AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Deborah Malone

Tell me about yourself. What got you started in writing?

I love in North Georgia (this my Georgia titles). I have two grown girls Leah and Niki. I live with my husband, Travis, and our dachshund mix, Pepe. 

Now, what got me started writing? This is a good question. I always say I came out of the womb reading! I’ve loved to read since I can remember. I also remember being so happy when it was time to go to our elementary school library. I can still smell the library and associate that smell with books. (It could have been mold or dust, but I loved it!). When I was 45 I went back to college to get my degree (in Human Services) and took a class in creative writing. This class sparked a fire in me for the love of writing. I began to write short stories and poems. I didn’t do anything serious, but in 2001 my boyfriend (now husband) and I went to a historic restaurant. The building was beautiful. I suggested someone should write this for “Georgia Backroads,” magazine. He said “Why don’t you?” So I did. And to my pleasant surprise it was accepted. I’ve been writing for them since then. I started on my first novel in 2002, but life got in the way and it wasn’t published until 2011. Since then I’ve had four more books published with a goal to write one a year. 

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

I think/write best in the afternoon. I don’t write every day, but the more often you write the easier it is. You are in the flow and know what your characters are doing. If you wait too long between writing times, then you have to refresh your memory by reading over what you’ve written. You really have to make yourself sit down in that chair and write. It takes a lot of discipline.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down?

I used to write on the couch with my laptop. Lately I’ve been going into the study so it will be a quiet atmosphere with nothing to distract me. I’ve found this works better for me. I love my laptop!

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

Oh my – I guess my favorite thing about writing is “the end.” Just kidding! The best part for me is to see it coming together. Usually about halfway through everything seems to fall into place and I see where I want the plot to go.  The least favorite part by far is making myself sit down to write. It is so hard to get started on that new book (when you are staring at a blank page and know you have to fill up a book with 50,000 or more words) or begin a new chapter.

How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your book?

I’ve always loved mysteries and especially cozy mysteries. So I think I just naturally began writing cozies. My main character in the Trixie Montgomery series is a magazine journalist for a Georgia magazine like me. That’s kind of how I got started. It took several years for my first book because many things were happening in my life and I was still learning. Now I can write on in about six months.

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

Wow, *I could write a book on this. LOL I love marketing and teach marketing classes at writer conferences. I will sell books where I can. I speak at libraries, conferences, book clubs, women’s conferences and sell my books at art festivals, literary festivals, in gift/book shops, independent books stores, any store that is interested in carrying them. These are just a few marketing areas.

(From Kathryn: I actually wrote a book on marketing! Every year I update it to include the best links and information on marketing for that year)

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

Get the Book at Amazon

My latest book came out in November 2015, “Buckhead Dead.” This is my second cozy mystery series. It is the Skye Southerland Cozy Mystery series. All my books have real settings so if you know the area you’d recognize the roads, buildings, restaurants, etc. I’m working on the second book of the series, “Decatur Dead.”

Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.

I have all kinds of ideas running through my head. I’ve started on a few that I’ve had to put by the wayside for one reason or another. I’d love to write a book on marketing, but there are already a lot of those out there. I’d also like to write a romantic suspense. But, so far they are just ideas.

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

I think all writer’s go through this some time or another. Especially before we become published/established. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve become discouraged and said I wasn’t going to ever write again. My husband just laughs when he hears that now. LOL Don’t give up!!! The writer that perseveres is the writer that gets published.

Thank you for having me!

***

Thank you, Deborah!

Learn more about Deborah:

www.deborah-malone.com

deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com

cozymysterymagazine.blogspot.com

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Julie Carobini

Tell me about yourself. What got you started in writing?

After my son was born, I poured out my angst about motherhood into an essay…and it was funny. That story, Baby, Cordless Phone, and Me, was published by Expecting Magazine (an offshoot of Parenting) – three times (because their readership kept changing ;-). After that, I wrote more essays, and eventually, started writing fiction. I’m now the mother of three (that first kiddo is now 24-yikes!), married to Dan, and we leave near the beach in California. So most of my fiction is set on the coast.

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

In addition to being a writer, I’m also a freelance editor for a few publishing houses, so writing does have to be squeezed in sometimes. That said, I’m a better writer in the afternoons and evenings. Wish it weren’t true—but it is and I know it. So it’s best to allow myself those times to write (and not waste time trying to in the mornings J)

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down?

I use a laptop to write so I’m not stuck in one place. As for my method, I used to be a pantser, but it gave me anxiety not to at least have a plan. So what I do is start as a pantser, and then I stop and figure out where I’m going with the story. Who are these characters? What makes them tick? I’ve used Angela Hunt’s Plot Skeleton very successfully (you can find it online). Basically it’s a plan to come up with the “bare bones” of a story. That way I don’t over-outline and get bored, BUT I don’t end up down too many rabbit trails either. Win-win.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

My favorite part of writing is actually stringing the words together until they sing. But it is difficult to sit so long! Sometimes I get stuck and won’t let myself up until I figure out a solution, but really, that’s counterproductive. I have to push myself to get out of my chair and go for a walk. It’s amazing what fresh air can do. I often come back with the problem solved!

How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your book?

Years (and years!) ago, I wrote a few chapters of an inspirational romance which was set in a cabin in the woods. I sent those chapters with a query to a publishing house, and the editor wrote back: "Could you send the rest?"

Of course! I wrote the rest of the chapters and sent them back—and the book was rejected.

Broke my heart, but I wrote another book. That one was rejected, too! Finally I wrote a chick-lit called Chocolate Beach, and that sale led to many other book contracts.

I never forgot about those original characters in the town of Cottage Grove, though. Admittedly, when I dusted off that manuscript, I realized it needed some work. So I called my mom, Elaine, a super-devoted mystery fan, and asked her to brainstorm with me.  The result was The Christmas Thief.

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

My monthly (sort of) newsletter provides the initial bump in sales. These are loyal readers and they deserve to be the first to know when a book or a discount is coming up, so I always tell them ASAP. I also like to do print book giveaways through Goodreads. I find many new readers there and since GR organizes the whole thing—including providing a widget for me to share on my website–it’s really a win-win. The biggest bump in sales that I ever see, though, is when I place an ad in BookBub, a reader subscription service. Pricey, but for me it’s been worth it.

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

I recently released a novella for the holidays. The Christmas Thief is a cozy mystery that readers can curl up with and likely read in one night by a crackling fire. It’s all about one young woman’s dream being turned on its head. Here’s the back cover:

There's a thief in the small town of Cottage Grove, and Tasha's a suspect. Not exactly the dream she'd had in mind when she moved into her rustic fixer-upper cottage. Marc Shepherd wasn't part of her plans either. The Stetson-wearing contractor moved in next door, kicking up dust and threatening to cut down a beloved pine that shaded Tasha and her dog, Wolfy's, cabin. With Christmas around the bend, and a criminal threatening the community's peace, will Tasha solve the puzzle ... before it's too late?

Amanda Flower, USA Today Bestselling Author calls it “A perfect holiday season escape."

Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.

I’ve been working on a story close to my heart, one that is “inspired” by a true story—my own. Currently the draft is done and my agent is shopping it, so hopefully I’ll be able to announce something on my website soon!

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

I’d tell her/him that it takes more than talent—it takes tenacity. And it also takes skill. Skill can be learned and practiced, but tenacity has to be within a person. If she believes she has a story to tell and can dig up the persistence to go after it, to learn what she needs to learn and to write that story down, that’s all the talent she will need.

People often ask where I find ideas to write about, and I tell them ideas are in life, all around us. My own life, friends’ lives, the news … of course, my favorite thing to do is to find the nugget of truth and start asking “what if?” How about you, Kathryn? Where do YOU find ideas to write about?

A great question. I get them from others mostly, and my husband, primarily. He has a way of sending me ideas just when I need something new to write about. I also get ideas from the news, from television programs, from movies and from reading books.

***

Thanks for joining us Julie!

Learn more about Julie:

http://www.juliecarobini.com/

CHARACTER INTERVIEW: Susan from Scrambled

Oh, you'll never believe the things I will do!

Today, I'd like to introduce you to Susan Cramer. She's the main character in my first cozy mystery, Scrambled.

Tell me a little about yourself (where you live, who you are, what you look like, what you hope to achieve, etc.)

My name is Susan Cramer and I've just left my husband for a better life. My husband and I had been struggling to have a child, and my days were spent working retail while he sat at home. Let's just say I hoped for a better life. I live on the east coast, and hoped by moving in to the old hotel and starting my life again as a maid, at least I'd be able to save enough money to go on vacation. But something terrible happened and I'm afraid I won't be leaving here either for awhile. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

What spare time? I hate to complain but I'm either cleaning or trying to solve the mystery. I guess I need to tell you, there's a man named John at the hotel who really wants to date me. What would he say if I told him I was still married?

What is your favorite color and why?

Probably yellow. I say, probably, because eggs are my favorite food (check out the answer to question 4) and because I also like other colors equally well depending on my mood.

What is your favorite food? Why is it your favorite?

My favorite food is eggs. I use them as my quick pick me up whenever I am stressed or feeling down. I burn them, too. Sorry, but it's just part of my personality.

What would you say is your biggest quirk?

Cooking eggs when I'm stressed :) I also think that most folks don't change their name or pretend to be a detective when they're really not. 

What is it about your antagonist that irks you the most, and why? Share a line in the book where this irk is manifested.

I wish I just had one antagonist. There's the guy who is trying to date me, and then there's the creepy guy upstairs named Mr Humphrey and the other one named Mr. Davis, with the wandering eyes. And then, of course, there's the sweet and not so sweet Mrs. Martha Boaz. And we can't forget Childs, the owner of the old hotel, who starts all of the trouble.

What or who means the most to you in your life? What, if anything, would you do to keep him/her/it in your life?

That would have to be Brianne and Oscar, the two children who live across the street from the Hotel Camaro. Though I have just met them, there seems to be a small connection that I want to grow. Sure, Martha is a friend, sometimes, but she's too up and down for me to really consider her a full-time buddy. 

What one thing would you like readers to know about you that may not be spelled out in the book in which you inhabit?

I am hurting. Sure, I put out a fairly tough exterior, but I really want to be happy. I'm saving my money for a vacation, and I hope one day to find a good man who loves me for who I am and who wants to work with me in growing our relationship. My husband, Bob, never seemed able to do that.

If you could tell your writer (creator) anything about yourself that might turn the direction of the plot, what would it be?

Sometimes I just want to sleep in. Forget the detective work for awhile. It would be nice to just cook up some eggs when I'm not stressed, or be alone for a bit, without someone banging on the door who needs me.

Ask me any question. I've always wanted to know what a character thinks about writers like myself. I'll answer the question at the end of this interview.

Why did you write Scrambled?

Great question (he, he). I have always been a Nancy Drew mysteries fan, and the day came when I was asked to write a story in college using five particular words. I should have kept the words (they would have been fun to re-read) but as turned out, Chapter 1 of Scrambled was born. This same chapter would later win a $500 award from the Mystery Writers of America. 

***

Thank you, Susan!

Learn more about Susan and Kathryn Jones at this site!

Find Scrambled here

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

SCRAMBLED

By

Kathryn Jones

Eating Out

Six months later a thought occurred to her that the fat man had been the catalyst; her last straw, her wake up call. 

             “Are you open?” the man had asked.  His voice had been deep and yawning like 

the Grand Canyon. 

“Of course.”  She looked up.  The man was fat—even more endowed than her own husband who’d gained a mere seventy pounds since their wedding day 20 years ago.  Fat oozed like soft butter from his great waistline.  His black and white checkered shirt, though buttoned, gaped to his belly, revealing a matted mass of hair.  She tried not to stare at it.  The word “pig,” came to mind.

            “Did you find everything all right?” she asked.

            “Just ring me up,” he growled, scratching his unshaven face.  “I have an appointment.”

            If someone had said, ‘Make a wish, Susan,” she would have wished for freedom in that moment—freedom from the customer, and all those to follow; freedom from her horrible job and marriage, freedom from unavailable friends and broken down cars.  She would work a bit somewhere else, and then travel to some exotic location.  Perhaps Paris or Hawaii…

            “Miss!”

            Susan felt the crisp dollar bill in her hand.  “Sorry, sir,” she said, handing the disgruntled customer his change.  She watched his back-end leave the store.  Blubber, bump.  Blubber, bump.  Blubber, bump…

            It was the fat man who had finally given her the courage to take care of herself for the first time.  Perhaps it was not a conscious choice, but it was definitely a choice.  She left work that day never to return, got on a bus, leaving her rotten car in the parking lot—her fat husband wondering where she’d gone.  She hadn’t looked back. 

            Occasionally, like today, when the hotel lights burned deeply into her skull, and her eyes felt heavy from the tasks of serving, she would remember.  The terrible times when she tried to get pregnant.  His anger about her job, or the way she folded his underwear. She would think about the way he spoke to her; hardly, and then, harshly, as if the words he had meant to say to her long ago needed to come out now in one heated rush.

Also, the short moments of tenderness—her broken-down heap of a car that had still managed to get her to work, the doughnuts and candy bars that always made it into the kitchen cupboards and then quite naturally were fed by him into her open mouth—because he always shared what he bought for himself.  All those moments that made her life one with him. And now she was left with an aloneness she couldn’t begin to understand.

            “Jenny?”  The pounding on Susan’s front door made her blink.  She would never get used to her new name even if she lived to be a hundred years old.  She stood, walked to the solid piece of wood called her door, and peered wearily out the keyhole even though she didn’t need to.

            “What is it this time, John?”  Tonight, John seemed to be wearing some sort of pullover sweater and blue jeans.  His short, red hair was combed down the middle, and splayed to either side like the opening entrails of a fish.  She might have laughed if she hadn’t cared for him.  He was the dorkiest man she’d ever met, albeit the nicest.

            “Cup of sugar?”  She could see the white cup held eagerly in his left hand.  He pushed it forward to the keyhole.

            “I’m tired tonight.”

            She removed her eye from the keyhole, wondering if he blushed.  He always turned red whenever she spoke of anything having to do with sleep, or darkness, or her new down comforter.  She wasn’t sure why unless certain words created in him a desire for something he would never get from her. Was it her imagination, or could she feel him going red beyond the door?  And he was probably grinning too, now that he’d managed to breathe a little more evenly.

            “Come on Jenny.”

“Oh, all right.” 

The dead bolt cracked heavily, the double set of chains flicked to the sides of the heavy door, and she turned the knob of her upstairs room.  The Hotel Camaro, once a manor in Walnut Hill, had plenty of solid wood even where it didn’t seem needed—above her bed, on one of the walls in the living room, even above her head on the carved cornices seen throughout the building.  Everything reeked of oldness and renovation—though change would probably not happen in her lifetime—if ever.   The owner, Carter Childs, held his money like a tight fisted kid with his only penny; except Carter had many pennies though he told everyone otherwise.  The tramps who lived at the hotel were a continuous reflection of the future of the hotel and its’ lower than life standards.

John smiled.  His slightly yellow teeth reminded Susan of the eggs she had boiling on the stove. 

“You don’t mind getting the sugar yourself?”

“No problem.  But are you sure you want eggs?”  She could hear his large feet clunking to the pantry as she stirred the boiling eggs with a spoon.

Yes, the egg bomb incident.  How could she forget?  What had she been doing?  Oh, yes.  Carter wanted to see her, an overflowing toilet in room 10, he’d said—John’s room.  And she’d left the boiling eggs on the stove.  When the eggs exploded an hour later she was finishing with the water overflow mishap and had just re-entered the hallway.  Carter was beyond angry when he heard.  Her hotel room smelled like rotten eggs for days and she’d spent weeks walking outside and breathing in the musty city of Southern Philadelphia before permanently returning to her room.

“You do look tired.”

John had the sugar in his white bowl, but like always, he was not returning to the door.  “What can I do?”

“I just need some sleep.”

John blushed.  “Okay,” he said, looking for a place to sit on the old brown couch—her only couch in the very sparse room.

“You’d better go.”

“Maybe I can help.”

“You promised.”

John rolled his large blue eyes.  “I know,” he said, “but you need someone.” 

It had taken Susan six long months to trust John with a few facts about her life; others she had made up to cover her identity.  Her real name was one of them.  That she’d never been married was another—a sure fire mistake she would later see more clearly.  Perhaps John would have been less interested in her if he knew she had simply run away from her husband.  She wondered what he would think of her if he knew of her shallow thoughts of him that had created this mess in the first place.  She wondered if he’d understand that all of her thoughts weren’t shallow, that there was something else she never spoke of with anyone, the surest reason for her departure.  Was he searching for her?  Would she turn on the television one day only to discover her face on the small screen?  Or would he be grateful?  Was he pleased that she had left him?  Would he want to find her simply to file the divorce papers?  She wondered how long it had taken before he’d discovered she was missing.  She was glad they had no children, but only for this reason; no family that would be missing her.

Except her mother of course; her father was dead, and her sister in Virginia.  Kate would have a fit, perhaps even look for her for awhile, and then she’d get caught up once more in the corporate life and forget all about her.  Just like when they were kids and the doll collection was replaced by fake dollar bills and glittering coins purchased as a set from the grocery store.  Kate would later become a teller, and then she would work her way up the company from Payroll Manager to Director of Human Resources.  In addition to bossing all the bossing people around, she would get her degree in management, leaving Susan behind to take on the menial jobs.

Susan would never attend college, would marry the first man who even took a look at her—her husband, Bob, and they would try to have children—without success of course.  In the end, they would sit together, watch T.V. and he would eat and feed her what he’d bought.

Nothing stuck on her bones.  But with him, it was almost like, by getting fat, he was getting pregnant instead of her.  At first she’d joked about it.  And then the joking made him watch television alone in the basement, sneak food at odd hours, and make excuses for his sorry life.

Susan turned to look at John.  He had been silent for an unreasonable amount of time.  “Sorry,” she started and then realized he was gone.... -Book one of the Susan Cramer Mystery Series

  

"Susan Cramer was desperately in need of a vacation, but not at the expense of another dead man."

            A leisurely vacation turns deadly when an old man falls dead at Susan's feet on the cruise ship Aloha.

            Was she some sort of death magnet?

           

            Maybe so. Maybe not.

            One thing was for sure. Through the lies, secrets, and surprises to be discovered on board and off, Susan will learn at least one important thing, and this thing called "love" will be something she wished had never followed her out to the high seas.

-Book Two of the Susan Cramer Series

BOOK SIGNING TODAY!!

I'm preparing for my book signing today. That means loads of work, but a lot of fun when the time comes!

If you'd like to stop on by, let me know by answering this post, and I'll send you the details!

Can't make it?

Get the book here!

CHARACTER BLOG HOP!

Time for another blog hop, and this one comes with a twist!

If you've read any of my character interviews, expect a bit more fun today. Here goes:

I was tagged by Sharon F. Svitak.

From Sharon:

I love romance novels. I have read hundreds, possibly thousands. Now I have decided to tell the story of two characters who have been haunting my dreams forever.

Her site is here: http://www.sharonburgess.com/blog.html

And now, prepare yourself to meet a wannabe and sometimes not wannabe sleuth:

What is your name? Are you fictional/historical?

My name is Susan Cramer. I'm fictional, but I don't feel like I am. I mean, guys drop at my feet all of the time, but not in a good way if you consider some dead old man staring up at the evening sky. I shouldn't complain. I have Henry, he's a real cop, and he helps me out of the many scrapes I manage to find myself in.

When and where is the story set?

This time around I'm trying to cruise the Hawaiian Islands, (the story is set in modern day) and I say trying because, like I said before, there's always some dead guy discovered at my feet. I've never traveled to Hawaii before, but my writer has and she has done some mega research to put me in all of the right places at just the right times. 

No, I don't always like where she places me... Have you ever been inside a cruise ship morgue? But I know I have to go to creepy places like that to make the story great.

What should we know about you?

I'm reaching my 40s, but I'm not there yet. I'm recently divorced, on vacation, and trying to make sense out of my new life. I haven't any children, but have hopes that some day I will. It isn't easy to keep going, especially when you're accused of murder, and you're thrown into yet another mystery, but having Henry with me is a big help. 

I also have a thing for eggs. Scrambled, Sunny Side-Up... but not in the way Henry likes to eat them...

What is your goal?

I've always wanted to go to Hawaii and I finally have the chance. But this goal fizzles early on, replaced by trying to find the murderer of Mr. McLean. In-between the search I hope to find some quiet moments, some time to walk the beach and rejuvenate, which is a real joke. Henry however (can I say a little about Henry?) he wants me for more than a nice friend, and I'm just not so sure about that.

What is screwing up your life?

That would have to be the murder and all that's coming to me because of it. I mean, what would you do if you were thrown into the midst of a murder investigation, and, at the same time, had to deal with a hovering man in your life? 

What is the title of the book you're in?

Sunny Side-Up. It's book two. In book one, Scrambled, you begin to get to know me through my journeys as a maid in the run-down, and more than likely haunted Hotel Camaro. This time, while on the high seas, I'm dealing with all sorts of sharks and poisonous beasts; not all of them men. 

When can we expect the book to be published?

October 1, 2014 was the release date, so go back to this post to learn more.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to tag any writers. Sorry about that.

SUNNY SIDE-UP IS RELEASED!

Today is the official day to get Sunny Side-Up, a Susan Cramer Mystery, in paperback!

Get it at Amazon

And if you still prefer the eBook, that's okay too.

Get it here!

Watch the book trailer!

Visit Awesomegang to learn even more!

Love Hawaii? Get Sunny Side-Up

Sunny Side-Up may be on pre-order status, but if you've been waiting for part two of the Susan Cramer series, you just my want to pre-order your copy now!

The official release date is October 1, 2014, but don't be afraid to get your hands on something sunny side-up a bit early.

Get Sunny Side-Up at Amazon

Susan Cramer was desperately in need of a vacation, but not at the expense of another dead man. 

A leisurely vacation turns deadly when an old man falls dead at Susan's feet on the cruise ship Aloha. 

Was she some sort of death magnet? 

Maybe so. Maybe not. 

One thing was for sure. Through the lies, secrets, and surprises to be discovered on board and off, Susan will learn at least one important thing, and this thing called "love" will be something she wished had never followed her out to the high seas.

Scrambled: Reviews

If you haven't read Scrambled yet now is the time.

Get the eBook FREE today through Saturday!

"I loved Scrambled. There are so many twists and turns in this fantastic debut mystery and it left me on the edge of my seat! Susan is a interesting character, and I like that the author gave her a bit more depth with a fascinating back story. No she's not a regular amateur sleuth in a small, cozy, sweet town. I do think a lot of readers will relate to her and definitely be back for more."

"Ms. Jones does a great job of throwing out red herrings and getting you as the reader completely distracted. That doesn't happen that often to me. This is borderline action mystery."

"In this novel, Kathryn Elizabeth Jones brings to life complex characters in a mystery where you can never be sure who to trust. The twists and turns are fantastic. Susan is not your normal amateur sleuth but many readers will relate to her. The author has a unique voice all her own. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series. A very enjoyable read."

"I could relate to Susan wanting something more out of life and going looking for it. I like that the setting for the story was an apartment building where there is an opportunity to introduce the reader to a lot of different personalities. I loved to hear about their lives and their quirks. It brought the story alive for me. I also loved that the book kept me guessing on who to trust the whole time. Just when I thought I had it figured out something would change and I would have to rethink it. I get bored easily with the usual predictable books out there." 

"This novel is a fun read when you want to curl up with a book and enjoy a light and fun mystery. It is creative in its simplicity and a must read when you aren't in the mood for a mystery that takes a wipe board and markers to keep all the details straight! I enjoyed the play on eggs as well as the quirky and unique characters."

"This story with all its twists and turns will have you at the edge of your seat and not wanting to put the book down. You might also be craving scrambled eggs in the end."

Learn more about Scrambled

BLOG TOUR: What am I working on? Why I write what I do? What is my writing process?

Today I'm part of a BLOG TOUR. Only 3 questions, mind you, but they are important ones. Virginia Ripple tagged me. She can be found at: http://virginiaripple.com/. Virginia writes Christian fiction, inspirational books and Bible studies books.

Here goes:

What am I working on?

I am currently in the editing stage of Sunny Side-Up, a cozy mystery set on the Aloha cruise ship touring the Hawaiian islands. This book should be available for purchase in both paperback and Kindle formats by October of 2014.

I am also working on the first draft of The Gift: A Parable of the Key. This third and last book in the Parable Series should be out in the fall of 2015.

Why I write what I do?

I enjoy writing Christian fiction as well as mystery for many reasons. Christian fiction is not only the telling of a great story, but, hopefully, it is a story told so that movement within the reader is the rule rather than the exception. A great Christian fiction parable will show the reader how to make a better life.

As for mystery. It's kind of nice sometimes to read just for fun, for escape. And that's not always possible in a Christian fiction novel like it is for a good cozy mystery. I enjoyed reading Nancy Drew Mysteries when I was a teen, so I'm sure that's when my love for the genre began.

What is my writing process?

I usually write in the morning, before my brain gets fogged up with the 'stuff' of the day. I like it best when there is little noise and plenty of space to think. I try not to edit as I go, but I have to watch for that issue all of the time. I try to write and write and then go back to the edits later. I find that my best writing comes in streams, kind of like a nice creek that runs through the rocks and valleys down the mountain. If I stop to pick a flower or toss a stone, I sometimes have a hard time getting back on track.

Thanks for reading!

If you're interested in reading the answers to the same questions from another author, I'm still working on getting one to tag! If you'd like to answer the three questions send me an email at: kathy@ariverofstones, and I'll tag you!

Happy Writing!

Kathryn

CHARACTER INTERVIEW: Beatrice Coleman from Shear Trouble

Tell me a little about yourself (where you live, who you are, what you look like, what you hope to achieve, etc.)  

I’m Beatrice Coleman, a retired art museum curator.  I used to live in Atlanta, Georgia, but recently moved to the tiny town of Dappled Hills, North Carolina, to be near my daughter.  I’m trying to adjust to retirement but I’m having a tough time figuring out how to relax.

What do you like to do in your spare time?  

I’m learning how to quilt.  Although I was an expert on folk art at the museum, I never considered myself a creative person, myself.  With help from others in my quilting guild, I’m becoming a half-decent quilter.  Now if I can just find a good book to read.

What is your favorite color and why? 

I love vibrant yellows.  It’s a cheerful color that not only brightens up a room, but can brighten up a mood.

What is your favorite food? Why is it your favorite?  

My favorite food is any food that I don’t have to cook myself! I fell out of the habit of cooking when I was working (and living alone), and it’s a tough thing to pick up again.

What would you say is your biggest quirk?  

Is it quirky that murders seem to always happen in my vicinity?  That’s what’s my biggest quirk, then…spawning murders.

What is it about your antagonist that irks you the most, and why? 

My antagonists change from book to book, but one thing they always have in common that drives me up a wall—the fact they’re determined to escape detection and throw up obstacles for me as I’m investigating.

What or who means the most to you in your life? What, if anything, would you do to keep him/her/it in your life?  

My grown daughter, Piper, means the world to me, rivaled only by my affection for my new friend, Wyatt.  I’d do anything to protect the two of them.

What one thing would you like readers to know about you that may not be spelled out in the book in which you inhabit?  

Although I’m new to Dappled Hills, I care a lot about the people here.  The more time I spend in this town, the more it feels as if it’s always been home.  Even though I sometimes find the move from a big city to a small town challenging, I love the slower pace and the kindness and openness of the residents here.

If you could tell your writer (creator) anything about yourself that might turn the direction of the plot, what would it be?  

I’d like to spend more time with my friend Wyatt, please, and develop our burgeoning relationship.  Could you stop throwing work his way?

Ask me any question. I've always wanted to know what a character thinks about writers like myself. I'll answer the question at the end of this interview.   

Here’s a question for you, Kathryn.  Who do you enjoy reading now, and have your preferences changed over the years?

Who do I enjoy reading now? Hmmm. A great question but one that isn't easily answered. I just finished Let it Go by Chris Williams. This is a memoir about a father who loses his wife and two children to a car accident precipitated by a teenage drunk driver. Before that I read: Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. This is the story of a young boy who went to heaven and returned to tell his family about it. 

I guess you could say I like reading non-fiction with a twist of inspiration more than a particular author, though I need to tell you that C.S. Lewis and Og Mandino have always been on my list of favorite authors. When I was a teen I enjoyed Nancy Drew Mysteries; that's probably why I enjoy writing mysteries today.

Thanks for asking!

***

To learn more about Beatrice and her writer visit: 

Website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com/

Amazon: Shear Trouble (August 5) 

Elizabeth Craig’s Amazon author page.

Twitter: @elizabethscraig