Author Spotlight, Authors, Books, New Releases, Short Story

Author Spotlight: Lisa Diaz Meyer

Posted on October 16, 2016 by Debbie

Welcome to the Literary Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors. Today, I am chatting with Lisa Meyer who writes under Lisa Diaz Meyer, from Wantagh, Long Island, New York. As we are practically neighbors, I met Lisa at an author signing at a local library this past summer.

Thanks for joining me, Lisa. Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.
I understand you have a short story collection that was recently released that is the second of a similar collection you published recently which also contains a continuing saga. Can you give me some details about them and your publishing history?

I have been published with Outskirts Press since April of 2015, ALL ROADS HOME: A Collection of Short Stories and recently this year in September 2016, with the sequel ALL ROADS DESTINED: A Collection of Dark Fiction and Poems.

ALL ROADS HOME is a collection of what I’d written throughout my life, short stories, essays, poems and stage plays. I consider myself a dark fiction writer, which doesn’t particularly mean only horror, I just appreciate an unhappy ending or a twist. I also choose to write about awareness issues and depression situations. In both of my books there’s a post-apocalyptic saga, called the Outposts. I’d never done that genre and wanted to give it a try.

In ALL ROADS DESTINED, the Outposts continue and will slowly slide into the science fiction genre, because I’d never tried that before either. There are short stories and poems at the end as well, that are again different in nature.

Right now, I’m working on my third and fourth installments of my ALL ROADS books that will include more Outpost stories, my usual, weird short stories and poems. I will be adding another saga-esque storyline in that leans toward dystopian. I hope they are as likeable as the Outposts.

For someone who has read and very much enjoyed your first book and who is looking forward to the follow-up collection and the continuation of the Outpost stories, I can say that you truly have a unique writing voice, Lisa.

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

My goals as a writer are to be part of the literary world, not so much as pop culture. (Though, I’ll take it should it happen!) Perhaps some short stories and poems could be in a curriculum for high schools or colleges. Ya’ know how kids just love a Nathaniel Hawthorne story! (Although I did) Sorry, a little lit humor there but it’s actually what I’d like to see happen for some of my work. Required reading, what was the author trying to say, that type of thing. And for other works, maybe some will be considered camp. Right now, I’m just trying to get myself out there and noticed and hope that people like my writing style.

Very nice. I think most authors would agree that building a fan base is the most important thing; everything else will follow. You certainly have a good start and some interesting ideas.

What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?

People who like something different. People who need a change from the norm. I want people to think. Readers who enjoy dark fiction, a little macabre and aren’t afraid of unhappily ever after’s. Someone who wants to hear the voices of the victim, the hero and villain.

As a librarian as well as an author, I like to expose myself to a variety of genres and other authors’ styles of writing. I guess that’s why I found yours a nice change of pace. As part of my job, I also edit the monthly staff picks at my library and like to feature debut authors as well as those from the New York Times bestseller’s list. I find that readers are always looking for new and distinctive voices.

What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?

Not to be afraid of indie or self-publishing. We’re a huge community. If that’s just not for you then just keep trying. Start a blog, make a you-tube channel for discussions, create a following on Twitter. Believe it or not, pre-book I was told I needed a “following” first. Sounds ridiculous. How does one get followed BEFORE the book? Social media. Don’t fight it. It’s a window, climb on in. It’s also time consuming and a numbers game but a breakthrough opportunity writers didn’t have before.

That’s so true. I self-published my first book, Cloudy Rainbow, but then was lucky enough to find a small publisher for my following novels. I know many self-published and Indie authors who do quite well. I believe there are more opportunities for authors today due to the proliferance of print-on-demand technology and ebooks. However, whether you self-publish or publish through a traditional publisher, you, the author, are still responsible for marketing and promoting your books in as many venues and media outlets as possible both on-line and in person. An author who doesn’t have a website, blog, or pages on Facebook and Twitter is like a job seeker today who doesn’t have a college degree. Your options are severely limited.

What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?

My life! Ha! Actually, being a short story writer, I didn’t have enough material at first. So I had to write more, taking me off my time frame. Also… fear but I decided to stop that. It’s counterproductive and takes up more energy than you’d think.

Yes, fear can be quite debilitating. Everyone goes through it, but some people are better able to cope. You certainly seem like you’ve developed a way of combating the different fears a writer faces — fear of rejection, fear of criticism, even fear of success.

Have you taken any writing or publishing classes? If so, please provide information about them and if you feel they helped you further your professional skills.

I’ve gone to writing groups maybe twice in my life but always stopped going after the first meeting. Too shy.

We have a writing group at Hicksville. I actually started it. They found a very good teacher to run it, but there are people who are still reticent about sharing their writing. Most authors are sensitive because the words they pen are often quite personal. Writing groups aim to be non-judgmental and their members are advised to only offer constructive criticism.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

Writing is always number one but there are many others. The theater; just before the play starts and those lights begin to dim, I am home. I crotchet. I paint abstract art. Photography. Abandoned places. Antiques. Reading my favorite authors. History. Science. I love to research things. Gardening. I get ideas to make something and I make them. I love to design things and decorate my house with them. Pretty much ANYTHING creative. Or anything spooky. Certain video games and promoting other indie’s (music, movies, writers and artists).

Wow, Lisa. You have a variety of interesting interests – lol.

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

Right now, I love everything about being an author. It’s the only thing I ever wanted to be. The toughest challenge is marketing and patience.

Marketing is most author’s achilles heel. I know it’s mine, although I actually enjoy some parts of it.

Please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. and include some book cover graphics and author photos if possible.

Website: lisadiazmeyer.com

Blog: Blah Blah Blog …ldmeyer.blogspot.com

Twitter: @LisaDMeyer

Thanks, Lisa. I hope my readers connect with you. It’s been a pleasure having you in my author spotlight, and I wish you the best of luck with your books. I can’t wait to read your latest.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Books, New Releases, Solstice Publishing

Announcing Cobble Cove Mystery 2: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Posted on October 12, 2016October 13, 2016 by Debbie

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Cobble Cove Mystery #2

Welcome to book two of the Cobble Cove cozy mystery series.

If you had the chance to read A Stone’s Throw, you came to know widowed librarian, Alicia, and followed her through the mystery that brought her to Cobble Cove and her meeting with John, the town’s newspaper publisher. In Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Alicia is faced with several new mysteries and one that is particularly close to home.

This new story features the main characters from book #1 and introduces new Cobble Cove residents.

Between A Rock and a Hard Place releases October 12, 2016

Purchase Links:

myBook.to/CobbleCove2 (ebook)

myBook.to/CC2paper (paperback)

Blurb

Librarian Alicia McKinney has put the past behind her…

Two years ago, Alicia discovered both a terrible truth and lasting love with John McKinney in the small town of Cobble Cove, New York. Now a busy mother of twin babies and co-author of a mystery series, Alicia couldn’t be happier.

Alicia’s contentment and safety are challenged…

Walking home alone from the library, Alicia senses someone following her, and on more than one occasion, she believes she is being watched. Does she have a stalker? When the local gift shop is burglarized, the troubling event causes unrest among Alicia and the residents of the quiet town.

John and Alicia receive an offer they can’t refuse…

When John’s sister offers to babysit while she and John take a much-needed vacation in New York City, Alicia is reluctant to leave her children because of the disturbances in Cobble Cove. John assures her the town is safe in the hands of Sheriff-elect Ramsay. Although Alicia’s experience with and dislike of the former Long Island detective don’t alleviate her concern, she and John take their trip.

Alicia faces her worst nightmare…

The McKinneys’ vacation is cut short when they learn their babies have been kidnapped and John’s sister shot. Alicia and John’s situation puts them between a rock and a hard place when the main suspect is found dead before the ransom is paid. In order to save their children, the McKinneys race against the clock to solve a mystery more puzzling than those found in their own books. Can they do it before time runs out?

About the Author:

Debbie De Louise is a reference librarian at a public library on Long Island and has been involved with books and writing for over thirty years. She received the Lawrence C. Lobaugh, jr. Memorial Award in Journalism for her work as Features Editor on the Long Island University/C. W. Post student newspaper, the Pioneer. More recently, Debbie received the Glamour Puss Award from Hartz Corporation for an article about cat grooming that appeared on Catster.com. She has published a short mystery in the Cat Crimes Through Time Anthology and two novels, Cloudy Rainbow and A Stone’s Throw, the first book of her Cobble Cove cozy mystery series. Her short stories, The Path to Rainbow Bridge and Deadline appear in the anthologies, Realms of Fantastic Stories and Project 9, Vol. 2 published by Solstice Publishing. She is currently working on a psychological thriller, the third Cobble Cove Mystery, and a new pet-related cozy series. She lives on Long Island with her husband, daughter, and two cats.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Deblibrarian

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiedelouise

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2750133.Debbie_De_Louise

Amazon Author Page: Author.to/DebbieDeLouise

Website/Blog/Newsletter Sign-Up: https://debbiedelouise.com

Author Spotlight, Authors, Books, New Releases

Author Spotlight Steven Lindahl

Posted on October 6, 2016 by Debbie

Welcome to the Literary Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors. Today, I am chatting with Steven Lindahl from McLeansville, North Carolina.

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

How long have you been published? What titles have you published and with which publisher?

My first short story was published in Space and Time – the winter 1984/85 issue. I’ve had a number of other stories published including my story, Clay, which was in Alaska Quarterly Review – Spring/Summer 1989 issue, alongside a special section featuring Grace Paley.

My first novel, Motherless Soul came out in 2009. It was published by All Things That Matter Press. My second novel, White Horse Regressions was published in 2014, also by All Things That Matter Press. Hopatcong Vision Quest is my third novel, but my first with Solstice Publishing.

I’ve also had some experience with the editing side of writing. I was a co-founder and associate editor of The Crescent Review for five years and I’m the current managing editor of Flying South. Both of these are literary magazines with fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. The Crescent is no longer being published, but there are rumors of a comeback. Flying South 2016 just came out recently and is available on Amazon.

It sounds like you’ve been involved in many different areas of writing. I also have experience with editing and have written articles in addition to my novels, the third of which, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, will be published by Solstice this month.

Have you self-published any titles? Please give details.

No. When it comes to choosing a publishing method I like the middle road of small and mid-market publishers, more control and individual attention than writers receive at the big presses, and more input from others than the self-publishing method.

That’s an interesting answer. I self-published my first book with Booklocker.com, but I find traditional publishing is of more interest to me because I get to network with other authors from my publisher, such as you. However, I’m still hoping to publish a book with a large publisher one day. I agree that some of the smaller publishers, such as Solstice, give more attention to their authors, but I’m a librarian, and I’d like to see my work published in more formats such as hardcover, Large Type, and Audio.

Tell us a little bit about your books — what genre you write, if you write a series, any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress. If you have an upcoming release, please specify the release date.

My novels are past life mysteries. Hopatcong Vision Quest will be released on Oct 6. The books are part of a series, but they can be read in any order. The only character who is in more than one book is the hypnotist, Glen Wiley. In all the novels a crime has been committed. Glen Wiley is brought in to send people back to past lives they shared to find clues. I use past lives as a device to combine present day stories with historical fiction, much like time travel books, but without the problem of changing the timeline. Motherless Soul is set in the present and during the American Civil War. White Horse Regressions goes back to memories of Victorian England and the Han Dynasty in ancient China. Hopatcong Vision Quest is set at Lake Hopatcong, NJ, during the present time, and at the same location in the 16^th century, when it was occupied by the Lenape Native Americans.

In all the books the characters in the present share souls with the characters in the past. Part of the mystery is in determining who is paired with whom.

My next book will be straight historical fiction. I’ve started a novel that takes place in Anglo-Saxon England and Viking era Sweden.

That sounds very interesting and a unique premise for books. In addition to mysteries, I enjoy time travel tales as well as those that involve reincarnation. I remember reading Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine and finding it extremely intriguing. I imagine your books would be a bit like that.

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

I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit that I’d love the money and recognition that comes to writers who are well known, but I prefer to keep my goals to things I can control. So I’ll let fate decide where I’ll be in the next few years, meanwhile my three main goals are:

1. Keep writing, every day. Countless people have said to me that they would love to do what I do if they only had the time. Making the commitment to sit in front of the computer on a regular schedule is the single most important thing a writer can do.

2. Try to write work that is accessible and interesting, but also as carefully constructed as possible. My critique group and my family are my best critics. My version (bastardization?) of the serenity prayer is as follows:

God, grant me the judgment to accept the revisions I need to change,

Courage to change the words I love,

And wisdom to know when to leave the thing alone.

3, Be the best marketer I can be, without being obnoxious. I didn’t write my books to leave them in a drawer. I want readers who will enjoy my plots and characters and who will think about the issues I raise. They won’t be there unless I get the word out.

Great advice, Steven, and I love your Serenity Prayer for Writers. I agree completely.

What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?

My books appeal to people who enjoy stories that make readers think, but also come with romance and mystery. You don’t need to believe in past lives to like my books, but you do need to be willing to lose yourself in the plot.

Those are exactly the type of readers I’d like to attract. Although my series is a cozy mystery one, I still include themes that have serious aspects. For instance, one of the young characters in my new book has leukemia.

What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?

My advice to other writers, published or not, is to find others with whom you share your love of words and fictional lives: join writers groups, go to open mic sessions, take workshops, read to your family and friends. A community of like-minded people can provide the advice and support you need to step up a level or two. And you might find satisfaction in offering your own support to others.

Yes, I think there’s great benefit to writer’s clubs, associations, and other in-person and online groups that bring writers together.

What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?

Like most writers, I received many rejections when first starting out. It was difficult to keep up my confidence at that time.

I think most writers will relate to that.

Have you taken any writing or publishing classes? If so, please provide information about them and if you feel they helped you further your professional skills.

I took some classes years ago, from the continuing education programs at local colleges. I still take workshops when I’m in a position to attend them. Press 53, a publisher out of Winston-Salem, sponsors a “gathering a writers” annually, although they skipped last year. There were a number of great workshops at those events. I’ve gotten a lot from those classes, mostly motivation, but also some hints.

Nice.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

I try to get out on a local lake in my kayak three times a week, during the warm seasons. I also enjoy singing in my church choir and used to be active in local community theater groups. My wife is an artist and I enjoy critiquing her work and touring art galleries and museums when we travel.

Those sound like great ways to take a break from writing.

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

I love talking to readers at the book fairs and my readings. Even if they haven’t read my book, I love talking about the particular historical periods I wrote about or the concept of past life regressions.

My toughest challenge is marketing, especially social media marketing. My inclination is to be a bit of a lurker on Facebook, which is great for keeping up with others, but not so great for keeping others up to date with me.

I’m with you about social media marketing. It’s tough and not always effective. It also take a lot of time away from writing. I try to be as active as I can, but it’s hard to keep up sometimes.

Please list your social media links, website, blog, etc.

Website: http://www.stevelindahl.com/

Blog: www.stevelindahl.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steve.lindahl.3

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindahlst @lindahlst

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Steve-Lindahl/e/B0031GLA5Y/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1463052920&sr=1-1

Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3117087.Steve_Lindahl

Wonderful. Thanks so much for the interview, and best wishes with your new book and those that follow.

Anthology, New Releases, Solstice Publishing

New Release: REALMS OF FANTASTIC STORIES (Anthology)

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Debbie

I am proud to announce that my short story, THE PATH TO RAINBOW BRIDGE, is featured in the newly released anthology, REALMS OF FANTASTIC STORIES.

Cats prepare for one of their kind to cross the rainbow bridge. A minstrel assists in protecting the kingdom he serves. A queen is in hiding… and other stories that will fire the imagination of all who enter this realm.

https://youtu.be/DXubrPBV458

Realms of Fantastic Stories Vol 1 features K.C. Sprayberry, Stephen St. Clair, Rocky Rochford, Rick Ellrod, KateMarie Collins, Debbie De Louise, and Margaret Egrot with tales sure to delight and please.

getBook.at/RoFSVol1

THE PATH TO RAINBOW BRIDGE (from the fantasy anthology, REALMS OF FANTASTIC STORIES)

available on Kindle Unlimited and will also be released in paperback. My story will be a Kindle Short, as well.

A familiar poem to many pet lovers describes a place called Rainbow Bridge where pets go when they pass on and where their beloved human eventually joins them. If you have ever lost a special animal companion and wondered if Rainbow Bridge actually exists and what it’s like, the answer is imagined in “The Path to Rainbow Bridge.”

This story, told from the cats’ point of view, takes place during preparations for an incoming resident – a woman named Kate’s elderly Siamese. The cat’s Kate has bonded with throughout her life also reside on Rainbow Bridge and are happy to welcome the new member of their fur family. However, a big surprise awaits one of them after the new cat arrives.

If you enjoy the story, you might be interested in my first Cobble Cove mystery, A STONE’S THROW. It’s sequel, BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE, will be out this fall.

Widowed librarian Alicia Fairmont needs answers…

After her husband is killed in a hit and run accident, Alicia travels upstate to his hometown of Cobble Cove, New York, hoping to locate his estranged family and shed light on his mysterious past. Anticipating staying only a weekend, her visit is extended when she accepts a job at the town’s library.

Secrets stretch decades into the past…

Assisted by handsome newspaper publisher and aspiring novelist, John McKinney, Alicia discovers a connection between her absent in-laws and a secret John’s father has kept for over sixty years. But her investigation is interrupted when she receives word her house has burned and arson is suspected, sending her rushing back to Long Island, accompanied by John.

Back in Cobble Cove, cryptic clues are uncovered…

When Alicia returns, she finds a strange diary, confiscated letters, and a digital audio device containing a recording made the day her husband was killed. Anonymous notes warn Alicia to leave town, but she can’t turn her back on the mystery—or her attraction to John. As the pieces begin to fall into place, evidence points to John’s involvement in her husband’s accident.

The past and present threaten to collide, and Alicia confronts her fears…

Has she fallen in love with her husband’s killer?

Buy links for A STONE’S THROW:

Amazon U.S.: http://amzn.to/1MjaJgN

Amazon Australia: http://bit.ly/1Sdh82D

Amazon Canada: http://amzn.to/1SdheHi

Amazon U.K.: http://amzn.to/1QutXBW

Connect with me at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Deblibrarian

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2750133.Debbie_De_Louise

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Debbie-De-Louise/e/B0144ZGXPW/

Website/Blog/Newsletter Sign-Up: https://debbiedelouise.com

Anthology, New Releases, Solstice Publishing

New Release: PROJECT 9 Vol. 2 (Science Fiction Anthology)

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Debbie

I am proud to announce that my short story, DEADLINE, is featured in the newly released Science Fiction anthology, PROJECT 9, Vol. 2.

The universe is infinite—as are the stories from those who inhabit this wondrous place. Welcome to the many different worlds imagined in the minds of Solstice Publishing authors. What can be more fun than letting your imagination release and enjoying tales from all sorts of cosmoses.

Ten Solstice Publishing authors take you to the dark recesses of the mind, a space station about to be turned upside down by teen investigators, and where reality can be defined by taking a pill. These stories are just the beginning of a fabulous collection just awaiting the eager reader.

https://youtu.be/VnD061mm2aw

Project 9 Vol 2 features the work of Ray Chilensky, K.C. Sprayberry, Jim Cronin, Arthur Butt, E.B. Sullivan, Natalie Silk, Rick Ellrod, Debbie De Louise, Rob McLachlan, and S@yr.

getBook.at/Proj9Vol2

DEADLINE (from the Science Fiction anthology, PROJECT 9, Vol. 2)

available on Kindle Unlimited and will also be released in paperback. My story will be a Kindle Short, as well.

When college student Susan Shaffer wakes up on the wrong side of the bed in her dorm room, strange things begin to happen. Time seems to shift and draw her into an imaginary deadline that would rival those of the stories she writes for the student paper. Unable to face horrible news that she can’t remember happening, she traces the events of the last few days. Discovering the awful truth of why these hours are a blank, she must meet a deadline that is truly deadly.

If you enjoy my story, you might like the first book of my Cobble Cove mystery series, A STONE’S THROW. Its sequel is coming out this fall.

Widowed librarian Alicia Fairmont needs answers…

Secrets stretch decades into the past…

Back in Cobble Cove, cryptic clues are uncovered…

The past and present threaten to collide, and Alicia confronts her fears…

Has she fallen in love with her husband’s killer?

Buy links for A STONE’S THROW:

Amazon U.S.: http://amzn.to/1MjaJgN

Amazon Australia: http://bit.ly/1Sdh82D

Amazon Canada: http://amzn.to/1SdheHi

Amazon U.K.: http://amzn.to/1QutXBW

Connect with me at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Deblibrarian

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2750133.Debbie_De_Louise

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Debbie-De-Louise/e/B0144ZGXPW/

Website/Blog/Newsletter Sign-Up: https://debbiedelouise.com

Author Spotlight, Authors, Books, New Releases

Author Spotlight Simon Maltman

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Debbie

Welcome to the Literary Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors. Today, I am chatting with Simon Maltman from Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Thanks for joining me, Simon. Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.
I understand you have a novel that is just being released by Solstice Publishing today. Can you give me some details about it?

A Chaser on the Rocks (releasing on 13^th September) is my first full-length novel, being published by Solstice. I have had a number of short stories released over the last few years in various anthologies and magazines. I have also self-published a number of ebooks. On Amazon, my short Return Run was released a few months ago by Solstice.

Wonderful! Can you tell us a little bit more about your writiing?

I write crime fiction that is based in Northern Ireland. My debut novel is being released on 13^th September. A Chaser on the Rocks is a mystery noir featuring Brian Caskey, a modern day PI with mental health problems. It is a ‘story within a story’ and also follows a character that Caskey has created who is also a PI, working in Belfast in the 1940’s, during the Belfast Blitz. I suppose it can be quite dark, but I try and inject a good dose of humour, something I think is second nature, hailing from Northern Ireland!

I plan my next release to be a collection of around twelve of my short stories.

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 main objective was to find a publisher and I have been really happy with Solstice. I spend a lot of time trying to network and up to now trying to find people who would release my short stories or take on my novel. I now would like to put out another few novels in the next couple of years and hope to find a decent size readership. The dream would be to be able to do this full time.

Great goal. Mine is similar. I signed with Solstice this past August, and my mystery, BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE, should be out this fall. I am very happy with them so far.

What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?

I think anyone with an interest in crime fiction would potentially enjoy my novel. It is very much in the tradition of a psychological mystery and the 1940’s part is heavily influenced by classic Film Noir. Through using the crime fiction genre I have also tried to tease out various themes, including the area of authorship and voice and I’ve tried to play with it a little bit.

I’m sure that would have wide appeal among crime fiction readers. It sounds very interesting.

What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?

I would say to cast a wide net and to persevere. It can take a long time to get picked up and any feedback I think is valuable. I think when looking for contracts or reviews or anything like that, you just really have to dedicate the time and realize there will be lots of unanswered emails and plenty of rejections.

Yes, that’s very true. I agree that authors need to keep at it and that overnight successes are quite rare.

What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?

I had the usual rejections and near misses, but it didn’t bother me too much. I recognized that it is all part of the path to getting published and I’m grateful for the ‘yes’s’ that I did get on the way to finding a publisher for my full-length novel. I don’t have an agent but was fortunate to get some interest early on from a high profile one and he was actually the reason I sat down and tried my hand at a full-length novel at all.

I’m also seeking an agent and had some positive responses from a few but am still looking. I think it’s great that you were inspired by one to start writing novels.

Have you taken any writing or publishing classes? If so, please provide information about them and if you feel they helped you further your professional skills.

I haven’t, but I would consider something certainly in the future if I found one that interested me in particular. I used to be part of a writers group who met up to discuss their work.

There are many online courses available today, many of them free. I took some that my library offered through Gale Courses, an online database. It got me back into writing after a brief period of taking time off. I also helped start a writer’s club at my library. In addition to being an author, I’m also a librarian and suggested that our patrons might be interested in a writing group.

What hobbies and interests do you have besides writing?

I love music and have always recorded and played in bands over the years. I have two kids now and certainly it’s easier to fit in writing than gigging and lots of rehearsals! I still love doing a bit of recording out in my garage. I also love movies, my favorites would be old Film Noir and a lot of foreign language films.

Sounds like you incorporated some of your interests into your writing which is great. It always lends authenticity to fiction when an author writes about something familiar to him or her.

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

I think it’s all good really! It’s lovely to know that people have enjoyed things you have written and getting good reviews is a buzz. I think the necessity of marketing and promotion can get you down at times, particularly as it is an uphill struggle when there are so many books out there!

Absolutely. Most authors find promoting the toughest part of their work.

Can you please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. so readers can connect with you.

Facebook.com/simonmaltmancrimefiction

Twitter.com/simonmaltman

simonmaltman@gmail.com

Thanks for joining me today in the Literary Library Lounge and for the great interview, Simon. I wish you the best of luck with your new release and in your writing career.

New Releases

Release Blitz for Piecing Together Sydney by Brittney Coon

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Debbie

#Release Blitz #NewRelease #NowAvailable #ASydneyWestNovel #NAromance #summerboy with @RockYourWorldPromotions @BrittneyCoonauthor

Twitter: @FatalKiss19EV @RYWPromotions

PIECING TOGETHER SYDNEY

A Sydney West Novel, Book 3

by Brittney Coon

*~BLURB~*

This year’s annual voyage to Malibu will be unlike any other…

Sydney West is no longer a party girl looking for summer boys to occupy her nights. She has found love with Jason King and agreed to marry him. With wedding plans in full swing for the July deadline, everything seems to be perfect.

Until someone from Jason’s past interrupts their summer getaway…

When Jason turns cold and distant, the party scene beckons Sydney to return to her old drink-all-night ways. Only this time the guys at the bar don’t hold her attention, but when Sydney’s drink is drugged by a so-called friend—she kisses one of them. When Jason finds out, he leaves the beach house to clear his head, but a couple hours quickly turn into days.

It’s hard to have a wedding without the groom…

This summer is nothing like what Sydney had planned, and for the first time she’s afraid of the future. Sydney finally figured out what she wants and she isn’t willing to let Jason go without a fight. But is it already too late? Sydney will risk everything to…

piece herself, and the life she wants, back together again.

**TRAILER**

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW8ILO63UxE

*~Buy PIECING TOGETHER SYDNEY (Book 3)~*

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KGLMI8E

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KGLMI8E

Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01KGLMI8E

Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01KGLMI8E

*~Download BREAKING DOWN SYDNEY (Book 2) #FREE~*

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1s3qcMc

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1qh6HOY

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/24OZF3L

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1T9309C

*~Buy SHADES OF SYDNEY (Book 1)~*

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Rwboi5

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1mG1lfo

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1O7ySI6

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1PR7qAX

*~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~*

Brittney Coon graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a minor in Film and Media Production. Brittney has always been creative and turned to writing to share the stories playing through her head. In her spare time she reads, watches Friends, attends rock concerts, and hangs out with her cats. She currently lives in Arizona.

Social media links:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FatalKiss19EV

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatalkiss19/

Website: http://brittneycoonauthor.wix.com/brittneycoonauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14431830.Brittney_Coon

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/fatalkiss

Blog: http://brittneycoonauthor.blogspot.com/

*~ROCK YOUR WORLD PROMOTIONS~*

http://rockyourworldpromo.wix.com/welcome

http://www.facebook.com/RockYourWorldPromotions

Author Spotlight, Authors, Books, New Releases

Author Spotlight: A.B. Funkhauser

Posted on August 20, 2016 by Debbie

Welcome to the Literary Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors. Today, I am chatting with A.B. Funkhauser from Pickering, Ontario, Canada, just outside Toronto on the banks of mighty Lake Ontario.

How long have you been published? What titles have you published and with which publisher? Have you self-published any titles? Please give details.

HEUER LOST AND FOUND (April 23, 2015) Solstice Publishing

SCOOTER NATION (March 11, 2016) Solstice Publishing

It has been an ongoing privilege to work with Solstice. It was through their amazing network of writers that I was able to screw up the courage to submit the Heuer manuscript in the first place.

I have not self-published to date.

Congratulations, I signed with Solstice on August 1st. and am looking forward to having my third novel, “Between a Rock and a Hard Place” published with them. My previous book, “A Stone’s Throw” was published by Limitless Publishing, and I self-published my first novel, “Cloudy Rainbow.”

In addition to the two published novels, I have three others in the works: SHELL GAME told from the POV of a tabby cat with a recessive gene; THE HEUER EFFECT, which is a prequel to HEUER LOST AND FOUND; and, POOR UNDERTAKER, which traces the rise and fall of a family run funeral establishment from 1947 to 1975. All titles are joined by a theme “unapologetic lives” that allows characters to operate without filters. They say and do and get away with things we could never do in a civilized, ordered society; hence, the series: UNAPOLOGETIC LIVES.

It is more through the happy accident of high functioning eccentric characters that I write gonzo mortuary revenge fiction. Through it, subtext and nuance is as important as the scene set dressing. Everything on surface is questionable and the narrator is almost always unreliable. It’s so much fun!

I’m hoping to have SHELL GAME ready for submission by November, but as any complicated character will tell you, the novel isn’t done until the protagonist says so.

As a cat lover and author who also includes them in my writing, Shell Game sounds like something I would enjoy reading, and I agree with you completely that an author can’t finish a book unless the protagonist is ready for it to end.

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

My goal is a straightforward one: get the words down and get them out for as long as the muse remains with me. Creating and promoting go hand in glove and I enjoy discussing process, characterization, subtext and blending genres almost as much as creating the books.

Perfect goals for any writer.

What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?

My characters are multigenerational, multilingual, and with few exceptions, morally elastic. The line between protagonist and antagonist often dissolves and I ask a lot of questions. How did he get this way? Why doesn’t she love him? Why is it so difficult to tell the truth? A sense of humor, a desire to get inside the characters’ lives, and an eye on the “long view” probably goes a long way.

What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?

Write. Keep writing. And never give up. And build your brand. Author and book are inseparable.

Great advice.

What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?

Finding time to do what I wanted when I wanted and needed to. Time management helped with that. Also, I’ve enlisted the help of the teenagers. Today is vacuum the house day!

Lol. Yes, time management is often an issue with authors, especially those who have full-time jobs. I like your idea of recruiting teenagers to help with the housework.

Have you taken any writing or publishing classes? If so, please provide information about them and if you feel they helped you further your professional skills.

I took a couple of courses with the Writescape Group through the Writers’ Community of Durham Region. Course leaders Ruth Walker and Gwynn Scheltema not only helped me out with hooks and arcs, but they also gave me the ‘thumbs up’ — that I had ‘something’ but that it needed work. That’s all I needed to jump in boots first and keep at it ’till I figured it all out.

Some authors swear by writer’s groups. We started one a few months ago, and participants have found a lot of benefit from it.

What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

Anything outdoors. Anything with wheels and a four stroke engine. Great people … and the cat!

Cats, books, and authors naturally seem to go together.

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

I never dwell on negatives, so if something bothers me I walk away. Cooling off is the best way to recharge and refocus. I write every day except weekends and holidays. Whether its new works, editing, tweeting, reviewing or blogging, it’s writing and I love that there is always so much to do. There are endless possibilities. The challenge, always, is figuring out which project comes next.

That’s the great thing about writing. The more you do it and the more types you do, the better you get and the more interests you discover.

Please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. so we can connect with you.

Geo Buy Link: http://myBook.to/ScooterNation

Geo Buy Link: http://myBook.to/heuerlostandfound

Website: www.abfunkhauser.com

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/abfunkhauser

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamfunkhauser

Facebook: www.facebook.com/heuerlostandfound

Branded: https://branded.me/abfunkhauser

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/118051627869017397678

Publisher: http://solsticepublishing.com/

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

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/unapologeticadult

FAQ’s: http://abfunkhauser.com/faqs/

Thanks so much for the great interview, A.B. and best of luck with your upcoming books. I’ll keep an eye out for Shell Game.

Books, Freebies and Special Offers, New Releases

New Release 99 cents Sale and Giveaway for Lindsay Detwiler’s “Where Love Went”

Posted on August 13, 2016 by Debbie

#99 New Release Sale & Giveaway

Sometimes unexpected miracles can shift your life off course.
Where Love Went by Lindsay Detwiler is LIVE and only 99 cents!
‪#‎ChickLit‬ ‪#‎Giveaway‬ ‪#‎WLW_Release‬

Amazon Universal: http://authl.it/5rt
Books2Read Universal: https://books2read.com/u/mV7BW5
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-wherelovewent-2085…

Giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ea80a6ed180/
Tour Organizer: https://www.facebook.com/hottreepromotions

Limitless Publishing, New Releases, Uncategorized

Cover Reveal and Pre-Order: Dark Redemption by Sarah Marsh

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Debbie

DARK REDEMPTION by Sarah Marsh
Broken Souls Series, #1
Release Date: August 30, 2016
Publisher: Limitless Publishing
Cover Designer: Redbird Designs

SYNOPSIS:
Sofia Boon was ready to make changes in her life, but she didn’t see this coming…

Taking a chance, she finds the nerve to ask out her handsome neighbor, but when he doesn’t show up for their date, Sofia knocks on his door and meets a man claiming to be his roommate, and she soon realizes she’s made a horrible mistake.

Eitan Kent is a tortured man, haunted by a death he was unable to prevent…

Eitan believes he is unworthy of being loved. He buries himself in his work and takes a job to track down a wanted criminal, Ben Donovan. He locates Donovan’s apartment, but finds it empty—until Donovan’s “date” shows up.

Eitan doesn’t know what to make of sweet, curvy Sofia, but she’s the only lead he has…

Feeling he has no choice, Eitan decides to take her with him to see if she can somehow lead him to Donovan before it’s too late—or if her innocence is all an act and she’s involved in the bastard’s crimes.

Sofia is terrified and tries to explain to the dark stranger that she barely knows her neighbor and has no idea how to track him down, but Eitan knows exactly how to get the truth from her. Who knew a little torture could be so sweet?

Coming August 30th!

PRE-ORDER TODAY: http://amzn.to/2b8b90v

“Who says it’s always the damsel who needs to be rescued?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR — Sarah Marsh

Hello there, you’d think that writing the “about” info on myself would be the easy part of this exercise but wow. Not so much. I’ve only been writing stories for the last couple of years, I’ve been a huge fan of science fiction and romance novels for a long time and one day my over active imagination just wouldn’t seem to quit so I got on the computer, started typing and eventually ended up with my first book! It’s an odd career turn for me as I also currently work in an office in an accounting capacity, but I’ve also been a pastry chef as well so perhaps this is a little closer to getting back to the creative outlet that I’ve been missing. It’s great to be able to put little pieces of yourself into these heroines that you perhaps don’t get to show the world or even wish you were more like, its a liberating experience. At the same time, writing is such a personal thing that putting yourself out there to the world to be judged by publishers, reviewers, readers, basically everyone that reads your work is a really scary thing for a lot of people. It was a terrifying thing for me and I am grateful that I have some very supportive family and friends, thank you most of all to Marissa who has always been there right from the start no matter what I put in front of her to read!

I currently live in British Columbia, I’m a bit of a hobby-a-holic. At the moment I am obsessed with scarf knitting, to the point that I had to open my own Etsy store to unload my stock pile of scarfs….I mean how many scarfs can a girl really justify keeping for herself? I also am a painter, mostly abstract in acrylics. With the pastry arts background I spend a decent amount of time still creating recipes and baking, much to the delight of my co-workers who I use as lab taste testers, I love making home made chocolates as well. In the spring and summer I love to plant things and tinker in the garden, and spending time with friends and family.

I hope you enjoy my books! I certainly enjoy writing them and I strive to get better with each one, thank you for your support!

Sarah.

Website: https://sarahmarshfiction.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SM_fiction

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