Terri L. Austin Gets Lost in a Story

When Terri L. Austin isn’t writing, she enjoys eating breakfast at her local diner, watching really bad movies, and hanging out with her kids when they’re home from college. She lives in Missouri with her funny, handsome husband and her high maintenance peekapoo. Her debut novel, DINERS, DIVES & DEAD ENDS (Henery Press, July 17, 2012) was a 2011 Get Your Stiletto in the Door finalist. Stop by her website and see what's new or drop her an email to say hello. She loves to hear from readers!

The book... 

As a struggling waitress and part-time college student, Rose Strickland’s life is stalled in the slow lane. But when her close friend, Axton, disappears, Rose suddenly finds herself serving up more than hot coffee and flapjacks. Now she’s hashing it out with sexy bad guys and scrambling to find clues in a race to save Axton before his time runs out. With her anime-loving bestie, her septuagenarian boss, and pair of IT wise men along for the ride, Rose discovers political corruption, illegal gambling, and shady corporations. She’s gone from zero to sixty and quickly learns when you’re speeding down the fast lane, it’s easy to crash and burn. 

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What they're saying...

 

“Austin’s debut kicks off her planned series by introducing a quirky, feisty heroine and a great supporting cast of characters and putting them through quite a number of interesting twists.” ~~ Kirkus Reviews

"This traditional mystery captured my attention from the opening pages to the exhilarating finale...this was an enjoyable read in this debut series and I look forward to more adventures with Rose and the gang for years to come." ~~ Dru Ann Love, The Cozy Chicks Blog

“I predict this will be a long and successful series...I strongly recommend picking a copy up to read this summer. I know I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. Five stars out of Five.” ~~ Lynn Farris, National Mystery Review Examiner at Examiner.com

“What a blast! Diners, Dives & Dead Ends is a fast-paced mystery loaded with wonderful wit and humor that had me laughing and loving every page. Terri Austin will hook you right away and keep you riveted until The End. I want more!” ~~ Ann Charles, Award-Winning Author of the Bestselling Deadwood Mystery Series

Let's get to know Terri...

Susan: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

Terri:   First of all, thanks Susan and all the Get Lost in a Story ladies.  I appreciate the opportunity to chat with you! My favorite kind of story? I love a book with snappy dialogue, humor, and emotion. The best books are ones that leave me a little sad when I turn that last page. I find myself wanting to spend more time with the characters and I’m sorry it’s over.  I don’t care if it’s mystery, romance or paranormal. I love all genres. 

Susan: How much do you and Rose Strickland have in common?

Terri: Like Rose, I took college classes that seemed more interesting than practical.  Who wants to take Biology when you can study Vampires in Film?

Susan: When Hollywood calls, who do you see playing Rose?

Terri: Kristen Bell.  Veronica Mars is one of my favorite TV shows.  Evah!

Susan: Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?
Terri: Nope, I like white noise.  And I always get songs stuck in my head.  Usually bad ones that I hear at the grocery store.  They stay lodged in my brain for days.  So I try to avoid music when I’m writing or otherwise I’ll sing We Built This City for a week. 

Susan: Is it true that you play the triangle in an all-girl band?

Terri: Yes, it’s true!  And I rock it out.  When I go into my triangle solo, it kills every time!

Susan: What would you say is your most interesting quirk?

Terri: I don’t know about interesting, but I do know a disturbing amount of useless pop culture trivia.

Susan: What has surprised you the most about being published?

Terri: My family is actually impressed with me.  They weren’t amazed with knowledge of trivia or the fact that I play the triangle in an all-girl band, but writing a book earned me a little respect.

Susan: What’s the first book you remember reading? 

Terri: Caps for Sale.  I always remember the guy on the cover looked like the man from the Pringles can and I loved Pringles.  But the first book I became obsessed over was Little House in the Big Woods.  I wanted to be a pioneer girl for years after reading the Little House books.  Until I realized pioneer girls don’t have air conditioning or access to ice cream. 

Susan: What book have you read over and over? What about this book keeps drawing you back?

Terri: Dark Fever by Karen Marie Moning.  I love Mac’s evolution from Rainbow Girl to Kick Butt Heroine.  Plus, Barrons.  Oh, Barrons, how I lust for you! 

Susan: What will always make you smile, even on a bad day?

Terri: When I need a pick me up, I watch Napoleon Dynamite’s dance.  He’s got some seriously mad skills.  Even with the snow boots.
 

Susan: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Terri: Pride and Prejudice—the one with Colin Firth.  And I sniff in disdain at all other P & P adaptations.  Not that I don’t watch them, it’s just that I’m sniffing and acting all superior when I do.

Susan Gotta Ask: What is your favorite scene in Diners, Dives, & Dead Ends?  

Terri GOTTA ANSWER: There’s a scene between Rose and Roxy that got pretty emotional.  Rose was very vulnerable and it made my tear up a little when I wrote it. 

UP NEXT: When will your next release be available? The next Rose Strickland mystery will hopefully be out in December! 

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Terri has a couple questions for you...

What do you think is the most important quality in a fictional hero? What makes an epic villain?

Please tell her what you think in the comments section. Thank you all so much for visiting with us at Get Lost in a Story today!