Category: author news

Posted in author news, events, Freebies and Special Offers

Happy Holidays! Open for Free Gifts and Party Invitations

Posted on by Debbie

I hope you’re all enjoying your holidays. For a cozy mystery with a seasonal twist, pick up a free copy of Murder Unwrapped (mybook.to/xmasunwrap) for yourself or someone on your gift list. My new release, The Case of the Parrot Loving Professor, Buttercup Bend #2, is on blog tour through December 18. You can catch up on any of the stops prior to that to read excerpts, spotlights, reviews, and guest posts and also enter the giveaway until the end of the tour. Check it out here: https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/upcoming-great-escapes-book-tours/the-case-of-the-parrot-loving-professor-by-debbie-de-louise/

Join me on Friday, December 16 at 7 pm EST for a cozy holiday takeover event on the Cozy Mystery Party Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/cozymysteryparty
There’ll be giveaways and prizes.

Readers from the Long Island/NY area, join me on Saturday, December 17, at the Broadway Commons in Hicksville where I’ll have a table by the escalators near Ikea. I’ll be autographing books and giving away gifts.

Last but not least, listen to my holiday story, “Catnapped for Christmas” narrated purrfectly by Donnie Lansdale. https://share.transistor.fm/s/6abc4e54

I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday and New Year.

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Posted in author news

A Personal Post: A Prequel to my Retirement

Posted on by Debbie

Other than my new book releases and promotions, I haven’t been sharing any personal posts. Now that I’m retiring and will have more time, I’d like to do that. I’m writing this a week before my retirement on December 22.

Like a book, I feel like I’m beginning a new chapter. I’ve been thinking about my goals and how I want to spend my “golden years.” I’m not retiring in my 70’s or later. I’m not yet 65, but I’ve worked for 32 years as a librarian and feel it’s time to leave my full-time job.Since 1990, I’ve worked at the Hicksville Public Library as a reference librarian. I have mixed memories about my experience – some fond, some not so fond. The fond ones include the friends I’ve made among the staff and meeting my husband when he worked there as a computer instructor. A few staff members, many who are retired now, attended the wedding. My daughter practically grew up in the library, first attending programs as an infant and later as a child and young adult. I’ve worked under five directors and seen several renovations and changes to the building and its collections. I’ve celebrated special occasions and sadder times with my co-workers. A part of me will always live there, although I plan to move with my family to another state next year.

I recognize in younger librarians the enthusiasm I felt when I first began my career. The field is very different now. Computers and eBooks have changed reference services. Yet, helping people locate the information they seek for enrichment, pleasure, and knowledge is still a goal of the profession.While I was working, I managed to write sixteen novels. over thirty short stories, and several articles for pet magazines. It wasn’t easy. I wrote in the morning before work. My husband and daughter were incredibly supportive, but I felt that spreading myself between work, writing, and family resulted in shortchanging all three as well as myself. Now that my daughter is in college and an adult, I want to spend more time with her before she leaves to follow her own dreams. I also want to finish all those book ideas that I haven’t had time to complete and better myself as an author through workshops, conferences, and writing groups. I’m still seeking an agent and intend to pursue that goal more intently.I won’t be basking in the sun and sleeping all day after I retire. I’ll still rise early, write, and keep to a routine that, while flexible, will be productive. I’ll share my experience on this blog in a new column called “Debbie’s Retirement Life.” I’ve always believed that it’s true that when one door closes, another opens. I want to find out what’s on the other side of that door and plan to share what I find with you.

Posted in author news, Blog Tour

Happy 4th and July Author News

Posted on by Debbie

 

 

 

 

I hope you are all having a nice holiday weekend. I’ve been on vacation this week and taking some day trips.

My new cozy mystery short story collection, Sneaky’s Supernatural Mystery and Other Cobble Cove Stories, will be on tour with Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours from July 18 to July 25. There will be excerpts, guest posts, spotlights, and a giveaway. Follow the tour on the following blogs or directly from the tour page: https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/upcoming-great-escapes-book-tours/sneakys-supernatural-mystery-and-other-cobble-cove-stories-by-debbie-de-louise/

July 18 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW

July 18 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

July 20 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

July 20 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – GUEST POST

July 21 – I Read What You Write – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 21 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

July 22 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

July 22 – Nellie’s Book Nook – REVIEW

July 23 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 23 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

July 24 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

July 25 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT I had a blast at the Cozy Mystery Village takeover last month and now I’ll be doing another for the Cozy Mystery Party Facebook group. Everyone is invited. There’ll be contests and giveaways. Join the party on Saturday, July 23, at 11 a.m. EST. on the Cozy Mystery Party Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cozymysteryparty

I’m also hard at work on the next Buttercup Bend cozy mystery, The Case of the Parrot-Loving Professor. Have you had a chance to get your copy of the first one, The Case of the Cat Crazy Lady?

Posted in author news

April Author News and Cat Contest Update

Posted on by Debbie

It’s hard to believe that it’s April already. I look forward to visiting gardens, parks, and spending more time outdoors but have had some knee and ankle issues and hope they improve soon, so I can enjoy long walks again.

I’ve been working on several writing projects. Two of them have been accepted by one of my publishers, but there’s been a delay on production. I’ve heard that I should have edits for the first book of my new cozy series, The Case of the Cat Crazy Lady, this month. I’m also finishing a short story, Sneaky’s Supernatural Mystery, that will be compiled in a print book of Cobble Cove stories (see graphic below. Note that this won’t be the cover of that book). I posted more information about my upcoming releases in my Mid-March updates.

I’ll be sharing an excerpt from the new cozy in my April author newsletter coming out next week. If you don’t subscribe, you can join the email list by filling out the pop-up form on this website: https://debbiedelouise.com. The newsletter also features a Cozy Corner; Author of the Month column; Recommended Reads; Character Spotlights; sales; giveaways: and more.

On another note, my cat, Hermione, has made it to the final round of America’s Favorite Pet Contest. If you’ve been voting for her, thank you so much. Please keep voting and sharing. The contest ends this Thursday, April 7, at 9 pm EST. If you’re on Facebook, you can vote daily for free or buy PAWS votes.

Today, Saturday, April 2, all PAWS votes count double and go twice as far to support Hermione and to raise funds for the PAWS Foundation to help other pets. Thank you for your support. For Hermione’s voting page, please visit this link: https://americasfavpet.com/2022/hermione-cf74

Posted in author news

Mid-March Updates, W.I.P’s, and More

Posted on by Debbie

I hope you’re all doing well and looking forward to spring. I know I am. Although the weather’s been back and forth this month so far, it should settle into a steadier pattern soon. Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward this Sunday for Daylight Savings Time if you’re in an area that observes it.

I wanted to post some updates about my writing. Unfortunately, I don’t yet have a cover for the first book of my new cozy series, The Case of the Cat Crazy Lady, and I’m also still waiting for edits to start. However, during my wait, I’ve completed another standalone novel that I’m editing and will submit to an agent or publisher soon. It’s too early for me to share any details except that it involves time travel.

I’m also reprinting my cat book, Pet Posts: the Cat Chats, with a new cover and title. This book will also be published in hardcover, large print, paperback, audio, and eBook with wide distribution. In addition, I’m about to begin work on another Cobble Cove story, tentatively titled Sneaky’s Supernatural Mystery. I’m considering using this as the main story in a print collection of the previous five stories (the collection will also be available as eBooks and free on Kindle Unlimited), but I know some readers still prefer print and have asked for these stories in that format.

Talking about collections, I’ve also submitted a poem and an essay to Red Penguin Books for their Ukraine fundraiser, Where Flowers Bloom: Poems and Essays of Strength, Hope, and Resilience. They are still seeking stories until March 25 and also have a Kickstarter campaign. For details, see https://redpenguinbooks.com/ukraine/

I’ll also be writing something for the first Long Island Authors Group anthology.

In April, I’m planning an Easter giveaway. More on that in my April newsletter. To subscribe, complete the pop-up form at https://debbiedelouise.com, or send me your email.

Lastly, I’d like to ask a favor. If you’re on Facebook, could you please vote for my cat Hermione, who is running in America’s Favorite Pet Contest? She’s already passed through two rounds but needs votes to get into the quarter finals on March 17. You can vote every day for free and/or purchase PAWS votes that raise funds for the PAWS Foundation that helps animals. PAWS votes sometimes count double for a short time, as indicated on the voting page. I would also appreciate any shares of her campaign link: https://americasfavpet.com/2022/hermione-cf74

To read why Hermione thinks she deserves your vote, check out her post here: https://wp.me/p7XcB0-1aE

Posted in author news

February Author News

Posted on by Debbie

I hope you’re all staying safe and warm this winter. February can be a mixed weather month in some areas, bringing snowstorms one day and sun and warmer temps the next. It’s also the month of Valentine’s Day which also brings mixed feelings. Some people love this romantic holiday, and others don’t care much for it. It also happens to be the shortest month of the year.

For me, February is a busy month. Two of my books were recently accepted by Next Chapter Publishing, a reprint of my Pet Posts: the Cat Chats and the first book of my new Rainbow Gardens Pet cozy mystery series, The Case of the Cat Crazy Lady. Both these books will be published in hardcover, paperback, large print, eBook, and eventually will be produced on audio. 

I also have two books on sale in February. My romantic comedy novella, When Jack Trumps Ace, will be free from February 11 to February 15.


Jackie Riordan’s in trouble . . .

When her jewel-thief father is caught in the middle of a heist, Jackie makes her getaway to his ex-jail pal’s apartment. a man called Ace, who lives in an upscale neighborhood of Chicago. What she doesn’t count on is falling in love with him and becoming his partner in crime. She also doesn’t expect to compete with Ace’s old flame or deal with his cat Roxie who causes her allergy attacks.

All bets are off . . .

After Jackie discovers clues left by her father which lead her to a treasure that Ace may have stolen, she contemplates her next move. Should she trust Ace and believe her father gave him the money, or head home to her mother, a religious hypocrite who would have no qualms about ratting out her own daughter to the cops?

Things that sparkle aren’t always Diamonds . . .

Before Jackie can decide who the good guys really are, she finds herself atop the Willis Tower carrying her father’s ashes in her pocket and aiding Ace in the largest jewelry heist of his life. Things go terribly wrong, and Jackie’s only choice seems to be to walk away from Ace or face imprisonment.

Get this book free February 11 to February 15 at: mybook.to/Jackebook

My Cobble Cove mystery, Love on the Rocks, is on sale for 99 cents Feb. 11 to Feb. 15.

It’s February in the small town of Cobble Cove. Love is in the air . . . but so is murder!

When Alicia helps plan a Valentine’s Day Party at the Cobble Cove library that also includes a surprise for her newlywed friend, Gilly, things go wrong when a mysterious box of chocolates addressed to the director turns out laced with poison.

Clues Lead to A Dead Suspect

Although Alicia promised John she’ll no longer meddle in crime investigations, she and Gilly set out to find the person threatening Sheila who murdered the courier of the deadly candy. The three people they suspect include the professor from California who’s been romancing Sheila while she assists him with research for his book; the obnoxious patron Rhonda Kleisman who threw coffee at the director after refusing to pay for a damaged book; and a visiting widow staying at Gilly’s inn who’s unnaturally curious about Sheila and earns the nickname of Madame Defarge for her interest in knitting.

New Cat in Town

While Alicia and Gilly are trying to solve this new Cobble Cove mystery, Sneaky is introduced to Gilly’s new kitten, Kittykai, a calico she brought home from her honeymoon in Hawaii. It’s not like at first sight, but the two cats eventually become friends. They also both play a part in foiling the killer’s murder attempts, but will Alicia and Sheila survive unscathed?

Get this book here for 99 cents February 11 to February 15:  mybook.to/cc4

Have a great month and a Happy Valentine’s Day!

For more author news including excerpts from my forthcoming books, subscribe to my newsletter, Debbie’s Drafts at https://debbiedelouise.com.

Posted in author news, Freebies and Special Offers, New Releases

Late October/Early November Author News: New Releases, Sale, and Free Audio

Posted on by Debbie

I’m proud to announce that the 5th book in my Cobble Cove story series has released today. Barking Up the Wrong Tree features the same characters from my cozy mystery series and a new mystery. This one involves a missing boy and a murdered teacher. It takes place in March 2020 and includes details about the COVID-19 pandemic. Fido, the Golden Retriever, is center stage in this story along with his cat character co-stars Sneaky, the library cat and KittyKai the calico inn cat. It’s available as an eBook.

Purchase Link: mybook.to/BarkTree

My Cobble Cove Halloween cozy mystery, No Gravestone Unturned, is on sale for 99 cents through November 1. It’s a great book to read over the Halloween weekend featuring Sneaky, the library cat, and his special gal pal, KittyKai, the calico inn cat, along with special guest cat, Salem. This book features a “ghost” and a murder in a cemetery.

Purchase Link: mybook.to/CobbleCove5

Another new release perfect for the Halloween season, Clues and Culprits, by the writers in the Indie Authors Group, is an anthology of mystery stories. It includes my story, “A Piece of the Pie.”

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3beK1ZY

Pets on the Prowl, the forthcoming anthology from the Red Penguin Collection will feature my short story, “Murder Gone A-Stray.” This book will be available in print and as an eBook. It will also be free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

Meows and Purrs, my collection of cat poems based on all the cats I’ve known and loved, is now available as in audio. Codes are still available for free copies. If you’re interested, please contact me at debbiewriter@yahoo.com asap and indicate if you’re a U.S. or U.K. reader.

On Friday, October 29, I’ll be taking over on the Cozy Mystery Village Facebook page from 1-2 pm EST. at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2662518460643435
There will be prizes, contests, and giveaways. Please drop by and join us.
Posted in author news

October News: Sales, New Releases, and More

Posted on by Debbie

Just in time for Halloween, my stories “The Last Word” and “Murder in the Mirror” appear in two new anthologies from the Red Penguin Collection published by Red Penguin Books and edited by J.K. Larkin: Treat or Trick: Halloween Horror Stories and Until Dawn: A Supernatural Anthology.

Purchase Link for TREAT OR TRICK: 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HJKS99F
Purchase Link for UNTIL DAWN: 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FD6PXQB 

Coming October 22-23: The Cat Writers’ Association’s Virtual Conference and Contest Awards Ceremony. See the CWA website (https://catwriters.com) for further details about the speakers and events and to register. Don’t miss this pawsome event!

My new cat poetry book, Meows and Purrs, will be on sale from October 24 to October 28. Keep an eye out on this blog and on Facebook and Twitter for the announcement. 

My Cobble Cove Halloween cozy mystery, No Gravestone Unturned will be on sale for 99 cents from October 29 to November 1. It’s a great book to read on the Halloween weekend featuring Sneaky, the library cat, and his gal pal, KittyKai, the calico inn cat, along with special guest cat, Salem. This book features a “ghost” and a murder in a cemetery. 

Coming soon . . . Barking Up the Wrong Tree: Cobble Cove story #5. A missing boy, a murdered teacher, and the COVID pandemic are featured in this Cobble Cove cozy mystery story. As in the previous stories and books of the series, Alicia’s four-legged friends help her solve the mystery. Keep an eye out for an October release. This book is in final edits as of this blog post.

Coming October 31, Clues and Culprits, an anthology of mystery stories by Indie Authors including my story, “A Piece of the Pie.”

Wishing you all an awesome October and Happy Halloween. 

Posted in author news

September Author News: Bookstore Grand Opening, New Releases, and Poetry Readings

Posted on by Debbie

I’m proud to announce that my books will be sold at the new Long Island Author’s Group Bookstore at the Westfield South Shore Mall on Long Island. The Grand Opening, originally scheduled for his Wednesday, September 1st, has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, September 8, starting at 6 p.m. The bookstore is located at the Islip Arts Council Gallery in Westfield South Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bayshore, NY, next to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Store. I’ll be there with my fellow LIAG members and hope some of you will be able to attend. Refreshments will be served.

On September 3rd, my paranormal short story, “Murder in the Mirror” will be published in the Red Penguin Collection’s supernatural anthology, UNTIL DAWN, that features chilling tales by some great authors. Check out the trailer below.

I’m also happy to announce that several of my poems are being read on Diverse TV and being recorded on YouTube. Some of these poems are from my new poetry anthology, MEOWS AND PURRS: A COLLECTION OF CAT POEMS.

The following poem, “We All Lost Something During the Pandemic” was dedicated to my friend Clare who passed away from COVID.

My last announcement is that my new Cobble Cove cozy mystery, BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE, has been accepted by Solstice Publishing. This story features all the quirky characters in my series with Fido, the golden retriever, in a starring role. Of course, Sneaky, the Siamese, who is the main pet of the series, will have his share of the action.

Posted in author news, events

August Book and Event News

Posted on by Debbie

I hope you’re all enjoying your summers. I’ve been working on some writing projects and taking day trips as well as planning a longer one soon. I’ve cut back on a few promos this month but I do have a few things scheduled.

On August 26 at 7 pm EST, I’ll be moderating and participating in a pet author panel with other members of the Cat Writers’ Association for my library’s summer reading program event. Since it will take place virtually in Zoom, anyone can attend. Click here to register.

I’m also happy to announce that my cat book of poetry, “Meows and Purrs: A Collection of Cat Poems” has been accepted by Next Chapter Publishing. While there is not release date yet, it should be out soon. Below is a sample poem from the book. The cover image may not be the final one for the published copy.

MINI PANTHER

Mini Panther

Dark as night

Golden eyes shining bright.

Tame yet wild

Stalking prey

On a string I wave.

Crouching low

Ready to spring

At the sound

Of the catfood tin.

Mini Panther

Sleek and slim

Sturdy body, long lean limbs

Tiny black kitten

Now full grown

My Mini Panther guards our home.

*This poem is dedicated to Harry, my handsome and friendly mini panther.