July 16, 2024 · 7:39 am

“10 Moments That Changed My Life” by Margaret Izard ~ New Release: Stone of Fear #WRPbks #Blog

Please help me welcome Margaret Izard with 10 Moments that changed her life…

1 – Dancing to records in the living room. I started this shortly after my first dance classes at a young age. Someone had to put the music on early on, but soon, I learned how to work the record player myself. I danced a lot outside of dance class, and the music was always Broadway musicals or movies.

2 – Attending The High School for Performing and Visual Arts. As a budding artist and turned serious dancer, I applied for the Arts Magnet School, The High School for Performing and Visual Arts, Houston, Texas. I went into the experience young and naive but open to all the inspiration and education my young mind could soak up. While it wasn’t the start of my creative journey (That occurred at three in my first dance class), it was an awakening that great art exists everywhere in all shapes, colors, and sizes. My experiences in those two short years shaped my view of art today.

3 – Having Triplets. If that doesn’t change your life, I don’t know what will! From the moment the ultrasound technician exclaimed, “Oh my God, there’s a third one!” Our lives changed. Three, everything came in threes, whether you liked it or not. Each stage provided its challenge, so I can’t say the “terrible twos” are the worst or the best. Even now, as they grow into adulthood, it’s a journey for us all. As I watch each of them grow, I can’t help but be proud.

4 – Going away for summers at a young age. Starting at eight years old for seven years, I went away to summer camp in NE, New Mexico, every summer for eight weeks. It didn’t bother me to be away. I wanted to go! I learned to ride horses, vaulting, camp crafts, camping, archery, riflery, acting, dance, and arts and crafts. It was summers filled with an overabundance of enjoyment and education. I got excited about going every year and cried when I had to come home. During my first year away, I didn’t write to my parents until my sister chased me down and sat on me till I scribbled one note that said, Dear Mom and Dad, love Margaret.

5 – Gymnastics had me unloading the dishwasher at an early age. Along with my love for dance. Every Christmas, my mother made these bourbon chocolate candies. Powdered sugar, butter, and bourbon made the inside, topped with a toasted pecan and covered in dark chocolate. I bet the chocolate tempted me, but she would store these in old film canisters on the refrigerator until she wrapped them to give to neighbors. I learned to climb the cabinet and reach to the top of the frig for treats. Once she discovered my newfound talent, she put it to good use, unloading the dishwasher.

6 – Allowing a cute guy to kiss me after he politely asked my permission when we first met. This led to my wonderful marriage, which celebrated our 31st year together.

7 – Finishing twenty-four years of tutoring the triplets. After, I put my foot down, saying, “I’m gonna write that book I’ve always wanted to write.” I did and signed my first contract with Wild Rose Press two and a half years later. I signed my fifth contract in June 2024 and plan more.

8 – Traveling to Scotland. After drafting the first three books in the series, a trip to Scotland in June 2023 provided an inspiring view of Scotland and her people. I feel even more connected to the characters and their stories after visiting the locations featured in the series… Dunstaffnage Castle, Chapel in the Woods, Iona Isle and Abbey, and Dunollie Castle. Traveling, in general, is inspiring and relaxing. I have many other book ideas from my travels.

9 – William Shakespeare’s gravestone rubbing inspired me from a very early age.
I grew up with his gravestone rubbing hanging in our bar. A copy now hangs in my bedroom.
In old English text it says…
Good friend for Jesus sake forebear
to dig the dust enclosed here.
Bless be ye man who spares the stones
and curst be he who moves my bones.

Someone recently asked what I would talk about if I met him.
Shakespeare’s mastery of language, character development, and storytelling is unparalleled. I would love to gain insight into his creative process and understand how he crafted enduring works that continue to resonate centuries later. I’d ask how he mastered conveying complex human emotions and themes through poetic language. Or about his plays that explore profound philosophical questions about human nature, morality, and existence. Something I’ve worked hard to incorporate into my writing voice. Beyond his work, understanding the man behind the genius. His thoughts, struggles, and motivations would provide a richer, more personal connection to the craft of writing and the art of storytelling.

10 – My sense of humor has kept me sane. I get it from my father, this cynical view of the world that helps me find humor in the ups and downs. From a one-liner at the perfect point in a conversation to a comical view of a challenging time, humor has seen me through it all. I will always look at it this way: Laugh with life! We celebrate the ups, laugh at the irony of the lows, and when life gives you lemons… make electric lemonade.

Book Blurb

She’d give everything to keep his love. He’d chase her through time to save her soul.

Marie Murray, a spunky expert on spiritual buildings, jumps at the opportunity to renovate the chapel mosaic floor at Dunstaffnage Castle, where she falls hard for the dashing John MacArthur. From their first kiss, sparks fly.

Believing her religious renovation creates magic, a fanatical priest kidnaps Marie. Obsessed with obtaining a powerful magic Stone of Iona, he drags her to 15th-century Scotland.

With his love kidnapped, John must tackle his hereditary duty and locate a magic Fae stone while chasing his love across time. Her memories of their passion keep her sane. His fuel his will to find her.

Will John get to Marie in time to save her soul?

Excerpt:

Hands closed over her eyes and startled her. At first, she grew concerned, but the familiar scent of clean male musk with an undercurrent of light aftershave wafted to her, and she recognized who held her.

A breath blew gently against her ear as he whispered, “How do ye get a geologist girlfriend?”

Marie giggled and shrugged as she leaned back against John’s muscular chest. Her head fit perfectly under his chin. John removed his hands, but she kept her eyes closed as he turned her in his arms, then kissed her lips. She returned his kiss and rose on her toes as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

He lifted his head. “Well, how do ye get a geologist girlfriend?”

Another of John’s corny rock jokes, she opened her eyes to his expectant stare. “I don’t know. How?”

He smiled and replied. “Ye best esker out!” He paused. “Get it? Esker is a long, winding ridge of stratified sand and gravel…”

She giggled and kissed him quickly as she stopped his speech. “Are ye asking me to be yer girlfriend or asking me out?”

John hugged her and replied, “Both, be my girlfriend and have lunch later today. But first, I need to exercise.”

John took her hand as they strolled toward the Chapel in the Woods. “Woman of the rocks, were ye examining the excavation site ye and Bree believed to be a small village during the eighteenth century? Yer project starts today, right?”

She smiled at his endearment. He called her “Woman of the rocks” in their emails and phone conversations when they first spoke about Bree’s chapel renovation project, over a year ago.

Buy Links

mizardauthor | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

Stone of Fear (Stones of Iona Book 2) – Kindle edition by Izard, Margaret . Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Stone of Fear (Stones of Iona Book 2) by Margaret Izard – BookBub

Stone of Fear by Margaret Izard | Goodreads

The Stone of Iona Series
Stone of Love, book 1 released March 4th Stone of Fear, book 2 June 12th. Stone of Lust, book 3, releases October 21st. The first Christmas Companion book, Thistle in the Mistletoe, comes November 4th. Stone of Hope, book 4 is in production now with a release date in 2025. There are seven books in the series with three Christmas companion books.

Author Biography

Margaret Izard is a multi-award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.

Readers can email me at:  info@margaretizardauthor.com

Check out my website – www.margaretizardauthor.com

Social Media

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July 15, 2024 · 10:59 am

Author Interview with Kay Pritchett ~ New Release: The House with a Secret Cellar

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Kay Pritchett

Giveaway: I am giving away a copy of any of my books in the Mosey Frye Mysteries series. Participants only need to check out my webpage at moseyfryemysteries.com and contact me through the “contact” option. I will pick one name out of a hat and be in touch. Those who live abroad may enter to win an eBook.

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

I was born in Greenville, Mississippi, but have lived most of my life in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where I now reside. My husband Chris Huggard have enjoyed a life of teaching, writing, going to conferences, and whiling away the time with our co-workers at the University of Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas Community College. Life in the ivory tower is a little more interesting than you think. Nonetheless, we like to break out occasionally and travel the plains and mountains of the West or the picturesque villages of Europe. My fascination with Spanish literature landed me in Spain for seven years, while Chris’s interest in mining history has taken us to old mining sites around the world. Last summer, we had the chance to explore a magnificent medieval salt mine in Wieliczka, Poland.

Where did you get the idea for your book title?

When I wrote The House with a Secret Cellar, I picked a title that referenced the mysterious cellar of Morris House, which is the primary setting of the novel. I envisioned it as a old-school ‘man cave’ with piles of books, an ancient typewriter, and a round table encircled by straight-back chairs and stocked with playing cards and poker chips. This underground hideout epitomized the long-dead owner, who, escaping the outside world, consoled himself with reading, writing, and an occasional card game with his buddies.

Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)?

When I first tried my hand at fiction, every attempt strangely evolved into a mystery, despite my effort to guide the story elsewhere. And besides that, every attempt to pen a short tale sounded so much like the first chapter of a novel that my workshop companions kept asking for the second chapter. I finally got the message and gave in to writing mystery novels.

Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc., you’d like to share?

The only unusual thing about this book is the new character Lauren Wilson, who reflects my desire to inject a bit of myself—my disposition, let us say—into the novel. Neither of the two women featured in Mosey Frye Mysteries—I’m speaking of Mosey Frye and her sidekick Nadia Abboud—is very much like me. But Lauren, who is the new forensic psychologist at Blanchard College in Hembree, mimics me physically and psychologically. As she concocts scenarios to explain the crime, she lets her imagination run away with her. I confess to being capable of that myself.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book? What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular?

Following my own inclinations is the tough part for me. I often struggle with the desire to carefully plan the storyline, but unlike many, I have never been good at sticking with an outline, even from my high school days. I’m what psychologists might call a “perceiving type,” which means that I prefer to dive headfirst, allowing my intuition to lead the way. Be that as it may, a nagging voice inside my head refuses to let me “pants” in peace.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read [your book]?

I want readers to be entertained and to feel the book was suspenseful and also fun. If they get a sense of the region that the story mirrors, the Mississippi River Delta, that would be a plus.

What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?

Some years ago, I would have said the Charlize Theron of The Cider House Rules for Mosey and someone tall, dark, and handsome, like Antonio Banderas, for Olivera. But nowadays, they would have to be younger actors because Mosey is in her mid-thirties and Olivera, his forties.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could have 3 (inanimate) objects, what would they be?

A functioning computer, a vessel for drinking water, and a lot of SPF.

If you could be a character in any of your books, who would you be?

Gosh, I think Mosey Frye. She’s tall, slender, and blonde and has an awful lot of fun.

If you could spend time with a character from your book, whom would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please 🙂

This is a hard choice, but I guess I’d pick Gus Olivera. I’d love to hang out in some fictional spot like the Tavernette or Al’s Super Club and drink something tasty—maybe a margarita or a mojito.

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Tough criticisms? I prefer not to think, but I guess my favorite comment came from one of my students, who referred to my mysteries as “grown up Nancy Drew.” Though I have never tried to re-create Nancy Drew, I think Mosey Frye must be at least a very distant cousin from below the Mason-Dixon Line.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

Some of my characters are similar to real people, and those are usually minor characters, such as the haughty retired geography professor in Murder at Waite House, a dead ringer for an old neighbor of mine. But most are entirely from my imagination.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

I’d have to say Bonnie Raitt.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I avoid actual messages, but there is some historical information of interest in The House with a Secret Cellar. It has to do with casta paintings, a genre I ran across while researching portraits of women in old New Orleans. It turns out that the Bourbon monarchs, wanting to mold social relations among their subjects in the American colonies, persuaded artists to present their models in a particular way. Hence, relationships between different ethnic groups might be depicted sometimes in a positive light and sometimes not so much. A quaint form of manipulation, no?

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Seventeenth-century writer Miguel de Cervantes, author of the first modern novel, Don Quijote de la Mancha. Cervantes’s take on perspective is truly outstanding. I would always want to respect and represent the point of view of characters, even those I’m not fond of.

Your favorite…

Movie: Il Conformista by Bertolucci

Music: The Eagles

Place you’ve visited: Siena, Italy

Place you’d like to visit: the Amalfi coast

TV show from childhood: Bonanza

TV show from adulthood: Yellowstone

Food: Italian

Excerpt:

Olivera joined Eads again in the corridor. “So, as I was saying, I bet what happened is Mosey, after she stopped wherever she stopped, hurried on to Morris House, saw something, went to investigate, and this guy, this Paul Krueger, stepped out of the bushes and hit her over the head.”

“Huh.” Eads gave Olivera a discerning look. “You sound, well, not entirely sympathetic.”

He shook his head. “Of course, I’m…” He stopped.

“You’re not sympathetic,” she insisted.

Strangely, under the penetrating gaze of Eads, an expert at deciphering the truths of corpses, he suddenly found himself devoid of strength, as if he were the lifeless body. Utterly disarmed, how could he respond except with complete honesty? “Okay, okay, you’re right. I’m not entirely sympathetic. Not that I would want any harm to come to her…or anyone else, for that matter.”

“You think she had it coming,” Eads said with a tone of disdain.

“No, no, no. Not that she had it coming. But, you know, sometimes a lesson learned is a good thing.”

“As long as the person learning the lesson—”

“Don’t say that.” He raised a finger to her lips. “Hush, don’t say that,” he repeated. Then, in the dim hall between Emergency and the morgue, Olivera did what he’d been wanting to do for weeks—no, months, actually. The slightly emotional eruption in both him and Eads, triggered by their first real clash, brought a particular yearning to fulfilment. Lowering his hand from her lips, he looked into her eyes and kissed her, first gently, then passionately. She didn’t resist—he wasn’t sure whether out of shock or mutual longing—but he soon found out. For when she withdrew his arms from her waist, she didn’t step away but, taking him by the hand, led him toward the door at the end of the hall.

Buy link(s):

You can find all the mysteries online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other top retailers or purchase directly from the publisher at https://wildrosepress.com/shop/.

About the Author:

As a mystery writer, Kay delights in blending the charming wit of amateur sleuth Mosey Frye with the suave sophistication of police chief Gus Olivera. She’s all about sprinkling her Mosey Frye Mysteries with lively banter, highlighting the dynamic interactions between Mosey and her trusty sidekick Nadia, as well as the intriguing dialogues between Olivera and sharp-witted coroner Eads McGinnis. Her goal? To transport readers into the thrilling world of an Agatha Christie whodunit, but with a delightful twist—think verandas and paddle boats! Read all about the series at moseyfryemysteries.com.

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July 9, 2024 · 9:39 am

NEST 2024 Contest Winners and Finalists #NESTWinner2024 #CROWGroupOK

Congratulations to the winners and finalists in the fifth annual National Excellence in Story Telling (NEST) Contest, sponsored by Central Region Oklahoma Writers (CROW)…

Contemporary Novel

First Place

Too Late for Goodbye by Jean C. Joachim

Publisher: Moonlight Books

Second Place

Operation Ethan by Laurie Ryan

Publisher: Silver Sage Press

Third Place

Breathless – Nightingale Vineyard #1 by Roz Lee

Publisher: State of Mind Publishing

Third Place

Royal Caleva: Gabriel by Nancy Herkness

Publisher: Tabby Brothers Press

Fourth Place (tie)

The Light at Corriveau Crossing by Amber Cross

Publisher: Indie Published

and

Timeless – Nightingale Vineyard #2 by Roz Lee

Publisher: State of Mind Publishing

Fifth Place

Sea Glass Summer by Miranda Liasson

Publisher: Forever

Contemporary Short

First Place (tie)

Autumn Deception by N. Jade Gray

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

and

Ghosted by Nancy Fraser

Publisher: Indie Published

Second Place

Christmas at Crazy Woman Creek by Ryan Jo Summers

Publisher: Satin Romance/Melange Books

Third Place

Sable (Always a Bridesmaid) by Peggy Jaeger

Publisher: Indie Published

Fourth Place

On the Way to Us by Carolyn Brown

Publisher: Sourcebooks/Casablanca

Fifth Place

Reunited with the Children’s Doc by Susan Carlisle

Publisher: Harlequin Mills and Boon

Cozy Mystery

First Place

Death by Cutting Table by Susie Black

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Second Place

Reading, Writing, and Murder (A Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery)

by Brenda Whiteside and Joyce Whiteside Proell

Publisher: Indie Published

Third Place (tie)

Sapphires in Snow by Amy Schisler

and

Sazerac, Sleuth & Slay, An Andi Anna Jones Mystery, Book 2

by Mary Cunningham

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Fourth Place

Rogue the Durum by Steven J. Kolbe

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Fifth Place (tie)

Black Magic Murder by Polly Holmes

Publisher: Gumnut Press

and

Do You Take This Man? by Jacquie May Miller

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Erotic Novel

First Place

A Pointed End by Kit McKenna

Publisher: Indie Published

Second Place

Leopold, The Lion’s Den series by Dania Voss

Publisher: Indie Published

Third Place

The Handler by Jordyn Kross

Publisher: Scarlet Parlor Press, LLC

Erotic Short

First Place

Our Fugitive Bride by Lacey Davis

Publisher: Virtual Bookseller

Second Place

Come Home to the Cowboys by Lacey Davis

Publisher: Virtual Bookseller

Third Place

Flames of Flamenco by Jennifer Ivy Walker

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Fourth Place

The Simple Art of Lust by Mandy Valentine

Publisher: Secret Self Books

Fifth Place

The Story of Q by Mandy Valentine

Publisher: Secret Self Books

Historical Novel

First Place

By Sword and Fan by Kathleen Buckley

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Second Place (tie)

Gamble of Hearts by Virginia Barlow

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

and

Highland Echo by Willa Blair

Publisher: Oliver-Heber Books

Third Place

Forgiven Never Forgotten by Susan Leigh Furlong

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Fourth Place

Thumb Fire Desire by Carol Nickles

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Fifth Place

Captivated By His Countess by Kathy L Wheeler

Publisher: Chisel Imprint

Historical Short

First Place

A Snowlit Christmas Kiss by Larissa Lyons

Publisher: Literary Madness

Second Place

One of These Wylder Nights by Roni Denholtz

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Third Place

Promise Me Christmas by Gini Rifkin

Publisher: Dragon Song

Fourth Place

Jambalaya by Jesse by Nancy Fraser

Publisher: Indie Published

Fifth Place

Davis’s Debt by Marisa Masterson

Publisher: Indie Published

Horror

First Place

Totem of Terror by Robert Herold

Publisher: Wild Rose Press

Second Place

Dark Reflections by Raven Lee

Publisher: LilyBear House, LLC

Third Place

The Widower by Krysta Scott

Publisher: Indie Published

Fourth Place

Tormented Whispers by Krysta Scott

Publisher: Indie Published

Fifth Place

Kiss Me Deadly by Tamela Miles

Publisher: Indie Published

Inspirational Novel

First Place

Claiming Her Legacy by Linda Goodnight

Publisher: Love Inspired Trade

Second Place

Jordan Valley Roundup by Susan Spess

Publisher: Pelican Books

Third Place

Christmas at Whispering Creek by Barbara M. Britton

Publisher: Pelican Book Group

Fourth Place

Seeking Sugar and Spice by Amy Schisler

Publisher:

Fifth Place (tie)

Her One In a Million by Paige Campbell

Publisher: Anaiah Press

and

The Fragrance of Violets by Susan K. Beatty

Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing

Inspirational Short

First Place

Her Christmas Wish by Barbara Lohr

Publisher: Purple Egret Press

Second Place

A Heart for News by Susan Beatty

Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing

Third Place

Sarah (Christmas Quilt Brides) by Nancy Fraser

Publisher: Indie Published

Paranormal Novel

First Place

Fallen by Susan Person

Publisher: Indie Published (Person Publishing, LLC.)

Second Place

Wolf’s Keep: The Wolves of Langeais, Book 1 by K.E. Turner

Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing

Third Place

Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl

Publisher: Amanda Uhl LLC

Fourth Place

The Solitary Rose by Anne Rollins

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Fifth Place

The Taken by Donnette Smith

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Paranormal Short

First Place

The Surrogate by Brenda Clark Thomas

Publisher: Indie Published

Second Place

When the Hope Rose Blooms by Annette Miller

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Third Place

For The Love of Grace by Nancy Fraser

Publisher: Indie Published

Fourth Place

Departmental Relations by Danni Line

Publisher: Indie Published

Fifth Place (tie)

A Wicked Fate by Mark Edward Jones

Publisher: MEJ Books, LLC

and

Raven’s Hollow Spring Magic by Tena Stetler

Publisher: The Wild Rose

Suspense Novel

First Place

Lethal Reprisal by Kaylea Cross

Publisher: Kaylea Cross Inc.

Second Place

A Pride of Brothers: Dylan by Peggy jaeger

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Third Place

The Unexpected Hostage by Allison McKenzie

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Fourth Place

Above ‘N’ Beyond by Tee O’Fallon

Publisher: Entangled

Fifth Place

Lost in the Dark by Gail Chianese

Publisher: Indie Published by Gail Chianese

Suspense Short

First Place

Deadly Illusions by Anna Kittrell

Publisher: Indie Published

Second Place

The New Guy by Dex Rivers

Publisher: Indie Published

Third Place

The Axe by Linda Griffin

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Women’s Fiction

First Place

Maggie’s Story by Jean C. Joachim

Publisher: Moonlight Books

Second Place (tie)

Secrets of a Runaway Bride by Sylvia McDaniel

Publisher: Virtual Bookseller

and

Devine Doughunt by Carolyn Brown

Third Place

Bewept by Colleen Coyne

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Fourth Place

The Lucky Shamrock by Carolyn Brown

Fifth Place

Enduring the Waves by Jill Ocone

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Young Adult

First Place

Beautiful One by Mary Cope

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Second Place

Crushing by TR Simmons

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Third Place

The Blood of Faeries by Dan Rice

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Fourth Place

The Disappearing Names by Avis Adams

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Fifth Place

Griselda Rella by Lee Renwick Steele

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

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July 3, 2024 · 7:48 am

Author Interview with Margot Johnson ~ New Release: Some Other Way ~ #ContemporaryRomance #Blog #WRPbks

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Margot Johnson…

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

I’ve lived in the Canadian prairies all my life. My books are set close to home in some real and some imagined locations.

My best role ever is being a mom and now grandma to a big extended family.

I love dogs (especially golden retrievers) even though we no longer have one. Many of my characters love dogs too. My dream job is running a doggy hotel, but I think I’ll stick to writing.

My dad was a journalist, author, and editor, and he instilled my love of reading and writing. I hope he would be proud of my work, even if romance wasn’t his genre. My sister Donna Gartshore is also a writer. She writes for the Harlequin Love Inspired line.

What inspired you to write this book?

I know a young woman who gave up a baby in a private, open adoption, and she has remained involved in her child’s life in a surrogate-aunt type of relationship. Hearing about that experience was the seed of an idea that grew into Some Other Way.

Do you collect anything?

Nothing concrete, but my husband and I love to collect travel experiences. Some of our favorites are an annual trip to Mexico, a European river cruise, an Alaskan cruise, a tour of the Canadian Maritimes (where we visited the home of Lucy Maud Montgomery and the world of Anne of Green Gables), and enjoying the great outdoors in Waskesiu, Canada.

What was your first job?

As a student, I was a figure skating coach, and I have an upcoming novel set around a small-town skating rink.

My first job after graduating with an English degree was writing ad copy at a radio station. That’s where I learned to write under pressure.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read Some Other Way?

I hope they feel entertained, satisfied, and moved in some way. Hopefully they feel like no matter how ordinary a life might seem, dreams can come true.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

I wrote my first book with my sister. We alternated chapters without an overall outline and really had no idea how to structure a novel. It’s still sitting in a file somewhere, but I can safely say it will never be published. We’ve come a long way!

I have several works in progress at various stages that I hope will be published eventually.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

They come from my imagination, although everything I experience influences me in some way so probably inspires my imagination. My best friend thought she recognized herself in one of my characters. Maybe they shared some qualities in common, but the character definitely wasn’t her.

What character in your book are you least likely to get along with?

I had fun writing about the town busybody, Louanne, but in real life, she would irritate me by not minding her own business.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?\

When I was volunteering at a food program for kids, I met Prince (now King) Charles. He asked me if I had been busy peeling carrots.

How much of the book is realistic?

I hope the characters feel real to readers. Even though the small town is fictional, I tried to capture the prairie setting and the real-life warmth and resiliency of Canadian prairie people.

What advice do you give aspiring authors?

When people ask me for writing advice, I say, “Just do it!” Get your words on paper. You can always fix them later.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’ve started posting about all kinds of happy things because in real life, we can all use more good news, happy thoughts and amusing anecdotes to make us smile. I’d love to hear your additions. Dog photos are always welcome too!

Chance to receive a free copy!

I’ll randomly choose one reader to receive an e-copy of Some Other Way. To be eligible, visit me at margotjohnson.ca and leave a comment about why you’d like to read it.

Maybe what she wants is not what she needs…

Jayne Jones is not as plain as her mother makes her feel. Her life is full as surrogate aunt to her birth daughter, given up in open adoption five years ago, and as leader of the Adopt-a-Dog service. 

More than anything, Jayne wants to expand the overcrowded dog shelter on a coveted piece of adjacent land.  When Dr. Evan Scott, her high school crush, returns to his hometown to enlarge the local medical clinic on the very same property, he complicates everything. 

Now her formidable opponent, Evan is ready to forget past hurts and embrace a fresh start with the cute girl—now attractive woman—he remembers. But should Jayne bare her heart to the good-looking newcomer? And will her open secret change his mind?

Excerpt:

Jayne crossed her arms. “I’m not interested.” A funny sensation rose and fell in her stomach. He was attractive and fun.

“Looks like he is. What are you afraid of, anyway?” Tasha tapped Jayne’s shoulder.

“Nothing. I’m not scared.” Jayne took a deep breath. “But the strangest thing happened.”

 “Ooh, sounds interesting.” Never drifting her gaze off Jayne, Tasha scooted back to her chair.

Jayne gripped her coffee mug. Evan was a mature professional, but every time she searched his large eyes and wide smile, she remembered inconsiderate, teenage Evan. Worse, she imagined his raised eyebrows at the situation with Cara. “To my total surprise, I invited him to the youth group on Friday, almost like I wanted him to come.”

“Surprises are good, girl.” Tasha stared and blinked three times before she spun her chair toward her desk. “You need a little excitement in your life.”

“Whatever you say.” Jayne rolled her eyes. At that moment, her office phone rang. She welcomed the timely interruption. “Good morning. Adopt-a-Dog. How can I help you?” She’d dive into work and forget her social life. She needed to strategize and build extra support in the next two weeks, or she’d never achieve her goal of expansion.

“Good morning.”

A male voice rumbled a greeting. He emphasized both words and delivered them with a tone of familiarity like she should recognize his voice. Of course, she did, but she paused and waited for him to continue.

 “Jayne, it’s Evan.”

Why did he call her at work? What did he need? Her heart beat much faster than normal.

Buy links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Indigo

Kobo

Goodreads

BookBub

About the Author:

Margot grew up in a family of writers and has always loved books and writing

Creating stories people love has been her lifelong dream. Now she’s the author of the romances Love Takes Flight, Love Leads the Way, and her new release, Some Other Way. She has also authored the Merilee Tours novella series, Let it Snowball, Let it Melt, and Let it Simmer.

Before turning her focus to the fun writing life, Margot held leadership roles in human resources and communications. When not writing, she loves to connect with family and friends, volunteer with SK Writers’ Guild, and walk at least 10,000 steps a day (except when it’s minus 40 outside!)  She lives in the Canadian prairies with her husband.

Contact Margot Johnson:

Website: margotjohnson.ca  

Facebook: MargotJohnsonAuthor  

Twitter/X: @AuthorMargot

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July 2, 2024 · 10:41 am

Liz Flaherty ~ Pieces of Blue ~ #WomensFiction #WRPbks #Blog

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Liz Flaherty…

One of the best parts of being a writer is choosing the setting for the stories you write. Another of the best parts is that after you select it, you get to…well, lie about it. Unless you want to be faithful to where McDonald’s is, what street the Nazarene Church is on, or what neighborhoods look like, it’s a good idea to give your setting a fictitious name.

Which is how a small lake and a small town in Indiana moved to north central Michigan and changed their names in the process. It’s somewhere near Cadillac—picture me waving my hand in one direction or another—and it has fun places, like Harper Mercantile, Kristy’s Bar and Grill, Amelia’s Nine Patch, and a pretty little park.

It’s home to Pieces of Blue.

Blurb:

Life comes in shades of blue…

Self-imposed loner, Maggie North, has worked for bestselling author Trilby Winterroad her entire adult life, starting as simply his assistant and ending up as his ghost writer. Through ups and downs–including a divorce from an abusive husband–he has been the one person on whom she could always rely. So when Trilby dies suddenly, Maggie finds herself adrift, not sure what she’ll do or where she belongs in the world any longer. And the confusion continues when she discovers he’s not only left her his beloved dachshund, Chloe, but a house she knew nothing about, on a lake she’s never heard of.
It only takes one visit for Maggie to fall in love with both the house and the small lakeside community. The longer she’s there, the safer she feels and the more her life begins to expand…as do her feelings toward her friend and Trilby’s attorney, Sam Eldridge.
But is she really safe? Or are the glistening pieces of her new life about to shatter as an old danger returns?

Excerpt:

He cupped my face in his hands—oh, the warmth. I didn’t think I’d ever be cold again—and tilted his head for that firm, gentle mouth to take mine again. We were in our fifties, experienced kissers. I understood the jumping around inside and the skittery dance of my heartbeat. I understood the sudden sensitivity of my breasts, that I could feel their weight inside my bra. I got it, as he held me ever closer and deepened the kisses we shared, how precious this zero-dark-thirty time was. I understood the depths of the itch.

I dipped my head, laying it against the shoulder of his sweatshirt, then raised it again to have my turn at taking his lips and tasting. Like me, he’d brushed his teeth before coming to the kitchen, and he tasted of toothpaste and coffee and…oh, sweetness.

Buy links:

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/FlahertyBlue

Amazon: https://a.co/d/eyEjPDA

About the Author:

Liz Flaherty has spent the past several years enjoying not working a day job, making terrible crafts, and writing stories in which the people aren’t young, brilliant, or even beautiful. She’s decided (and has to re-decide most every day) that the definition of success is having a good time. Along with her husband of lo, these many years, kids, grands, friends, and the occasional cat, she’s doing just that. You can reach her at lizkflaherty@gmail.com or find her anywhere on  https://linktr.ee/LizFlaherty. She’d love to hear from you.

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July 1, 2024 · 10:03 am

Author Interview with Jennifer Ivy Walker ~ New Release: The Witch of the Breton Woods ~ #WRPbks #Blog #historicalromance #romanticsuspense

Please help me welcome my guest, Jennifer Ivy Walker. I had the pleasure of editing her book and, take it from me, it’s wonderful! Now, let’s get to know Jennifer…

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

I am a former French teacher who has traveled and lived in France, so many of my novels, such as The Witch of the Breton Woods, takes place there. I currently live in Florida with my family and my golden retriever. I take long walks on the beach every evening and collect seashells.

Where did you get the idea for The Witch of the Breton Woods?

I have always been fascinated by the heroic and dangerous efforts of the French Resistance during WWII. I love Brittany and Normandy (the northern coastline of France along the English Channel), and I love healers who use herbal medicine. So I blended these themes and wrote a novel about a young woman–a member of the French Resistance–who is ostracized by villagers who fear her as a witch She finds, shelters, and heals a critically wounded American soldier, keeping him hidden from the Nazis who are hunting him. (And her!)

Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)?

This was a totally new genre for me! I have written medieval romance and paranormal romance, but never romantic suspense. I hope my readers will love it!

What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular?

Since I was a high school and college French teacher, I was already familiar with the D-Day landing in Normandy and the Nazi Occupation of France during WWII. But as I did additional research in writing this novel, I discovered that there were approximately 35,000 members of the French Resistance in Brittany. I decided to weave together the actual historical events in the Battle of Brittany (and the Battle of Saint-Malo in particular) to create this historical fiction/romantic suspense.

Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and do you like it?

I also design and create Renaissance Denim Couture , where I take vintage denim and upcycle with French bohémienne flair. This is my Etsy shop with my creations:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/bohemienneivy

Do you collect anything?

I collect huge seashells from my daily walks on the beach in Florida where I  live.

What genre have you never written that you’d like to write?

I am currently writing a Viking historical romance trilogy, blending real historical events with Norse mythology and epic fantasy!

How did you come up with the title?

Since my female protagonist is a reclusive healer who lives in a secluded cottage and concocts  herbal potions, I selected the title The Witch of the Breton Woods because the villagers fear her as a witch.

Can true love triumph against all odds under the oppressive Third Reich?

Excerpt:

Beau would leave her in a few short weeks. To rejoin his regiment and return to battle. Neither of them knew if they’d even survive this damned war. Tomorrow might never come. But they did have today. And Yvette vowed that she wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.

 He’d leave her, yes.

 But with fond memories instead of bitter regret.

Life was ephemeral. Fragile. Fleeting. Love was a rare, precious gift.  This time, she would grab the chance for happiness and seize the day.

Carpe diem.

Buy links:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Breton-Woods-Jennifer-Walker-ebook/dp/B0D33VNSTP

Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-witch-of-the-breton-woods-jennifer-ivy-walker/1145462481?ean=2940185776735

About the Author:

     Jennifer Ivy Walker has an MA in French literature and is a former high school teacher and professor of French at a state college in Florida.  Her novels encompass a love for French language, literature, history, and culture, incorporating her lifelong study and many trips to France.

     The Witch of the Breton Woods is heart-pounding suspense set during WWII in Nazi-occupied France, where a young woman in the French Resistance shelters and heals a wounded American soldier, hiding him from the Gestapo and the monstrous Butcher who are relentlessly hunting him.

Website:  https://jenniferivywalker.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferIvyWalker/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jenniferivywalkerauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bohemienneivy

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferivywalker

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209456185-the-witch-of-the-breton-woods

 Book Trailer on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A-VLgO7Aww

 Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-witch-of-the-breton-woods-by-jennifer-ivy-walker

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June 27, 2024 · 7:58 am

Author Interview with Peggy Chambers ~ Stones of Sandhill Island #RomanticSuspense ~ #WRPbks #Blog

Please help me welcome my friend and fellow Wild Rose Press author, Peggy Chambers…

What book have you read that you wish you had written?

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

What’s your favorite book of all time and why?

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

What’s your favorite childhood book?

All the Nancy Drew mysteries. I didn’t know back then that Carolynne Keene wasn’t a real author.

Would you rather have a bad review or no review?

No review

What do you want your tombstone to say?

She did her best

What do your friends and family think of your writing?

They are very supportive.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

Col. Eileen Collins, Astronaut. She was recently in my hometown and I had the chance to help her set up a book signing at a local bookstore. She learned to fly at Vance AFB in Enid, OK where I live.

How did your interest in writing originate?

By reading  and my teachers and mother said I had a good imagination. That wasn’t always a good thing.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Ernest Hemmingway and the simplicity of his writing.

Thanks for allowing me to inteview you today, now please tell us about your book.

There’s a new jazz singer on Sandhill Island.  Billie Stone, named for the late jazz great, Billie Holiday, has her own set of pipes.  She grew up on Sandhill Island and has come back home to heal after a tragic accident took her family. Billie’s mother falls ill and now she has a new role as caregiver. Once again, her mental health takes a back seat. Billie’s best friend will do all she can to see that her friend has an opportunity to heal, and then the snowbird from Montana shows up. 

Joe Franks, drunk and on the wrong side of the road late one night, crashes into the minivan that came out of nowhere. But after a year in jail and penniless, he thinks he deserves another chance.  No one will hire a jail bird and he’s not cut out for pizza delivery.

Buy link: https://books2read.com/u/bo/Orp

About the Author:

Peggy Chambers calls Enid, Oklahoma home. She is an award-winning author and writes in several genres from children’s books, young adult books, suspense novels, pulp fiction, and comic books. But she has decided, after much soul-searching, to settle on the mystery/suspense genre going forward—maybe. Her book links are on her website http://peggylchambers.com.

She is a member of the Enid Writers’ Club, Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc., Sisters in Crime, Tornado Alley, and Oklahoma Romance Writers’ Guild.

She writes a weekly blog on her website, you can like her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BraWars, or connect with her on Instagram at champeggy.

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June 25, 2024 · 9:52 am

#HobbyCareerPassion: If My Book Was A Song It Would Be A Country One by Kara O’Neal & New Release: Forever Home #Blog

Welcome to my feature where authors share about the hobbies, careers, or passions of their characters.

I’m pleased to introduce today’s guest, Kara O’Neal…

If My Book Was A Song It Would Be A Country One

I can sing.

Not like Whitney Houston or Patsy Cline, but I can sing. Music, for me, is my first creative love. I was singing before I was talking. When my mamma would rock me to sleep as an infant, I would hum with the beat of the rocking chair.

Here is me singing The Dress by Emily Scott Robinson. It’s a heartbreaking song, but it’s one of the more beautiful ones I’ve ever heard. https://youtu.be/IQBw5-NucHw

I listen to all kinds of music, but my favorite is country. Not the songs they play on mainstream radio. I’m a Texas Country fan, which is also known as Red Dirt music. The artists of this musical genre create masterpieces that lodge into your heart and speak in real and very raw ways.

These artists hack out a living just like the rest of us, because, let me tell you, streaming services don’t pay much. So they go from town to town, singing their hearts out, plucking the strings of their guitars till their fingers bleed, teaching the world that all it takes is “three chords and the truth” to move you to the depths of your soul.

My most recent release, FOREVER HOME, is my love letter to the artists who have created works of art through music. And I’m gonna share some of my favorites with you – love songs only.

Many of my favorite singers and bands are featured in FOREVER HOME. I wanted to shine all the lights I could on these artists, and I love how their music helps me tell Wyatt and Jessie’s story.

What’s your favorite love song? Please share and you could win an ebook of FOREVER HOME!

Here’s my list of some of my favorite love songs. Have fun listening!

My Love Will Never Change by Drew Kennedy

The Morning by Roger Creager

Before You Called Me Baby by Caitlin Smith

Ain’t Nothin’ To It by Cody Johnson

Everyday Kind of Love by Kyle Park

Shivers Down Spines by Zach Bryan

Every Damn Time by Drew Fish Band

Lady May by Tyler Childers

I Need Your Love by Charley Crockett

How Lucky Am I by Kaitlin Butts

Russell County Line by 49 Winchester

All Again by Charles Wesley Godwin

A heartbreakin’ cowboy meets a serious-minded shop owner and suddenly he’s got all the wrong moves.

Jessie Townsend is done with love. She has her family shop, Main Street Antiques, to run, and her sweet father to look after. She has plenty to keep her busy and fill the void her ex-fiancé left when he broke her heart.

Wyatt Davis, part owner of the Swinging A ranch, is feeling his age. He’s thirty. Still young, but…too old for the life he used to live. He’s done with one-night stands, with drinking all night and staying out until morning. Which irritates him. But what’s a cowboy to do when he begins to change?

Go after Jessie Townsend, that’s what. But she’s not interested. Which is a helluva thing. Because Wyatt’s pretty sure he’s in love and wants a “forever home”…with her.

Excerpt:

Wyatt excused himself from the group he’d been standing with near the exit and strode to Jessie’s side. He needed to get to her before someone else monopolized her time. When he pulled out the chair next to her, she didn’t look up.

He watched her take a bite of apple pie, and the action caused his skin to warm. Damn, this girl really had a good hold on him. “Afternoon.”

“Hello,” she responded before piercing an apple with her fork.

“Nice wedding. I didn’t realize you knew the bride.”

Still without making eye contact with him, she replied, “I didn’t know you were friends with Tucker. I was with them last night.”

When she didn’t expand and continued to eat as if his presence didn’t interest her all that much, his gut clenched in nervousness. She was going to turn him down again. He could feel it.

But that wasn’t going to stop him from asking. He cleared his throat. “I was wondering if you’d like to go out sometime. Maybe to a restaurant or…”

She stopped eating and looked at him.

His cheeks flamed with heat. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been embarrassed or nervous around a woman he liked.

She opened her mouth to answer but paused. A few beats of silence passed between them as she studied him.

He had to work hard not to fidget. His heart thudded hard as he anxiously waited for her rejection. It’s not like he’d never been turned down. The difference was, if she said no, it would actually hurt. He resisted the temptation to rub his stomach where agitation sat like a rock.

“I don’t think it would be a good idea,” she finally answered.

Purchase the book HERE:

About the Author:

Award-winning author, Kara O’Neal is a teacher and lives in Texas with her husband and three children. She writes stories with strong family ties, lots of romance and guaranteed happy endings! Please visit her at http://www.karaoneal.com.

Website ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X ~ Pinterest ~ Newsletter ~ Goodreads ~ Bookbub ~ Amazon

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May 19, 2024 · 8:45 am

Author Hodgepodge Service – Help with key words, blurb, Amazon Author Page & more (and a bonus review!)

A new service offering assistance with miscellaneous author needs:


(You might already know how to do some of this, but you might not be optimizing it to its full benefit. If there is something you do not need but would like to replace it with an alternate, we can discuss)

Package includes….

  • Finding the best key words for your book
  • Optimizing your Amazon Author Page
  • Reviewing/editing your book blurb
  • Reviewing/editing your author bio
  • Creating a good log line and a few good tag lines
  • Creating a ‘one stop’ link for your book at all vendors
  • Creating a ‘one stop’ link for your social media, website, etc links
  • I will create a teaser image and share it on my social media and send to you for you to share
  • I will buy and read your book and share it on my social media
  • For an additional $30, I will create a book trailer and share it on my social media
  • *** Bonus: I will review your book on Amazon, Goodreads and Book Bub (this is not a ‘paid for’ review as it is an extra to the package and the fees are for the above, not the review)

    If you would like to purchase a package, complete this form: (Info on payment can be found in the form)

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvxkIrIetdYWECrh3M7Qc5oYW4hLMRJxk8oqAgXQA-IS32ZA/viewform?usp=sf_link

    For any questions, please contact me at Alicia@AliciaDean.com (or submit your question in the comments)

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    May 16, 2024 · 7:43 am

    Author Interview with Diane M. McPhee ~ Taken By Surprise #Mystery #Novel

    Please help me welcome today’s guest, Diane M. McPhee…

    Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

    I’m from the Pacific Northwest, although I’ve traveled quite often and lived on the East coast in my early years. Having raised five wonderful children, I now enjoy many grandchildren who I love to spoil. Over the years I’ve had several animals including a horse, chickens, ducks, bunnies, and now I’m considering adopting a cat. (One day I should write a story about my cat, Portia, who was my ‘bestie’ for seventeen years.)

    Where did you get the idea for your book?

    When I lived in Boston in my early 20’s, someone was murdered in a building four doors down from my studio apartment. The building had been set on fire and the arsonist got away. I thought of this murder for years, probably because I was alone in this big city, and it was the first real crime I had ever been close to. “Taken By Surprise” is the story about the investigation into this crime, and I introduce Detective Alan Sharp as the lead investigator. He is someone I hope my readers will connect to on a human level…a person with flaws and baggage, but a really nice guy…someone who you want to know.  With over thirty years of police work behind him, he always wonders if this case will be his last. (I am now proofing book four, so Alan Sharp continues to work cases.)

    What was the most difficult thing about writing a book?

    Some authors use an outline to move their stories along. The only organization that works for me is to go day by day. That means when I’m writing the plots, I don’t know who the murderer or criminal is in any of my books until Detective Sharp finds out! Sometimes I see the story going in one direction and then “we” find out that it’s a red herring. I’ve stayed awake many nights trying to figure out who is my villain.

    What book have you read that you wish you had written?

    I have always loved “The Little Prince” by Antoine De Saint-Exupery. I’ve read it several times and gifted it to many friends. The themes of friendship and love and loss are inspirational.

    What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?

    I wonder if all authors think about this. My first choice would be Tom Hanks as Detective Sharp because then it would be a hit! But when I was writing my first book, I had a photo of actor Bill Pullman on my desk.

    What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

    I think the toughest criticism is when someone has read my book and said nothing. I also have friends who have bought the books and have not read them, which is awkward. I was brave enough to have my book club read the first book and they were very positive with their comments. In fact, the librarian who ran the meeting bought the books for the library.

    Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

    Years ago, I was friends with an older teacher who was a Doctor of Humanistic Education. We had many thoughtful conversations, meals, and walks and, like most friendships, we moved on to busy lives and drifted apart. When the wonderful world of the internet arrived, I looked him up and got an immediate reply! He was still teaching a few classes and had just completed a manuscript about turning 65 and what he considered the trials of growing older. He asked me to read it. I began to understand, from his point of view, how old age creeps up on us all and what we need to be loved, accepted, and feel worthy. He became my Detective Alan Sharp.

    What do your friends and family think of your writing?

    I’m second of nine children and all my siblings were surprised when my first book was published. My children were not as surprised because they grew up with my creative energy and believed I could do anything I put my mind to. I’m now proofing book four and ready to begin book five!

    How did you come up with the title?

    This is always fun. I jot down phrases I like when I read a book and then use these words for inspiration. When I need a title I search through these pages of notes until I find the perfect title. 

    How did your interest in writing originate?

    One of my brothers bought me a year of online Master Classes because he knew I loved listening to speakers and learning new things. The classes focused on leadership, cooking, travel, and art, but there were also well-known authors explaining how they developed their stories. I am an avid reader, and usually have two or three books going at the same time. Listening to authors talk about their methods of writing was enlightening. So, I decided to try and write short stories. I have a very good friend who read my stories and one day suggested I take one of the stories and write a book. As they say…the rest is history.

    Your favorite…(answer any or all)

    Music:  Broadway Hits.

    Place you’d like to visit: I would love to visit Greece.

    TV show from childhood: Perry Mason

    TV show from adulthood: Monk

    Food: Salmon

    Sports team: Seahawks

    Wealthy Investors. Drag Queens. Arson. Murder.

    Boston Detective Alan Sharp is devastated. His unofficial police informant, Marko Miller, has been found dead in the remains of a burnt out house on St. Botolph Street in the Back Bay. The detective’s investigation leads to a mysterious muddle of money, counter-culture and a surprising new perspective on Marko.

    As Alan faces the facts of the case, he struggles with the idea of being past his prime and aging in a field that requires him to give his all… and then some. With over thirty years of police work behind him, can he rise above his doubts or will this case be his last?

    Excerpt:

    Questions surged into Alan’s mind—What was Marko doing on St Botolph Street at that time of night? The report said the fire had been started near the body and raged throughout the building. Gasoline had been identified as the accelerant used—that could have come from anywhere. The canister holding it was found partially melted on the first floor.

    Alan’s heart ached as he considered what a tragedy this would be for so many people. Marko Miller was well known and respected throughout the area, with a wide network of community contacts and friends. He was a popular figure and mentor to teens who battled addiction, spending hours helping them get to meetings and treatment. He was also employed designing gowns for his friends in the gay community. Alan often called him the Renaissance Man, an older expression that made Marko laugh. Everyone was going to be shocked and saddened to know he was gone. Whoever started the fire knew that Marko was there. Even if they hadn’t killed him, they likely tripped over his body. Letting out a deep sigh, and using more force than necessary, Alan kicked back his chair, stomped to the ancient file cabinet across the room, and yanked out his personal folder on Marko Miller.

    When Alan sat back down, he shifted his weight to one side, and noticed a slight ache in his chest. His steady habit of burgers and tacos had finally caused bodily reactions like acid reflex. At 5’11”, 240 pounds—most of it dangerously in his belly, Alan had recently been warned by his doctor to start watching his diet. Recalling his many sleepless nights, he angrily contemplated his ongoing insomnia which had been just a struggle of forty-minute naps. He was close to retiring at sixty-four and was annoyed with these obvious challenges of aging. But Alan refused to sink into a rut of regret, depression, or despair like many of his peers he overheard talking. He wasn’t ready to slow down yet.

    About the Author:

    What does a long time mystery buff do with all the free time a pandemic provides? She creates her own detective and starts a mystery series! Diane M. McPhee’s sleuth, Detective Alan Sharp, tracks down villains and fights corruption in Boston while fighting his own demons. With three novels now in print, Diane divides her time between her many grandchildren and writing in her small and quiet studio.

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