 Good Morning, Booklovers! Welcome to this week’s Coffee Chat interview with Grace Topping, the author of Staging Wars. It’s nice to have you on the blog, Grace. What may I get you to drink? GT: Being married to an Englishman, we have tea (in a tea pot covered with a tea cozy) readily available all day. So I am a big tea drinker—with milk and no sugar. Ally: No problem at all. While I pour, please tell readers something about your background.  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 used her experience helping friends stage their homes as inspiration for her Laura Bishop mystery series, which is about a woman starting a new career midlife as a home stager. Grace is a former vice president of the Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime, a member of the Steering Committee for the SINC Guppies, and a member of Mystery Writers of America. She lives with her husband in Northern Virginia. Something unique/unusual: “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.” Author Contact Links: Webpage: www.gracetopping.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceToppingAuthor Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44098504-staging-is-murder?from_search=true&qid=XqTdmlj8JK&rank=1 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtoppingauthor Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/staging-wars-by-grace-topping INTERVIEW: Ally: What inspired you to write your featured book? GT: I’ve always been a fan of mysteries, particularly traditional and cozy mysteries. It wasn’t until I attended Malice Domestic, a conference for fans and writers of traditional mysteries—mysteries written in the tradition of Agatha Christie (without violence, sex, or bad language) that I thought of actually writing one. I attended Malice for the first time with a friend who didn’t want to go alone. I had no idea what Malice was, but when I heard I would be able to meet some of my favorite authors, I couldn’t sign up fast enough. I discovered that the authors were ordinary people I could relate to and wondered if I could write a mystery too. So the seed to become a mystery writer was planted at Malice. In my most recent book, Staging Wars, I was inspired by my sister’s involvement and leadership of an arts group. 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 is 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: Do you know the book’s ending when you start writing? How specific is it? Does it ever change? GT: Having spent a career as a technical writer for computer systems, I need to have the whole picture before I start to write. I need the structure of an outline, so I decide in advance who the victim is, what the motive of the murder was, and who committed the crime. So yes, I know how the book is going to end before I sit down at the computer. I may add things as I write, but the structure of my story stays the same. Ally: What is your favorite social media? Why? GT: I am so addicted to Facebook that if there were a Facebook Anonymous group, I should 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 will be your next book? Projected release date? GT: The next book in my Laura Bishop home staging series will be book three, which doesn’t have a title yet or a release date—but I’m hoping it will be out next spring—in time for the Malice Domestic Conference, which will probably be a virtual conference. Ally: Which of the short answer questions did you choose? GT:
Ally: I enjoyed our chat, Grace. I hope you’ll return again. In the meantime, will you show us your featured book, Staging Wars? GT: Of course, and thank you, Ally, for having me here today.  Staging Wars (A Laura Bishop Mystery) Genre: Cozy mystery Laura Bishop’s new home staging business is growing in popularity, though not with her nemesis. Laura has long suspected established interior designer Monica Heller of sabotaging her fledgling company—and having an affair with her late husband. When the ultra-chic Monica is caught at the scene of a murder, Laura is plenty happy to imagine her languishing in a prison cell with bedsheets far from her normal 600-thread Egyptian cotton. But her delight is short-lived. When Laura’s friends land on the police radar, Laura must overcome her dislike of Monica to help solve the crime. Not an easy task since Laura and Monica have been at war since second grade. Buy Link: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Staging-Wars-Laura-Bishop-Mystery-ebook/dp/B084BT29GG Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/staging-wars-grace-topping/1136278009?ean=9781635115918 See you again next week! Stay safe. Welcome to this week’s Coffee Chat! Settle in with us to meet this week’s guest author, Jan Selbourne, who writes historical fiction. Her featured book has the intriguing title of The Woman Behind the Mirror. Good Morning, Jan. What may I get you to drink? JS: My first drink of the morning is tea, then by 10am I’m looking for that coffee. Ground beans into the coffee maker, a dash of cream and sugar and I’m ready for the day ahead. Ally: I assume you’ve already had your tea, so I’ll work on that mug of coffee while you tell readers something about yourself.  BIO: Jan Selbourne grew up in Melbourne, Australia. Her love of literature and history began as soon as she could read and hold a pen. Her career started in the dusty world of ledgers and accounting then a working holiday in the UK brought the history to life. Now retired, Jan can indulge her love of writing and travel. She has two adult children and lives near Maitland, New South Wales. Ally: I asked Jan to list something unique or unusual about herself and received this response: “I can’t think of anything unique/unusual – that I’ll admit to!” (It raised all kinds of questions in my mine! :) ) Author Contacts: https://www.facebook.com/jan.selbourne/ https://twitter.com/JanSelbourne https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-selbourne-2817b6140/ https://nomadauthors.com/ INTERVIEW: Ally: Was there one particular person or event that inspired you to write your featured book? JS: While researching the history of the Bank of England, I discovered during the American War of Independence business for the bank was so good that George Washington remained a shareholder throughout. Like most Australians my knowledge of that war was basic, so I probed for more information and found an article on how bad the living conditions were during the Siege of Boston. Young women of eighteenth-century England were under the control of their fathers and then husbands. I wanted my female character to break free of the stifling restrictions. She runs away to the American colonies as they are breaking free from their ties. She too will experience huge permanent changes in her life. Ally: Do you have a favorite book? One that you just can’t forget? JS: I have a lot of favorites, can I name four? When I was a kid - The Wind in The Willows. Grown up – Through A Glass Darkly, Karleen Koen, The Term of His Natural Life, Marcus Clarke, and Burning Bridges, Dee S. Knight Ally: Readers don’t always know how important there feedback is to authors. What’s the most meaningful thing a fan has said about your books? JS: “I didn’t want the book to end, I got so wrapped up in the characters, I wanted more time with them.” Review - Lies of Gold Ally: If you were thrown through a black hole into an unknown world, what book hero would you want with you? Why? JS: Probably Superman, with his incredible strength and ability to deal with any dangerous situation. He’d get me out safely. Ally: What writing project is next on your To-Do list? JS: I’m currently working on a story set in 19th C England and the Australian colonies. A retired London doctor discovers he and his business partner have been swindled out of their fortunes by the clerks they employed. Worried about the scandal, he begs Metropolitan Police detective Lloyd Harrington to find them, quietly. When evidence reveals the business partner and one of the clerks are travelling to the colony of New South Wales, Lloyd reluctantly agrees to follow. Where a brutal revenge for crimes committed years ago is about to unfold. This project is still in early stages so no anticipated release date. Ally: Tell us which of the short answer questions you selected. JS:
 The Woman Behind the Mirror Genre: Historical Fiction Heat Level Rating: 2 Marry in haste, repent at leisure is the last thing on Sarah Forsythe’s mind when she and the son of a local minister elope to the American colonies. She wasn’t to know abandonment, poverty and shame would follow. As the colonies rebel against British rule and the siege of Boston worsens, Sarah hides her desperation behind a hard shell. To survive, she steals from her employer and instead of the cash she needs, she finds Bank of England documents. Sensing they might have some value, Sarah protects them through months of deprivation until she finally secures passage home to England. Unknown to her, two men are following, intent on claiming those documents. At any price. Bank of England fraud investigator Neil McAllister faces the biggest challenge of his career when a woman from Boston demands a reward for returning lost documents to the bank. Then two men with the same name and nearly identical stories arrive in England, each claiming ownership of them. Who is lying? Or are all three accomplices in a plot to swindle the bank? As the obstinate, secretive woman gets under Neil's skin, he trusts that she was an unwitting witness to the crime of cold-blooded betrayal and treason before the fall of Boston. Now it’s up to Neil to protect Sarah because the traitor wants her dead. Buy Links: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084WVQBTP/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+woman+behind+the+mirror&qid=1582087891&sr=8-2 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B084WVQBTP/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+woman+behind+the+mirror&qid=1582088489&sr=8-1 https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B084WVQBTP/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+woman+behind+the+mirror&qid=1582088593&sr=8-1 Thanks for stopping! I hope to see you again next week! It’s Coffee Chat time! Every Wednesdays I take the opportunity to chat with author friends or authors new to me. Today’s guest is S. Lee Manning with her featured book, Trojan Horse, a spy thriller! Good morning, Sandy. How do you take your coffee? SLM: Black. A lot of coffee. Non-stop coffee – until lunch when I cut it off. Ally: We can easily manage that! While I pour, please introduce yourself to readers.  Bio: S. Lee Manning spent two years as managing editor of Law Enforcement Communications before realizing that lawyers make a lot more money. A subsequent career as an attorney spanned from a first-tier New York law firm, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, to working for the State of New Jersey, to solo practice. In 2001, Manning agreed to chair New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NJADP), writing articles on the risk of wrongful execution and arguing against the death penalty on radio and television in the years leading up to its abolition in the state in 2007. An award winning short story writer, Manning is the author of international thrillers. Her life-long interests in Russia and espionage are reflected in her Kolya Petrov thrillers. Her first novel, Trojan Horse, is coming in October 2020 from Encircle Publications. Manning lives in Vermont with her husband and two cats, but frequently visits her daughter Jenny in California and her son Dean in New Jersey. Something unusual/unique that isn’t in my regular bio: “I was a semi-finalist last year in Vermont’s Funniest Comedian contest. I wake up and decide whether I feel like making people laugh or torturing someone in a thriller novel– or maybe a combination of the two which would make me a Bond villain.” Author Contacts: Website: https://www.sleemanning.com Contact me: https://www.sleemanning.com/contact.html Twitter: @SLeeManning1952 Blog: https://www.sleemanning.com/blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.manning.33 INTERVIEW: Ally: What inspired you to write your featured book? SLM: I’ve always loved the spy genre, because there’s good guys and bad guys, but a lot of what intelligence agencies on both sides do falls into a morally ambiguous area. I also like spy novels because – like fantasy novels, which I also enjoy – there’s a parallel world with stuff going on that the average person doesn’t know about and spies have to conceal who they really are. I wanted to write a story where there was a real danger that had to be countered, but the actions taken by the government would fall into that gray zone. So I came up with the idea of an intelligence agency deciding to sacrifice one of its own agents in order to feed false information to a terrorist and cyber criminal. I’ve also been fascinated by Vlad the Impaler – so I decided to have one of his descendants as the villain who kills people by impaling them. Ally: How did you get your first book or story published? SLM: So long story about Trojan Horse’s journey to publication. About fifteen years ago, I wrote the first draft – then cut it from 850 pages to 425 pages and submitted the first 50 pages to MWANY’s mentor program, placed in the top three, and got an agent, Nancy Love, who was unable to sell the manuscript – although my favorite rejection was something to the effect that the editor loved the book but was up to his neck in soy thrillers. Puzzled over the soy thriller part of it – until I realized that “o” is next to “p” – and he’d meant to type spy thriller. After that, I wrote a straight mystery (didn’t sell), took time off to care for my father, then wrote another book with the same characters, thinking I could sell it as the first in the series and Trojan Horse would become a prequel– and did a rewrite and edit of Trojan Horse. Took both to Killer Nashville, and six months later, had a contract to publish Trojan Horse with Five Star Publications. Eight months after that but before my launch date, Five Star announced that they were terminating their suspense and mystery line, but they would honor my contract. I was told by a number of editors and agents that subsequent books in my series would be dead if I went with Five Star, so I bought back my rights. I got a new agent – Nancy had passed – who came from a well-regarded agency but it didn’t sell. We parted ways. Then last summer, I met up with Eddie Vincent of Encircle Publications at Maine Crime Wave – the printer for Five Star when they did mysteries and who has since become a publisher and picked up a lot of the orphaned Five Star authors. He was interested in taking a look at Trojan Horse. I did another rewrite and re-edit of Trojan Horse last summer and sent it off. Encircle Publications read and loved the book – and it will finally be out in October 2020. Ally: Do the people in your real life show up in your writing? In what way? SLM: My protagonist, Kolya Petrov, is based loosely on my husband – in terms of personality, and he’s also a blond – which my husband is – or was when he was young. Both of them are intellectuals and on the introverted side but can put on an act with other people when they feel like it. Both feel deeply but don’t like talking about it. Kolya is much more of a risk taker than my husband – who, although he likes riding motorcycles, isn’t likely to scale walls and confront villains with guns. Both of them have a bit of a skeptical attitude towards authority figures and rigid rules, but my husband is a little more cautious than Kolya – and a little politer to people he thinks are idiots. Both of them have law degrees, but Kolya disliked the practice of law and became a spy, and my husband became an accomplished attorney. My husband and Kolya both love music, although Kolya has a thing for jazz and my husband is more alternative. Kolya is a talented amateur pianist. My husband is not. I have to admit that there’s bits of me in both Kolya and Alex Feinstein, his fiancée. Kolya, like me, has gone on a Jewish journey. I’m Jewish, but I’m not religious. I wasn’t a member of any Jewish organizations for many years, and then in 2017, when Nazis were chanting Jews Shall Not Replace Us – I decided to join the Jewish Center of Greater Stowe to try to figure out my identity as a Jew. Kolya started his life in the first draft of Trojan Horse as only ¼ Jewish and ¾ ethnic Russian– but when I was re-editing it last year to submit to Encircle Publications – the fact that anti-Semitism, which had been underground for years, had again crawled out from under the rocks – made me decide to make Kolya a Russian Jewish immigrant, whose name comes from his non-Jewish grandfather on his father’s side and who like me is not religious, and who starts to think a little about his Jewish identity after the anti-Semitism expressed against him by the villains. Alex, his partner in life, is a lawyer like I was for many years and engaged in innocence work – but she’s a much better lawyer than I ever was, much tougher than I am, and willing to put up with Kolya’s profession – which I wouldn’t have been. Ally: What's the best writing/marketing advice you can pass on to other writers? SLM: The best writing advice – write what calls to you. Don’t write something because you think it will sell. Ally: What three books in your genre would you recommend to fans (after they’ve read yours, of course!). SLM: Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon series. There are a lot of books, so start with The Kill Artist. Francine Mathews’ Blown. Gayle Lynds’ The Book of Spies. Ally: You’re thrown through a black hole into an unknown world, what book hero would you want with you? Why? SLM: Dumbledore – because he’s a wizard and can just magic us back. Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date? SLM: My next writing project is book 2 in the Kolya Petrov thriller series, working title Nerve Attack, with anticipated release date in July 2021. Ally: Which of the short answer questions did you choose?
 Trojan Horse Genre: Espionage thriller Rating: PG-16 (mature teen) Release date: October 16, 2020 American operative Kolya Petrov is tracking Mihai Cuza, a descendant of Vlad the Impaler. Kolya suspects him of planning meltdowns of nuclear power plants around the world, but every time Kolya gets close, a member of his team dies in agony. Margaret, the head of Kolya’s agency, seizes upon a devious plan to place a Trojan horse on Cuza’s computer. But for the plan to succeed, she must betray one of her own agents. She chooses Kolya, a Russian-Jewish immigrant with no family, for the honor. Kolya is initially unaware that he’s been set up for kidnapping and torture. Realizing the truth, he must choose between stopping a plot that could kill thousands and protecting his own life and the life of the woman he loves. Book blurb reviews: "Bristling with suspense, Trojan Horse by S. Lee Manning hurls the reader into the dark underbelly of international crime, espionage, and politics. The dialog is sharp, the characters memorable, and the insider details fascinating. This is an exciting new talent. May Manning’s novels be many and frequent. You won't want to miss this, Manning’s outstanding debut." -- Gayle Lynds, New York Times best-selling author of The Assassins. "Authentic settings, non-stop action, backstabbing villains, and rough justice lace every page of this high-octane thriller. Settle into your favorite spot, take a deep breath, and enjoy." -- Steve Berry, New York Times and internationally best selling #1 author. Pre-Order/Buy links: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BG24WRN https://encirclepub.com/product/trojanhorse/  Welcome to the Coffee Chat, Booklovers! After a devastating storm last week, you couldn’t ask for better weather in the Midwest today. I hope you’ll join me on the deck for coffee (or your favorite drink) and for book talk with author Gayle M. Irwin, bringing us her featured clean contemporary romance novella, Finding Love at Compassion Ranch. Good morning, Gayle. How do you take your coffee? GMI: 2 tsps of sugar and three big drops of Chocolate Creamer! Ally: Coming right up. While I prepare our mugs, pleasure introduce yourself to readers.  Bio: Gayle M. Irwin is an award-winning author and freelance writer, being recognized by Wyoming Writers, Inc., and the Wyoming Press Association for several of her works. She’s contributed short stories to seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books and authors inspirational pet books for children and adults. Her works include two clean, contemporary western romance books, part of a continuing series called Pet Rescue Romance. She’s also written several pet books for children that subtly weaves life lessons, including courage, perseverance, and the importance of pet rescue and adoption. An animal advocate, she volunteers for various dog rescue and humane society organizations and donates a percentage of all book sales to such groups. Ally: Tell me something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “My husband and I own six acres of mountain land with a one-bedroom cabin. We travel there most summer weekends and sometimes drive there for dinner on weeknights (it’s located only 20 minutes from our home). I’ve created many stories and freelance articles there, including a children’s nature book called Cody’s Cabin: Life in a Pine Forest.” Learn more about this Wyoming writer by visiting her at these Author Contacts: Website/Blog: www.gaylemirwinauthor.com Goodreads INTERVIEW: Ally: What do you find most rewarding about a writing career? Most negative or frustrating? GMI: I have enjoyed writing since I was young. I started writing screenplays and fan fiction based on television shows I enjoyed. I dabbled in poetry and short stories as a young woman and while in college, I studied journalism. I love seeing an idea come to life as a story, and I enjoy meeting other writers and sharing works with them. Two things frustrate me about being a writer: 1. Technology not working correctly and 2. Breaking into a new market, especially when I have an article I’d like to get published and trying to find a magazine editor for the story. Ally: Do you write with a theme or message in mind? GMI: I write stories that weave life and faith lessons, such as courage, perseverance, friendship, and love. Because I’m a pet rescue and adoption advocate, I also like to include information on that topic, in hopes of encouraging people to adopt and help rescue organizations. For children, I want to encourage them to 1. Get outdoors more and spend time in nature and 2. Find strength and self-confidence and treat others with kindness. Ally: What's the best writing/marketing advice you can pass on to other writers? GMI: Be teachable. We can learn from other writers, from editors, and from book marketing professionals. I’ve listened to many podcasts and webinars, attended conferences, and networked online and in person, and I find there’s always something to learn from others in the writing and marketing professions. Plus, try new things. I’ve started to learn Pinterest for book marketing, and it’s also a way to share my passion for pets. Ally: Which of your books is your personal favorite? Why? GMI: My first pet rescue romance, Rescue Road. The book’s setting is southwestern Montana, where I lived for nearly 12 years. I love the area, and I love my story about a woman who desires to create an animal sanctuary. She also transports animals into rescue and to their new, adoptive homes. I sometimes transport dogs for rescue groups, and I enjoy being part of that network. Through the story, I educate people on rescue organizations and the “village” it takes to help companion animals. Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date? GMI: In the Shadow of Mount Moran, Book 3 of my Pet Rescue Romance series; November 16, 2020 Ally: I’m curious to see which short answers questions you chose. GMI:
 Finding Love at Compassion Ranch Genre: Contemporary Romance novella Rating: Sweet/clean/PG A ranch like no other … Erin Christiansen is still adjusting to life as a widow. She seeks additional healing by volunteering at Compassion Ranch, a sanctuary for former research animals. Upon arrival at the majestic and unique northwestern Wyoming ranch, she meets Mike, a man she knew in high school, whose compassion for animals and people might be the balm Erin needs. Retired veterinarian Mike Jacobs is no stranger to loss. Five years after the accidental death of his wife, he now serves as ranch manager of Compassion Ranch. He not only fixes fence and provides tours, but he applies his veterinary skills and his heart for animals to his work. Upon recognizing Erin from high school, he can barely believe his first love will spend a few weeks at the sanctuary. Can Erin and Mike span the years since they have seen each other or do they, like many of the rescued animals, have wounds that run too deep to trust and love again? BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4SnahBz9Vc BOOK BUY LINKS: Amazon: Print: https://bit.ly/2XhZbq3_CompassionRanchPrint Kindle: https://amzn.to/2AM7sLk Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3gPw3zs Kobo: https://bit.ly/3cjFofs_Kobo  Welcome to the Coffee Chat! I love when Wednesday rolls around and we come together with coffee (or tea) to talk about books with another guest author. This week, join me in meeting M. S. Spencer with her featured romantic suspense/murder mystery, The Mason's Mark. Good morning, Meredith. How do you take your coffee? MSS: Black and strong! Ally: Perfect! While I pour, please introduce yourself to readers.  Bio: Although M. S. Spencer has lived or traveled in five continents, she spent thirty years in Washington, D.C. as a librarian, Congressional assistant, speechwriter, and non-profit director. She has two grown children and a perfect granddaughter. Ms. Spencer has published thirteen mystery/romantic suspense novels, and currently divides her time between the Gulf Coast of Florida and a tiny village in Maine. Something unique about yourself: “My family on both my father’s and my mother’s side have a long history in America. My father’s mother’s family were among the first settlers at Jamestown. On my mother’s side, my grandmother could trace her roots back to at least two passengers on the Mayflower. She didn’t feel she could count one of them, however—because, as the story goes—he fell overboard in Plymouth Harbor after a little too much celebrating!” Author contact links: Blog: https://msspencertalespinner.blogspot.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msspencermysteries Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/msspencerauthor GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/msspencer Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/msspencerauthor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msspencerauthor/ Linked in: www.linkedin.com/in/msspencerauthor Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-s-spencer INTERVIEW: Ally: What inspired you to write your featured book? MSS: Authors must do quite a bit of research for their books even when they know the subject well. The Mason's Mark is set in my former home town of Alexandria, Virginia at the George Washington National Masonic Memorial. A landmark of the Washington skyline, the building is not only a Masonic lodge, but a memorial to our first president. I began with the idea that my heroine would find a dead body on the ninth floor observation platform, with no rational explanation of how it got there. To ensure authenticity I set about Googling both freemasonry and George Washington, but my search soon led me into a strange world of global intrigue and crime. I followed one thread to a remarkable scam artist named Licio Gelli who set up a fake Masonic lodge called Propaganda Due to bilk suckers and politicians. How could I resist? I added him to the mysterious corpse. Googling on George Washington tossed up lots of fascinating scandal rumors. So now I had a body, a renegade Mason and scam artist, and long-lost George Washington letters. Voila! The Mason's Mark: Love and Death in the Tower, a contemporary tale about old scandals. And a dynamite love story. Ally: How did you get your first book or story published? MSS: I had written a murder mystery and had an agent helping me, when she decided she didn’t like being an agent. So the manuscript went into a drawer, where it stayed until my husband mistakenly threw it out. Back then I had no copies, so I started a new book. I was submitting it at a time (2007) when publishing was transitioning to on-line submissions. My first attempt took 6 weeks for the rejection slip to arrive. The second one drew an enthusiastic acquisitions editor, who didn’t accept it, but went through the whole manuscript with advice and recommendations. I counted myself very lucky. I made the changes, submitted the book, and was accepted in only a few weeks. Ally: Tell us about your reading habits. Favorite genres. Books read per month, year? Print or ebooks? Current favorites? MSS: I actually love international thrillers. James Rollins is my favorite. I’ve read most of his. I like David Baldacci, too. I do not like Patterson or Grisham—in my opinion they’re awful writers. I’m a big fan of the classic English mystery writers—Marsh, Christie, Sayers, Allingham. I don’t enjoy modern fiction—too many unlikeable characters and depressing plots so vague you’re not quite sure when the book is over. I read both paperbacks and ebooks. Hardbacks are too bulky. I don’t read as much when I’m writing, which is pretty much all the time now, but I usually take an hour a day to sit in the Florida sun and read someone else’s prose. Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date? MSS: I just signed the contract and am in the gentle hands of my editor for Mrs. Spinney’s Secret. It is a cozy murder mystery/romance set in Maine. With luck, it will be released this year. Here’s the story: What do you do when Hollywood wants to make a movie in your tiny Maine village? Cassidy Beauvoir, chairman of the board of overseers of Amity Landing, is ready to throw the bums out until she meets Jasper MacEwan, the director of American Waterloo: the Rout of the Penobscot Expedition. Their budding romance is threatened by a series of deadly incidents. Are they directed at the movie crew? Or is the target local Mainers? As the two search for answers, the trail leads them to long-held secrets of the worst naval defeat of the American Revolution—including betrayal, murder, and a lost hoard of English gold. Ally: Which of the short answer questions did you choose? MSS:
 The Mason's Mark: Love and Death in the Tower Genre: Romantic Suspense/Murder Mystery Rating: PG-13 In both the best and worst first day at work ever, docent Claire Wilding meets the man of her dreams, but her carefully rehearsed guided tour of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial falls apart when she discovers a dead body. Together with Detective Ernest Angle, she's drawn into a dark world of black ops and Italian renegade masons, of secret cabals and hidden treasure. Also cloaked in mystery is her new love Gideon Bliss. A George Washington expert, he haunts the Memorial, his manner evasive. What is his secret? Claire fears she'll fall in love with him only to learn he's a thief or even a murderer. Juggling two eccentric mothers, an inquisitive sister, and an increasingly smitten Ernest, Claire must find answers to a complex web of intrigue, including which black ops agent to trust, whether our first president strayed, and if she and Gideon will ever be together. Buy links: Books to Read The Wild Rose Press Barnes and Noble Amazon ITunes KOBO Indigo  Welcome, Booklovers! It’s Wednesday! Time to turn off the news, grab your coffee (or tea) cup, and join us for book talk. Our guest author is J.A. Dennam with her steamy, romantic suspense novel, Mercy of the Lawless. Good morning, Julie. How do you take your coffee? JAD: I prefer my coffee stout with heavy cream, but I drink it weak with a ¼ teaspoon of electrolyte drops and a dash of salt. My tummy thanks me for it, though I do treat myself to those occasional trips to Starbucks. Ally: When you have a magic coffee pot, no request is beyond us. While I prepare our drinks, please tell readers something about yourself.  Bio: Award winning author J.A. DENNAM resides in a small Kansas town with her husband and children. Creativity is her strong suit having nurtured a career as a western artist and graphic artist. Storytelling, however, has been a part of her life since childhood. At six years old, insomnia forced her to endure many long, sleepless nights staring at the ceiling. After confessing her problem to her older sister, the two of them decided to tell each other stories to entice sleep; however, the inevitable snore always tore through her sister’s nose before she could utter the words Once Upon a Time. So the stories began to flow in silence, her imagination taking her to quiet, private places so enthralling, the sudden trick was to stay awake. Those habits carried on to adulthood until the need to purge her stories demanded she put them in print. Her fascination with romance, fast cars, and adventure films is what structures her novels today. Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “I ride a tricked out 2006 Victory Vegas Jackpot.” (aka motorcycle) Author Contacts: Website: http://jadennam.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/jadennamauthor/ Twitter: @JADennam Instagram: ja_dennam Goodreads: J.A. Dennam INTERVIEW: Ally: When did you first know you wanted to be a writer? What influenced that decision? JAD: It was spring of 2001. I had a story in my head that had been festering there for 3 years. I complained about it to my mother who advised me that I should purge it onto paper...and let her read it as I went, of course. Just for fun, I followed her advice and ended up writing my first novel, Flesh of Angels. When it was done, I was exhausted, elated, and totally in love with writing. The thought of calling myself a novelist was surreal but amazingly true. That first book is my baby. The hero in that story will always be my favorite book love, because out of the dozen I’ve written since then, he is truly worthy. Ally: Which of your books is your personal favorite? Why? JAD: It’s a tie between Truth and Humility (contemporary) and Mercy of the Lawless (the historical prequel). There is something more unique in these stories, a potent magic between the main characters that stands out among the others. Ally: What’s the most meaningful thing a fan has said about your book? JAD: “I LAUGHED! I CRIED! AND I NEVER CRY!!” Goodreads review of Truth and Humility, and yes, it was in all caps. :) Ally: Do you write on a desktop, laptop or on paper? Why? Does it make a difference whether it’s a first or last draft? JAD: I used to write on my laptop, but I have recently purchased an iPad with a keyboard. That thing is so portable I can whip it out of my purse and fire away whenever the thought strikes. No more having to jot ideas or paragraphs down in the notes app on my phone. While that was handy because of the communication between my phone and laptop (which is clunky and usually at home) I had a chronic case of clumsy thumbs and would later need to decode all the garbeldy-gook. Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date? JAD: I’m in the second stage of editing my latest contemporary romantic suspense novel, Whippoorwill Hill. I do plan to pitch this to Sourcebooks, so that will determine the release date. The thing I love about self-publishing, though, is that I have complete control over everything. EVERYTHING. Mwa-ah-ah-ah-aaaaaaah… ALLY: Which of the quick questions did you choose to answer? JAD:
 Mercy of the Lawless (A Captive Series Prequel) Genre: historical/western/romantic suspense Rating: 4-5 (18+ mature readers only) Headed toward a lavish future, traveling bride-to-be, Jenny Bennett, is kidnapped by ruthless outlaws and falls in love with the most compelling and dangerous one of them all, only to discover he may be her father’s killer. Tucker Cahill is an undercover Pinkerton Agent on a mission to capture an elusive outlaw who has information about the events surrounding his own father’s murder. Everything changes when Jenny falls under his protection, compromising his mission, his integrity, and his heart. BUY LINKS: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mercy-Lawless-Captive-J-Dennam-ebook/dp/B086JDVZGQ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mercy-of-the-lawless-ja-dennam/1137157907;jsessionid=76B7041857C1772741902343DE4D0A4D.prodny_store01-atgap07?ean=2940164300555 Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1517651901 Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/mercy-of-the-lawless  Good Morning, Booklovers! Welcome to the Coffee Chat. This week’s guest author if Kat Jorgensen, with her cozy mystery. Nice to have you visit the blog, Kat. What may I get you to drink? KJ: I had to give up both coffee and tea. Boo. Now my drink of choice is water. Boring but true. Ally: We always have bottled water. While I get our drinks, please introduce yourself to readers.  Bio: Kat Jorgensen is the mother of three adult children and three grandchildren. She lives in Richmond, VA with her two handsome black cats, Sam and Milo. When she’s not writing, she pursues her love of knitting. Her book stash and her yarn stash compete for space in her home. Something unique or unusual about you: “Not really unique, but I’m allergic to dairy. Not lactose intolerant, but a real allergy complete with wheezing and all of the other nasty side-effects. It makes life challenging.” Author Contacts: Website: www.katjorgensenauthor.com Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Kat-Jorgensen/e/B0060ZHHI2?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1592150269&sr=8-1 BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/search/authors?search=Kat%20Jorgensen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katjorgensenauthor/notifications/ Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Kat-Jorgensen/e/B0060ZHHI2?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1592756980&sr=8-1 Newsletter sign up: https://katjorgensenauthor.com INTERVIEW: Ally: When did you first know you wanted to be a writer? What influenced that decision? KJ: I wanted to be a writer from the very first time someone read a story to me. Words were magic. They could make you laugh or cry. They could soothe you or cause you to feel a wide array of emotions. Books were like good friends. They never let you down. As a child, I entertained my friends and family with my stories. And I’m still doing it as an adult. Best job ever! Ally: Do the people in your real life show up in your writing? In what way? KJ: People are so interesting. The characters I write about are, of course, totally fictional. I borrow from real people. A trait from someone here. A look there. Mannerisms. Things said. Nothing, and no one, is safe. Friends and family are given fair warning. What I find really interesting is when someone who knows me picks out a character and swears they know who it is based on. All of my children thought the Granddad character, with all of his lectures, was modeled after their dad. But he wasn’t. He’s actually very loosely based on my own father. My sweet husband thought the sexy male leads were modeled after him. Sorry. That wasn’t true either. Higgins, the cat in my series, is a composite of all of the cats I’ve ever had in my life. And Becca is a lot like me. I just exaggerate qualities for entertainment purposes. Ally: What's the best writing/marketing advice you can pass on to other writers? KJ: Best writing advice is to find something that interests you and write about it. And keep writing. Write every day. If you’re serious about your writing, treat it like a job and not a hobby. Read a lot. Across all genres. Take writing classes. Study your craft. Always keep learning. No matter how much we think we know, we can always learn more. I’m still learning about marketing. But one great tip is to never spend more on advertising than you can afford to lose. That comes from Mark Dawson. I think it’s great advice. Ads might work. And they might not. So have a monthly advertising budget and keep to it until you know what’s working and what’s not before you adjust your budget to spend more. Ally: What’s the most meaningful thing a fan has said about your book? KJ: I have the best readers. Many take the time to write to me. And that makes me feel great. My first goal as a writer is to entertain the reader. If I’ve done that, I feel like I’ve done my job. Two memorable things stick out in my mind. The first was when a reader told me my book, Your Eight O’clock is Dead, reminded her of Janet Evanovich’s writing. She found it laugh out loud funny. The second one was from a reader who wrote me after surviving a particularly bumpy plane trip. The massive turbulence had frightened her, but she read my book during the flight, and it got her mind off of her fears. Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date? KJ: My next writing project is Your Lights are Out, book #3 in the River City Mysteries. Instead of presents under the office Christmas tree, amateur sleuth Becca Reynolds discovers the very dead body of one of the doctors she works for. One end of a strand of holiday mini-lights is tightly encircling the psychiatrist’s neck and the other end is peacefully resting between her grandfather’s cranky cat’s paws. The book will be out this July. I had a lot of fun writing this one. Ally: Which of the quick questions did you choose to answer? KJ:
 Your Eight O’Clock Is Dead (River City Mystery #1) Genre: Cozy mystery with romantic elements Becca Reynolds is having a bad day. Her grandfather's lecture (#405: Eat a Healthy Diet or Die Not Trying) makes her late for her job at Daley & Palmer, the psychiatric group where she works as office manager – her title not theirs. But she knows her day has taken a really bad turn when she finds the firm's eight o'clock patient dead with Dr. Daley's letter opener opening the patient instead of the mail. With the fledgling firm in danger of an early demise, Becca appoints herself the unofficial investigator since the police seem to be looking in all the wrong places. The case takes Becca from the sordid depths of the Russian mafia to the upscale West End of Richmond, Virginia (known locally as River City) and even to her own back yard. In the course of the investigation, she finds herself in hot water, hot danger and with dreams of hot men. Buy Links: UBL: https://books2read.com/eightoclock (available at Amazon, BN, Apple, Kobo and more)  Welcome to the Coffee Chat! Today’s guest author is Nupur Tustin with her featured psychic amateur sleuth Celine Skye book #1. Good Morning, Nupur. How do you take your coffee? NT: Thanks for the offer. I’d love a cup with a dash of creamer. Ally: That’s a simple request. While I pour, please introduce yourself to readers.  Bio: A former journalist, Nupur Tustin misuses a Ph.D. in Communication and an M.A. in English to paint intrigue. She also orchestrates mayhem in composer Joseph Haydn’s Europe. Along the way she trained as a journalist, worked for CNBC and Reuters, and did some freelance writing, selling travel articles and short stories as an English grad at UConn. Something unique/unusual about yourself: “While researching the Celine Skye Psychic Mysteries, I realized I might be a “bit psychic,” to quote Daphne Moon from Frasier, the comedy show. To be honest, we all are. I have something called claircognizance—meaning, I just know stuff. I knew both my kids’ kindergarten teachers were pregnant before they made the announcement. When a friend told us she was leaving her job, I knew—before she confided the reason to my husband—exactly what prompted that decision. But with a little bit of practice I can do more. One time I texted my husband asking if a colleague of his had dropped by to see him. “He hasn’t and I wasn’t expecting him to,” was my husband’s puzzled reply. “Well, when he does,” I texted back, “could you let me know if he’s wearing blue?” A few minutes later, my husband texted to confirm what I’d already seen in my mind’s eye.” Author Contacts: Website: https://ntustin.com Giveaway: https://ntustin.com/giveaway/ (Two Books for the Price of One) Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ntustinauthor Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nupur-tustin Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/nupurtustin INTERVIEW: Ally: What inspired you to write your featured book? NT: Shortly after my parents died, I began meditating, and I recalled a book that my father had enjoyed very much. It was Jose Silva’s The Silva Mind Control Method. I ordered a copy and began re-reading it and noticed that the protagonist of the television series, Psych, uses many of the same methods Silva advocates. I also began to pay more attention to my intuition and to realize that we do best when we pay attention to that inner voice within us—even when it contradicts logic or what friends and family say. So, I knew I wanted a psychic protagonist and I knew that she gets involved in solving crimes because her boss was murdered. But I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why he’d been murdered. Something to do with his past, of course. But what exactly? Then, as luck would have it, we visited the Getty and I fell in love with Canaletto, an Italian view painter. And I learned about the Gardner Museum heist. Voila, I had my story! Why not have a psychic take on the Gardner Museum heist? The theft’s eluded experts for decades. Maybe a psychic could help understand what happened and recover the art. Ally: What do you find most rewarding about a writing career? Most negative or frustrating? NT: What’s lovely about this career is that reading mysteries and watching them on television can be construed as research. The actual writing and concocting a plot is always enjoyable. And it’s wonderful to be able to stay home with my three kids and to help them with their education. The kids and I write stories together, too! Ally: Do you write with a theme or message in mind? NT: No, but that’s not to say that a theme doesn’t emerge as I start writing. Often the theme will be voiced in my title. I can’t elaborate very much on the title, Master of Illusion, but when you read the book you’ll notice the title is very apt and it speaks to both a specific artistic issue as well as a broader theme. Ally: What’s the most meaningful thing a fan has said about your book? NT: Because of the pandemic and homeschooling, I wasn’t planning on having a new release this year. I figured with all the worry the pandemic has engendered, no one wanted to read. Meanwhile, I was reading: Iain Pears’ art history mystery books, Aaron Elkins’ art mystery series, Murder, She Wrote, and some romantic suspense authors, Jayne Anne Krentz and Heather Graham. Then a fan wrote asking me when my next title would be released. He and his wife had devoured the first three books I’ve written. Would there be any more? And I realized that we writers help enormously by taking people’s minds off the stressful times that beset them. Now, during the pandemic, good books are more relevant than ever before. So, I’m releasing not one, but two books in the Celine Skye series: the bestselling new release, Master of Illusion and the prequel, Visions of Murder. (Ally NOTE: Readers can get both books for $2.99 until July 27, 2020. The details are here: https://ntustin.com/giveaway/) Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date? NY: I’m starting work on the next title in the Celine Skye Psychic Mysteries. I haven’t thought of a title yet. It’ll come to me, though. And then it’s back to the Joseph Haydn Series for The Mozart Connection where Leopold Mozart is accused of murder and Haydn is roped in to find the truth. Ally: Which of the quick questions did you choose to answer? NT:
 Master of Illusion (Celine Skye series) Genre: amateur sleuth psychic mystery When death arrives in Paso Robles, so do clues to an infamous art heist in Boston. . . For seven years, psychic Celine Skye has led a life free of visions in quiet Paso Robles. But now the visions are back. Along with a dubious customer from Boston. Celine has always been able to sense death. But not even she can foresee her employer Dirck’s murder. Finding his corpse in the wine bar he owns is bad enough. Grappling with the suspicion that Dirck’s death could be connected with the Gardner Museum heist is even worse. As Celine struggles to make sense of the psychic clues she receives, there’s just one question in her mind: What exactly did Dirck know about the Gardner Museum heist to get himself killed? Buy Links: Kindle: https://ntustin.com/Master-Kindle Apple: https://ntustin.com/Master-Apple Nook: https://ntustin.com/Master-Nook Kobo https://ntustin.com/Master-Kobo  Prequel to the Celine Skye series Get both books for $2.99 until July 27, 2020. Check here: https://ntustin.com/giveaway/) Welcome to the Coffee Chat! And welcome to this week’s guest author, Jackie Layton with her featured cozy mystery and new release, Dog-Gone Dead (A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery). Good morning, Jackie! How do you take your coffee? JL: I add flavored creamer to my coffee. My favorite is Snickers creamer and my next favorite is Natural Bliss Sweet Creamer. Ally: We’re all for favorites here, so one coffee with Snickers creamer coming right up. While I pour, please introduce yourself to readers.  Bio: I’m married and have two grown sons who both married wonderful women. I have three grandkids and one is on the way. Most of my life I’ve been a full-time pharmacist. When we moved to South Carolina for my husband’s job, I dropped down to part-time. I’ve loved the opportunity to spend more time writing. Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “As a child I read Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, Hardy Boys mysteries, and Scooby Doo comic books. Three of my best friends and I also read The Three Investigators, which followed three boys in California as they solved mysteries. We decided to form The Four Investigators and even created business cards to advertise our detective business. In case you’re wondering how old we were, the answer is fourth grade.” Author Contacts: https://jackielaytoncozyauthor.com/ http://jackiesbackporch.blogspot.com Twitter: @Joyfuljel https://www.facebook.com/JackieLaytonAuthor https://www.facebook.com/Joyfuljel https://www.pinterest.com/jackielaytonauthor https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jackie+layton+author+page&ref=nb_sb_noss https://www.pinterest.com/jackielaytonauthor/boards/ https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=jackie+layton+&search_type=books&search%5Bfield%5D=author INTERVIEW: Ally: Do you know the book’s ending before you start writing? How specific is it? Does it ever change? JL: This is a fun question. I usually think I know the ending when I start. As I write the story, my characters reveal themselves. More than once I discover it makes more sense for somebody else to have committed the murder. Ally: What is your favorite social media? Why? JL: I adore Pinterest. It’s so fun and inspires my creativity. I also have secret boards on Pinterest, and I use these boards to help me keep my facts straight. If I forget the color or make of a vehicle, I look it up on my secret board. It also helps me to remember longer after seeing it. Ally: Do you prefer to read standalones or series books? Is it the same for writing? JL: I prefer to read and write series. It’s fun to watch the main character grow and to get to know secondary characters better. Ally: Do you write on a desktop, laptop or on paper? Why? Does it make a difference whether it’s a first or last draft? JL: I always write on my laptop. I draw sketches of the town and the sleuth’s home, and I make a diagram of the victim and suspects. Otherwise, everything else is done on my laptop. Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date? JL: The third book in A Low Country Dog Walking mystery series is Bag of Bones and should come out this fall. Ally: Which of the quick questions did you choose to answer? JL:
 Dog-Gone Dead (A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery #2) Genre: cozy mystery Rating: PG Who’d have thought mulch could cause such a stink? Low Country dog walker Andi Grace Scott is happy to score some free mulch from one of her brother’s landscaping jobs—until she discovers the dead body buried beneath the bark. Worse, her brother’s landscaping tools were used to commit the murder. Once the police arrest her brother and seem happy to have “caught their man,” Andi Grace has no choice but to track down the real killer. She’ll risk everything to prove her brother’s innocence. Even if it means turning over every rock in town. If you love small-town coastal life, dogs, and strong heroines, you’ll love Dog-Gone Dead. Buy Links: Amazon: https://amzn.to/2AGWF4N Kobo: https://tinyurl.com/ybo4pr8t Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/ycf7765c Google: https://tinyurl.com/y8u6sf45 Apple: https://tinyurl.com/ycyjno6b  Bite the Dust (Book #1 in the Low Country Dog Walker Mystery series) Secrets can be deadly. One steamy South Carolina morning, Low Country dog walker Andi Grace Scott discovers a client’s dead body. Police quickly decide she’s the prime suspect. Horrified, she knows she’ll have to turn detective if she’s going to convince them they’re barking up the wrong tree. Proving her innocence could be a tall order. The local police never solved the hit-and-run that killed her parents; Andi Grace isn’t sure they’ll solve this crime either…not when they have a convenient suspect—one caught with the possible murder weapon in her hand. She’ll have to follow every clue and call in every favor, even if that puts her in danger. |
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