12/06/2012

Get Lost with Jerrie Alexander & The Green-Eyed Doll


Get Lost in a Story Readers, you're in for a treat today.  A while back I judged a spectacular entry in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Mystery/Suspense and told this author--get this book out there.  She took my advice -- okay, I may be slightly exaggerating that she did it simply on my say so.  But I like to think I encouraged her. Please welcome the fabulous suspense author, Jerrie Alexander!



About The Green-Eyed Doll
A woman hiding her past. A Texas sheriff who ignites a flame she thought lost forever. A killer who paints his victims to look like porcelain dolls.

Catherine McCoy is on the run. For the past year, she has been on the move, hiding the secrets and guilt in her heart. When she lands in small-town Texas and meets Sheriff Matt Ballard, he ignites a flame she thought lost forever.

Matt has scars of his own. He left the big city after an undercover operation went bad and his partner was killed. Now, as Matt hunts for a serial killer who paints his victims’ faces like porcelain dolls, Catherine becomes a safe haven for him. Two tortured souls finding comfort in each other's arms—until he uncovers her secret, and their bond of trust is broken.

When Catherine disappears, Matt races to find her, fearing the murderer has found his next green-eyed doll. But the killer has a surprise coming. Catherine will fight to the death before she’ll be a victim again. Will her determination be enough?
Jerrie! Welcome to Get Lost in a Story

Thank you, Donnell, for having me over today!
DONNELL:  Your writing has been described as “Dark and Gritty.”  Now Jerrie, I’ve met you. You don’t strike me as dark and gritty. What’s a nice girl like you writing a novel like that?  ;)

JERRIE:  That made me laugh. The dog is looking at me like I'm nuts. Nice or patient aren't words I'd use to describe myself. I admit to being drawn to the dark side of man. I love to research crimes and case files. I'm constantly amazed at the things human beings do to each other. Breaks my heart sometimes. Maybe by giving my hero and heroine the power, courage, and often luck to prevail over these people who have no concern for others, I'm offering escape, entertainment and proving right always wins. Darn, Donnell, that question is deep!

DONNELL:  Not that I would know what it’s like, but do you ever scare yourself?

JERRIE: Every morning when I look in the mirror and that old woman snarls back at me. Oh, you meant in a story. Not really, I guess that's because I know it's all in my head. Watching or reading scary stories will have me jumping at noises.

DONNELL:  Compare yourself to your writing. How much are you like your heroines?

JERRIE: Can you say zero? I knew that you could. Well, if we share any traits it would be my smart mouth. I have to admit I've lived a charmed life compared to my heroines. But if somebody messed with my kid, I might take on their personality.

DONNELL:  What’s in your refrigerator right now?

JERRIE: Hang on...I have to go look. Talk amongst yourselves for a minute. Nothing healthy unless you count Coke Zero. Two and a half gallons of milk, pickles, butter, eggs, lettuce, boring stuff like that! The candy is in a dish on the kitchen counter. I'm in there a lot.

DONNELL:  Organized?  Or  will we find you on a Hoarder’s episode?

JERRIE: No hoarding for me. I go a little skitzo if things start piling up. Things wind up in the trash. Things my husband will eventually miss and I will disavow any knowledge of its whereabouts.

DONNELL:  What is your proudest accomplishment?

JERRIE:  Jerrie junior, as our friends used to call her. She's not junior anymore and has grown into a wonderful person. She's the best thing Mr. A and I have accomplished.

DONNELL:  Do you have any skeleton’s in your closet (Kidding) But seriously, what’s the most unusual thing we might find in your closet?

JERRIE: It's either the Mrs. Beasley doll or the plastic figure of Gerard Butler from the movie 300.  The doll belongs to our daughter. Gerard Butler? He's mine. I won him.

DONNELL: Who is someone past or present that you’d like to meet?

JERRIE: My great-great grandfather. An aunt put together our family tree on my mother's side. It seems Great-great broke with the family and disappeared. That set me off on a search. I still don't know why, but I discovered he's buried not six miles from where we live today, which is over two hundred miles from the old family home. There's a mystery there for sure.

JERRIE’S TURN TO ASK THE READER A QUESTION.

JERRIE WANTS TO KNOW: This being my debut novel, I'd love to know what draws a reader to a new author? Word of mouth? Website? Blogs?

Answer Jerrie's question for a chance to win a digital download of The Green Eyed Doll.

Looking to learn more about Jerrie?  She can found hanging out in one of these places:

website   blog   twitter @JerrieAlexander   facebook    goodreads

***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

DON’T FORGET to FOLLOW us on Twitter #GetLostStories or LIKE us on Facebook to keep up with all our guest authors and their prizes.

39 comments:

  1. Donnell, thanks for having me as your guest today. Truth be told, you believed in me and the book, and that support was priceless! Okay...enough mushy stuff!

    I'll be hanging out here all day to chat with old friends and make new ones!

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  2. Hi Donnell and Hi Jerrie: Great interview. I had to laugh because when I look in the mirror each morning, I definitely get scared!
    So ...what draws me to a new writer? Well, interesting posts on a loop, good blog posts and interviews get my attention. That's how I came across Jerrie--some of her comments on the WRP loop. From there, I checked out her blog & her book. Other things might be ... the book cover, the blurb, the first paragraph or page. I often surf the 'net and come across a great cover. That makes me pause and check out the book and author.

    I guess we never know what will grab reader attention -- or (scary thought here) WHAT might turn them off!

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    1. Jessie, thanks for commenting! On occasion I see my mother looking back at me. Other times, it's a total stranger, and I wonder...where did those wrinkles come from?

      A great cover catches my eye too. Makes me stop and check out the blurb.

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  3. Jerrie, You always make me giggle! And I begged for a Mrs. Beasley doll (and never got one). I'll have to come play with yours. Congrats on your release!

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    1. Morning, Larissa. Thank you for stopping by. Donnell asks the best questions!

      That poor doll lost her glasses and voice along the way, but she still looks great. I probably should give her to her rightful owner!

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  4. Covers are the first thing that get my attention, I will dismiss a book if I don't like the cover unless of course it is one of my favorite writers. Congratulations on the release Jerrie.

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  5. Great interview, ladies.

    I had to laugh at the Mrs. Beassley doll in the closet. I've got a Chatty Cathy and Suzy Smart in mine. I've been told I take after Chatty...but Suzy - not so much.

    Love the title of your book, Jerrie and story sounds fascinating.

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    1. Kathy, wasn't that a great question. It seems there's a lot to learn about a person by peeking inside their closet!I'd forgotten about Chatty Cathy...wonder where she is?

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  6. P.L.,me too! If I know the author and like her work, cover isn't a deal breaker.
    I appreciate you stopping by!

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  7. Morning Jerrie. Nice questions, Donnell. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the real deal tomorrow. Oh, I know it's available, and I'll probably get a copy for my Nook, too. But to walk into B & N and see your first book there . . . well, I've got chill bumps just writing those words. So excited for you, sweetie. And the book is so incredibly good. "Un-put-downable" as they say. (Is that written with hyphens or not?):)
    As to your great question: I pick up new writers from blogs or word-of-mouth. Covers not so much. Blurbs help, but mostly I'd say w-o-m. Have a super day, and I hope tons of people stop by so they can be inspired to rush out and buy Doll.

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  8. Thank you, Marsha!! I regret to say you won't find the book on the shelf at a B&N. They don't have an agreement with TWRP. The paperback can be ordered through The Wild Rose Press or Amazon. The ebook can be purchased from TWRP, Amazon or B&N!

    Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your support!!

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  9. Great interview, ladies!

    I had to laugh, Jerrie, cuz my mama often times stares back at me in the morning (or evening) mirror.

    The two most powerful things that draw me to a *new* author are the cover and the blurb. The cover has to intrigue me, make my fingers itch to turn the pages. The blurb, as an extension of the cover, has to compel me even more into wanting to read the story.

    You win on both counts, Jerrie! The Green Eyed Doll is going on my TBR list. Best of luck with your sales!

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    1. Lynda, I guess we all experience that shock of seeing our mother in the mirror! It never fails to surprize me!

      Thank you for adding the book to your TBR list. I hope you enjoy it!

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  10. Hi Donnell! Hey Jerrie!

    This was a fabulous interview! Jerrie, we have A LOT in common. I'm completely anti-hoarding. My hubby and I just bought a lot to build our next home (in 5 years) and I'm already downsizing just because I don't want to have so much to move. LOL.

    I'm drawn to new authors based on several factors already mentioned: cover, blurb and word of mouth. I also - if it's available - like to read the first few pages. If I'm hooked on just a few pages, I'll almost always buy it.

    Your book sounds FABULOUS. Will definitely put it on my TBR. :)

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  11. Great interview Donnell and Jerrie! I have that same reaction to the mirror in the mornings. The difference though, I don't take after my mother. She's prettier.
    The cover and blurb is what attracts me to any book. But, if it's an author I've never read before, an excerpt is a plus. I like to hear the authors voice.

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    1. Sandra, mine was too. And a whole lot nicer. :) Thanks for stopping in and commenting!

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  12. Misty, I'm a regular visitor over at your blog...love it. Yesterday's made me laugh a couple of times. I've thought for some time now that we had a lot in common! Insanity...maybe?

    Thanks for stopping by, and for adding the book to your TBR list!

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  13. Great interview, ladies! Welcome Jerrie and congratulations on your new release.
    As for new authors..hmmm...I'm still a bookstore brouser, so an intriguing cover and blurb will draw my attention. I also look for recommendations from friends.
    In today's market we're being assaulted from all sides with media promotions, but the chatter doesn't stick for me. I like to see the book and with ebooks, I have to rely on the cover/blurb.

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    1. Jean, thank you! It's been a long wait but now that it's here, my head is spinning!

      Thank you for commenting, I love to prowl through the bookstore! I totally agree the cover and the blurb pulls readers in!

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  14. Wonderful interview, ladies!
    Jerrie,
    Love the premise of your story and your characters!

    Nice to meet a fellow Coke Zero drinker. :-)

    As for your new author question, word of mouth does help but if I stumble onto the book on my own and like the blurb, I'll buy the book.

    Very best of luck to you on your release!

    ~Donna

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  15. WELCOME TO GLIAS, Jerrie !
    "JERRIE: No hoarding for me. I go a little skitzo if things start piling up. Things wind up in the trash. Things my husband will eventually miss and I will disavow any knowledge of its whereabouts."

    LOVE IT ! Just love it and wished it happened here.
    ~Angi

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  16. Donna and Angie! Thanks for stopping by! My system seems to be acting wonky so I'm posting this before it kicks me out again. That's what I get for living out in the 'boonies' as my brother calls our neck of the woods.

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  17. Hey Jerrie,

    Ya know, some times word of mouth works backwards on me, esp. if a book is getting a lot of hype, I'll be stubborn and avoid it until curiosity gets the better of me.

    I find new authors usually by browsing covers and back copy blurbs. I know what I like to read so if a blurb has those components I'll give it a whirl, regardless of good or bad reviews.

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    1. Hey Clover!! Thanka for stopping! I'll see you on my blog next Wednesday!

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  18. Congrats! The story draws me to a book.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  19. Hi Jerrie,

    I usually discover new authors through blogs or searching on Amazon for something in my favorite genre. And as for the Mrs. Beasley doll - I had one when I was little! Memories!

    Good luck with your book!

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    1. Hey Vicky! Mrs Beasley sits on the top shelp and monitors my shoes...my way too many pairs of shoes.

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  20. Hi, Jerrie, hi, get lost in a story readers. Did you think I wasnt going to stop by and say, hi. just had surger so don't know if this will make sense. If I've read some of he work before and I was intrigued I definitely want to see how te author ends it. and Word of mouth. If someone is excited ab out a book, it shows, it gets the next person excited and the next one ... :) Go get 'em, Jerrie, thanks for being with us today!

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    1. Donnell, my heart hurts for you and your foot. I had surgery on my right foot a few years back...not fun!! Thank you fo having me here today. I appreciate your support!!

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  21. I really enjoy a good romantic suspense (or a suspenseful romance!) and this sounds intriguing! Great blurb and really fun interview. I find it's the blurbs and word of mouth that really drive my interest most of the time when it comes to purchasing and reading.

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    1. Melissa! I'm glad you stopped by and enjoyed the interview!

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  22. Hi Jerrie!

    Author to author, here's few thoughts: Covers are always important, even when they are simple...that simplicity says something about the book (Outlander by Diana Gabaldon comes to mind).

    A nice website, is a must! For every reason under the sun.

    I love virtual book tours. They are a HUGE time-suck, but if you keep mixing them up, they can create excellent virtual word of mouth.

    I use Facebook to chat with fans/friends and Twitter for B2B to connect with authors, blog hosts, reviewers, agents, editors, publishers, etc.

    Discoverability is the latest new marketing mantra. I think you need patience and you need to get a lot of books out there, which means giveaways and discounting in order to build your readership.

    Hope this helps! Good luck with The Green Eyed Doll! Sounds wonderful!

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    1. Thanks for the great points and ideas! My blog tour officially starts Monday, 12-10! Fifteen stops and I hope the make some new friends and contacts. Grueling but fun!

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  23. I think it's the cover and blurb that draws me to look closer at an author.

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  24. Hi Jerrie, I agree with the others--it's the cover and the back cover blurb. However, I've been known to turn to the first page and read it too so it needs to live up to the blurb.

    I can't wait to read this. Wishing you much success!

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  25. Jerrie,
    After hearing about all those contests you won and seeing the blurb about their background, I can't wait to get my own copy. "i'll be ordering one for my kindle soon.
    Carolyn Williamson

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  26. Jerrie drew a random ranking bn100cang@hotmail.com

    Congratulations!!! Bn100 -- you've won THE GREEN EYED DOLL!!!

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