Ruff Drafts

Authors, Books, Cats, Cozies, Cozy Chat, Cozy Mysteries, Cozy Mystery, Cozy Series

Cozy Chat with L.J.M. Owen

Posted on December 12, 2015 by Debbie

Although I consider myself a romantic suspense author and fan, I also used to be an avid reader of cozy mysteries especially those featuring cats. For those of you who also share that interest, I will be featuring Cozy Chats with cozy mystery authors on this blog. If you are an author who writes a cozy series and would like to participate in a future Cozy Chat, please contact me.

Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with L.J.M Owen about Olmec Obituary, Book One in the Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth series. It is a planned cozy mystery series of 9 books.

Hi, L.J.M. Thanks for joining us on Cozy Chat. Have a seat and help yourself to some tea while we talk.

Can you tell us a little bit about this new series? What gave you the idea for it?

Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth is the story of an archaeologist/librarian who solves ancient mysteries from across the globe, with plenty of forensic science, culinary exploration and historic trivia along the way. There are ancient libraries, modern libraries, cats and – of course – recipes in the back.

Book One in the series, Olmec Obituary, introduces Dr Elizabeth Pimms as she struggles with a job she doesn’t want, a family she both loves and resents, and the volatile excavation director of a royal Olmec cemetery. Amid seventeen concealed skeletons, an evolving mental library and Welsh soup Elizabeth strives to determine cause of death for a 3,000 year old athlete before being fired.

This first mystery, and the second one, feature the archaeology of ancient Mexico. The remainder of the series will explore the ancient cultures, homicides and libraries of Egypt, Mongolia, Persia, India, China, Britain and Crete.

My original inspiration for the series was a sense of wanting to give back.

Like many quiet, studious children I never quite fit into the world around me. I spent much of my childhood escaping into storyworlds created by others. As an adult, tired, stressed and overworked, I continued to snatch an hour or two in those otherworlds to recharge my batteries.

As a writer I realized I wanted to construct another space for readers to escape to. I figured the most sensible course of action was to draw on what I knew. I have a degree in archaeology, a degree in library management and a PhD in palaeogenetics, so felt most comfortable writing about these subjects. I could also indulge my love affair with other cultures, past and present.

And like many, I am intrigued by the classic whodunit. I love to pit my reasoning skills against the fictional detective of the hour.

So Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth was born. It’s a mix of the archaeology of Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody series, the forensic science of Kathy Reichs’ Temperance Brennan series and the cozy setting of TV series such as Midsomer Murders or Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. With more libraries.

My hope is, ultimately, that the Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth series becomes another place of refuge for readers everywhere.

How very interesting. I don’t know if you know that I’m a librarian as well as an author, and your series sounds especially appealing to me – cats and libraries how can you go wrong?

Do you have any advice to other authors about writing cozies or writing in general?

Read the books you love. Read the kind of books you want to write. Study the basics of storyworld, character, plot and theme. Sit down and write for at least an hour a day. Research how to improve your writing. Rinse and repeat.

Remember that if you love what you write chances are someone else will too. Some people will also hate it. That’s just how it works. The important thing is to know exactly what sort of book you have written and make it clear to potential readers to increase the chances so that the people who pick it up have a good chance of liking it.

That’s exactly what I believe, too. What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on Book Two in the series, Mayan Mendacity, which sees Dr Pimms contend with the maimed skeleton of a Mayan warrior, a vengeful Tikal Queen, the Phantom of the Stacks and an intruder in her phrenic library. I can’t wait to finish writing it! I’d like to release it ahead of Christmas next year.

Do you write any other genres than cozies?

I’ve started work on a range of short stories in other sub-genres of crime but at the moment I’m having too much fun with cozies with an archaeological twist.

I don’t blame you. I’ve written some short stories I’d like to gather into a collection one day, but they are very different than “A Stone’s Throw,” and I’m working on a sequel to that right now. My publisher, Limitless Publishing, is planning to put out a holiday anthology next year, and I’m hoping to contribute to that.

Can you tell me how you got started in writing?

I worked through some online writing courses and read widely on how to develop rich, rounded characters. I prepared the overarching storylines for the whole series and developed full character sketches for the top twenty characters in the series.

As I’m a very planned writer I love the ‘snowflake method’ developed by Randy Ingermanson, which he provides free on his website (just Google ‘snowflake method’). When it came to drafting Olmec Obituary I followed this method fairly closely.

To be honest, for me, it turned out that the process of writing was as natural as breathing. It’s everything else that goes along with being a writer that I struggle with. Typesetting, printing, distribution, marketing, PR and social media were far more challenging for me than writing.

I feel exactly the same. And, coincidentally, I also took online writing classes my library offered through Gale Courses before I wrote my novel. I’ve never heard of the snowflake method, but I will definitely check it out. Thanks for the info.

What are your hobbies besides writing?

I love investigating many branches of archaeology and history. I also spend a lot of time in the kitchen experimenting with a huge range of recipes – under strict feline supervision, of course!

lol. Cats do like to observe us humans

Is there anything else you’d like readers of this blog to know about you and/or your books?

As I’m Australian the series is written in British English. If a reader is used to American English I think this enhances their experience of escaping to another time and place, but I know some readers who prefer American English like to know about the slightly different spelling upfront.

Here’s a few links for readers of your blog who are interested in Olmec Obituary.

Paperback copies from Book Depository with Free International Shipping: http://bit.ly/1IR0H30

e-copies from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1XRgTNG

The Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth Book Series Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/1N8nyej

A Booklover Book Review: http://bit.ly/21LokWl

The Goodreads entry (with reviews): http://bit.ly/1QbUrub

Happy reading!

Wonderful! Thank you so much for joining us on Cozy Chat today, and good luck with the series.

Authors, Books, Feature Friday

Feature Friday December 11 – Lies by C.A. Harms

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Debbie

I am proud to present this week’s Feature Friday, Lies by C.A. Harms. Every Friday, I feature an author published by Limitless Publishing, my own publisher and their book on this blog. All purchase links and details are included. The books are available in paperback and eBook. Please support these outstanding writers by spreading the word to your friends, family, and co-workers.

✩✩ NOW AVAILABLE ✩✩

✰✯✰LIES✰✯✰

by C.A. Harms

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

✯SYNOPSIS✯

FBI Agent Joshua Phoenix goes undercover…Deep.

Thrust into a world of drugs and criminal activity, integrating himself into the Russian Mafia turned out to be much more than Josh bargained for.

It’s dark and it’s dangerous.

The lives they destroy along the way will never be the same.

The things he is forced to do will haunt him forever.

Even more importantly, he never planned on meeting her…

A chance encounter with Real Estate Agent Gabriella Shannon, has Josh questioning his ability to complete his mission.

And now the dark world may consume them both.

He’s in too deep.

Leaving now would only risk the safety of those around him.

But when his cover’s blown Josh is forced to make a decision that will reroute his future.

One decision.

The hardest decision he will ever have to make in his life.

And those he meant to protect will be the ones who suffer the most…

✦✦ #OneClick ✦✦

– PURCHASE –

Kindle US: http://amzn.to/1HkoXiF
Paperback US: http://amzn.to/1TcyFVu

✦✦ MEET THE AUTHOR✦✦

C.A. Harms is like any other addicted reader. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories. She hasn’t always been a lover of Romance and had once been addicted to a good Mystery. Just recently she has taken on a new liking and now is a full blown Romance novel addict.

She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. You will always find her with her kindle or paperback in hand as it is her favorite pass time.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-CA-Harms/354791947956151

Twitter: https://twitter.com/charms0814

Blog: http://authorharms.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6895633.C_A_Harms

Limitless Publishing: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/c-a-harms/

NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/1xsgHCS

Authors, Books, Feature Friday

Feature Friday December 11 – Changing Teams by Jennifer Allis Provost

Posted on December 11, 2015December 11, 2015 by Debbie

I am proud to present this week’s Feature Friday, Changing Teams by Jennifer Allis Provost. Every Friday, I feature an author from Limitless Publishing, my own publisher, and their books on this blog. The books are available in paperback and eBook. Please support these outstanding writers by spreading the word to your friends, family, and co-workers.
✩✩ NOW AVAILABLE ✩✩

✰✯✰CHANGING TEAMS✰✯✰

by JENNIFER ALLIS PROVOST

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

✯SYNOPSIS✯

Britt Sullivan, part time model and full time aspiring artist, is sick of living alone in the city…

Taking lame jobs just to make ends meet is leading Britt nowhere, and she knows something has to change. She needs some excitement, and when she meets blue-eyed Midwesterner Sam MacKellar at a photo shoot, she realizes he’s perfect for her in every way—well, except for the fact that he’s gay.

A devastating childhood trauma turned Sam’s whole life into a lie…

Sam came to New York City to escape an existence that had become unbearable, and when his job as a photographer’s assistant leads him to Britt, he realizes he’s finally met someone who sees him as he really is. But plagued by nightmares and trapped by his own deception, he doesn’t know how she can truly be part of his life.

Friendship leads to a passionate encounter and hidden dangers…

Britt comforts Sam though his nightmares, and they begin to explore their mutual attraction, but the tables are turned when Britt faces unwelcome attention from a manipulative art instructor and Sam must come to her defense.

Sam is terrified to reveal the source of his nightmares, sure the truth would shatter his complicated relationship with Britt, but when she suffers an unspeakable trauma of her own, only Sam can help her pick up the pieces.

When Britt learns the magnitude of Sam’s lies, will his reasons and the depth of their feelings be enough to allow her to forgive him? Does she have a future with Sam, or does his deception also include the reality of changing teams?

✦✦ #OneClick ✦✦

AMAZON http://amzn.com/B0178HK1BU

PAPERBACK http://amzn.com/1680583530

✦✦ MEET THE AUTHOR✦✦

Jennifer Allis Provost is a native New Englander who lives in a sprawling colonial along with her beautiful and precocious twins, a dog that thinks she’s a kangaroo, a parrot, a junkyard cat, and a wonderful husband who never forgets to buy ice cream. As a child, she read anything and everything she could get her hands on, including a set of encyclopedias, but fantasy was always her favorite. She spends her days drinking vast amounts of coffee, arguing with her computer, and avoiding any and all domestic behavior.

LIMITLESS PUBLISHING: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/jennifer-allis-provost/

WEBSITE: http://authorjenniferallisprovost.com/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/parthalan

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jennallis

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2975887.Jennifer_Allis_Provost

Author Spotlight, Authors, Books

Author Spotlight Alexandra Moore

Posted on December 8, 2015 by Debbie

Welcome to the Limitless Library Lounge where I will be interviewing fellow authors from Limitless Publishing. Today, I am chatting with Alexandra Moore, the pen name of Victoria A. Fillmore from New Braunfels, Texas.

Thanks for joining me, Alexandra. Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.
Can you please share with us how long you’ve been publishing with Limitless and what titles you’ve published with them? Have you self-published any titles or published with another publisher?

Please give details.

I’ve been with Limitless since September 19^th of this year. They’re publishing my debut novel, “Exit Wound.” Which comes out today!

Congratulations on your new release. Tell us a little bit about your books — what genre they are, if you write a series, and any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress.

Exit Wound is a New Adult Suspense novel, and it’s a part of a series (Broken Promise Series) and it’s full of drama, heart-breaking conflict and obstacles and a bit of humor from the characters when they try to deal with the not-so-funny stuff.

I also write YA in multiple genres, and after I’m finished with the Broken Promise series I plan on finishing a YA series, which I want to submit to Limitless.

Great plans. Would you describe your goals as a writer to us. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?

My goal is to write as many books that will make readers think, inspire them, and make them feel that they are not alone. In the next few years, I hope to continue writing stories and coming up with the next big idea that will make readers feel they are represented in literature. My plans to reach these goals are to watch and pay attention to the needs of the readers—they’re so diverse, and everyone is different. But I want to be able to diversify my books so every reader will be able to identify with what they’re reading. No matter who or “what” they are.

Those sound like worthy goals for any author. This ties in with my next question. What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?

I’m hoping to attract young adults and adults—readers 16 and up. I think the people who would be attracted to my book the most are those who like drama, suspense, sitting on the edge of their seat and also those who want to find a character who can be realistic and relateable—one they can find that has something they can relate to.

I think many readers look for that type of combination in their reading material. What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?

Do not give up under any circumstances. If this is truly your dream—the one thing you can’t stop thinking about, talking about, dreaming about then don’t give up. If you believe in yourself and in your work, rejections will roll off of you, and you will find the right people to make your dreams come true. Trust your instincts!

Wonderful advice. In my recently published romantic suspense mystery novel, A Stone’s Throw, also by Limitless Publishing, I acknowledge a patron at the library where I work who urged me to write a second book after my first, self-published novel didn’t take off. I finally took this lady’s advice, and I’m happy I did. I have met so many wonderful authors, like you, who inspire and motivate me. I now write every day (halfway through a sequel), and A Stone’s Throw has been getting some great reviews since it released in Mid-November.

What hobbies and interests do you have besides writing?

Listening to music, drinking coffee, dreaming up my next tattoos. Writing was my main hobby, I don’t have anything else I really do! I watch TV (Game of Thrones wins my heart—same with Grey’s Anatomy) and I love watching Marvel Movies, or book-to-film adaptions.

What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?

What I love most about being an author is being able to share my stories and watching readers relate to them, fall in love with my characters and my stories. It makes me so happy! My toughest challenge is really forcing myself to not worry about things that are not in my control, especially if it has to do with the publishing process or writing process. I’m learning though!

Yes, getting compliments on our work is a great feeling. It makes it all worthwhile. Worrying is never productive.

Thank you for a great interview. I’m sure readers will enjoy it. Can you please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. so readers can connect with you.

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amooreauthor

Instagram: @a.m.author

Tumblr: http://themusingsofalexandramoore.tumblr.com

Thanks again for joining me in the Limitless Library Lounge today, and good luck with your new release and future books!

Author Spotlight, Authors, Books

Author Spotlight J.A. Kerr

Posted on December 7, 2015December 7, 2015 by Debbie

Welcome to the Limitless Library Lounge where I will be interviewing fellow authors from Limitless Publishing. Today, I am chatting with J.A. Kerr from Glasgow authorspotlight , Scotland.

Thanks for joining me,J.A. Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.

Can you please share with us how long you’ve been publishing with Limitless and what titles you’ve published with them? Have you self-published any titles or published with another publisher? Please give details.

I’ve been with Limitless Publishing since May 2015 and published two titles The Braille Club July 2015 and The Braille Club Unbound releasing 1^st Dec 2015. I self-published The Braille Club on November 2014, and learned so much in the process. The feedback was positive and the reviews were good but my book was lost in a vast sea and I was struggling to market it. Comments about the need for further editing and more marketing in general made me consider a publisher. Since then I haven’t looked back. Limitless Publishing has taught me so much and I hope my writing has improved as a result.

That’s wonderful. Tell us a little bit about your books — what genre they are, if you write a series, and any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress.

I am currently writing my third book in the Braille Club Series. My genre is contemporary romance or erotic romance, it’s both really. My current work in progress the Braille Club Undone has me sitting at 50k+ words, so more than half-way through. A continuation of the main characters story, with fresh and familiar characters from the previous book. The Braille Club Reborn will be the last book in the series and I have a current outline but still much work to be done. I’m very proud of My NEW RELEASE The Braille Club Unbound 1^st December. I feel with all the editorial advice, my writing flowed better as a result. My first book The Braille Club is where the story starts and introduces you to all the characters which I have come to think of as my friends.

Sounds like you are quite busy. I can relate to an author’s characters beginning to feel like friends. I am currently working on my sequel to “A Stone’s Throw” that released in November, and I’m finding it interesting to develop the main characters more fully in the second book and add new ones.

Would you describe your goals as a writer to us. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?

I want to finish my series and I want it to be successful. I think I’m like any author in the sense, if people are buying my books it’s because they want them and that’s a great feeling. Happy to do whatever it takes to spread the word and build my brand. In fact I spend a lot of my time on promotional work because if people don’t know…then they can’t buy my books. Thereafter, I’d like to try romantic suspense. This is a genre that really appeals to me and I’d like to explore it further.

Great goals. I write romantic suspense myself, although some people consider my work cozy mysteries because I don’t feature a lot of gore or sex. I like to write what I read, as I’m sure you do.

This ties in with the last question. What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?

My novels are 18+ and I think more female orientated but open to all. I think everyone who likes romance with an edge to it, will like the series. It is primarily a love story with passion and sexual discovery. I hope readers will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Yes, I think most authors want readers to feel the same enthusiasm for their books as they do. I notice Limitless has a diverse group of writers. Their authors write adult, New Adult, YA, Mystery, Horror, etc., so there’s something for every type of reader.

Most aspiring writers are looking for advice from those who have broken into the field. What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?

Don’t give up. I know everyone says it but present the best quality manuscript you can even if it take a couple of years of painstaking editing, it’s worth it in the end. Take a writing course. Learn the basics of Point of View, scene breaks, unnecessary words etc. Hone your craft.

I agree completely, J.A. Before I published “A Stone’s Throw” I took several online courses through the library where I work. I discussed these classes in a previous post.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

I love to read. When I’m not writing, I’m reading. I like to go to the theatre. I’m lucky because there is a small theatre that does lunch time performances in Glasgow’s West End called A Play, A Pie & A Pint (I have wine and the pie’s yummy). Wine and lunch included with the 50 minute performance and I’ve seen some fantastic plays. Films are next, I’ve just seen Bridge of Spies with Tom Hanks which I would recommend. Lastly, I enjoy going to my local wine bar at the end of the week and having a nice glass of fizz—bliss!

Lol. You sure know how to find fun ways to relax after working hard at your writing.

What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?

I love when the story comes to me and I’ve got to write, it’s the best feeling in the world. I hate when I have to edit. But I’m much stricter with myself now. I edit every 5 Chapters. It also helps to refresh my memory as I normally have 3 or 4 different storylines. My toughest challenge is when my story stalls. I’ve got to be patient and do other things until it starts to flow again. It’s always a bit of a nail bitter as I never know when it will start again once it’s stopped.

I think most authors can relate to that. Editing is sometimes harder than writing. I’ve also begun to edit as I write my sequel because I went through too much pain with the first. It’s important to let the words flow but when they don’t, you need to step back like you said.

That was a great interview. Can you please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. so readers can connect with you.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1KQ7K1c

Amazon Com: http://bit.ly/1MMslDU

The Braille Club Unbound UK: http://amzn.to/1XbQogj

The Braille Club Unbound Com: http://bit.ly/1OTlMRI

website: http://www.thebrailleclub.com

Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/1IGNYyy

Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/1KQ7z5V

Unbound Book Trailer http://bit.ly/1lXq9in

Instagram thebrailleclub

Tumblr thebrailleclub

Facebook Author Fan page: http://on.fb.me/1DyZ8sZ

Facebook Book Fan page: http://on.fb.me/1UsyfLR

Facebook Author page: http://on.fb.me/1IMHe1T

Goodreads : http://bit.ly/1UneIMS

What a great list. I see you are very active on social media. That’s wonderful. Are you having any special upcoming promotions?

Yes, I’m having a Goodreads giveaway from 10th December until 10th Jan. Participants can enter to win a signed copy of The Braille Club and book swag consisting of a bookmark (double sided), wine charms (bells are are a major theme throughout the book) and a necklace with a key (Key Holders are members of the Braille Club hence connection) and double sided keyring.

Very nice. Thanks again for joining me in the Limitless Library Lounge today, and good luck with your books!

Authors, Books, Feature Friday

Feature Friday December 4 – Keeping the Tarnished by Bradon Nave

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Debbie

I am proud to present this week’s Feature Friday, Keeping the Tarnished by Bradon Nave. Every Friday, I feature an author and their book on this blog. At this point, I am selecting authors published by Limitless Publishing, my own publisher. In the future, I may consider other submissions. All purchase links and details are included. The books are available in paperback and eBook. Please support these outstanding writers by spreading the word to your friends, family, and co-workers.

✩✩ NOW AVAILABLE ✩✩

✰✯✰KEEPING THE TARNISHED✰✯✰

by BRADON NAVE

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

✯SYNOPSIS✯

“No one is disposable.”

– SYNOPSIS –

Johnny Tregalis leaves home the minute he turns eighteen, but he’s the only one who knows why…

Arriving in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Johnny has nothing—not even a plan. Local veterinarian Jackson Everett notices the boy, who reminds him of his own teenage son, and offers him a bed for the night.

Meeting Jackson’s wife Graye, his son Jared, and four-year-old daughter Bryce, Johnny sees a family he could never imagine. He’d been raised by his abusive father after his mother disappeared with his younger brother, and he’s sure he’ll be packed off to a shelter in the morning. He can’t believe it when he’s invited to stay indefinitely.

Johnny refuses to discuss his traumatic past as he attempts to fit in…

The Everetts try to help the profoundly troubled teen, but he seems to be at the mercy of his own mind. He’s held captive by flashbacks, excruciating night terrors, and a mounting inability to distinguish delusion from reality. How can he possibly recover, go to school, have friends…have a life?

Physical scars only hint at deeper psychological devastation…

As the shocking truth comes to light, Johnny struggles to overcome years of abuse, poverty, and despicable horrors to become part of a real family, but is he strong enough to defeat his demons? The Everetts realize Johnny’s journey is now their own, but they face a daunting task.

How much sacrifice is too much when all you can hope for is keeping the tarnished?

✦✦ #OneClick ✦✦

✦ KINDLE: http://amzn.com/B017081L3Y

✦ PAPERBACK: http://amzn.com/168058345X

✦✦ MEET THE AUTHOR✦✦

Bradon Nave was born and raised in rural Oklahoma. He attended a small country school during junior high and high school, and graduated with only three people in his class. After graduate school, he decided to devote his spare time to his passion of writing.Bradon currently lives in Piedmont, Oklahoma, with his wife and two young children.

When he’s not writing, he loves running, being with friends and family, and being outdoors.

LIMITLESS PUBLISHING: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/bradon-nave/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/bradonnavebooks

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BradonNave

WEBSITE: http://www.bradonnave.com/

GOOGLE +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/108823460188949641774/posts?partnerid=gplp0

Education, Writing

A Writer Never Stops Learning

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Debbie

One thing I love about being a writer as well as a librarian is that both occupations encourage and actually necessitate continuing education. I remember when I first began writing again and the idea for “A Stone’s Throw” was not even a seed planted in my mind yet. I took some online Gale Courses that my library offered. The instructors and course material covered in each of these classes was beyond my expectations. The best thing about taking these classes, beyond picking up some useful tips and a lot of knowledge, was receiving a certificate of completion. I’ve placed links for all the ones I’ve received on this site under “Writing Certificates.” The reason I was able to create this WordPress blog was because I took “Creating WordPress Websites” with John Agress and Cindi Keller. I followed it up with John’s “Blogging and Podcasting for Beginners” class and learned how to record podcasts some of which are also featured on this blog and that I hope to continue on a monthly basis. John and Cindi have a Facebook page, WordPress with John Agress and Cindi Keller, where they can answer questions from their previous WordPress students.

Another course that was highly helpful was Eva Shaw’s class, “How to Make Money from Your Writing.” Eva’s students created a Facebook group, Eva’s Writerrific Garden, so they could keep in touch with this wonderful instructor. Linda Askomitis, who taught my “Introduction to Internet Writing Markets” also has a Facebook page, “Writing and Publishing on the Web with Linda Askomitis.”

As an author of romantic suspense and mystery novels, I found Steve Alcorn’s “Mystery Writing” class of particular interest as well as Lee Anne Krusemark’s “Beginner’s Guide to Getting Published” and Jacquelyn Landis’ “The Keys to Effective Editing.”

I think these writing classes were a great help to me, and I recommend them and many others offered by Gale Courses. They are six-week classes done in the comfort of your home or wherever you can access the Internet. If your library subscribes to the Gale Courses database, you can access the classes free with a library card.

Authors, Books, Cat Writer's Association, Cats, Cozies, Cozy Chat, Cozy Mysteries, Cozy Mystery, Cozy Series

Cozy Chat with Patricia Fry

Posted on November 28, 2015 by Debbie

This week’s Cozy Chat is with Patricia Fry who I spoke with about her Klepto Cat Mysteries.

Hi, Patricia. Thanks for joining us on Cozy Chat. Have a seat and help yourself to some tea while we talk.

Can you tell us a little bit about the Klepto Cat Mysteries? What gave you the idea for it?

I’ve been writing for publication for over 40 years. I started out writing articles for magazines and have had hundreds of articles published in around 300 different publications. I have also produced 41 nonfiction books—most of them books for authors on topics such as publishing and book promotion. My latest book for authors is “Propose Your Book, How to Craft Persuasive Proposals for Nonfiction, Fiction, and Children’s Books.” (Allworth Press, 2015)

In June of 2012, I decided to give myself a birthday gift—the time and space to try writing fiction. I knew my stories would be light (cozy) mysteries and they would involve cats. I have a cat who takes my things—lingerie out of my drawers, small stuffed bears off the shelves, etc. She has a whole collection of stuffed toys that she carries around. So I decided to create a cat character who can’t keep his paws off other people’s things and who seems to have a knack for discovering clues to the various mysteries occurring locally. Hence the series title, The Klepto Cat Mysteries.

Rags, the klepto cat, is also patterned after my mother’s cat who is quite confident, strong-willed, creative, and has a sense of humor. Rags (Ragsdale) belongs to Michael and Savannah Ivey, who are veterinarians in Northern California. He has many human and cat friends who help keep the stories interesting and lively. By the way, there are no talking cats. Rags, for example, is an ordinary cat with some extraordinary habits.

CWA member and artist, Bernadette Kazmarski designs the beautiful covers for the Klepto Cat Mysteries.

That’s awesome. I’m a member of the Cat Writer’s Association, as well. Do you have any advice to other authors about writing cozies or writing in general?

I’ve been offering advice through workshops and presentations at writer’s conferences, etc. for years. Probably the most important thing a writer must understand, if he or she wants to publish and sell their work, is the marketing concept. Know who your audience is, where they are, and how to approach them. Write for that audience and plan your marketing strategy far in advance. A book is not like a baseball field where if you build it they will come. It takes an enormous amount of thought, planning, time, and effort to write the right book for a particular audience, then to promote it successfully to that audience.

Excellent advice. What are you currently working on?

“A Picture-Purrfect Christmas,” number 13 in the Klepto Cat Mystery series is already available. I have number 14 proofed/edited and almost ready to go and I’m starting the process of fleshing out book number 15. I keep thinking I’ll run out of ideas, but once I sit down at the computer, a new story just seems to flow from me. I must say, I’m addicted to the process.

I know the feeling. I’m working on the sequel to “A Stone’s Throw” right now. I don’t know if it’s going to end up a series, but I have lots of other ideas for other books, as well. Authors like you with so many titles under your belts inspire me to keep at it.

Do you write any other genres than cozies?

As I said, I have written nonfiction for years—the how-to, informational, self-help, historical, profile piece, and so forth. From the very beginning of my career, I was fascinated by article-writing. I spent several years prior to writing my first article, studying the industry and the type of material I wanted to write. I started my article-writing career writing for horse magazines. My first book was on horse care. I’ve also written for Cats Magazine, Cat Fancy, ASPCA Animal Watch, Woman’s World, Health, Entrepreneur, Writer’s Digest, and many others. I had no interest in writing fiction, until three years ago and now I’m hooked. It’s all I want to do.

I’ve written for cat magazines as well and am still doing some work for Catster.com and my local paper, but I do prefer fiction.

Patricia, can you also tell me how you got started in writing?

I married young and soon had three little girls. My husband and I didn’t have much money and couldn’t afford greeting cards and gifts, so I’d make cards to send for family birthdays, Christmas, and other occasions. People loved the verses I wrote inside. When my grandmother was injured in a car accident in another state, I was unable to visit her, so I wrote to her several times a week. She praised my letters—said they were so well-written. I enjoyed the compliments and I enjoyed the process. I decided that when my daughters were older, I would become a writer. And writing has been my passion and my livelihood over the past 40 years.

What an interesting story. What are your hobbies besides writing?

I enjoy gardening, but things have changed here in CA with the drought. Instead of nurturing sweet flowering plants, I’m becoming addicted to growing succulents, making succulent wreaths and so forth. I walk every day and have for many years. I can sew and do needlework, but have put those hobbies on the backburner. I’m still available to mend or alter clothing items for my grandchildren and great grandchildren. I do love our cats. We currently have three—all rescues. There’s Lily, one of 15 kittens born to 3 feral mother cats one spring. Sophie lived on the streets in a colony until she was rescued at 10 weeks old. We found Max in our woodpile and worked endless hours to socialize him. He’s 17 and a half now and loves lap-sitting.

I’ve begun walking myself. It definitely helps clear your mind and is great exercise. Some of the other authors I’ve spoken with on Cozy Chat have rescue cats, too.

Is there anything else you’d like readers of this blog to know about you and/or your books?

All 13 of the Klepto Cat Mysteries are formatted for Kindle and to date, 9 of them are in print. We brought out the Christmas story this year in print and for Kindle. All available at Amazon. You can also order them along with note cards featuring some of the beautiful covers from my publishing website: http://www.matilijapress.com/Klepto-Cat-Mysteries

That sounds great. I have a Kindle, although I still read print books. I also order mysteries for our library and will definitely check to see if we carry your series. The note cards sound nice, too. You can never have enough cat decorated items – lol.

Thank you so much for joining us on Cozy Chat today, good luck with all your writing projects, and Happy Holidays.

Authors, Books, Feature Friday

Feature Friday November 27 – Shutter Speed by Mark Taylor

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Debbie

I am proud to present this week’s Feature Friday, Shutter Speed by Mark Taylor. Every Friday, I feature an author and their book on this blog. At this point, I am selecting authors published by Limitless Publishing, my own publisher. In the future, I may consider other submissions. All purchase links and details are included. The books are available in paperback and eBook. Please support these outstanding writers by spreading the word to your friends, family, and co-workers.

SHUTTER SPEED by Mark Taylor

Kindle Unlimited: http://amzn.to/1LZLm0x
✺ SYNOPSIS ✺

Burned, scarred, and left for dead, Jimmy Tasker is running from everyone.

The blaze changed him—changed the way his brain fires—and left someone else in his head with him. Someone who wants to kill for fun.

He changes his name, buries his past, starts a new life…and disappears.

Years later, four friends from the city are hard up. Steve needs work, Gil’s jumpy, Peter is struggling, and Cal’s an addict. So they plan a robbery. Steve backs out, but the other three go through with it and botch the job, resulting in the death of Lauren Westerbrook.

Ronan Westerbrook has a hidden past, a love of photography…and a fondness for flame.

Ronan’s revenge for his wife’s death culminates in a bloodbath—and unleashes Jimmy, who was there all along, tormented by nightmares of atrocities he has no idea if he truly committed.

Steve is trying to build a respectable life, but now Jimmy has one last piece of unfinished business…the only witness who can identify him.

✺ ✺ CHECK OUT THE BOOK TRAILER ✺ ✺

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sqUQ6JfEFc

✺ ✺ MARK TAYLOR ✺ ✺

Mark Taylor crash landed on planet earth in 1975. Then he started writing. He writes macabre, dark, stories, with a brooding style. He has enjoyed releases of both novel and short story collection alike.

Some of Mark’s work is about kittens and daisies. Just not very much.

Some say he is a product of his environment, others, a product of his own imagination.

Whichever it is he works happily, portraying dark existences on this planet and others. He relays his fears and doubts on his characters, so always has a smile. If Mark is real, as some say he is, you might find him in England. Perhaps.

LIMITLESS PUBLISHING: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/mark-taylor/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMarkTaylor

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/filingwords

WEBSITE: http://www.authormarktaylor.com/

GOODREADS:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8285292.Mark_Taylor

A Stone's Throw

Giving Thanks for Being a Loser

Posted on November 23, 2015November 23, 2015 by Debbie

I’m especially thankful this year as I just released my second novel, “A Stone’s Throw.” I am posting this to thank my followers and the awesome authors I have met from Limitless Publishing and elsewhere. I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and share some personal thoughts about this past year. This post also appeared as a guest post on Ayden K. Morgen’s blog, and I read it at a Jenny Craig open house on Thursday night.

A year ago this November, I made a decision that changed my life, and it happened in an unexpected way. A co-worker at the library where I work had lost some weight on Weight Watchers. Having been on many diets on and off all my life and gaining the weight back plus more, I was hesitant to try dieting again. But seeing this co-worker and realizing I was at my top weight, 200+ pounds that is considered obese for a woman my height, 5 feet 3, I knew I had to do something. I was more concerned with my health than my looks at this point. I’d never had high blood pressure, but I was beginning to get borderline results. I also didn’t have diabetes, but it ran in my family.

Considering what weight loss program to give another try, I was close to enrolling in Weight Watchers. But before I did, I visited my credit union to make a deposit (I rarely do this in person, but I had to make some changes on the account that required me to go into the office). When I walked through the doors, I was greeted by a woman distributing a coupon for a free-month trial of Jenny Craig. I’d tried both Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig years ago with short-term results, but I figured I had nothing to lose by trying a free month. I took the coupon and made the appointment with a counselor to start my program. Having a center close to my home made it easier to attend the weekly sessions with a very nice woman named Lauren who made me feel welcome and was very supportive.

Following the program, I lost 10 pounds the first month and really didn’t feel hungry, but I knew that initial weight loss is usually high and tends to taper off. I was also not convinced I would continue to follow the program. The cost was also a bit prohibitive. In addition to the price of the food and the monthly program fee, it made a dent in our family budget, but my husband encouraged me to continue. He said that I couldn’t put a price on my health, and we would just have to cut back in other areas.

A few months into the program, I was losing steadily between the 1 to 2 pounds that Jenny Craig indicated was the norm for dieters following the plan. I began to have more energy, my blood pressure was no longer borderline, and I found myself writing again. I had stopped after self-publishing a novel several years back and hadn’t been able to find the time or inspiration to write another. I started with short stories and even enrolled in some online writing classes offered by Gale Courses that my library offered. Then I got an idea for another romantic suspense novel. In February of 2015, three months into my Jenny Craig program, I began writing “A Stone’s Throw.” Meanwhile, my weight loss continued. As the book grew, my body shrunk. My husband and Jenny Craig counselor were very proud, and I was feeling so much better.

I find it hard to believe, when I look in the mirror, that I’ve actually lost nearly 60 pounds and 12 clothing sizes this year. I can now shop in a regular department store instead of online through the specialty “large women” shops. I’ve also added exercise to my regimen and walk a mile a day to help burn up more calories as I get closer to my goal weight.

“A Stone’s Throw” was just released by Limitless Publishing. I’m not sure if I owe its publication to the creative energy I developed as a result of my weight loss or if it’s just another sign of what you can accomplish if you are determined and have the support of others. I only know I’m thankful for having gone to my credit union that day last November, that I decided to give Jenny Craig another try, and that my husband and counselor were so supportive. In addition, the support of my fellow authors has been amazing. My Thanksreader’s Release party this past Friday was a great success with 25 authors participating and offering prizes and giveaways. There were scrumptious recipes included, and readers were actively involved in the contests and discussion. I am truly blessed and thankful to have had so many people help and support my book’s release.

Debbie’s blog/website: https://debbiedelouise.wordpress.com

Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author