What Have You Been Reading Lately?

What are you reading and what’s up next for you? I’m reading Tara Lush’s A Bean to Die for, and I’m sad that this is the last in this series. I loved her new mystery, Gator Queen. Who knew alligator wrangling could be so much fun.

I also recently finished Diane Kelly’s Four-Alarm Homicide and Olivia Blacke’s Rhythm and Clues. Both cozy series are well worth the read.

There are so many books and so little time. I just love Ellen Byron/Maria DiRico and all of her series, Linda Reilly, Mindy Quigley, Tara Lush, Olivia Blacke, Diane Kelly, and Kallie E. Benjamin (V. M. Burns). You cannot go wrong with any of their books.

I really, really enjoyed Daphne Silver’s debut mystery, Crime and Parchment, and she recently won the Agatha Awar for Best First Novel at Malice Domestic. Congratulations! What a fun start to a new series set on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Lots of quirky characters and a twisty plot.

Lee Goldberg’s traditional mysteries are always a hit. If you like police procedurals and twisty mysteries, you need to read Goldberg's Eve Ronin series. Hollywood, heists, reality TV, murder, and mayhem...

T. G. Herren/Greg Herren and Jennie Marts are new-to-me authors. I enjoyed both of these cozies, and I look forward to reading more of their books.

What have you been reading lately?

#ThisorThatThursday Interview with Erica Wynters

I’d like to welcome author Erica Wynters back to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday!

Favorite thing to do when you have free time: Read, nap, or if I have a lot of free time, do something fun with my family.

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list: Meal planning

Things you need when you’re in your writing cave: A cozy blanket and an iced tea.

Things that distract you from writing: My phone! I do much better if it’s far away from me when I write.

Hardest thing about being a writer: The marketing

Easiest thing about being a writer: Coming up with book ideas. I have more ideas than I have time to write them all.

Something you wanted to be when you were a kid: An orca trainer at Sea World.

Something you do that you never dreamed you’d do: Being a writer! It surprised me, and I am so grateful for that.

Last best thing you ate: Crispy fish tacos at a local restaurant called Joyride Tacos.

Last thing you regret eating: An entire bag of kettle corn!

Favorite places you’ve been: Kaanapali Beach on Maui, Chicago, and Oak Creek Canyon in between Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona.

Places you never want to go to again: The Midwest in the winter. I’ll stick to visiting in the summer when the weather is nice and warm!

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: Bungee jumping

Something you chickened out from doing: Cliff jumping in Maui. To be fair, it was more not wanting to climb up sharp lava rocks covered in little crabs to get to the top than the actual jump.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: I read your books when I’m stressed and I need a break from real life. I also love it when people tell me they’re waiting for my next book.

The craziest thing a reader said to you: I left a comment of support on another author’s Instagram post a couple of years ago when she was being harassed online just saying that I was sorry it was happening to her. The person harassing her must have been reading the comments, because she went to Goodreads and left one star reviews on every book I had out at the time.

Best piece of advice you received from another writer: Find a community of other authors. It’s really hard to do this journey alone.

Something you would tell a younger you about your writing: You’re going to get much better at writing the more you do it. You’re not going to believe this, but you’re going to have a cozy mystery series published by one of your favorite authors!

Recommendations for curing writer’s block: There’s a saying by writer Louis L’Amor, “Start writing no matter what, water does not flow until the water is turned on.”

Things you do to avoid writing: Almost anything. Social media, reading (which isn’t a bad distraction), watching a show, even cleaning if I’m desperate.

About Erica:

Erica Wynters may have lived most of her life in the frigid Midwest, but now she spends her time in the warmth and sunshine of Arizona. She loves hiking, hunting down waterfalls in the desert, reading (of course), and napping. Can napping be considered a hobby? When not weaving tales of mystery with plenty of quirky characters, laughs, and a dash of romance, Erica works as a Marriage and Family Therapist helping others find their Happily Ever Afters.

Let’s Be Social:

www.ericawynters.com

www.instagram.com/ericawyntersbooks

www.facebook.com/ericawynters

#WriterWednesday with Patricia Marcantonio

I’d like to welcome Patricia Marcantonio to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Things you never want to run out of: Blackberry-sage iced tea, printer cartridges, pens, notebooks, and patience.

Things you wish you’d never bought: Gluten-free brownie mix because I ate all of them.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Making myself sit down to write when I’m not inspired, and then take a needed break from the computer when I’m in the writing zone.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Loving what I do.

Things you need for your writing sessions: Focus, focus, focus.

Things that hamper your writing: Surfing the Internet.

A few of your favorite things: My DVD collection of old movies and my comfy sweatpants.

Things you need to throw out: My comfy sweatpants.

Favorite foods: Tostadas, salt and vinegar chips, burgers with bacon and cheese, and my husband’s smoked brisket.

Things that make you want to gag: Oatmeal.

Favorite smell: My yard after a rain shower.

Something that makes you hold your nose: Too flowery perfume.

The last thing you ordered online: A book, of course.

The last thing you regret buying: Cool shoes that were torture on my feet.

Things to say to an author: “I really related to your story and characters.”

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: “What did you say you did?”

Favorite places you’ve been: The Oregon coast, New Orleans, Puerto Vallarta, Universal Studios, and my hometown of Pueblo, Colorado, to visit my family.

Places you never want to go to again: A Los Angeles freeway during a rush hour.

Favorite things to do: Hanging with family, writing, sewing and going to the movies.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Cleaning the bathroom and pulling weeds in our yard.

About Patricia:

Patricia Marcantonio is the author of the Felicity Carrol mystery series; Verdict in the Desert (Arte Público Press); Under the Blood Moon (Dark Ink); Best Amigas (Fitzroy Books) and Misbehaving at Cactus Lanes (One More Chapter). She received Alexa Rose Foundation Grants to direct her play, Tears for Llorona, and workshop her play Starring Jane Eyre. Pioneer Drama Service has published new play, Roja Ridin’ in the Hood, which is based on her award-winning children’s book Red Ridin’ in the Hood and Other Cuentos (FSG). She is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America and has won awards for her screenplays and journalism. For several years, she covered crime and courts as a reporter.

Let’s Be Social:

http://Patriciamarcantonio.com

https://www.facebook.com/MarcantonioStories

https://www.goodreads.com/wwwgoodreadscommarcantonio

https://linkedin.com/in/patricia-marcantonio-01487615/

https://www.amazon.com/Patricia-Santos-Marcantonio/e/B001IXO71G?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1659303998&sr=8-1

https://www.instagram.com/santos_stories/

Do I Have a Twin? Doppelganger?

A Millennial called me Mrs. Frizzle the other day. Okay, I didn’t get the reference, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Professor Valerie Felicity Frizzle, PhD, a former fourth grade teacher, is the central character in the Magic School Bus books and shows. And she loves creativity, learning, and field trips.

Originally created by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen from Scholastic, Dr. Frizzle appears in books, video games, The Magic School Bus (1994-1997), and The Magic School Bus Rides Again (2017-2021).

I checked out the program on YouTube, and I may have my Halloween costume for this fall. Check out Mrs. Frizzle and let me know what you think.

#WriterWednesday Interview with Jim Jackson

I would like to welcome the multi-talented Jim Jackson to the blog for #WriterWednesday.

Favorite thing to do when you have free time: Read.

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list: cleaning out old files.

Things you need when you’re in your writing cave: Quiet, my laptop, and water.

Things that distract you from writing: Noise, phone calls, and something happening outside my windows.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Marketing myself and my books

Easiest thing about being a writer: Responding to fan emails.

Things you will run to the store for at midnight: Exactly nothing. If I’m awake at midnight, I’m sick or reading a great book.

Things you never put on your shopping list: coffee, hot spices, kale.

Something you’re really good at: I love numbers and am a mathemagician.

Something you’re really bad at: spelling.

Something you wanted to be when you were a kid: teacher

Something you do that you never dreamed you’d do: run long-distance races (I was a sprinter).

Something you wish you could do: fluently speak multiple languages.

Something you wish you’d never learned to do: cuss

Favorite things to do: Be out in nature with friends.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Listening to right-wing talk radio.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: solo hiking in the mountains (which shows how non daring I am).

Something you chickened out from doing: bungee jumping in New Zealand off the bridge where the craze started.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: I know exactly who you based that character on; it’s {X} (because I had never met or hear of that person, which meant my characterization was evocative).

The craziest thing a reader said to you: I can’t believe I actually liked your book!

Best piece of advice you received from another writer: You can’t fix a blank page.

Something you would tell a younger you about your writing: Celebrate your successes.

Recommendations for curing writer’s block: Skip ahead and write something you do know and let your subconscious work on the current problem.

Things you do to avoid writing: Distract myself checking email, social media, current news apps.

About Jim:

As James M. Jackson, he authors the Seamus McCree series. Full of mystery and suspense, these thrillers explore financial crimes, family relationships, and what happens when they mix. The series includes 8 novels, 2 novellas, and several short stories.

As Jim Jackson, he authored a book on contract bridge, One Trick at a Time: How to Start Winning at Bridge, which was published by Master Point Press (2012).

He calls home the deep woods of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. These days he is a snowbird with clipped wings, retreating only to Madison, Wisconsin when weather and road conditions make access to his U.P. home problematic.

Let’s Be Social:

You can find out more about Jim or sign up for his newsletter at his website, https://jamesmjackson.com.

Facebook Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/james.m.jackson.author

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063463330059

Idea Banks - Time Savers for Writers

Authors are often asked to provide ideas or proposals for programs, workshops, and panels. These are some ways authors can create idea banks or files to help you save time and stay organized.

Program Proposals

• Many times libraries or other groups will ask for a workshop or program. I keep a folder on my computer with each topic. This make it easier when I have to put together a new proposal. (I file them by title and group, so I make sure I don’t repeat a topic.)

• You need a catchy title. It helps when you market the event. Just make sure people can tell what the subject is from your title.

• I also have a Word document that has a description of what will be covered and any key details like other speakers, what type of equipment is needed, etc.

• I keep any promotional flyers, social media posts, and pictures in my file, too. That way, I can use them on my website or on the socials.

Question Banks

• If you’re organizing or moderating a panel, you often need to create the questions.

• I have a Word document (filed by title and group) with the questions for each event. When I finish my question draft, I rearrange them in the order that makes sense for the flow of the panel discussion.

• In my Word document, I indicate which speaker the question is for or whether it’s a group question. (Not all panelists need to answer every question.)

• I review the draft with the panelists and get their input.

• Always have extra questions in case you have time to fill.

• You can often reuse some questions at future events.

Slide Decks

• I keep copies of all the classes and workshops that I teach. (These are also filed by title and group.)

• It is helpful to have a starting point when you’re creating a new class, and sometimes you can reuse some of the slides, handouts, or the content.

• I always brand my slides and handouts with my author logo and website.

Graphics

• I’m sure you’re seeing a pattern here. I keep a folder of graphics that I’ve created for my blog, newsletter, or social media sites. I file these by subject. I use these on the original post and on the socials to market it.

• Studies show that Facebook and Instagram posts that are noticed more have an eye-catching graphic or a video.

• I use BookBrush to create images for my books (especially seasonal ones).

• I use Canva to create images for my website, newsletter, blog, and social media sites.

Story Ideas/Names/Place Names

• I was drowning in little scraps of paper and sticky notes. I jot down ideas wherever I happen to be (and on whatever paper is handy).

• To get organized, I created giant idea spreadsheet. I have different workbooks for each topic, and I can sort them by any of the columns.

• I attend a lot of training and workshops and put my notes of and the source in my idea spreadsheet. I also add the contact information if the subject matter expert offered to answer questions after the training.

• I made a spreadsheet for my book promotions that includes bloggers, reporters, book reviewers, bookstagrammers, podcasters, librarians, bookstore contacts, and other bookish events and promotional ideas. Since I write multiple series, I have a workbook for each book in each series. When I start my launch planning, I look at what I did last time and update it with any changes or new ideas.

How do you keep yourself organized? Let me know what works for you.

#ThisorThatThursday Interview with Keith Anthony Baird

I’d like to welcome Keith Anthony Baird to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday!

Hardest thing about being a writer: For me, marketing is the hardest part because it’s not natural to me. I’m not really someone who sells themselves particularly well so I struggle outside of my comfort zone. However, I understand that’s what we must do in order to get the word out about our books.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Just doing what we love best: writing! I can literally disappear for days if I’m in the flow. I really immerse myself in the creative part. The editing and revision not so much, but it can be enjoyable when it leads to a better story.

Favorite foods: I used to be a fan of savoury foods and not sweet, but I’ve found I’ve developed a sweet tooth the older I’ve gotten (not a good thing!). Savoury foods – Thai dishes, seafood. Sweet foods – cheesecake and chocolate.

Things that make you want to gag: I don’t like anything with ginger in it!

Something you’re really good at: Carpentry. I renovated a couple of houses when I was younger and found I had a knack for it.

Something you’re really bad at: Wallpapering. It just gets full of air bubbles and I want to tear my hair out!

Favorite music or song: There are a few genres I like. Rock, Metal, Classical, Punk. Even the odd Pop song if it’s decent quality.

Music that drives you crazy: Dire Straits. Talking Heads. I literally just want to rip my ears off when I hear any of their music. It also makes me feel nauseous. That whole ‘nails down a blackboard’ thing.

Favorite places you’ve been: Africa, Canada, Brazil, Hungary.

Places you never want to go to again: Mexico. It wasn’t a very pleasant experience for me, unfortunately.

People you’d like to invite to dinner: My publishers Heather and Steve. Some author pals.

People you’d cancel dinner on: The Kardashians. Donald Trump. Kanye West.

Favorite things to do: Hike across mountains. Swim in lakes. Snorkel on coral reefs. Drink wine.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Shopping! I can’t stand wasting endless hours in different stores around town. It’s mind-numbingly boring.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: I abseiled off a 375 ft. bridge for charity.

Something you chickened out from doing: Eating ginger!

The nicest thing a reader said to you: One reader (someone I now consider a friend) sent me a video message saying he thought my writing was amazing. That blew me away.

The craziest thing a reader said to you: I had an author table at a con and a guy asked if my horror/dark fiction stories where ok for kids to read. He got a blank look.

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done: I’ve set up my own businesses in the past and doing that requires being creative in a very challenging way.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: The odd one or two carpentry projects that looked very different in real life than they did in my head! Lol. They got scrapped.

About Keith:

Keith Anthony Baird began writing dark fiction in 2016 as a self-published author.

After five years of releasing titles via Amazon and Audible he switched his focus

to the traditional publishing route.

His dark fantasy novella In the Grimdark Strands of the Spinneret was published via Brigids Gate Press (BGP) in 2022. Two further novellas are to be published in 2024 via BGP - SIN:THETICA (May) and a vampire saga in collaboration with fellow Brit author Beverley Lee - A Light of Little Radiance (November).

He is currently writing an alien invasion/post-apocalyptic novel called WIND RUST which

will be the first of a planned trilogy.

He lives in Cumbria, United Kingdom, on the edge of the Lake District National Park.

Let’s Be Social:

Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/kabauthor

Instagram: @kabauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16771035.Keith_Anthony_Baird

Website: https://5f2dd297cf905.site123.me/

Universal Amazon link for SIN:THETICA: http://mybook.to//Sinthetica

#WriterWednesday Interview with Cathi Stoler

I’d like to welcome the fabulous Cathi Stoler to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Hardest thing about being a writer: Remembering all the great story ideas I dream about then forgetting them in the morning.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Sitting down to write.

Words that describe you: Kind, caring, determined, and a self -starter.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Opiniated and take no prisoners.

Favorite foods: Pizza, pasta, ice cream, and olives.

Things that make you want to gag: Beets, kale, and kimchi.

Favorite music or song: The Beatles, David Bowie, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

Music that drives you crazy: Rap

Things you always put in your books: Fashion, food, and interesting settings.

Things you never put in your books: Anything about harming children.

Things to say to an author: I really enjoyed your book and wrote a 5-star review.

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: I’m so sorry, I thought you wrote that thriller, not Jeffrey Archer.

Favorite places you’ve been: Barcelona, Africa, Israel, and Italy.

Places you never want to go to again: Dallas, Texas.

Favorite books (or genre): Mystery and thrillers.

Books you wouldn’t buy: Self-help.

Favorite things to do: Walk along the streets of Manhattan and eavesdrop for interesting book ideas.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Talking to a telemarketer.

Best thing you’ve ever done: Start writing.

Biggest mistake: Not starting to write when I was younger.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: I love your work. When is your next book coming.

The craziest thing a reader said to you: I enjoyed your book and would recommend it, but I’d only give it two stars.

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done: Learned how to be a glassblower.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: Making a lot of wanky glass vessels.

Some real-life story that made it to one of your books: Many years ago, 1’d read about a female detective who worked undercover, and I based a protagonist on her. Last year, I tracked her down and got to meet her when she was a guest at our Sisters in Crime meeting.

Something in your story that readers think is about you, but it’s not: That my childhood growing up in the Bronx was filled with adversity like my protagonist Jude, in The Murder On The Rocks series. I did not. My childhood was fun and happy.

About Cathi:
Cathi Stoler is an Amazon Best Selling author and Derringer winner. Her newest series is Nick of Time and Out Of Time, The Nick Donahue Adventures, She has also written four novels in her Murder On the Rocks Series: Bar None, and The Silver Falchion finalist Best Suspense Novel 2020 Last Call, plus the Chanticleer Clue Book Awards Finalists, Straight Up and With A Twist, and The Laurel and Helen NY Mysteries, including Telling Lies, Keeping Secrets, and The Hard Way, plus multiple short stories. She is a board member of NYSinC, and a member of MWA, and ITW. You can find her at http://www.cathistoler.com, or email her at cathi@cathistoler.com.

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