The Romance Room: author

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Monday, May 2, 2016

Interview With Author, Joe Cosentino

An Interview with Joe Cosentino, author of SATIN DOLL, a Jana Lane mystery, published by The Wild Rose Press

What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Since most of my cousins are lawyers, it was as a teenager telling my parents I wanted to be an actor. My mother was cutting vegetables for dinner at the time. She turned to me and said, “Take this knife and stick it through my heart.” Ah, Italian moms. They eventually grew accustomed to it, and couldn’t be more proud when after college, I acted in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars like Bruce Willis, Nathan Lane, Rosie O’Donnell, Holland Taylor, Charles Keating, and Jason Robards. My 1982 ABC-TV movie, My Mother Was Never a Kid, with Holland Taylor is still an internet favorite, and NBC’s Another Word still reruns in some places.

What adventure would you like to have that you haven’t done yet if money and skill were no problem?

I want to play Simon Huckby, Jana Lane’s agent, in The Jana Lane Mysteries television series. Simon is amazingly resilient, old world Hollywood, incredibly funny, and loyal to Jana. Hear that, television producers!

Who are some of your favorite authors? What commonality do you see in them?

I’ve been compared to Mary Higgins Clark, Agatha Christie, and Armistead Maupin. Not shabby company! I like Clark’s fast-pace and seamless blend of mystery and romance. Christie’s plot twists and turns, hidden clues, and surprise endings are great fun. Maupin’s quirky characters and out of the box plots are wild.

I believe color says something about a person’s personality. What’s your favorite color?

Red, because it reminds me of my favorite holiday, Christmas. One December my mother said to me, “Tell me exactly what you want for Christmas, because I’m tired of you returning everything I buy for you.” I replied, “I’d like a red shirt.” She answered, “I don’t like red. I’ll get you a blue one.”

If you could have a do-over life, what one thing would you do differently? What would you do again?

My Drama Queen, the first Nicky and Noah mystery comedy from Lethe Press, won Best Mystery Novel of 2015 and Best Humorous Novel of 2015 in Divine Magazine’s Readers’ Poll. I was busy finishing a novel and my semester at the college where I teach and am department head. If I could do that over, I’d have a big party. I travelled to the gorgeous and magical island of Capri for my holiday romance novella, A Home for the Holidays. I’d love to do that again and again and again.

What is your writing process from conception to finished MS?

I generally get a great idea at about 3am, leap out of bed, and jot notes on the pad on my night table. If I can read them in the morning, I write a plot summary. Since I was an actor, I write a long biography for each character. The outline is next, which I deviate from constantly when writing the first draft. I show the second draft to my spouse for his notes. The third draft goes to the publisher.

Are you a planner, panster or both?

Definitely a planner. When writing a mystery you start with the shocking ending and work backwards. So you have to plan out the clues and red herrings.

How did you research for your book?

As one reviewer said, I use my first-hand knowledge of show business to devilish ends in the Jana Lane mysteries. As a child I loved child stars like Shirley Temple, Hayley Mills, and Patty Duke, seeing their movies over and over. So I created a heroine who was the biggest child star ever until she was attacked on the studio lot at eighteen years old. Now at forty, Jana solves various murder mysteries and dabbles in a few romances as she makes two comeback films, stars in a Broadway play, and heads the cast of a television series. Since I was a professional actor, I know exactly what goes on backstage, on a movie set, and on the set of television series. So the scenes in the books are quite authentic and captivating.

In PAPER DOLL Jana at thirty-eight lives with her family in a mansion in picturesque Hudson Valley, New York. Her flashbacks from the past become murder attempts in her future. Forced to summon up the lost courage she had as a child, Jana ventures back to Hollywood, which helps her uncover a web of secrets about everyone she loves. She also embarks on a romance with the devilishly handsome son of her old producer, Rocco Cavoto.

In PORCELAIN DOLL (The Wild Rose Press), Jana makes a comeback film and uncovers who is being murdered on the set and why. Her heart is set aflutter by her incredibly gorgeous co-star, America’s heartthrob Jason Apollo. The other suspects include Jana’s James Dean type young co-star, her older John Wayne type co-star, her children’s Eve Harrington type nanny, the film’s gossipy makeup and hair artist, a local reverend trying to stop the film’s production, and Jason’s agent.

In SATIN DOLL (current release from The Wild Rose Press), Jana and family head to Washington, DC, where Jana plays a US senator in a new film, and becomes embroiled in a murder and corruption at the senate chamber. She also embarks on a romance with Chris Bruno, the muscular detective. Jana rubs elbows with senators on both sides of the aisle, a lobbyist, and a Washington reporter. Her husband also goes through a personal crisis.

In CHINA DOLL (coming soon from The Wild Rose Press), Jana heads to New York City to star in a Broadway play, enchanted by her gorgeous co-star Peter Stevens, and faced with murder on stage and off.

I am currently writing RAGDOLL, where Jana stars in a television mystery series and once again life imitates art.

Through the course of the books, Jana not only solves the mysteries, but also reclaims the courage and fortitude she had as a child. This is an important message for all of us. As one reviewer wrote, she starts out as a wounded bird, and ends as tiger.

What is your all-time favorite movie? TV show?

Hayley Mills in The Parent Trap, hence my love for child stars.

How important do you feel writing workshops are to a writer?

I have a B.A., M.A., and M.F.A., so I am a strong believer in education. Good thing since I’m a college professor.

If you could learn one new skill, fear and money no deterrent, what would it be?

How to raise a huge amount of money so I could produce television versions of my books.

If you had a million dollars to donate to any one charity, what would it be?

Don’t worry, I won’t say the Joe Cosentino Television Production Company. I’m a big contributor to AIDS research. Since the Jana Lane mysteries take place in the 1980’s, the AIDS crisis plays a minor role in the books. There are many wonderfully fun things about the 1980’s too. I had great fun writing about the hairstyles, clothing, makeup, music, movies, plays, and decadence of that amazing era.

What advice would you like to give to an aspiring writer?

I love reading and writing stories with engaging characters who I want to spend time with. Just as I did improvisation as an actor, I recommend letting your characters talk to one another and seeing what happens! A writer should create an entire world of suspense above and beyond “who done it.” When a reader finishes a book, he/she should be satisfied that the various parts equaled the whole. Finally, don’t forget the humor and romance!

Did anyone mentor you or help you along the way? Please tell us about your mentor and what you feel he or she contributed to your writing career.

I’ve had many teachers and mentors as I am a teacher and mentor to others now. I’ll always be thankful to the mentor who told me, “It’s never too late to start. Write for two hours a day (or as in my case at night). We all have stories to tell. I’d like to read yours.”

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice I received was from a successful writer and teacher, “Tell your story your own way. Don’t try to emulate other writers, and don’t be stifled by the naysayers. They’ll always be there, but so will the fans.”

If you could live anywhere in the world you wanted to, where would it be? (Language is no barrier)

Romantic and beautiful Italy.

Where do you write?

Since I am a college professor/department head, I write at night. I have a beautiful cherry wood study with a fireplace, huge desk, bookcases, and window seat. My mother asked me, “Don’t you have anything better to do than write at night?” I wonder if Shakespeare’s mother asked him that?

How much time do you devote to writing each week? Do you have a day every week that you take off?

I write for two hours every night after my spouse has gone to sleep and the house is quiet. It generally takes me three months to write a novel.

What is a genre that you have not attempted that you would like to try?

I just did that recently by writing my take on my fairytales with The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland from Dreamspinner Press.

Is there anything you would like readers to know about you?

I hope you enjoy SATIN DOLL and all the Jana Lane mysteries. I love to hear from readers. Please contact me via my web site at http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com.

Satin Doll by Joe Cosentino

SATIN DOLL, a Jana Lane mystery by Joe Cosentino

published by The Wild Rose Press

Logline: America’s most famous ex-child star Jana Lane is playing a US Senator in a 1983 film, where she is caught in the web of intrigue, political scandal, and murder.

Blurb: Murder, corruption, and scandals rock Washington, D.C.... America’s most famous ex-child star, Jana Lane, is playing a US Senator in a 1983 film. Just as she and her family arrive in DC, two Washington power players are murdered, and Jana is caught in the web of intrigue and political scandal. Jana falls under the spell of the breathtakingly handsome detective assigned to the case, ex-professional football player and food aficionado, Chris Bove. Will Jana and Bove uncover the murderer’s identity and shocking secrets before Jana and her family become the Capitol’s next victims?

Excerpt:

1983.

Jana Lane, America’s most famous ex-child star, ran down a dark hallway in the north wing of the Capitol, causing the row of senators’ office to become a blur of brown. Sweat soaked through her beige business suit as her heart pounded in her ears. She turned a corner and Jana’s heels skidded to a halt on the marble floor as she screamed at the sight of—

After a gasp, Jana looked up at her husband’s handsome face. Thank God it was just a dream.

Brian leaned his muscular back on the gold circular headboard under the ruby-red satin canopy bedcover. “It must have been one heck of a nightmare.”

Jana noticed her beige satin nightgown was soaking wet. She pushed off the silver satin sheets. After walking past the circular fireplace without looking into the floor-length oval mirror, she headed into her walk-in closet and changed into a pink silk replacement.

“Care to tell your husband about it?”

She sat at her pink crushed velvet trimmed vanity, looked in the mirror, and brushed her long strawberry-blonde hair. “I don’t want to tell you.”

“Why not?”

“I know what you’ll say.”

“Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?”

Jana placed the gold brush back on the vanity. “I was being chased by someone at the Capitol.”

“The Capitol Theatre?”

“No, the Capitol…in Washington, DC.”

Brain ran a strong hand through his thick, chestnut hair, and said like a television announcer, “Courtesy of Jana Lane’s next film, Madam Senator.”

Buy Links:

http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/3808-satin-doll.html

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6744

Joe Cosentino at a book signing

Bestselling author Joe Cosentino wrote Paper Doll the first Jana Lane mystery, Porcelain Doll the second Jana Lane mystery (The Wild Rose Press), Satin Doll the third Jana Lane mystery (The Wild Rose Press), Drama Queen the first Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press), Drama Muscle the second Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press), An Infatuation, A Shooting Star, A Home for the Holidays, & The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland (Dreamspinner Press), Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back & Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward (NineStar Press), and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Eldridge Plays and Musicals). He has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. His upcoming novels are China Doll the fourth Jana Lane mystery (The Wild Rose Press) and Drama Cruise the third Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press). Joe was voted 2^nd Place for Best Author of the Year in Divine Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2015.

Contact Links:

Web site: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoeCosentinoauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeCosen

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4071647.Joe_Cosentino

Amazon: Author.to/JoeCosentino

Monday, October 6, 2014

Interview With Shauna Knight

Shauna Aura Knight

An artist, author, and presenter, Shauna’s work is inspired by the mythic stories of heroes, of swords and magic, and of the darkness we each must overcome. She’s a fantasy artist and author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy including Werewolves in the Kitchen, A Winter Knight’s Vigil, and forthcoming A Fading Amaranth. Her mythic artwork and designs are used for magazine covers, book covers, and illustrations. She travels nationally offering intensive education in the transformative arts of community leadership, facilitation, and personal transformation, and is the author of numerous articles and books on those subjects.

Website: http://www.ShaunaAuraKnight.com/books

Fiction Blog: https://shaunaknightauthorartist.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaunaKnightAuthorArtist

INTERVIEW WITH SHAUNA

What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I’ve helped build a pipe bomb, climbed through steam tunnels under a university, and pulled a twelve-inch piece of glass out of my hand from an art project gone wrong…but probably the biggest leap I have ever taken was when I divorced my first husband and moved out into the rural Ozarks in Missouri to live at a retreat center. I lived in a cabin with no running water and went from being a graphic design consultant in downtown Chicago to being a land maintenance grunt.

What adventure would you like to have that you haven’t done yet if money and skill were no problem?

Aside from visiting a few hundred of the British megaliths, I’d want to go to some of the megalithic sites and other archaeological sites located in more dangerous areas. Puma Punku, the pyramids, Naptha Playa, Takt-i-taqudis…lots of cool stuff out there.

Who are some of your favorite authors? What commonality do you see in them?

Emma Holly, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Angela Knight, Jory Strong, Anne McCaffrey, Guy Gavriel Kay, Janny Wurts. The first few write erotic paranormal romance, the rest write epic fantasy, but they all are masters of evoking a powerful world. Anne McCaffrey’s my favorite author, particularly her book Moreta.

If you could have a do-over life, what one thing would you do differently? What would you do again?

There are definitely a couple of relationships I’d have ended sooner instead of trying to “fix” the unfixable. What I’d do again is rediscover dancing at a drum jam at the Renaissance Faire.

What is your all-time favorite movie? TV show?

It would have to be a tie between Return of the Jedi and The Dark Crystal, but I’m also a big fan of a lot of 80’s fantasy movies. One of my favorite TV shows is Farscape.

If you could learn one new skill, fear and money no deterrent, what would it be?

Sword fighting and a martial art like Kung Fu.

If you had a million dollars to donate to any one charity, what would it be?

That’s a tough call! I’d likely go with an environmental charity, since the problems we’re creating in our environment are going to cause the diseases and social justice problems of the future.

What advice would you like to give to an aspiring writer?

Write. Write more. Find someone to read your work and give you feedback. Finish what you’re writing, and then submit it. You can’t get published if you don’t finish what you’re writing.

If you could live anywhere in the world you wanted to, where would it be? (Language is no barrier)

Probably the British Isles for a time; I’d love to go visit a lot of the megaliths like Stonehenge. I’m fascinated by what our ancient ancestors built out of stone!

What is a genre that you have not attempted that you would like to try?

I have written in pretty much every speculative fiction genre, I just haven’t had those stories published yet. I currently write paranormal romance and urban fantasy, but I’m working up some epic fantasy and sci-fi/space opera stories. I can’t wait to get those finished up!

Giveaway:

Comment about your favorite aspects of paranormal romance in order to win a free copy of Werewolves in the Kitchen or A Winter Knight’s Vigil.

Logline

After a hot, wild night with Jake and Kyle, Ellie finds herself in the dangerous world of shapeshifter magic. Will their love be enough?

Blurb
When Ellie moved to the SpiralStone retreat center to figure out her life, she expected peace, quiet, and spiritual practice. She had no idea that the two sexy men running the kitchen would seduce her…much less at the same time. Kyle and Jake turn out to be wilder than they seem and Ellie finds herself wrapped up in devastating magic. She must choose: stay with Jake and Kyle and risk who she has been, accepting the dangerous world of shapeshifters? Or leave them and risk madness, or worse?

Excerpt

“Do you want us to stop?” Jake murmured. Ellie shook her head, gasping when Kyle kissed her neck. Jake stroked her cheek and kissed her lips gently at first, and when she moaned he pulled her closer. Kyle lapped at her neck, nipping now, slipping his hands over her breasts, and Jake was making love to her mouth with deep velvet strokes of his tongue.

She moaned weakly feeling Kyle behind her, his hard heat rubbing against her buttocks, and felt Jake in front of her, pulling her close against his hips. Kyle slipped his fingers into her shirt to tease at her nipples, and she leaned back against him, bucking into his touch. Kyle drew the straps of her cami-top down even as Jake started dragging her shirt up.

She pulled back to breathe, and Jake stroked her cheek, nibbling at the other side of her neck. “Guys…I need a shower….”

Kyle chuckled, lifting his head. “Not like we haven’t been baking in our own juices; we can take care of that. Come with us.”

“Come with you?”

“To our room,” Jake whispered into her ear, and she moaned, closing her eyes. “Come on,” they urged, drawing her to the stairs.

“But…I…” Ellie shook her head. “Why now?” Kyle turned her to face him.

“We both wanted you, but we didn’t want to scare you.”

“I saw you watching us. Don’t you desire us?”

“Oh yes, but I thought you two were...that is…didn’t think you’d want….”

Kyle kissed her deeply. “I want you. Jake wants you. We’ve been trying not to crowd you, but well…”

“You didn’t seem to get our signals.” Jake sucked hard on her neck.

“I just thought you were being nice.”

“Oh we were being nice,” Kyle grinned. “We’re going to be nicer. Come on.”

To buy Werewolves in the Kitchen:

Jupiter Gardens Press: http://jupitergardenspress.com/shop/werewolves-in-the-kitchen

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Werewolves-Kitchen-Shauna-Aura-Knight-ebook/dp/B00HVJMUSI

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/werewolves-in-the-kitchen-shauna-aura-knight/1118063246

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-werewolvesinthekitchen-1396618-340.html

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/398121

Monday, September 22, 2014

Interview with Carol Henry

AUTHOR BIO:

Carol Henry lives with her husband in the beautiful New York State Finger Lakes area where they are surrounded by family and friends. World travelers, Carol writes about her visits to exotic locations for major cruise lines' deluxe in-cabin books, and takes pleasure in sharing her adventures with her readers in her suspense adventure novels. Carol writes about Destination: Romance--Exotic, Romantic Adventures where the heroine discovers more than the 'wild and wonderful' world around her--she finds her inner courage and an once-in-a-lifetime love. She also writes contemporary and historic romance for The Wild Rose Press. Her second romantic suspense novel Shanghai Connection came in 2nd in the Best 2012 Romance Book/Ebook Novel category from the Preditors and Editors Reader’s Poll. Carol is also the local historian for her home town and has written several books on the town's history. For more information visit her website at: http://www.carolhenry.org

Interview

What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done was hunt alligators in the back of beyond in the Amazonian Rainforest at midnight in a small boat powered by a 8-mph motor. Our guide in the front of the boat had hats with small lights attached to spot the alligators. Unfortunately, the rotors got tangled in the hibiscus roots and we were stuck in the middle of the lake until the small boy operating the contraption could untangle them and start the motor again. And yes, darn it, they did capture a small gattor, and we putted back to the center with it aboard. You can read about it in my first romantic suspense novel—Amazon Connection.

What adventure would you like to have that you haven’t done yet if money and skill were no problem?

This is a tough question for me. I’ve been lucky enough to have many wonderful adventures outside my comfort zone, as my husband and I travel the globe. Right now, however, I’d have to say it’s to go on an African Safari and experience the personal wildlife up close and personal.

Who are some of your favorite authors? What commonality do you see in them?

Again, a hard question for me. I like reading a variety of authors and genre. There are so many wonderful writers out there, and there is always something to glean from the various writing styles--although I try to remain true to my own voice while working on my own novels J.

I believe color says something about a person’s personality. What’s your favorite color?

I have several colors that look best on me, especially blue or teal. But red speaks to me. Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, strength, determination, leadership, courage, as well as passion, desire, and love—qualities I’ve been told I actually possess. And, as it happens, traits most writers seem to have in abundance.

If you could have a do-over life, what one thing would you do differently? What would you do again?

I feel that everything I’ve done in the past has laid the path for what I’m currently doing—like stepping stones. Instead of looking back, I’m always looking to the future and another chapter in my life.

What is your writing process from conception to finished MS?

Once I have an idea for a novel, it percolates in my mind for a bit, and then I start writing (in long hand) what I imagine the first chapter is going to be. Then, I tend to do what I call plot points of what I see happening, who my characters are and what they need to be to exist in the story. I ask a lot of questions, not all get answered right away, but it allows me to think the story through. Again, all these plot point start out in long hand before I go to the computer. I have scene sheets I work with, timeline sheets—I guess you could call me a planner (I see this is the next question). I have a summary of characters, their POV, their scenes, and a brief sentence or two of what is happening in each scene and chapter—all great for referencing. Did I mention the character sheets? Yep, everything gets outlined in one way or another—sometimes filled in as I go along. Definitely a planner J

Are you a planner, panster or both?

A planner!

How did you research for your book?

I happen to be an international travel writer, so for Rio Connection, as for my other ‘Connection’ novels, I research for a travel features as I travel. So I had my basics. But I still needed additional information about the location to make sure many of my facts I include are accurate. I collect various items, books, brochures, and newspapers while traveling, and these help me remain true to the area I’m writing about. Of course I take tons of photos. The focus for Rio Connection actually came from a newspaper clipping about computers being used to help educate those in need, which was ultimately a bit of backdrop for my story. From there, the main focus of espionage grew and the story developed. My biggest focus is getting my main characters together in a foreign land. My main ‘connection,’ although a backdrop only, is the Wild and Wonderful Corporation based out of New York—at least one of my characters is connected with this business.

What is your all-time favorite movie? American Dreamer, with JoBeth Williams and Tom Conti, about a would-be writer who wins a contest and a trip to Paris where all hell breaks loose. The whit, suspense, twisting turns, with a bit of humor, and the additional ending is so cleverly done, I watched it three times in one sitting.

TV show? I tend to be fickle with TV watching. Currently I like NCIS and NCIS Las Vegas. Can’t wait to see what NCIS New Orleans is like. It’s more the characters that draw me in. But then, I could watch Big Bang Theory any night of the week—oh, wait! I do J

How important do you feel writing workshops are to any writer?

Especially for the novice writer, writing workshops are crucial. Learning the ‘tricks of the trade’ go a long way in helping the writer gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to forge ahead. And it doesn’t hurt to ‘bone’ up on the latest techniques and publishing trends as a writer progresses. Keeping current is a must in this industry.

If you could learn one new skill, fear and money no deterrent, what would it be?

I’d like to be an instant multi-lingual American who could hold meaningful conversations with anyone around the world without having to stumble over pronunciations. I’m always amazed, and sometimes ashamed, at how people in other countries speak English so well.

If you had a million dollars to donate to any one charity, what would it be?

Although there are many worthy causes, and I do donate to several of them, the Wounded Warriors would be my choice—these men and women put their life on the line to protect our homeland, regardless of the beliefs, backgrounds, or of those less worthy of the sacrifice performed on their behalf. These heroic men and women and families have paid the ultimate price, and should be taken care of accordingly.

What advice would you like to give to an aspiring writer?

Learn the ins and outs of writing. Don’t give up. Believe in yourself. Believe in your talent. Go forward. Never give up.

Did anyone mentor you or help you along the way? Please tell us about your mentor and what you feel they contributed to your writing career.

There are always many who either knowingly or unknowingly have contributed in some way to a writer’s career. First and foremost, is my mother who insisted that each of her children become members of book clubs of their own, at an early age. Reading was always a big part of my life—something I shared with my own kids and grandkids—there are always books wrapped under the tree at Christmas time. I was tickled when my son and his wife gave me an unabridged dictionary for Christmas one year. Best gift ever!

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My husband gave me the best advice ever when it came to writing—do you own thing! If I had listened to certain people in a small critique group, I never would have had the courage to submit my manuscript and land my first contract! Of course this doesn’t pertain to learning the mechanics of writing in the first place. It’s the confidence in yourself and your writing that’s important.

If you could live anywhere in the world you wanted to, where would it be? (Language is no barrier)

As I’ve already traveled around the world, been to places both sublime and hard pressed, I am always thankful and grateful to come back to the U.S. and my hometown in New York. To quote Glinda The Good Witch’s Magic Spell for Dorothy: “There’s no place like home.” J

Where do you write?

I tend to be all over the place. Plotting—anywhere, literally, especially in waiting rooms; first drafts—my home office; rewrites and edits—on my laptop in the gazebo (weather permitting) or the living room with the radio tuned to a light-rock station and the drapes pulled open wide—my window on the world (especially if I’m home alone).

How much time do you devote to writing each week? Do you have a day every week that you take off?

Even though I’m retired, I live close to extended family, and two elderly mothers. Grandchildren abound, and I’m active in my small home town. But when I’m on a project, that takes priority and my time at the computer is constant. Having been published several times now, a major part of spending time every day on the computer involves social media and promotion, promotion, and more promotion. Sometimes it’s difficult to eke out writing time, but, I also tend to work my story ideas in my head throughout the day, or days, so when I do sit down, it flows and I accomplish more positive first draft material, then if I had sat down and simply spit out drivel and had to go back and make major changes. If that makes sense. To me, that process is part of my writing schedule. I’m a light sleeper, so sometimes I find myself at the computer in the middle of the night, or pencil in hand scratching out some thoughts.

What is a genre that you have not attempted that you would like to try?

Well, I haven’t written a paranormal. But I don’t think I’m ready for that—most of the dark stuff scares me spitless! I do believe in ghosts! Children’s picture books appeal to me…

Is there anything you would like readers to know about you?

People think I’m very social, but in fact I don’t think I am. I tend to hold back until I assess the situation, the people, the mood, and react accordingly. I really don’t know where I got the courage to step out of my shell and become the person I am today. I’m a coward—but I don’t like to be left behind—wherever my adventures take me.

RIO CONNECTION

Espionage and anger lurk…even in paradise during Carnival

BLURB:

After finding her fiancé in the arms of her aerobics instructor, Marcia Kline calls off the wedding. When she learns her brother, Russell, is in trouble in Rio de Janeiro, she goes on her honeymoon alone to check up on him and runs smack-dab into Russell's boss, Jared Reed, whom she'd been briefly involved with two years ago. Before long, Marcia becomes entangled in the danger surrounding her brother and the seamy underworld of high-tech espionage during Carnaval. Jared Reed suspects Russell Kline is in Rio selling his latest avatar prototype. He flies to Rio to catch Russell in the act, and instead saves Marcia from being kidnapped at knife point. Jared suspects Marcia is involved in her brother's scheme, so to keep an eye on her, he decides to help her search for Russell. And finds it hard to keep his emotions for Marcia in check. In a race for their lives, will they learn to trust one another and make an everlasting Rio Connection?

Short Excerpt:

Marcia swallowed her fear. Her heart vibrated against Jared’s back. She rested her head against his neck and made an effort to think herself into a better place--being snuggled in Jared’s arms, on a secluded tropical beach. Erotic sensations rocketed through her lower body--her mouth went dry, her mind buzzed with sexual desires. “Honey, this isn’t the time to get caught up in a sexual fantasy. You keep squirming against me and we’ll never get to enjoy that dream you’re dreaming. There is no way I can accommodate you at the moment. You’re making it difficult to concentrate on getting us down to the bottom—safe, and in one piece.” The belt jerked on the cable and caught. They were stuck in mid-air.

Author Buy Links:

TWRP: http://bit.ly/12aso6N

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1nwOK84

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rio-connection-carol-henry/1120166216?ean=2940150336209

Monday, September 15, 2014

JoAnne Myers: Writing Mystery

JoAnne Myers, Author

I have been a long-time resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of my life. Besides having several novels under my belt, I canvas paint.

When not busy with hobbies or working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dog Jasmine, and volunteer my time within the community. I am a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance, Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association, the Hocking Hill's Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. I believe in family values and following your dreams. My books and original canvas paintings, can be found at: booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com

Writing Mystery by JoAnne Myers

Before writing a word, take some time to jot down key story points. As you're writing, the story will want to take on a life of its own. Having a handy reference of key points will help keep your story on track and you from pulling your hair out. A list of key points is also helpful when outlining the story plot. You may very well find that the story begins to unfold as you're writing down the key points. If this happens...let it! Write down any ideas or details that come to you, they'll come in handy later.

Some key points to consider are; what is the mystery? This is the underlying theme to the entire story so be as in-depth as possible (has there been a murder or a theft or a kidnapping? If so, how and where was it committed?).
Hunt for the culprit. Every good story has at least one antagonist, but what steps must the hero or heroine take to find him/her? How will the villain evade the hero? How is the mystery solved? In mystery writing there are a lot of twists and turns. Write down your initial thoughts for plot twists, red herrings to throw the readers off the trail of the true villain, and of course the final stages of how the good guy will prevail...or does he? You need to decide whether or not the hero or the villain wins in the end. Many hero’s die trying to solve their case. Many are involved in physical altercations with other characters. You must decide how many altercations, the number of characters involved, and what weapons if any are used. It is not a good idea to only engage your characters with fist fighting. Throw in some knives, chains, falling from windows, or my favorite, a poisoning, and other nasty assaults.

Every great story has well rounded characters. We read fiction because we want to be entertained and develop a connection with the characters. Outlining items such as personality traits, physical features, and quirks can help bring your characters to life; a speech impediment, or limp, or a nervous twitch.

            For the Protagonist, decide the name, age, where does he/she live, does he/she have a family or pets, what is their driving goal for taking on this particular case? Is the hero a police officer, a person sworn to honesty, pride, and valor. Or is the good guy a private detective being paid to find a certain someone. Or your main character could be a parent or sibling searching for a missing loved one.
            For the Antagonist, decide the name, age, where does he/she live, is there an underlying reason for being the antagonist? Perhaps this person is a career criminal. On the other hand, maybe he/she is a good person that suffered an unjust and turned to crime out of bitterness and despair.
            Then you have your support characters, who are the color of the story. They provide depth to the story whether good or bad. A support character could be as simple as a loud mouth hot dog vendor standing on a street corner or as in-depth as the villain's partner in crime. In writing a mystery story, support characters can take on a life of their own with the reader, so make them interesting. Just because they are labeled support characters does not mean they are any less important than the main characters.

Next is the location of the story. When and where is the story set? These two key elements are what bring your story to life. Mystery story writing is a broad genre and could be set in any time period and in any place. When working with actual locations it is a good idea to do research on the location first. Readers want to feel as though they are there with the characters, so being able to accurately describe a location is vital. Time periods are no exception. If the story is set in 1940's New Orleans, the reader will want to see their surroundings, not just be told the story is taking place in a speakeasy or church. Be descriptive!

A mystery story is not a story without a solid well thought out plot. Some things to consider when developing the story plot: What is the driving force of the mystery? To solve a murder, or rescue a kidnap victim? What does the villain do to thwart the hero? Does the villain get his goons on the hero? Is the hero being set up by the villain and now he is being hunted by police. What other obstacles get in the way of solving the mystery?

One of the most important elements of writing a mystery story is suspense. Giving away too much too soon will bore the reader. It is best if the suspense is sprinkled throughout the story; bring the mystery to light within the first few chapters, then as the story progresses add a clue here and there without revealing the outcome until the final chapter. Do not be afraid to add a "red herring" or false clue, within the stories context. Readers love nothing better than to think they have everything figured out only to find in the end they were mistaken the entire time.

The final few chapters of the story should hold the climax of the conflict and resolution between the hero and villain, including how all of the clues scattered throughout the story cumulatively solves the mystery. A good conclusion gives the reader a sense of closure in finding out how the hero solved the mystery. Remember that not all mysteries have to be completely solved or have a "happy" ending. If you are writing a series of stories, the villain may get away at the end of story #1 with the hero using clues from story #1 to track down the villain in story #2. In mystery story writing, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Blurb for “Murder Most Foul” a detective/mystery

When two dismembered torsos wash up on the banks of the local river in the small industrial town of Pleasant Valley, residents are horrified. Between contradicting statements, police ineptitude, lust, lies, manipulation, incest, the motorcycle gang The Devil’s Disciples, crooked cops, and a botched crime scene, everyone becomes a suspect.

The young beautiful Jackie Reeves, a registered nurse, believes the killer is a man from her past. She contacts the dangerously handsome FBI Agent Walker Harmon. An arrest is made, but Harmon and Jackie believe an innocent man is being railroaded by local cops. How far will these lover’s go to solve this heinous crime before anymore killings. Determined to find the truth, Agent Harmon and Jackie are forced to run a gauntlet of deep trouble and turmoil, which marks them for death.