Paint the Town Dead with Nancy Haddock

Hey, Get Lost in a Story Readers, I’m popping in to say hey, and to interview National Bestselling Author Nancy Haddock whose second book in her Silver Six Crafting Series will soon hit bookstores and cyberspace. Poor Nancy and her character Nixy only thought they had they hands full during Basket Case. Looks like that scenario has turned into juggling. Please welcome back Nancy Haddock to Get Lost in a Story!

Leslee Stanton Nix—aka “Nixy”—thought moving to small-town Lilyvale, Arkansas, would be about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But keeping up with her retired Aunt Sherry and her housemates—collectively known as the Silver Six—has proven to be as exciting as it is exasperating.

To kick off the grand opening of their craft shop, the Handcraft Emporium, Nixy and the Silver Six invite Doralee Gordon to teach a gourd painting class. Nixy isn’t happy when Doralee’s ex crashes the class with his new fiancée, but things really get messy when the bride-to-be later turns up dead.

Now it’s up to Nixy and the Silver Six to use their melons to find the killer—before someone else gets painted out of the picture...

Please welcome the wonderful Nancy Haddock! 




DONNELL:  Hey, Nancy, first welcome back, and I just have to ask, what the heck is gourd painting?

NANCY: First, thank you for having me, Donnell! It’s always great to be with GLIAS, never mind hanging out with one of my favorite people!

Blue Gourd

Now to your question. The gourd family includes fruits such as pumpkins, melons, and squashes. Hard-shell gourds, used for practical items such as bowls and vases, come from a different family. When gourds are properly dried, artists can paint, etch, burn, and otherwise decorated them. You can paint gourds pretty much the same way you’d paint wood using acrylic or oil paints. The gourd can be all one color, or the paint can be layered. Or an artist can start with a solid color and then decorate with additional designs – graphics, flowers, whatever. I have a half dozen very small gourds I need to clean and then paint. Soon as I get time!

Painted Gourds at Art Fair

DONNELL:  Now, I know you and your husband are originally from Tulsa, and now live in Florida, so why on earth did you set your story in Arkansas?

NANCY: Grins, Donnell! My dad and his family were originally from the Fort Smith, Arkansas area, and he, his sister, and his parents ended up in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, a small town southwest of Tulsa. I don’t remember the story of why or when they moved, but I remember visiting family and friends in AR when I was young. My folks also had a neighbor and friend who grew up in Magnolia, Arkansas. She is a gracious lady with such a pretty accent, I decided to model my fictional town after Magnolia.

Besides, every time I tried to move the story to Florida, the characters completely rebelled.  

Etched and Polished Gourd

DONNELL:  You have six elderly characters who decide to live together, while Nixy tries to rein them all in. I’m always astonished that someone outside of the group gets murdered and not someone within. I’m going to put you on the spot – Out of all of these characters, which one is your favorite, and is there one you’d like to smack?

NANCY: LOL, Donnell! I’ve seen a few cozy authors kill off a character “close” to the prime protagonist, but it doesn’t happen often. Plus, in a small town setting, it gets dicey to kill residents right and left.

Seriously, I’ve never had the urge to smack these characters. They all entertain me, although my favorite among the Silver Six is probably Fred. He came to me so clearly, and yet he continually says things that surprise me and make me laugh. My tie for favorite isn’t a Silver Sixer. She’s the next door neighbor, “Old Lady Gilroy.” I thought Bernice Gilroy would be more or less a walk-on, but she quickly established her place in the books. She’s as feisty as Fred, but an enigma to the main character, Nixy. I have a blast writing the visits between these two!

DONNELL:  Tell us about Nixy and the hunky detective Eric Shoar. Does Eric have any competition in his future? Will he leave Nixy heartbroken?

NANCY: Being that Lilyvale is a small town without a plethora of eligible men in Nixy’s age range, Eric doesn’t have competition other than Nixy’s riding herd on the Silver Six and managing the Handcraft Emporium. Eric will definitely not leave her heartbroken, and their relationship will strengthen even more in the third book. He’s an upstanding, small-town guy, and a good cop. And hey, he remembers Nixy’s favorite Dairy Queen drinks, and he dotes on her pets! Definitely a keeper!

DONNELL:  This is a craft-based series, and you provide recipes for your readers. Are you crafty, and if so, what is your favorite craft. Considering that I am the world’s worst cook, what recipe would you like me to try?

NANCY: I have been crafty in my past, but don’t indulge nearly as much as I used to. I’ve crocheted, needlepointed, arranged artificial flowers, made wreaths large and small. I’ve even painted, mostly with acrylics, although my creations are primitive at best. It’s freeing to sweep brush strokes on canvas board and know if I turn out a horror, I can always paint over it. :)

As for recipes, I gave up cooking a long while back. Hubby is the cook and baker in the family now. That said, I have made the chicken artichoke casserole recipe that appeared in Basket Case. It’s a process, but it isn’t difficult. The recipe for pear bread is in Paint the Town Dead. I haven’t made that yet, but it seems easy enough. I don’t recommend tackling the fried okra recipe unless you (1) adore fried okra and can’t get it anywhere else, or (2) you love cooking and don’t mind cleaning up the frying mess. Honest, aren’t I? 

DONNELL:  You absolutely are! When you’re not pounding away at the keyboard where will we find you?

NANCY: Sometimes you’ll find me tending my container plants. I’ve put plants in the ground, but most of them have gone nuts. A case in point is my hibiscus. That sucker is ten feet tall, minimum. So container gardening – with weeds also contained – is more my speed.

I used to walk the beach at least a few times a week, but haven’t done that in a while. Since the beach is only a three-minute walk away, and I moved here for the beach, not walking it is a crime. I want to get back to that.

Otherwise, I’m reading, reading, reading!

DONNELL:  This is your second series.  Your first was a humorous vampire series. Now you’re dealing with senior citizens. Do vampires ever try to slip into the plot? How do you keep them at bay;)

NANCY: I have no trouble keeping vampires out of the Silver Six, but ghosts want to sneak in now and again. I alluded to Nixy “seeing” her spunky ancestress in an upper story window once, but she has her hands full with the Six. She doesn’t need a ghost complicating life. (Although it would be fun to see what Fred would say about a ghost!)

I am working on a senior vampire story that might be a scream, and on several others featuring ghosts. 

NANCY, NOW IT’S YOUR TURN.  Time to ask readers a question, and here please let me know if you’d like to do a book give away.

I’m giving away signed copies of both Basket Case and Paint the Town Dead to one commenter. US only, please.

Readers, here are two questions for you: You can answer either or both! Inquiring minds want to know!

First, what art or craft do you love doing? Have you been at it long?

Second, I know of a lot of seniors who’ve long stopped worrying about what others think. They may be perfectly polite about it, but they aren’t shy about saying and doing what they want. Do you have a senior in your life who keeps you guessing, and/ or who keeps you in stitches?

About Nancy Haddock: the award-winning and national bestselling author of the Silver Six Crafting Mysteries. Basket Case debuted in 2015, and the second book in the series, Paint the Town Dead, is a Sept. 2016 release. Nancy draws on historic wealth, southern culture, and the plain old quirkiness of places and people for her books. Learn more about her and her books at www.nancyhaddock.com

Website Facebook   Twitter: @tikinancy or @nancyhaddock   Goodreads

Michelle Major and A Baby and a Bethrothal

Get Lost in a Story Readers, it’s such a treat to visit and to bring with me a special guest. Award-winning, bestselling author Michelle Major. Her books not only make you smile, they yank at your heart strings until your hooked all the way in and ready for the next one. Please welcome, Michelle Major back to Get Lost in a Story.

A BABY AND A BETHROTHAL

WANTED: HUSBAND & DADDY Serious Candidates Only! 

Katie Garrity is proud of her work at her Life is Sweet bakery, but it's high time she showed the town of Crimson that she's more than just "The Cupcake Lady." She wants to be "Mrs." and "Mommy" so badly she can't stand it! But in the small mountain town, the pickings are slim…until the one who got away returns. 

As a forest ranger, Noah loves protecting the places and people he loves—he just can't commit to forever. Katie has been his best friend since high school, but when did she turn into such a lovely woman? And is that desire he feels? Still, Crimson holds too many memories, and Katie wants things Noah can't give. But after one explosive night, it just may be too late. Only nine months will tell…

Get Lost in a Story, it's time to learn more about Michelle Major! 

DONNELL:  Michelle, I’m still smiling after reading the excerpt to this wonderful book. Katie is such a sympathetic heroine, and who can’t relate to an awful first date, or wondering if you’ll ever meet “the one” or have a family.  Katie and Noah were secondary characters in one of your books. Which one, and did you know immediately when you created them that they’d have their own story?

MICHELLE: Aww, thanks Donnell! I could tell you some awful first date stories…yikes! Noah was introduced in the first Crimson book (A Kiss on Crimson Ranch) and Katie arrived in the 2^nd in the series (A Second Chance on Crimson Ranch). I think part of writing a series is figuring out how to develop readers’ interest in supporting characters and how everyone fits into the world you’re creating. I knew Katie and Noah would get their own story but it took them hanging out for a few books for me to create what I thought was the perfect set up for the two of them. 

DONNELL:  When you create these secondary characters, does that interfere with your muse or the current story you’re writing? How do you keep them in the background until you’re ready for them?

MICHELLE: Writing the Crimson, Colorado, series has become like revisiting my friends each time I begin a new story. If I had a gazillion pages and endless hours, I'd love to draw all of the bit players and previous couples into each book. It's fun to discover what everyone's been up to since we last saw them. But I think the key is pulling in the secondary characters that further the current story and making the most of their moments on the page. The central romance is the reason for the book, so sometimes I have to limit who we see outside the hero and heroine. Other times, a secondary character who I might introduce in one book can become the inspiration for a future story. In fact, one of my upcoming Crimson books introduces readers to the town's hottie sheriff, Cole Bennett. I'm working on ideas for his story now and can't wait to bring him fully to life!

DONNELL:  oooh me either J  I loved Katie’s response to the gluten-intolerant date. You write a lot of food into your stories. Are you a foody?

MICHELLE: Well, I like food a lot. Especially baked goods, although I don’t bake too often because I have very little willpower when it comes to sugar. But I love to post new recipes on Pinterest and my daughter likes to cook and bake so it’s something we do together. I’m about to embark on a kitchen remodel and the stove I have in the current kitchen seems to have two settings – off and burn. So it’s not that motivating for me right now. I hope to be re-inspired once things change. J

DONNELL:  Here’s something I’m dying to know. You’re writing for Montlake and for Harlequin. You’re creating a lot of characters. Do you ever get them mixed up, which character belongs in which book and goes with which publisher?

MICHELLE: Actually, no, although maybe I’m jinxing myself now. The two series are different lengths (one is category and one is single title) and they have different tones and settings. When I’m writing characters, they become such fully-formed individuals in my mind with unique voices that I don’t mix them up. Eye color is another story. I have trouble keeping eye color straight.

DONNELL:  Which author(s) did you read growing up, and who inspires you?

MICHELLE: Probably my favorite series growing up was Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I think that was my first official book binge. There is a passage in the third of the series, when Anne and Gilbert Blythe finally admit they’re in love, and I swear those few subtle pages hooked me on romance forever. Historical romance has always been my escape but I read lots of genres and I’m inspired by any one working to create amazing stories.

DONNELL:  Is category romance your passion for the foreseeable future?  – and here’s something else I’d love to see.  Will we ever see one of your books on the Hallmark channel?

MICHELLE: I love writing the category-length book but am also grateful to balance those shorter stories with the single-titles I write for Montlake. It’s fun to mix it up and I’m about to start my first novella so I’m excited to try that out, too. I write a lot these days (4-5 books a year – a lot for me anyway) but the more I write, the more ideas I have.

DONNELL: What comes next for Michelle Major?

MICHELLE:  I’m honored to be part of the 20^th anniversary of the Harlequin miniseries, The Fortunes of Texas. My contribution, Fortune’s Special Delivery, comes out in April. My first British hero and I loved writing him. I also have another 2 Crimson books coming out this year and one more for Montlake in October. Otherwise, it’s more writing with an occasional dog walk thrown in to keep my fur babies happy!

Michelle, thank you. You are rockin' with your career.  Now it’s your turn to ask  readers a question. (and Readers, you’re in luck. Time for a giveaway from Michelle Major!)

MICHELLE'S QUESTION FOR READERS:  My kids have spring break at the end of the month and we’re heading to Ohio to visit my grandma, who recently turned 94. But I’m yearning for a trip to the beach – preferably a tiny island with white sand and blue water. Where is your ideal vacation spot right now? Two people who comment will win a copy of A Baby and A Betrothal (print or ebook – winner’s choice).

To find Michelle and learn more about the rest of her fabulous books, follow this link: http://www.michellemajor.com/

Get Lost with Immortal Celtic Warriors and Darby Kaye

Get Lost in a Story Readers: Have I got a treat for you. If you love legends, irresistible heroes, strong heroines and action and conflict to boot, let me introduce you to my friend, Darby Karchut (writing as Darby Kaye), the author of The STAG LORD. I was wowed by this book, and I know you will be, too. Let's learn more, shall we?

 About The Stag Lord:

On the run across America from a vengeful shape-shifter, Bannerman “Bann” Boru has only one thing on his mind: keeping himself and his young son, Cor, alive.

At any cost.

Until he meets Shay Doyle, healer and member of a secret group of immortal Celtic warriors, the Tuatha De Danaan, living in modern-day Colorado. When Cor is injured, Bannerman is forced to accept her help. He quickly realizes that the golden-haired Healer is shield-maiden tough and can hold her own on the field of battle with the big boys. And Shay soon discovers that there is more to Bann than meets the eye.

Now, with the shape-shifter Cernunnos teaming up with the local pack of Fir Bolgs (Goth wannabes with a nasty taste for children), Bannerman, Shay, her wolf-dog, Max, and the rest of the Doyle clan must figure out how to battle one insane god.

 ~~~

Here's what people are saying about The Stag Lord  (including ... ahem . . . me!):

 "The combination of setting, love of family and creating outstanding three-dimensional characters kept me invested in this book...I'm gathering my breath for December when I'll dive into UNHOLY BLUE."  -- Donnell Ann Bell, best-selling author of Buried Agendas and Deadly Recall

 "Darby sets a vivid scene as backdrop to a passionate story with a strong romance, and even stronger family unit. She had me at Bann’s Irish brogue, Cor’s young bravery, and Shay’s sheer strength of will, then slayed me with the Doyle family. Darby Kaye’s Tuatha Dé Danann shouldn’t be missed." -- M.D. Waters, author of Archetype and Prototype

"...a delightful tale filled with action, mystery, and romance...a fine kick-off to the BANNERMAN BORU series."  -- Rabid Reads

And now. . . Let's meet Darby Kaye:

DONNELL:  Hello, Darby: Thanks for being our guest today. Now, you taught school for years and years, and recently retired, correct? So what's a nice retired teacher doing writing about urban legends, sexy heroes and heroines and insane evil gods?

DARBY: First of all, I want to thank you and your readers for having me today. Folks, did you notice that great blurb from Donnell? Well, my publisher and publicist liked it so much, they put it on the cover of the sequel, UNHOLY BLUE. I know! How lucky am I!

And Darby's  Bannerman “Bann” Boru

Okay, to answer your first question: Yes, I retired last year to write full time after teaching middle school social studies for fourteen years. I adored that age group so much. In fact, I write a middle grade fantasy series, under Darby Karchut, for younger teens. It was that middle grade series which led me to the dark side. My editor love the way I wrote adult male characters, and suggested I might try my hand at an adult urban fantasy. So I did. Talk about a whole new sandbox! I could explore issues and emotions in a way I never could with middle grade. As a writer, it really refreshed me to try a new genre. Plus, I wanted to write about a man who was warrior, lover, and father. A perfect trifecta.

DONNELL:  The setting for this book is near and dear to both of us, and yet you make it your own. Talk about that. I believe the story takes place in Colorado Springs, and yet you give our city an alter ego. Why did you do that instead of making up a completely fictitious location?

DARBY: Yes, all my books are set in High Springs, Colorado, which is based very closely on our home city of Colorado Springs. I have to admit, I can’t remember why I changed the name in the first place. But since all my series (I have three) are interwoven to some degree, I had to keep the name. High Springs refers to the city’s 6,000 foot high altitude, not to the other kind of high Colorado Springs has become famous for. Sheesh.

High Springs (aka Colorado Springs) is a great place to set an urban fantasy. I can use the city’s extreme weather and easy access to wilderness areas to ramp up the tension and give my characters all kinds of challenges. Nothing like battling a blizzard in a national forest while hunting monsters, eh?

DONNELL:  Perfect setting, I agree.  A sign of a good book to me is when you think about it for weeks on end and remember passages and the storyline indefinitely. That is my take on THE STAG LORD. Have you always been a writer? You published when you were still teaching; correct. Did you tell your students?

DARBY: Actually, I never wrote a thing until about six years ago. I never once thought about writing a book, but I read all the time. There’s an old saying: you read and you read, gorging yourself on the written word, until one day, you throw up your own book. I think that’s what happened to me. The idea of a story popped into my head one day: a story about an apprentice guardian angel and his stern, but kindly master living and working in High Springs, Colorado. Thus, GRIFFIN RISING, my debut YA novel, was born. That series was picked up by a small press about eleven months after I started it. Things snowballed from there. If I’m allowed to brag a bit here?  GRIFFIN RISING was just recently optioned for film by actor, Geoff Stults.

My students knew about my books, since I mostly write for that age group. It was a kick to share my writing journey with them. A few even tried their own hand at writing, which made my teacher heart so happy. But, the best thing ever about writing books for the age group I taught was spotting my books in students’ hands during silent reading or study hall. Surreal for me, when a student would stop me in the hall and talk about my characters’ latest adventures. For just a few moments, I would feel like a rock star. Then, it was off to lunch duty and picking up smashed milk cartons off the cafeteria floor. Good times, good times.

DONNELL:  Congratulations on the film option. Good luck! If you're not at the keyboard, where will we find you?

DARBY:  Mostly in mountains—running, hiking, or biking in the summer, or skiing in the winter. I love the Colorado lifestyle, though I am a New Mexico native. Go Lobos!

DONNELL:   Why did I not know you were from New Mexico and a UNM alumni? What's in your refrigerator right now?

DARBY: Not much. Just the basics. Although I always have some dark chocolate in the house.

DONNELL:  What is the most unusual thing you have in your closet?

DARBY: Umm…  *gets up and looks in all the closets*  *scratches head*  Yeah, I got nothing.

DONNELL:  What comes next for Darby Kaye?

DARBY: The sequel to THE STAG LORD, entitled UNHOLY BLUE, will release this coming December. I am also working on a new middle grade series based on the Latino legend of El Cuco, and I’m waiting to hear back from an editor on a contemporary cowboy romance.

Darby, thanks for being our guest today.

Thanks, Donnell, for having me. I had a blast answering your questions.

And, now, DARBY HAS A QUESTION FOR HER FELLOW READERS:  how many of you re-read favorite books? Why or why not?

And I would love to give away a signed copy of THE STAG LORD (adult fantasy) and a signed copy of FINN FINNEGAN (middle grade). Two books. Two lucky winners. (U.S.A. only, please)

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UP NEXT ON GLIAS:  It's First Friday with the Crew

~Donnell Ann Bell

Get Lost on Goodreads, Facebook

or @GetLostInAStory  #GetLostStories

Crew First Fridays: Can You Guess?

Which of our crew did what? Can you guess?

Kat   Angi    Maureen    Clover      Alexa       EE Burke     Lara     Heather      Donnell     Jan     Lizbeth    Jillian    Vicki 

(answers at bottom)

A. Passionate about shoes.                                      

Attends the Toronto International
Film Festival every year.


B. Favorite show is Hell On Wheels                                    
Disc Jockey in former life.


C. Has a Pinterest page devoted to
Inappropriate Things that Still
Make her Laugh.


D.  11th Generation Texan.
Posts 1 picture every day.


E.   Interned with the New England
Patriots.  Teacher by day.


F.  Moved to Texas over her love
of Louis L'Amour westerns.


G.  Takes off to travel once a book
is completed.

H.  Started her writing over love of
Paul McCarthy, Davy Jones,
and Bobby Sherman.
Journalist Reporter in former life.

I.  Science Geek as a biomedical researcher.


J.   Has dangled off a 500 ft precipice. Found
it better than being in a cave.


K.  Has written for parenting magazine.
Court Reporter in former life.


L.  Ruined brand new lawn mower trying to
get her husband-to-be to notice her.


M.  Wipes the floor with her mad mahjohng skills.


Kat-J   Angi-D    Maureen-A    Clover-F      Alexa-E       EE Burke-B     Lara-I     Heather-C      Donnell-K     Jan-L     Lizbeth-H    Jillian-G    Vicki-M

Get Lost in a Story with Mystery Author Edith Maxwell

Get Lost in a Story Readers, I’d like to introduce to you today the prolific, best-selling Edith Maxwell.  She’s here to tell us about her latest release, FARMED AND DANGEROUS. Now if that title doesn’t have your curiosity piqued, check out the blurb . . .

ABOUT FARMED AND DANGEROUS

Snow is piling up in Westbury, Massachusetts, and Cam Flaherty’s organic farm has managed to survive the harsh New England winter. Unfortunately murder seems to be the crop in season…

Cam is finding the New Year just as hectic as the old one. Her sometimes rocky relationship with Chef Jake Ericsson is in a deep freeze, she’s struggling to provide the promised amount of food to the subscribers in her first winter CSA, and her new greenhouse might just collapse from the weight of the snow. Supplying fresh ingredients for a dinner at the local assisted living facility seems like the least of her worries—until one of the elderly residents dies after eating some of her produce.

Cantankerous Bev Montgomery had a lot of enemies, from an unscrupulous real estate developer who coveted her land to an aggrieved care provider fed up with her verbal abuse. But while the motives in this case may be plentiful, the trail of poisoned produce leads straight back to Cam. Not even her budding romance with police detective Pete Pappas will keep him from investigating her.

As the suspects gather, a blizzard buries the scene of the crime under a blanket of snow, leaving Cam stranded in the dark with a killer who gives new meaning to the phrase “dead of winter.”

Please welcome Edith Maxwell!

DONNELL:  Edith, welcome.  I’ve known about your books for a few years now, and it’s no exaggeration you’re prolific. You have a Quaker Midwife series and a Local Food series as well. What is that makes mystery so appealing to you?

EDITH: Thanks so much for having me, Donnell! I’m delighted to be here. I also have a Country Store Mysteries series coming out in late October under the pen name Maddie Day, which is set in the hill country of southern Indiana, and my Lauren Rousseau series from Barking Rain Press, written as Tace Baker, featuring a Quaker linguistics professor solving crimes north of Boston. 

I love reading mysteries of the traditional/cozy sort, and it just made sense to write what I love to read. It’s an interesting challenge to make the puzzle work in each book, and hopefully to surprise the reader.

DONNELL:  One of my greatest fears is that I’ll invite someone to dinner and something I make won’t agree with them.  But for something edible to kill them? What were you thinking in Farmed and Dangerous killing off an elderly resident?

EDITH: <laughing> The book takes place in the dead of winter (no pun intended) and I wanted to set it at the assisted living residence where my farmer’s great uncle lives. Having a resident die after eating food Cam grew ups the stakes for her to solve the crime, especially since Cam and the victim had been known to have conflict in the recent past. With amateur sleuths, authors need to keep finding a reason for them to jump into what, in reality, is the job of the police, not the average citizen.

DONNELL:  You also educate readers in an entertaining way about organic food.  Is this your background? Are you an avid gardener?

EDITH:  I am an avid organic gardener, and I owned and operated a small certified-organic farm twenty years ago, so I know that world pretty well. Nobody used the term locavore back then, but my customers all wanted locally grown organic food. I love being back in the farming community again, except now I don’t have to do all the hard work! As it turns out, my 26-year-old son has become a permaculture farmer and he worked on a nearby organic farm the last two summers. He’s my chicken consultant, for example, and updates me on current growing practices.

DONNELL:  Where will we find you when you’re not writing?

EDITH:  In the summer I’m often outside in my vegetable or flower gardens. Year round you can also find me cooking, on the couch reading, or out at our local screening room watching indy films with my beau. I have a busy summer coming up, with visits to libraries, farmers’ markets, and bookstores, as well as two writers’ retreats. I’d like to get back to a previous hobby of quilting, something I learned from my mother and grandmother, but right now three multi-book contracts don’t quite leave time for that. I’m very happy with my decision of two years ago to leave the day job writing software documentation and focus on writing fiction full time.

DONNELL:  Your reviews state that you’re great at establishing quirky characters. Where do they come from – are they completely made up?  Give us an example of your favorite?

EDITH:  It’s so fun inventing people. I’ll often include a quirk from one or more real person in a character, but in general they are made up. In Farmed and Dangerous a local apple farmer is also a former opera star, so he goes around singing bits of arias. I knew someone like that long ago, and just had to include that trait in Richard Broadhurst.  I will say that my dear mother never got to read any of my books because she passed away three years ago. So in this new book, I included her as Great-Uncle Albert’s new girlfriend, Marilyn Muller. She’s Mommy, right down to the embroidered sweatshirts, Velcro tennis, and beating everyone at Scrabble. But her character on the page has already morphed into drinking wine and using an iPhone, things my mother never touched. Characters really do have a life of their own, whether totally imaginary or based in part on a real person.

DONNELL:   Is it fun for you to write the antagonist? Do you have a favorite bad guy?

EDITH: I don’t have as much fun writing antagonists over the course of the book. I try to include a human side, because nobody (well, almost nobody) is all bad. But I struggle to show them being malicious, partly because I don’t run into that many bad guys in my life. I hope I’ve done a good job. It’s different during the climax scene – then I kind of enjoy making the villain as wicked as possible. Please don’t try to psychoanalyze me for this!

DONNELL:  What comes next for Edith Maxwell?

EDITH: Flipped for Murder (written as Maddie Day) comes out from Kensington Publishing at the end of October. My first historical mystery featuring Quaker midwife Rose Carroll, Delivering the Truth, will be out next April from Midnight Ink. I’ve turned in the fourth Local Foods mystery, Murder Most Fowl, am revising the second Country Store mystery, and have just started writing the second Quaker Midwife mystery. I’m way busy but I’m living my dream, and I love it.

DONNELL: Edith, now it’s time for you to ask the reader a question.

EDITH: I’m happy to give away a signed copy of Farmed and Dangerous to a commenter. Readers – How do you feel about local or organic food? Do you have a favorite local farm stand, farmers’ market, or CSA (farm share program), or are you in a city and just feel lucky to find vegetables at the supermarket?

Bio and links:

Agatha-nominated and Amazon-bestselling author Edith Maxwell writes four murder mystery series, most with recipes, as well as award-winning short stories.

Farmed and Dangerous is the latest in Maxwell's Local Foods Mysteries series (Kensington Publishing). The latest book in the Lauren Rousseau mysteries, under the pseudonym Tace Baker (Barking Rain Press), is Bluffing is Murder. Maxwell’s Country Store Mysteries, written as Maddie Day (also from Kensington), will debut with Flipped for Murder in November, 2015. Her Quaker Midwife Mysteries series features Quaker midwife Rose Carroll solving mysteries in 1888 Amesbury with John Greenleaf Whittier’s help, and will debut in March, 2016 with Delivering the Truth.

A fourth-generation Californian, Maxwell lives in an antique house north of Boston with her beau and three cats. She blogs every weekday with the other Wicked Cozy Authors (http://wickedcozyauthors.com), and you can find her at www.edithmaxwell.com, @edithmaxwell, on Pinterest and Instagram, and at www.facebook.com/EdithMaxwellAuthor.

 http://www.amazon.com/Farmed-Dangerous-Local-Foods-Mystery/dp/0758284675/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/farmed-and-dangerous-edith-maxwell/1120058499

Get Lost in a Story welcomes Annette Dashofy

Get Lost in a Story readers, I’m thrilled today to introduce to you not only a fabulous author, but one of my most favorite people in the world. Annette Dashofy has been first a fellow writer, a critique partner and a friend. I want you to know about Zoe Chambers  mystery series and two characters that are as real to me as my neighbor next door. I’ve lived in Pennsylvania thanks to Annette, and follow religiously the exploits of Paramedic Zoe Chambers and Police Chief Pete Adams.  Please welcome, Agatha nominee and USA Today bestselling author Annette Dashofy as she promotes book three in the series, Bridges Burned.

About Bridges Burned:

Paramedic Zoe Chambers is used to saving lives, but when she stops a man from running into a raging inferno in a futile attempt to rescue his wife, Zoe finds herself drawn to him, and even more so to his ten-year-old daughter. She invites them both to live at the farm while the grieving widower picks up the pieces of his life. 

 Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams, of course, is not happy with this setup, especially when he finds evidence implicating Zoe's new houseguest in murder times two. When Zoe ignores Pete's dire warnings, she runs the very real chance of burning one too many bridges, losing everything--and everyone--she holds dear.

DONNELL:  Good morning, Annette, thanks for being my guest today.  I did a little arm-twisting to get you here – you’ve been busy.  Talk about a typical day for you.

ANNETTE: I’m so glad to be here, Donnell! As for “typical,” I’m not sure if there is such a

thing. I crave routine, but the life seems to have other plans for me. I write just about every day—or at least 6 days a week. But the rest of the day might involve doing promotion of some sort, taking care of Pennwriters business (I’m vice president), doing research, or spending time with my mom who turns 95 tomorrow! On rare occasions, I clean house.

DONNELL:  You once fell off a horse, and of course got right back on – but you did something else that has become a lifelong habit/passion for you.  What is that?

ANNETTE: I discovered yoga! I’d had a bad spill from a colt I was trying to break (who broke whom is a good question!) and landed in basically a shoulder stand. I was a regular customer at my chiropractor until I started taking yoga classes. Eight months of yoga did more to help my pain than eight years of chiropractic. Nothing against chiropractors, mind you. I still go for tune-ups. Anyhow, I became a yoga instructor, taught in a studio for over 10 years and continued to teach privately until very recently.

DONNELL:  You also have something in common with Paramedic Zoe Chambers.  How much is Zoe like Annette Dashofy, and in what ways are you dissimilar?

ANNETTE:  I worked as an EMT on our local ambulance service when I was younger, so I know the world Zoe lives in. Both she and I are farm gals who love cats and horses. The Kroll’s farmhouse where she lives is based on my grandparents’ farmhouse where I grew up. HOWEVER, Zoe is younger than I am, has a much better figure, and is tougher. While I had a boring, “normal” childhood, Zoe had a rough time of it, losing her dad when she was eight. As a teen, she was a wild child where the boys were concerned. Me? Eh. Not so much. I was a nerdy geek wallflower.

DONNELL:  Police Chief Pete Adams is one of my favorite characters of all time.  You have managed to make him very human to me.  He’s divorced, has a father with Alzheimer’s, works a case with a badly sprained ankle. You really put him through the ringer.  Bad for Pete, intriguing for readers.  Who/what inspired you to create Pete?

ANNETTE:  Pete and Zoe first appeared on the page in a short story I wrote (“A Signature in Blood”), which was nominated for a Derringer Award in 2007. At the time, I never intended to write anything else with them in it. But I wanted to create a new series, and someone who liked the short story asked me when she could expect to see more of Pete and Zoe. So I spent some time fleshing them out, but it wasn’t until I decided Pete kinda looked like Mark Harmon that he became a living, breathing character to me. I knew he was divorced from the start, but his dad came later, probably because I was dealing with losing my own father to the disease. And the bad ankle think happened organically during the writing of Lost Legacy. I even thought for a long time I might go back during revisions and take the injury thread out of the story!

DONNELL:  You also have another series that I’m dying for you to release. Any plans?

ANNETTE:  You simply will not let that one go, will you, Donnell? Ha. I know you don’t want to hear this, but no, I don’t have any plans to drag my racetrack veterinarian series out of mothballs and publish it. However, I never say never, so who knows?

DONNELL:  If you’re not writing, where will we find you?

ANNETTE:  You mean in my “spare time?” Please see my answer regarding my routine day. Okay, assuming I’m not writing, promoting, taking care of business and Mom, you’ll probably find me reading. Or, if I can finagle an invitation from one of my horsey friends, you’ll find me in the saddle, out on the trails.  

DONNELL:  Now it’s time for you to ask the reader a question.  And, readers, this just in . . .   Annette will be giving away a Zoe Chambers mystery (winners’ choice) to 3 commenters who answer this question: 

ANNETTE WANTS TO KNOW:  I was on a panel at a book festival a couple weeks ago discussing the trend toward unlikeable characters in fiction. My question is: What makes a main character likeable or unlikeable to you?

Readers, follow Annette at http://www.annettedashofy.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/annette.dashofy
Twitter: @Annette_Dashofy

Thanks for being our guest, Annette!

Get Lost in a Story welcomes back Michelle Major

Get Lost in a Story Readers, please welcome the talented, heart warming Michelle Major as she promotes her new release Second Chance at Crimson Ranch.

GOOD WITH HIS HANDS, BAD FOR HER HEART… 

Ever since her marriage went up in flames, Olivia Wilder hasn't had the desire for love. But one magical dance with Logan Travers might change all that. The blue-eyed hometown hunk is a bit younger and a whole lot sexier than any man she's ever dated before. This is one carpenter Olivia would like to get to know better, and not just because of his building skills… 

From his first dance with Olivia, Logan knows there's something special about the beautiful brunette. The more she's determined to keep him at arm's length, the more Logan wants her in his embrace. And the more Olivia says she's just passing through, the more resolved Logan is to make her his, forever.

DONNELL:  Michelle, welcome back!  Are you having fun with Harlequin.  How many books does A Second Chance at Crimson Ranch make now?

MICHELLE:  Hi, Donnell! Thanks so much for having me again – such fun to virtually visit with you. A Second Chance At Crimson Ranch is my 5^th release with Harlequin Special Edition and I love writing for the line. There are two more books coming in the Crimson series this year and three more under contract. I also got a chance to take part in one of their continuities, The Fortunes of Texas, for the first time this year and that book comes out in April. It was exciting and daunting to jump into a series that’s been a fan favorite for years and I’m happy to report I’ll be writing another Fortunes book for the 20^th anniversary next year.

DONNELL:  I love, love, love Second Chance stories. What is it about them that makes them appeal to readers, do you think?

MICHELLE:  I think most of us can relate to making mistakes (sometimes big ones) so there’s a universal appeal to the idea of a second chance to make things right. And with romance, we get to go on that journey with the characters so the payoff at the end is even sweeter.

DONNELL:  Now, I see that Logan falls for a beautiful brunette.  Hmmm. You’re a beautiful brunette.  How much is Olivia like Michelle Major?

MICHELLE: Gosh, Donnell, you’re making me blush. I’d say the first thing Olivia and I have in common is that we both really like Chris Hemsworth (the actor who played Thor). He was one of my inspirations for Logan and, let me tell you, it’s not a hardship to hang out with him all day. When we meet Olivia at the start of the book, she’s new to Colorado but looking to make the mountains her home. I can definitely relate to that since I drove west after graduating from college with everything I owned in the trunk of my car and I’m still here over 20 years later.

DONNELL:   Readers, Michelle is not only an author, she’s my neighbor, and as such we’ve both gone through remodels.  Now I see that Logan is a carpenter.  Seriously, Michelle, haven’t you had enough remodeling?

MICHELLE:  You’d think so, right?! I guess I could call all of our house projects hands-on research. But as much as I’ve liked the contractors we’ve had, none of them looked like Chris Hemsworth. That helped. J

DONNELL:  Where will we find you when you’re not glued to the keyboard?

MICHELLE: Glued to my Kindle or with my nose in a book. I like to read both ways, but with my current writing schedule I don’t have as much time as I’d like. I tend to binge read until the wee hours when I get a break. I’m also a devoted dog mom so I walk the dogs almost every day – they don’t seem to mind the never-ending winter we’re having.

DONNELL:  What’s next for Michelle Major, and any upcoming engagements?

MICHELLE: I have releases with Harlequin in April, June and November this year and will be writing the next installment of Crimson books between then. I’m going to be at a Colorado Springs library district event on April 4^th and at RWA in New York City this summer. Hope to see some friends in the Big Apple! Thanks again for having me on GLIAS, Donnell!

Thanks for being our guest, Michelle.   

  

Thanks for having me, Donnell. I’d be happy to giveaway a print copy of Second Chance. Hope this snow melts eventually!!!!

Me, too, Michelle, but the good news is we can stay inside and read! 

 www.michellemajor.com
Twitter:  @michellemajor1