every business was in full regalia, with streamers, bunting, flags, or balloons decorating their storefronts. Some had red, white, and blue lights surrounding the doors. Almost all had a sign in their window wishing America a happy birthday.

Tess smelled the mingling scents of hot grease, barbecue, and popcorn, and saw five men dressed as Abe Lincoln and two as George Washington. Jack pointed out two people dressed as the Statue of Liberty wandering around. Crazy, creative homemade patriotic hats and glasses were on more heads than not. How someone could wear glasses with little flashing light bulbs, and walk straight, Tess couldn’t understand. She had never seen so much red, white, and blue in such a condensed space. No one dared wear any other color that day. Even Pickle sported a red T-shirt, this one with the words, “Lock Up Your Daughters!”

Jack saw Pickle’s shirt. “I’m not even going to touch that one.”

After waving to all of the parade participants, Tess and Jack meandered through the various booths, sampling barbecue, hot dogs, potato salad, and fried apple pies.

“Tess, I’m full as a tick on a fat dog,” Jack said. “Let’s go find a seat. I think the winner of the Miss Goose Pimple Junction Contest is about to be announced.”

Tess was too full to walk another step when they took seats next to Lou, who was dressed in red, white, and blue, and wore a headband with glittery red and blue stars on springs that looked like antennae.

“Well hi, y’all!” Lou said, reaching out to pat each of them. “Hireyew?”

“Lou, if I was any happier I’d be twins,” Jack said.

“Well, set yourselves down and get ready to feast your eyes, Jack,” Lou said with a wink. Looking at Tess she added, “And you?”

“I’m too pooped to pop,” Tess complained, adding, “How are you?”

“Aw, honey, I couldn’t be better. It’s the nation’s birthday, my family is here, and I’m having a good face day.”

“Yes, you are, Lou,” Tess laughed, “yes, you are!”

“What are you talking about, woman? You always have a good face day!” Jack said.

Lou took a break in the joking to lean toward Tess’s ear, whispering seriously, “You know what you’re doing, right?” Tess gave her a questioning look and Lou’s eyes went to Jack.
Their conversation was interrupted when a thirty-something brunette and a young girl, who looked to be about ten years old, sat down on the other side of Lou. The woman had brown hair and eyes that were so brown they were almost black. She had a pretty face, but her body was shaped a little bit like a pear. The little girl looked just like her mother, minus the pear shape.

“Aw, here are my babies now. Tessie, meet my new roommates. This is Martha Maye, my daughter, and this here is Buttabean, my granddaughter,” Lou proudly said. “Girls, this is Tess and Jack.”

Martha Maye leaned over her mother to shake hands and said, “Don’t worry, I didn’t actually name my child ‘Butterbean.’ That’s just our special name for her. Feel free to call her Carrie.” She smoothed Butterbean’s hair back. “I’m happy to meet you both. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“I’m glad to meet you, too, Martha Maye . . . and . . . ” Tess hesitated, while Lou looked expectantly at her, until Tess finished, “. . . Butterbean.” Lou punctuated her approval with a head nod and flashed a satisfied smile.

“May I ask why you call your beautiful granddaughter Butterbean?” asked Jack.

Lou and her daughter looked at each other, exchanging a meaningful glance. Finally, Martha said, “It’s a special name because it’s what Mama was called as a child.”

“And this little Buttabean is a special child.” Lou’s eyes suddenly glistened with tears.
“Even though any grandmother would say that, I have to agree with her.” Martha Maye combed her fingers through the little girl’s long brown hair.

“Lou, are you gonna do your usual commentary on the contest?” Jack asked, changing the subject.

“Well, honey, I don’t know if I should. Tessie here’ll think poorly of me if I go shooting my mouth off as usual.”

Tess looked to Jack for an explanation.

“See, Miss Goose Pimple Junction is not chosen on talent, looks, or brains, but more or less on popularity,” Jack explained. “Of course, whichever contestant’s father glad-handed the most voters might have something to do with the outcome, too.”

“What do you mean?” Tess asked.

“The contest is a parliamentarian’s nightmare. You saw the voting over at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store all last week, right?” Tess nodded. “Well, did you know anyone could vote each and every time they visited the store, if they wanted?”

Tess shook her head.

“It’s true,” Jack continued. “And the best seat in the house for the announcing of the new Miss Goose Pimple Junction is sitting next to Lou. She won’t sugarcoat anything, she’ll give you a commentary on each contestant, and she’ll entertain you while she’s at it.”

“In that case, Lou, please don’t censure yourself on my account.”

“All right, if you’re sure . . . ” Lou looked like she might need some more prodding, but the music started, and the mayor appeared on the makeshift stage.

“Afternoon, everyone. And Happy Birthday, America!” The crowd applauded. “Let’s warmly welcome the lovely ladies, our fine contestants for Miss Goose Pimple Junction.” Buck swung his arm out toward the women, who were walking onstage to applause and whistles.
“These beautiful young women don’t need an introduction, but it’s protocol, so I’m duty-bound to do it,” he continued. “Our first contestant is Araminta Lee.”

Araminta stepped forward, twirled around, in model fashion, and stepped back.

Lou put her hand up to the side of her mouth and whispered to Tess, “She looks like she made an ugly pie and ate every slice.” Jack leaned in, and Tess whispered Lou’s line to him.

“Cornelia Crump,” the mayor said into the microphone. Cornelia proceeded to step up and twirl.

“Land sakes, she can’t help that she’s ugly, but she could’ve stayed home,” Lou whispered.

“Julia Cole,” was the next contestant called. She stumbled a bit as she stepped forward.

“Bless her heart,” Lou said, “she’s so tall if she falls down she’ll be halfway home.”

By now, Jack was leaning over Tess’s lap so he could hear Lou’s commentary straight from her, since Tess had her hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh out loud.

“Nellie Baker.”

“Mmm mmm, look at her.” Lou shook her head. “She’s so buck-toothed she could eat an apple through a picket fence.”

“And last but not least, Frona Walker.”

“Aw, it’s not right to say what I think of poor Frona.”

“Lou, you can’t stop now. This is the last one,” Tess begged.

Lou took a deep breath, put her hand up to partially cover her mouth, and whispered, “She’s so ugly they had to tie a pork chop around her neck to get the dog to play with her.”

“And the winner is . . . Julia Cole.”

Lou leaned over Tess’s lap and whispered, “I know Julia’s mama is so happy. She was so ugly when she was born, her mama used to borrow a baby to take to church on Sunday.”

“Lou, you outdid yourself this year. Excellent work.” Jack patted her on the back, as the audience dispersed.

“I don’t understand,” Tess said, confused. “Why aren’t these women more . . . beauty queen-like?”

“Well, now see, there’s your problem. You’re thinking Miss Goose Pimple Junction’s a beauty contest. No, honey. This contest isn’t about how you look, it’s about who you know. Social prestige and power. That’s why I don’t mind making fun of the girls. There’s not a one was in it on account of their beauty or brains or talent, like a contest should be. It’s all political now. It’s just a crock of . . .  ”

“Mama!” Martha Maye interrupted. “Little pitchers have big ears.” She hitched her head toward Butterbean.

“Oh yeah, sorry, honey. Anyway, it’s all in good fun. Well,” she said, looking past Martha Maye. “Hidee, Henry Clay. I figured you’d be around.”

Henry Clay Price had quietly walked up to the group and was standing right behind Martha Maye. He had a wide smile on his face and a campaign button on his shirt that said, “Henry Clay Price for Governor.” Martha Maye turned, saw him, and promptly wrapped him in a friendly hug.
 
“Henry Clay. How long’s it been? It’s so great to see you.”

Henry Clay’s face turned bright red, but he looked extremely pleased to see Martha Maye, too. “What are you doing here, Martha?”

Lou jumped in and said, “It’s nice to see you, Henry, but we were just headed up to the watermelon seed spitting contest. Martha Maye, you and Buttabean are coming, too, ain’tcha?”

“Mama, y’all take Butterbean and gwon ahead, I’ll catch up directly. I wanna talk to Henry Clay a minute.”

Tess looked at Jack. He leaned into her ear and said, “She said go on ahead, and she’ll catch up directly.” He enunciated the words.

Tess nodded.

They all strolled off, leaving Martha Maye and Henry Clay behind. As they walked, Lou brought Tess and Jack up to date on her daughter and the candidate for governor.

“Martha Maye and Henry Clay — isn’t that cute how that rhymes?” She shook her head. “Anyway, they grew up together. He’s been sweet on her long’s I can recollect. They even dated, against my better judgment, the summer she was home before her last year in college. But it was right about then that she met Lenny, and he swept her off her feet and away from Henry Clay.” Her face grew hard. “That Lenny could charm the dew off of honeysuckle, let me tell you.”

“Did Henry Clay ever marry?” Tess asked.

“Oh, yeah. But his wife ran off with the mailman. Or something like that. I think it broke his heart when Martha Maye got married, and he married on the rebound. You wanna hear a funny story about your mama?” She looked down at Butterbean, who nodded her head. “When they were in junior high school, Henry Clay came up to her one day, out on our driveway. He handed her a note that said, “Will you be my girlfriend?” Well, she didn’t know what to do, so she said, ‘Wait a minute, I gotta go ask my mama.’ And in the house she ran. She asked me what she should do. I told her to tell him she already had a boyfriend. So she went running back out and told poor old Henry Clay, ‘My mama said I’m already seeing somebody and I can’t see two boys at once.’”

Everyone laughed at Lou’s story, and Tess said, “He seems like a nice enough fellow.”
“Henry Clay’s a banker, aspiring to be the governor. He’s made a good living for himself. He just worries me a little about getting on with Mart. He’s a nice boy, but he don’t have the sense God gave a chigger. He’s got too much book-smarts, and not enough common sense. And he’s a typical politician.” She stopped and looked at her granddaughter. “Buttabean, you wont a sno-cone? Hare,” she gave the girl some money, “go gitcherself one. It’s hotter ‘n a fritter out here.”

Just as Butterbean skipped away, Buck headed for their group and Lou scowled. “Now that’n’s one who could give Lenny a run for his money. Beauty’s only skin deep, but ugly goes all the way to the bone.” She sounded meaner than Tess thought was possible out of Lou. “I don’t have much use for either of them.”

“And a marvelous fourth of Joo-lye to y’all,” a jovial Buck said.

Then, just as soon as the cloud had come on her face, she brightened again, as Butterbean rejoined them, already sporting blue lips from the blueberry sno-cone she was sipping. “Let’s stop by and take a look-see at the baking contest. They shouldoughtta have the winners by now.”

“I noticed you took my suggestion and entered a pie, Miss Tess,” Buck smiled down at her, and Jack moved closer to her.

“Good idea, Louetta. Buck, if you’ll excuse us.”

They went to look at the myriad display of baked goods. Lou didn’t know that Tess had entered her apple pie. When she saw Tess’s name next to the blue ribbon, she exclaimed, “Well, butter my butt, and call me a biscuit!”

“I won?” Tess was shocked. A big smile came over her face, reality sinking in. “I won!”
“And look here, Granny, your peanut butter cookies won, too!” Butterbean said, with a blue mouth.

“And your fudge,” Jack said, moving down the line, “and your coconut cake, Lou. You two gals cleaned up!”

After reveling in their victories, they watched Clive and Earl battle it out in the watermelon seed spitting contest, with Earl being the victor. The next event was one for fathers and daughters.

“What do you say, Butterbean? Want to sneak in with me?” Jack asked.

They watched as some of the fathers in town, and Jack as a substitute father, donned goggles and had their faces lathered with shaving cream. The children were given squirt guns, and at the count of three, the race was on to see who would be the first to squirt their daddy’s face clean. Jack and Butterbean didn’t win, but they had a ball.

Just as Jack predicted, as they made their way through the crowd that day all of the ladies fawned over him, young and old. Tess was introduced over and over again, to some women who were clearly jealous, and others who were glad to see him “with such a nice girl.”

At dusk, Jack grabbed Tess’s hand and led her away from the heart of town and the crowd of people to a grassy hill where they’d be able to watch the fireworks alone. Tess protested, but Jack was persistent. She wasn’t sure the other night had been a good idea. Maybe she’d let her guard down because of the martini, but she pledged anew to keep her distance from Jack. There was still that matter of him cheating on his wife.

As Jack settled onto the cool grass at the very top of the hill, Tess towered over him. “Jackson Wright! What are you doing?”

Lying down, he put his hands behind his head and scowled up at her.

“I do believe you could start an argument in an empty house, Mary Tess.”

“Jack, what are we doing up here? People will think we’re being anti-social.”

“You wanted to spend time alone with me,” he said, now looking up at the sky with a serene look on his face.

“What?” she screeched.

“Well, that’s what you said . . . ”

“I said no such thing and you know it!”

“Oh. Maybe it was me who wanted to spend time alone with you, then,” he grinned, reaching out to pat the grass beside him. “Come on in, pretty lady. The water’s fine.”

“Jackson, I can’t believe — ”

“Shh, shh . . .  now just simmer down. Stop arguing and sit down and relax.” He looked up at her. “Please?”

Nothing was said as she sat down next to him, bringing her legs up to her chest and wrapping her arms around her knees.

“How’s the book coming?” he asked, scooting toward her.

“I haven’t had much time to work on it lately. Between the bookstore and researching Lou’s family . . . ”

“Hey! I meant to ask. Did you look any further online? Did you find anything?”

“Yes and no.”

“Yes and no?”

“Yes, I looked, and no, I didn’t find anything,” she explained.

“Damn.”

“Yeah.”

“So what’s our next move?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t figured that out yet.”

“Do you still think we shouldn’t approach Lou about it?”

“Yes, I have a hunch it’s still too painful for her even all these years later.”

“Hmmm. Maybe we could discreetly talk to Martha Maye. She might know something.”

“That’s a good idea.” Tess was genuinely enthused at the idea.

“Yep, I’m full of good ideas.” Again, he moved closer to her until their thighs were touching.

Just then a burst of vibrant white crackled and popped in the sky, raining down twinkling embers as it dissipated. They heard a thwomp thwomp thwomp sound signaling a second round of fireworks would follow the first, this one more brilliant and colorful. Tess couldn’t decide whether to look at the sky or at Jack. They were equally spectacular.

EZZIE SAYS . . .

BUY THE BOOKS!

FEATURED AUTHOR: WENDY TYSON

ABOUT THE BOOK


When image consultant Allison Campbell attends an award ceremony to honor a designer friend, she’s thrust into a murder investigation. Only this time, it’s personal.

A former boyfriend is dead, slain on the streets of Philadelphia. His widow claims he was meeting with Allison, yet Allison hadn’t spoken to him in years. Nothing about his death—or life—makes sense. When compromising photos from their past arrive at Allison’s office, they raise more questions than they answer.

Driven to find justice, Allison deconstructs the image her ex had created for himself, looking for clues about the man he’d become. As her hunt for the truth unveils secrets, Allison’s past and present collide—with deadly results.


INTERVIEW WITH WENDY TYSON

Wendy, how long have you been writing, and how did you start?
I’ve been writing most of my life. I penned my first short story when I was in elementary school — it was about a ghost dog, and I think my mother still has it in a drawer somewhere — and that was the start of my love affair with the written word. Despite years of learning and practicing craft, my journey to publication was long and winding. I had a number of short stories published after college, but I didn’t write my first novel (which remains unpublished!) until I was in my thirties.

Do you have another job outside of writing?
I’m an ERISA attorney.  I work full-time for a mutual fund company — quite a contrast to writing mysteries!

How did you create the plot for this book?
The book started with an idea for an opening scene. I had a vision of Allison receiving an upsetting phone call from someone in her past while attending an award celebration for a designer friend. I based the novel on that concept, working through the details and adjusting the plot as the idea developed.

How do you get to know your characters?
Great question. While in college, I took an advanced fiction writing class. As a class assignment, I had written a short story about a woman whose life unraveled when her husband left her for his mistress. In one of the scenes, I had my character make instant coffee. My classmates nailed me for that during the critique session. They said my character was the kind of particular individual who would take the time to brew coffee — she would never serve instant. I realized they were right, but back then, all I made was instant coffee. I had to go outside my own experiences to portray my character in an authentic way. It was a lesson I’ve never forgotten. 

Now, I live with my characters for a long time before I write a single word of a manuscript. I do a lot of freewriting about them, old-fashioned pen to paper, and once I have a firm sense of who they are, I play little games, quizzing myself about their preferences, likes and dislikes, etc. Details are critical.

Who are your favorite authors?
I’m an eclectic reader — I love everything from science fiction and horror to literary fiction and historical romance. My favorite authors, however, write mysteries and thrillers. Elizabeth George, Jonathan Kellerman, Agatha Christie, Harlan Coben, Donna Leon, P.D. James . . . just to name a few. 

What book are you currently reading and in what format?
The Girl on a Train, by Paula Hawkins, in hardcover. I just started it, and I can’t put it down.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
Anywhere with a view! I especially like ski lodges. I enjoy having people around me — the background noise helps me focus — and I love the views. Big Sky in Montana is a favorite spot. My husband and boys ski and I write.

If you could only keep one book, what would it be?
Stephen King’s The Stand. I have read it at least a dozen times, and I learn something new about craft each time I open it.

Let's pretend you’re leaving your country for a year. What’s the last meal (or food) you would want to have before leaving?
My mother’s eggplant parmigiana! It’s long been a favorite, and if I’m leaving the country for a year and I can can’t convince her to join me, that’s what I’d choose.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I love to travel with my family, and garden/cook. Last year, my husband, kids, and I drove from our home in Pennsylvania to Montana, where we stayed for two weeks before driving home again. The time in Montana was wonderful, but the process of getting there — visiting points along the way in Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Wyoming — was pretty amazing. This year we’re heading to Europe and plan to spend time visiting (by car) several countries.
Gardening is another passion. We’re avid organic gardeners. Years ago, affected by the market downturn and concerned about the price of organic produce, we decided to grow our own vegetables. Our small garden plot now takes up most of our third of an acre yard and we enjoy our own vegetables year-round. 

What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up the first book in a new series. The novel is called A Muddied Murder, and it’s the debut in The Greenhouse Mystery Series, which will be published by Henery Press beginning in the spring of 2016. The series centers on a young, widowed environmental lawyer who returns home to rural Pennsylvania to care for her spirited, aging grandmother and launch the family’s organic farm and café. In the first book, she and the town’s hunky veterinarian find the body of the local zoning commissioner in her barn — and she, of course, is compelled to find the killer. 

I’m also writing the next Allison Campbell novel, Fatal Facade, which is due out next summer. I’m thrilled to announce that I have a contract with Henery Press for three more books in that series. In Fatal Facade, Allison and friends head to Italy where Allison becomes entangled in the murder investigation of a beautiful, mysterious ex pat.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wendy Tyson is an author, lawyer and former therapist whose background has inspired her mysteries and thrillers. Wendy has written four published crime novels, including Dying Brand,the third novel in the Allison Campbell Mystery Series, released on May 5, 2015.  The first in the Campbell series, Killer Image, was named a best mystery for book clubs in 2014 by Examiner.com. Wendy is also the author of the Greenhouse Mystery Series, the first of which, A Muddied Murder, is due to be released just in time for spring 2016. Wendy is a member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers, and she is a contributing editor for The Big Thrill, International Thriller Writers’ online magazine.  Wendy lives near Philadelphia with her husband, three sons and two dogs. Visit Wendy at http://www.watyson.com/.

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