Interview With Author Laura Childs

I’m thrilled to welcome New York Times Bestselling

author Laura Childs here today to talk about her writing.

I recently reviewed Laura’s latest release, AGONY OF THE LEAVES, and enjoyed it. This is the 13th installment in her Tea Shop Mystery series and the intrigue just gets better and better.

Laura has graciously answered some questions for me about her writing and her 3 series - the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Scrapbooking Mysteries, and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries.

Mason - What drew you to make your protagonist Theodosia a tea shop owner?

LAURA - Developing the Tea Shop Mystery series was kind of a slam dunk.  Tea was just beginning to be super popular, tea shops were popping up like errant mushrooms, and woman were pulling out their gloves and pill box hats and wearing them to tea parties. Plus, a tea shop owner protagonist seemed like a nice juxtaposition against a backdrop of murder and mayhem. I also set the series in Charleston because there’s an actual tea garden nearby. 

Interestingly, when I began the series, I figured I could write about six or seven Tea Shop Mysteries and incorporate the names of different teas in the titles (DEATH BY DARJEELING, OOLONG DEAD, BLOOD ORANGE BREWING, etc.). But the mysteries took off from the get-go and now have a life of their own. I’m working on the 14th Tea Shop Mystery right now and there seems to be no end in sight!

Mason - Are all of the tea blends you include in your series available or do you create some of your own just for Theodosia’s use?

LAURA - Most of the teas I mention are all readily available, either at your local tea shop, Teavana, or the major online tea retailers. A few of the teas that Drayton, my bow tie-wearing, slightly snooty tea expert, creates are totally fictitious. These might include his Lamplighter Blend, Palmetto Blend, and his Holiday Blend (black tea with dried cranberry, oranges, and Indian spice).

Mason - Are your main characters based completely or in-part on real people and is the Indigo Tea Shop based on a real shop?

LAURA - My characters are all fictional. None of the people I know in real life are that clever, insidious, or devious. Probably a good thing. And there is no Indigo Tea Shop either. I’ve had many, many people ask for photos and detailed floor plans. Which I guess means I’ve succeeded in creating a real sense of place!

Mason - You have three ongoing bestselling series. Do you focus on one series at a time or work on all three at the same time?

LAURA - For the first seven or eight years, I wrote one book at a time and kind of rotated around the calendar. If it was Spring, I was writing a Tea Shop Mystery. Summer kicked off with a Scrapbooking Mystery. Fall I white-knuckled it and scrambled to write a Cackleberry Club Mystery. Now I work on two books at the same time. And, strangely enough, I get much more writing done that way. Yesterday, I wrote nine pages on SWEET TEA REVENGE, ran out of steam, so switched over to writing EGGS IN A CASKET and produced five more pages. Switching back and forth between books seems to give me an extra boost of energy. 

 

Mason - What can fans expect from you next?

LAURA - Lots more books. Definitely the two books I just mentioned, plus I’m going to weave in another Scrapbooking Mystery this year – probably titled PARCGMENT & OLD LACE. And I’m working on a hard-edged thriller, too. I guess I just love to write!

Laura, thanks so much for guest blogging. As a huge fan of your Tea Shop Mysteries, I would say you definitely succeed in creating a real sense of place with the Indigo Tea Shop.

Now a bit of background on Laura. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. For more on Laura, visit her website at www.laurachilds.com

Here’s a brief summary of AGONY OF THE LEAVES: In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of SCONES AND BONES, Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning finds herself in hot water when a body surfaces at the grand opening of Charleston's Neptune Aquarium.

The opening of the aquarium is a major Charleston event, and Theodosia has been hired to cater tea, scones, and sandwiches for the private party to honor dignitaries and big buck donors. Things are going swimmingly, until Theodosia escapes the party for a momentary rest, only to discover the body of a man entangled in a net, drowned in one of the aquarium's state-of-the-art tanks. 

To make matters worse, the victim is Theodosia's former boyfriend Parker Scully. The EMTs on the scene think Parker's drowning was an accident, but when Theodosia notices what look like defense wounds on his hands, she realizes that someone wanted Parker dead. The local police aren't keen on hearing her theory-especially because of her ties to the victim-so Theodosia knows that if she wants Parker's killer brought to justice, she'll have to jump into the deep end and start her own investigation. 

The book also includes delicious recipes and tea time tips.

Have you read any books in the Tea Shop Mystery series? If so, have you tried a new tea because of the series? Thanks so much for stopping by. 

Author Simone St. James Talks About Her Writing

Having read the suspenseful debut of author Simone St. James’ THE HAUNTING OF MADDY CLARE, I’m delighted to welcome her to Thoughts in Progress to talk about her book and her writing.

Here’s a brief synopsis of her book: In 1920s London, Sarah Piper’s lonely, threadbare life dramatically changes with a phone call from the temporary agency that employs her. Alistair Gellis is a rich, handsome young veteran scarred by World War I and obsessed with ghosts. Alistair has been summoned to a sleepy rural village in the English countryside to investigate the ghost of 19-year-old maid Maddy Clare, who has haunted an old barn ever since she hung herself there and he needs an assistant. There is only one catch: Maddy hates men and Alistair is forbidden to enter the barn. So it falls to Sarah to confront Maddy’s ghost and convince her to stop haunting her former mistress and leave the barn. 

  
It’s an assignment that Sarah never bargained for, and one that gets more complicated when Alistair’s primary assistant turns up in the form of the dark, unsettling Matthew Ryder. Matthew is also a veteran of the War, and his scars—both inside and out—go deeper than Sarah can reach, despite the volatile attraction between them. As Sarah and Matthew’s romance begins to grow, things with Maddy get worse by the second. Maddy’s ghost is no ruse — she’s real, she’s angry, and she has powers that defy all reason. Worse, she takes a vengeful liking to Alistair. In a village full of secretive citizens suspicious of new people — claiming to be ghost hunters no less — clues are hard to come by and Sarah and Matthew are running out of time. If they can’t discover who Maddy was, where she came from, and what is driving her desire for vengeance—she may destroy them all.   

Thanks to Simone and the lovely Caitlin at the Penguin Group, I have 1 print copy of THE HAUNTING OF MADDY CLARE to giveaway to a lucky visitor who comments on this post by 8 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, March 15. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment, if it’s not included in your profile.

Now Simone graciously answers some questions for me.

Mason - What was the inspiration behind combining the post-World War I England era, ghost hunters, and romance?

SIMONE - It was just a strange combination of three things that I’ve always loved: History, ghost stories, and romance novels. I had spent several years writing historical romance manuscripts that got rejected everywhere. Most historical romances are set in Regency or Victorian times, and very, very few are set in the twentieth century. Traditional romance publishers aren’t very keen on twentieth-century settings overall. I always found this frustrating, as I have always been fascinated by both World War I and World War II stories.

So one day, frankly, I sort of gave up. I had a germ of an idea that wouldn’t leave me alone, about a girl working for a temp agency who gets assigned to assist a ghost hunter. All of the ghost hunting shows were just getting popular on TV, and I thought it was a neat idea. But when I pictured my heroine in my mind, she had a 1920’s bobbed haircut. Suddenly I was inspired – what better time was there for ghosts, than just after the end of a war? And I was off and running, writing something that really inspired me.

Mason - What is a typical writing day like for you?

SIMONE - I work a full-time job, so when I was writing all those manuscripts that got rejected, I wrote whenever I could. I wrote on lunch hours, on train rides, usually in spiral notebooks because they’re easier to carry and their battery never runs out. Since I got a publishing contract and the deadlines that come with it, it’s been easier to make writing time a priority. I get home from work, have a quick healthy dinner, and write for as long as my muse will let me.

Mason - What can readers expect next from you, is this the first in a series?

SIMONE - My next book is also a 1920’s ghost story, and it comes out in March 2013. It isn’t a sequel. It’s about an Oxford student whose uncle, an eccentric ghost hunter, dies suddenly in mysterious circumstances. In order to find out what happened to him, she has to follow his very last case. It’s just been turned in to my editor, and it was tremendous fun to write!

Simone, thanks so much for answering these questions. It may not have been easy, but I love the idea of you writing in those spiral notebooks. 

Here’s a bit more about Simone. She wrote her first ghost story, about a haunted library, when she was in high school. Unaware that real people actually became writers, she pursued a career behind the scenes in the television business. She now writes in her off hours and lives with her husband just outside Toronto, Canada. To learn more about Simone and her writing, visit her website at http://www.simonestjames.com/.   

Have you ever encountered a ghost? Or do you believe in ghosts at all? Thanks so much for stopping by. Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of THE HAUNTING OF MADDY CLARE.

 

Author John J. Smith: Have Patience Writing

 

It’s always fun to host a ‘new-to-me’ author and learn more about them and their writing. Today please help me welcome John. J. Smith as one of those intriguing authors as he makes a stop on his Premier Virtual Book Tour featuring his release, FINDING KATIE, a mystery/romance.

Here’s a brief synopsis of FINDING KATIE: The very wealthy and very sheltered Preston Meadows lives his life protected from even the hint of harm. His world is safe and secure until someone kidnaps his sister, Katie. Against his parents’ wishes, Preston sets out on his own to find her. Preston works hard to blend in with the “regular” people roaming the streets of Dallas – but the real world is zany, insane, full of danger and ruthless criminals.  

Preston soon begins to learn more about himself and finds he has a knack for foiling certain crimes. In his adventures, during his search for his sister, he makes friends with some of the strangest people he could ever imagine. Along the way, Preston falls in love, comes face-to-face with a self-described Drug Lord, and discovers a side of himself he never knew existed, especially after the Drug Lord kidnaps his girlfriend. 

Thanks to John and the good folks at Premier, I have 1 copy of FINDING KATIE to giveaway to a lucky visitors who comments on this post by 8 p.m. (EST) on Friday, March 16. The giveaway is open international with an eBook or residents of the U.S. and Canada can opt for a print copy. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment, if it’s not included in your profile.

John has graciously answered some questions for me about his writing.

Mason - Do you outline and plan the direct of your story or does it just take off on it's on?

JOHN - Actually, I do outline but I start with a short blurb (log line) first to see if the story fits on cyber paper as it does in my mine. If I feel good about the log line, I then write an outline, looking at the characters and plots to see how they fit. From there, I move the outline to index cards and play with the story line. Finally, I write a short synopsis to see how everything fits, however, the synopsis and index cards are usually a reiterative process until the story starts taking place and flows the way I had hoped. That doesn’t mean the story cannot stray off in a different direction but my plots and characters very rarely change.

Mason - What advice would you give someone just starting out writing that you wish you had been given when you first started?

JOHN - This is a tough question because the answer is quite logical but somewhat difficult to really understand the depth of it. You have to have patience, never give up, and keep writing until you find the genre that you really love. Of course people will tell you to write what you know, and my answer to a statement like that is, “I wonder how many times Stephen King purchased a car that took control of his life?” Writing in a genre that you love will help feed the creative juices and make you want to write. Also, find a schedule that you are comfortable with because making the time to write can be very difficult, and try to stick to that schedule and write as often as you can.

Mason - Do you write everything on the computer or do you write in longhand and then transcribe to the computer?

JOHN - On the computer until the final draft which is then printed. I do a final manual read and edit; you cannot even imagine how many little things I find. I tried writing longhand a couple of times but my hand writing is horrible and trying to read my own handwriting nearly drove me bonkers. Going straight to a blank page on my laptop is somewhat frightening but once the log line is done, I get the feel of the story.

John, thanks for guest blogging here today. I had to laugh at your last answer about writing longhand. I write everything longhand first and I often come up with different sentence when I transcribe it because I can’t read the one I wrote down to begin with. 

Let me give you a bit of background on John now.  He writes under two names - John J. Smith and pen name Jonathan Black. Why does he do this? He has been told when a reader sees his work they have an expectation, hence the two names. He has won several awards under each name. 

John has been called a prolific fiction writer. He enjoys writing romance and mainstream as John and paranormal and paranormal romance as Jonathan. Several of his novels have been converted or rewritten into screenplays; for which he has also have won several awards. For more on John and his writing, visit his website.

FINDING KATIE, published by Dark Red Press, is available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and PDF forms. The romance/mystery book is 294 pages in length.

When reading do you enjoy a bit of romance with your mystery or a bit of mystery with your romance? Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of FINDING KATIE. Thanks so much for stopping by today.

 

Author Katy Walters: Be Disciplined Writing

I’m delighted to be a part of author Katy Walters’ Nurture Virtual Book Tour today for her book, STONE RELICS.

Here’s a brief synopsis of STONE RELICS: Hiding his true identity, Detective Chief Superintendent Ben Tobin leads an investigation into a spate of horrific killings in the south of England. Similar atrocities are occurring in New York, Paris and Dusseldorf. Forensic evidence reveals young women raped, bitten to death by vipers. The only clue is a Stone Relic of a Snake-Bird Goddess left with the body. The investigation is threatened as Ben develops a crippling phobia of snakes. Desperate, he turns to American psychologist, Dr. Lucy Roberts. Can she help him fight the phobia? If she discovers who and what he is, will she report him? 

Deeply attracted but also repelled by him, Lucy agrees to profile the killers. Can Lucy get into the mind of these venomous murderers? Archaeologists suspect a sinister cult. Is this conjecture or the terrifying truth? Time is running out. More victims are dying. Can Ben save the victims from these cold-blooded killers – can he save Lucy? 

Thanks to Katy and the good folks at Nurture, I have 1 print copy of STONE RELICS to giveaway to a lucky visitor who comments on this post by 8 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, March 13. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S., the U.K, and Canada only. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment, if it’s not included in your profile.

Katy has been kind enough to answer some questions for me about her writing.

Mason - Have you always wanted to write or was there an event that leads you to writing? 

KATY - I have always written from a child, short stories and poetry, mainly. I decided to take courses in writing, which led me to take a degree in Eng. Lit and Creative Writing. There were the introductory and then first-level courses which I loved. I then jumped at the chance of doing the advanced course which I found so exciting. I thoroughly enjoyed, learning about how to structure a story and the chapters within the story, also techniques and patterns of writing which are so useful to me now. Yet, within the courses, we could only ever write short stories. I found that with some of the shorts, I felt so frustrated with the word limitation. I wanted to expand, to carry the idea or the characters further. So on finishing the courses, I decided to attempt a novel. STONE RELICS is the result.

Mason - What advice have you received writing that you pass on to other inspiring writers? 

KATY - Be disciplined, and try to write every day. Carry a notebook around or mini-recorder in order to write down or record ideas or images that come to mind. I remember sitting waiting for a flight in an airport lounge. On looking around me, I could see so much going on in different sections of the airport. So I got out the notepad and started writing – just notes of what different people were doing, their clothes, expressions, whether they were  sitting, talking together, arguing, laughing, reading newspapers, or eating, drinking, buying at the bookstore and so on. I was able to use that in the latest novel, I am writing. So I had that stored really for a couple of years. It made whole chapter in the book with characters interwoven. 

Another bit of sound advice is to read, preferably eclectic reading, so that you can cover a few genres. That helps with textures and depth within a novel.

Mason - How do you go about doing research for your writing? Is it a process you enjoy or just find it necessary? 

KATY - I really do enjoy researching. It is surprising how much a writer can enrich a story with research, sometimes writing about things they hadn’t intended putting into the book. I do most of my research on the internet - Wikipedia is great for that.  But I also use the library and often buy books from Amazon, for example, for the Goddess in the story. I purchased three books on Goddesses throughout the ages. This gave me a much richer appreciation of a Goddess and a lot of rich material about her and her role in the religious rituals of a particular society. From this knowledge, I was able to jump from reality into fantasy and imagine the Goddess now in the book. So research is vital to my work. I often come across some wonderful ideas which I can then work on.

Mason - Of all the authors (past and present) you enjoy reading, has any one (or more) been an influence in your writing?

 

KATY - Yes Phillip K. Dick. I think his work is fantastic. He was way ahead of his time as well.

Mason - What is next on the agenda for you?

 

KATY - After STONE RELICS I began a trilogy, a tempestuous romance set against the Great Irish Famine of 1846 - 49. It stretches across two centuries involving two couples. I have at present finished the first book and am half-way through the second. I shall be bringing that out very soon now.

Thank you so much for having me as a guest here. I have really enjoyed it.

 

Katy, thank you for guest blogging. I always enjoy learning more about the behind-the-scenes aspect of a writer’s work.

Now to learn a bit more about Katy. She lives on the South Coast with her hubby and her golden retriever, Lily. Her children are grown and have flown leaving her space to write full time. Science fiction and paranormal romance have always fascinated her. 

Katy started off as a singer but touring England and Europe, took her away so much from her husband and home. She went back to university and studied psychology. She has a. B.A. Hons in Psychology and another B.A. in Eng. Lit and Creative Writing. She also attained an M.A. in Mysticism and Religious Experience. Later she was awarded an Hon.Dr.Sc. for research into pain control using altered states of consciousness and complementary healing techniques.  

For more on Katy and her writing, visit her website and her blog. She can also be found on Twitter. 

Here’s a bit more information on STONE RELICS (ISBN: 978-0615536644). It’s listed in the fiction/science fiction genre and published by Dam Good Publishing. It’s age restriction is listed as age 19 and up with erotic/adult content with warnings that it contains erotic and mild violence elements. It is available in eBook and mass market paperback (350 pages).

Do you enjoy reading science fiction from time to time? Be sure to comment for a chance to win a copy of STONE RELICS. Thanks so much for stopping by.

Contact: The Battle for America Series Giveaway

When I was young, Native Americans were always portrayed as the bad guys. They raided wagon trains, slaughtered settlers, stole cattle, and were always in the wrong.

As I got older, I realized life was never told from the view point of the Native American. Later when I came across books by the husband and wife writing team of W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear, I finally found what I had been looking for. This writing duo are also archaeologists. Their books, while fiction, are steeped in history and facts and give the Native American’s view point.

For this reason, I adore their latest series - CONTACT: THE BATTLE FOR AMERICA. Book Three of that series, A SEARING WIND, is slated for release tomorrow. The previous books include: COMING OF THE STORM (Book One) and FIRE THE SKY (Book Two).

To celebrate this release, the lovely Melissa at Gallery Books is offering 1 set (all 3 books) as a giveaway. The giveaway is only open to residents of the U.S., however. Visitors have until 8 p.m. (EST) on Monday, March 12, to comment on this post to be entered to win. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment, if it’s not included in your profile.

A SEARING WIND by W. Michael Gear and 

Kathleen O’Neal Gear

A SEARING WIND is set during the time Hernando de Soto brutally invaded the southern portion of what would be the U.S. It depicts the native people’s struggle to defend their lives and homes against de Soto’s barbaric slaughter.

Banished earlier by his people for his cowardice in battle, Black Shell now works toward the destruction of de Soto and his army (the Kristianos). He is of the Chief Clan, of the Hickory Moiety of the Chicaza Nation.

Black Shell and his wife, Pearl Hand, have seen first hand the devastation the Kristianos bring with their impenetrable armor, their swift cabayos (horses) and their razor-sharp swords. It will take a trap using the Chicaza Nation and their resources to defend the monster and it will be at a great cost to Black Shell and Pearl Hand.

The story follows the couple from the chard ruins of Mabila (Alabama) as they Make their way back to the Chicaza Nation to forge the plan that will stop de Soto. The story details the hardships they endure and the savage destruction they witness.

Once again the Gears have crafted a story that combines historical and cultural information with a narrative of what could have been as the native people faced de Soto. The authors give voice to the native people and the violence they encountered from strangers bent on taking everything away from them.

A SEARING WIND is a fast-pace adventure that will hold you spellbound. It’s a story of cruel greed and humanity, dedication and determination. Filled with authenticity, this is a look at our country’s history and the native people who gave so much. CONTACT: THE BATTLE FOR AMERICA is a mesmerizing series.

Authors W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear’s website is www.gear-gear.com. The couple operates an anthropological research company, Wind River Archeological Consultants. 

 
The Searing Wind by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear, Contact: The Battle for America Series, Gallery Books, @2012, ISBN: 978-1439153901, Hardcover, 496 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

Have you read any of this series? What about other books, fiction and non-fiction, by the Gears? Thanks so much for stopping by today. 

Ten Healthy Teas, Ali In Wonderland

Memoirs and tea, while completely different do seem to go together. First I’ll share a delightful book on healthy teas and then a funny and very frank memoir that surprised me.

TEN HEALTHY TEAS by Valerie B. Lull

Tea is fast becoming more and more a drink people turn to when seeking healthy benefits and a refreshing taste.

TEN HEALTHY TEAS introduces readers to the amazing world of tea. The small paperback highlights 10 beneficial teas and provides a number of simple and delicious recipes using each tea blend. 

In addition, tea tips are included in almost every chapter giving further aid in preparing tea.

Historical facts, as well as medicinal information is given. Author Valerie B. Lull notes that the information isn’t intended to replace professional medical advice, but used at the reader’s discretion.

The book is designed to inspire readers to take their own journey into the wonderful world of teas by providing a glimpse at what is available.  

 
Ten Healthy Teas by Valerie B. Lull, Outskirts Press Inc., @2012, ISBN: 978-1432784935, Paperback, 52 Pages (Also available as an eBook) 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

ALI IN WONDERLAND by Ali Wentworth

If you’re looking for a memoir that follows the author’s tattered life from young child to adulthood -- this isn’t the one for you.

If you’re looking for a memoir that follows the author’s life in no particular order but has you laughing out loud -- look no further, this is the one.

Ali Wentworth wasn’t a child of abuse. She was a child of divorce, but her mother Muffie has always been a pillar of strength for her. The story begins with Ali’s courtship and engagement that would have most women swooning. Her boyfriend rented a castle in Ireland to propose. But Ali knew he wasn’t her ‘Mr. Right’ and weeks later broke the engagement.

From here the story goes back and forth from Ali the adult, Ali the child, and Ali the teenager. Along the way she encounters a number of the ‘right man at the moment’ and had some interesting adventures. Coming from a family of political journalist and a mother who was the social secretary in the Reagan White House, Ali rebelled. With her unique view of the world, Ali embraced her comedic side and set out for Hollywood.

Ali shares her take on growing up among Washington’s elite to doing comedy sketches in L.A. with then-aspiring artists Will Ferrell and Lisa Kudrow. She tells how a blind date finally lead her to her ‘Mr. Right’ - political and media star George Stephanopoulos - and back to Washington as a wife and mother of 2 girls. Ali is now an acclaimed comedic actress and writer appearing in TV series and major movies such as It’s Complicated.

The journey is hilarious, off-the-wall, heart-warming, and very intimate. Ali is a lady that can make you laugh and can laugh at herself as well. She pulls no punches as she shares the good and bad of her family life. She has had her ups and downs, but has relied on a strong family gene to keep her going. 

Hearing ALI IN WONDERLAND read by the author enhanced the story that much more. Her mannerisms of the story really brings it to life. I must attempt I had no idea who Ali was before listening to her memoir, but now I’m a huge fan. This is a charming memoir that will have you crying from laughing so much.

Ali in Wonderland: And Other Tall Tales by Ali Wentworth, Read by Ali Wentworth, Harper Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-0062111890, Unabridged, Digital Download, Listening Time 5 Hours, 10 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

I hope this finds everyone safe after the terrible storms yesterday and last night. Thanks so much for stopping by today.

 

Forever Romance Tour And Giveaway

I’m delighted to be a part of the Forever Romance Tour helping present romance lovers with the chance to have some fun with contemporary romance writers Bella Riley and Hope Ramsay! 

Bella’s new release is WITH THIS KISS, the second installment in her Emerald Lake series, and Hope’s latest release is LAST CHANCE BEAUTY QUEEN, the third installment in her Last Chance series.

Thanks to both ladies and the good folks at Grand Central Publishing, I have 3 sets (both books) to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for the giveaway guidelines. 

Now the ladies have graciously answered some questions for me.

Mason - What is an average writing day like for you? Do you write longhand and on the computer, have a favorite place to write, a favorite time to write? 

BELLA - I wake up early, get my kids ready for school, do a walk through the local vineyards with my husband, and then sit down at my computer to write. My books have a lot of emotion, so before I type a word, I must dial into each character – what are they thinking in the scene, how should they be feeling. If I can get their emotions down, it's easier to get the words to flow. 

I usually write in my home office, but will take my computer anywhere I need to – a coffee shop, little league practice, an airplane, etc. 

HOPE - I try to get in three hours of writing a day, usually between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Because I own a small consulting firm, I have the luxury of writing in my office. Of course, there are times when the day job intrudes. I really try to limit that by scheduling my writing time in the morning. 

I get to work around 8 a.m. and spend two hours dealing with emails, then I go quiet for three hours. I spend the rest of my day dealing with day-job issues.

 

Mason - Do you just jump right into a story or do you plan and outline? 

BELLA - I usually know the hero and heroine quite well and have a broad outline for the story. Of course, as I’m writing the characters don't always end up behaving exactly as they should. If that means throwing out the outline, then I do.  
HOPE - No, I'm not a jump right into the story kind of person. I'm quite the opposite. I usually start with my hero and heroine and think about what they want and need to be complete, loving people. I need to know why they want what the want and what motivates their inner conflicts. And then I think about all the obstacles that stand in the way of my hero and heroine getting what they want or need.  

I write all that down, and pretty soon I've got all kinds of ideas for scenes. I'll try to put these ideas into an outline and only then do I start writing. My outline helps get me started, but it always evolves as I write. 

  
Hope answered an extra question for me.

Mason - What is the worst advice you’ve ever received concerning writing?

  
HOPE - Well the ironic thing is that the worst advice I ever got was also the best advice. Life is often like that. The conventional wisdom is that an author should write what he or she knows.

My reaction to this advice has always been, "What? If J. R.R. Tolkien wrote only what he knew, then we wouldn't have hobbits!" On its face, this advice to write what you know is not terribly helpful. And yet, on a deeper level, Tolkien made his Hobbits into an avatar for something good and true in the make up of Englishmen -- something Tolkien knew very well. Tolkien wrote what he knew. His hobbits came right from the heart.  

So to me the best advice, always, is to be true to your heart. Write what your heart knows, even if you end up writing about angels and have never had the pleasure of meeting one in person. 

Bella and Hope, thanks so much for answering these questions for me. I always enjoy learning what a writer’s day is like.

Now for a bit of background on these lovely authors and a brief synopsis of their books.

Bella Riley has always been a writer. Songs came

first, and then nonfiction books, but as soon as she started her first romance novel, she knew she'd found her perfect career. Since selling her first book in 2003 (under the name Bella Andre), Bella has written more than 20 "empowered stories enveloped in heady romance" (Publishers Weekly). Her books have been translated into German, Thai, Japanese, and Ukrainian, and two of her bestselling books have been Cosmopolitan Red Hot Reads. When she's not behind her computer, you can find her reading, hiking, knitting, or lunching with her favorite romance-writing friends. 

Bella and her fabulous husband and children divide their time between Northern California and a 90-year-old lakefront log cabin in New York's Adirondack Mountains. To learn more about Bella and the Emerald Lake series, visit www.BellaRiley.com. 

Here’s a synopsis of her book: 
The sparks continue to fly in Emerald Lake…
Despite such a close friendship, Rebecca Campbell never saw fireworks with her fiancé. Now with a broken engagement behind her and a promise she has vowed to keep, Rebecca is determined to make a new life for herself in Emerald Lake – a quaint town in the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains. 

 
When Sean Murphy heads home, he never expects to fall for his younger brother’s girlfriend – but that is exactly what has happened. With a smile like sunshine and a wonderful heart, Sean feels something he has never felt before…at home. 

  
Neither Rebecca nor Sean anticipated the sparks to fly so quickly. Lingering secrets aside, Sean can't deny the obvious attraction and burning desire he has for Rachel. But how can he give his heart to a woman he can't trust – or can he? As the days pass and his resolve is tested, Sean begins to realize Emerald Lake is home sweet home and that it is the perfect place for falling in love. 

Hope Ramsay was born in New York and grew up on the North Shore of Long Island, but every summer Momma would pack her off under the care of Aunt Annie to go visiting with relatives in the midlands of South Carolina. Her extended family includes its share of colorful aunts and uncles, as well as cousins by the dozens, who provide the fodder for the characters you'll find in Last Chance, South Carolina. Hope earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Buffalo and has had various jobs working as a Congressional aide, a lobbyist, a public relations consultant, and a meeting planner. 

She's a two-time finalist in the Golden Heart and is married to a good ol' Georgia boy who resembles every single one of her heroes. She has two grown children and a couple of demanding lap cats. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia, where you can often find her on the back deck, picking on her 35-year-old Martin guitar. For more on Hope and her writing, visit www.hoperamsay.com

Here’s a brief synopsis of her book:
Gracious me, my daughter Rocky sure could use my help. I always knew she wasn’t much interested in the local boys—but who’d have thought she’d come home with English royalty. Trouble is, Hugh wants to buy some of our folks’ land. We don’t want to sell, but Rocky’s job depends on her closing the deal. And though Hugh’s obviously smitten, I’m not sure he’s right for my Rocky. After forty years with my Elbert, all I want is to see my little girl find the same. Well, always nice talking to you, and remember: the Cut ‘n’ Curl’s got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town. 

  
Here are the giveaway guidelines. To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Romance Tour Set.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. In addition, the publisher advises winners that they will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. (Winners here have always be great about letting me know if they have already won the book somewhere else so another winner can be selected. However, this announcement is something that has to be passed along from the publisher). And, just so you know, I don’t share the mailing information or use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance at one of 3 sets (which includes a copy of  WITH THIS KISS - ISBN: 9780446584227 and a copy of LAST CHANCE BEAUTY QUEEN - ISBN: 9780446576086) will be 8 p.m. (EST) on Friday, March 16.

Share your thoughts on today’s post. Have you read either of these series before? Do you enjoy reading romance among other genres? Thanks so much for visiting today.

AGONY OF THE LEAVES by Laura Childs

With March comes the promise of a new book by an author that I have enjoyed following and reading long before I began blogging.

That promise becomes a reality next week when the latest installment in author Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mystery series, AGONY OF THE LEAVES, is released.

I had the pleasure of getting an early look at the book, the 13th installment in the series. The series just keeps getting better and better. All the wonderful and familiar characters I’ve come to love return, along with a number of new and intriguing ones.

The Indigo Tea Shop has been hired to cater tea, scones, and tea sandwiches for the opening-night private party of the Neptune Aquarium in Charleston, S.C. Tea shop owner Theodoisa Browning takes a few minutes away from the party to view the Ocean Wall exhibit.

What she never expected was to see a dead man in the tank entangled in a net. To make matters worse, the dead man is Theo’s former boyfriend, Parker Scully. Parker’s restaurant, Solstice, was also helping cater the affair.

At first the authorities believe Parker’s death is an accidental drowning. But Theo doesn’t think so, especially when she sees defensive-like wounds on his hands. Theo is determined to find Parker’s killer no matter what.

As Theo’s investigation gets underway, a number of Parker’s business associates begin to top the suspect list. When Theo learns Parker’s current girlfriend has inherited Solstice and then sold it within days, more names are added to her suspect list. The closer Theo gets to uncovering the killer, the more dangerous it gets for her and those around her.

Author Laura Childs once again takes readers back to beautiful and historical Charleston where she immerses them in the world of tea, scones, murder, mystery, and mayhem. The characters are charming and lovable. The story is fast-pace, action-filled with bits of humor in all the right places. While it’s a story of intrigue and murder, it also captures the loyalty of family and friends, the love of history, and the feeling of small town delight.

Readers don’t have to be tea drinkers to enjoy this cozy mystery. But there are nuggets of tea history and information woven throughout the story. In addition, the book includes numerous tea time tips and delicious recipes mentioned in the story such as Parmesan Crisps and Honeybee Scones. An added bonus is a sneak preview of Child’s next Scrapbooking Mystery, POSTCARDS FROM THE DEAD, slated for an October 2012 release.

AGONY OF THE LEAVES is a delightful and entertaining read to relax with. It will hold you spellbound from the first page to the last line. Childs keeps you on your toes with twists and turns, a host of plausible suspects, and a surprise at the end.

Author Laura Childs’ website is www.laurachilds.com

  
Agony Of The Leaves by Laura Childs, A Tea Shop Mystery, Berkley, @2012, ISBN: 978-0425245538, Hardcover, 320 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author and publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Have you learned a craft or to enjoy a beverage because of a book? I’ve learned a great deal about tea from this series and even found a couple of new tea flavors I enjoy. Thanks so much for stopping by.

**BTW, be sure to stop by on Friday, March 9, when author Laura Childs is the special guest blogger here.**