SPOTLIGHT ON: BOOKGRABBR

BookGrabbr: A great way for readers to discover new books and an innovative marketing tool for authors. 

For Readers:

BookGrabbr is a social media-marketing tool that allows authors to share both full books and previews of their books with readers. Readers, you can have access to these books by signing in through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn and using their ability to share as a form of currency. The “Share” is the payment! Share the book, and it will allow you to read it. Just click the “Grabb this book” button next to the book and our system will prompt you to share in exchange for reading!

BookGrabbr contains books of many genres, so visit today, "grabb" a book that catches your eye and start reading!


For Authors and Publishers:

Through their unique marketing tool and platform, BookGrabbr helps authors connect to readers that they wouldn't generally be able to connect to through their friends and their friend’s friends. The noise in the marketplace is deafening, and at times can be a bit overwhelming for authors trying to promote their books.

BookGrabbr created a way to generate some more buzz by harnessing the power of each individual author’s social media platform.  Once you create your profile on BookGrabbr it allows potential readers to read a preview of your book or the full copy and then directs them to your site of choice to purchase your book in the format that you desire. And since BookGrabbr doesn’t make any money on book sales, you can send them to a retailer, or to your own personal page or wherever you choose! BookGrabbr's purpose is to help you sell more books, gain momentum and generate exposure.


See how it works:

How does iRead Book Tours help?


For Readers: 

We help you discover new authors that have put their profile and books on BookGrabbr through our BookGrabbr Promotion Service.

For Authors and Publishers:

Don't have time to dedicate to yet another marketing campaign? Let us take care of it for you. Through the BookGrabbr Promotion Service we create your profile, help you share your books on your social media and ours too, of course. In addition, we provide you with ideas and the support on how to best use your BookGrabbr profile. This is a cost-effective, efficient way to publicize your books! Contact us to see how we can help you spread the word about your book through BookGrabbr.

Like the idea? Enter the giveaway below to win a BookGrabbr Promotion Service worth $75 and $100 in cash!

Not an author? You can still win the $100 in cash.


Giveaway starts March 14 and ends April 15, 2016.

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FEATURED AUTHOR: ELLEN MANSOOR COLLIER

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1920s Galveston, society reporter Jazz Cross is in for a surprise when she attends a traveling vaudeville show with her beau, Prohibition Agent James Burton, and discovers that an old flame acts in the production. That night, they find a stabbing victim behind the Oasis — her half-brother Sammy’s speakeasy — who’s identified as an actor in the troupe. When the victim disappears and later turns up dead, Jazz must help prove that Sammy wasn’t the killer.

Meanwhile, a ring of jewel thieves is turning up all over town, robbing rich tourists of their precious gems. After a second vaudeville actor is found dead, Jazz discovers that the events behind the scenes are much more interesting than the outdated acts onstage.

To make matters worse, Sammy’s old nemesis demands that he settles a score and forces him into yet another illegal scheme. Can Jazz help solve the murders and prove her brother’s innocence—so he can escape the Downtown Gang for good?

A historical Jazz Age mystery inspired by real-life Galveston gangs and local landmarks.

INTERVIEW WITH ELLEN MANSOOR COLLIER

Ellen, how did you get started writing?
My mother was a World History teacher and always wrote part-time so I used to play around on her old typewriter. (She’s had several articles and a novel published as well.  We actually co-wrote a couple of romantic short stories published in Woman's World.) I won a few writing awards (and placed in the Texas state UIL contest) when I worked on my high-school newspaper so naturally majored in Journalism at UT/Austin.  Originally I always wanted to be an international correspondent, like Christiane Amanpour—but after my first newspaper internship, I quickly realized I don’t have the stomach for hard news.

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?
Working in my pj’s! LOL  I love being able to create characters and plots that interest me and getting to control the outcome. Obviously I’m fascinated by the 1920s and enjoy doing the research needed to bring the Jazz Age era to life. When I can connect the dots in ways that make sense or come up with a new plot twist, that can be very satisfying.

Do you have a writing routine?
I write when I’m inspired and have free time without distractions, often at night.  As a magazine writer, I always had deadlines to meet so that was my motivation.  Now I let my ideas percolate and when I suddenly get a burst of energy (usually every other day), I can write fairly quickly. I envy those disciplined writers who just pound it out every day. I worked as a magazine writer and editor for most of my adult life, so I don’t want writing fiction to turn into a job. So far it’s worked for four mystery novels!

What do you wish you’d done differently when you first started the publishing process?
I wish I’d done more research into marketing and “building a brand.”  Since I don’t blog or tweet (by choice), I had no idea how important it was to have an online presence.  But I’d rather spend my time trying to get my books on shelves than selling online.  I used to work in advertising sales and PR, but it’s a lot harder to sell your own books! 

What do you think is hardest aspect of writing a book?
In a mystery, everything has to make sense and build to a satisfying yet logical conclusion. What’s difficult is keeping readers in suspense while connecting the dots.  We’re told to “play fair with the reader” and include a lot of clues — but then again we need to provide a surprise ending so critics don’t call your novels “predictable.”  Tough to do both well!

Do you have any marketing tips you could pass on to indie authors?
My advice to indies is: Discover what is unique and special about your novels and target your books to that market. e.g. If your book centers on a candy store or bakery or spice shop, locate shops in your area who might want to sell your books.  If your novel involves pets or animals, perhaps a grooming salon or pet shop may want to sell your books.

Better yet, find a chain who can place your books in several locations so you won’t be running all over town just to sell a handful of books.  Since my novels are set in 1920s Galveston, I’ve approached local and regional outlets as well as souvenir/gift shops.  Wherever I go, I try to pass out postcards with my book covers and info printed on front.

Currently my books sell well at luxury hotels in Galveston and area stores. In addition, I’ve set up at a few antique shows and sold several books per show (usually 10-20).  Not only do I make twice as much selling my novels directly, I’ve made new friends who come back for the latest titles. So far, I’m the only author who sells books along with vintage Deco items — and my books seem reasonable in comparison. LOL  A few dealer friends also display my books and/or postcards on their tables during major antique shows.

Why not ask your friends and contacts about various markets that might be interested in featuring your books? They may even be willing to set up a book-signing or talk. (I’ve done several book-signings in Galveston.) Also I’ve donated my books to area charities and fund-raisers — not only is it a great way to make new friends and contacts, your books receive wonderful publicity and exposure. Once you find that unique niche, you may hit just the right target market for your novels. Good luck — and think outside of the big box shops!  

What are you working on now?
I’ve just begun the fifth book in my Jazz Age series but now I’m spending more time marketing than writing! Hope to release it later this year.  Stay tuned! 

EXCERPT FROM VAMPS, VILLAINS AND VAUDEVILLE

“Please take your seats. The Villains, Vixens and Varmints Vaudeville Show is about to begin.” The master of ceremonies’ mellifluous voice boomed across Martini Theatre, and lights dimmed as a uniformed usher escorted me and Agent Burton to our front-row seats.

Disoriented, I tried not to trip in the dark while the orchestra broke into a classic overture. We squeezed in the cramped seats, our elbows and knees bumping, his long legs stretched out in front. Always a gentleman, he rarely took my hand in public though we’d dated steadily for four months now. You’d think I still lived in my old University of Texas dorm with its strict code of conduct: No ODA — overdisplay of affection.

The society editor — my boss, Mrs. Harper — had snagged two front-and-center seats to Friday night’s opening performance. No doubt the traveling troupe expected the Galveston Gazette — rather, me — to give them a rave review. Well, we’d see if this dog-and-pony show lived up to its billing, literally. The MC gave a short introduction and a chubby clown paraded onstage with a spotted pony, a small terrier-mix perched atop its back. When the clown tried to coax the pup to stand on its hind legs, the spunky mutt refused to cooperate, while the audience laughed with glee.

Next Farmer Brown came onstage with Polly, a “talking pig” that oinked and grunted to Old McDonald. Luckily the pig drowned out Burton’s groans of, “You call this entertainment?”

“Relax and try to enjoy the show,” I nudged him. “You’ve got to admit, it’s funny.”

“I’d rather catch crooks than have to endure this nonsense.”

“Hogwash! Personally, I think the pig is cute,” I razzed him, feeling sorry for the poor farmer who beamed proudly at his porky pig. “You do your job, and I’ll do mine.”

Burton could be so stubborn and yes, pig-headed, at times.

After the animal acts came a beautiful ballerina, a French mime, a boyish barbershop quartet, and a short scene from Gilbert and Sullivan’s H. M. S. Pinafore.  A chorus line of long-limbed hoofers clad in sparkly sequined tap pants and tops danced to lively Cole Porter tunes, reminding me of the bathing beauties.

When Vera, a burlesque dancer, appeared in a Gay ‘90s costume and feather boa, Burton perked up, saying, “This is more like it!” Annoyed, I hushed him to keep quiet. Fortunately she only strutted around the stage twirling her boa, not disrobing, while the men clapped and whistled. What a relief!  Overall, the performers appeared more polished than the local yokels who competed in talent shows, hoping to be the next Fanny Brice, Buster Keaton or Theda Bara . . .

During intermission, the MC announced a last-minute replacement for Dan Dastardly in the final act. So far, the routines seemed accomplished yet rather outdated, a point I’d make in my review. No need to be rude or demeaning, but a little constructive criticism never hurt, right?

“Now we can make our escape,” Burton half-joked.

“The show’s almost over. Besides, I can’t give my honest opinion without seeing the whole production. What kind of critic would I be?”

After the break, Burton stayed seated, stoically suffering through two corny comedy acts.  He perked up after a sword-swallower appeared, and applauded a knife thrower who narrowly missed his victim, a beautiful showgirl in a silky gown. I yelped and squirmed when he aimed an arrow at his brave target—and struck an apple on her head.

“These are my type of acts,” Burton grinned, while I clutched his arm, trembling.

Next “Milo the Magician” took the stage, elegant in a tux, top hat and white gloves, and  performed his requisite card tricks and rabbit in the hat act. Millie, his pretty redheaded assistant, flitted around in satin tap pants and top, diverting the audience’s attention.  I cringed when Milo sawed his willing sidekick in two halves while Millie smiled sweetly at the audience. Then he made her disappear in a large painted box—and reappear again in a gypsy outfit.  Voila!

Last but not least, Milo invited a volunteer to participate while he distracted the audience with his sleight-of-hand, deftly stealing the man’s  wristwatch. “Do you have the time?” Milo asked the flustered fella, who fumbled for his missing watch—then pulled it out of his top hat.

The final act highlighted a short scene from The Perils of Pauline, featuring a dastardly villain wearing a black mask and cape trying to kidnap helpless, hapless Pauline. Twirling his handlebar moustache, the evil masked man tied poor Pauline to a tree while the Tom Mix character managed to chase off the villain, and rescue his beloved damsel-in-distress. Yes, the act was so corny and hammy that it was comical, but I enjoyed the melodrama of it all.

I knew Amanda, an aspiring actress, would love the show. Too bad the troupe remained in town for only a week.
After the show, the performers gathered on stage, and as each act stepped forward to take their separate bows, the applause grew louder. When the Perils of Pauline actors appeared, the audience stood up, clapping wildly and cheering as the performers grinned and waved. Seems I was wrong about vaudeville: The appreciative audience gave all the actors a standing ovation.

Strange, I noticed the villain smiling at me from his vantage point onstage — or was he? Surely I imagined it . . . until he took off his hat and held it out to me like a rose, or a bribe. Then he gave me a bold wink—right in front of Burton.

Blushing, I did a double-take: Was the villain flirting with me?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ellen Mansoor Collier is a Houston-based freelance magazine writer and editor whose articles and essays have been published in a variety of national magazines. Several of her short stories have appeared in Woman’s World. During college summers, she worked as a reporter for a Houston community newspaper and as a cocktail waitress, both jobs providing background experience for her Jazz Age mysteries.

A flapper at heart, she’s worked as a magazine editor/writer, and in advertising and public relations (plus endured a hectic semester as a substitute teacher). She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Magazine Journalism and served on UTmost, the college magazine and as president of WICI (Women in Communications).

Flappers, Flasks And Foul Play is her first novel, published in 2012, followed by the sequel, Bathing Beauties, Booze And Bullets, released in May 2013. She lives in Houston with her husband and Chow mutts, and visits Galveston whenever possible.

“When you grow up in Houston, Galveston becomes like a second home. I had no idea this sleepy beach town had such a wild and colorful past until I began doing research, and became fascinated by the legends and stories of the 1920s. Finally I had to stop researching and start writing, trying to imagine a flapper’s life in Galveston during Prohibition.”

Connect with the author:
Website  |  Goodreads  | Pinterest  |  Amazon

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FEATURED AUTHOR: S. VALENTINE

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Gabriella Woods finds matches from a gentlemen’s club in her fiancé’s pocket, her suspicions require a search for answers.

At the club, she realizes it’s not her fiancé’s fidelity that can’t be trusted . . .
It’s her own.

Darion Milano is daring, intriguing, and unpredictable . . . 

Unable to get him out of her head — and against Darion’s explicit warning —
Gabi begins a torrid affair. No longer fighting the urge to enter the depth of his dark and mysterious lifestyle, she indulges in his most intimate desires.

They become the most exciting, wild, infatuated couple everybody knows.

Until his confession changes everything . . .

Her heart is telling her to stay.

Her instinct is telling her to run.

She can never match his outrageous ex-wife and become the fun, fearless woman he craves . . .
Or can she?

Discover a world of sex, secrets, and seduction.

 

INTERVIEW WITH S VALENTINE

How did you get started writing?
I started writing at a very young age in primary school. I used to write stories set in the Elizabethan era. I was obsessed with that time and how they lived. I guess I just found a passion for it when writing in English classes, and couldn’t stop doing what I enjoyed.

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?
Being able to create a story with my own unique voice to reach out and entertain readers.

Do you have a writing routine?
Pretty much. I can’t begin until I have had a coffee. I then respond to emails, messages, post blog stuff, and then I settle down to write for a few hours. Usually, I have music or the TV on in the background.

Do you write every day?
I try to, although this doesn’t always happen, as I end up blogging, or doing marketing stuff for my Booktrope authors, and before I know it, the day is up!

What do you wish you’d done differently when you first started the publishing process?
I wish I hadn’t let my writing take a backseat when I studied and worked in law. I wish I had sent my stories off at aged eighteen, when I completed some manuscripts. Who knows what would have happened.

What do you think is hardest aspect of writing a book?
Marketing and promotion is by far the most difficult. Also, overcoming writers block. Sometimes, the words won’t flow at all.

What’s more important – characters or plot?
Tricky Q. I try to let the plot come to me as I go along. I plan the outline very briefly, and sometimes the endings that come to me surprise even myself. Character development is probably the easiest, as I sort of know them inside out before I start writing. I know why they are the way they are, and what hurts them, and what heals them. You need to know what you’re characters are looking for, else how will the readers?

How often do you read?
I used to read a few books a week, now I barely get time. I do squeeze in a book a week though.

What is your writing style?
I write different genre’s, so I’d say my erotic romances were sizzling suspense stories. And my contemporary is bad-ass books that will entertain and enlighten you.


What do you think makes a good story?
The plot first and foremost – it’s not got an interesting blurb, who wants to read it. Also, interesting characters that you’re drawn to. If I don’t feel an emotional connection with characters, I won’t really care as much what happens to them, or root for their desired journey.

What books do you currently have published?
I have an erotic romance series being published this year. I also have two other novels which I’m hoping to pitch in the future. 


What do you know now that you wish you knew then?
I wish I had marketed/built a readership sooner. I also wish I knew that you can make your dreams come true, if you overcome the fear.

Do you have any secret talents?
I’m quite creative. I like making things. I also used to try my hand at DJ-ing, but I didn’t continue it to be able to get any good. Music is another massive passion of mine.

Is writing your dream job?
Yes. Other than writing, sometimes that involves music is my dream job. 


What is the worst job you’ve ever had?
I’ve had a mix of jobs, a carer, a legal secretary, a trainee legal executive, and a waitress in a hotel. The worst was waitressing. I haven’t a thick enough skin to deal with rude people. 

Do you have any marketing tips you could pass on to indie authors?
Yes. Start marketing and building a readership straight away! Also, have confidence in yourself. Everything you do, ensure it’s done professionally, from the editing, to the cover, to the website. People won’t spend money on poor quality products, so if you’re serious about it, do it properly.

If you could only watch one television station for a year, what would it be?
HBO. Or whichever Gossip Girl, Sex & The City, Sons Of Anarchy, or Dexter is on!

How often do you tweet?
Every day.

How do you feel about Facebook?
I love Facebook in terms of meeting new people, and sharing content.

For what would you like to be remembered?
For being a nice person, treating people well, and bringing great books into the world.

What scares you the most?
Spiders.

Would you make a good character in a book?
I believe so. My life has been pretty interesting. I packed up my job, sold my car, left the UK for Spain, and had a crazy season in Ibiza, and still here now.

What five things would you never want to live without?
iPhone, Kindle, CD player/iPod, cosmetics, perfumes.

What’s one thing you never leave the house without.
I used to say make-up, but now that doesn’t really bother me. My handbag. I feel a bit naked not having anything on me.

What do you love about where you live?
The weather and beaches. 


What’s your favorite thing to do on date night?
Either the cinemas, as I love movies, or a restaurant, as I love food.

What's your favorite treat for movie night?
Chocolate.

What's the biggest lie you ever told?
Hmmmm. Sometimes I tell little white lies to protect people’s feelings. I’m not a fan of huge lies, and can’t stand compulsive liars.

What’s your favorite fast food?
Chinese. 


What’s your favorite beverage?
Cosmopolitan, or strawberry daiquiri.

What drives you crazy?
Messy people, I’m a bit of a neat-freak. Oh and rude people, there’s no need.

Totally agree! What is your superpower?
Having tolerance when it comes to not so nice people. It takes tolerance and willpower to overlook things, and not let people turn you into someone you’re not. Never lower yourself to other people’s levels. 



What do you wish you could do?
Help the world, the poor people, the system, everything.

What is one of your happiest moments?
Anything where my family are all together is a happy moment.

What do you like to do when there’s nothing to do?
Read.

Where is your favorite place to visit?
The beach, or a library, or a café overlooking the beach with a coffee.

What would you name your autobiography?
The Journey, as it would take you through my life to where I am now, the obstacles, the bad and good times, and those who lived it with me.

What’s your least favorite chore?
Washing up. Hate it!


Would you rather be a movie star, sports star, or rock star?
Movie star. I could then star along Charlie Hunnam.

Do you procrastinate?
All the time.

What’s one thing that drives you crazy?
People that eat loudly. It really grates on me, lol.

What’s your favorite/most visited Internet site?
Sadly, it’s Facebook or my blog.

What’s in your refrigerator right now?
Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate.

What is the most daring thing you've done?
Released a book into the world. It’s very scary!

What is the stupidest thing you've ever done?
I rarely do stupid things. I’m too much of an over-thinker/worrier, so I tend to think of pro’s and con’s before I do most things. Unless you count ‘blonde moments’ which I have, which are many. LOL.

What is your most embarrassing moment?
Ah too many. Like above, I have a few ‘blonde moments.’

What choices in life would you like to have a redo on?
I would have pitched my stories to agents/publishers sooner, aged 18. I would have liked to re-do my teens, and told myself not to worry so much, and just enjoy it.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?
What’s goes around comes around. I’m a massive believer in karma.

What would your main character say about you?
That I’m an extremely loyal friend.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to write?
Infidelity, as I’ve experienced it, and heartbreak.


Who is your favorite fictional character?
Tough one! I really like F Scott Fitzgerald’s Mr. Gatsby. He loved Daisy, and all he ever wanted was to be liked. He seemed like a nice caring character. It was a shame as no-one really cared about him in return.


What’s one thing that very few people know about you?
I’m shy when I don’t know someone. 


You have a personal chef for the night. What would you ask him to prepare?
A nice pizza. 


How do you like your pizza?
LOL! Boring as it sounds I only like cheese and tomato, but a bit of strong cheese makes it much better.


What is the wallpaper on your computer’s desktop?
A landscape photo that changes into different ones. 


Describe yourself in 5 words.
Outgoing, shy (at times,) loyal, friendly, caring. 


What’s your favorite song?
Oooh TOO many! Maybe Hard House "Heaven’s Cry" – "Til Tears Do Us Part." Love the vocals, and it’s an uplifting song.


What’s your biggest pet peeve about writing?
When I get writer’s block and it won’t flow. 


What would you do for a Klondike bar?
What’s that? I just Googled. Us Brits call them choc ices. I wouldn’t do much for that, but for a white chocolate Bueno bar, I may be swayed to dance in the street.


What is your favorite movie?
I have SO many! Savages was brilliant! So was Blow. 


Do you have a favorite book?
Too many faves. Again, I loved Savages by Don Winslow. His writing is fresh and unique.


If you had to choose a cliché about life, what would it be?
You never knew what you had until it was gone. Not true. Sometimes, I knew what I had and was glad it was gone, lol!


What are you working on now?
The Black Door Trilogy series, published this year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S. Valentine grew up in England. Studying English language and literature, as well as law, she worked in a  solicitors for many years before moving to Spain. She does however still visit the UK, which in a way, will always be home.

Returning to her lifelong passion of writing books, she’s also a weekly columnist for The Ibizan newspaper on: lifestyle and fashion. Her other interests include reading, shopping and a nice glass of wine to shows such as Sons Of Anarchy, Dexter, Gossip Girl and SATC. She’s a social media addict, and loves connecting with new people.

If you join her newsletter, you will be the first to receive sneak peeks of chapters, teasers, news, giveaway prizes and more!

Connect with the author:

Website  | Blog  | 
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  

Buy the book:
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FEATURED AUTHOR: KAIT CARSON

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Hayden Kent’s mentor and friend discovers her son Mike’s dead body, dressed in full scuba attire, washed up on Pigeon Key, she needs Hayden. Her paralegal and dive skills may help unravel the tragedy of Mike’s last days. He’d recently discovered a sunken Spanish galleon and rumors that he hit the mother lode ran through the Keys like wildfire.

Hayden’s dive on the treasure site uncovers gold, and clues that Mike’s death was something far more sinister than an accident. When two different wills, both signed the day Mike died, are delivered to the courthouse, the suspect list grows, as do the threats against her. The danger escalates as she tries to save herself, discover the motive, and find the killer.

INTERVIEW WITH KAIT CARSON

Kait, how did you get started writing?
A lucky break. I only wish I’d known it then. When I was twelve, I wrote a letter to the editor of our local paper. The letter appeared (and I remember being very offended that they edited it) and a week or so later, I was contacted by an agent. I wrote short stories in teen magazines under various pen names throughout high school. Sounds glamorous, right? No. I had signed the contract, when the poor man discovered I was not only under twenty-one, but under eighteen, he dropped me like a hot potato. That wasn’t so bad, I didn’t write in college. Study and party took up too much time. A few decades later when I returned to writing, I discovered how lucky younger me had been! Still looking for an agent. It’s on my to do list for this year. Make that a wish list!

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?
It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes there’s a moment when the characters and images in your mind meld with the words on the page and become one. At that point, it’s not writing, it’s taking dictation and the pages fly.

Do you have a writing routine?
How funny, we were just discussing this today on Jungle Reds. I did when I wrote by typewriter. Now that I write on a laptop, no. I should though. I think every writer needs a routine. It tells your brain to shut off the everyday and enter creative world.

Do you write every day?
My bad, no. I do something writing related every day though. Read and respond to blogs, visit Facebook, do some marketing, editing, reading. Something that confirms to me that I’m a working writer.

What do you wish you’d done differently when you first started the publishing process?
I wish I’d taken the time (or had the ability — there is always that) to become more technologically knowledgeable. So much of getting the word out is technologically dependent. I haven’t done a newsletter yet because the set-up has me befuddled. I know the banner I want, but not how to construct it.

What do you think is hardest aspect of writing a book?
I keep a tube of Boudreaux's Butt Paste next to my laptop. It’s a reminder that the only way to write is to get the butt in the chair and keep it there. That’s the hardest thing for me. I mean, there’s always laundry to be done, Facebook to visit, friends to call . . . and I can always crank out those words later . . . after I feed the cats, take a five mile run, go for a swim.

What’s more important – characters or plot?
Characters for me. The plot doesn’t spring from them, because my characters are often dumped into a situation not of their making. What does spring from characters is reality. Your characters have to be likable, but flawed (just like real folks — and even your villains have to have good qualities), and they have to react in ways that are consistent. If you have that, you have a story that will hold people.

How often do you read?
Every day without exception. I can’t fall asleep without a book. I was the kid under the covers with the flashlight.

What is your writing style?
I’ve been told my style is light and breezy. Lots of short sentences, and action. I like to have fun writing, and I think my characters like to enjoy their roles in the story as well. Well, maybe not the victim so much . . . but everyone else. I wish I could write with more humor, but it plum eludes me.


What do you think makes a good story?
Heart. I write murder mysteries, so that may seem a strange answer, but you have to have heart. You have to care about your characters, care about your readers, tell a story that readers care about, always play fair, and have the story hang together logically. Then there is the second prong. Action. Keep it moving, carry your reader along on a breathtaking adventure. Both are equally important.

What books do you currently have published?
I have two series published. The Catherine Swope Mysteries are my self-published books. The titles are Zoned for Murder and Murder in the Multiples. My Hayden Kent series is published by Henery Press, those titles are Death by Blue Water and Death by Sunken Treasure. I’m currently hard at work on the third in the series, Death Dive.


What do you know now that you wish you knew then?
How rewarding it is to write novels. I started out with short stories, and I still write them, but novels, they are love at a different level. Getting something you worked so hard for into the hands of readers and getting feedback is a very special kind of wonderful. Okay, sometimes the feedback is not so wonderful, but not everyone is going to like your books. It says something about the reader/author bond that a person cares enough to comment. One way or another.

Do you have any secret talents? I can take any three ingredients and make a full meal out of it. I have an innate sense of direction that beats out a GPS, and I can fold a bottom sheet!

I'm impressed! Is writing your dream job?
What an easy question. YES!


What is the worst job you’ve ever had? What did it teach you?
I’ve never had a bad job. Oh, there have been parts of jobs I didn’t like, but the jobs themselves were always good at the time, and I’ve had a bunch. Maybe the lesson was always see the glass half full. I am a terrible Pollyanna!

Do you have any marketing tips you could pass on to indie authors?
Yes, network. Get to know as many people as you can, authors and readers. Readers are your best friend. Find your best place to find them. Always be generous of your time and help promote other authors as well. They will return the favor.

If you could only watch one television station for a year, what would it be?
Blush – Home and Garden TV – I may be a house voyeur. I love seeing how other people live and what features they have in their homes.

How often do you tweet?
Not often enough. I try to hit the Twitter board at least once a day, but most often it becomes once a week. And on that one day, I think the Twitterati get well and truly sick of me, because I’m busy tweeting everything I’m just discovering! Twitter recently changed their posting protocol. I’m curious to see how the new system works.

How do you feel about Facebook?
I love it. I have a Kait Carson page and a Kait Carson Author page. I like to keep up with friends on FB, personal and professional. I like to share things with my followers on my author page and get feedback. I think it’s great fun.

For what would you like to be remembered?
For empathy. I think life is hard these days, harder than it was twenty years ago because it happens so fast. I like letting people know they are not alone and that they matter. I try to bring that to my writing as well.

What scares you the most?
Cruelty and injustice. Neither has a place in my world.

Would you make a good character in a book?
Probably not, but some of my experiences would make great stories!

What five things would you never want to live without?
Books, my Kindle, my SCUBA gear, a good pair of running shoes, and fountain pens.

What’s one THING you never leave the house without?
My Garmin watch. I want to know how many steps I’ve done. Even if I’m dressed up, the watch is in my evening bag.

What do you love about where you live?
It’s rural. I’m a country girl at heart. I like to go out at night and see the stars so close that I feel I could touch them.


What’s your favorite thing to do on date night?
Pack a picnic dinner and head to the beach or a lake. Of course, this is Florida, so in mosquito season Plan B goes into effect. That’s a fun restaurant usually one with a pinball machine, followed by a walk around the neighborhood or on a beach.

What's your favorite treat for movie night?
We don’t go out for movies usually. At home, we like to make chicken wings, put out some cheese and crackers and nibble away. Of course, if it’s a theme movie, then we’ll fix something that fits. Pizza or antipasto for an Italian movie, fried green tomatoes and fried chicken tenders for a Southern theme . . .

What's the biggest lie you ever told?
My biggest lie turned into my secret talent. A bit of backstory . . . when I was in college, I wanted to travel the Caribbean. I scraped together enough money to fly to St. Thomas and rent a room in a student rooming house. I didn’t want to leave. It was wonderful. I heard about a job, cooking on an interisland freighter. It sounded perfect, so I went. I had no crew papers, and no passport. I told the Captain that I was an accomplished cook. At the time, boiling water was a challenge. The men and women of that crew took me under their wing (they wanted to eat) and taught me to cook. It was a great time. And I saw the Caribbean.

What’s your favorite fast food?
Yellowtail snapper. Ever seen them swim? Whopper with Cheese, and large fries, please.


What’s your favorite beverage?
Earl Grey Tea.

What drives you crazy?
Rude people.

What is your superpower?
I’m able to get by on four hours of sleep a night. And I can type 100 words a minute on an IBM Selectric.


Name one thing you’re really good at and one thing you’re really bad at. 
I’m great at SCUBA diving. My handwriting is illegible, but I try.


What do you wish you could do?
I wish I could fly.

What is one of your happiest moments?
Trite, but the day I was married, the second time.

What do you like to do when there’s nothing to do?
Meditate. It clears the mind.

Where is your favorite place to visit?
The wreck of the Thunderbolt. It’s in 120’ of water off Marathon in the Florida Keys.

What would you name your autobiography?
No Regrets.

What’s your least favorite chore?
Cleaning litter boxes. We have six cats. ‘Nuff said.


Would you rather be a movie star, sports star, or rock star?
Sports star – Indy car driver.


Do you give your characters any of your bad traits?
What bad traits? LOL. No. I tried to form my characters when I first started writing. They fought back. It was the strangest thing.

Do you procrastinate?
I’ve had this questionnaire for a month. I might slightly procrastinate, even with fun things.

What’s one thing that drives you crazy?
Besides rudeness? Scratchy wool. They should be able to do something about that in this day and age.

What’s your favorite Internet site?
Fiddlehead Focus. It’s the local newspaper of the St. John Valley in Maine. We have a house there, and I love it. It’s how I keep up with the news when I’m away. Other than that, Goodreads. It’s the library of the Internet.

What’s in your refrigerator right now?
Homemade leek potato soup and a bottle of red wine from a label named “Chateau Les Paws.” A portion of the proceeds benefits no kill shelters. That’s important.

What is the most daring thing you've done?
I learned how to skydive when I was 16.

What is the stupidest thing you've ever done?
Some would say my answer above.

I have found that the two usually do go hand in hand! What is your most embarrassing moment?
Thinking someone was flirting madly with me only to discover that what they were really doing was staring at my wardrobe malfunction!

What choices in life would you like to have a redo on (Besides the wardrobe malfunction)?
I don’t have many regrets but there are times I wish I had known were so precious and that I had the sense to be more in the moment.

What’s one of your favorite quotes? 
It’s a line from an Eagles song. “Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.”

What would your main character say about you?
Catherine would tell me to lighten up. (She gets into some really sticky situations). Hayden would say I need to let her follow her gut more.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to write?
My bio and the back of book blurbs. I don’t like talking about myself, just not that interesting, and the back of book blurbs walk such a fine line between trying to entice a reader but not give too much away.


Where is your favorite library, and what do you love about it?
The New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue and Forty-Second Street. My father used to take me there when I was a child. I thought it was a church of books. I would love to get turned loose in their back stacks.


Who is your favorite fictional character?
Torn here. Jo March. She made me want to be a writer. Nancy Drew because she was my first mystery icon.


If you had a talk show who would your dream guest be?
I should say something really deep here, but in fact, Jimmy Buffet. I love the way his mind works and how he turns a phrase.


What’s one thing that very few people know about you?
I grew up speaking four languages and I learned English last. These days I struggle with all four, English included! It’s a tough language to get right.


You have a personal chef for the night. What would you ask him to prepare?
Just for the night? Oh, not enough time. Red Snapper Louisianan (a wonderful sauce with a hint of hot, artichoke hearts, and bay scallops sautéed in butter), fresh asparagus with a hint of lemon lightly steamed, roasted tri-color potatoes, a wonderful fresh Caesar salad with anchovies, thank you, a perfect pear and Wensleydale cheese for dessert, followed by a Frankfurter Kranz cake to blow the entire diet!


How do you like your pizza?
Very thin crust, baked in a coal oven with tomato sauce, mushrooms and lots of fresh basil.


What is the wallpaper on your computer’s desktop?
Oh dear, I’m not sure I should say. It’s a photo of me aiming my Glock. (If you look closely, you’ll see it’s in slide-lock. Firearms are not for fun!)


Do you have any hidden talents?
I crochet. One year for Christmas, I gave everyone afghans I had made.


Describe yourself in five words.
Cheerful, resourceful, prepared, funny, happy.


What’s your favorite song?
Jimmy Buffet’s "Life is Just a Tire Swing."


What’s your biggest pet peeve about writing?
Spellcheck not getting colloquial English.


What would you do for a Klondike bar?
Skydive!


What is your favorite movie?
Twelve O’Clock High. It’s an amazing story of just how far one can go and still come back.


Do you have a favorite book?
More than I can count, but I keep returning to two books from the James Clavell series, Tai Pan and Noble House. There is a spirit of perfection in both that intrigues me.


If you had to choose a cliché about life, what would it be?
The saying on the first bookmark I ever had – When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade. I warned you I was a Pollyanna.


What are you working on now?
The third Hayden Kent book, Death Dive.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kait Carson lives in a South Florida airpark with her husband, six rescue cats, and four, tropical birds. By day, she’s a practicing probate and litigation paralegal, in the evening, legal pads give way to a keyboard, and she spins tales of murder and mayhem set in the tropical heat. Kait writes two series, the Catherine Swope series, set in the Miami area, and the Hayden Kent series set in the Fabulous Florida Keys.

Connect with Kait:
Website  |  Blog 1  |  Blog 2  |  
Facebook  |  Twitter  | Goodreads    

Buy the book:
Amazon 

BOOK BLITZ: ACCIDENTAL DRONING

ABOUT THE BOOK

Contemporary Adventure Thriller
 
Accidental Drowning has been optioned for a possible movie adaption by a Hollywood producer.

Bo Granger loses his job as the manager of a country club golf shop and turns to flying his private drone as a pastime.

Accidentally he captures video with his drone of a woman being murdered by drowning. Bo is torn over whether or not to turn his video over to authorities. He is afraid of reprisal by the person who owns the mansion where the drowning took place, and he worries that his invasion of privacy will derail his wife’s campaign to become governor of California as she is defined as a state legislator by her privacy platform.

Bo endures a series of misadventures as he wrestles with doing the right thing. He is nearly shot to death by a goon hired by the dead woman’s husband, he’s falsely charged with sexual assault by his wife’s housekeeper in a dirty politics scheme, and he gets involved in a torrid romance with a female newspaper reporter who is determined to get the story of a lifetime.

EXCERPT

The line of club members was out the door. Sequoia Country Club’s pro shop was under siege from filthy-rich golfers—club initiation fees had recently topped three hundred thousand dollars—wanting the newly arrived, multicolored umbrellas. Part of the reason for the unusual customer demand was a steady rain that had swept across the peninsula in the early morning hours. Another was the genius of shop manager Bo Granger, who’d paid a meteorologist out of his own pocket for a long-range forecast the week before. Even though April was still considered the rainy season in the Bay Area, he’d gambled on a big storm hitting precisely on the morning of the club invitational, which boasted a field of 150 golfers. He’d ordered three-dozen of the splashy Leroy Neiman–like designer umbrellas that featured a well in the shaft suitable for housing airplane-sized bottles of booze. He’d been smart, too, in sending e-mail notices to all members announcing his upcoming rainy-day special. Bo figured the huge run on club merchandise was going to be a hit with his new general manager.

Bo had been with the club a little over four years. He’d felt secure enough in his position to warrant this bravado with the umbrellas. Even at a discounted seventy-five dollars a pop, he stood to rake in sales of $2,700 if he could unload three dozen. It was not yet nine thirty in the morning, and he’d sold twenty-four.

Bo was well regarded by the majority of the club’s 550 members, most of them Silicon Valley millionaires. In addition to being a shrewd buyer and mover of golf merchandise, he was very likeable. He had a way of making every club member who came into his shop feel special—especially the good-looking women. He’d almost married one of the better-looking ones, Sally Anne Perkins. She was the daughter of a venture capitalist and had graduated a few years back from the prestigious Stevenson College in New Hampshire with a degree in “green anything.” During the time Bo dated her, she didn’t work; in fact she’d never had a job—didn’t need one with Daddy’s money. She mostly stayed at home and watched game shows. Despite her abundant free time, she didn’t volunteer much—the annual beach cleanup along the San Martin County coastline being the exception. After dating for a year and a half, they broke up. Sally Anne had caught Bo tossing recyclable materials into the garbage yet again. She took a picture of him in the act and posted it on Instagram with the tag, “Should I marry a man who’s this insensitive to our carbon footprint?” She received 547 responses saying no.

Bo got his name from his younger sister. She couldn’t say Robert—it came out Bobo—so his parents went with the abbreviation. Bo’s personality was pleasing. He’d been brought up to be liked by Elaine, a housewife, and Steven Granger, a Walgreen’s pharmacist. “Pleasing people will get you further in life than any degree,” his father had preached. Life with Elaine and Steven was vanilla. Steven made him join the Boy Scouts; Elaine made him play the piano. The most childhood excitement Bo could remember was a road trip to LA where he and his sister, Bobbie, were treated to entire days at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Bo attended Lowell High School in San Francisco, where he failed to distinguish himself as either an exceptional student or athlete—although he did play number three on the golf team—but as a senior was voted Best Personality over a guy who went on to be a nationally recognized comedian.

Bo attended San Francisco State and got his BA in business in four years. It wasn’t until his junior year that he figured out what he wanted to do with his life. He played for State’s golf team and set his mind to becoming a PGA instructor after he graduated. He figured he could make a good living at it and be exposed to beautiful women who were eager for him to teach them the game. Part of that reasoning was fostered by his good looks. His dark, wavy hair, movie-star-like strong jawline, and penetrating hazel eyes had served him well with college co-eds. He’d left a trail of brokenhearted young girls behind him at State. One of his rejections was good-looking enough to land spots in two different national TV commercials. “I dated the Chick-fil-A girl,” he was proud of saying.

Unfortunately, Bo never reached his goal of being a PGA-sanctioned teaching pro—three times he’d failed at putting together the requisite successive rounds of eighty-two or better. That was the golf world’s equivalent of “three strikes and you’re out.” His last opportunity to qualify was at the California Club in South San Francisco. Bo had carded an eighty and an eighty-two on his first two rounds. He was confident that he could post one more round under eighty-two—too confident. His premature celebration the night before his final round did him in. He wasn’t normally a cocktail drinker—he mostly stuck with beer—but the vodka gimlets he was offered by a fellow competitor’s caddy in the club’s bar went down way too easily and too often. By eight o’clock that evening, he had to be carried into the men’s locker room, where club members constructed a bed out of bench pads and left him there to sleep it off. It didn’t help that Bo had an eight o’clock tee time in the morning. It was the par-three, two-hundred-yard twelfth hole that killed him. Sitting at seven over par through eleven holes, he was just three strokes under the dreaded eighty-two-stroke maximum.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pete Liebengood is a retired TV sportscaster (KRON-TV San Francisco) and a past play-by-play contributor to ESPN. He's authored two other novels, Class of '62 and Honeyball.

 

Connect with Pete:

Website  |   Twitter  |  Facebook

Buy the book:

 Amazon

FEATURED AUTHOR: MARTY WINGATE

ABOUT THE BOOK

Texas transplant Pru Parke has put down roots in England, but she never dreamed she’d live in a grand place such as Greenoak. When her former employers offer Pru and her new husband, former Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Pearse, the use of their nineteenth-century estate while they’re away for a year, she jumps at the chance. Sweetening the deal is the prospect of further bonding with her long-lost brother, Simon, who happens to be Greenoak’s head gardener. But the majestic manor has at least one skeleton in its closet—or, rather, its garden.

Working on renovations to the extensive grounds, siblings Pru and Simon squabble about everything from boxwood to bay hedges. But when the removal of a half-dead tree turns up the wreckage of a World War II–era German fighter plane and a pile of bones, the arguments stop. That is, until a rival from Simon’s past pays a surprise visit and creates even more upheaval. It’s suddenly clear someone is unhappy their secrets have been unearthed. Still, Pru’s not about to sit back and let Simon take the fall for the dirty deed without a fight.
 

INTERVIEW WITH MARTY WINGATE

Marty, do you have a writing routine?
I do have a routine – I walk to the local library every morning and spend two to three hours combing through what I wrote the day before and writing new scenes. In the afternoon, usually in my home office, I edit. This routine works beautifully until it doesn’t.

Do you write every day?
I do, even on weekends. This doesn’t seem a burden, because I love it so much. Some days I may write 1,000 words – other days, I tweak a phrase, change a tone, layer a description. The days I don’t write (yes, I know what I said) I think through scenes. This mental editing process has proved to be invaluable to me.

What’s more important – characters or plot?
Characters, because they carry their own stories with them. I love this about series, that I can follow a character through his/her ups and downs and traveling a story arc that transcends on single book. I have been known to put down a famous author’s latest mega-seller because my favorite character – who just happens to be a secondary character, not the star – makes only a cameo appearance. I’m not above flipping pages (which is just as easy to do on my iPad as it is with a physical book).

How often do you read?
Everyday. Really – I’m not stretching the truth on that one. I often have a nonfiction book sitting by my chair in the living room, while on my nightstand is a piece of fiction. There’s such a comforting thrill (hmm, an oxymoron?) about knowing you can crawl into bed and sink into a good book.

What books do you currently have published?
I have four books published in the Potting Shed mystery series (The Skeleton Garden is the newest) and two books out in the Birds of a Feather series (The Rhyme of the Magpie and Empty Nest). I’m working on book three in Birds and Potting Shed; book four (The Bluebonnet Betrayal) will be out in August.


Is writing your dream job?
It is and has been since I was about eight years old. It took me a while to get back to it, but it’s as if it was always waiting for me to return.

If you could only watch one television station for a year, what would it be?
BBC Two – everything from intelligent and yet silly quiz shows, through great British comedy and fabulous dramas.

How do you feel about Facebook?
I feel good about Facebook – in general. It’s more of a fun conversation for me than Twitter, and a way of sharing news that is more than a hashtag. I love seeing photos, but I also want to read something. And who doesn’t want to see another cat video?

For what would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone who told a good story.

What's your favorite treat for movie night?
Popcorn – no butter, please. Don’t sit in front of me if you don’t like the munching sound. That reminds me – we spent a few days in Rye, Sussex last November and went to a cinema called Kino. It’s a great place – a café in front with a small bar. They have several screens that are behind locked doors (it isn’t that kind of movie house – we saw Suffragette), and you get in by scanning the bar code on your ticket at entry. The door unlocks, and voila! Only thing is, they ban popcorn and put their wine in plastic glasses (too noisy otherwise). I missed my popcorn.

What do you like to do when there’s nothing to do?
A writer is never bored. I think about my characters, about a particularly tough plot line to sort out. I can think through an entire scene, over and over, and never get bored. By the time I get to putting that scene down, it’s pretty much finished. Also, sometimes future books start sneaking into my mind, and I have to tell them to stay in the closet until I’m ready for them.

What would you name your autobiography?
This is a question that was settled when I was a teenager. When I was about twelve, our neighbor made homemade noodles and they were delicious – sort of thick and chewy, not like delicate pasta. I loved them. Several years later both that family and mine had moved, and one day my sister and I were talking about the people we’d left behind. I exclaimed, “I remember noodles!” That, she said, would be the title of my autobiography. What can I say? I’m a noodle girl.


Would you rather be a movie star, sports star, or rock star?
Movie star. I have an undergraduate degree in drama and have never been afraid of standing up in public. I love doing readings from my books, too.

Do you procrastinate?
Oh yes. This is why deadlines are so useful – especially the ones that loom.

What’s in your refrigerator right now?
Cheese – pecorino, cheddar, string – and apples. Milk. Pancetta. And a leftover baked egg dish.


Do you have any hidden talents?
I know sign language – although not so much ASL (American Sign Language) as Signed English, which mimics the syntax of spoken language. I’m pretty rusty these days, though.


What are you working on now?
Birds of a Feather number three. Julia Lanchester, manager of the Tourist Information Center in the village of Smeaton-under-Lyme in Suffolk (England), has a problem that involves her ex-husband, her boyfriend, and taking back the job she used to have – that of personal assistant to her celebrity ornithologist father, Rupert.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate is the author of four previous Potting Shed mysteries—The Garden Plot, The Red Book of Primrose House, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, and The Skeleton Garden—and the Birds of a Feather Mystery mysteries: The Rhyme of the Magpie and Empty Nest. Wingate is a regular contributor to Country Gardens and other magazines. She also leads gardening tours throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and North America. More Potting Shed and Birds of a Feather mysteries are planned.



Connect with Marty:

Facebook  | Twitter 

Buy the book:
Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  iBooks 

FEATURED AUTHOR: S.R. MALLERY

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Dolan Girls by S. R. Mallery has it all. Set in Nebraska during the 1800s, whorehouse madams, ladies of the night, a schoolmarm, a Pinkerton detective, a Shakespeare-quoting old coot, brutal outlaws, and a horse-wrangler fill out the cast of characters. Added to the mix are colorful descriptions of an 1856 land rush, Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show, Annie Oakley, bank/train robberies, small town local politics, and of course, romance. Two, in fact!

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE DOLAN GIRLS:

1) “At times rollicking, at times poignant, but always authentic, well- researched and a beautifully told story.”

2)“A compelling read, perfect amount of romance, with a wonderful ending.  With Mallery's warm writing style, you will be immersed in cast, time, and place.”

3)“S.R. Mallery’s words thunder off the page like a cattle stampede . . . her sharply written characters demonstrate that truly it was WOMEN who tamed the American West.”

4)“It's a rip-roaring, nail-biting, heart-throbbing ride...my Stetson is off to S.R. Mallery, five stars all the way.”

5)"What a marvellous story . . . A well-researched book of historical value for this reader--entertaining and very warmly written. Highly recommended.”

6)“Mallery has done it again. THE DOLAN GIRLS leads you on a trip that is sometimes painful and sometimes loving. You are taken from innocence to womanhood. From love to heartbreak . . . Definitely 5-stars!”

7) “As a history buff, I just loved this whoppin' good tale set in the old west . . . From the first word to the last, the pages couldn't fly fast enough. Highly recommended!”

8)“S. R. Mallery gives us a colourful view of America’s wild west of the 1800’s . . . The characters are endearing and the action is fast paced  . . . Looking forward to more from this talented writer.”

9)“If you're a fan of the old west, strong women, and enjoy a great read, this book is for you. Recommend highly!”

10)“The Dolan Girls is simply a wonderful book. It brings the West alive in a way that is not only historically interesting, but one can't help but become fascinated with how the story is going to play out.”

11) “S.R. Mallery knows how to write historical fiction in a way that hooks the reader . . . "

TWENTY QUESTIONS

1.    Love or money? 
Can’t I have both? Seriously, this is a more complex question than one might think. I’ve known people who have chosen for love, and when that works, it’s a true blessing. On the other hand, love can fade due to lack of money and when that happens, it is not a pretty sight. Then, I’ve seen some people who have chosen for money, making them miserable and those who have chosen for money and they’ve led charmed lives.

2.    Plain or peanut? (M&Ms)
Definitely M&Ms with peanuts. Rounds out the flavor and helps with the sure-to-come later blood sugar crash.

3.    Beef or chicken?
I mostly eat chicken, but boy, do I love a good steak once in a while! Yummmmm . . .

4.    Coffee or tea?
Coffee, or as we say in New York, “Kawfee." I’ve tried so hard to like tea; it sounds so lovely to say, “Would you like another spot of tea?” like they do in England, but it just doesn’t cut it for me. I’m an old New Yorker gal, I guess.

5.    Oxford comma: yes or no?
Definitely yes! I have found I’m sometimes in the minority with some folks, but Lordy, my need to have something before that ‘and’ is powerful.

6.    Hardback or Kindle?
Hardback or Kindle? Both, please! I have bad eyes, so for pleasure reading, I do much better with my kindle. I love how you can make the font bigger, the lines spaced differently. What a treat! On the other hand, being an historical fiction author, I need to do a lot of research. That’s when I prefer hardbacks, because I use them as working manuscripts: lots of notes go in their margins about how my characters would fit in with that passage or sometimes, I just simply scribble, “USE!”

7.    Salty or sweet?
I do like them both, but feel it’s important how they’re eaten and with what. Salty goes with wine, sweet with coffee. No doubt about it in my mind . . .

8.    City or country?
Again, I like both. The city is great for stimulation and access to many places, such as restaurants, museums, landmarks; the country is perfect for beauty and relaxation.

9.    Dog or cat?
Although I like both, I’ve become a total cat person. I love not having to walk my pet all the time, or come home early from having fun with family and friends to once again, walk my pet. I do recognize the differences between the two: dogs are always there, wagging their tails, anxious to please. But being so busy with other things, that’s a little too much in my face. I prefer cats, who are far more independent. Tomcats, I have found through experience, can be real lover boys and give me plenty of affection––draping their bodies and paws over my legs or my chest, purring on my shoulders or at my feet, but I can always get a break from them, which I feel I can’t do with a dog.

10.     Fame or fortune?
I could say both, but there’s a caveat. Fortune certainly makes for a feeling of security; unless you become a victim of a kidnapping/ransom plot (Sorry, I am a writer after all). As for fame, it depends on the kind of fame and to whom it’s happening. A writer’s fame is good because he/she can still have a private life. But for an actor? Forget about it!

11.    Laptop or desktop?
I mostly use a desktop. And because I am a luddite and only have the old kind of cell phone, not an iPhone or android, I am used to answering my emails with full sentences. And lots of them (I’m a very fast typist with an active mind). Or, let’s say I was used to it. Since most people answer me back from their phone, I’ve learned to accept their incredibly short responses, and am learning to cut down on my own words.

12.    Health food or junk food?
For the most part, I try to eat healthy, but every once in a great while, I do love eating some goooood junk food! Oh, yeah.

13.    Mountains or beach?
Definitely the beach, particularly in the late afternoon, just as the sun is about to set. Beautiful, just beautiful, and talk about soaking up all those negative ions.

14.    Gourmet or diner?
To me, good flavors are good flavors, whether it’s simple/no fuss, slapped down on a thick, clunky white plate, or artfully presented on a high-end platter. But Amy, if I could eat at the diners in your book, I’d be sure to come in every day . . .

15.    Sweet or unsweet? (Tea of course.)
Alas, I really don’t like tea, but when I have it I want it with milk only. Sorry. My bad??

16.    Humor or drama?
I love both. I need drama to really sink my teeth into, and I need humor to relax and get those laughing endorphins flowing.

17.    Dr. Seuss or Mr. Spock?
Dr. Seuss! I never was a Star Trek fan, although my husband certainly is, as well as my children. Sorry, world. . .

18.    Halloween or Christmas?
Christmas. Big time. I love all the decorations at Christmas. Our tree is always exploding with homemade ornaments from when I was a quilter/crafts person and was part of a group. Every year, when I put up all those ornaments, it brings me such a feeling of comfort and fond memories. No glitzy silver orbs or fancy draping ribbons; just lots of folk art angels, fabric objects, Santas, etc., all lovingly stitched/hand glued by myself and good friends.

19.    Spring or fall?
I like the fall for its crispness and the amazing leaf color changes. Spring is wonderful with each new, fresh bud bursting into color after a long hard winter of bare-branched trees and spindly bushes.

20.    Morning or night?
Definitely, I am a morning person—always have been. In fact, many years ago, when I was a singer performing in little clubs, while the rest of the band members would stay up jamming with each other until dawn broke, I was home, showered, and snuggled up in bed so I could actually get up in the morning to take a run on the beach.

EXCERPT FROM THE DOLAN GIRLS

Returning Home: 1883

. . . The two sisters shifted into their usual standoff poses: Cora annoyed, self-righteous, her hands on her hips; Minnie, wiry, know-it-all, breathing hard.

Just then, one of their ladies entered. “Mrs. Cora, Miss Minnie, there’s a problem out on the floor.”

Cora sighed. “What now, Marlena?”

The soiled dove gulped before answering. “One of our customers, the old geezer one, is having a fit. Gettin’ real ornery, too.”

In recognition of a regular happenstance, the two sisters looked at each other and grimaced.

“Need any help?” Minnie asked Cora as she stood up.

“Nope, I have it under control. Thanks, Sis,” Cora replied and headed out the door, Ellie and her homecoming temporarily forgotten.

Out in the main parlor, the girls had already formed a wide circle around old Pete. Corsets, bustles, crinolines, pantaloons, and camisoles intermingled with a whiskey-stained suit, a grimy vest, and mud-caked boots. He was no match for them. As they gleefully shoved and tickled him, his fury rose with each breath, while his face ripened into the color of raw meat. Finally, when he could take it no longer, he sputtered, “She-devils!” which produced gales of laughter.

“Ladies, ladies. Enough. Leave the man alone,” Cora said, placing a concerned arm around the smelly habitué. “There, there, Pete. They meant you no harm.”

“As Mercutio proclaimed in Romeo and Juliet, ...’tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church door, but ‘tis enough, ‘twill serve. Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man. All I wanted was a little love, Cora. I swear it!” He sniffled pathetically as the girls giggled.

With a dirty glance aimed at the group’s ringleader, Charity, Cora turned back to Pete. “You did produce some money, right, love?”

He looked down.

“Now, Pete, you know the rules.”

“I just wanted a little love. As Henry David Thoreau said, There is no remedy for love but to love more. He also said . . . ”

“Now, Pete, enough about Thoreau,” she interrupted, gently angling him toward the door. As soon as he left with a snort and an “After all we’ve been through together,” Cora shook her head and turned back to face her employees.

“Ladies, she said, “some women in this town may look down on us, but I do have my standards. Gentility is most important, above all else. I thought I had made myself perfectly clear.”

A few head nods and corset scratching was all she got before Marlena stepped forward. “Ah, Mrs. Cora?” 

Placing one hand on her hip, Cora sighed. “Now what?”

“He was full as a tick, that one was. He almost fell down twice.”

Cora squinted her eyes, assessing her new employee. “I don’t care how drunk he was. He, Miss Minnie, and I go way back.”

“But you tossed out a feller from Fanny’s bed just the other night. I reckon he wasn’t half as likkered up as that ol’ coot.”

Cora frowned. “I could tell the man with Fanny was going to be big trouble.”

“Yes, zat one very, very scared me,” Suzette, the resident French girl affirmed. “I zink Mrs. Cora maybe saved Fanny’s life.”

“Trust Mrs. Cora,” Rosie interjected. “She’ll always watch your back, or at least your backside!” There was an explosion of laughter.

“All right, all right. Get a wiggle on, ladies,” Cora continued, her eyes sweeping over them. “I heard a group of cowboys are ridin’ through town, maybe even this afternoon. Now, go, go!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S.R. Mallery has been labeled nothing short of 'eclectic'. She has been a singer, a calligrapher, a quilt designer, and an ESL teacher.

As a writer, History is her focus and is woven into her stories with a delicate thread. When people talk about the news of the day, or listen to music, Sarah's imagination likens the story to a similar kind of news in the past and is conjuring up scenes between characters she has yet to meet.



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