Interview with Jen Dodrill

Author bio:

Jen Dodrill is living out her dreams on the pages of her books, bringing readers compelling stories of inspiration and hope for good times and bad. 

Her family-focused novels depict her values of cooperation, connection, compassion, and community, demonstrating the importance of helping one another brave the waves of the world together. 

As a mother of five, family life and travels have left her with decades of stories to tell, and she cherishes the time she has now to tell them, in between her honored role as Grandma, her passion for reading, and her adoration of all things coffee. 

Her first book, Birds Alive! An Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery was released in 2024. Book #2 in the series, Where’s the Quetzal, was released February 25, 2025. Book #3, No Egrets, will be published in 2026. Jen has co-authored a novella collection, Trinity Sands Beach Club, with Deborah Sprinkle and Sharon H. Carpenter. It released June 17, 2025.

Interview:

What is your latest release?

Trinity Sands Beach Club novella collection, the first in the Second Chances: Romance & Mysteries series, just came out June 17^th! My writing friends Deborah Sprinkle, Sharon Carpenter, and I got together and “invented” an island just off the coast of Destin, Florida – Trinity Sands Island. Then, we each wrote a romantic suspense novella set on the island.

We had a lot of fun. We all live within 30 minutes of each other, so occasionally we met for lunch (more like 4-hour visits!), but usually we Zoomed. We critiqued each other's work and worked out details involving characters we all had in common – the grocery store owner, the police, and the lady who cleaned. Those little details matter to readers, and they mattered to us.

What’s really exciting to me is that our characters are all women and men of a certain age, 50+. We need more books written with older characters!

This was my first novella collection, but we’ve received the green light to write another one. It is scheduled for release in the fall of 2026, so be watching for Bedlam in Bridal Falls!

What do you enjoy most about writing books?

I love the creative aspect where I come up with an idea and then it morphs into a real book. That sounds like it’s easy, but it’s not. I love seeing God using my imagination in one part of the book, and then it ties into another part in a way I never saw coming.

Another favorite thing about writing books is meeting other writers and encouraging them. It’s such a reciprocal relationship!

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

Definitely a pantser. I tried plotting for my 3^rd cozy mystery, and it just didn’t work out. I’ve listened to many plotters explain how to do it, and I understand that part. It just simply won’t work for me. I do use beat sheets to keep me on track of what should happen where. They’re very helpful, especially in the saggy middle part.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Seek out writers online or in your area. They don’t have to write the same thing as you do. Find some accountability with them, or even better, a critique group. Attend conferences – preferably in person. There is nothing like meeting other writers in person! You don’t have to start with the bigger, more expensive ones. Just look for some classes that will help you and dig in.

This spring, I was way behind on writing my 3^rd cozy. I mean, way behind! For a bit over two weeks, I committed to writing 2k words a day, and I did it! I told my husband and my kids, and then I made it happen. Sometimes I had to go back to the computer after dinner, but it got done. What I’m saying is you truly have to write your book. ;)

Blurb: 

What do a widow, a newly divorced woman, and a retired professor of art history have in common?

They all came to Trinity Sands Island to find a simple life without any entanglements. But instead, they are each confronted with a mystery and another chance at romance. Will they be brave enough to face the possible dangers of solving a mystery and losing their hearts?

This collection includes three novellas:

“Trinity Sands Treasure Hunt” by Sharon Carpenter—Retired art professor Claire Anderson inherited all of her uncle’s worldly goods. Arriving at his Trinity Sands Beach Club bungalow, she faces the daunting task of sorting through the boxes and bags that he left behind.

When someone tries to break in and steal seemingly worthless items, Claire calls Chief of Security, Ben Hastings and sparks fly. Claire and Ben realize all is not as it seems when they set out to discover who is targeting the house.

In their search for answers, will the attraction between Claire and Ben deepen into real treasure?

“SeaBreeze Obsession” by Jen Dodrill—Newly single Karah Halyard returns to her beach cottage and starts “SeaBreeze Designs,” a business specializing in beach decor. But beneath the tentative peace of her life, unresolved feelings stir as she considers reconciling with her ex-husband, Gage, who is in town doing research. When a secret admirer confronts her on the beach, Karah defends herself and runs. That night, he’s found dead. As she and Gage face a murder investigation, they must confront their past and unravel the mystery of the real killer.

Can they solve the crime and reconcile their fractured relationship?

“Searching for Serenity” by Deborah Sprinkle—Grace Caldwell hasn’t been to their beach house since her husband passed away three years ago. Her grief has kept her from moving forward with her life. But, when a letter arrives from her friend, Serenity James, saying something strange is going on at the Beach Club, Grace decides it’s time to head south. However, when she arrives, Serenity has disappeared, and no one knows where she is. Detective Peter Young gets involved and, as Grace and he work together, a mutual attraction blossoms—one that takes Grace by surprise.

Will Grace find love again while solving the mystery behind Serenity’s disappearance?

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Trinity-Sands-Beach-Club-Dodrill-ebook/dp/B0F89NL3CT/ref=sr_1_1

Social media links:

For more information about Jen, her books, writing tips, and author interviews, check out her blog: https://jendodrillwrites.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendodrillwrites/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenDodrillWrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jen-Dodrill/author/B0CSDW3CHR

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47887511.Jen_Dodrill

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-dodrill

Interview with Gina Holder

 

This month, I interviewed Gina Holder.

Bio: Gina Holder is an indie author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.             

 

How many books have you written?

I have written eleven books since 2015. One historical missionary drama, a romantic suspense trilogy, two cozy mysteries, one suspense novella, three children’s books, and the first book in a new romantic suspense series releasing in June with Scrivenings Press.

What do you enjoy most about writing books?

I’ve been creating imaginary worlds and telling stories as far back as I can remember. My favorite part of writing books has to be creating something that entertains readers and inspires them in their walk with God. The greatest blessing I have ever received is a note from a reader sharing how God used my book to touch their heart and change their life.

What is your latest release?

My latest release is Home Baked Bribery, book 2 of my Addie Masters Mysteries. Home Baked Bribery is a cozy mystery set in a coastal town in Massachusetts and centered on a local baking competition where a guest celebrity judge dies suddenly of what appears to be anaphylactic shock. Full of lovable pets and quirky characters,

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I am a 100% pantser. I have some general idea how I want a story to go—I’ve fleshed out my characters, and I see a few vital scenes in my head that I need to aim for, but otherwise, I just start typing and see what happens.

 

 

Blurb: The annual Rockport bake sale and competition is underway. The stakes are higher than ever for the coveted Golden Whisk Award when a high-profile celebrity chef is brought in as a surprise guest judge.

The competition takes a deadly turn when the celebrity suffers an allergic reaction.

When Addie’s nemesis, Kennedy Graves is banned from the competition for using almond extract, Addie volunteers to prove Kennedy innocent. As Addie investigates the death, she learns each of the local bakers had a motive to dislike the celebrity. But did one of them kill him?

Meanwhile, hundred-year-old twins, Poppy and Marigold, keep Addie hopping, looking for their missing dogs.

Will Addie be able to uncover the truth behind the celebrity judge’s death, or will she become the next victim of the mysterious shenanigans going on in Rockport?

 

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Baked-Bribery-Addie-Masters-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0DJSJ3HC9

 

Gina’s social media links: 

http://amazon.com/author/ginaholder

http://storiesbygina.com (website and blog)

http://facebook.com/storiesbygina

http://twitter.com/storiesbygina

http://instagram.com/storiesbygina

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gina-holder

Review of Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Janice Thompson's "Barking Up the Wrong Tree" is a cute cozy mystery with a touch of romance.

I chose to read this book from NetGalley because I enjoyed the Weddings by Bella series by the same author.

This third book in the Gone to the Dogs series is set in Texas, and the mystery centers around a stolen show dog named Remington. The majority of the cast of characters work at a veterinarian's office. The book kept me guessing until the end. Thompson does a great job with red herrings, characterization, and voice.

While this is the third book in a series, it can be read alone. I hadn't read the other books in the series but am interested in reading them.

One thing I appreciate about Thompson's books are that they are all very upbeat. Also, Thompson included a recipe at the end of the book.

This book would appeal to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, romance, and/or are dog lovers or whose hobbies include pet rescue, which is a dominant topic in the book.

I obtained a free copy of this book from NetGalley, but I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Interview with Author Michelle L. Levigne

Please welcome today's guest, Author Michelle L. Levigne. Her new cozy mystery, The Unwelcome Wagon, came out April 1, 2022. I hope you enjoy my interview with Michelle.

 

 

Which of your characters was/is your favorite? Why?

Right now, my favorite character is M'kar. She's based on my Star Trek "persona," when I was in a Star Trek club in California. We had such fun making up adventures, writing "ships logs" and sometimes utterly silly adventures, where our characters roamed the galaxy. M'kar is a Talent, focused on animals, assigned to the AFV Defender, in a galactic civilization known as the Alliance. (Yes, a lot of similarities to the Federation …) The Defender has a reputation of being a misfit kind of ship, with misfit luck, but they always come out on top despite truly bizarre adventures. The series is called (surprise!) The AFV Defender, and has a Middle-Grade series spin-off called Young Defenders, which is about the children growing up below decks, with all their adopted aunts and uncles teaching them how to be heroes, despite their youth.

I have a lot of fun with M'kar because she comes from a barbarian culture. Her father is a mountain of a man, and when he left his homeworld to protect his half-breed daughter and her scientist mother, he chose to become a writer of children's books and poetry, just to defy the stereotyped barbarian image. He's loud and outrageous and children adore him. M'kar is snarky and can't quite understand why the children on the ship adore her. She teaches them self-defense and survival skills and growls a lot. I am currently working on the 3^rd AFV Defender book, titled "All the Boys I've Loathed Before," which follows M'kar's growing up years and all the problems she has being a half-breed, and all the power-seekers and politicians who try to use her questionable status for their own profit. Until she gets the better of them. Somewhat by accident.

Do you write in more than one genre? If so, which genres?

Oh, yeah. Science fiction, fantasy, romance -- and then variations in Young Adult and Middle Grade, romantic suspense, inspirational romance, and now my newest foray, cozy mystery, with The Unwelcome Wagon, Book 1 of the Book & Mug Mysteries.

What made you decide to become a writer?

Short answer: Semester exams.

Long answer: I went to a college prep high school, and we had semester exams, 2 a day for a week, very important part of our grades. I had a bad habit of finding a movie or TV show or book that snagged my imagination and just daydreaming variations of the story, rewriting it, or coming up with new adventures or episodes. Well, semester exams were coming up and I needed to study. So, I had always managed to kill stories before when I wrote them down, so I wrote this book idea down …. And that was more than 40 years and 100-plus novels and novellas ago.

I LOVE story. I love adventures, and putting characters into situations and seeing how they react and survive. Or not survive. It's an obsession, sometimes. The rest of the time, writing is my mental health exercise.

Which authors have most influenced your writing?

Homer -- although maybe I should really blame the Kirk Douglas movie, "Ulysses," because it snagged my interest when I was in junior high, I did some research and learned about The Odyssey, and found  a really good translation and read it and one of my first published novels was Penelope's side of The Odyssey.

CS Lewis -- of course -- reading about Narnia and the Space Trilogy "baptized" my imagination, much as he said George MacDonald baptized his. I wanted to go to other worlds and explore and have magical adventures. Some of my favorite books that I've written have some aspect of a portal fantasy in them.

Terry Pratchett -- silly, snarky British humor

Neil Gaiman -- have only read a few of his books, but they're awesome. I especially love listening to him read the audiobook versions of his own books. Gave me the courage to do my own narrating, turning my own books into audio.

David Eddings, Anne McCaffrey, Janet Evanovich, Meg Cabot, Lois McMaster Bujold, Ann Crispin, Mary Stewart, Patricia Wrede, Diane Duane -- each have contributed something to my imagination, and given me imaginary worlds to explore or characters to want to be like when/if I ever grow up ….

How many books have you written?

Last time I stopped to count, over 100. A good number of them are out of print, and I'm hoping to "redeem" and revise most of them and get them back into print.

 

BLURB:

Saundra Bailey has a rough few first days after moving to Camden Township to be the new children's librarian. First a strange man who smells of cheap cigars tries to get into her apartment, then she’s caught between two Welcome Wagon teams, which results in her feeling rather unwelcome. When Cigar Man later tries to steal her purse, she meets Kai, owner of Book & Mug, a coffee shop and bookstore. Cigar Man tried to break into the building Kai owns with his cousins, Eden and Troy, after trying to hire Eden, an investigator, to find lost family documents.

As Saundra settles into her new job and home, she learns about the political and social feuds and alliances in town. Then Cigar Man breaks into the Book & Mug building in the middle of the night, falls from a fire escape, and dies. The hunt is on to figure out what he was looking for, who was the other man with him when he fell, and whose side the mysterious accomplice is on.

Head Trustee Roger Camden, descendant of a founding father, has a growing list of grudges against the cousins and gets in the way of their investigation. Their building used to belong to his family. He accuses them of being in league with Cigar Man, who apparently was seeking Camden family documents. The foursome scramble to put together clues and identify Cigar Man’s accomplice before he hurts more people and makes more evidence and clues vanish.

Available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Unwelcome-Wagon-Book-Mug-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B09T3VJT2D/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1649350600&sr=8-1

BIO:

On the road to publication, Michelle fell into fandom in college and has 40+ stories in various SF and fantasy universes. She has a bunch of useless degrees in theater, English, film/communication, and writing. Even worse, she has over 100 books and novellas with multiple small presses, in science fiction and fantasy, YA, suspense, women's fiction, and sub-genres of romance.

Her official launch into publishing came with winning first place in the Writers of the Future contest in 1990. She was a finalist in the EPIC Awards competition multiple times, winning with Lorien in 2006 and The Meruk Episodes, I-V, in 2010, and was a finalist in the Realm Awards competition, in conjunction with the Realm Makers convention.

Her training includes the Institute for Children’s Literature; proofreading at an advertising agency; and working at a community newspaper. She is a tea snob and freelance edits for a living (MichelleLevigne@gmail.com for info/rates), but only enough to give her time to write. Her newest crime against the literary world is to be co-managing editor at Mt. Zion Ridge Press and launching the publishing co-op, Ye Olde Dragon Books. Be afraid … be very afraid. 

SOCIAL MEDIA:

www.Mlevigne.com
www.MichelleLevigne.blogspot.com
www.YeOldeDragonBooks.com
www.MtZionRidgePress.com
@MichelleLevigne
 
Look for Michelle's Goodreads groups:
Guardians of Neighborlee
Voyages of the AFV Defender
Neighborlee Streets

NEWSLETTER:

Want to learn about upcoming books, book launch parties, inside information, and cover reveals?
Go to Michelle's website or blog to sign up.

ALSO BY MICHELLE L. LEVIGNE:

Guardians of the Time Stream: 4-book Steampunk series
The Match Girls: Humorous inspirational romance series starting with A Match (Not) Made in Heaven
Sarai's Journey: A 2-book biblical fiction series
Tabor Heights: 20-book inspirational small town romance series.
Quarry Hall: 11-book women’s fiction/suspense series
For Sale: Wedding Dress. Never Used: inspirational romance
Crooked Creek: Fun Fables About Critters and Kids: Children’s short stories.
Do Yourself a Favor: Tips and Quips on the Writing Life. A book of writing advice.
To Eternity (and beyond): Writing Spec Fic Good for Your Soul. A book defending speculative fiction.
Killing His Alter-Ego: contemporary romance/suspense, taking place in fandom.
The Commonwealth Universe: SF series, 25 books and growing
The Hunt: 5-book YA fantasy series
Faxinor: Fantasy series, 4 books and growing
Wildvine: Fantasy series, 14 books when all released
Neighborlee: Humorous fantasy series
Zygradon: 5-book Arthurian fantasy series
AFV Defender: SF adventure series
Young Defenders: Middle Grade SF series, spin-off of AFV Defender
Magic to Spare: Fantasy series
Book & Mug Mysteries: cozy mystery series starting in 2022
Quest for the Crescent Moon: fantasy series starting in 2022

 

Interview with Hope Callaghan



Deb: Tell us a little about yourself.
Hope:  I was born and raised in a small town in West Michigan. I lived there until early 2003 when I finally grew weary of the long, dreary winters. A job transfer to Central Florida came up and I was the first in line to apply for the job and leave the Mitten State.

I still live in Central Florida with my husband, my daughter, step-son and step-daughter. (All of the kids are currently in college!) When I'm not writing books, I love to read books, travel and take day trips to the beach.

Deb:  Tell us about your most recent book.
Hope:  I recently started a new cozy mystery series, Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries and just published book number two, Port Side Peril.

Deb:  Whey did you choose this particular genre?
Hope:  I love the mystery genre, especially cozy mysteries! The setting for my most popular series, the Garden Girls, is in a small town, quite like the one I grew up in so I write about my own personal experiences, although all of the characters in my book are purely fictitious.

Deb:  What was your journey to publication like?
Hope:  I started writing non-fiction (travel books) and published my first book in 2013. I wrote several more and then switched to fiction in 2014, and haven't looked back since.

Deb:  What are a couple of your favorite books and what are you reading now?
Hope:  One of my favorite authors is Cynthia Hickey. She cracks me up. Jogging is Bad for Your Health, is next on my list. I also like to read Amanda Tru's time travel series. The idea of time travel is fascinating.

Deb:  What are you working on now and can you give us a little peek inside?
Hope:  I'm working on book number seven in the Garden Girls Series, which should be published the first week in August.

Deb:  What advice would you give authors who are on their own journey to publication?
Hope:  Write fiction.  I waited two years to publish my first fiction piece and I regret not starting sooner. Start with a short story to "get your feet wet." Write in a series. Readers love to get to know the characters and if they care about the characters, they will want to read your books.

Deb:  Do you have any books or websites that have helped you with your writing that you could share with us?
Hope:  I highly recommend Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight V. Swain. Although published in the early 80's this book has so much good information inside, it is worth the read. Some of the topics are a bit out dated but for the most part, it contains nuggets of pure gold for the writer.

Deb: Please let us know where we can find you on the web.
Hope:  www.hopecallaghan.com

Deborah Malone has worked as a freelance writer and photographer, since 2001, for the historical magazine "Georgia Backroads." Her writing is featured in "Tales of the Rails" edited by Olin Jackson. She is a member of Georgia Writers Association, American Christian Fiction Writers and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Interview and Giveaway: Heather Day Gilbert, Trial by Twelve

I've been a fan of Heather Day Gilbert since I read her debut novel, God's Daughter. Not only is she an amazing author, she's also an encourager to new writers. She was one of the first people to push me toward taking my writing more seriously. I'm honored to interview her about her latest release, Trial by Twelve. Heather is also giving away an ebook copy of her latest novel. Check for details at the end of the interview!

Trial by Twelve is the second in your Murder in the Mountains series. How is writing this one different than writing Miranda Warning?

Great question! Going into this one, I knew I wanted it to be shorter, so I could get more books out per year in this series. So Trial by Twelve was around 52,000 words, whereas Miranda Warning was around 82,000. I prefer the shorter length!

Since this is a series, the tricky thing was matching up timelines and making sure all the details remained consistent from one book to the next, such as ages of the characters. I also had the task of re-introducing repeat characters, which meant I had to make their backstories/connections clear for those who had never read book one, without boring readers who were already familiar with them. To do this, I sent out early reader copies specifically targeting those who hadn't read Miranda Warning yet. I was grateful most seemed to pick up on the relationships easily and follow right along with the characters, having just "met" them.

Do you put a lot of yourself into your characters? Is there any one you identify with more than others?

Ha...funny you should ask that. I think most people who read the A Murder in the Mountains mysteries and know me or my husband realize that yes...I draw a lot from our relationship (my husband happens to be a lawyer, like Thomas Spencer). And of all the characters I've written, Tess Spencer is probably the most like me, personality-wise. But she has a really messed up childhood (mine was great), she tends to plunge into dangerous situations (not like me so much), and there are several other key differences I use with her to keep her distinct and separate from me in my mind.

But yes, we both enjoy coffee, video games, and our in-law bonds, among other things. :)

Your novels are very character driven. How does that make them different from other mysteries?

I think my novels seem like cozy mysteries in many ways--they are set in a small town, with an amateur sleuth, and no graphic sex/violence or cursing, and we get to know townspeople, family, and friends over time. However, they're like traditional mysteries, as well (think Hercule Poirot or Rebecca) in that the psyche of the killer is key to figuring out the villain. So people's personalities/character traits are very important to each storyline and that's why I call my mysteries "psychological" mysteries.

I had one reviewer compare my mysteries to a cross between author Lorena McCourtney's cozies and Karen Kingsbury's family-driven series. I think that's probably accurate, because I couldn't divorce the characters in this book from their family situations. Having Tess Spencer be a married main character who lives next to her in-laws was an important part of the dynamic of this series because it made it deeper and more believable.

You've done very well with indie publishing and have even written a book about it. What's the most important thing you've learned about the indie world?

I guess my best advice would be to try everything you can afford to try. You will learn what works and what doesn't work for you, and each book you publish will be better for it. Also, don't be afraid to ask people to read your book (from reviewers to advertising). You believed in that book enough to write, edit, and publish it, so stand behind it and make sure it doesn't become invisible in the sea of books on Amazon. Finally, plug in to indie groups online or follow/contact indie authors. It's their business to stay up-to-date, if they're taking it seriously.

What's coming up next for you?

Hmm! I tend to fluctuate in my day-to-day writing plans and I have no less than five series swirling in my head now. But suffice it to say I will continue to add books to my A Murder in the Mountains series (hopefully one more this year), and book 2 in my Vikings of the New World Saga, Forest Child, is also on the agenda for next year. Aside from that...it remains to be seen! I have both Viking historical readers and contemporary mystery readers now...so I want to try and keep "feeding" both groups as much as possible.

Thanks for letting me visit!

You can find Heather online here:

Website: http://heatherdaygilbert.com

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/heatherdaygilbert

Twitter: @heatherdgilbert

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment to enter. Be sure to include your email. One winner will receive an ebook copy of Trial by Twelve.

Interview with C.L. (Cindy) Ragsdale

 

Interview with C. L. Ragsdale

 

 

1) Tell us a little about yourself. Well the "C" in C. L. is for Cindy, never mind the middle name (but it's not what you think). I'm a California girl, and am husbandless, childless, and petless. In other words I mostly get to do what I want when I want, unless God has other plans, then I do what He wants. Sooner or later. Sooner would have been better. When I'm not writing I'm usually reading, knitting, crocheting. All in all, I'm pretty boring and I like it that way. My characters get all the excitement I can handle.

 

2) Tell us about your most recent book/or the book we are focusing on.  The Wooley Weegie is the sixth book in my Christian Cozy Mystery Series, The Reboot Files. These books are Scooby Doo style mysteries with humor, dubious hauntings, monsters and are worked in with an actual non-murder mystery. This particular monster was a story told by my Dad (yeah that's where it comes from). Here's a brief description of the plot:  Reporter Irene Waters and her cameraman Troy Stenson are on the campus of an exclusive private school hunting a local legend called The Woolly Weegie for an episode of their TV show. At least that's what the locals think. In reality, for once they have been sent on an actual investigative story to uncover an alleged academic cheating ring. But just when they think they have escaped the weirdness that usually accompanies their stories, weirdness comes looking for them when The Woolly Weegie comes pounding on their door. Literally.

 

3) Why did you choose this particular genre?  I love puzzles, word games, mysteries, you name it. But not just to solve. I dissect them. If I fail to solve them I go back and figure out where I went wrong. Also the cozy mystery crowd adopted me, as I was a writer without a genre when I first started.

 

4) What was your journey to publication like?  When I reached a certain age (hey you've seen the gray hair) I decided that since I always wanted to be a writer, I would actually sit down and write a story all the way through. Not just bits and pieces as I had been. After doing some research, I decided that because of various factors I would self-publish. So in 2011 I published my first book of The Reboot Files, The Mystery of Hurtleberry House.

 

5) What is a couple of your favorite books and what are you reading now?  The Voyage of The Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis and The Hound of The Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle. Currently I'm into the old detective novels (like over a hundred years old) and am reading The Mystery of the Boule Cabinet, a detective story by Burton Egbert Stevenson.

 

6) What are you working on now and can you give us a little peek inside?  Well I have three projects in different phases of development. The first one coming out in 2015 is the first in a series called The Law of The Lands entitled Wonderful Loses Its Head. A cozy mystery (really) of which involves a Mexican-American policewoman named Inez Ariana Castillo Medina who ends up being assigned as The Sheriff of Fairytale Land (she's not sure who she upset to get stuck with this job). In the course of her duties she'll have to keep the peace between the various "lands" by solving mysteries that could prove to have serious consequences if she doesn't. They are a high strung lot in "the lands". The first mystery is finding out what happened to The Queen of Hearts of Wonderland who has disappeared. No, it's not that Queen of Hearts. Inez will be helped with the mystery solving by her "posse" which includes her Deputy, a fairy named Twinkle, her Abuela (well you can't have a single girl going off all be herself away from her family now can you?) and a very large blue dragon named Percy. Yeah I do cozy mysteries kind of different.

 

7) What advice would you give authors who are on their own journey to publication?  Keep in mind writing is not just about writing. It's formatting, marketing, proofreading and editing. Whether you're traditionally published or go Indie you will be doing a lot of work that's not writing. Also, write what you love, don't try to follow a trend, because they change too fast to follow and you won't have any fun. Writing should be fun because that's why writers write.

 

8) Do you have any books or websites that have helped you with your writing that you could share with us?  Well technically it's not a website but I got a lot of help from other authors on Goodreads. These are people who've been there and have learned along the way and are willing to share their experience.

 

9) Is there anything you'd like to tell us we haven't covered?  Thank you to all readers who took a chance on an unknown writer. Also, to my fellow authors who gave me advice where I really needed it. But mostly thank you to The Lord who gives me these crazy stories that somehow seem to work as entertainment and sharing the Gospel.

 

10) Please let us know where we can find you on the web.  You can find me on my blog, Short Stories and Tall Tales at:  www.shortmysteriesandtalltales@blogspot.com

My Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/pages/CL-Ragsdale/219184744858421

My Amazon.com Author Page:  www.amazon.com/C.L.-Ragsdale/e/B004VJ3DJ6/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1418262909&sr=8-2-ent

Twitter:  @clragsdalebooks

Email:  clrwritesbooks@gmail.com

 

THANK YOU CINDY FOR COMING AND VISITING US AT SLEUTHS AND SUSPECTS!

 

 



 

 

Interview and Book Giveaway with Nancy Mehl

by Jeff Reynolds

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

CONGRATULATIONS, DEBORAH SHAWVER!!!

For those unaware, I'm officially a former ACFW member, due 100% to time and direction I'm heading overall, 0% due to the organization. One thing I really enjoyed about my three years there was being part of the suspense loop, hosted by author Nancy Mehl. Nancy, who happens to be my victim ... er, interviewee this month, has just released her eighteeneth book which we'll give away (see below).

This is not Nancy's first visit to Sleuths and Suspects; she had the privilege of being interviewed by Jackie Layton last year. If you want to go back and read Jackie's good interview, it's at this link: http://sleuthsandsuspects.blogspot.com/2013/02/unbreakable-by-nancy-mehl.html

Jeff Reynolds:  Welcome back to Sleuths and Suspects, Nancy. In your previous visit, you mentioned you started writing in your forties. What did you do prior to then, and how does that background relate to your writing?

Nancy Mehl:  Before that, I worked as an Underwriting Director for a Christian radio station. I edited the station’s newsletter, so that helped some. To be honest, the thing that contributed the most to my writing was all the reading I did. I started reading as a child, always having a book nearby. I could read four or five books at a time. I’d even stay up all night and read with a flashlight under the covers!

JR:  My favorite movie line of all time -- since I was a kid -- is the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz saying, "Some people go both ways." I think you can relate to another line from the same movie: When Dorothy tells Toto "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore." Would you like to tell us about your move to Misery ... I mean Missouri? What do you like about the new locale and what do you miss? And do you happen to have a dog named Toto?

NM:  No dog named Toto, but I have a Puggle named Watson.  LOL! We loved our home in Wichita and left behind wonderful friends that I miss. Our decision to move was because we wanted to be near our son, our daughter-in-law, and our grandson. The things I love here? Being near our family, of course. I also adore the scenery here. The house we’re renting backs up to trees and we have a lot of visitors. Birds, squirrels, rabbits, deer – and we even spotted a fox! Now that we’ve experienced this, we know it’s what we’ll look for when we’re ready to buy a house. I haven’t regretted this move for even a second. 
 
JR:  Besides having a new state of residence (the state I most frequently reside in is Confusion), you have started a new series. Would you like to tell us about your latest release?

NM:  Gathering Shadows is about Wynter Evans who is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis. But even a bright future doesn’t take away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to him, she can’t pass up the chance to track him down. With research for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station’s photogs for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary.

Almost as soon as she arrives, she meets the town’s handsome young mayor, Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she knew about her life. As the truth of her family’s past hides in the shadows, it’s clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she’s searching for hidden forever—even if the cost is Wynter’s very life.

JR:  I believe this new set of stories is your fourth series. Could you tell us about the other series, and the connections between your current books and your previous work?

NM: Actually, Finding Sanctuary is my fifth series! The first two (Ivy Towers and Curl Up and Dye) were cozy mysteries. They have a very direct connection to my other two Mennonite-themed series (Harmony and The Road to Kingdom) because they’re all set in small towns. The charm and hometown theme continues through each and every series. 

JR:  Last visit, you mentioned you like writing both mystery and suspense. One book I read -- Writing Killer Fiction: The Funhouse of Mystery and the Roller Coaster of Suspense by Carolyn Wheat -- pointed out that the two genres are completely different and that true hybrids are rare. Are you a mystery writer who works some suspense in your tales, or are you a suspense writer that includes a mystery? And while you're at it, are you more of an outliner, or are you a blank pager?

NM:  Wow. Some great questions. First of all, I have to disagree about the difference between suspense and mystery. Most suspense contains mystery. With suspense we may actually know who the bad guy is from the beginning (think Die Hard), but the mystery lies in how the hero will overcome evil. Some suspense (think Shutter Island) has a twist at the end. Mystery usually ends the same way. The differences? Suspense uses events to propel the plot forward while mystery uses clues. I combine clues and events to craft my plot. Although an event is used to present the climax (and solution), I also sprinkle clues throughout the story. That way mystery fans have the chance to figure out what’s going on before I reveal the solution.

As far as your question about what kind of writer I am, I would have to say that I’m a mystery writer who works suspense into my novels.

I try to outline, but so far, I’ve never followed one single outline yet. My characters tell me where we need to go, and twists in the plot present themselves that are usually much better than my previous ideas. I always go with my characters and the inspiration that comes as I write.

JR:  Even though there are Mennonite themes in your book, you're not Mennonite yourself. (Maybe a Womennonite?) What have you learned about that denomination? How does it compare with your upbringing/home church, and how has it affected your Christian life/philosophy?

NM:  No, I’m not Mennonite. Even when writing about Old Order or Conservative Mennonites, I create characters that choose to dress conservatively and wear prayer coverings because they want to. Not because it’s the right thing to do or because it’s some kind of regulation. I just can’t support that belief, nor can I encourage it in my writing. We are under grace, not law. I can’t, and won’t, write anything that encourages bringing back regulations and laws when Jesus gave his life to bring us into His wonderful grace.

As far as learning from the Mennonite faith, my answer is a resounding yes. When researching their beliefs of non-resistance (some call it pacifism), I saw some things that readjusted my thinking. I’ve always been against the death penalty. I know many good Christian people disagree with me, but personally I can’t understand how we can support the law (that we’re free from), and say killing is okay when Jesus told us to forgive. Reading about the Mennonite beliefs that emphasize turning the other cheek reinforced my opinion about this teaching.

JR:  You have had the privilege of hosting the Suspense loop for the ACFW. What have you most enjoyed about that? How has it helped your writing and other areas in your life?

NM: I like the contact with other suspense writers, but I would like to get more conversations going. Maybe we’re all too busy writing. And that’s a good thing! 

JR:  On your latest blog, you have pictures of some birds (I also love birds, especially Cardinals, Blue Jays, Laughing Kookaburras and Tawny Frogmouths -- the former two appear at our feeder; we need to go to the zoo for the others). Besides birdwatching, what hobbies do you have? How do they overlap with your writing?

NM:  I love finding antiques, and I collect signed books. Right now, since we’re renting, most of my things are in storage. When we finally buy a house, all my books and collectibles will get to come home! I also enjoy several good TV shows. After an entire day of writing, it’s hard for me to read more words so TV relaxes me and gives my mind some rest. My favorites are Dr. Who, Castle, The Black List, 24, and The Middle. 

JR:  Thank you for your time, Nancy. How can we keep in touch with you, your writing, etc?

NM:  My Web site is: www.nancymehl.com. I also have a newsletter that is located at: www.nancymehl.blogspot.com and work with several other authors on a great blog called The Suspense Sister at: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com. I’m very active on Facebook with a personal page and a Fan Page. I love to making new friends, so everyone’s welcome!

Thanks for allowing me to be a part of Sleuths and Suspects, Jeff. God bless you!

Jeff to the readers: Now is the chance to win a copy of Gathering Shadows. Here is the way to do it:

1. Leave a comment.
2. Include your e-mail address (e.g. auntdotkahm(at)ant(dot)com)
3. A question to answer: Have you moved from one state to another, and how has that impacted your life? (Or are you like me, spending you life in the state of confusion?)