Blog Archives

Book Spotlight: Sea Scope by Debbie De Louise

4/27/2019

Sea Scope
by Debbie De Louise
Genre: mystery/suspense
Release Date: May 4, 2019

Sarah Collins needs an escape. Mourning her brother’s death and the impending breakup of her marriage, she accepts an invitation to return to her childhood home in South Carolina, where her family operated an inn.

She hasn’t been back to Sea Scope for twenty years; not since she and her brother Glen discovered a body by the nearby lighthouse. She never understood why her parents left Sea Scope so suddenly, or the reasons behind her father's suicide.
After Sarah returns to the inn, she faces long-buried memories, text messages and strange clues. Something is not right in Sea Scope.

Reunited with people from her past, she tries to figure out what's going on in her childhood home. As the past and present collide, she must face truths about her family, and what happened that summer day by the lighthouse. But will she survive to tell the tale?

Excerpt:

When we crossed the bridge to Bretton Island, Carolyn exclaimed, “I wish my first view of Cape Bretton wasn’t in the pouring rain. It still looks lovely. I can see the lighthouse in the distance.”

I’d noticed it, too, but tried to ignore the emotions that welled up in me at its sight. We followed the one-lane road to Sea Scope next to dripping Spanish moss. The road wasn’t well lit, and I had to concentrate to find the turns that led to the inn relying on my memory more than the address I’d plugged into the car’s GPS which was often inaccurate.

“It’s coming up,” I notified Carolyn as we took another twisting turn, the wipers furiously swishing against the windshield in a futile attempt to keep it clear of the downpour.

“Thank God,” she said. “Be careful, Sarah. I can hardly see the road.”

The tires felt like they were rolling in mud as I accelerated so the car could crest the hill up to the inn. I finally came to a stop a few feet from Sea Scope’s door next to two cars, one I recognized as my aunt’s Honda. I wondered who the green Camry belonged to.

“This is it,” I told Carolyn who was already gathering her purse and overnight bag. “I think we can make it inside without using an umbrella if we run for cover under the porch.”

Carolyn looked ahead at the house. It was not as large as I remembered, but things always appear bigger to children. I could tell, even in the dark, that it needed upkeep. The bushes out front were overgrown and, although I couldn’t see the back garden, I assumed it also needed tending.

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” Carolyn said with her hand on the car door. “I love these types of Victorian sea homes. It looks like the houses I saw when I visited Cape May years ago. The view of the water and lighthouse must be amazing in good weather. I can’t wait to see the inside.”

“I’m glad you approve. It looks a little unkempt to me and not as large as I remember, but it still exudes that Southern charm of which my aunt and father were always so proud. C’mon, let’s make a run for it. It looks like one of the other guests is already here. No need to drag along our suitcases. The overnight bags we used in the motel should be fine. We can get the other stuff tomorrow.”

Carolyn nodded, throwing open the passenger door to the onslaught of rain. I ran up the porch steps behind her. When I got there, I tapped the anchor doorknocker even though I saw there was now also a bell.

“Welcome to Sea Scope,” I said, taking a deep breath as I waited for an answer.

Buy/Pre-order Link:

eBook & Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/2uc0mt2

Buy/Pre-order Links:

eBook & Kindle Unlimited:

mybook.to/SeaScop

(paperback): mybook.to/SSpaper
(Large Type): https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Scope-Large-Debbie-Louise/dp/109582418X/

About the Author:

Debbie De Louise is an award-winning author and a reference librarian at a public library on Long Island. She is a member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters-in-Crime, the Long Island Authors Group, and the Cat Writer’s Association. She has a BA in English and an MLS in Library Science from Long Island University.

Her novels include the four books of the Cobble Cove cozy mystery series published by Solstice Publishing: A Stone's Throw, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Written in Stone and Love on the Rocks. Debbie has also published a romantic comedy novella featuring a jewel heist caper, When Jack Trumps Ace, a standalone mystery, Reason to Die, and has written articles and short stories for several anthologies of various genres.

She lives on Long Island with her husband Anthony; daughter Holly; and Cats Stripey, Harry, and Hermione.

Social Media Links:

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: Author.to/DebbieDeLouise
Website/Blog/Newsletter Sign-Up: https://debbiedelouise.wordpress.com

Previous appearances on the blog:
Interview: https://allyshields.com/blog/interview-with-mystery-author-debbie-de-louise
Guest Post: https://allyshields.com/blog/guest-post-from-multi-genre-author-debbie-de-louise

Mystery Author Grace Topping Finds "Fictional" Revenge is Sweet

4/24/2019

Welcome to this week’s Coffee Chat!

Our guest is Grace Topping, author of Staging is Murder.
Good morning, Grace. What may I get you to drink?

GT: I love coffee with lots of half and half—but only after dinner. The rest of the time, I am a tea drinker. Being married to an Englishman, we have tea (in a tea pot covered with a tea cozy) readily available all day.

Ally: Tea drinkers are welcome too. :) Please introduce yourself to readers while I pour our drinks.

Bio:

Grace Topping is a recovering technical writer and IT project manager, accustomed to writing lean, boring documents. Let loose to write fiction, she is now creating murder mysteries and killing off characters who remind her of some of the people she dealt with during her career. Fictional revenge is sweet. She’s using her experience helping friends stage their homes as inspiration for her Laura Bishop mystery series. The first book in the series, Staging is Murder, is about a woman starting a new career midlife as a home stager. Grace is the current vice president of the Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime, and a member of the SINC Guppies and Mystery Writers of America. She lives with her husband in Northern Virginia.

Something unique about me: “I spent seven years in the Navy, which enabled me to travel all over the world. Four of those years I spent in London, England, where I met my British husband.”

Contact the Author:

http://www.gracetopping.com
https://www.facebook.com/gracetoppingauthor
https://twitter.com/gtoppingauthor

INTERVIEW:

Ally: What do you find most rewarding about a writing career? Most negative or frustrating?

GT: One of the most rewarding things about having a writing career is the camaraderie you develop with other writers, editors, agents, audiobook narrators, and readers. I’ve had the good fortunate to make friends throughout the country and abroad with people who share an interest in mystery writing and production. The mystery writing community is a very supportive one. I probably wouldn’t be published if it hadn’t been for the friendship, support, and help I received from other writers, particularly from members of Sisters in Crime, a national organization that helps promote women crime writers.

The most negative aspect of having a writing career—most definitely sitting too much. I’ve tried standing to write and recording while I walk, but there is something about seat in the chair and fingers on the keyboard that makes me the most productive. And if I could overcome my addiction to Facebook, I would be even more productive. I get some exercise from walking downstairs to the microwave to reheat my cup of tea—several times a day.

Ally: Tell us about your main characters. Are they likable? Do they have off-putting flaws or beliefs? Are they “good” people? Is it important for them to be real or relatable?

GT: It was important to me to have a main character that was realistic and one people could relate to. I don’t know anyone who, finding a body, would immediately set off to find the killer. In Staging is Murder, my main character, Laura Bishop, only becomes involved in an investigation because the grandmother of the young man accused of the murder virtually begs her to find the killer. To say she is a reluctant sleuth is an understatement. She readily admits that she has no skill in solving crimes, but since the police are convinced they have the murderer, she gives into the grandmother’s pleas to at least help.

Laura has a big flaw—she dislikes and tries to steer clear of good-looking men. Every time someone hurt her, took credit for her work, embarrassed her, etc., it seemed a handsome man was involved, including her father who deserted the family and her deceased husband who was a womanizer. That really complicates her dealings with an attractive police detective assigned to the case and a local real estate agent with movie star good looks who is trying to sell the house she is staging before the bank can take it over.

Ally: Have you written or considered writing in other genres or other forms, such as short stories or screenplays? Why or why not. Would they be easier, harder, or just different?

GT: Before I started my mystery, I wrote a children’s picture book. My daughter loved it, but not so much agents or publishers. Everyone thinks they can write for children, but it is a lot harder than it sounds. Then I wrote a short play for middle school kids, which is also in a drawer somewhere. The experience gained from writing a play was invaluable. It gave me a good grasp of writing scenes and dialogue. In a play, other than the setting, the dialogue has to carry everything. As a result, I wrote my mystery with scenes in mind with very little description, emotion, and everything else that adds to a book. As I learned more about writing, I added characterization, emotion, etc., and I’m having an easier time with my second book. If Hollywood comes calling, I would enjoy trying my hand at writing a screenplay of my book.

Ally: What is your favorite social media?

GT: I am so addicted to Facebook that if there were a Facebook Anonymous group, I would have to join. I tweet occasionally and have one posting on Instagram, but the majority of time I favor Facebook. It enables me to belong to a number of mystery writing and mystery reader Facebook groups. I learn a lot from the writing groups and enjoy interacting with readers. If I don’t control my addiction, I’m never going to get the next book in my series finished.

Ally: What’s the most meaningful thing a reader could say about your book?

GT: That my book made them laugh and gave them comfort during a trying time.

I have particular authors that I turn to during times of stress—like waiting for medical test results. Their books can totally take my mind off whatever is driving me crazy. I would be thrilled if someone wrote and said that my book helped get them through a rough time.

Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?

GT: I have a contract with Henery Press for two more books in the Laura Bishop mystery series. The next one is due to Henery September 1, which is why I’m in a panic and need to stay off Facebook. It should be out, hopefully, April 2020.

Ally: Which quick answer questions did you choose to finish your interview?

GT:

a. Do you believe in love at first sight? “Absolutely, because it happened to my husband and me. I was living in England at the time and had been invited to a Royal Navy dance on Valentine’s Day. My husband walked into the room, and I said to my friend, “Judy, I’m in love.” She laughed, but he felt the same way and proposed within three weeks. We may have fallen in love at first sight, but I’m not insane—we got engaged months later and married a year after that. So Valentine’s Day is super special to us. If a romance writer put that in a novel, it would sound contrived, but it happens.”
b. Favorite movie? “Can I please name more than one? For warm fuzzy feelings, I love movies with Meg Ryan. You’ve Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, and Kate and Leopold. For a really good laugh, Galaxy Quest.”
c. Favorite song? “Proud Mary by Credence Clearwater Revival. If I were on my deathbed and heard it, I would have to get up and dance.”
d. Favorite Quote? We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. -- Sir Winston Churchill.
e. If you couldn’t write anymore, what would you want to do? “It has taken me ten years to get published, so I’ve learned a lot along the way. If I couldn’t write anymore, I would enjoy teaching others what I learned to help them get published.”

Ally: Thanks for visiting today, Grace. It’s been a pleasure. Before you go, let’s take a look at your featured book.

Staging is Murder
Genre: Cozy mystery

When a body falls from a laundry chute and lands at her feet, flowered wallpaper becomes the least of Laura Bishop’s home staging duties.

Laura Bishop just nabbed her first decorating commission—staging for sale a 19th century mansion that hasn’t been updated for decades. But when a body falls from a laundry chute and lands at Laura’s feet, removing flowered wallpaper becomes the least of her duties.

To clear her young assistant of the murder and save her fledgling business, Laura’s determined to find the killer. Turns out it’s not as easy as renovating a manor home, especially with two handsome men complicating her mission: the police detective assigned to the case and the real estate agent trying to save the manse from foreclosure.

Worse still, the meddling of a horoscope-guided friend, a determined grandmother, and the local funeral director could get them all killed before Laura props the first pillow.

Buy Links:

Amazon: Here
Barnes and Noble: Here

Meet Multi-Genre Author Keta Diablo

4/17/2019

Good Morning, Booklovers!

Are you ready for coffee and book talk? This week’s guest is multi-genre author Keta Diablo with her featured romantic suspense, Season, Unforgettable.
How do you take your coffee, Keta?

KD: I love coffee! Wonder if I could diminish my constant craving by putting it through an IV directly into my arm? Lol. Just kidding. I like my coffee strong with cream. I probably drink too much of the stuff but…don’t most writers?

Ally: I’ve had a surprising number of tea drinkers on the blog, but coffee is a frequent writers’ vice. Including mine! :) While I pour for both of us, please introduce yourself.

Bio:

Keta Diablo lives in the Midwest part of the United States on six acres of gorgeous woodland. When she isn't writing or gardening, she loves to commune with nature. A pair of barn owls returns to the property every year to birth their young and show them off in the high branches of the oak trees. Nothing more adorable than these white fluffy babies with heart-shaped faces. A lifelong animal lover, Keta devotes her time and support to the local animal shelter. Emma LaPounce, a rescued feline, has been her furry companion for the last ten years.

Keta is an award-winning and best-selling author who writes in several genres: Western Romance, Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance and Contemporary Romance. In a past life, she wrote Gay Romance. Her books have received numerous accolades, including RWA contest finalist, Authors After Dark finalist, Top Pick of the Month and Recommended Review from top review sites, and Best Romance Finalist from The Independent Author Network.

Ps: For some strange reason, ghosts often show up in her stories, no matter the genre.

Tell us something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “I saw ghosts as a child. It’s true. We lived in a very old house when I was three years old (tin ceilings, cornice boards everywhere). That’s when I started to see them. Every night, I’d tell my mother they were in my bedroom sitting in the curve of the cornice boards. I couldn’t understand why she couldn’t see them. Mom is 92 years old now and still remembers those nights.”

Keta would love to have you follow her on the Net:

Author Home: http://authorketadiablo.com
Author Blog: http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/ketadiablo
Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/KetaDiablo.Author/
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Keta-Diablo/e/B002BODURI/
Goodreads Page https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2620426.Keta_Diablo
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ketadiablo/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/keta-diablo?list=about

INTERVIEW:

Ally: Where do you get your story ideas?

KD: Sometimes in a dream, and sometimes by reading a newspaper or an article in a magazine. Mostly my ideas come from watching people interact with one another, like at a mall.

Ally: What do you find most rewarding about a writing career? Most negative or frustrating?

KD: The most rewarding thing about writing for a career is the flexibility to work at your own pace (no boss looking over your shoulder). Course, you have to discipline yourself or you won’t have a job. Lol. I also like the freedom. If there is a special event or a family get-together I can always attend. The most negative thing would have to be the marketing/promoting aspect after writing that book. Long gone are the days where you could publish your book and hope that with a little word of mouth it will do well. The market is so competitive, it takes a tremendous amount of organization and planning to market every book.

Ally: Do you use a professional editor? If not, what do you do to ensure a quality book?

KD: I use several beta readers, and I do have one editor who goes through every book.

Ally: Do your characters come to you fully formed with names and backgrounds?

KD: Names for sure, but their personalities sort of develop as I write. I have an idea of who they are or what they do for a living, but full character depth is developed along the way.

Ally: What supernatural power or ability would you love to have?

KD: Since I’ve always wanted to be an investigative/crime journalist, I would say the ability to memorize everything in an instant I see at a crime scene and then bank it so I can call it forth later. I don’t know of instant recollection or photogenic memory is a super power, but I’d like it.

Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?

KD: Sigh. I’ve been working on a novel about demon hunters it seems for a long time. Something or other always comes up lately – first a health issue that lasted a year, and then a large moving event. I hope one day soon things will settle down and I can finish that story. It’s more than half-way finished, so I just have to plant my butt in the chair and write.

Ally: Which quick answer questions did you pick?

KD:

favorite book – To Kill A Mockingbird and a close second The Windflower
book you're currently reading – The Mortician’s Daughter
an item on your bucket list - tour the United States in a RV
favorite movie - Man On Fire
color of nail polish you have on – YIKES! Green.
Do you believe in love at first sight? AH….no. The best kind of love begins as a friendship that lasts out of respect, caring and putting the other person before you…always. Then comes love.
favorite song – I Will Wait For You – Mumford & Sons
your pets - Emma LaPounce, a rescued cat that is now 16 years old and my best buddy.

Ally: It was a pleasure to meet you, Keta. Come back and chat again when you get that demon hunters book written! Before we close this interview, please show us your featured book.

SEASON, UNFORGETTABLE
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Rating: Mild sexual tension
Standalone

About the Book:

*Finalist* Independent Author Network 2015 Book Awards, Romance Category

Season Scrimshaw isn't selling the land her parents left her when they died, not even to the gorgeous Rann Brogan who saved her life in the forest. Especially not after she finds out he was in the woods to survey her property.

Rann's mother owns Terra Care, a land development company. She wants Season's land to put up a strip of luxury condos along the lake. And she wants it bad. Although Rann works for his mother, he's never been close to her. To say they have a normal mother/son bond would be a big stretch. But now he realizes the cold, ruthless woman will go to any lengths to get what she wants and dispose of anyone who gets in her way.

Lives spiral out of control, secrets, lies and betrayal take center stage. Caught between his rich and powerful mother and the woman he loves, Rann is forced to make a choice. He soon realizes love is complicated...and in this case, lethal.

Available on All Venues: https://books2read.com/u/3nYoz8

Book Readers Buy Experiences Says Scifi Author Kayelle Allen

4/10/2019

Good Morning, Booklovers!

It’s time for another Coffee Chat about books and authors. This week’s returning guest is Scifi Romance author Kayelle Allen. (Check out her prior blog appearances here: https://allyshields.com/blog/coffee-chat-author-interview-kayelle-allen1 and https://allyshields.com/blog/coffee-chat-author-interview-kayelle-allen)

Welcome, Kayelle! While the magic pot whips up your usual mug of Starbucks coffee with cream and Stevia, please introduce yourself to new readers.

About Kayelle Allen:
Readers do not buy books. They buy experiences. When you read a Kayelle Allen Science Fiction Romance you have a great experience interacting with misbehaving robots, mythic heroes, role playing immortal gamers, and warriors who purr.

Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “I grew up all over the country. Not a military family -- my parents had wanderlust. I have been to almost every state (except Hawaii) and even lived in Central America as a young child.”

Author Contacts:

Homeworld https://kayelleallen.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Facebook https://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author
Join one of Kayelle's Reader Groups. You can download four free books and get news about books coming soon. You can unsubscribe at any time. https://kayelleallen.com/reader-groups

INTERVIEW:

Ally: How did you get your first book or story published?

KA: I had joined an online critique group and one of the authors who critiqued my work offered to introduce me to her publisher (a small press). I submitted three chapters and within a few days had a contract. I finished the book in February, and it was released in April of that year. The story I'm sharing today is that story's prequel.

Ally: What do you think makes a good villain? What characteristics will make us love to hate him/her?

KA: A good villain must be better than the hero. Yes, better. A villain who isn't better than the hero cannot give the hero enough challenge to make the story worthwhile. A villain must be complex, meaning more than just being bad for the sake of the story. Why is the villain doing what he or she is doing? Were they abused children? Are they avenging a wrongful death? What will they do if they win? There must be a reason beyond the moment, unless the villain plans to die in a blaze of glory. And, the villain must be believable--a character with depth.

Ally: Do you use a professional editor? If not, what do you do to ensure a quality book?

KA: I use several editors. I have beta readers, two critique groups, a developmental author (Lisa Lowe), a "story polisher" (Patricia McCabe Cook, who oversees structure and character emotional development among other things) and a professional content editor (Barb Caffrey). And even with all that, a book can go out and the day it releases you find a typo on page six. No one is perfect, but I believe in striving toward that goal.

Ally: Do your characters come to you fully formed with names and backgrounds?

KA: Once I have the name, I have the character. They might grow and change and surprise me, but often, I have their entire story immediately. That said, Pietas, the immortal king from the Bringer of Chaos series morphed from a villain to a noble hero. I won't spoil his story by revealing how. But yes, usually I have the whole person right at the beginning.

Ally: Do your book fans influence your writing? If so, in what way?

KA: When someone tells me they like something, or they wish X would happen, I listen. I love to write. I love creating stories. But even more, I love it when people want to talk about my world and its people. I'm always excited when someone asks a question. I've added things to or eliminated things from later stories because of fan comments. I don't write in a bubble. I'm always glad to hear comments.

Ally: What's the most meaningful thing a reader could say about your book?

KA: Recently one told me she was reading and heard a noise. When she looked up, she was surprised to find herself still in her world. Mentally and emotionally, she had walked right into mine.

Ally: Talk about your main characters. Are they likable? Do they have off-putting flaws or beliefs? Are they "good" people?

KA: Two of the three main characters in Bro are professional thieves. But from page one, you know Senth is adorable. He's constantly bullied because he's only half human, and he struggles with his identity. He is at odds with his father, who understands him far better than Senth thinks). But at the end of the day, the guy makes a living by taking from other people.
Why should you like him? Because, like Senth, we have all been in places and situations where we felt we didn't belong. When he psychs himself up and rallies the courage to go through the door of the Thieves' Guild on page one, we are ready to go with him. It doesn't hurt that his sense of humor comes right into play. He goes through a litany of "maybes" that include being accepted and not being mocked, and then ends by telling himself, "Oh, and maybe the Empress would eliminate taxes, and while she was at it, free all the slaves. Because, sure. That could happen."

Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?

KA: Bro released at the beginning of April. It's the prequel to the Antonello Brothers series, which currently has two books. My next book is Watch Your Six. It's the third book in the Bringer of Chaos series. Then comes the re-release of Surrender Love and its new sequel, Surrender Trust. After that, the third Antonello Brothers book gets top priority. I have so many stories in my head that if I couldn’t die until I'd written them all, I would live forever.

Ally: Let’s see which quick answer questions you selected.

KA:

a. Color of nail polish I have on - Zip. I don't wear polish, but I am a fanatic about clean, well-shaped nails.
b. High heels or sneakers - I don't even own a pair of high heels.
c. Favorite book boyfriend - Roarke from JD Robb's In Death series. (Ally comment: Ooh, He’s one of mine too!)
d. Do I believe in love at first sight? - Absolutely. I married a man who swears it was love at first sight. After I met him, I never dated another man. We've been together 45 years.
e. Something unique in my handbag - I carry a seat belt adjuster. It's a triangular shaped cloth device that slips over the seat belt. It keeps the belt in place over hips and shoulder. I'm short-waisted, so most belts go right across my neck. With this, I don't have to worry about it. I don't have to constantly adjust the belt.
f. Typical breakfast - I eat the same thing almost every day. A dark chocolate almond Zone Perfect bar, Light N Fit fat free vanilla yogurt, and fresh fruit. I'm at my most creative in the morning, so I don't waste time trying to decide what to eat.

Ally: It’s been a pleasure chatting with you, Kayelle. It’s now time to reveal your featured book.

Bro, Antonello Brothers Prequel
Genre: Science Fiction/romance
Heat level: PG

The tech Senth is about to claim will make him invisible. Finally, the young halfbreed thief will be out of sight and far from the taunts humans throw at him. But when that tech reveals he has a human half-brother who's bound by a cruel slaver, Senth must find a way to win his brother's freedom and save him from abuse -- even though Senth is a slave himself.
What if invisibility wasn't magic? What if it was tech? When you can make yourself invisible, you reveal invisible truth.

Excerpt:

In this scene from Bro, Senth Antonello is in a place well familiar to readers on Coffee Time Romance -- a coffee shop. After getting an encrypted message from his father, a former head of the Thieves' Guild, Senth is trying to use the shop's back room to listen to it. One little problem that a thief of his caliber shouldn't have: he can't open the door.
---
Senth pulled out his lockpick and adjusted the settings. When he pointed it at the lock, the device signaled a lockout error and the tiny screen flashed nonsense letters at him.
What in the worlds did probata mean?
He twisted the tip of the pick and floated the stats as a holovid. Probata Corporation. Wasn't that the system his prof in Premium Fingersmithing ranted about? Something about useless upgrades and pointless codes. What did she say about a bypass trick?
"Think, Senth. You sat there listening to the woman fume for two solid wasted hours."
Oh, no he hadn't.
No, that was the day Senth had flaked out of classes and spent a full day at Planet Fun with his mates. He'd recorded it instead. But had he transcribed it to his code book?
Of course not. And didn't that make this encounter so much more fun? He pinched the bridge of his nose, but his father always did that so Senth stopped it at once.
Why was a lock on a coffee shop's storeroom door harder than a security system at the planet's busiest amusement park? What were they storing in there? The Empress's private coffee stash?
Curiosity over the message from his far-from-patient father burned through his mental pockets. Wait. His father. Surely, he'd have the new codes.
Yes, and then he'd want to know why Senth didn't and no way was he explaining to dear old Dad how he hacked into Planet Fun for "a planetful of fun" instead of going to class.
That fortune Dad paid for Senth to attend classes at the guild academy? Yeah, wasted a full day of it to impress a few girls, which was why he was calling needing a bail out.
No way was he going back to the front, stand right in front of a table full of professors, and do the Hey can I borrow your key thing.
Riiight.
He tried a few other codes, used a couple work-arounds and then trashed two premium override keys trying to wangle a back-way in.
"Forget this." Senth snapped the lockpick shut and got out his mobile. He tapped his first choice for help, the third name from the bottom of his contacts list. When his fellow thief answered, voice only, Senth wasted no time. "You got overrides for a Probata?"
"Excuse me? Who do you think you're talking to?" The woman never blinked in class. She listened, took no notes, never failed a test. "How bad you need it?"
Bad enough not to make a fool of himself in front of his professors. "Season ticket to Planet Fun. You can barter that for anything."
"Hmm." Clicking sounds in the background. Searching the value, most likely. "Stolen or purchased?"
"Excuse me?" Senth returned. "Who do you think you're talking to?"
She gave a throaty chuckle. "Send your code. I'll send mine."

Add this book on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44777225-bro

Amazon Link:

Enjoy for ,99 or free on Kindle Unlimited https://books2read.com/u/bwqyAy

Laughter is Essential Says Author Linda O'Connor

4/3/2019

Happy Wednesday, Booklovers!

It’s a fine Midwestern morning, a perfect day for a book chat. This week’s guest is author Linda O’Connor, who writes romantic comedy. Grab your drinks and pull up a chair.

Linda, it’s so nice to meet you. Would you like coffee or something else to drink?

LOC: I like my coffee best when it’s mixed into a dense chocolate cake. It deepens the chocolate flavor – yum! :D I’ll have a raspberry smoothie instead.

Ally: Lol. My magic pot can make anything, so that raspberry smoothie will be ready in a moment. You just have time to tell readers something about yourself.

Bio:

Award-winning author Linda O’Connor started writing romantic comedies when she needed a creative outlet other than subtly rearranging the displays at a local home décor store. Her books have enjoyed bestseller status. When not writing, she’s a physician at an Urgent Care Clinic. She shares her medical knowledge in fast-paced, well-written, sexy romances – with an unexpected twist. Her favorite prescription to write? Laugh every day. Love every minute.

Something unique that’s not in your regular bio: “I love to dance. I don’t have any formal dance training, but I pretty much dance every day even if it’s just wiggling my butt while I vacuum or do dishes.”

Author Contacts:

Website: http://www.lindaoconnor.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaOConnorAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindaOConnor98
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Linda-OConnor/e/B00S7CNLEA
Newsletter Sign up: http://www.lindaoconnor.net/contact/

INTERVIEW:

Ally: Let’s get started by asking why you decided to write novels?

LOC: I’m a physician, and I started writing because I wanted to find a fun way to disseminate medical information and to educate and empower readers to take ownership of their health. Targeting a female audience with romance novels seemed like a good idea because women are usually the ones who see a doctor. (Males typically only go when a girlfriend/partner/spouse/mom encourages them to do so. :D) I write romantic comedies because I love being in a fun headspace when I’m writing. Plus, laughter is essential to great health!

Ally: Where do you find your story ideas?

LOC: Everywhere! News stories, headlines, lyrics of songs, watching people, and listening to snippets of conversation all inspire my imagination. Even my own quirky characteristics, like wanting to know the ending of a movie or a book, or judging drivers by the color of their car have ended up in a story. Delivering a baby (well I’ve delivered a few, but delivering my nephew when I didn’t expect to) crept into my writing in Perfectly Honest. I love the challenge of creating the storyline and figuring out how I’m going to make things happen - with humor and a bit of the unexpected thrown in.

Ally: Do your characters come to you fully formed with names and backgrounds?

LOC: I usually come up with the storyline first – what the beginning, middle, and end of the story look like and then I start to ponder the characters. I try to have a pretty good sense of them, and I can’t start writing until I’ve nailed down their names. The male names are the hardest because I have 3 sons, and they have a lot of friends. The name can’t remind me of anyone I know.

Ally: What inspired you to write the book we're featuring today?

LOC: Time for the Doctor was a fun project. I joined a group of nine other authors and we all wrote a romance set in Copper Mills, Arizona. I loved the idea of characters from the other books popping in for a visit and readers getting to know and love the small town.

Ally: Stepping away from writing for a moment... if you could have any supernatural power or ability, what would it be? Why?

LOC: The ability to teleport would be very cool! Worrying about icy roads, delayed flights, and long train rides would be a thing of the past. What a time saver and imagine not having to find a parking space, ever. I can dig it.

Ally: Are you ready for a few short answer questions?

a. An item on your bucket list: I’d like to see the Aurora borealis.
b. Favorite place to write: Outside
c. Something unique in your handbag: A CPR keychain with a mask and gloves
d. Fav accessory: Earrings (because I can make them!)
e. High heels or sneakers: Definitely sneakers
f. Fav quote: It ain’ t no use putting up your umbrella till it rains. Alice Caldwell Rice (So simple, but excellent advice – don’t be worrying about something that may not happen!)

Ally: You’ve been a delightful guest, Linda. Before we have to let you go, please show us your featured book...

Time for the Doctor: A Copper Mills Novella
Genre: Medical Romantic Comedy
Heat rating 16+

Come visit Copper Mills, Arizona - a small town with a heart as big as the wide-open spaces and a history of making dreams come true.

Dr. Tash Bannon, the only internist at Copper Mills General Hospital, is a workaholic. After a couple of patient complaints, the board of directors realizes Tash needs a break and “suggests” he take a three-month vacation.

Dr. Melissa Sinclair is a single mom, and her adopted son comes first in her life. She’s used to the hustle of a big city hospital but takes the job to cover for Tash hoping to expose her son to his Hopi ancestry during their time in Copper Mills.

Tash resents having to take time off – and has an even harder time staying away now that Melissa is around. Now he just has to decide which is more important: his job or Melissa?

Make time for the doctor…especially if she’s the love of your life.

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JLKJK3F
Trailer Link: https://youtu.be/852yLUtDjQ8

Book Spotlight: Sea Scope by Debbie De Louise

Mystery Author Grace Topping Finds "Fictional" Revenge is Sweet

Meet Multi-Genre Author Keta Diablo

Book Readers Buy Experiences Says Scifi Author Kayelle Allen

Laughter is Essential Says Author Linda O'Connor

Thanks for stopping. Come back soon!

Archives

Categories