Blog Archives

How does the Regency Compare with the Modern Monarchy?

9/28/2022

Good Morning, Booklovers!

I've done something a little different his week. In place of the regular interview with a guest author, I've written an article that I've posted on my JL Buck blog as it talks mostly about the reign of England's George IV during his Regency period, 1811 - 1820, in comparison to the modern monarchy.

I invite you to check out the article here: janetlbuck.com/blog/how-does-the-monarchy-of-1811-compare-with-that-of-today
and I hope you will subscribe to my JL Buck blog, as I plan to gradually transition future guest interviews with mystery writers to that blog.

The Coffee Chat will return to this blog next week with another guest author.

Have a great week...
Ally Shields/JL Buck

Coffee Chat Interview with Mystery Writer Sharon Michalove

9/21/2022

Good Morning, Booklovers!

Please join me in welcoming Sharon Michalove to the Coffee Chat with her featured mystery, Dead in the Alley.

Good Morning, Sharon. Welcome to this terrific morning on the deck. How do you take your coffee?

SM: I drink it with a splash of half and half, and a sprinkle of some flavored sugar (I have five different ones).

Bio:

Sharon grew up in suburban Chicago but after spending most of her life in a medium-sized university town she moved back to Chicago in 2017. She loves music, theater, travel, hockey, and cats, and less elevated activities like eating doughnuts and sampling gins and single malts.

Besides writing mysteries, she is the author of the romantic suspense series, Global Security Unlimited, and several short stories.

Something unique/unusual about me: “Two of my specialties as a historian are the history of polar exploration—I will be traveling to Antarctica in 2023—and food history. Readers say that my books make them hungry.”

Social Media Links:
Website: https://www.sharonmichalove.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdmichaloveauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sdmichalove
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073761707861
Amazon author page: http://amazon.com/author/sdm_romance_and_more
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2128144.Sharon_D_Michalove?from_search=true&from_srp=true
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sharon-michalove

INTERVIEW:

Ally: Who or what inspired your featured book?

SM: Dead in the Alley came sort of fully formed as if from the head of Zeus. My characters called the shots. I woke up one Saturday morning with characters speaking to me. And they insisted on this particular murder, the setting in Northern Michigan, and the love story. By the end of the weekend, it was plotted, and I knew a lot about the main and supporting characters. I did a lot of research on the characters. That kind of epiphany had never happened before, and I wish it would happen again. In some ways it’s the easiest book I’ve written.

Ally: What is the easiest—or the hardest—part of writing for you? Explain.

SM: The easiest part is revising. My first draft is kind of bare bones. I love adding more description and emotion. The hardest part is the first draft. Getting those initial words down and making the plot cohesive is hard work for me.

Ally: Do you use critique groups or beta readers? Do you find them valuable?

SM: I haven’t had any success with critique groups. Instead, I have a couple of critique partners that I brainstorm with. Then I use two sets of readers—early readers who get a pretty okay first draft to tell me if I’m on the right track and whether there are plot holes or characterization problems. Beta readers get a mostly polished version. I use two or three for each. Then it goes to the editor, who does two passes and proofreads.

Ally: How many drafts (revision passes) do you do on a typical book before submission to your editor/publisher?

SM: I do a certain amount of revising as I go along. Then I do a revision after I get early reader comments and a second revision after I get beta reader comments. Then it goes to the editor. I try to keep my hands off the manuscript while its being edited but I note down any new thoughts that come to me, incorporate them when I go through the editor’s comments, then submit for the second pass, usually with a note that I added, had second thoughts, etc. for the editor to note.

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

SM: I have two right now. I am writing Murder at the Great Jane Austen Cook Off, my first stab at a “real” cozy mystery. And I am concurrently planning At the Ready, the third book in my Global Security Unlimited romantic suspense series.

Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose?

book you're currently reading: A Discerning Eye by Carol Orange
most watched tv show: A Discovery of Witches
favorite comfort food: Mushed up graham crackers and milk
last time you rode a train (not subway): 2017 Paris to Bruges to Dijon to Venice
How long does it take you to write a book? The first one took three and a half years, the second one about nine months, and the third one about six months. But each project is different.

Ally: Thank you for being on the blog, Sharon. Before we finish for today, please show us your featured book.

Dead in the Alley
Genre: traditional mystery/second chance romance
Rating: PG-13

When Bay Bishop’s husband was found in the alley behind their Northern Michigan restaurant, she lost not only the partner in her dreams of establishing the best fine-dining establishment in the area but the man she thought was the love of her life.

Now she’s a suspect.

The detective who shows up on her doorstep turns out to be the high-school boyfriend who broke her heart. Faced with uncomfortable truths and new beginnings, Bay must chart a course to prove her innocence and create a new future.

Trailer link: Canva.com

Podcast about Dead in the Alley:
https://tgwolffcom.wordpress.com/2022/08/07/dead-in-the-alley-chapter-1-and-review/

Buy links:

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Alley-Sharon-Michalove/dp/1736918753/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Sharon+Michalove&qid=1660859452&sr=8-1

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Alley-Sharon-Michalove-ebook/dp/B09P8QWC31/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1660859452&sr=8-1

Chatting with Historical Mystery Writer Julie Bates

9/14/2022

Good Morning, Booklovers!

We’re having lovely fall weather and are still able to use the deck. We’re gathered around with drinks in hand to welcome guest author Julie Bates and her featured historical mystery, A TASTE OF BETRAYAL (A Faith Clarke Mystery).

Welcome, Julie! How do you take your coffee?

JW: I love a big cup of coffee with one Splenda and two teaspoons of half and half or cream. I cannot stand powdered creamer. I get it first thing in the morning (5:30) when the alarm goes off and so do my 4 dogs (3 huskies and one we have no idea)

Ally: We don’t have the dogs for you to drink with, but we do have readers. Why don’t you tell them something about yourself, while I pour the coffee?

Bio:

Julie Bates enjoys reading and writing in a variety of genres. After spending a few years writing freelance articles, her first novel Cry of the Innocent, premiered in June 2021. The Eight book series follows the timeline of the American Revolutionary War. In addition, she has blogged for Killer Nashville and the educational website Read.Learn.Write. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Southeastern Mystery Writers of America (SEMWA) and The Historical Novel Society as well as Sisters in Crime. When not busy plotting her next story, she enjoy doing crafts and spending time with her husband and son, as well as a number of dogs and cats who have shown up on her doorstep and never left.

Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio. “I love ghost stories. I recently began working with the producers of our local fall ghost walk to add some new stories about local figures who died by nefarious and tragic means.”

Author Contacts:

Website https://juliebates.weebly.com/
Bookbub @julibates1
Twitter @JulieLBates03
Facebook Julie L. Bates author

INTERVIEW:

Ally: Why did you choose writing as a career? Is it your only career, or do you have a “day” job?
JB: I have always written. I’ve dreamed of being an author since I was 13. My day job is public school teacher for special needs students. They are very special people.

Ally: What book/author has influenced your writing the most?
JB: Probably Anne Perry. When I read her books I realized I could combine my love of history with a really good story.

Ally: Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision?
JB: I am traditionally published through Level Best Books. I felt more comfortable working with people with loads of experience in the business. I learn as I go.

Ally: What is the easiest—or the hardest—part of writing for you? Explain.
JB: I have loads of ideas and imagination. The hard part is sitting down every day and writing whether I feel like it or not. Writing takes commitment.

Ally: Do you use critique groups or beta readers? Do you find them valuable?
JB: I love feedback. It is very helpful in designing stories. I believe both help make me a better writer. My goal is to get better with every book, so I value those who take the time to read them and comment.

Ally: Do you write from an outline?
JB: Yes. I use a loose outline to make sure I incorporate historic events correctly and also to make sure I follow my story arc. My character do evolve as I write them and tell me things I did not know and that can cause minor changes but that it part of the process.

Ally: How many books do you read in a month? Which genre(s)? Favorite authors?
JB: 2-3 now that I am writing and working. I love reading C.S. Harris, Ashley Gardner, Rhys Bowen and Anna Lee Huber, but I’m eclectic. I enjoy trying new authors all the time.

Ally: Where do you go to find a new book to read?
JB: I have browsed brick and motors and libraries. I believe in supporting local book stores when possible. I browse Bookbub and Amazon First Reads, I also enjoy browsing at Book Conventions.

Ally: Do you read reviews of your own books? Do you respond to them? Are you affected by them?
JB: I read reviews. I appreciate that someone took the time. I ignore negative ones unless it’s a repeated theme, then I study to see if there is something I could improve.

Ally: Do you buy ads to sell your books? Where? Have they been profitable?
JB: I have collaborated with Level Best on group ads with Mystery Scene and for events. I am still figuring out how to make a profit in this business.

Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
JB: I am currently writing Book 3 in my Faith Clarke series. Titled Rise to Rebellion, it takes place in Philadelphia in 1776. Someone is trying to kill Benjamin Franklin and it is up to my characters to prevent it and find who and what are behind it. It releases in late May 2023.

Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you select?
JB:

Book you're currently reading: Clarke & Division, a historical mystery where the protagonist is a young woman just released from Manzanar. It is moving without sentimental and very evocative of the time.
An author you'd love to chat with. Either C.S. Harris or Jennifer Ashley. I suspect we would enjoy a coffee together.
An item on your bucket list: I would love to visit Alaska.
Most watched tv show: Murdoch Mysteries
Favorite quote: Robert Kennedy “Some people see things as they are and ask why. I dream thinks that never were and ask why not?”
Your pets: 3 huskies (Kody, Teddi & Kanna) Luna is our big black dog of unknown ancestry. 4 cats (Leo, Tyger, Sherlock and Mei)
Favorite type of supernatural characters: Werewolves. This is probably because I own 3 huskies. It gets pretty wolfie here sometimes.

Ally: A pleasure to chat with you, Julie. Before we finish, please tell us about your featured book.

A TASTE OF BETRAYAL (A Faith Clarke Mystery)
Genre: historical mystery

April 1775. Unrest grows in the colonial capital of Williamsburg, VA. Opinions turn ugly when the city’s armory is seized in the middle of the night by the British. Faith prepares to be a bystander as her father-in-law Ezra takes the lead in responding to the governor. Events take a personal turn when Ezra collapses and begs her to find who poisoned him. Faith tackles the job, aided by Patriot spy Jeremy Butler, but the suspects are many, from Royal Governor Dunmore to members of Ezra’s own family who hunger for his wealth. Suspicion falls on Eugenia Moore, his opinionated wife, who is hauled off to the gaol after arsenic is found in her room.
Nothing makes sense to either Faith or Jeremy as they struggle to find answers amidst the increasing chaos. Ezra’s death brings family animosities to a boil, unleashing anger and accusations as the number of those afflicted increases. As Jeremy follows leads among Ezra’s rivals and opponents, Faith looks at the family, trying to decide who would benefit from administering a taste of betrayal.

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Taste-Betrayal-Faith-Clarke-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0B5YF1ZYN
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-taste-of-betrayal-julie-bates/1141739661?ean=9781685121402
AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-taste-of-betrayal/id6443137823
BookShop: https://bookshop.org/books/a-taste-of-betrayal-a-faith-clarke-mystery/9781685121402

Canadian Mystery Writer Joyce Woollcott Visits the Coffee Chat

9/7/2022

Good Morning, Booklovers!

It’s felt like fall the last few days. The deck is still nice and warm, but I’m afraid our days may be numbered. We should enjoy it while we can. So, put up your deck chair, grab your favorite drink, and join me in welcoming our guest author, mystery write Joyce Woollcott.
Glad to have you visit, Joyce! How do you take your coffee?

JW: I like strong coffee with a little milk, no sugar.

Ally: You’re very easy to please. While I pour, please introduce yourself to readers.

Bio:

J. Woollcott is a Canadian writer born in Northern Ireland. She is a graduate of the Humber School for Writers and BCAD, University of Ulster. Her first mystery, Abducted, was long-listed in the Canadian Arthur Ellis Awards in 2019. Her second book, A Nice Place to Die, won the RWA Unpublished Mystery/Suspense Daphne du Maurier Award in 2019 in New York. A Nice Place to Die was also long-listed in the Arthur Ellis Awards for 2020 and short-listed in the Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence in 2021. She is working on part two of the Ryan McBride Belfast Murder Series, Blood Relations, due out in August 2023.
She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Suncoast Writers Guild.

Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “That’s a good question. I studied ballet as a young girl and on my final exams, I guess I was about thirteen or so, I was offered a scholarship to a London ballet school. Back then I wanted to become a designer and I loved art. It was a difficult decision but I said no. I often wonder how my life would have turned out if I had said yes.”

Author Contacts:
Website: https://www.jwoollcott.com
Twitter: @JoyceWoollcott

INTERVIEW:

Ally: What is the easiest—and the hardest—part of writing for you?

JW: I suppose the easiest part of writing for me is when I know the scene I need to write. I’ve gone over it in my head. I see it. The beginning, the middle, and the end. And if it’s an exciting scene to write I believe it will be exciting to read. Sometimes when I’m writing a scene and it seems hard to get down, I usually end up either rewriting it later or taking it out.

Ally: Do you use critique groups or beta readers? Do you find them valuable?

JW: Absolutely I use them. Both if I can find them. We can’t rely on ourselves to see the work clearly. Often a partner can read a manuscript and zero in on the problem right away. And they need to be honest.

Ally: How many books do you read in a month? Which genre(s)? Favorite authors?

JW: I always have a book going. Sometimes more than two. I love actual books but I have my device and read on that from the library too. Depending on the book I can read a novel in a couple of days, or three, four days at the most. And of course I love mystery and suspense. UK, Nordic, and Irish mysteries. Gosh, lots going on up there in Iceland too.
I love Kate Atkinson, just love her. Susan Hill, Lou Berney, Denise Mina, Ian Rankin, Ann Cleeves. And many, many more, Nelson DeMille, John Sandford, Michael Connelly. Too many to mention.

Ally: What three books in your genre (other than your own) would you recommend to readers?

JW: Big Sky – Kate Atkinson
November Road – Lou Berney
Garnet Hill – Denise Mina
And sorry, one more … Plum Island – Nelson DeMille

Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
JW: Book two in the DS McBride series. BLOOD RELATIONS is due for release August 2023.

Retired Chief Inspector Patrick Mullan is found brutally murdered in his bed. Ryan and Billy are called to his desolate country home to investigate. In their inquiry, they discover a man whose career was overshadowed by violence and corruption. Is the killer someone from Mullan’s past, or his present? And who hated the man enough to kill him twice?

Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you select?

JW:

A memorable book you’ve read: Lord of the Rings. J.R.R. Tolkien
Books you're currently reading: The Mountains Wild, Sarah Stewart Taylor; The Splendid and the Vile, Erik Larson; To Darkness And To Death, Julia Spencer Fleming; Flowers Over the Inferno, Ilaria Tuti
An author (living or dead) you'd love to chat with: Kate Atkinson
Most watched tv show: Game of Thrones
Do you re-read books? Any book in particular? Yes. Big Sky by Kate Atkinson

Ally: It was a pleasure to meet you Joyce. Before with finish for today, please show us your new release, A Nice Place to Die.

A NICE PLACE TO DIE: A DS Ryan McBride Novel
Genre: mystery/police procedural
Rating: PG-13

The body of a young woman is found by a river outside Belfast and Detective Sergeant Ryan McBride makes a heart-wrenching discovery at the scene, a discovery he chooses to hide even though it could cost him the investigation – and his career.

The victim was a loner but well-liked. Why would someone want to harm her? And is her murder connected to a rapist who’s stalking the local pubs? As Ryan untangles a web of deception and lies, his suspects die one by one, leading him to a dangerous family secret and a murderer who will stop at nothing to keep it.

And still he harbors his secret ...

Buy Links:

US: https://amzn.to/3CGIzi0
CAN: https://amzn.to/3TroD8K

How does the Regency Compare with the Modern Monarchy?

Coffee Chat Interview with Mystery Writer Sharon Michalove

Chatting with Historical Mystery Writer Julie Bates

Canadian Mystery Writer Joyce Woollcott Visits the Coffee Chat

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