Balancing Action and Banter: Author Interview with Elle E. Kay

You’ve now published several books, but what inspired you to write that first one? How long did it take you to write your first book that was published? How many rewrites did you do on it? 

My first book was non-fiction. It was about living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, so my struggles with EDS inspired that one. My fiction debut seemingly came out of nowhere. I just sat down one night and started writing it. That book was a semi-finalist in the Genesis contest, so that gave me the courage to keep going. I don’t know if I would call my editing process ‘rewrites’ as most of the content remains the same, but that first book went through a couple of rounds of self-edits, went to my critique partner and then had two more rounds of edits with my editor, Patti.

How do you go about plotting your suspense stories? 

I usually have a germ of an idea that I start with. Oftentimes, it’s the setting. For example, with the Pennsylvania Parks series, I thought I’d write books that would take place in our beautiful state parks and I knew they would be romantic suspense, but I had no inkling what the characters would be like or what the suspense plots would be.

What type of research do you do for giving realism to time clock ticking events?

As for research, having written four historical novellas in addition to my contemporary novels, I can safely say, the historical fiction required far more research. It’s not that difficult to find answers to most of the questions that come up for current day stories. In one instance, I needed information about bomb-sniffing dogs and their handlers, and I was able to find most of what the story required from government websites and videos.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

One part of a reader review for Midnight Offensive was a huge encouragement. It let me know that even though I write romantic thrillers, my faith is threaded through the story. The reviewer said, “As usual Elle’s faith and trust in an Almighty God shines through. The characters are challenged as to who they see as in control and causes them to examine their relationship with God. I always enjoy seeing how she introduces different scriptures to illustrate the need to put God in the center of everyday living no matter what the challenges are, she makes the Bible come alive.”

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you’ve used that has produces more sales rather than just clicks?

Facebook ads are probably the most effective, but targeting is difficult for Christian authors. I wound up hiring them out after many years of doing them myself with little success. I also run ads with Amazon and BookBub with some success.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?

There are a couple of things. I love writing banter, so my first several books were dialogue-heavy. Those first books might’ve benefited from more introspective moments to balance the action and conversations. It also would’ve been helpful to have grasped how to effectively write deep point-of-view sooner than I did.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?

Thomas Umstattd, Jr. suggests that the number one commandment is “love thy reader.” If you follow that commandment, you’ll write what your reader wants to read. He suggests finding your “Timothy,” an actual real-life person who represents your ideal reader. I chose a woman named Carol as she is a wonderful representative of my typical reader. If I remember to treat all my readers as I would treat her, the result is that readers will look forward to my newsletters and want to read my next release. If I don’t care about my readers, why should they care about me?

I’ve chosen to pray for my readers (if they share prayer requests), and I reply to most messages. It’s important for me to remember that my readers are people like me who have trials and triumphs, so I want to be there for them whenever I can.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?

Midnight Masquerade releases on October 8th. Here are some details.

When everyone wears a mask, who can you trust?
When CIA operative Dante Reyes discovers American women being trafficked overseas to fund terrorism, including his teammate's sister, he's forced into an uneasy partnership with HSI Agent Lisa Harper, a woman determined to prove herself capable of leading her first multi-agency task force.

Lisa has built her career on never depending on anyone, especially charming men who think they know better. But as their investigation uncovers a sophisticated network using dating apps to target military families, she finds her carefully constructed walls challenged by Dante's unwavering faith and protective instincts.

Racing against time to stop the final phase of the terrorist financing operation, Dante and Lisa must infiltrate an elegant charity masquerade ball where international buyers will gather for one last transaction. But the greatest danger isn't the enemies they can see. It's learning to trust each other when everything they've fought to protect hangs in the balance.

Sounds intriguing! If you'd like to learn more about this book and the other series she's written, here are some links to get you started. 

https://www.youtube.com/@ElleEKay7/ 

https://www.instagram.com/elleekay7/

https://www.facebook.com/ElleEKay7/

And here's a tip for my readers... sign up for her newsletter, and she'll send you a free eBook. Here's the link, so do it now. https://elleekay.com/newsletter-signup/

Be Flexible: Author Interview with Suzie Waltner

Your bio says you put together your first novel when another author told you about NaNoWriMo. As a result of that writing challenge, you not only completed one book but went on to write a series. What motivated you to complete that first book? How did you come to the conclusion that you wanted to write a series?
That first book was one I had started writing during a creative writing class in college. NaNoWriMo motivated me to dust it off and finish the story I had written only five chapters of. As I wrote, some of the supporting characters took shape, and I knew they had a story to share too.

How did you go about getting your first book published? 
My first book (and a few after) are a cautionary tale. I was one of those people who did publishing wrong. I wrote a book and searched for an editor. The one I found told me the plot was good and I only needed a copy edit (note: this book needed much more than a copy edit). When I got the edits back, I published the book. It wasn't until two years later that an author I was on a launch team for mentioned ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). I joined and quickly realized I had a lot to learn about the craft of writing. 

So I took a five-year break and learned everything I could about the business of books from first draft to marketing and everything in between. I pulled that first series off of Amazon. I might go back and rework those stories some day, but for now, I have plenty of new ones in my head that are clamoring to be told.

After that break, I pitched my book, Midnight Blue, during Faith Pitch on Twitter in 2020 (sorry, folks, Faith Pitch is no longer). That is when Anaiah Press asked to see the first chapter. The editor read it and asked for the full manuscript, and within three months, I was offered a contract. And while we were working on the first book, the publisher asked if I planned to make this into a series. When I said yes, they asked me to send them titles and back cover blurbs for the other books, then offered me a contract for the rest of the Love in Color series.

You Now publish independently, which means you’re in charge of everything from writing to publishing and marketing. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do or hire others to do?
The Love in Color series was originally published with a small press. They went out of business last year, and I got the publishing rights back, so I changed the covers (I paid to have the new ones made) and indie published them. Republishing was easy since the books had already been edited. That is a cost, I am calculating for any future indie published books because I learned the value of a good editor. I formatted the books using Atticus and uploaded them on Amazon. And I get to do all of the marketing on them (but in reality, marketing is something even traditionally published authors have to work hard at).

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
Hands down, the writing community is the best encouragement. My critique partners have become life-long friends, and I've met so many wonderful authors. This community is so uplifting and encouraging as we cheer on each other's successes and lift each other up when we are feeling discouraged.

Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
Marketing is not for the faint of heart. What worked well once might not ever work again. I think the key is to be flexible and willing to try new and/or different tactics. I had the best results when I gave Midnight Blue away for free for a week. I advertised on Freebooksy, who has several newsletters of thousands. I paid $100 to have my book included in one of those newsletters and had 4000 downloads of the book. Some people opted to pick up the book on KU as opposed to downloading the free version, and others picked up book two in the series (which was the only one available at the time). The return on investment of that single marketing push was triple what I put into it. The one thing I would do differently is wait until the entire series was available.

I also highly recommend joining the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction Facebook group and participating in the conversations happening there (but note, promotions and links can only be shared on Saturdays and Sundays).

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
Not all editors are equal and a good one is priceless. When you find an editor you work well with, hold onto them as long as possible. If you're not sure where to start, ask your author friends who they would recommend.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Writing is not a solitary occupation. Find your tribe for encouragement, ideas, shared platform, prayer warriors, and more. Your writing friends will help you combat imposter syndrome when it creeps up. As I mentioned, my critique partners are life-long friends. We do so much more than critique each other's writing. I also belong to a mastermind group where we learn from each other and brainstorm. There are so many opportunities to get connected in the writing world. Take as many of them as your schedule allows.

Also, publishing requires a lot of patience. If you are aiming for one of the well-known, big publishers, you will need an agent (which takes time to find). Once you have an agent, they will shop your book around (more time). And if you are offered a contract, you are looking at two to three years before you hold that book in your hands. There are some good small presses out there right now. You won't get an advance (only royalties), but you don't need an agent to submit to most of them. Even these small presses have most of next year's calendar filled already. And then there is indie (or self) publishing. You can go a little bit more at your pace, but finding the right cover designer and working back and forth will take time. So will finding the right editor(s). Many editors are booked for months. And once you are ready to upload, you get to wait another day or two.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
I highly recommend joining a writing group. ACFW has a national organization and many local chapters if you are looking for a writing community where you live. Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers often has helpful conversations going in their email loop and there is a fantastic library of workshops you gain access to when you join. Both organizations have an annual conference and a virtual spring conference. 

The Christian Authors Network (CAN) includes the Christian Indie Publishers Association (CIPA), and if you are wanting to add speaking to your arsenal, the Advanced Speakers and Writers Association (AWSA) is a great place to get plugged in.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
Here's the short synopsis of the book that is with a publisher for review right now:

Beckett Hayes arrives in Hollis, Idaho, with a dream to create a sanctuary for grieving children in memory of his late wife. His daughter, Lila, is excited for the move, but his teenage son, Hunter, is less than thrilled.

Everly Miller, a child psychologist with ties to the town, returns to Hollis. At first she's suspicious of Beckett’s purchase of her grandfather’s property. Over time, Everly is drawn into Beckett’s mission—despite her desire to leave the past behind. As Beckett and Everly work together to open Camp Hope, their growing bond leads them to confront their shared pain—and the possibility of a future together.

That's all  for today's interview. Suzie provided lots of good insights for writers and a good note for readers about her books.

Website: https://suziewaltner.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuzieWaltnerWrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suziewaltner/

And here's a special tip for my readers, sign up for her newsletter and you'll get a free eBook novella. So sign up now!  https://suziewaltner.com/join-my-newsletter/

Cowboys, Second Chances, and a Bit of Suspense: Author Interview with Juliet Brilee

You’ve now written multiple books, but what inspired you to write that first novel? 

Sometimes we have a dream we keep on the shelf, a “someday I’ll….”.  I’ve always loved writing, taken classes, and belonged to writing groups. One day, at a writing retreat  I wrote a piece and I said, “This is it. This wants to become a book.” It was a memoir piece about a family Christmas tradition. I realized if I kept waiting for someday, it would never happen. And I dove in. That piece became Christmas Cake Day.
 
What is the hardest part of writing for you? Starting? Creating a scene? Dialog? Tension, etc.?
Getting through the middle of the story. I tend to be more of a pantser than a plotter even though I know where the story is heading. I let the characters come alive and help direct the writing.
 
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
When I get feedback that someone enjoys or has found meaning in one of my stories, it’s quite gratifying.
 

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
I find promo sites like The Fussy Librarian to be useful. And Facebook ads have helped.
 
What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
Support found through other writers, courses, coaching, and more is essential. We don’t do this in a vacuum. And get ready to juggle, because there are a lot of moving parts to this endeavor.
 
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
There is a lot of help out there for people who want to hone their writing craft and become an author. Online classes, books, audiobooks, coaching. Keep learning. Keep writing. Keep reading. You can do it. Just write. As they say, you can’t revise a blank page. Get words down and clean it up later.
 
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
If you have an idea for the story and really know the characters, the book will practically write itself. But getting to know the characters is huge. I use the Enneagram to help me craft characters. It’s a deep dive into psychology, archetypes, wounds, motivations and goals.
 

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
Welcome to Pine Crossing is the title of the next book, planned for an August release. It’s a romance with suspense. Sarah’s husband is in jail and she’s dealing with the fallout from his financial crimes. She takes her young daughter, leaves her privileged life, and moves across the country to a small town to help run her mother’s business. Despite obstacles, she discovers inner resources and a possibility for a better life with a good man. This fade-to-black romance introduces the world of Pine Crossing and opens a month before the first book in the Pine Crossing Cowboys series. I plan three series set in the world of Pine Crossing.

Are there any additional notes you'd like to add?
I believe there’s a creative impulse inside all of us that wants, that needs, to be expressed. Find your thing, sharpen your skills, and you’ll be amazed at what you can do.
 

That's all for today's interview. Hope it encouraged you to learn more about Juliet's writing. And here's a quick way to do it. Sign up for her newsletter and get a free -eBook. Here's the newsletter sign-up  link:https://dl.bookfunnel.com/r1g4xtghk5

Amazon author page: 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Juliet-Brilee/author/B08HGXCM49

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20664663.Juliet_Brilee
 

Taking up the Challenge to Write: Author Interview with Malissa Chapin

You've now published several books, but what inspired you to write that first one? 
I write Christian women's fiction as well as cozy mysteries. I always wanted to write stories and wrote many epic tales when I was young. Life happened and I never pursued writing until my mom passed away in 2020. She had always cheered me on when I wrote as a child and losing my cheerleader reminded me of the brevity of life.

I decided if I didn't get busy writing, I'd never write anything. My first novel, The Road Home, is a dual-timeline redemption story dedicated to my momma.

How do you go about plotting your murder? Do you pick the victim or the
murderer first? 
I have to know who did it and why before I start. I think I picked the victim and the perpetrator together.

What do you think makes for a perfect murder mystery?
A perfect cozy mystery is an entertaining story with puzzle pieces to figure out so I don't get bored before the ending.

What's the best encouragement you've had in your writing?

A friend told me she didn't want to read my book because she was
concerned she'd have to hurt my feelings. To her relief (and my joy) she
loved it.

I also love when readers say my books made them laugh or cry.

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produces more sales rather than just clicks?
Marketing is always a work in progress. I have a newsletter, a book lover group, an author page, and a website. I enjoy hearing from my readers and working to build relationships.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
After the first book, it's a lot of work! I said your first book is like your first baby. You have time to hope, dream, and plan. Everything is so special and you can't wait to hold that baby. But when you write more books, you have to juggle everything--write more, market, and get out the newsletter. No more time for naps on the couch in the afternoon while you dream about the future. 🥰

What is the best writing advice you've received or could give?
Be willing to take feedback and criticism without getting my feelings hurt. Listening to input only makes my writing better.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Learning to write takes time and effort, but it's worth it. If God allows you to share stories, you need to do it but learn to do your very best.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
I made a promise to my newsletter subscribers that they hear my news first. I haven't released that information yet. So, check out my blog and newsletter for upcoming details. 

That's all for today's interview. To discover more about Malissa's writing, artwork, and more, check out the links below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malissachapinwrites/

Books and more: https://shopmalissachapin.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Malissa-Chapin/author/B09L7RLYQJ

Book Club Resources: Check out her freebies

https://malissachapin.com/category/bookclubresourcesandfreebies/

The Challenge of Writing and Marketing Books: Author Interview with Kat Martin

Your bio shows you’ve published 75 novels and sold over 17 million books. That’s quite an accomplishment. How many books did it take before you realized it could be a full-time career?

I started out thinking writing was going to be a full-time career. It was my goal from the beginning. It just took me longer than I thought. Five years before I made enough to write without supplemental income.

How do you keep the writing fresh and create new characters that your readers can relate to after so many books?

That is definitely a challenge. TV and movies are an inspiration, reading other books. Anything can give you the kernel of an idea.

What drew you to write romantic/suspense/thrillers?

I love mysteries, any sort of suspenseful stories, plus I am a true romantic. I was one of the first to combine the two. Back then the publishers thought it couldn’t be done.

Many of your books include high action drama. What type of research do you do to make them believable?

I would say movies are a big help. You can watch the action scenes, then work to describe them. I do a lot of research on the military, Rangers, SEALs, Green Beret, Delta. That helps with credibility.

Can you share an “aha” moment when something surprised you in doing your story research?

I would say every book I have ever written has one of those moments. My last book, HAUNTED, was set in an old ghost town, a real place that still has restaurants and shops. I was shocked to learn that thousands of people had died in the town in the late 1800s, so many that after their bodies were cremated, the ashes were put in the cement that was used to make the sidewalks. When you walk down the sidewalks in Jerome, you are walking on dead people’s bodies. Amazing.

Since you and your husband are authors, do you critique each other’s books? Is there any rivalry between the two of you in regards to writing

We used to read each other’s books when we first started. That didn’t last long. Now we just give help if we are asked. Not much rivalry since our subjects as so much different.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

Making money is the greatest encouragement. The more the publishers pay you, the more all the hard work is worthwhile. And of course readers who give you positive feedback.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?

I wish I had been better at promotion. As your career progresses, it’s the difference in the level of your success.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?

Persistence is the key. If you want to be a successful writer, you have to persevere. You can’t give up no matter how gloomy it looks. Persistence is the key.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?

Research is one of the keys to success. Give your readers some interesting details, like my dead people in the sidewalks, things that will keep them reading.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis? 

My next book, THE UNSEEN, is the final book in my Ghost Trilogy that started with GHOST ILLUSION, followed by HAUNTED. In the new novel, set in St. Francisville, Louisiana, when a 150-year-old skeleton is discovered near the old Belle Reve mansion, frightening occurrences begin to happen in the house. The owner is in failing health, and the incidents are making her illness worse. Her niece, Nicole Belmond, begins to suspect something otherworldly is happening and solicits the help of handsome former priest, Lucas Devereaux, who has a reputation for being able to deal with such phenomena. Together, the two of them work to find the link between the mysterious bones and the terrifying events in the house that grow more ominous every day. It’s out September 30th.

That's all for today's interview. Hope you'll check out Kat's books. Lots of good choices.

www.Katmartin.com

katmartinauthor@facebook.com

katmartin@katbooks.com

Cruising with a Mystery: Author Interview with Wendy Neugent

You’ve now published several mystery books, but what inspired you to write that first one?
I worked on cruise ships as an entertainer for a decade in my 20s and early 30s. I had the idea for this series back, but didn’t even know where to start. I got off of ships when I was five months pregnant with my oldest son and spent the next few years raising my two boys. Once my children were older, I finally had the time and the brainpower to be able to write the book that I had dreamt of writing when I was working on ships all those years ago.

Your book series Olivia Morgan Cruise Ship Mysteries features a guest who becomes an amateur sleuth and enlists the aid of crew members to solve murders. How did you use your previous work history into creating these stories.
From my years working on ships, I felt like a cruise ship would be a perfect setting for a mystery. You are trapped at sea on a ship with a killer, which ups the stakes. The people who work on ships tend to be larger than like characters, which makes them a lot of fun to write. Every cruise is a unique experience. You have new passengers and an international crew which gives me lots of interesting options for the characters in my book.

Chico is my sleuth’s pet sidekick and my favorite character to write. I worked with parrots in my act and I have so much fun writing Chico. He tends to be a reader favorite, too, which makes me so happy.

How do you go about plotting your mystery?
With my cruise ship mysteries, I usually start with an event or a situation that actually happened to me when I worked on ships, such as the ship crashing into the dock (Yikes!) or a fire breaking out onboard (Double Yikes!) and build the mystery around it.

Do you pick the victim or the murderer first?
I almost always pick the victim first. I sometimes don’t know which of the suspects is the murderer until I get to the end of the book. I had one character in one of my books who I had planned to be the murderer, but the character just wouldn’t cooperate! The characters have a mind of their own and no matter how much plotting and planning I do, they don’t always do what they are told!

What do you think makes for a perfect murder mystery?
I wish I knew what made the perfect murder mystery. Unfortunately I never got to meet Agatha Christie so I couldn’t ask her. 

Yes, I agree. I'm a big fan of Christie books. Would have been intrigued in meeting her and talking to her about her writing. Now please tell my readers about your Clue Crew Book Club!
I started The Clue Crew Book Club with my cousin, Jen. She is an avid reader and we thought it would be fun to have the perspectives of an author and a reader. We feature a different author every month. The book cub is currently on hiatus for the summer, but our YouTube videos are available. You can watch them and get to know our featured mystery authors. https://www.youtube.com/@TheClueCrewMysteryChannel

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
I’m very lucky that my family is very encouraging of my writing and my first mystery, "Murder Takes a Bow” was a 'Cozy Mystery Indie of the Year' Finalist. That honor really encouraged me to keep writing, but the support of my readers is what keeps me sitting down at my laptop every day. I’m really grateful for my readers. I have an active Facebook reader group that is my happy place on the internet and I am so happy that many of The Clue Crew members feel the same way. I’d love to have you join the group and come hang out with us. We talk about books, share pictures of our pets and support each other in good times and bad. I’ve been lucky enough to even meet some in person on my Clue Crew Cruise we took together in January and at book signings. https://www.facebook.com/groups/wendyscluecrew

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
A couple of years ago I decided that I didn’t want all of my eggs in one basket and took most of my books out of Kindle Unlimited. I opened my own online bookstore and sell my books directly to my readers.

My books are still on all retailers but I can build a closer relationship with my readers and give them better deals when they buy directly from me. I’ve used Amazon ads, Facebook ads, I post on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok and I send emails to my readers.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
That I could do it. I wanted to be an author my entire life. I remember dreaming of writing books when I was reading Jane Eyre in third grade but was always told that you can’t make a career out of being an author.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
To just sit down and write. The words don’t have to be perfect because you can edit any words you have written, but you can’t edit what you don’t have.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
If you write 1,000 words a day, you’ll have a first draft of a book in just a couple of months!

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
My next book is coming out later this month. It is called Ernest Endeavors and is book two in my Key West Mysteries series. Key West was one of my favorite ports, so I thought it would be fun to write a series set there. I get to “visit” Key West while I am planning and writing the books in the series.

Here is a little bit about the book:

When antique shop owner Beth Fletcher discovers a 1930s diary, she's captivated by its intimate glimpses into Ernest Hemingway's Key West life. But this glimpse into the past becomes deadly when museum curator Regina Winters is found floating in the Hemingway House's famous pool – just hours after hinting she'd made an extraordinary discovery about the author's long-lost manuscripts.

Armed with her research skills, her sassy cat Agatha, and her sister Sarah's perfect pastries, Beth navigates a maze of historical clues and modern dangers.

Despite warnings from the handsome detective assigned to the case, Beth can't help digging deeper.

She moved to Key West for a fresh start, not to get tangled up in murder, but in a town where history whispers around every corner, sometimes the past refuses to stay buried.

That's all for today's interview. Love the book blurb for the new Key West series. I've been to the Hemingway house and that's a great setting for a story. I've read several of Wendy's books and I hope you'll want to start reading some as well. Here are some links to get you started.

Website: https://wendyneugentbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wendyscluecrew
YouTube channel for her audiobooks:https://www.youtube.com/@wendyneugentauthor

And here's a bonus from Wendy for all my readers... Visit her website https://wendyneugentbooks.com/ and use code “TheWriteChris” to get the eBook or audiobook of Murder Takes a Bow for free!

Murder Mysteries as Puzzles: Author Interview with Valerie Taylor

What inspired you to write your first cozy mystery?
It’s not what inspired me, it’s who! Readers of my romantic comedy trilogy (fondly known as the What’s Not series) suggested I write a cozy mystery. They believed my fluid writing style, relatable characters, and true-to-life dialogue would work well with cozies. If it weren’t for readers’ encouragement, I probably wouldn’t have begun the Venus Bixby Mystery series that so far consists of A Whale of a Murder, published in 2024, and Switched at Death, releasing on April 22, 2025.

How did you create your imaginary town setting?
When I visited New Bedford, MA, in 2016 (the year I retired from corporate America), I couldn’t have predicted that this historic whaling village would be the model for my cozies. But when I began imagining my story, my day in New Bedford popped into my mind. Since it’s situated between Providence and Cape Cod, I named my fictional town Chatham Crossing. From there, I made the whaling museum the focal point of the story. Next, I created my amateur sleuth who owns an oldies music store and cookie bakery. And since the town borders a bay, it was easy to build out the town from there.

How do you go about plotting your mystery?
Unlike my romcom, which I truly wrote by the seat of my pants, I learned from an online course how important it is to outline a mystery, cozy or otherwise. A cozy must have a sleuth, a detective, a victim, a villain, and a cast of supporting characters who may or may not be suspects. On top of that, it needs a setting people will love and a murder they know occurred but never witness. Bonus points for things like pets, food, book, music and red herrings sprinkled along the way. It’s a recipe for disaster for the writer who doesn’t think through most of this ahead of time. For my mysteries, I use multi-colored markers and sketch pads to mind map those key elements, drawing pictures and arrows to depict how and when they interact.

Do you pick the victim or the murderer first?
In both A Whale of a Murder and Switched at Death I knew who the primary victim would be at the start. However, I actually changed who the murderer would be halfway through the first draft of Switched at Death. You could say I kept with the theme of that story!

What do you think makes for a perfect murder mystery?
A murder mystery is a puzzle. People love puzzles! Look at the millions of people who play Wordle each day! A perfect murder mystery, then, is a puzzle cloaked in intrigue that implores the reader to search for clues as to whodunit. The clues can either be blatant or hidden, but the story should motivate a reader to reflect on what they caught or missed after they’ve turned the last page and closed the book.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
Throughout my career I was a writer, in one form or another. For most of my life I wrote business or marketing communications. As such, I was stifled by having to comply with rules, especially legal ones. In the last few years before I retired, I shared the idea for my first novel with colleagues. To a person, they all encouraged me to go for it. Get that book written! If I hadn’t heeded their advice, I wouldn’t have five books under my belt today.

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
Friends and family might not agree, but I really am an introvert. So, you’d think online marketing would suit me just fine. Yet, I find, I’m also like the Energizer bunny. Once you wind me up, I can talk about my author journey, writing, and the stories I tell for hours. So, for me, participating in book fairs and craft fairs are generally worthwhile and fun. You just never know who you’ll meet!

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
I don’t think I ever thought of writing as an addiction. But it is! I can’t believe I’m in the process of writing my sixth book. I bet I think about writing during most of my waking hours. Even reading or watching television provides fodder for a future story.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Don’t compare yourself to other authors. While that’s commonly-given advice, I suspect it’s difficult for many of us to adhere to. Whether it’s a writer’s storytelling talent or an author’s trajectory to a best seller’s list, I believe it’s human nature to put ourselves in their shoes and wish it were us.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Know thyself. Sounds like an answer to the above question! What I mean to convey is this: write the book you want to write. Switch genres, as I did, if it makes you happy. Be honest about how much time, energy, and money you’re willing to invest in a career where people you’ll never meet will have much to say about what you put your heart and soul into. If you’re thin skinned, don’t read reviews!

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
The second book in the Venus Bixby Mystery series  was published this week. In Switched at Death, Venus Bixby and her meddlesome sister are back. When the beloved mayor of historic Chatham Crossing collapses and dies when the Christmas tree explodes in flame during the annual tree lighting, Venus drags her feet before getting involved in the investigation that follows. Once her cookie bakery is implicated in the mayor’s death, she has no choice. As clues begin to emerge, Venus fears someone she knows and loves may also be involved. Will her clever sleuthing skills save the Christmas holidays for one and all in this charming whaling town?

That's all for today's interview. Hope you'll check out Valerie's books. Here are the links to do just that...

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B084JGPQX1  
Website: https://www.valerietaylorauthor.com  

Subscribe to my newsletter, Behind and Ahead: https://www.valerietaylorauthor.com/subscribe  

Facebook.com/valerietaylorauthor  

Twitter @ValerieEMTaylor  Instagram @ValerieETaylor

And here's a bonus for my readers... Leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a copy of one of Valeria's eBooks. Their choice of either A Whale of a Murder or Switched at Death! So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next weekend!

Mysteries and Misdirection: Author Interview with Rosie Genova

You’ve now published several books, but what inspired you to write that first one? How long did it take you to write your first book that was published? How many rewrites did you do on it?

Though I’d already written three women’s fiction novels, my first published book was Murder and Marinara, the first of my cozy series, The Italian Kitchen Mysteries. My agent at the time suggested I write a mystery set in an Italian restaurant; my main character, Victoria Rienzi, is herself a mystery writer who ends up in the middle of some real-life murder investigations. Counting drafts, revisions (3), rewrites, copyediting, and proofreading, the process took about a year.

How do you go about plotting your mystery? Do you pick the victim or the murderer first? What do you think makes for a perfect murder mystery?

I always know who the victim is, but sometimes the murderer switches characters on me as I’m writing! Before I start writing, I create a quick five-act outline of how the murder will be carried out, along with any twists or red herrings I might have planned. For me, an effective murder mystery plays fair with the reader—if they went back and looked, they should be able to find every clue no matter how subtle. I think the best skill an author can bring to a mystery is misdirection; I liken it to holding up a shiny object that seems to be the solution—when the real one is hiding in plain sight.

Your newest cozy mystery is a time travel book. How did you go about doing research for the time era in that story? Was there anything that came up in your research that was a special "aha" moment for you?

I cannot count the rabbit holes I happily burrowed into as I researched Atlantic City in the 1950s. I read books and articles, online interviews, perused images of 1950s fashion, dug into The Press of Atlantic City newspaper archives, and picked the brains of a Facebook group who shared memories and valuable insights into vintage Atlantic City. I even submitted questions to a classic car enthusiast who described the engine and transmission of a 1947 Buick Roadmaster—the car that Tess drives when she’s back in time. There were several “aha” moments for me, one being how progressive Atlantic City was in the area of civil rights, at least for 1955, in which the book is set. Also, I’d long had the idea of a suspected Nazi hiding out in South Jersey before I learned there actually were Nazis in my home state in the years following WW2.

 What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

I once threw away a short story that my husband fished out of the trash and made me submit for publication right before the midnight deadline. He drove me to the mailbox so it would go out on time! It was not only published, but it took first prize in the anthology. Since then, I have believed every word he’s said about my work…

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?

 There is no secret sauce here, believe me. Discoverability is the single biggest issue for authors, particularly those who publish independently. I’ve had modest success with promo stacking, running low-priced or free specials in several reader newsletters on the same day. Recently, I was lucky enough to get a Featured Deal in BookBub’s daily newsletter, which brought promising results.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?

 How much of my own marketing and publicity I’d have to do. And how it cuts into my writing time.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?

 This might sound weird, but the best advice I’ve gotten about writing is actually about … fishing.  In Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, the main character muses about whether he is unlucky, but ultimately decides he would rather be “exact” in his fishing skills, explaining, “Then when the luck comes, you are ready.” I spent years honing my craft, trying to be “exact” in my work and learning about every facet of publishing. Luck is fickle. It comes and goes. But your skill set is always with you—and best of all, you can add to it.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?

Learn everything you can. Write and revise and revise some more. Learn to take criticism. Grow a great big callous where your skin used to be. And be ready for the luck when it comes!

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?

This summer, I am planning to release a much darker, standalone suspense story, Seeing Things, in which a down-on-her-luck boardwalk psychic finds her childhood visions returning—and herself in the middle of a dangerous scheme—when she takes on a troubled and mysterious elderly client.

That's all for today's interview. I hope you will check out her links below to learn more details about her writing. I just finished reading her latest book, MURDER ON THE STEEL PIER and highly recommend it!

Website: www.rosiegenova.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RosieGenova 
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rosie-genova 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6462450.Rosie_Genova 

And here's a bonus for my readers... Leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a copy of one of Rosie's eBooks. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner after Easter.

Know the Publishing Expectations for Your Genre: Author Interview with Denise Weimer

You’ve now published several books, but what inspired you to write that first one?

I grew up visiting historical sites and events with my parents, and my active imagination started producing stories from a very young age…always historical romance. I was almost published right out of college, but it wasn’t until my younger daughter was taking naps and in preschool that I had time to write my first published novella, Redeeming Grace, now re-released as A Summer at the Niagara of the South. I love to bring back to life historical settings that have vanished, as is the case for the resorts that once surrounded North Georgia’s Tallulah Gorge with its spectacular waterfalls. Now over twenty of my titles have been published, most of them traditionally.

How do you go about doing research for your books? 
I have a whole PowerPoint on my methods of research! LOL. To try to put it in a nutshell, I start with online research, order books, conduct interviews, take research trips, gather maps and documents, and create an extensive historical timeline into which I plug my fictional plot points. 

How do you choose a time period?

I often select a time period based on a unique historical event I want to incorporate. I enjoy writing stories set from Colonial times through Civil War best, though I have also written some Gilded Age novels as well as contemporary ones like The Curator’s Secret. History usually plays a big part even in my modern tales. 

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
The mentor for my Georgia Gold Series, John Kollock, helped launch my career. The neat thing was that he wasn’t in the publishing industry. He was a historical print artist who lent me books and his family’s diaries for research. Then he painted my cover art and attended signings with me. He was so well known in Northeast Georgia that his name alone opened doors for a newbie author. So never discount help from unexpected quarters!

Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
My publishers usually handle marketing for me, thank goodness, because I prefer to concentrate on writing and editing. I’m Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, so editing consumes the majority of my time. And I love it almost as much as writing. That doesn’t mean I don’t work hard to help market my titles, including active social media engagement, newsletter swaps, multi-author events, and lots of in-person events.

What do you know now about writing that you wished you had known sooner?
One thing I learned goes along with what I shared about my historical mentor—that writing is not a solo endeavor. Other authors have often opened doors for me as well, whether it’s to join a collection that expands my platform or gets me in with a new publisher, or for some type of position or employment. We truly aren’t competing with each other. As Christian authors, we’re here to lift each other up.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
A completely new author should study publishing expectations in their genre before submitting their work to agents or editors. Also have a grasp on what a particular publisher wants in terms of style, length, and formula. For instance, at Wild Heart Books, we seek historical romances in series, written in deep point of view roughly half hero/half heroine perspective, in the expected romance format (hero and heroine meet early and are together through most of the novel and have a happy ending). 

A number of authors who send proposals are completely unfamiliar with deep point of view writing style and/or are actually sending us historical fiction rather than historical romance. That’s just an example of the type of mismatch that can prevent publication. It’s a great idea to take classes, read books on writing craft, and work with other experienced authors and critique partners who can help prepare you for publication.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
To tag onto what I shared in the last question, it’s good idea to have someone experienced do some beta reading of your manuscript, or if you can, hire an editor to make sure the manuscript is up to a publisher’s standard.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
The Songbird and the Surveyor – Book One of The Twenty-Niners of the Georgia Gold Rush, coming February 2026

1833
When surveyor Jesse Holden first heard the enchanting voice of the Songbird of Auraria in the mountains of North Georgia, her ethereal presence in the rough-and-tumble gold rush town left a lasting impression. Years later, haunted by the tragic loss of his bride—a consequence of his restless spirit—Jesse retreats to a solitary life, tending a farm his sheriff brother-in-law, Wade, secured in the lottery. But his past collides with his present when he stumbles upon a mysterious woman, the same girl from Auraria, lying wounded and unconscious in his woods.

Genevieve Gillbard overhears a plot by two employees of her controlling guardian, the wealthy owner of The Boom or Bust saloon, to steal gold from a mine owner and kidnap her—a conversation which also implicates their boss. Genny musters the courage to escape, but while fleeing a cloaked pursuer, she breaks her leg in a fall from her horse. She wakes in the cabin of a stranger, Jesse Holden—who makes it clear he doesn’t want a woman around.

The sheriff’s plan to go after Genevieve’s guardian—also the man responsible for the death of Jesse’s wife, Wade’s sister—should protect Genny until she can testify. Yet his suggestion of an in-name-only marriage risks their hearts. Jesse has sworn never to marry again, and he’d certainly never want a tainted woman like Genny. When Jesse goes undercover to expose the thieves, Genny fears the sham marriage might not be enough to keep her safe from her guardian’s long reach.

That's all for today's interview. Sounds like there's a lot to unearth in that story and her other ones as well. If you'd like to learn more about her writing, check the links below to connect with her. 

Monthly Newsletter Sign-up  

Website 

Facebook 

Twitter 

BookBub

And here's a bonus for my readers... Leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive an eBook of copy of The Curator’s Secret. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Tuesday!

Creating Fun and Learning with Picture Books: Author Interview with Jennifer Morhaime

What made you choose writing picture books?
I originally started writing two novels, neither are complete, but I hope someday to get back to them. As a mother of two young boys I was reading lots of picture books though, and I they inspired me to get my book out there. My husband and I had so many issues with the books we were reading and I think that helped me with designing my books. 

How did you come up with your Effie character? 
Effie came to me in a dream back in 2008. I woke up and wrote about a little hedgehog in a pink dress going to school for the first time. 

How did you go about finding an illustrator?
I spent a few years interviewing illustrators and then decided to shelve Effie Goes to School. During the pandemic, I decided that life is short and I need to make this book come to life. I interviewed about 12 illustrators on Fiverr, narrowed it to 3 and requested a test cover. When Hameo’s cover design came back I only had 2 small changes and so I knew she got my vision and now we’ve completed 11 books together.
 

You are an indie author. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do? What do you hire others to do? 
When I first started I was doing all the work on my own, except the illustrations of course. After 4 years, I now have a team of people who I work with; a virtual assistant that helps with some of the marketing, an Amazon Ad specialist to manage my ads, Hameo is still my amazing illustrator, and I use an editor and a book designer too. 

What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?
I would have taken more time to publish. My first book was a bucket list dream but I look back on it and there are many things I would change in a future run of them. Quality is important and really focusing on all the details make a big difference. I actually delayed my new T-Rex collection a full year because I realized it needed more work and I am so grateful for how it came out.
 
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Not every author will succeed but if it’s your dream, go for it. Life is too short to not take the risk. Find a group of people who you can trust to be honest about your work and can support each other on the journey. 
 

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
I just released a 6 book set of rhyming books for preschoolers called Adventures with T-Rex a few months ago. The books are inspired by my son’s imagination that his toys are real. Each book also includes an element of learning like opposites or how to draw T-Rex. The books also include close to 100 drawings submitted by kids of all ages in the US and Canada as a way to express their imaginations too. 

That's all for today's interview. If you would like to learn more about Jennifer's books, here are some links to get you started.

https://www.jmorhaimebooks.com/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jennifer-Morhaime/author/B098R2NQJW

Instagram.com/effies_books

And here's a bonus for my readers... Leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a copy of one of Jennifer's eBooks. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Wednesday!