#WriterWednesday Interview with Maggie King

I’d like to welcome mystery writer, Maggie King, back to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Favorite thing to do when you have free time: Walking, listening to music, getting lost in a great story.

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list: Organizing files on my computer.

Things you need when you’re in your writing cave: Pen, paper, computer, good light, cat (but not on the keyboard!), and QUIET.

Things that distract you from writing: Just about anything! Noise especially, whether from mowers, leaf blowers, loud conversations, or screaming children. I don’t work in coffee shops or other public places.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Developing and maintaining the discipline necessary to complete a story worth telling.

Easiest thing about being a writer: The writing that happens in my head. Getting it out of my head and on paper/computer is the hard part.

The coolest thing you’ve bought online: My Samsung Galaxy watch. Love it!

The thing you wished you’d never bought: A magazine subscription that took months to cancel.

Something you wanted to be when you were a kid: An actor, then a nurse, then an English teacher. I did none of those things. I was a retail sales manager, a customer service supervisor, a programmer analyst, a computer trainer, a non-profit administrator, and, at last--a writer!

Something you do that you never dreamed you’d do: I’ve volunteered to be a poll worker on November 5.

Favorite places you’ve been: Greece, Spain, Ireland, Costa Rica, New York City, New Mexico, Alaska.

Places you never want to go to again: This is a tough one, as even the least pleasing places can have some appeal. But here’s one: my husband and I got lost in an unfriendly, non-touristy section of Istanbul. If we go back, we’ll steer clear.

The most exciting thing about your writing life: Meeting readers, especially at book clubs. I always love talking about books, my own and others.

The one thing you wish you could do over in your writing life: When I first published, writers were advised to engage on several social media platforms 24/7. This mistake was later recognized and advice amended to focus on one or two platforms. Much more doable and writer-friendly.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: “I LOVED your book! Such great characters, and I never guessed who the killer was!”

The craziest thing a reader said to you: “Why do you write mysteries? Why not literary or historical fiction? Write about nice people.”

Best piece of advice you received from another writer: Your best promotion is your next book.

Something you would tell a younger you about your writing: Make writing your priority. Schedule time to write, even if it’s very little time---it will add up. Find a schedule that works for you (which isn’t necessarily one that works for other writers).

Recommendations for curing writer’s block: Keep writing, even if it’s gibberish. Gems are born from gibberish. Go for a walk, listen to music, do yard work, any activity that frees your creative expression.

Things you do to avoid writing: Watch YouTube videos and read blogs about writing.

About Maggie:

Maggie King is the author of the Hazel Rose Book Group mysteries. Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, Deadly Southern Charm, Death by Cupcake, Murder by the Glass, Second Black Beacon Book of Mystery, and First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder.

Maggie is a member of the Short Mystery Fiction Society, International Thriller Writers, and is a founding member of Sisters in Crime Central Virginia. Maggie graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology and has worked as a software developer, retail sales manager, computer trainer, and customer service supervisor. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, Glen, and cat, Olive.

 Let’s Be Social:

Website: http://www.maggieking.com

Blog: https://thewritersinresidence.com/

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

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

#WriterWednesday Interview with Annie McEwen

This week, I’m excited to feature the fabulous Annie McEwen for #WriterWednesday!

Things you need for your writing sessions: Caffeine in any way, shape, or form and a comfy chair

Things that hamper your writing: Getting distracted by my phone and my three dogs. They think they’re my editors, especially Chappy. Since he’s in my books, he always wants to sit on my lap and watch me type. I guess he’s making sure I make him look good.

A few of your favorite things: Photos of my kids when they were little, my late grandmother’s wedding ring (which was part of her mother’s wedding ring), and my piano I taught myself to play on as a kid. It was my mom’s when she was a little girl.

Things you need to throw out: Those jeans I keep telling myself I’ll get back into, the load of scrapbooking supplies I swear I’m going to make beautiful albums with, and my high heels. Plantar fasciitis is a jerk.

Words that describe you: Friendly, compassionate, loving, funny (or so I’ve been told!)

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Clumsy, self-conscious, scatter-brained (I’m blaming being in my fifties on that one!)

Favorite foods: Seafood, pasta, cheese, any pastries my daughter makes (she has a side bakery business)

Things that make you want to gag: Onions, avocados, and jalapenos

Something you’re really good at: Being a Gigi – this grandma thing is fabulous!

Something you’re really bad at: sports…I try, but I need to be honest with myself, I stink.

Favorite music or song: Hard to pick! I love country, pop, southern gospel (I wanted to be a southern gospel piano player when I was younger).

Music that drives you crazy: hip-hop and rap

Things you’d walk a mile for: My family and friends… and a sweet tea from Puckett’s in Franklin, Tennessee.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: a mouse…I will kill any bug for you, but a mouse will put me in complete panic mode.

Things you always put in your books: Good friends, red herrings, a dash of humor, and, of course, a mystery!

Things you never put in your books: Crimes against a child or animal, sexual assault

Things to say to an author: “I loved your book!” “I got all the cozy feels!” “I can’t wait for your next book!”

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: “So, you just type it up and send it to a publisher, and they print it, right?” “Why can’t you give me a book? You get them for free, don’t you?”

Favorite books (or genre): Cozy mysteries, historical fiction, sweet romance

Books you wouldn’t buy: Anything with crimes against children or dark stories. Between my husband’s job as a police lieutenant and my job in radiology, I see and hear so much real-life sadness that I don’t want to read about it. The mysteries we write have a totally different vibe.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: She said my book felt like being wrapped in a warm hug. (cue the tears!)

The craziest thing a reader said to you: One reader/reviewer said my main character, Emmy, was cliched. She listed all the reasons why. I texted my writing bestie, Paula Charles, aka Janna Rollins, and told her, “Well, I guess I’m a cliché because everything she didn’t like about Emmy is all me!” We shared a laugh since Paula knows me so well and also knows that Emmy is mostly based on my personality. Oh well, you can’t please everyone. (sigh)

Some real-life story that made it to one of your books: There’s a story about a tetherball in Resort to Murder. It is exactly what happened to me when I was about thirteen. My dad still has the now-deflated tetherball. LOL.

Something in your story that readers think is about you, but it’s not: Many people think that Dean, Emmy’s crush, is based on how my husband Brian and I met. It’s not. We actually met through his mom! I worked with her and she set us up.

About Annie:

Annie McEwen, author of the Northwoods Mysteries Series, finds inspiration in the tall pines and sparkling lakes of northern Wisconsin, where she spent her childhood vacations. Nowadays, she visits her family, who resides in the area she writes about.

A former farm kid, Annie, along with her husband, are empty nesters enjoying the country life in rural Indiana. With their children and two young grandsons living nearby, they cherish frequent family time. Annie believes being a grandparent is the best role ever! Their household is completed by four fur babies, one of whom is a significant character in her books.

When Annie isn’t immersed in writing, she loves taking on trash-to-treasure projects, tending to her garden, and working as a radiological technologist. She's a member of Sisters in Crime and enjoys attending mystery conventions, as well as connecting with readers and fellow authors in person and on social media.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: https://www.anniemcewenauthor.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064688271296

#WriterWednesday with Jackie Layton

I’d like to welcome my friend, the fabulous Jackie Layton, to the blog for #WriterWednesday.

Things you never want to run out of: I never want to run out of story ideas and time to write.

Things you wish you’d never bought: Years ago, before the birth of my second son, we traded in our sports car for a bigger car. It was a true lemon. It broke down before my son was born, and we weren’t even able to drive home with him in the new-to-us vehicle. We ended up trading it. Then another time we bought a used car. We were told it’d never been smoked in. I have allergies and that’s one of the many things I’m allergic to. We took it home, and the smoky smell soon broke through. That was our last time to buy a used car, because it just doesn’t seem to work for us. But, I’m still driving my 2007 Highlander, and I love it.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Distractions. Instead of just yearly goals, I have quarterly and weekly goals. Also, at night before I go to bed, I make a list of writing goals for the next day. If I’m scheduled to work my other job, I’ll make a simple list like check social media. But I try to always have a list.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Watching people and coming up with ideas. I may not use all the ideas, but it’s fun to consider.

Things you need for your writing sessions: Laptop, pens, notecards, Scrivener, and coffee.

Things that hamper your writing: If I’m writing in my home office, I like it to be quiet except for soft music playing in the background. When neighbors start mowing their yards, it really distracts me. I’m not sure why.

A few of your favorite things: I have two of my Grandmother Lutz’s small looms. She had some so big that they were taller than some people. She wove many things, and I learned to weave little things like placemats and scarves.

I have a pie safe that belonged to my parents. It was in the kitchen where we grew up, and instead of pies, she kept dishes in it.

Things you need to throw out: I’ve just gone through old magazines and put most of them into the recycling box. Some magazines are for research, and others are for fun, but it was time to get rid of a lot of them.

Words that describe you: A lot of people refer to me as being tall. I’m 5’10”, so they’re right, but the people in my family are tall and I tend to forget about it.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Shy. I really have to push myself to be outgoing.

Something you’re really good at: I’m good at listening. If people want to confide in me, I will listen. I can be trusted with secrets both good and bad.

Something you’re really bad at: I’m not very coordinated, so I’m not very good at sports. Luckily, my sons didn’t inherit that from me, and I got to watch and cheer for them when they played sports.

Favorite music or song: I enjoy all kinds of music, but country music is my favorite.

Music that drives you crazy: I don’t like music with negative messages.

Favorite smell: The smell of the beach and sunscreen makes me happy.

Something that makes you hold your nose: Skunks.

Last best thing you ate: Key lime pie.

Last thing you regret eating: Fried food makes me feel sluggish, and I usually regret eating fried fish or chicken.

The last thing you ordered online: A skinny black shelf for my husband’s office.

The last thing you regret buying: A book about the psychology of murder. It may be great, but the print is so tiny. I can’t read it.

Things you’d walk a mile for: I’d walk a mile for a good cup of coffee. If my family needs something, I’d even run a mile.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: If I am about to walk into a room and people are already arguing, I try to wait before entering. If I’m in a meeting and a fight breaks out, that will make me run screaming from the room.

Things you always put in your books: Dogs. I also like to add a romantic thread. At a recent conference they referred to this as Rom-cozy.

Things you never put in your books: Suicide or death of a pet.

Favorite places you’ve been: Some of my favorite vacation spots are Paris, Maine, and Rhode Island. I also love Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas.

Places you never want to go to again: I’d be happy never to drive on The Capital Beltway or drive in Boston. I’d like to visit both places again, but I don’t want to drive.

Favorite books (or genre): Cozy mysteries and romances.

Books you wouldn’t buy: Horror.

People you’d like to invite to dinner: I would love to invite my author friends to dinner. It would be fun to laugh and share stories.

People you’d cancel dinner on: Without being specific, we all have people in our lives who say things to make us feel bad. I try to avoid those people.

Favorite things to do: Spend time with family and friends, especially if we can be outside at a park or beach.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Sing in front of people. I can’t carry a tune.

Best thing you’ve ever done: Marrying my husband.

Biggest mistake: Trusting a man to build a house for us, then he disappeared with a large chunk of our money.

The coolest person you’ve ever met: Vince Gill. He was so nice.

The celebrity who didn’t look like he/she did in pictures/video: Paula Deen. She was so tiny, but her smile and voice were just like on TV. She was also very nice.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: Your characters feel like my friends.

The craziest thing a reader said to you: People in South Carolina only drink Pepsi.

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done: Photography. Other people are better, but I still enjoy taking pictures.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: Creating a book of photos. Each time I try, something goes wrong.

Some real-life story that made it to one of your books: My husband teases me that many of my stories have an element related to things that happened to us. Kate Sloan, the amateur in Clutter Free, has lost hearing in one ear because of an acoustic neuroma. My husband also had an acoustic neuroma. After the tumor was removed, he lost hearing in his right ear.

Something in your story that readers think is about you, but it’s not: Some people think I’m organized, but it’s not a strength of mine. I work very hard to be organized.

About Jackie:

Jackie Layton is the author of cozy mysteries with Spunky Southern Sleuths. Her stories are set in Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina. She lives on the coast of South Carolina where she enjoys walks on the beach and golf cart rides around the marsh. Reading, gardening, and traveling are some of her favorite hobbies. She always keeps a notebook handy to write down ideas for future stories.

Let’s Be Social:

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jackielaytonauthor/ 

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/joyfuljel

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/37slujv

Bookbub: https://bit.ly/37RqGQ8

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jackielaytoncozyauthor.com

Newsletter https://bit.ly/2WOPe42

Website: https://jackielaytoncozyauthor.com/

Back cover blurb: Emma Justice never imagines working at the farmers market on a normal Saturday morning will lead to her second murder investigation. When two friends become suspects in the latest small-town murder, she’ll help prove they are innocent by tracking down the real killer.

Houston Turner, the successful owner of Texas BBQ Hut, is a hard man and has made many enemies in his life. Revenge, greed, and hatred are some of the motives Emma must sift through to catch the killer. Seeds of suspicion from family, friends, and employees leaves Emma digging for real clues instead of stumbling through the rocky soil of deceit and lies.

#WriterWednesday Interview with Ellen Butler

I’d like to welcome Ellen Butler to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Things you never want to run out of: Toilet Paper. Remember 2020? ‘nough said.

Things you wish you’d never bought: A rather expensive pair of shoes that were tight. I thought they’d stretch–even used a stretcher. Nope. Can’t wear them. Gave them to a friend.

The last thing you ordered online: A belt and socks.

The last thing you regret buying online: Shoes, see above question.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Marketing! It never ends.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Meeting and chatting with readers. I’ve met some great people.

Things you need for your writing sessions: Computer. Glass of sweet tea.

Things that hamper your writing: Chores around the house. Sometimes I work at the library or Panera, so I’m not distracted.

Favorite foods: Pizza, wine, tacos, and steak.

Things that make you want to gag: Tofu.

Favorite music or song: Mysterious Ways by U2

Music that drives you crazy: Not a fan of bass pounding, hardcore rap filled with foul language.

Favorite smell: Lilacs. I had 3 lilac trees at my old house. I miss them and need to find a place to plant one at my new place.

Something that makes you hold your nose: The smell of broccoli cooking.

Last best thing you ate: Baby Back Ribs & Cornbread—hubby cooked them for Mother’s Day.

Last thing you regret eating: Hamburger from a food truck in NYC. I acquainted myself with too many bathrooms after that adventure.

Things to say to an author: I loved your last book!

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: Books, who has time to read books? Does anyone read books these days?

Favorite places you’ve been: We went to Ireland last year. It was beautiful!

Places you never want to go to again: Wapakoneta, Ohio–I’m sure it’s a fine town. I don’t have good memories of an event I went to there.

Favorite books (or genre): Mysteries, Women’s fiction

Books you wouldn’t buy: Horror—just not a fan of the genre. Also don’t watch horror films.

People you’d like to invite to dinner: Living—Hugh Jackman, Dead—Robin Williams

People you’d cancel dinner on: Circus clowns. Clowns freak me out.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: Your book kept me up until 3:00 a.m.

The craziest thing a reader said to you:

Reader: So, you wrote these books.

Me: Yup.

Reader: All of them?

Me: Yes all of them.

Reader: How do I know you wrote them?

Me: Um … my name’s on them.

Reader: And you didn’t copy them from somewhere else. Because I’ve heard of authors doing that.

Me: Uh … that’s infringing on copyrights. The work is mine.

Reader: *puts book down and walks away*

Some real-life story that made it to one of your books: I’ve been to all the locations in Washington, DC where I send my heroine Karina (from the Karina Cardinal mystery series)—and anything related to the DC traffic is TRUE!

Something in your story that readers think is about you, but it’s not: A lot of my readers ask if I’m Karina Cardinal. I am not. She’s much bolder than I am, and her life is much more exciting than mine.

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done: Home design work and home staging.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: Every book I write turns out different from the initial outline!

About Ellen:

Ellen Butler is the international bestselling author of the Karina Cardinal mystery series. Her experiences working on Capitol Hill and at a medical association in Washington, D.C. inspired the mystery-action series. Book critics call the Karina Cardinal mysteries, “intelligent escapism” and “unputdownable adventures that will take readers on an electrifying yet light-hearted and humorous journey.” Butler is also the author of the award-winning historical suspense novel, The Brass Compass. The Brass Compass has won multiple awards for historical fiction including: a Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Award, Indie Reader Discovery Award, Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal. The second book in the duology, Operation Blackbird: A Cold War Spy Novel, is inspired by true events, and won a Next Generation Indie Book Award gold medal for historical fiction. Reviewers are calling it “riveting,” and, “a thrilling adventure.”

Let’s Be Social:

Website ~ www.EllenButler.net

Facebook ~ www.facebook.com/EllenButlerBooks

Instagram~@ebutlerbooks

Goodreads ~ www.goodreads.com/EllenButlerBooks

 Karina Cardinal Mysteries

 When you walk the halls of power, make sure your wits—and stilettos—are razor sharp.

 An art heist, cybercrime, diamond theft, and artifact forgery. What do they all have in common? Karina Cardinal and her unchecked inquisitiveness.

 As a Capitol Hill lobbyist, Karina Cardinal’s quick wit and powers of persuasion are her stock in trade. Unfortunately, her skill set includes a heaping helping of curiosity—and a talent for landing in trouble, where the crooks, conmen, and outright murderers lurk. Lucky for her, when she finds her stilettos caught in a jam, she’s got lots of friends in the right places on speed dial. Like her intrepid colleague Rodrigo, her on-again-off-again FBI boyfriend Mike, and shadowy Silverthorne Security. Without them, Karina’s next political power suit could be a body bag. And without Karina, who’d keep her building full of nosy, quirky neighbors entertained?

#WriterWednesday with Janna Rollins

I’d like to welcome the fabulous Janna Rollins, who also writes as Paula Charles, to the blog!

Favorite thing to do when you have free time: Read! There’s so many books and so little time!

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list: Dusting. Those cobwebs will make great decorations when October rolls around.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Slogging my way through that first draft on days when the words aren’t coming easy.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Being able to truthfully say, “I’m having so much fun,” when someone asks me if I like what I’m doing.

Something you wanted to be when you were a kid: For years, I dreamed of owning a horse ranch in Kentucky surrounded by white fences. The book My Friend Flicka is to blame!

Something you do that you never dreamed you’d do: Write books! I never thought I had enough words in my head, but it turns out I do!

Something you wish you could do: Sing! I’m the world’s worst singer. My high school choir teacher actually told me I needed to pick a different elective.

Something you wish you’d never learned to do: Honestly, I can’t think of a thing.

Last best thing you ate: Chicken taquitos from Michael’s Tacos in Cody, Wyoming. Delicious!

Last thing you regret eating: Those breaded French fries from Bogarts in Red Lodge, Montana. I knew better than to eat gluten but did it anyway and ended up with a mouth full of canker sores. Bad choice!

Favorite things to do: Hit the road with my husband and explore a new place. I love getting to know how the air smells in a place I’ve never been before, what the wind feels like. There’s nothing like soaking in a new environment.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Getting dental work done. Bring on those fire ants!

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: River rafting through some big rapids when I don’t know how to swim. My husband was already a “river rat” when we met. For a handful of summers, we went rafting at least once a week, though I never did learn how to swim.

Something you chickened out from doing: Jumping off a cliff into the river.

The funniest thing to happen to you: I’m not sure about it being the funniest thing EVER, but the first thing that came to mind was when my friend Annie McEwen and I were trying to navigate the DC Metro on our way to our first Malice Domestic. We were jabbering away and got off the subway at the Bethesda stop, navigated our way a mile or so to the Marriott we could see in the distance only to find we were at the wrong one. Back to the Metro station we went, continuing our journey to the North Bethesda stop. Instead of the hour it should have taken us to get from the airport to the convention, it took us three. We’re still laughing about our ridiculousness.

The most embarrassing thing to happen to you: When I was a teenager, I was showing a pig in a FFA livestock show. The zipper on my pants broke and I nearly lost my britches before the competition was over.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: I really loved your book. Is the next one coming out soon? (Then later, this man’s wife told me in all the years they’ve been married, her husband has only read about six novels, and two of them have been mine!)

The craziest thing a reader said to you: I really enjoyed your book, and I don’t usually like woman writers.

Best piece of advice you received from another writer: Don’t compare your writing path to that of others. Everyone has their own pace.

Something you would tell a younger you about your writing: Get started. You can do this!

About Janna:

When Janna Rollins isn’t writing, she likes to thumb through New England based magazines and drool over the pictures. She has a love for red barns, goats, and genealogy. Janna can be found showing her socially awkward side on Facebook or sharing photos of her tiny one-acre farm on Instagram. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, and also writes the Hometown Hardware Mystery series as Paula Charles. Janna lives in Southwestern Washington with her patient husband and a gaggle of furry and feathered creatures.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: www.paulacharles.com

Facebook: Rainy Day Mysteries

Instagram: @rainy_day_mysteries

#WriterWednesday with Bailee Abbott

I’d like to welcome the fabulous Bailee Abbott (Kathryn Long) to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Things you never want to run out of: Breakfast items are a must-have! Coffee, creamer, breakfast cereal, and Silk almond milk.

Things you wish you’d never bought: Anything that caught my eye on those Facebook ads and turned out to be all-hype and of little use!

Hardest thing about being a writer: Keeping to a schedule because I am the ultimate procrastinator!

Easiest thing about being a writer: Ideas! I’m the queen of book ideas.

Favorite foods: pizza with sausage and pepperoni, chicken and gnocchi, and bacon are a few.

Things that make you want to gag: Food-wise? – anchovies and sushi

Favorite music or song: anything R&B; a lot of pop music; soft rock; classic rock

Music that drives you crazy: techno, polka, and opera!

Favorite smell: pine, lavender, ocean scents

Something that makes you hold your nose: fish frying, any air pollution like rubber burning

Last best thing you ate: barbecue baby back ribs

Last thing you regret eating: a piece of the banana cream pie my daughter made. (too much sugar and calories for someone trying to lose weight!)

The last thing you ordered online: sandals

The last thing you regret buying: Critter Catcher (It really doesn’t work that well.)

Things you’d walk a mile for: I’d like an opportunity to meet a favorite author, like Stephen King, so I could pick his brain!

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: bugs, lots and lots of bugs

Favorite places you’ve been: Cape San Blas, Florida; Bemus Point, NY

Places you never want to go to again: any big city because I’m terrified of really busy traffic and not knowing my way around

Favorite books (or genre): mystery and suspense; romance would be second

Books you wouldn’t buy: science fiction and horror

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done: I play guitar and have written songs

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: assembling any furniture. I’m horrible at it!

About Bailee:

Bailee Abbott is a native Ohioan who spends her days plotting murder and writing mysteries. She's a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. Bailee lives with her husband and furry friend Max in the quiet suburbs of Green, Ohio. Visits to Bemus Point, a town along the Chautauqua Lake in southwest New York inspired the setting for the PAINT BY MURDER mystery series. Bailee also writes the SIERRA PINES B&B MYSTERIES and the MACKENZIE BLUE MYSTERIES as Kathryn Long.

 Let’s Be Social:

Website: https://kathrynlongauthor.com   
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BaileeAbbott1  
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BaileeAbbottBooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21094675.Bailee_Abbott
Instagram: @baileeabbottbooks 

#WriterWednesday with Ruth J. Hartman

I’d like to welcome my friend, the fabulous Ruth J. Hartman, to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Favorite thing to do when you have free time: Read, walk, watch a movie with Garry.

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list: Mopping the floors or dusting!

Things you need when you’re in your writing cave: Cats (if they’re sleeping!), chocolate, and other assorted snacks- to be determined on that writing day.

Things that distract you from writing: My cat, Molly, leaping over my computer to get my attention. And music. And people talking near me.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Writing the synopsis and that first line of the book!

Easiest thing about being a writer: When a reader says they loved your book!

Things you will run to the store for at midnight: Chocolate

Things you never put on your shopping list: Beets!

The coolest thing you’ve bought online: An old-fashioned-looking lamp that went perfectly in our guest room, since our farmhouse is over 150 years old.

The thing you wished you’d never bought: The wrong size underwear!

Something you’re really good at: I’m a Cat Whisperer.

Something you’re really bad at: Doing more than one thing - anything - at a time.

The funniest thing that happened to you on vacation: My dad and I went on a trip to the Holy Land when I was 17. I got three marriage proposals in Egypt, and one involved 52 camels.

The most embarrassing thing that happened to you on a vacation: When on a school field trip to Washington D.C. I tripped on the sidewalk and ended up doing a somersault right in front of the most popular boy in our school.

The most exciting thing about your writing life: Getting to spend time with my writer friends in person!

The one thing you wish you could do over in your writing life: I wish I’d started way before I did, which was at age 45.

Best piece of advice you received from another writer: Surround yourself with writer friends who will be there for you throughout your whole writing journey.

Something you would tell a younger you about your writing: Don’t compare yourself to other writers. Everyone has a different writing voice. Use yours!

Recommendations for curing writer’s block: Take a walk, get a snack, text a friend.

Things you do to avoid writing: Laundry, dishes, and the most dreaded job – dusting!

About Ruth:

Ruth J. Hartman loves a good mystery. That’s probably why she happily gave up a life of cleaning other people’s teeth to write books. With several cozy mysteries under her belt, her main problem is keeping the characters straight – sometimes they have a tendency to hop on over to a different series, just for laughs.

Over forty books later, consisting of romances, a children’s book, women’s fiction, and now cozy mysteries, Ruth still enjoys the thrill of taking the thoughts and images of her characters from her imagination to her computer screen.

She lives in rural Indiana with her husband, Garry, and their family of spoiled cats. Because of Ruth’s love for felines, every one of her books has at least one cat in it. Her cats, who’ve deemed themselves her editors, act like they’re supervising her writing, even though they’re often loafing off or napping.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: http://www.ruthjhartman.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruth.j.hartman

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ruth-j-hartman

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ruthjhartman

#WriterWednesday Interview with Lisa Bol

I’d like to welcome actor, director, and producer, Lisa Bol, to the blog for this week’s #WriterWednesday interview.

Things you never want to run out of: Barry’s decaf tea, honey, almond milk, Pim’s orange cookies, and cozy blankets.

Things you wish you’d never bought: Some organizational storage from Ikea that I still haven’t installed in my daughter’s room.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Scheduling time consistently with my partner.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Ideas and inspiration can come at any time and any place.

A few of your favorite things: The Muppets, perfect spring days in Park Slope, my grandmother’s wedding rings, my husband and my daughter.

Things you need to throw out: Old tech products and chargers and probably half of the condiments in my fridge.

Something you’re really good at: Connecting with people and learning their stories.

Something you’re really bad at: Pull-ups/push-ups or anything that requires upper body strength.

Favorite music or song: Pretty much all Pop, R&B, and Hip-hop from 2000 - 2006.

Music that drives you crazy: Metalcore/deathcore - screaming metal.

Favorite smell: My grandmother’s apple pie baking in the oven.

Something that makes you hold your nose: Entering a subway station anytime between July - August.

Last best thing you ate: General D’s Cauliflower from Planta Queen (think general Tso’s but with breaded cauliflower and grilled pineapple).

Last thing you regret eating: Too many Jelly Belly’s before bed….

Things you’d walk a mile for: The ham and cheese croissant from Yardsale Bakery in Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn. Also, a california cheeseburger, box of fries, and pineapple shake from Gordy’s Hi Hat in Cloquet, MN.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: Scary movies, spicy foods, and Timeshare sales pitches.

Favorite places you’ve been: London, Taipei, Muir Woods, and Prague.

Places you never want to go to again: I didn’t have a great experience in Brussels, so I’d pass on that. But I love traveling so much that I’d give basically anywhere I’ve already been a second chance.

People you’d like to invite to dinner: Tina Fey, Amy Pohler, and Maya Rudolph.

People you’d cancel dinner on: Anyone that was sick - with a 4 year old, we’ve been through the ringer health wise, so that would be a deal breaker.

Favorite things to do: Plan trips (and then obviously go on them - I love the researching of it all), go to flea markets and treasure hunt (Elephant’s Trunk!), go for walks with my husband in our neighborhood and discover new bakeries with him.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Moving - the whole experience of it - the decluttering, packing hauling, final cleaning all of it.

About Lisa:

Born and raised in Minnesota, Lisa Bol is an actress, director, and producer, based out of NYC that loves: traveling, crocheting, bourboning, making people laugh, and The Muppets. She received her BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, her MFA in Acting from Ohio University, and was a member of the Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Professional Training Company in 2015-2016. Shortly after moving to NYC, she co-founded Tantrum East Productions and is now the Artistic Director.

Let’s Be Social:

Website:

https://murderwespoke.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-we-spoke/id1730737866

 Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556196394490

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@murderwespokepodcast