Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Interview and Giveaway for "Murder in Marietta" by Deborah Malone

Congratulations to Susan
Winner of "Murder in Mareitta"
 

Hi. This may be a first, but I'm going to interview myself and offer a giveaway of my new book "Murder in Marietta" the second book in the Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Series. Just follow the instructions at the end of the post and I'll enter you in the giveaway. Thank you for stopping by!


Can you give us a sneak peek at your new release “Murder in Marietta?”
     Trixie and Dee Dee head off to Marietta, Georgia for another assignment. They visit the Marietta History Museum where they spend the night to see if they can sight the resident ghosts. Sometime during the night a murder takes place in the museum and the director, Doc Pennington, is put on the suspect list. He asks Trixie and Dee Dee to help him find the real killer. Nana takes a larger role in this book and she won’t disappoint you with her antics.  All of this together makes a recipe for murder and mayhem.
What inspired this book?
     I’ve always loved to read so I think it was natural that I’d transition into writing. Mysteries have been my genre of choice since I was a young girl and loved to read Nancy Drew.  Cozy mysteries are one of my favorites and Ann George has been a big influence on my writing. As for writing Christian Fiction – Margaret Daley’s books were a big influence.
How did you know you were called to write?
     I’ve always wanted to write, but while I was writing my manuscript I wrote it as a secular book. While I was writing it I was thinking I’d like to write it in a manner that wouldn’t be offensive. I didn’t even know there was such a thing as “Christian fiction.” I had finished the manuscript when I read one of Margaret Daley’s books and went to her website where I ‘discovered’ Christian fiction. I couldn’t get enough. I joined ACFW and began to study how other writers wrote their books. I went back and rewrote my manuscript as Christian fiction.  
Are you a panster or do you outline?
     I’m definitely a panster. I have a general outline on how I want the manuscript to progress, but that’s it. Then I might do a general outline for each chapter, but none of it is done in detail. Now after I’ve written a chapter I will go in Microsoft One Note and detail the chapter so I can keep up with my characters, timeline, setting, etc.
How long have you been writing?
     I started writing seriously in 2001 when I started writing for “Georgia Backroads” a historical magazine. I am still writing for them. I started on my book in 2002, but life got in the way and so I came back to it around 2009/10. 
Tell us something silly about you.
     My friends and family could probably answer this better than me. The one thing I can think about is that I love to sing – but I can’t carry a tune in a bucket. So I sing in the car with the windows rolled up and the radio/CD’s going to cover up my singing. 
What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
     There aren’t any deep messages in “Murder in Marietta, but there is a theme of forgiveness and faith. For the most part I hope I make someone laugh and take them away from the stresses of real life for just a while. I want them to have some laugh out loud moments 
What is your favorite season?
     Spring 
What project are you currently working on?
     I’m working on the third book in the Trixie Montgomery series. Trixie and Dee Dee along with Nana and Trixie’s mama Betty Jo have gone to Savannah/Tybee Island, Georgia for a vacation. Of course they are going to have to help someone find a killer. 
What has been your most challenging experience writing a book?
     I don’t think I can list just oneJ  Learning the craft/rules of writing was a big curve for me. Then there is the editing. Then there is submitting to publishers. And then when you are finally published you think you are home free – not! Then there is the marketing. It seems there are always new challenges to learn in writing and publishing a book. 
What is your favorite color?
     Blue
 What is a fond childhood memory?
     I have many fond memories, but one that stands out is when my grandmother bought me a horse. My parents weren’t able to afford one so she chipped in to help and one Christmas they surprised me. Boy was I surprised.
What book are you currently reading?
     I just finished “Honored Redeemed” by Loree Lough. 
Links for books: www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com 
Links where you can find Deborah:
Bio: Deborah Malone’s first novel Death in Dahlonega, finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Category Five writing contest! Deborah was also nominated for 2012 Georgia Author of the Year in First Novel category. She has worked as a freelance writer and photographer, for the historic magazine “Georgia Backroads.” She has had many articles and photographs published, and her writing is featured in “Tales of the Rails,” edited by Olin Jackson. She is a member of the Georgia Writer’s Association. As a current member of the American Christian Fiction Writer she has established a blog where she reviews Christian Fiction.  
TO BE ENTERED IN THE GIVEAWAY:
1) BE A FOLLOWER OR SIGN UP AS A FOLLOWER
2) SIGN UP TO RECEIVE POSTS BY EMAIL
3) LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
4) LET US KNOW IF YOU'VE READ A COZY MYSTERY BEFORE
THIS POST WILL BE UP FOR A WEEK!
HAPPY READING!



20 comments:

  1. The book sounds great! I loved Nancy Drew growing up. I love there name.(Montgomery). I have not read your books yet Deb but would love to thanks for the chance to win one.
    Blessings,
    joeym11@frontier.com

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    1. Hi Diana,
      Thanks for stopping by. I loved Nancy Drew, too and I think I read all of her books. I found some at Books a Million not long ago and had to buy one! It brought back so many memories. If you don't win, please check me out on amazon.com:)

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  2. Yes, I've read cozy mysteries before and love them. I'm so thankful to have found this blog and looking forward to hearing more. Blessings, Susan Fryman susanngarrylee@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi Susan,
      We are thankful you found our blog, too and hope you make many more stops.
      Debbie

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  3. I've never read a cozy mystery but this series interests me since I lived in Georgia for ten years. Spent time in Marietta and Dahlonega. Many small towns in Georgia that would make great settings for the series--Decatur and Millegeville come to mind.
    Wes
    campruston@gmail.com

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    1. Hi Wesley,
      So glad you stopped by. Yes, Georgia makes a great place for small town settings. My next book will be set on Tybee Island. Thanks for stopping by!
      Debbie

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  4. Can I enter? Please? And I've already done 1 and 2, obviously.

    The mystery sounds great, and I'd love to read it. (I'm disappointed my library didn't take me up on the suggestion of getting your previous book.)

    I've read two different definitions of cozies, one of which is more general and includes the classic authors like Agatha Christie, Ellery Queen, Earl Stanley Gardner, and Rex Stout; the other is a little more narrow. Whichever definition you use, the answer's yes. Last month I read a great cozy "Murder in Hum Harbour" by Jayne Self (if it sounds familiar, I was giving away a Jayne Self book in last week's blog). In fact, cozy mysteries (taking the general definition) are my favorite books. If I want to relax and enjoy a novel, I get a cozy mystery or I'll put in a Poirot video.

    Now, the last step to qualify: my addy is mendingnets at yahoo dot com

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    1. Hi Jeff,
      Of course you can enter! I love cozies just for that reason - you can relax while you read. I hope that is what my readers feel while they are reading - plus have a few laughs. I don't have a library congress number so libraries can't get my book:( Thank you for asking about it though! Thanks for being interested in Trixie!
      Debbie

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  5. Deborah, I'm already a follower. I have read a number of cozy mysteries and I really like them. Virginia Smith has written some of the ones I've read. And I have your book Death in Dahlonega. annknowles03@aol.com or see my Web site at http://writepathway.com

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    1. Hi Ann,
      Good to see you. I hope you like "Death in Dahlonega." "Murder in Marietta" has the same characters. Thanks so much for stopping by.
      Debbie

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  6. I love Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden. I'm a big fan of mysteries and have read cozy ones. Your book sounds great! shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi Veronica,
      Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I'm glad you found our site. We have lots of good reviews and interview on Sleuths and Suspects. Please stop by often.
      Debbie

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  7. Love the idea of interviewing yourself! I would love to win Death In Dahlonega! It's been on my To Be Bought list for a month now. If I don't win it, now that Christmas buying is over, I'll head over to Amazon! (Plus I received a $25 Amazon gift card)

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    1. Hi Pat,
      Thanks for stopping by. I wish I could give everyone a copy, but just not possible. Please let me know how you like it!
      Debbie

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  8. Sounds like a great book! I would definitely be interested in winning a copy :)

    You can e-mail me here: http://www.bodyandsoulpublishing.com/contact

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  9. Hi Shelley,
    Thanks for stopping by. We are friends on facebook and I see your name all the time. I just saw where you have a book out about finding free books - a book I'd be interested in. Thanks again,
    Debbie

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  10. I am a follower and I get your email. I have not read a Cozy Mystery book yet.
    Wendy
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

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    1. Wendy,

      I couldn't resist, but to me it's amusing that Miss Marple hasn't read a Cozy Mystery! I wonder if Hercule Poirot has.

      Jeff

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    2. It took me a minute to figure this one out Jeff, but you are a funny guy!

      Debbie

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  11. I am a follower! I do receive emails from you and am definitely a cozy mystery reader.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

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