Have a terrific holiday season! See you in January 2023!
 Good Morning, Booklovers! I hope you’re keeping warm on this snowy, winter morning in the Midwest. Grab a hot drink and join us around the fireplace as we welcome this week’s guest author, mystery/thriller writer, Erica Miner. Welcome, Erica. What may I get you to drink? EM: True confessions: I’m an avid tea drinker: anything green, especially Japanese, is my go-to. Ally: Not a problem. My magic pot can fix any drink you can imagine. While I get those drinks, please introduce yourself to readers.  About the Author: A former violinist with the Metropolitan Opera, I am an award-winning author, screenwriter, arts journalist, and lecturer based in the Pacific Northwest. My debut novel, Travels with my Lovers, won the Fiction Prize in the Direct from the Author Book Awards, and my screenplays have won awards in a number of recognized competitions. Aria for Murder, the first in my Julia Kogan Opera Mystery series, released on Oct. 28, 2022. Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio. “To my knowledge, I’m the only former Met Opera musician who is writing operatic mysteries.” Author Contacts: https://www.facebook.com/erica.miner1/ https://twitter.com/EmwrtrErica https://www.instagram.com/emwriter3/ INTERVIEW: Ally: Why did you choose writing as a career? Is it your only career, or do you have a “day” job? EM: I first started writing when I was in grade school, about age 7 or 8. When I was growing up in Detroit in the semi-Dark Ages, the public schools were excellent, with lots of afterschool programs. I was placed in one for Creative Writing and fell in love with the whole process of creating characters and plots and weaving them together to tell stories. I kept writing through high school and university, and when I eventually started playing violin at the Metropolitan Opera, I still took writing classes whenever I could fit them into my schedule. After I left the Met, I chose writing as my creative outlet; my passion for the craft had never abated. I started with screenplays, won some awards, and then tried my hand at novels and arts journalism. I’ve never doubted my choice. Ally: Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision? EM: My first novel, Travels with my Lovers, was POD, simply because I couldn’t wait to get it out there. That was in the early 2000s, when being self-published had a stigma attached to it. Even though the book won a major award, I had a hard time gaining credibility from bookstores, writers’ organizations, and other entities where I tried to market my work. After that experience, I decided to go with traditional publishers. I’ve never looked back. Ally: Have you done any ghostwriting? Tell us about your experience. EM: I’ve ghostwritten 3 novels, and overall, it’s been a positive experience. I found it challenging to take someone else’s unformed story or concept and fashion it into something literary, but I also enjoyed the process and got a great sense of accomplishment out of doing it. Of course, generally non-writers are not cognizant of the amount of work it takes to construct a coherent, compelling story from the bare bones they hand over to you initially. But ghostwriting is a great exercise in learning how to work closely with another person, how to compromise with them, while producing a final product that will demonstrate your best writing skills and still make them happy with what you’ve done. Ally: Do people you know sneak into your books as characters? EM: Absolutely! In Aria for Murder, which takes place at the Met Opera where I was a violinist for 21 years, I got to kill off a bunch of people who made life miserable! But seriously, many of the major characters are based on people I knew and worked with; one of them is an exact carbon copy of a very close colleague, and some of my co-workers recognized him. Julia, the protagonist, is my alter ego as a young violinist just starting out at the Met. When you set a novel in a real place that you know as intimately as I know that opera house, it’s a natural occurrence for characters who populate that fictional milieu to be inspired by people you know. Ally: Do you write from an outline? EM: I am a dedicated, perhaps even obsessive, outliner, especially when I’m writing in the mystery genre. Mysteries are tricky. You absolutely must know the ending before you start to write, and preferably who is the villain as well. Each plot point has to grow directly out of the previous one and connect organically with the following one. They’re like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. If one piece is slightly ill-fitting or out of place, the entire puzzle is out of kilter. The same goes for a mystery. For that reason, I outline meticulously, sometimes for months, before I allow myself to write a single word of the book. For me, writing without an outline would be like trying to construct a building without a blueprint. Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date? EM: Up next is the sequel to Aria for Murder. I’m keeping the title under my hat for the moment. It’s due out in September of 2023. Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose to answer?
 Aria for Murder (A Julia Kogan Opera Mystery) Genre: Mystery/ Thriller Romance Heat Rating: 2-3 Excitement mounts as the moment arrives for brilliant young violinist Julia Kogan's debut in the orchestra of the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera. But the high-stakes milieu of this musical mecca is rocked to its core when, during an onstage murder scene, Julia's mentor, a famous conductor, is assassinated on the podium. Thrust into the investigation when her closest colleague in the orchestra is named chief suspect, Julia teams up with opera-loving NYPD detective Larry Somers to solve the murder. In the process, they are shocked to discover the venerable opera house is rife with a web of secrets, intrigue, and lethal rivalries. But all bets are off when Julia suddenly finds herself the real killer's prime target. “A ruthless and clever killer haunts the Metropolitan Opera and the hidden recesses of Lincoln Center. Violinist Julia Kogan, a rising star in the pit, must unmask the murderer or become a victim herself. Erica Miner’s richly satisfying Aria for Murder delivers a compelling mystery, replete with devious characters, glorious music, and plenty of behind-the-scenes dirty laundry. A musical and dramatic triumph. Bis! Encore!”—James W. Ziskin, Anthony, Barry, and Macavity Award-winning author “Erica Miner, the Agatha Christie of the opera world, continues the genre with a wickedly wonderful…brand new thriller, Aria for Murder…This is simply brilliant writing. Bravissima!” —Richard Stilwell, international opera star Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Aria-Murder-Julia-Kogan-Mystery/dp/1685121985/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1669763489&sr=8-1  Good Morning, Booklovers! The Midwest is having a rain/snow mix this week. It’s cold and damp, and we’re huddled close to the fireplace this morning. My cup of coffee is nicely warming my hands. Settle back with your own mugs and join me in welcoming this week’s guest author, Ana Diamond, with her featured cozy mystery, BODY SNATCHED. Welcome to the Coffee Chat, Ana. How do you take your coffee? AD: I drink hot bold coffee with creamer. Ally: Very good. While I pour, please tell readers something about yourself.  Author Bio: When Ana Diamond isn't writing about tough gals finding love in unexpected places, she’s at work by day in the medical field. She writes romantic cozy mystery novels with feisty strong women and alluring men who can’t resist them. Her books are fast paced, entertaining and heartfelt all at once. Ana is a 2020 Tara Contest Finalist for Body Conscious and 2015 Melody of Love contest finalist. She lives in New York with her husband, two children and two needy but wildly entertaining kitty cats. Something unique about me: “I was born in Brazil.” Author Contacts: https://twitter.com/AuthorDiamond https://www.instagram.com/anadiamondauthor/ https://www.tiktok.com/@anadiamondauthor https://www.facebook.com/anadiamondauthor INTERVIEW: Ally: Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision? AD: I am traditionally published because I don’t feel that I have the experience or time to handle a business on my own. Ally: Do you write from an outline? AD: I don’t write from an outline. I like the creative process of getting stuck and having to make my way out of it. Ally: When you have time to read, where do you go to find a new book? A friend, google search, browsing a brick-and-mortar bookstore? AD: I love bookstores. I could spend the whole day in a bookstore but unfortunately; they are pretty scarce these days. I find books that are recommended reads based off previous reading or sometimes, social media will convince me to buy a book. Ally: How many drafts (revision passes) do you do on a typical book before submission to your editor/publisher? AD: I do several revision passes before submission to my editor. I would say I keep going until I’m convinced it’s the best I can do. Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you pick to answer? AD:
 BODY SNATCHED Genre: Cozy Mystery PG-13 What’s worse than losing a body from a funeral home? Losing two. But mortician and amateur sleuth, Lily Reynolds has a hunch. The new visitor in town, Rick Drakon, may have charmed his way into her life but she’s not fooled by his smooth talking ways. Problem is, Rick is a long-time friend of Lily’s new husband, Detective James Rivers. While James is busy convincing her to look elsewhere, Lily embarks on a dangerous path toward uncovering the truth. Will this case come between the couple or will Lily find herself closer to evil than ever before? Excerpt: Black River reminded James of one thing: murder. Hidden in dense foliage, the river stretched out far beyond his view and also happened to be a perfect spot to dump a body. He had no doubt there had been many missing people over the years who wound up weighed down by rocks at the bottom of the river until their flesh disintegrated into nothing. His boss, Donald Abrams had a bad habit of telling him about their worst cases, probably to freak him out. The sicko with the garden of people floating upright like weeds was particularly gruesome. The chills he got from that one made the hairs on his neck stand up. However, since Manorview’s crime rate was low, James wasn’t entirely sure if the stories were folklore or not. “Congrats on your last case. I heard you’re a big boss detective now,” Rick said as he reeled in his empty line. James impaled a worm on his hook and swung the line out into the water. “Thanks. I wouldn’t say big boss though. More like maybe I’ll get to keep my job.” “Have you ever caught anything here?” Rick asked. “No, but I hear there’s trout.” And bodies. Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3LVx5X  Good Morning, Booklovers! Let’s gather around the fireplace and welcome romance writer Jill Piscitello, featuring her sweet, holiday romance, TINSEL AND TEA CAKES. Please join us, Jill. How do you take your coffee? JP: I drink one large mug of coffee every morning. Only the slightest bit of sugar and cream are added. I prefer my coffee steaming hot but will partake in the occasional iced coffee during the summer. Ally: One large mug coming right up. While I pour, please tell readers something about yourself.  About the Author: Jill Piscitello is a teacher, author, and an avid fan of multiple literary genres. Although she divides her reading hours among several books at a time, a lighthearted story offering an escape from the real world can always be found on her nightstand. A native of New England, Jill lives with her family and three well-loved cats. When not planning lessons or reading and writing, she can be found spending time with her family, trying out new restaurants, traveling, and going on light hikes. Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “I am a card-carrying, dollhouse enthusiast. Due to my day job and writing at night, progress moves slow on a large house picked up at a yard sale. But I’m proud to say that each room is spruced up enough for young family members to enjoy when visiting. My goal isn’t an untouchable work of art displayed in a glass case. I hope to create a pretty canvas for whatever story worlds current and future generations dream up.” Social media links: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ GoodReads ~ BookBub INTERVIEW: Ally: Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision? JP: Tinsel and Tea Cakes was traditionally published by The Wild Rose Press. I understand the many reasons authors choose to self-publish. But at this stage in my writing career, the expertise and guidance offered by a seasoned editor is invaluable. Ally: What is the easiest—or the hardest—part of writing for you? Explain. JP: For me, the easiest part of writing is dreaming up story ideas and plots. I have a long list of “to be written” books. The hardest part is the final edit. I could edit forever and never be satisfied. A close tie is marketing. As an introvert, putting myself out there on social media is beyond challenging. But after a few years of pushing through online stage fright, the process is becoming, if not easier, more routine. Ally: Do you write from an outline? JP: My writing always begins with an information dump. I feel compelled to write down (yes, in an old-school notebook) the first ideas, characters, conversations, settings, conflicts, etc. that pop into my head. Once I’ve captured everything remembered (ideas rarely arise when I’m home with paper and pen handy), the next step is an outline. The outline is in a constant stage of revision until the first draft of the manuscript is complete. Ally: Are you a speed reader or do you settle in and savor a book? JP: I am usually in the middle of reading an average of three books. My mood for genre changes on any given day. As a result, it takes me far too long to finish each story, but I do savor each one. Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date? JP: My upcoming release is a cozy mystery. The manuscript is in the final stages of editing. My last two books were holiday romances, so I’m excited to leap into a beach setting with an amateur sleuth on a mission to figure out whodunit. Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose to answer? JP:
 TINSEL AND TEA CAKES Genre: sweet, holiday romance Hair stylist Scarlett Kerrigan lost her job and her apartment. To alleviate a touch of self-pity, she succumbs to her stepmom’s pressure to attend a wedding in the New Hampshire White Mountains. Unfortunately, she runs into the vacation fling who promised the moon but disappeared without an explanation. Months have passed, but she is not ready to forgive and forget. After a chaotic year, executive Wes Harley settles into his family's event venue, The Timeless Manor. His carefully structured world is shaken to its core when Scarlett arrives for the Victorian Christmas wedding weekend. The feelings he never quite erased flood to the surface. When secrets are revealed, will a magical chateau and a sprinkle of tinsel be enough to charm Scarlett? Purchase Links: Amazon Nook Apple IBooks |
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