Interview and Giveaway with Linda Kozar

LADY JO IS OUR WINNER!
CONGRATULATIONS, JO!

Interview Questions/Sleuths and Suspects Blog

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a multi-published author. My agent is Wendy Lawton with Books & Such Literary Agency. My husband Michael and I will celebrate our 24^th wedding anniversary this year and we have two lovely daughters in college. Our oldest graduates this year! Besides writing, I enjoy painting in oil and sometimes watercolor and acrylic. Also I love to bead and do other crafts when I have the time. I’m getting pretty good with making my own pie crusts—building success on many failures. (Some of my piecrusts were as solid as sheetrock).

 

2. Tell us about your most recent book/or the book we are focusing on.

My most recent book is Strands of Fate, the first in a series written by different authors for the Creative Woman Mystery series. www.creativewomanmysteries.com

Right now I’m working on another (inspirational) historical gothic romance. The first is complete, proposal as well and is in my agent’s hands.

 

3. Why did you choose this particular genre?

My mystery series, “When The Fat Ladies Sing” is out on Kindle via Spyglass Lane Mysteries and I’m also working on another mystery series. Strands of Fate, was a work-for-hire, with the characters, setting, etc. already patterned out for me.

4. What was your journey to publication like?

I started out working for local newspapers, though I’d always wanted to write a book. I made that decision in second grade. The process of writing a book can be so daunting! Which is why I was able to talk myself out of it for a while. But then I quit the newspaper and decided it was time--now or never. The first book I worked on was a nonfic and I sent it out with a lot of newbie chutzpah after attending a writer’s conference. But it went to three different pub boards! It was rejected of course—mainly because I didn’t have a name for myself. Soooo, I shelved it and turned my attention to fiction. I wrote part of a book, though I wasn’t sure where I was going with it. Then I took a writing challenge from one of my crit partners, Marian Merritt, to write “X” number of words a day. I finished writing the book, which turned out to be a mystery, in two weeks. On a whim and a prayer, I sent a query to Editor Susan Downs (Heartsong Presents—Mysteries/Barbour Publishing) and she was interested! That’s how my first book, Misfortune Cookies, made it to print. I also received a contract for the second book in the series A Tisket, A Casket. A month after the first book came out in print (Nov. 2008) , the mystery line was cancelled by the publishing house.

In 2010, I received a contract from Howard/Simon & Schuster for a book of devotions titled Babes With A Beatitude—Devotions For Smart, Savvy Women of Faith (released in Dec. 2011).

Then, a year later, the mystery line was revived! I was told that the second book (which had to be renamed), would make it into print (August of 2011) and I was thrilled. They were even interested in a third book. However, a few months before Just Desserts was released, they cancelled the Hometown Mysteries line as well. THEN, in 2012, the MacGregor Literary Agency decided to ePublish the entire mystery line (for those authors who chose to participate), under Spyglass Lane Mysteries. So that in a nutshell, is the history of my mysteries and other books.

5. What are a couple of your favorite books and what are you reading now?

I am a big fan of gothic mysteries. My favorite book is Rebecca. I just finished The Lantern by Deborah Lawrenson—loved the homage to Rebecca. I’m reading The Orchid House now and enjoying it and will soon move on to another book.

6. What are you working on now and can you give us a little peek inside it?

The book my agent is shopping now is called Alligator Pear. Here’s the blurb and a few lines from the book:

Beautiful young artist Fleur D’Hemecourt returns home to the family estate in post WWII New Orleans to attend the funeral of an aunt, and meets Louis Russo, the young man she once had a crush on, now a promising young attorney home from the war. But a sudden series of accidents and near misses convince the two that someone is trying to take Fleur’s life before she inherits the estate on her twenty-first birthday. Her Uncle Bernard, a man of flamboyant vice, is her guardian and would profit the most from her demise, though the foreboding home on St. Charles Avenue hides even darker secrets that begin to surface, painting shadowy images of family, friends and the man she dares to love. 

(From Alligator Pear—by Linda Kozar)

Family and friends of the deceased gathered like black clouds before a storm. Near the gilded ironwork cross at the entrance to Saint Louis Number One, they whispered prayers, consoling one another. But discreet voices faded to reverent silence as the priest approached, followed by a young acolyte bearing a crucifix.

Breathless and flustered, Fleur D’Hemecourt paused to smooth her dress and hair, tousled from the hurry-scurry carriage dash. Young and attractive, her honey-hued curls bounced along the curve of her elegant shoulders as she inched ahead to take her place with the immediate family.  But all heads turned in response to the sudden arrival of the hearse, its roof festooned with a pleasing array of saffron-colored lilies, red roses and fragrant jasmine. (From Alligator Pear—by Linda Kozar)

7. What advice would you give authors who are on their own journey to publication?

If you are on the road to traditional publication, get yourself a thick hide. Learn how to handle one rejection and persevere to the next one. Be patient. Be bold. Be stubborn. Study to show yourself approved (as the Bible says) and praypraypray. But these days, there are other options. Indie publishing is an option many authors are taking advantage of. It is just as attractive to traditionally published authors because of the monetary return and creative control. Decide which route is best for you or be open to both.

8. Do you have any books or websites that have helped you with your writing that you could share with us?

I have a page on my website with those writing resources “For Writers,” and I invite your readers to visit my website for that info. I update it regularly. Here’s the site: www.lindakozar.com

9. Is there anything you’d like to tell us we haven’t covered?

Most writers I know start out journaling or writing poetry, but if you are really serious about getting published, you’ll have to take a step beyond that and put yourself out there. Decide what you want to do and do it. It’s very difficult and frankly, not marketable to publish a book of poetry unless you indie pub it. Is that your goal? Or do you want to write a book? Decide if the book in your heart is fiction or nonfiction and then start writing. Learn as much as you can about the craft of writing. Read what other writers write. Join a critique group. Go to writing conferences and dream big!

10. Please let us know where we can find you on the web.

I co-host a radio show on the Red River Writers Network on BlogTalk Radio, once a month (3^rd Thursday) called Gate Beautiful. We interview four authors per show, from NY Times Bestsellers to Debut authors and industry professionals.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/search/gate-beautiful/ GATE BEAUTIFUL RADIO SHOW ARCHIVES

Readers can find me on Facebook where I have a regular Page and Author Page:

https://www.facebook.com/linda.kozar?ref=tn_tnmn FACEBOOK PAGE

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-P-Kozar/90297523228 FAN PAGE

www.lindakozar.com WEBSITE

http://bookishdesires.blogspot.com Bookish Desires

http://babeswithabeatitude.blogspot.com Babes With A Beatitude

http://acfwwritersonthestorm.blogspot.com/ Writers On The Storm/ACFW Chapter

 

To win a three ebook(Misfortune Cookies, A Tisket, A Casket and Dead As A Doornail)set of Lindas cozy mysteries please:

1) be a follower or become a new follower

2) leave your email address

3) sign up for blog posts by email

4) tell us what your favorite mystery genre is

 

 HAPPY READING!

 

 

 

Interview with Clare Revell

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO START WRITING? 

I've always written. From when I was five, when I rewrote fairy tales, through fan fiction, and finally, my own stories. If I don't write, I get frustrated.

WHAT AUTHORS HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE? 

Probably Tom Clancy and Rosamunde Pilcher. As I write a mix of crime/mystery/romance all rolled into one.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING AUTHORS? 

Don't give up. You'll get plenty of rejections—I did, still do, at times. Read the publishers guidelines carefully before you submit. Read lots in the genre you want to write in. And enjoy what you do. If you don't cry over a really sad scene, or get scared when the villain suddenly appears at the window when the heroine pulls back the curtains, then your readers won't because the emotion just isn't there.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND IN RESEARCH BEFORE YOU WRITE A STORY? 

A lot. I also do it as I go along, depending what the plot throws up. For Tuesday's Child, I watched a lot of TV without the sound on. I also consulted with one of the police officers from church. And Granddad was deaf, so I drew a lot on things I remembered from talking with him. For Sunday's Child, I visited a lifeboat station and spent three hours asking questions. Other ones are done by email. I've found people are only too eager to help me get the facts right.

WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM YOUR RESEARCH? 

The fact that UK cars driven by detectives don't have flashing lights in them. They are also pool cars. I knew none of our cops were armed, with the exception of CO19, but didn't realise just how little protection uniformed officers took on the beat with them each day. Just a baton and pepper spray. Sometimes a taser, but that's still relatively new, and most officers prefer not to carry them.

HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN? 

14 that have been contracted :) When I got the last contract, I still reacted the same way as when I got my first. It never wears off. (And 5 that sit in the "never to be opened again" folder from where they got rejected.)

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME WHEN YOU'RE NOT WRITING? 

I have 3 kids of my own and 1 extra so there is lots of cooking, cleaning, laundry to do. But I also read a lot. I do cross stitch, watch crime drama, and love walking.

Blurb:

Tuesday's Child tenders direction...

Deaf from the age of five, Adeline Munroe operates a hospital for injured dolls, but lately her quiet life is disturbed by violent, haunting visions. Perhaps it's just her unspoken fear--a serial killer has struck in Headley Cross. But Adeline soon realizes she's seeing each murder just before they happen and reluctantly contacts the police.

Detective Sergeant Nate Holmes has enough to deal with between caring for his orphaned niece and his current assignment--the Herbalist killings, so when a woman comes forward who claims to be "seeing" the crimes in dreams, he isn't hopeful she'll be of any help. But he knows her from church, and she inexplicably describes how each crime is committed. Is God answering his prayers through Adeline?

Adeline assists the police, yet more women die and she becomes the prime target of the killer. Will Nate crack the case before the Herbalist can complete his agenda--or will the next murder Adeline foresees be her own?

Excerpt:

All of Nate’s senses kicked into action, his copper’s antennae twitching.

She knew something, or at least thought she did.

“What is it?”

Adeline sucked her lower lip into her mouth, worrying it with her teeth. “This is going to sound stupid, but…” She took a deep breath. “I saw them. All of them. They all had their hair tied back or up.” She picked up the top clipping. “She was playing on a swing and wearing a red jacket. This one was walking the dog and wearing blue.”

Nate jolted as if he’d been struck by lightning. Those details hadn’t been released. Was he wrong about her? Was she somehow involved with the murders? “Wait  a minute. How did you know any of this?”

Adeline carried on speaking as she shifted through the papers. “She was on her way to dance class in pink. This one was jogging in a gray toweling track suit and the first one…”

Nate put a hand on her arm, cutting her off.

She jerked her head upwards in surprise.

He held her gaze. “How do you know all this?”

“I told you, I saw them.”

Tagline:

Guilty of love in the first degree, a deaf witness who 'sees' the murders and a cop torn between doing his duty and going out in faith.

Bio:

Clare lives in a small town in England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, and her three children. Writing from a early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fanfiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, reading, sewing or keeping house or doing the many piles of laundry her children manage to make, she's working part time in the breakfast club at one of the local schools.

She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of three registrars.

Other titles by Clare Revell:

Season For Miracles

Saving Christmas

Cassie's Wedding Dress

Time's Arrow

Kisses From Heaven

After The Fire

Monday's Child

You can find Clare here:

http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarerevell/

https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellAuthor

https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

http://telscha.blogspot.co.uk/

Not This Time by Vicki Hinze

This story starts out fast and furious when Detective Jeff Meyers arrives at a wedding and the guests all appear to be dead. If you like Christian suspense, I think you'll like Not This Time. Beth Dawson and Sara Jones-Tayton have been close friends for year. Beth feels protective toward her friend. When Sara meets Robert Tayton their friendship is strained because of Beth's distrust of the man. Robert is kidnapped, and Beth is the cops' prime suspect. Sara has health issues forcing Beth to come up with the ransom. When an act of terrorism strikes Seagrove Village, Beth is not sure who to trust. A man from Beth's past reappears. She knows her heart is too fragile to fall in love with him, but the bond is too strong to ignore. This book has it all. Suspense, tension, love and a thread of redemption. Hinze tells the story at a brisk pace, and you won't want to put the book down once you begin. I encourage you to get your own copy of Not This Time.

Interview with Author Eric Wilson

By Jeff Reynolds

Halloween's right around the corner, but you're having a hard time finding a Christian vampire novel to read? Is there such a thing? (Okay, I'm talking about a vampire story written by a Christian, not one about vampires who are also Christians.)

This month, I have the honor of interviewing Eric Wilson. Wilson has several novels and novelizations out, including Jerusalem's Undead Trilogy, which you've probably guessed is the Christian vampire stories I'm telling you about.

Jeff Reynolds: While my focus is more on the Jerusalem's Undead Trilogy, I can't neglect that three of the books you've written have titles that some people might recognize, like Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof. (You also wrote the novelization for October Baby, which came out September 1st.) First, how did you get that gig? Second, did it require a lot of contact with the Kendrick brothers? Or was it more like being in a room after all the other kids left and having the toys all to yourself?

Eric Wilson: My publisher put me in contact with the Kendricks, knowing that they wanted novelizations of their films. After a long interview process, I was chosen to do the books. I had a blast. The Kendricks gave me lots of freedom. As long as I kept everything in the films in the books, I could add subplots and backstories. They were great to work with. We brainstormed and laughed, then I tucked myself away and wrote like crazy (with each book being completed in 4-6 weeks).

JR: I've read the first of the Jerusalem's Undead Trilogy, Field of Blood. (The other installments are Haunt of Jackals and Valley of Bones.) What inspired this series?

EW: I was, and still am, annoyed with the amoral view of vampires in current culture. Traditionally and symbolically, they represent evil. They are a counterfeit of Jesus's blood providing immortal life. I wanted to write a trilogy for the mainstream market, without Christian lingo, that would go back to historical and biblical foundations for the concept of vampirism. My foundation for the stories started when I saw an article from Jerusalem, describing a 2000-year-old family grave discovered in the same field where Judas hung himself. What if Judas's blood had seeped into those graves? I had to explore the idea. I've traveled in Romania and Israel, so those countries were great inspiration for the setting.

JR: On your website (address given below), you wrote in a letter to critics: I've always aimed to reach those on the fringes of faith--ones who have wandered from the church, but still have a seed of belief; and ones who are too nervous to come through our doors, yet have a desire to know more about the God we serve. How has God used your books in general and the Jerusalem's Undead Trilogy specifically in reaching those you've described?

EW: Sadly, the Christian market is more intent on providing "safe" alternatives than world-changing art, whether in music or literature. That means it is very difficult in this market for a writer to reach those outside the church. Many Christian consumers want tidy stories with easy lessons and black and white morals, though in the real world, life doesn't always work that easily. I've tried to write stories (aside from the novelizations) that are nuanced in character development and biblical ideas. They're not tied up with pretty bows. I've found a core readership of Christians who love the multifaceted elements of my books.

With the Jerusalem's Undead Trilogy, I also found a core readership of nonbelievers. I've received numerous emails about the powerful symbolism of the thorns (sin) in the veins. I've had people say they were about to go feed their own addictions (fill in the blank), then thought of those thorns and chose not to do so. I've had others tell me they had never read a Bible, but went and bought one after reading the trilogy so they could learn more about the Nazarene Blood. It's been a great launching point for dialogue about sin, infestation, and the power of redemption and grace versus the attempts to find freedom on our own good efforts (such as Gina tries to do at the end of book one).

JR: Last year we had a speaker at the ACFW Indiana Chapter talk about branding. It seems having both Facing the Giants and Field of Blood in your bibliography isn't a textbook example. How do you/your publisher effectively market books intended for two distinct and not necessarily compatible audiences? 

EW: I've never cared a whit for branding. I care about writing what God puts in my heart, but my ideals tend to get in the way of practical concerns. To my detriment, that has affected my sales. Some people doubt that the guy who wrote Fireproof could write a good vampire story. Others wonder why a guy who wrote a highly original vampire trilogy would waste his time with preachy storytelling like Facing the Giants. The reality is that I'm an out-of-the-box thinker, constantly wrestling through scriptural issues, but I'm also deeply committed to the Bible being the truth. Both aspects are part of who I am. I try to be true to that.

JR: Christian vampire stories sound a bit unorthodox (though it's clear the Collectors in your series technically aren't vampires; in Field of Blood one mentions they like the taste of garlic). How controversial has this trilogy been? If so, how do you use the controversy to your advantage as an author?

EW: Vampires are a demonic representation of evil, always have been traditionally. In that sense, my Collectors are very much vampires. And most novels nowadays have played with those old standbys--garlic, mirrors, and such. I didn't ever write this as a "Christian vampire" trilogy. First, it's not Christian vampires. Second, I wanted it to reach nonbelievers.

The controversy only came from those who hadn't read it and assumed I was "of the devil" or I was trying to "cash in on the Twilight books by fleecing the Christian flock." If people don't do their research and know a little about me (I'm a deeply devoted Christian, husband, with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited Bible college), then I don't worry too much about their jabs. But, the reality is that the trilogy would've sold much better outside the Christian market.

When Thomas Nelson first signed me for the trilogy, they had an imprint called WestBow that was aimed at mainstream readers. That imprint folded soon after I came on board, and that meant the trilogy got bogged down in an Amish-driven market of that time.

JR: More recently, in addition to the October Baby novelization, you've written a novella and have released the first two installments of a new series. Would you like to tell us about these?

EW: For my own career survival, I've tried to be more aware of branding. My more recent books have been more specifically written for the Christian market, while still dealing with complex issues.

One Step Away is about a modern family targeted by a shadowy figure from their past. When they get $6,000,000, they don't realize they are part of an experiment. On a twist of the story of Job, they are blessed instead of cursed to see if they will turn their backs on God.Two Seconds Late is a modern twist on the story of Esther. A young woman is dating a state politician, and she discovers a conspiracy to get human tracking implants legalized, for the safety of children and the elderly. She has no idea that big business, politics, and even a Russian assassin have stakes in this, and she alone has been raised up for "such a time as this."October Baby was a blast to write. Based on the screenplay by Theresa Preston and the Erwin brothers, it is a nuanced story. about a 19-year-old girl who discovers that her parents are not her birth parents. In fact, she was an abortion survivor. This sends her on a coming-of-age quest to find her birth mother and the facts surrounding her birth. I was able to add subplots and layers. The book will make you laugh and cry. It's full of humor, drama, a bit of romance, and somehow avoids getting preachy on this delicate subject. The abortion-clinic nurse is one of the heroes of the story, for example.

JR: Thank you for your time, and have a blessed day.

EW: I appreciate it, Jeff. Thank you. May all of us discover the power of the Nazarene Blood, and be free from the thorns that try to entangle us.

Here's the link to Eric Wilson's Webpage: http://wilsonwriter.com

And if you'd like to see the trailer for either Field of Blood or One Step Away? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t9GUMhY7N8 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuq3tB09rZQ

Giveaway of "Death in Dahlonega" by Deborah Malone

CONGRATULATIONS TO

 

LADY JO WINNER OF

 

DEATH IN DAHLONEGA

 

I thought it was time to do a giveaway so here goes. I'm offering a signed copy of my cozy mystery "Death in Dahlonega" as a giveaway, just follow the instructions below!

 

 

 

 

How to enter:

 

1) leave a comment and tell us what is your favorite kind of mystery

 

2) be a follower or sign up as a follower (on the right side)

 

3) follow by email (at the top)

 

4) leave an email address so we can contact the winner

 

 

HAPPY READING!

 

 

Author 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.  



Review of Carolyn Wheat's How to Write Killer Fiction

By Jeff Reynolds

Maybe you're thinking about writing either a mystery or a tale of suspense. Possibly you're confused on what distinguishes these two genres. You might wonder if one of these two options complements your approach to writing. Then, you could just enjoy another book about the craft of writing.

If I just described you, I highly recommend How to Write Killer Fiction: The Funhouse of Mystery and the Roller Coaster of Suspense by Carolyn Wheat. Let me state up front that 1) this isn't a recent release (it was written in 2003) and 2) this is not a Christian book. Neither nullifies the value of this book for a mystery or suspense writer.

This book can be divided into four parts. First, there's the preface and the introduction which introduces acquaints the reader with the genres of mystery and suspense and their differences. For example, the reader is two steps behind the mystery's detective in the mystery, but may be two steps ahead of the protagonist in suspense.

It's common for suspense to have some mystery and vice versa. Nevertheless, Wheat points out that the genres are so different a true hybrid is rare. She lists Scott Tutterow's Presumed Innocent as an example. Some of Randy Singer's novels come close, but they still are more suspense than mystery.

Part one sheds the spotlight on mystery, while part two focuses on suspense. These two sections contain four chapters each, dealing with the history of the genre, the important elements, the way the story arc appears, and “Endings are hard” – looking at the problems of wrapping the story up.

Part three gives two chapters on the writing process. The first looks at scene vs. style, while the other deals with the debate between Outliners and Blank Pagers (i.e. structure vs. spontaneity). Wheat suggests that mystery writers are naturally outliners, plotting each detail out well in advance and points out that Joe Gores stated suspense “should never be outlined” – an opinion shared by Stephen King and Elmore Leonard.

The epilogue deals with the issue of publishing.

This is a great research tool for writers. I chose to start with the introduction before jumping right into chapter three. Considering I've written a couple of mysteries but am about to start a suspense story, I then read part two. Did reading out of order cause a problem? No.

If you're a suspense or mystery writer, this is a great book for your library. You'd also enjoy this if you're a fan of either of these genres and want to know how they work.

*The authors of this blog are Amazon.com affiliates. Sometimes, we will include links in our blog posts. When visitors to this site purchase items from Amazon.com using links in our posts, the authors of this blog earn a percentage of the sales.

Interview with Nikki Arana

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO START WRITING?

My story is a little unusual. I never had a passion to write and never thought about being an author! It was May of 2001 when I first felt the tug of the Spirit, then a whisper, then a strong impression that got me to thinking about writing.  I enrolled in an Internet course called Writeriffic.  It was on-line so I did it at my desk at work as a real estate broker when I had a break. That teacher, Eva Shaw, really encouraged me.  She said I should send out my writing for publication.  I didn’t know how to do that, so I bought some books and followed the directions and send out my homework. It sold!

In March of 2002, I began to feel the Lord was calling me to write a book. So I bought about 10 books on how to write a novel and then sat down at my computer and started.  In May, I became aware of a writers conference in Seattle that only cost $99, and I could drive there. I read in the brochure that the Acquisitions Editor for Tyndale, Publishers of the Left Behind series, would be there, and if you wanted, you could be part of a group interview. You’d have 3 minutes to pitch your book.  I only had three chapters written, but I knew where my story was going. But how do you pitch a book?  My dad had given me Publishing for Dummies when I started writing so I went to it and found a page on how to write a synopsis … so I did. I went to the Seattle conference, pitched my book in 3 minutes, and was asked by the Acquisitions Editor to submit the first four chapters to Tyndale. So I went home, wrote the fourth chapter, and sent it in. That led to a request for the full manuscript.

With a request for a full manuscript, I got an agent, Natasha Kern, who is still my agent today, and she ended up getting me a three book contract with Baker Books/Revell. That was the beginning of my career.

HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN?

I’ve written five novels and one non-fiction book, Through the Eyes of Christ: How to Lead Muslims to the Kingdom of God. All but one is available through Amazon.com and most other outlets.

DO YOU PREFER TO WRITE FICTION OR NONFICTION?

Hmmm. This is a hard question. I love writing fiction and have lots of experience doing that. My books have won many national awards, which has greatly encouraged me. But it is my heart’s desire to write a non-fiction book about my experiences with Christ that include many miracles that I’ve experienced through my ministry, A Voice for the Persecuted. Or a book of devotionals that uses some of my life experiences that have embodied spiritual truth. In fact, in many ways, my blog serves that purpose. I treat it like a journal. Right now I don’t get to post often because I’m on deadline for my next book, Deceived. When that is finished, I plan to devote much more time to my blog and perhaps develop a book from it.

WHAT AUTHORS HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?

I have to say that when I read Frank Peretti’s first book back in 1986, I never forgot it. When I started writing, I remembered the supernatural elements in it and knew I wanted to do that in my books. A funny detail, I lived in California at the time and now live in Idaho. He lives just a few miles from me here.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Invest in learning the craft. It is extremely difficult to break into print and just as hard to stay there. You’re only as good as your last sales numbers, especially in this economy. The chances of writing a book that is salable without studying on your own and getting some professional guidance is almost zero. There are many great classes and books available and also established authors who are willing to help. Go to conferences and join writing groups. Surround yourself with positive, knowledgeable people. Build a network.  All of these things will serve you well.

WHAT DOES YOUR WRITING SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE?

My life has been very difficult for the past two years. I am the only caregiver for my 90‑year old mother who has Alzheimer and my 94‑year old father who has heart and kidney failure. It is hard to set a schedule. I typically get up at about 4:30 AM to write and I stop when I get called to help them in some way, or have to take care of my husband’s landscaping business, or go to the bank, etc. Then I return to my desk and work until about 10 PM on my WIP, interviews, promotions; you get the idea. Today, for example, I started working on this interview at 4:30 AM.

But I am not complaining because this has been a wonderful time of intimacy with Christ. The pressure just makes me lean on Him more, and He provides for me in extraordinary, miraculous ways. A few months ago, my mother had a massive stroke that left her unable to speak or use her right side. When she was in brain surgery to drain the fluid off, the surgeon saw a tumor and biopsied it. Two weeks later, they called and told me it was cancer.  I didn’t tell her or my father.  I just couldn’t bear to add to their burdens. She was recovering use of her right side and beginning to speak. They were feeling hopeful. Last week, the doctor did a second scan. I went to meet privately with him to find out how long she had to live. Before I went, I felt so overwhelmed and discouraged. How much longer do I have to struggle through the days to be strong for her? How much longer can I? I prayed just two words to the Lord before leaving the house, “Help me.”

When I got there, the doctor reviewed the scan . . . There is no tumor. There is no cancer. I will never forget the tremendous weight I felt fall from my shoulders. The surgeon said he can't explain it. But there is no cancer there. And as I stood just looking at him, God whispered to me, "Your help is at hand."

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR LATEST RELEASE.

Here’s what the book is about: Austia Donatelli, a young widow with an underground evangelistic ministry to Muslims, discovers a friend, someone close to her heart whom she recently led to Christ, has been murdered. She realizes immediately it was an honor killing—the brutal practice of families killing one of their own for converting to Christianity. Suddenly, Austia, her ministry, and everyone she cares about are thrust in the crosshairs of a terrorist organization. As the extremists zero in, she must unravel the deception surrounding her and protect innocent lives, including her own.

The reviews of this novel have been very strong. I was especially happy to get a rave review from Publishers Weekly, which is not a Christian organization: "Arana's vivid imagery is imbued with spiritual force and her pacing is fiercely powerful." I’m pretty confident that if you like suspense, you’ll really enjoy this book. You might want to put on your seatbelt while reading.

The tagline is: Would you share your faith if it would cost you your life? I hope when the reader finishes the last page, they have a deeper understanding of what that question is asking and realize that it may well be a question they will have to face in their lifetime. I did.

The Next Target was inspired by my ministry, A Voice for the Persecuted. I help persecuted Christians who are under the threat of death.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR MINISTRY, A VOICE FOR THE PERSECUTED.

I help persecuted Christians who are under the threat of death . . .  here in America! That is code for Muslims who convert to Christianity. I help them find safety. You can learn more about my ministry at http://www.nikkiarana.com/my-passions/. There’s a cause page on FB too; if you have a heart for the persecuted, please “Like” it.

I felt God was calling me to raise awareness about two issues that are at the heart of my ministry. One is the need for Christians to reach out to the Muslims who live and work among us, model the love of Christ to them, and then with the leading of the Holy Spirit, give them what Islam can never give. And the second is about the huge price Muslims pay to know Christ. Most I’ve talked to live under persecution by their former friends and family. Most have no jobs because they live in a Muslim community and are shunned. And of course there are those who have been deported and/or killed. My ministry provides safety and everything necessary to sustain their lives until a permanent solution is found for them.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME WHEN YOU'RE NOT WRITING?

I love spending time with my husband, Antonio. In my eyes, he is the perfect husband. He was the inspiration for my first novel, The Winds of Sonoma. When you read that book, you know him and why I love him. Of all the gifts God has given me, other than salvation, Antonio is the one I appreciate and cherish the most.

HOW CAN READERS CONTACT YOU AND/OR LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR WRITING?

I am in all the usual places. On Facebook, you can “Like” me – www.facebook.com/nikkiaranaauthor.

If you’d like to sample my writing, the opening pages of The Next Target, which was just released is available at http://www.thenexttarget.com.

If you would like to continue to follow me on my journey, visit my blog on my website. You’ll also find a tab called My World and one called My Ministry. There’s a lot of information there.

You can buy The Next Target at Amazon:

Or Barnes & Noble

Or ChristianBook

*The authors of this blog are Amazon.com affiliates. Sometimes, we will include links in our blog posts. When visitors to this site purchase items from Amazon.com using links in our posts, the authors of this blog earn a percentage of the sales.

Welcome Fourth Blogger, Jeff Reynolds!

Sleuths and Suspects welcomes the addition of a fourth blogger, writer Jeff Reynolds.

Review of Navy SEAL Rescuer

Recently, I read Navy SEAL Rescuer, written by Shirlee McCoy and published by Love Inspired Suspense. Catherine Miller, the heroine of the story is a tough cookie and interesting character. Instantly, the story starts off with a bang as Catherine is thrust into danger from the onset. A vandal accuses her of being a murderer, and later, Catherine is attacked.

Though as any good romantic suspense story would have it, handsome neighbor Darius Osborne shows up to lend a friendly hand. And like Catherine, Darius carries some baggage of his own. Still with someone out to harm poor Catherine, who just wants to take care of her ailing grandmother, Darius is determined to find out who is behind the attack and acts of vandalism against Catherine.

The characters in this story were different than most Love Inspired stories, and I liked that. I get tired of cookie cutter heroes and heroines.

The tension was high as were the stakes throughout the story. The story kept me turning the pages. This story would most likely appeal to those who like romantic suspense, especially stories with a military flair as Darius is an ex-Navy SEAL.

*The authors of this blog are Amazon.com affiliates. Sometimes, we will include links in our blog posts. When visitors to this site purchase items from Amazon.com using links in our posts, the authors of this blog earn a percentage of the sales.

Review of Deadly Additive

Are you a suspense fan? Do you crave action and adventure in the stories that you read? Deadly Additive is a new suspense novel by Donn Taylor. In it, Jeb Sledge is asked to rescue a wealthy man’s daughter and her reporter friend, who are both being held captive by kidnappers in Columbia.  But things aren’t what they seem in this story; there are a few surprises along the way. The novel contains a touch of romance, but the book's focus is definitely more suspense than romantic suspense. With well-researched details, fine-tuned description, and ongoing action, this book is sure to appeal to men and women who enjoy suspense. 

Author Donn Taylor has written several books including Deadly Additive, Rhapsody in Red, The Lazarus File, and Dust and Diamond: Poems of Earth and Beyond. Readers can learn more about him by visiting his Web site, www.donntaylor.com.

View the book trailer. 

*The authors of this blog are Amazon.com affiliates. Sometimes, we will include links in our blog posts. When visitors to this site purchase items from Amazon.com using links in our posts, the authors of this blog earn a percentage of the sales.

Please note that I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Interview and Giveaway with S. Dionne Moore

CONTRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER:
                      SANDRA!

 

Interview Questions/Sleuths and Suspects Blog

1.      Tell us a little about yourself.

Well, I’m a city girl who transferred to the country. It was a big shock going from the suburbs of D.C. To PA but I absolutely love my mountain view and not living, literally, 20 feet from my neighbor! But I’m sure you don’t want to hear about that, do you? You probably would rather know about my publishing journey. It all started years ago. I was always formulating stories in my head and decided to start writing them down. After a devastating time in my life, I poured out my emotions on paper and posted it on my Geocities Website (remember them?). An editor approached me and wanted to use the piece in her book. From there I did another small piece that was published in Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover’s Soul. My real break came when I decided to learn how to write fiction and I joined ACFW, which was ACRW at that time. Through the writer’s online I learned about the writing rules and attended conferences. After a few years, I heard Barbour was looking for cozy mysteries and I decided to submit the proposal I had just entered into ACFW’s writers’ contest. I found out I had finaled in the contest and within two weeks I had my first contract!

Guess you’ll never ask me to tell you “a little” about myself again! *wink*

2.      Tell us about your most recent book/or the book we are focusing on.

Your Goose is Cooked is the final book in the LaTisha Barnhart Mystery series. LaTisha’s cook overhears a hitman being hired to take out the mayor. Then said hitman turns up dead and the plot thickens like a pan of stale gravy.

Who would want to kill the mayor? And who would want to kill the killer? When LaTisha is nearly run down in broad daylight, she realizes the stakes are high. Is her goose cooked

 

Why did you choose this particular genre? Actually I didn’t choose this genre, it chose me. I’ve always enjoyed reading a good mystery and I love humor, but the idea of combining the two didn’t occur to me until the news of Barbour Publishing opening a cozy mystery reached my ears. If you’ve ever written a mystery, you know that it is hard work trying to keep the reader guessing while laying all those clues out and keeping the red herrings straight. Truly, writing mystery is a labor of love. Sometimes forced love. The most satisfying and fun part of writing the LaTisha series was the dialogue between Hardy and LaTisha--balancing their snipes at each other with the love they show behind the words.

 

3.      What is a couple of your favorite books and what are you reading now?

Some of my favorite books were always Mary Higgins Clark’s earliest works. I guess that was my mature version of loving Nancy Drew as a preteen. Of course *ahem* I still play the Nancy Drew adventure games by Her Interactive. As far as what I’m reading now. . .nothing. I’m gearing up for another research session for my historical romances, which means collecting nonfiction books and sites for a particular setting.

4.      What are you working on now and can you give us a little peek inside it?

No peeks! It wouldn’t be much fun anyhow. I’m working on proposals--you know synopses and *ugh* marketing analyses.

5.      What advice would you give authors who are on their own journey to publication?

Writer’s write. Join a writing group of experienced authors and absorb everything they teach and tell you.

6.      Do you have any books or websites that have helped you with your writing that you could share with us?

ACFW is a highly recommended organization. They are nationwide and have several regional chapters. There are also benefits in simply doing a web search for writers groups that might be in  your area. Critique groups are a great way to get your feet wet, but don’t go into a group wearing your feelings on your sleeve!

7.      Please let us know where to find you on the Web:

I write for The Borrowed Book: http://www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.com, Cozy Mystery Mag: http://www.cozymysterymagazine.blogspot.com. You can also follow my tweets on my Twylah page: http://www.twylah.com/sdionnemoore, my pins on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sdionnemoore and, of course, my personal page: http://www.sdionnemoore.com.

 BIO:
S. Dionne Moore started writing in 2006. Her first book, Murder on the Ol’ Bunions, was contracted for publication by Barbour Publishing in 2008. In 2009 she moved on to writing historical romances as an outlet for her passion for history. In 2010 her second cozy mystery, Polly Dent Loses Grip, was a 2010 Carol Award finalist and she was also named a Barbour Publishing 2010 Favorite New Author. In 2011 her first historical romance, Promise of Tomorrow, was nominated a 2011 Carol Award finalist.

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF "MURDER ON THE OL' BUNIONS" -EBOOK

1) BE A FOLLOWER OR BECOME A FOLLOWER

2) SIGN UP TO FOLLOW BY EMAIL

3) LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS

4) TELL US WHAT YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF MYSTERY IS

 

 HAPPY READING!