"Pretty Bossy" by Arini Vlotman

Today features my first repeat author! I interviewed Arini Vlotman last year about her debut novel, Pretty Average, set in South Africa, and today she’s back! This one continues the pattern of a South African setting and the “pretty” series name.

Rebecca: I always ask first what gave you the idea for your novel.-

Arini: In Pretty Bossy the only thing I knew for certain was the growth ARC Zarna, our main character was going to go through and the story weaved around her. The setting was inspired by a holiday I'd taken with my family in a mountain range, surrounded by nature and animals and the rest was history.

Rebecca:  Also, how did you come up with a celebrity fighter as the love interest?

Arini: That's a first for me! In this story Zarna is strong, she's not one to be messed with. But a few bad experiences and years off negative reinforcement made her doubt herself. Having a physically strong love interest in the form of Mayan, who had to win her over and help her realise that her strength wasn't a weakness was ironic and fitting. Then my husband switched on an MMA match and Mayan was born.

Rebecca: I especially liked the first meeting between the two main characters. Zarna gets her hair stuck in a suitcase in her hotel, and Mayan hears it and rushes in thinking she's being attacked. It set the tone for the chemistry between the two. (And is hilarious). Any other tips for making characters believable?

Arini: Everyone has an embarrassing moment, or set by doubt or low self-esteem at some point in their lives. The trick is find relatable themes which are intrinsically rooted in reality, and give them a fun, dramatic or absurd twist.

Rebecca: You definitely succeeded here! I'm still delighted by the fact that this is set in South Africa with its diverse cast. I see so few novels available in the US by South African authors.  Please tell me your next novel will be set here too and have several characters with Indian heritage.  (Hints for your next novel?)

Arini: I love this question because I'm so very proud of country and heritage. I've written a Christmas romance novella, Pretty Unexpected which is set here and I'm definitely going to following that theme. I'm seeing my home through new eyes and thoroughly enjoying it

Rebecca:  Your cover has the same style as your first novel, Pretty Average.  Did you have any input on that?

Arini: Absolutely. When Conquest asked me for my ideas on the cover I was over the moon. I'm not a visual person but I knew that theme of the South African setting in the series would run throughout all the books. My cover designer took my hodge-podge of descriptions and created the beautiful covers. We tweaked until we had every element and colour just right and she didn't give up on me lol until I was happy.

Rebecca: What was your favorite scene to write?

Arini: The hot air balloon scene. I had written an entirely different ending, without the third act breakup but I wasn't satisfied. If I wasn't satisfied, my readers wouldn't be either. And then a memory of a sea of hot air balloons floating above (which I allude to in the Dear Readers dedication), came to mind, and the scene was born. I wrote the last few chapters in a day and once I wrote the The End, this time I knew it was final.

Rebecca: Check it out, readers!

"Pencilvania" by Stephanie Watson

I was nosing around in the book section at one of my favorite stores the other day, and I found this gem of a middle grade novel: Pencilvania. The title caught my eye immediately because as a child, I often liked to respell things in my head incorrectly the way they sounded. Of course, this Pencilvania is not misspelled and is the name of the alternate world in this novel by Stephanie Watson. I immediately looked her up online and was pleased to get an author interview with her.

Just a bit of background—the novel is about Zora and her younger sister Frankie, who lose their mom to cancer. Drawing was one passion that Zora shared with her mother, but after she’s gone, the inspiration also leaves. After an incident confronting the past, Zora and Frankie end up in a world populated only with Zora’s drawings.

https://www.amazon.com/Pencilvania-Stephanie-Watson/dp/1728247888/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=

Rebecca:  I read online that you came up with the idea by asking what it might look like if everything you ever drew was its own world. Tell us more about that.

Stephanie: As a kid, I went through a lot of drawing phases. When I was a baby I was drawing wobbly circles and lines, then naked princesses when I was four, then comic characters when I was eight, then attempts at realism when I was 15, and so on. The drawings don’t seem to come from the same world, but there is a common thread: I drew them all.  The idea for Pencilvania came out of wondering what would happen if all of the different drawings someone made were a) alive and b) living in the same place. And maybe they didn’t behave exactly as the artist would expect them to. Maybe they had minds of their own. That concept was interesting enough to me to get started on Pencilvania, and it grew from there.  

Rebecca:  Did you draw as a child?  (Or do you draw now?)

Stephanie: Yes! I drew a lot as a kid and I still do. About 3 years ago I started a daily sketchbook practice, which means I carry a sketchbook pretty much everywhere I go and do my best to draw what I see. The goal is not to draw perfect pictures, but to 1) have fun and 2) pay close attention to the people and things around me. When you try to draw something in front of you, you have to look deeply at it, and it makes you see it in a new light. I love to sketch at plays, concerts, family dinners, in the park, and at the art museum. 

Rebecca:  I thought the main character's struggle with her mom's death from cancer was accurately portrayed. Drawing was something that connected her to her mom, but after she died, Zora felt like her talent for art had died as well. What message do you hope kids take away from reading Pencilvania?

Stephanie: I hope that kids and adults who read Pencilvania might come away with the idea that expressing your innate creativity can be a tool to navigate rough times. And something to enrich happy times, too. I have always turned to my creative practice when the going gets tough. Right now, when we’re collectively going through such a rough time in the U.S., I’m leaning hard into my drawing, painting, and writing practice. It’s the best way I know to stay centered in joy and strength. 

Rebecca: In one scene, Zora's and Frankie's grandmother, now raising them, gives Frankie a seemingly out-of-touch present that few children would want for their seventh birthday. Your writing style even made me mad at the grandmother, as if I were seven again. Any tips on writing scenes that convey emotions of the situation to readers?

Stephanie: As writers we hear the instruction to “show, don’t tell,” a lot, but it can be hard to translate that idea into our actual writing. What I try to do is put the reader in the place of the character with sensory details, in the hopes that they will experience the scene unfold as if they’re there, and feel what the character is feeling. If I told you that Frankie’s grandma gave her a bad present, that probably wouldn’t affect you as much as if I showed her excited to receive it, full of hope about what it might be, then unwrapping it and not finding what she hoped for. Writing it like this, you get to come along for the ride of her emotions—hopeful, then crushed. 

Rebecca:  What else are you working on writing at the moment?

Stephanie: I’m writing a new picture book right now, and am keeping an ear to the ground for more ideas.

Rebecca: Check it out, readers! The illustrations are just as awesome as the storyline! 

"Fiona and the Forgotten Piano" by Kate DeMaio

Today’s author interview features a novel hot off the press—Fiona and the Forgotten Piano by Kate DeMaio. I’ll admit that the title and cover art caught my attention of this one, so of course I signed up for an ARC. If only I had had a novel like this when I was a middle grade reader; I took piano lessons back then and adored anything music-related. You can read it as of January 14th.

Rebecca: Where did you get the idea for "Fiona and the Forgotten Piano"?  Did it perhaps come from taking piano lessons yourself as a child?

Kate: The idea for Fiona and the Forgotten Piano actually came from a prompt. I read that to write original stories, you should start with something unique. I made lists of three random words to generate book ideas and the one that stuck out to me (and became this story) was Tree, Piano, and Blue.

Rebecca: WOW! That’s definitely a cool way to be creative. I kind of like this. It’s sort of like filling in the clues with guidelines. It definitely worked!

Kate: I didn’t take piano lessons growing up, but my sister did. I would often sit quietly in the back of her class and watch. Playing “Under the Sea” at rapid speed is still her go-to party trick. My mom was a clarinet player, and I tried that instrument for a few years but learned it wasn’t for me. I think some of Fiona and the Forgotten Piano stems from my amazement at people who can play instruments. I could easily see myself taking up piano lessons some day.

I have a keyboard in case I do take up piano lessons. I use it to select which worlds belong to which notes. I’m not sure if this is frowned upon but I wrote with silver sharpie on the keys whose worlds I incorporated into the story. There’s a little drawing on each key that relates to the adventure that takes place in that world.

Rebecca:  Fiona, the main character goes from timid and shy to overcoming that by the end of the novel.  Any real life experience here?  (This question coming from someone who was also nervous around people at age 11.)

Kate: Definitely! When I was first writing this book, it was almost difficult to separate my eleven-year-old self from Fiona. I’ve always been the type of person people peg as shy from the first meeting. I think finding your people— the ones who won’t look down on you when you blush or fumble over your words— has been key for me. Also, as cliche as it may be, practice makes perfect. The more I present or share about myself, the easier it becomes.

Rebecca:  I absolutely love your cover art.  That and the title are what drew me toward it.  Did you have any say in the cover art? 

Kate: I did! My publisher asked me for a list of covers I found appealing that matched the vibe of my story. I sent over about seven of them. Of the titles I sent, I noticed they were generally high contrast images where the characters were small or facing away from the reader. From there, my publisher selected an artist that fit my style. Miracle Season by Beth Hautala and Henry and The Guardians of the Lost by Jenny Nimmo were probably the closest covers to how mine turned out. The artist for Fiona and the Forgotten Piano was Liv Hunter, and I think she did a fantastic job!

Rebecca:  What do you hope readers take away from "Fiona and the Forgotten Piano"?

Kate: That’s a good question (and a tough one!). I think Fiona herself learns many things throughout the book from how to think independently to how to pick battles and stand up for her friends. If I had to choose one lesson for young readers though, I think it would be: Don’t let your insecurities overshadow who you are. We all have our version of Fiona’s red spots, and it can be hard not to focus on what we perceive as imperfections. But, ultimately, the right people aren’t going to judge you for them. And your “spots” shouldn’t stop you from being your best self.

Rebecca: Are you writing any other novels with these characters?  The ending made me think there may be other adventures with Fiona and Ferris.

Kate: I am working on a sequel now! I’m very much a pantser so I don’t have an entire series planned out, but I do have a list of over 100 possible worlds (I know, there are only 88 keys on a piano), potential villains, and conflicts that could happen. 

Rebecca: Ooooh, maybe to account for the extra twelve worlds, you could make some open with a chord, aka combination of two or more keys! (Sorry, just playing the what-if game here, haha!) In any case, I look forward to it.

There you have it, readers! Fiona and the Forgotten Piano comes out next week from Wild Ind Publishing.

Twitter (X): @k8demaiowrites

"The Potential for Love" by Catherine Kullmann

A few months ago, I spotted Catherine Kullman’s novel on Twitter (X) and fell in love with the cover, so of course I nosed around until I found out more about the storyline. In short, I ended up buying it (even though I could have gotten a digital copy free); I like hard copies—especially when the cover art is so vibrant and realistic. I was even more fortunate to get to talk to the author herself about the novel.

Rebecca:  Tell us how you came up with this particular storyline in The Potential for Love. Did it start with a "what-if," or did you see a certain object or scene and build a story around it?

Catherine: The story evolved quite naturally. I started with the Malvin family in mourning for their son and brother who was killed at Waterloo. On one of the first days of spring, Arabella goes for a walk and sees, silhouetted against the midday sun, the figure of an officer in uniform. For a joyful/ dreadful moment, she thinks he is her brother, home safe after all. In fact it is the rector's son, Thomas, an officer and childhood friend, on home leave. Their friendship develops anew, but the difference in their station in life rules out any closer relationship. Or does it? I flew very much by the seat of my pants for this one, developing the story chapter by chapter as I wrote the first draft.

Rebecca: I’ll admit I’ve done that too when writing! Next, I must know where the idea for the gorgeous cover art came from.  I'll admit it's what inspired me to check out the novel when I first saw it on Twitter. Did you have a say in your cover art? 

Catherine: As an indie author, I have control of my cover art and select the cover image which I pass to my cover designer. For authenticity, I look for contemporary images or 19th century genre images rather than staged photos. For the first few books, I obtained the relevant licences from the rights owners. For later ones, I use images from my private collection of antique engravings, prints and miniatures  where I own the rights. I bought the antique print I used for The Potential for Love in an antique shop in Chinon on the River Loire in France. It is entitled Premieres Escarmouches or First Skirmishes by Lucio Rossi. For the paperback and eBook covers I used a detail, but for the hardback dust jacket I was able to use the entire print. An advantage of owning the image is that I can use it as I like e.g. for promotional images (below)  which a licence usually restricts the use.

Rebecca: I absolutely love how historically accurate this novel was while not bogging down readers as if they were reading a history book.  What tips do you have for integrating the facts accurately while keeping the reader engaged?

Catherine: Research, research and more research. I have a research library of about 1000 books and a huge WORD Document called Historical Facts and Trivia, where I catalogue a lot of my online research so that I can find it again. Trivia are most important as it is the little quirky details that bring a story to life. You must be able to step into your period as easily as you step out of your own front door.  I think of it as a staircase where I mentally go down the different levels until I come to the Regency landing and then open the door.

Rebecca: Often, it's hard to find tiny details when researching a historically-based novel. Any suggestions of good resources for other writers in the Regency era? Were there any particular resources that were especially helpful for you? 

Catherine: I was very pleasantly surprised by the wealth of contemporary coloured images, not only formal portraits and miniatures, but also engravings, fashion prints, caricatures, book illustrations etc. These help you see what life was like then.

Rebecca: Arabella, the main character, seems very sure of herself no matter if she's saving a drowning child or dancing at a ball.  "Take me as I am," is how Thomas, one of the love interests, describes it. I could relate to this in people I know today and partially in myself. Do you always try to connect your historical characters to readers on an emotionally recognizable level in today's society?

Catherine: Yes, One of the challenges in writing historical fiction is to have your characters behave in accordance with the ethics and mores of their time but in a way that the modern reader will understand and accept their dilemmas. Jane Austen's novels are a great source of information as her characters are so varied. Think of the contrast between Elizabeth Bennet and Fanny Price, or between Emma and Anne Elliott. Arabella is very much her mother's daughter. She has an older half-brother and sister, but essentially grew up with her brothers. She is not missish. A viscount's daughter embarking on her fourth Season,  she also has the self-confidence of one used to moving in the highest levels of society and is clever enough to recognise and escape social traps set for her.

Rebecca: Do you have any other Regency novels coming out soon?

Catherine: I hope to have a new book coming out next year. I don't want to say anymore in case I jinx it!

Rebecca: No, let’s not jinx anything! The 400+ reviews on The Potential for Love tell me that it will be a success, whatever it might be.

Twitter (X): CKullmannAuthor

"The Hound of Thornfield High" by Colleen Alles

TODAY is the day Colleen Alles’s modern-day retelling of Jane Eyre debuts. I’ve long been a fan of the original and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to snag an ARC of this novel. It delivers! I’ve included a picture of the audio book here because you can also listen to it. Maybe that’s what Jane is listening to on the cover with her purple headphones.

Rebecca:  What gave you the idea to set "Jane Eyre" in the modern world of high school?  (Which was brilliant, by the way!)

 Colleen: Thank you so much, Rebecca! I really hope readers enjoy seeing Jane as a high school student; it was very fun to write. I was thinking about Jane in 2020-2021 a lot, and I was wondering how her story would look in today’s culture (with social media, texting, etc.). Things have changed since the 1840s! I got the idea to retell Jane in our contemporary times shortly after that, and it seemed a natural fit to have her be a senior in high school for the bulk of the story—the time when a young person is right on the brink of adult life.

 Rebecca: You kept Jane's best friend Helen alive.  Is that because she's crucial to the plot or because in the modern world she never would have died with today's medicine?

 Colleen: Thank you for asking this! I love Helen Burns. It’s a tragedy every time I read Jane Eyre that she dies so young. I did want to reinvent Helen—to give her a full life. Of all the characters, I took the most liberties with Helen; I gave her not only parents but siblings. In the original book, she’s a great foil for Jane—and I still think that’s true in The Hound of Thornfield High. I love the friendship between Helen and Jane, and it was satisfying to see that friendship not be cut short by Helen’s untimely death. But yes: in today’s modern times, happily, Helen would have likely survived consumption!

 Rebecca:  I never realized what a ladies man Edward Rochester was until I read your novel.  Having all three love interests in one setting drove it home.  Was it challenging to have them interacting with each other?

 Colleen: This question makes me smile! Yes. One way to read Edward Rochester is that he’s unlucky in love. He has several former love interests, including Blanche Ingram, whom he’s not actually interested in. Painting Eddie as a bit of a player—or at least someone who plays with Jane’s heart—was a lot of fun. Jane spends a lot of energy trying to understand Eddie’s intentions—and I think that’s true in the Charlotte Bronte classic as well. It was fun to have all of Eddie’s love interests interact with one another—particularly Jane and Bertha who, in the original, barely meet face to face. Jane and Eddie’s love is complicated by Eddie’s romantic past—that’s for sure. And probably an understatement!

 Rebecca: What's one thing you hope your readers take away from "The Hound of Thornfield High"?

 Colleen: My hope is that this book inspires readers to read the original and compare them. What Charlotte Bronte created in Jane Eyre is timelessly fascinating. It’s the kind of book you can read again and again; each time I read it, I take away something different. My feelings about Edward, for instance, have softened. He used to really grind my gears, but over time, I’ve come to feel more empathetic toward him. And I do hope my version makes readers appreciate Jane’s strength and sense of independence; I’ve tried to stay true to the Jane Charlotte created.

 Rebecca: Please tell me there's an upcoming film version of your modern-day "Jane Eyre" coming soon!  And please tell me you're working on putting other classics in the modern setting--maybe "Tess of the D'urbervilles" or "Oliver Twist" and such.

 Colleen: I would love this! I really do think the romantic drama here lends itself well to a high school setting. I really enjoyed putting my own spin on a classic, and yes—it’s something I’d love to try again. Wuthering Heights of course is another Bronte classic, written by Charlotte’s sister, Emily. I think that would be a fun challenge to tackle, too.

Rebecca: This one was a fun read. English teachers, if you’re making your class read Jane Eyre, why not have them read this one too? Or split the class, have half read the original, half the modern-day interpretation, and then debate on it in class.

Twitter (X): @ColleenAlles

Lindsay Gibson's "The Christmas Coin"

I’m back with another interview with Lindsay Gibson—queen of the small-town romance. Her cozy Christmas novel, The Christmas Coin, is now available from Harpeth Road and features ballet and mid-life career changes set in a small town.

Rebecca: As I always ask first, what sparked the idea for The Christmas Coin?

Lindsay: The idea of this story all started when my husband actually had found an old European coin in our own historical 1784 home in Connecticut…thus began The Christmas Coin outline. With my husband being from Ireland, I also had to throw in a little “Irish Luck” into the storyline.

Rebecca: I had been wondering if it were based on finding a coin in real life. Ballet plays a major role in this story, from the reason Amelia is forced to change careers to the reason she meets the love interest.  Do you have a background in ballet?  You described things so realistically that it makes me think you've lived some of it.

Lindsay: Like many little girls, I had dreamed of being a ballerina, especially when I got to dance in The Nutcracker, so I knew I had to tie this into the story as well. I take my own girls to see it every year! Luckily, there are so many articles and videos to read/watch for research when it comes to ballet terms, that it’s almost impossible these days not to find what you’re looking for.

Rebecca: Did you scout out some New England fixer-upper houses to get the right atmosphere for the setting?

Lindsay: I lived in New England for 40 years and both my father and husband are builders. I’ve lived in so many historical homes that I could give tours in them.

Rebecca: Your novel reminds me of a Hallmark movie but with a lot more substance.  It comes across as lighthearted yet has scenes that let the reader know it's more than just fluff.  Are there any particular things that inspire you to give it that realistic grounding? 

Lindsay: With my previous career in mental health nutrition and psychology, my stories will always have more depth. It’s just in my nature to add more substance to the storyline, hoping to inspire and motivate my readers with real-world hardships and struggles. 

Rebecca: Are you planning another novel related to this one?  Maybe about the character Diana?  I'd love to read more of her story.

Lindsay: Right now there are no sequels in the works, although it’s never completely ruled out. Although, a new ‘happy ending’ to Diana’s story would be nice.

Rebecca: What was your favorite scene to write or research?

Lindsay: There are so many, it’s hard to choose. I thoroughly loved writing this entire book. It was an absolute blast! I really enjoyed the scenes with Amelia and young Ava because I knew how powerful them working together was for both of them and their growth as characters. Not to mentioned touching…

Rebecca: There you have it, readers—another great novel from Lindsay Gibson. You should seriously consider buying it for someone for a present. If you know anyone who likes small-town novels or romance or Hallmark movies or Christmas storylines, this will be a great gift.

Twitter (X): @lgibsonauthor

"The Dancing Dragon" by A. R. Kaufer

It’s Halloween, and what better author interview to present today than A.R. Kaufer’s The Dancing Dragon, which takes place on Halloween and features a parallel world where magic is real.

Rebecca:  Tell us what spawned the idea for The Dancing Dragon.

A.R. Kaufer: My  debut novel, The Unexpected Queen, is a YA fantasy romance with merpeople and sirens. While it hasn't been a big success, I have a few readers who love it but don't care to read my adult romantasy books. So I wanted to write something for them, something with magic, fantasy, and romance, but it's no-spice and a fun, cozy read.

Rebecca:  The Dancing Dragon takes place on Halloween--well, the moment Elle, the main character, ends up in the parallel world is on Halloween.  Did Halloween vibes play a role in the world you created?

A.R. Kaufer: The events due start on Halloween night, but for the fantasy world,I drew more inspiration from D&D and fantasy video games I've played.

Rebecca:  Since D & D plays a role, did you base any of the characters in the novel off typical fantasy roleplay games? Maybe characters from D & D?

A.R. Kaufer: The characters were based more off people I know in real life. My husband, Kevin, was of course part of the inspiration for the MMC, Kevyn, and I wrote this story as a love letter to him, for being such a wonderful and supportive partner in my writing career.

Rebecca:  Many readers will identify with Kevyn, the fae cursed never to find true love. Any other inspiration for his character besides your husband? (It made for a unique love interest..and I have to say that I identified with him too.)

A.R. Kaufer: Parts of him came from me, as well. I grew up, longing for love, seeing everyone so happy with a partner, and I felt like I would never find someone like that. It felt at times as though I were cursed, that I would never have a love like the one I saw in movies or read in books. Then I met Kevin, and everything changed.

Rebecca:  I would personally love to see this drawn out as a short-movie anime or manga.  Do you have any plans to write more novels set in this universe?

A.R. Kaufer: Not currently in the works, but you never know what the muse might do!

Rebecca: Let’s hope the muse strikes again! I personally want to see more set in this universe. There you have it, world. Check out A.R. Kaufer’s The Dancing Dragon and see what happens when you end up in a parallel universe on Halloween.

Twitter (X): @AutumnK2022

Abbey Franer's "House of Shadows"

It’s amazing how many authors and books you stumble across on Twitter (X), and that’s exactly how I discovered our latest author: Abbey Franer and her fantasy novel House of Shadows.

Beautiful cover of House of Shadows!!!

Rebecca: My first question always asks what inspired the storyline. I had a distinct "Star Wars" feeling while reading, sort of "Star Wars" but set in a fantasy world instead of science fiction.

Abbey: My inspiration for House of Shadows if sort of a silly one, I suppose. Years ago I played on online game called Travian and was part of an alliance of really cool people who ended up inspiring the Golden Brotherhood desert raiders. The rest of the plot built around them. I was certainly inspired by favorite classics like Star Wars and The Mummy, too! 

Rebecca: I also got a feeling of an alternate reality American setting but with lower technology.  I envisioned the action scenes out in the west in the desert sort of like Arizona after Kali gets kidnapped and sold to slave-traders. What did you envision while creating the setting?

Abbey: It’s always so cool to me to hear how readers envision and experience my work and reminds me how stories, once published, take on a life of their own in the imagination of readers. When writing the setting I had a sort of fantasy 1920s vibe in mind, not really a particular real world setting. 

Rebecca: The main character, Kali, is thrown into action in the first chapter when she is kidnapped and whisked off to a desert world.  Any tips on keeping the plot moving quickly for aspiring writers out there?

Abbey: The classic advice of beginning a story “in media res” always stands. You have to balance introducing character and setting with action to really hook your reader; make them feel immersed in a world, intrigued by a character, and emotionally invested in what happens next. Some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten is to establish what your character wants/needs and find every single way possible to keep them from achieving that goal. 

Rebecca: I like the low spice set with high action.  Do you write your other novels by this principle as well?

Abbey: Yes, all my books have low/no spice romantic subplots alongside high action plots. As a reader I LOVE good slow burn romance, and lots of it, but a strong plot is my preferred focus. 

Rebecca: I agree; a strong plot is a must! If a movie were made of "House of Shadows," where would it be filmed, and who would play the main roles?  Would you write the script, or would you trust Hollywood to make changes?

Abbey: Ooh this is an interesting question and not one I’ve given detailed thought! I’d certainly want to be involved in the production to some degree as I believe author involvement has been key to good book-to-screen adaptations recently. I’d like to see lesser known talent cast as my characters and there are so many beautiful possibilities for location I’d be interested to see what the production team chose! 

Rebecca: Final question is your choice. If you could ask yourself a question for this interview, what would it be?

Abbey: This is so fun. I’d ask if we’d ever see a sequel or more with these characters in the future. The answer, there’s a strong possibility! I have a loose plot idea that would involve bringing the Golden Brotherhood and our main characters together again for another epic quest…at the end of House of Shadows there’s a hint that more adventures could be coming.

Rebecca: There you have it, readers! Go check out House of Shadows for yourself!

www.abbeyfranerauthor.com

Twitter (X) : abbey_author

James Blakey's "Superstition"

I’m back with a new author interview. This time we have an eerie type of mystery with bad luck all over the place. What if people actually died after walking under ladders or opening umbrellas indoors? Well, that’s what happens in James Blakey’s Superstition with a college newspaper reporter on the trail of it.

Rebecca:  What sparked the idea for Superstition?

James: At one of my writing groups we had a brainstorm session, and we were tossing around ideas, and I blurted: What if bad luck were killing people?  I didn't know how the bad luck worked. Had no concept of who my protagonist would be. Didn't conceive of setting it a college. All of that flowed from the original idea.

Rebecca:  I definitely got the college feel, sort of a 1980s-like mood while reading the novel.  It reminded me a lot of the interaction between characters I've seen in movies from that time period on college campuses. Did it in any way influence the setting or its mood? (Incidentally, I really liked this aspect of the novel.)

James: You are remarkably perceptive. I attended college in the 80s, so I drew heavily on that experience. I wasn't going to try to pretend I knew what college in the 2020s is like. Jerry loves the 80s music I listened to in my dorm, although I provide an explanation for this oddity. Mike is loosely based on my freshman chemistry lab partner.

Rebecca:  You described the main characters very realistically--from everyday problems with girlfriends to the murder mysteries.  Any writing tips for making characters more believable? (Another comment: I liked how the romance sideplot worked out in the end—very satisfying!)

James: I try to make a list of 4 or 5 different ways a character could react or respond to a situation. The first one or two are usually a bit cliched. (which is why I thought of them first)  The farther down the list, things get more interesting or authentic, and less predictable. As the characters start making these decisions they start to feel like real people navigating their way through the world I created.

Rebecca: There's no Chapter 13 in your book. How did that come about?

James: As I was writing and got to Chapter 13, I thought I should skip this like some hotels and office buildings skip the 13th floor. I wanted it to be an Easter egg for sharp-eyed readers. My writers group loved the idea. When I got my first notes back from my editor, she commented that my chapter numbers were off. I told her it was deliberate, and she liked the concept.  But the publisher was worried that readers would think it was an error. We came to a compromise where readers are informed at the start of Chapter 14 that we deliberately skipped 13 because it's bad luck.

Rebecca:  I noticed Superstition is labelled as book one.  Are you planning on writing more in this series in the same setting with the same characters, or will it move on to different characters?

James: I am 60,000 words into draft one of book two. It's set at Van Buren University again, and we'll see Jerry and all his friends investigating and defeating a new threat.

Rebecca:  Any hints on when the next one might come out? 

James: I need to get back to writing. I've been focused on the release of Superstition. I don't know for sure, but I suspect my publisher would be looking for a September 2025 release.

Rebecca: I’m looking forward to it. I want to see more from these characters and how they navigate spooky situations. There you have it, readers! Superstition comes out September 24th, and it doesn’t disappoint!

Twitter (X): @JamesWBlakey

Jelena Dunato's "Ghost Apparent"

Once again, the stunning cover art of a novel on Twitter (X) caught my attention, and here it is! I signed up for an ARC and fell in love with the rich, medieval-inspired storyline. Today, Jelena Dunato is here to answer a few questions about her upcoming novel, Ghost Apparent, from Ghost Orchid Press.

Jelena Dunato's Ghost Apparent

Rebecca:  You mention online that Ghost Apparent is a prequel.  In what way is it related?  Are there shared characters in both?

Jelena: Yes, "Ghost Apparent" is a prequel to Dark Woods, Deep Water because the story is set in the same world, several years before the earliest storyline in DWDW. There are shared characters in both, most notably Orsiana, who is the main character in GA and a side character of great importance in DWDW.

This novella started as a short story, a little prequel about Orsiana I wanted to write because her character demanded a more substantial backstory. Some characters are like that - they refuse to be framed by the plot and they fight for more space to grow. I initially thought the story would be no longer than 5-6000 words, but it turned out that Orsiana had a lot of story to tell. And I am happy that she did, because it felt good writing her and discovering how it is possible to grow from a sheltered noble girl to a competent politician, and from a pious recluse to someone who can use gods for their own goals.

Rebecca:  I'll admit that your novel caught my eye because of its stunning cover art.  Did you have an input on your cover?  It captures the ambience of your story perfectly!

Jelena: I am very, very lucky that my publisher, Ghost Orchid Press, always works with me on the cover design. Together we chose Mia Minnis, a fantastic artist who works in digital media, but whose art looks traditional, which was the vibe we were looking for. 

As for the cover ideas and motifs, I had two main references. The first was Florence Small's painting "The Bride" - I loved the composition, the direct, frontal position of the subject and her perfect serenity - I knew that Orsiana should radiate the same energy. The other reference was the tradition of depicting patron saints holding the models of towns they protected - although Orsiana is definitely no saint, I think it resonates nicely with the main theme of the story.

The colour palette is also a conscious choice. Although this is a dark fantasy story and the readers might expect a dark cover, I wanted to emphasize that this is also a Mediterranean story with Mediterranean colours and light - bright, vibrant, jewel-like. When I imagine Abia, I imagine the stunning walled towns of the Eastern Adriatic basking in the sunshine, surrounded by the cerulean waves.

Rebecca: "Ghost Apparent" features some tricky gods and goddesses whose words never quite match up with what they promise. There's always a catch.  I've seen this before in medieval literature, but this seems to have a touch of ancient medieval or Slavic folklore.  Did this inspire you in any way? 

Jelena: Isn't "never quite matching up what they promise" the basic trait of all gods, from the capricious Olympians to the trickster deities of the North? Polytheistic religions are often so interesting because the gods are portrayed with many human flaws, and are rarely to be trusted. This goes for other supernatural beings, in folklore and fairy tales as well. Almost every powerful creature a hero encounters in folk and fairy tales is there to trick them in some way and make them pay a higher price than they agreed to.

Rebecca: Sort of like, “Be careful what you wish for.”
Jelena: I use Slavic pantheon in my stories because that's my heritage, but also because there's no written canon of Slavic mythology. The Croats converted to Christianity before they learnt to write, so all our mythology and folk tales come from the oral tradition, and are therefore quite vague and changeable. This is perfect if you are a writer, because it allows you the liberty to present many things with your own twist. Morana, Korab, Veles, Lada - they all appear in Slavic tales, but I've allowed myself quite a bit of liberty with them. Especially Morana, who appears in many of my stories - she is as multi-faceted and mutable as any proper deity deserves to be.

As for the medieval part, again - there aren't many original Croatian medieval sources preserved. However, I wanted to convey the sense of metaphysical wonder combined with everyday raunchiness of medieval life. Malory meeting Chaucer, if you will. 

Rebecca:  I’m a huge fan of Chaucer! Your first chapter quickly delves into the action when Orsiana's father is murdered before her very eyes within the first few pages.  Was this part of the plot inspired by anything true to life in medieval history?

Jelena: The murder of Orsiana's father is certainly inspired by the brutality of medieval politics, which has no shortage of regicides and assassinations of important people. Being a ruler was a much more dangerous job back then! However, if I had to choose one particular historical example that inspired the murder of Gospodar Orsolo, it would be the murder of Giuliano de' Medici, the co-ruler of Florence (with his brother, Lorenzo the Magnificent) and, by all accounts, a popular, artistic, interesting man. He was murdered at the onset of the Pazzi conspiracy, which aimed to displace the Medici family as rulers of Florence. Giuliano was attacked in public, during High Mass in the Florentine cathedral - he was stabbed 19 times and left to bleed out on the cathedral floor. The story of the conspiracy and his murder is quite incredible and worth looking up. 

The aftermath of Giuliano's murder also inspired my story - the fact that Lorenzo was attacked as well, but managed to survive, regain his control of Florence, avenge his brother's death and go on to become one of the most important patrons of the arts in the history of our civilization.

Rebecca:  You bring the medieval setting to life very vividly.  Do you have any plans for other novels set in this world? 

Jelena: Absolutely. I'm almost done with the next thing, a full-length novel. It's a prequel/sequel to Dark Woods, Deep Water - because why have one timeline when you can have several ones? There will be many familiar characters in that one, including Orsiana. And for those readers who loved Prince Amron in DWDW - I promise, you'll get more of him this time.

Rebecca: Thank you so much for giving us more behind the background of your latest novella. Readers, click the image above to find the direct link to Amazon, or go to Goodreads and check out the reviews.

Twitter (X): @Jelenawrites

Ruby Harris's "Into the Haze"

Today’s author interview is going to blast us back to some retro 1980s vibes! Check out Ruby Harris’s awesome cover for her upcoming novel, Into the Haze.

Rebecca: I always want to know what sparked the idea for the book.  Did it start small, maybe with an item, or was it a feeling?

Ruby: Definitely a feeling! Two summers ago, I was staying at this cosy cottage in the Swedish forest with my fiancé. I was feeling a little disheartened by the fact that my first novel, a literary drama I’d spent four years on, hadn’t been snatched up by any agent. I knew that I wanted to write something totally different for my next book, and figured I might have more luck in the YA genre. I was feeling inspired by the sunny forests and flower-speckled hills of our surroundings. After a hike, we came back to the cottage and watched The Labyrinth on TV. I remembered how much comfort that movie had given me when I was young, and the general escapism that Bowie’s music and 80s fantasy had afforded me as an unhappy teen. I knew then that I wanted to write something weird and magical, about a young girl escaping into a world in which she discovers her true strength. I also knew I wanted a powerful and flawed love interest to force my protagonist to confront her values and desires, just like the Goblin King does to Sarah in The Labyrinth. 

Rebecca: The action starts off on the Isle of Man. It seems like a place that is already steeped in myths and legends. I'm assuming you either live there or have a connection to it.  Tell us more about that. 

Ruby: I was born on the Isle of Man and spent a big part of my childhood there. The island is home to so much natural beauty and unique culture - I can’t help but feel extremely nostalgic at times. I didn’t want to paint the island in a negative light, but at the same time I wanted to capture the ‘small community’ dullness and less-than-ideal school environment that defined my own teenage years there. Nowadays, I’m a lot more appreciative of what the island has to offer, and enjoy any opportunity to visit. The glens are truly magical, and the myths are wonderful, too - it made sense for my fantasy novel to start there!

Rebecca:  Into the Haze features several non-human creatures, such as that awesome cat on the cover of your novel.  Did you create these yourself, or did you build on them from myths and legends?

Ruby: Some characters were inspired by Manx mythical beasts and Norse legends - such as Tallemaja (the huldra from Scandinavian mythology), and Moddey Dhoo and the Buggane (from Manx myths). Other creatures were the subject of my imagination, such as Disco (the flowerperson) and Fizz (the blue-skinned henchman with brows of eyes). When I was young, I adored the Abarat books by Clive Barker, which featured tons of bizarre creatures. I’m sure I must have also been inspired by his style of fantasy in creating many of my own characters.

Rebecca:  The cover is what originally drew me to read your novel. It features several items found in the novel.  Could you explain a little about them, such as the castle or the pear?

Ruby: I wanted a cover that would capture the cosy, retro ambience of the cult fantasies that inspired the novel. I drew a quick sketch, and then a super talented artist (who specializes in vintage covers and TOTALLY understood the vibe) brought the vision to life. The first time Lucy enters the parallel world known as the Haze, it’s through a magical recipe she finds in her Granny’s cookbook - featuring pears! The pear is a gateway into the Haze. King Cloudcatcher’s castle is also visible, and the rainbow represents the colours of the magical solsken gem. Lucy’s cat, a character based on my own cat, can turn into a unicorn - hence the horn!

Rebecca:  The 1980s were a great decade for fantasy movies and novels. "Into the Haze" is set in the modern day but has 80s fantasy vibes.  Give us a sneak peek of some 80s vibes readers will find in your novel.

Ruby: The book features a lot of the light comedy, genre parody, epic settings and romantic tropes of movies like The Princess Bride, Legend, The Labyrinth and The NeverEnding Story. Lucy is also a big fan of 80s music, so there are references to 80s pop icons, songs and culture throughout the novel. If books could have soundtracks, Into the Haze would feature tons of Bowie, Kate Bush, Eurythmics and Roxy Music!

Rebecca:  Last question. I saw somewhere that you're turning this into a trilogy.  Any previews you can give us about the next one?

Ruby: I desperately want to turn this into a trilogy! Whether I can justify writing sequels will depend on how things go with this first book, but I really hope readers enjoy the Haze and want more of its magic, because I have two sequels mapped out in detail. The second novel will take the characters into space, blending fantasy with sci-fi. Without giving any spoilers…some essential characters will return! The third one will be a little ‘spookier’, featuring a parallel world which is similar to the Haze…but where something sinister lurks beneath the surface of the apparent utopia. This world will also be a winter wonderland, to contrast the eternal summer of the Haze. Both sequels will develop the characters and their relationships, while introducing complex moral dilemmas and philosophical themes. Lucy will be 16 years old in the first sequel, and 18 in the final book.

Rebecca: There you have it, readers! Go out and preorder Into the Haze. It definitely delivers!

Twitter (X): @authorruby

Lindsay Gibson's "Fly Away Summer"

Harpeth Road Publishing hit the bullseye when it signed Lindsay Gibson’s latest novel, Fly Away Summer, already making waves on social media AND the beach read for your summer vacation! If you like Hallmark movies and/or the New England coast, go check it out.

Rebecca:  As I always ask authors first, what sparked the idea for Fly Away Summer.

Lindsay: Cape Cod is my absolute favorite place to vacation. As a native to New England, I spent my childhood summers there and now take my girls to experience the magic that Cape Cod summer entail. I knew when I wrote my first summer novel, that would be the place it would be! I also have a love for seagulls! Most think they are just pesky birds that annoy us at the beach, but I really enjoy watching them fly over the waves. Putting it all together, with one piece of Lana’s story—losing her family’s beloved inn for a second time—the idea of Fly Away Summer began!

Rebecca:  It's set at the seaside in New England and made me feel like I was there in person; it reminded me of the time I visited Plum Island in Massachusetts.  Did you visit several locations to help set the mood, or was one spot in particular inspirational?  

Lindsay: I have been to every town on Cape Cod and I knew that I would set my story along the bay versus the ocean side of the Cape. It’s quieter and very serene!

Rebecca:  Food also plays a huge role in Fly Away Summer.  Often, romance novels feature a coffee shop or a bakery as a setting.  A seafood restaurant was a nice twist on that.  Incidentally, my cat latched onto your novel and wouldn't give it up--probably because of the yummy seafood in every chapter.  Tell us more about how you found those seafood dishes.

Lindsay: A close friend of mine from college is now a wonderful seafood chef up in Rhode Island. She gave me ALL of the delicious dishes in Fly Away Summer…but she will not share her recipes! (Understandable!) She was my point of contact throughout the writing of this story for questions. I got to sample a lot of what she shared!

Rebecca:  Have you planned any more novels set at the seashore?  

Lindsay: Absolutely! My debut novel, The Christmas Promise was set in a seaside town in New Hampshire and my current summer 2025 release is set in the stunning Martha’s Vineyard.

Rebecca:  On to your main characters, Lana and Hunter!  I can see them as if they were in a movie.  If Fly Away Summer were made into a movie, who would play the main roles? 

Lindsay: Ryan Paevey- he’s known in Hallmark to play characters that come off a bit “snooty” which is how Hunter can be perceived! We all learn Hunter’s heart in the end though!  Lindy Booth- I love how versatile she is as an actress, playing in so many different roles in her career. She’d make a perfect Lana because she can play “the girl next door cute” but with spunk—just like my fiery Lana!

Rebecca:  You've described Lana and Hunter VERY realistically. What tips do you have for writers on making characters believable?

Lindsay: With a background in Psychology as my undergraduate degree and a master’s in Nutrition, with a focus in mental health…I have been able to utilize these studies into my characters. When I create my storylines, there is always a theme I work out. For Fly Away Summer it is grief. Lana loses so much…but amongst all that she has lost, she keeps going and learns how to move forward and grow. There is a lot of what I call, "psychology of the character" when I am writing scenes the highlight human emotions. My biggest tip for bringing those emotions to the page for writers when describing their characters and their stories…ask yourself: “how would this make you feel?” You always have to put yourself in your characters shoes and what emotions come up? What would you do in their situation? This is what makes it all come to life!

Rebecca: Thanks for the writing tip! I’m looking forward to more novels from you—especially those set at the seaside. Check it out, readers, and follow Lindsay Gibson on social media to stay updated for the latest from her.

Website: https://www.authorlindsaygibson.com/

Twitter (X): @lgibsonauthor

Colleen Marie's "Teagan's Treasure"

I had the pleasure of talking with Colleen Marie about her debut New Adult novel, Teagan’s Treasure, which was just released by Vinspire Publishing. Set in Ireland, it follows a college student during a summer university program. Teagan ends up in the middle of a mystery with a side dish of romance. I present to you Teagan’s Treasure and its author!

Rebecca: What inspired the storyline of Teagan's Treasure?  Did you travel to Ireland to research the setting?

Colleen: The Emerald Isle University Series is a New Adult book series weaving the stories of three sisters and their adventures of self-discovery and love in Ireland. The idea for The Emerald Isle University Series began after experiencing Ireland for the first time. It is a land of dreams and treasures, and the Emerald Isle made a lasting impression on my heart. As the years went by, I found myself immersed in the field of life science and education while writing in those quiet moments. Then one day, I finally picked up the pencil and began outlining this trilogy. The series combines Irish culture and the beauty of the land with faith, friendship, family, mystery, and second chance love. I always hoped for a sister, so the idea of writing a series based on the connection between three sisters was a natural inclination. Each sister has her own unique story, but the bond of love and friendship between the three is unbreakable.

Rebecca: You give quite a few details on horses and equine therapy for kids in the novel.  Do you have firsthand experience with this, or did you research it for the novel? 

Colleen: Yes! I am an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL). I have always had a great love for animals and a fascination with the human-animal bond. This connection led to many years of undergraduate and graduate work, earning a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Chemical Life Science. I spent over twenty years working in animal hospitals, animal-assisted therapy organizations, and equine-assisted therapy farms. During that time, it was on the farm that I felt the most at home. My connection with the horses made for a perfect fit as a horse leader in equine-assisted therapy and equine-facilitated learning sessions. I earned my ESMHL certification through PATH International. Then in 2018, I took the leap and founded Spirit of Love: Learning and Wellness LLC as a way to bring together my love for animals, teaching, science research, and helping others. My hope is to bring animal-assisted interventions to more people in need. In the program I strive to nurture the human-animal bond by creating a relaxed and fun environment to encourage therapeutic interventions, promote a scientific basis for education within the field, and enhance the quality of life for those most in need. Teagan and Finn’s program, Second Chances, was inspired by my work in equine-assisted therapy and the foundation my program, Spirit of Love. To learn more, visit my program website at http://www.spiritoflovewellness.com

Rebecca: The main character of Teagan's Treasure has two sisters.  It sounds like they will each be featured in the series.  Any previews on what is coming up in the other two novels in the series?

Colleen: Oh, I love these O’Reilly sisters! Both Kayleigh and Ashling will have adventures and found love at Emerald Isle. This is an blurb about Kayleigh’s Knight, the second book of the series which releases July 29th, 2025!

Kayleigh O’Reilly has worked hard to have the perfect life. After graduating at the top of her class, her dream of be- coming a writer is within reach when she’s awarded a spot in the renowned Creative Writing Program at Emerald Isle University. Just as all her dreams are coming true, her world is turned upside down when her boyfriend breaks up with her the day she leaves for Ireland.

In the land of Saints and Scholars, Kayleigh begins her freshman year broken-hearted and in need of inspiration. Hope comes in the form of Seamus Murphy, the local fisherman and ruggedly handsome poet, and his offer to rent a small uninhibited cottage by the sea so she can focus on her writ- ing. Feeling free for the first time, Kayleigh begins to redis- cover herself and the dreams hidden deep in her heart.

Inspired by the enchanting town of Cloverdale, Kayleigh accepts a position at the local newspaper. The future is bright until she uncovers a deadly plot to revenge a decades old feud. Danger looms over the small town, and Kayleigh must decide who she can trust and if true love is worth the risk. As the storm threatens to destroy, will Kayleigh finally be able to find the words to write her own story?

Rebecca: I’ve definitely got the next one on my to-be-read list! Teagan’s Treasure also reminded me of Grace Livingston Hill's novels. She wrote contemporary fiction back in the early 1900s that always had an element of faith in them paired with a romance or mystery--modern day back then but vintagely historical now.  Your writing style sort of reminds me of a Catholic Grace Livingston Hill who incorporates faith into daily life. Have you ever read her novels?

Colleen: No, I have not read Grace Livingston’s novels, but they are now on my to-be-read list! I’m looking forward to reading them!

Rebecca: Did you have any writing rituals that helped get you into the right mindset for writing "Plain Expectations"?  Any playlists or other novels that helped to inspire the right tone?

Colleen: I don’t list to music or playlists while writing, but rather prefer to write in silence or sitting outside. I find so much inspirational being outside in nature, so it’s a favorite place to write. I especially love writing on our back deck under our large maple tree. It’s so peaceful and I love watching all of birds and bunnies in the field. That being said, I do love traditional Irish music! My daughter is an Irish dancer and I love ceilis. 

Rebecca: I also love traditional Irish music. I’m looking forward to your next novel in this series and will leave your website here for anyone who wants to keep up on the latest from you firsthand.

Twitter (X): @ColleenMarieWrt

LindaAnn LoSchiavo's "Always Haunted: Hallowe'en Poems"

Holiday-themed publications are common around Christmas, but Halloween-themed ones tend to be lacking. If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect Halloween collection of poems, drawings, and stories, LindaAnn LoSchiavo’s latest release is for you and the Halloween fan in your life. I had the pleasure of talking with the author to get more insight on this awesome collection.

Rebecca: A Halloween collection is not the usual collection of works, is it?

LindaAnn:  Actually, Hallowe'en poetry and story anthologies are popular and have been  compiled and published every year by Penguin, McFarland & Company, and other publishers. These volumes are usually substantial --  more than 250 pages.  Amazon and Barnes & Noble online sell these as well as bookshops.  

Rebecca: I had no idea! I wish I had know that earlier! Thanks for that tip So what sparked the idea for your "Always Haunted: Hallowe'en Poems" then? Inspiration from those volumes?

LindaAnn: My illustrated collection, Always Haunted, has an intriguing origin story. As an October Scorpio, I've always loved Hallowe'en and everything about the "spooky season." However, a few years ago, I started writing poems and sonnets on cold cases, hoping to raise awareness about unsolved murders.   EX:  My "Lady of the Dunes" sonnet focused on an unidentified corpse found on July 26, 1974, in the Race Point Dunes in Provincetown, Massachusetts; the victim has finally been identified as Ruth Marie Terry, age 37, who was murdered by her husband.  My sonnet gets no credit for solving the case.  But if, by any chance, my sonnet kept people talking and posting about her brutal 1974 murder, then . . .  mission accomplished.

       My previous cold case poetry inspired me to merge these two themes: Hallowe'en tropes and injustice.
       As you probably noticed in my NYC-based poem "The Hallowe'en Homicides on October 31, 1981,"  the victims were a male and a female:  Ronald Sisman, 39, and his college coed girlfriend Liz Platzman [1961-1981].  But most of the poems in "Always Haunted" turn on decades long injustices towards women. 

         As Robert Browning explains in "The Ring and the Book"  —
                          “Art,” he states “may tell a truth / Obliquely, do the thing shall breed the thought.”

Rebecca: Have you been a fan of Halloween since your childhood?   

LindaAnn:  As an October Scorpio, I've always loved Hallowe'en and everything about the "spooky season."  As a child growing up in NYC, I loved the costumes, masks, mystery, traditions, carving a jack-o-lantern, the autumn leaves changing.  And also celebrating my birthday in late October, a beautiful time of year.

Rebecca: Halloween is also one of my favorite times of year, both beautiful and haunting. On that subject, why do you focus on danger, death, and the afterlife in your writing? 

LindaAnn: Naturally, many poets are drawn to death for its universal relevance and emotional depth.  Death and dying  serve as a poignant lens through which poets can explore life's fleeting nature, prompting deep contemplation on mortality and the human experience.

          The twist is:   I grew up with psychic parents who communicated telepathically. 
          My parents, both ordinary run-of-the-mill NYC high school graduates, never thought of telepathic communication nor mind-reading nor ESP as an "extraordinary" ability - - - and certainly not  "exceptional."
          It was expected that any child could communicate silently in this supra-normal fashion.
          Since I inherited these abilities, and since I've been communicating with the living and the dead for a long time, my experiences with the deceased -- and my family members' experiences with ghosts -- have given us somewhat of a different perspective on the "finality" of death. 

                       Nonfiction ghost poems in "Always Haunted"
            Ghost experiences my Uncle Larry had are recounted in "Poltergeists on President Street."
            Ghost experiences my Aunt Frances had, after Uncle Larry died, are recounted in "The Widow's Missing Necklace."  Several of us went to my Aunt's apartment to search for her missing jewelry.  She was distraught, believing that someone had stolen it -- until my dead Uncle had the clasp fixed and casually dropped it off one night.

           My parents [now deceased] were still alive when my ghost uncle resurfaced in his widow's Brooklyn, NY bedroom - - -  and they never thought this ghost encounter to be "extraordinary." 
           My parents were, I guess, not easily impressed by dead people running errands.   (smile)

         Despite my own experiences with the dead, I've only started committing these to paper recently.

         But in the days before cellphones and Wi-Fi, communicating telepathically was a real problem-solver. :)

Rebecca: My favorite piece was the modern-themed vampire piece  "An Ideal Lost in Night-Mists."  Could you share more about the background of the piece?  What inspired it?

LindaAnn:  "An Ideal Lost in Night-Mists," my intricate three-part hybrid, set in a New York City college dormitory, was first published in my Elgin Award nominated book "Vampire Ventures" [Alien Buddha Press, Oct.  2023].  Jessica Dickinson did a long interview with me on why I decided to write an entire collection focused on vampire folklore and here is the link.
* * *    URL:  <https://jessicadickenson.wordpress.com/2024/02/01/author-interview-lindaann-loschiavo/>

              After doing months of research on vampirology, in order to see if there was anything new to add to this niche, I realized, for example, that no one had written a vampire narrative (or poem) told BACKWARDS.  So I envisioned "An Ideal Lost in Night-Mists," as a tour de force.
          I challenged myself to plot a drama in reverse order and create each section in another format and time-frame.
                 Thus my 16-line poem went first -- a dramatic monologue from Annabelle's point-of-view:
                                 Blood’s Kiss  —  November 2nd    nightfall. 

                The prose section went second --  now from Megan's point-of-view:
                            Missing, Classified as Undead —  November 2nd  afternoon
              The dialogue section went third --  now from Count Dracula's and Annabelle's dating app discussion on October 29th,  an important conversation that, obviously, incited the whole episode, right?
                              Dating the Undead  —  October 29th   evening

              At 1,550 words,  "An Ideal Lost in Night-Mists" was the longest piece in "Always Haunted." 
              Thanks for asking me to explain because some book reviewers for "Vampire Ventures" only seemed to notice the modern dating app aspect to it - - - instead of its other nuances such as P.O.V. changes and format variations. 
             In any story told in reverse chronology, the introduction reveals WHAT happened, leading a reader to wonder HOW it happened.  By November 2nd, vampire-Annabelle has transformed into a worldly opportunist --- quite different from the naive college co-ed of three nights before, who had believed Count D was only joking about living in a castle in the Carpathian Mountains and yet who had the supernatural power to be at her window in a flash.

             He replies I must never worry — he can be at my doorstep in a flash.
            Sure. Ha-ha, I type, playing along. Send pics of u with yr castle, I repeat.

Rebecca: Any plans for another Halloween collection? Maybe next year?

LindaAnn: In October 2022 my book "Messengers of the Macabre: Hallowe'en Poems" was released by Audience Askew.  (It's available on Amazon, B&N, etc.)  Yes, I do have plans to write another book dedicated to Hallowe'en.  I'm glad you were left feeling, "I want to read more."  That's thrilling news for any poet. 

Rebecca: Thanks for stopping by “The Writing Cat” to tell us more. Always Haunted will be released in October by Wild Ink Publishing. Be on the lookout for it!

"Madame Eldridge's Wayward Home for Unruly Boys" by Benjamin Ryan

Today’s author interview is with Benjamin Ryan, author of “Madame Eldridge’s Wayward Home for Unruly Boys.” The cover is an eerie sort of green, and yes, it has all sorts of things to do with the storyline—especially the part set in the past. Yes, there is some time travel in it! The plot revolves around a group of juvenile delinquents, so to speak, who are supposed to be reformed by visiting Madame Eldridge’s one-week program. Both middle grade and young adult readers will enjoy this adventure/magical/time travel/humorous novel. Oh, and check out all the reviews on Amazon!

Rebecca: So, now that we’re all curious, what gave you the idea to write "Madame Eldridge's Wayward Home for Unruly Boys"? What sparked the idea?

Benjamin: What a story! Sit down and make sure you have a good cup of coffee because this is a fun one! A writer friend of mine, who is now also a published author, was querying her manuscript, and sent it off to her dream agent. Within 24 hours the agent rejected her. She was so offended by how quickly she had gotten a rejection, she decided to get revenge, something I advise no one to do! She wrote a fake query letter for a book she had not yet written, and sent it to the agent just to waste the agents time. Within 24 hours, the agent responded back stating she wanted to see the first 20,000 words. Of course, my friend was freaking out, so I encouraged her to write as quickly as she could for four days and send off what she had. 24 hours passed again, and my friend informed me she had written over 8,000 words. I was so inspired, I decided to sit down and write a book as fast as I could along side her as support seeing as I hadn’t written a new manuscript in over 11 years. From only the inkling of an idea that boys would go to a behavior program and be referred to by their problem, not their name, an entire book was written in 5 1/2 days. I had not clue what would happen in the next chapter until my fingers hit the keys. It was surreal. My experience in writing this book was identical to someone reading this book for the first time. I was equally as shocked with every plot-twist, suspenseful moment, clues unanswered, and haunting questions as to what would happen next, until I finally wrote, “The End”.

Rebecca: Interesting! I’ve had that happen once before with a book; it sort of wrote itself. I also think you have a unique twist that none of the characters are actually called by their real names. It actually made it very easy to keep them apart since they are named after their "characteristics": Secret, Fibbsy, Slob…etc. If you were at Madame Eldridge's, what would YOUR name have been?

Benjamin: I love the idea that the characters don’t have names, because it forces you to judge the characters in the same way the characters do to each other in the book. It’s also a play on the idea that we judge too quickly ourselves and others without focusing on who the person really is. Of course, as you read, you realize the characters are so much more than the names they are called. In reading this book, you will get to know me from a child, to an early adolescent, to a young man, because every boy’s name in this book was essentially a phase that I went through in my life. I am all of these boys; they are fragments of my lived experience. But my best friend would have to argue with me that I have evolved once again, and if I were to enter the home today, my name would not be Benjamin Ryan, I would simply be referred to as “Overthinker”.

Rebecca: After reading the novel, it sounds like you're gearing up for a sequel or possibly a series. Can you tell us anything more about that? (And if so, you should put in a character called “Overthinker”!)

Benjamin: There is a sequel in the works, and I have to admit that I am stuck currently. There are two different ways that I could take the book, and both of them excite me. That being said, I will divulge that the first book does have a lot of time travel elements, and this is the angle I focus on for the sequel. The boys (now a year older) discover a way to return to the home, back in time to the moment when they themselves were in the program. From this unique viewpoint, the boys are able to sneak off and witness events that were happening throughout the first book that were hidden from the reader’s original viewpoint. Lots of questions will become answered, and many new plot twists and deeper theories will be divulged as new secrets are revealed. The boys will discover what was truly happening behind closed doors as they watch (and interfere with) year-ago Slob, Defiance, Secret, and Fibbsy who, as we know, try desperately to figure out the mystery of the Wayward Home for Unruly Boys.

Rebecca: While reading, I personally saw the story play out as a movie--sort of like a cross between "Percy Jackson" and "Harry Potter." Who would play the main roles if you had a say?

Benjamin: I can’t answer this question, not because I don’t want to, but because I find it quite impossible. The unique thing about me as a creative is that I am unable to see faces in my imaginings, even in the characters that I create. I feel them emotionally, and I see their experience through their eyes, but I’m not able to view them specifically. The way they look I don’t think matters as much as the way in which they portray the feelings, the mystery, the drama, and the suspense that is embedded within the storyline. Many actors and actresses could play each of the roles, and furthermore, I’m not up-to-date on my young teen boy actors names! That being said, if there is ever a movie or a TV show or a play done, I would love to be one of the characters, even if it’s one of the butlers! I want to be a part of this story in every way possible.

Rebecca: In real life, you're a teacher. Do your students ever inspire your writing? Do you ever get ideas from the classroom?

Benjamin: I get asked this question a lot, and the answer is always: NO. While I do take inspiration from my real life, my students are never the inspiration for my characters, or my ideas. That being said, let me completely undermine what I just said in saying that, the idea of calling the boys by their problem not their name came directly from me being a teacher. Because I work with students in Elementary Special Ed, and because students are still people who deserve respect, whenever I tell my crazy stories about my students to my friends or family, I never use the child’s name, so I’ve always created nicknames my entire career. My mother is always updated on what Jiggles does when he stands in line behind Snappy. My friends love the stories about Screamer, Gassy, and Whiner. And of course, Runner is always everyone’s favorite!

Rebecca: If you could ask yourself one question in this interview, what would it be?

Benjamin: What makes you different from other authors? Every author is unique, but the feedback I’ve received for years is that my writing style is something that is refreshingly different. Most of my work is done in third person omniscient, which is rarely seen these days. Furthermore, I’m constantly being told that my book reads like a ready for Netflix series. The narration, the descriptions, and the way in which my writing flows, it feels as though you’re watching a movie. It is for this very reason that when I was querying my manuscript, I had over 16 agents asking for the main script in full. And every single one of them came back to me with the exact same reason for rejection. They told me they wouldn’t know how to market the book, because it was so different from anything else that they had encountered. I am different, my writing is different, I do break the rules, and I find that sometimes a new perspective on a treasured thing can be something to be desired. I was not given the chance to have representation for this book by an agent because they weren’t sure how readers would respond. That being said, I was an Amazon number 1 bestseller, I was the Distinguished Favorite in the New York City Big Book Award, and I won second place in three categories in the BookFest Awards. I have been nominated for several other awards since, and my book reviews are mostly five stars. The point I’m making is that I’m unique, and I celebrate my differences, not changing myself to fit into what others think is good or bad. Just like the moral within my book, I am who I am, be who you are, celebrate your weirdness, and above all else, be authentic, even if others question it.

Rebecca: I agree completely! It seems nowadays that third person omniscient is a no-no, but I actually find it refreshing. Many classic children’s books from the eighties and before use it very successfully. You’ve also employed it well, obviously, due to those 70+ Amazon reviews! Check them out yourself, readers, or find Benjamin Ryan on Twitter (X): @brclothwrites

"Plain Expectations" by K.M. Bishop

It’s been a while since I did an author Q & A. Today’s author is K.M. Bishop on her novel Plain Expectations. Set in the Regency ara, it features two sisters navigating the ins and outs of courtship. Let’s take a look at the fantastic cover first.

Rebecca:  What sparked the idea of "Plain Expectations?"  I'm wondering if the title is a play off Dickens's "Great Expectations." 

K.M. Bishop: The idea for Plain Expectations ("PE") actually came from Instagram.  I cannot remember the instagrammer who said it or what the post was about that they commented on, but essentially, they said something to the effect "Why does the beautiful girl always get the guy?  Where are the stories where the plain, fat girl getting the guy?"  So, I said to myself, "Challenge accepted!"  And, that is how I came up with the idea/plot for PE.  Instead of Jane Bennett, my character is Mary Bennett.  She is studious, prefers books to people and parties.  She is not elegant or sleek like her younger sister, but there is still more to her than her looks.

Yes!  PE is a play on Great Expectations.  The title is just one of the many literary "easter eggs" that I have hidden in the book.  Though this book takes place a few decades before Great Expectations and they are not related, I still felt the title fit perfectly.  Georgia is plain so no one had 'great' expectations for her.  They thought her life would turn out as plain as she was.

Rebecca:  The title is brilliant, by the way! Did you have a say in designing your cover art?  It fits in extremely well with the storyline and genre.

K.M. Bishop: Thank you! Yes!  There were a few different versions of the cover and the one we chose was my top pick.  It was a bit of a trial because my publisher could not tell the difference between Regency style clothing and any other period styles, like colonial America, Victorian, Edwardian, French 1770s.  We had a few laughs about it because to me they are so glaringly different, but she would send me something and the woman on the cover looked like Martha Washington or someone from Downtown Abbey and I would reject them all.  I told her to rewatch Pride and Prejudice (1995 version with Colin Firth, of course) and get back to me.  We had a few laughs about it.

Rebecca:  Did you have any writing rituals that helped get you into the right mindset for writing "Plain Expectations"?  Any playlists or other novels that helped to inspire the right tone?

K.M. Bishop: No, I did not.  Normally, I don't think I have a ritual for writing.  I write in silence, or if I play music it has to have no lyrics like Piano Guys or Lindsay Sterling.  I actually wrote PE in a whirlwind.  The idea hit me late August or early September of 2020 and I went with it.  I wrote it in less than a month because I had NaNoWriMo coming up in November and I had planned to outline a completely different book for that, but I really wanted to write this one first.  So I finished it before October because that is usually the month I have reserved for outlining and researching whatever I am going to write for NaNoWriMo.  That isn't to say PE didn't need A LOT of work when I came back to editing it.  I added over 10,000 words to it when I was able to come back.  Took out a scene here and there, added some more.  It took three years from first draft to published, but I am very happy with it.

Rebecca:  If "Plain Expectations" were to be made into a movie or mini-series, who would play the main roles of Georgia and Evangelina and their respective love interests? 

K.M. Bishop: I don't know why these questions are so difficult for me.  I think sometimes it's just difficult to imagine someone stepping into the shoes of your creation because, in a way, they are taking it over and making it their own.  So it is a little scary.  That being said, I would cast Nicola Coughlin as Georgia.  I actually loved her before Bridgerton when I watched her in Derry Girls but seeing her as Penelope makes me think she could play Georgia.  Florence Pugh for Evangelina because I loved her in Outlaw King.  She is very pretty and looks like she could play a mean girl.  Ross would have to be someone cute but not hot with boy-next-door vibes, so maybe Tom Holland.  For Mr. Garrett Tom Brittney.  I don't have much of an explanation for it.  Look him up if you don't know who that is and his eyes will tell you.

Rebecca:  What's next?  Are you planning any other novels set in Regency England?  Or any other novels in other settings?

K.M. Bishop: The Regency era is by far my favorite time period to write about, however, I don't have a story based in that time frame coming out right now. or any ideas for one yet.  I have the second book in my murder mystery series we are hoping to publish this year.  Those are based in the 1790s so just before the regency era.  I am waiting to hear back from my publisher on her first read through.  I am currently editing the third book in my fantasy series and I am outlining a book that will be taking place in the Victorian Era.  So I do have other projects I am working on.  There could possibly be a follow up to PE.  I have had a few readers ask for one, but we will see!

Rebecca: Thank you for talking to us today. For all you readers out there, check out K.M. Bishop on social media and stay in the know for any possible sequels.

Facebook/Instagram, Threads, Twitter (X):  @author.k.m.bishop

"Dressing the Countess" by Rachel Brimble

Here we are again on a Friday with the NEXT author interview. Today we have Rachel Brimble, author of more than 30 novels, on her new historical romance novel Dressing the Countess from Harpeth Road Press. Take a look at the dress on the cover! If you like the details in historical clothing, you’ll fall in love with this novel.

Rebecca:  Your historical Romance Dressing the Countess released on May 9th. Tell us what first sparked the idea of a seamstress in Victorian England. 

Rachel:  It was after a visit to a Royal Women exhibition at the Costume Museum in Bath, England. They were showing the dresses of past British queens, princesses and duchesses and the designs were stunning. As I looked more closely at the stitching and detail, I was blown away and the idea started churning in mind to write a seamstress heroine…

 Rebecca:  The cover features an elaborate dress. You also describe the wardrobe in the novel with great detail. Do you sew as well, or did you consult historical sources to get the tiny details right on the dresses? Or maybe both? 

Rachel: All the inspiration for everything I describe in the book came from what I saw at the exhibition with a few tweaks and changes to suit what my fictional Countess would like. No, unfortunately, I can’t sew at all – although I do love to knit!

 Rebecca:  Often, it's hard to find tiny details when researching a historically-based novel. Any suggestions of good resources for other writers in the Victorian era? Was there a certain resource that was especially helpful for you? 

 Rachel: After writing six or seven books in this era, my shelves are bending with research books, but the ones I tend to go back to the most are Consuming Passions by Judith Flanders and Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management – I highly recommend visiting your local archive centre website and exploring what diaries, letters and newspapers they hold for the time you are writing. Nothing is better than learning from the people who lived then!

 Rebecca:  One part of the novel that resonated with me was the relationship between the heroine, Rose, and her parents. Her parents seem as if they never wish her to leave the safety of their own protection--even if it means giving up dreams. I personally found this relatable to today's society. Is connecting the historical setting to readers on an emotionally recognizable level important when writing about a different time period?

 Rachel: It's vital! I think every genre is about evoking readers’ emotions, but none more than romance – the thing that most new writers tend to forget is that emotions do not change. So love, fear, hope, anguish, they all would’ve have been felt the same way (and as deeply) for people in 1824 as they would in 2024. It is the setting, societal and work life, income etc that changes, not the emotions, so the more emotion you can bring to your writing, the more readers will immerse themselves in your story.

 Rebecca:  Are you planning any other novels in the Victorian setting or perhaps a sequel to Dressing the Countess?

 Rachel: At the end of last year, I signed a four-book contract to write a WWII series so it will at least 18 months before I can think about writing anything else, BUT I have already made quite a few notes for the sequel to Dressing the Countess (I haven’t even told my editor that yet!), so watch this space!

Rebecca: This sounds exciting! I’ll be sure to check Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your website often to be the first to find out. Thanks for giving us a sneak peek of what’s to come.

Amazon: Dressing the Countess

"Pretty Average" by Arini Vlotman

First off, it is absolutely fun to get to meet so many different authors from small publishers. I had the pleasure of chatting with Arini Vlotman on her debut novel Pretty Average from Conquest Publishing and actually learned more about the writing and publishing process than I ever imagined!

Rebecca:  Pretty Average just came off the press.  Tell us what inspired it!

Arini: Writing the story itself was born from my own existential crisis at turning 39 and I can't complain about that! The story itself was based on one thing I adore - a feel good romance that will give you all the 'feels'. There's something about a romance that's comforting because you know what you're getting, but you want to enjoy the journey. I coupled that with what I've seen, heard and felt in my city. All the little roads and tastes and sounds that make Johannesburg made it easy for me to weave the romance and drama between Esha and Kane.

Rebecca:  You give a lot of detailed information about work life in a company.  Did you get your "research" firsthand?  Do you or did you ever work for a company like the one in your novel?

Arini: I've worked in corporate my entire professional life and it's been quite a ride! I haven't worked for a company like Dougal's thankfully, but with my experience of this company is an amalgamation of the absurd bits and pieces of different companies I've come across 

Rebecca:  I like the diversity in your novel. Did you grow up surrounded by this cultural diversity?  Is there also a large Indian community in South Africa?

Absolutely - South Africans are a mix of cultures and while the Indian community is small in comparison to others, there are no barriers or exclusivity in my experience. One minute you can be at a conference, come home and get ready to go to a traditional event.

Rebecca:  "Pretty Average" may be the first South African novel I've ever read, which is one thing that intrigued me. I noticed subtle differences in everyday life, but the plot of a love story fits in any setting.  What sets your novel apart from others in the romance genre?

Arini: I wanted a combination of the familiar and the new. When a reader picks up Pretty Average, they'll find the tropes that have read before but with a bit of twist and flavour and the bonus of being exposed to a different country. I specifically wanted to add a number of sub plots - the espionage/embezzlement angle, found family, etc. and then the openness of Esha figuring herself out. In the end, she 'saves' herself but she falls in love while doing so

Rebecca:  What's next?  Are you planning any other novels?

Arini: I'm hooked on writing! The book community have been incredibly welcoming to Pretty Average and myself. I've planned a series of stand alone romances that are set in the same 'world' as Pretty Average so readers can get a taste of different parts of South Africa from the Big five nature reserves to our beautiful coastal towns. Book 2 is in the publishing process and, I've just started writing book 3. 

During our chat, I asked Arini what she wish she had known ahead of time—immersive point of view when writing in 3rd person. It’s sort of like writing in first person, but you don’t have a narrator. You can really get inside the 3rd person “narrator’s” head. She also absolutely recommends working with small publishers because the process is very personal. Often, writers with big publishers don’t have a say in the changes that get made during the editing process. Arini’s publisher, Conquest Publishing, made sure she was part of the entire process from editing to the cover design. Check out Pretty Average for yourself!

"Seven Days at Mannerley" with Audrey Schuyler Lancho

Today’s guest is Audrey Schuyler Lancho to answer a few questions about her Victorian romance novel Seven Days at Mannerley.  It’s available in paperback, e-book, and even audio book.  The stunning cover art is what initially made me stop and take a closer look.  See for yourself!

Rebecca: Your debut novel Seven Days at Mannerley is hot off the press. Tell us where you came up with the idea. Did it start with a "what-if," or did you see a certain object and build a story around it?

Audrey: This book was a product of my TV watching habits during the time I wrote it. I was watching a lot of Jane Austen-based movies such as Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Austenland, and also some Victorian shows and movies such as Dr. Brown and Tess D’Ubervilles. I'm a huge Jane Austen fan, so the idea of well-to-do twenty-something-year-old single people together in a house for a week was definitely born from the setups of her novels, as well as the witty banter throughout. Apart from that, the idea for the plot and the characters just came to me years ago and kept growing, becoming stronger and stronger with each added detail. I was really excited about it and always knew I'd need to find time to get it down on paper, so to speak.

Rebecca: So it sounds like you immersed yourself in the setting. This novel required research in the Victorian era. What's the most interesting thing you learned while writing and researching it?

Audrey: The most shocking thing to me while researching was definitely the fact that women truly were second class citizens. They weren’t allowed to vote or even retain property if they were married. Their emotions were sometimes scorned or labeled as hysteria. If they were poor or stuck in a bad job, that was basically their lot in life. There was no way to work and move up the ladder, so to speak. While I love history and often daydream about going back in time to a different era, I’m positive that I would not enjoy that aspect of Victorian society.

Rebecca: Every writer has tricks of the trade. What is your advice to writers? What have you found that works or doesn't work for you?

Audrey: My advice to writers is firstly to keep writing, since, if you don’t write, you won’t have anything to show except unrealized ideas and dreams. Secondly and just importantly, I’d say keep listening to feedback. Everyone has an opinion, but if you request a lot of feedback from beta readers and CPs, agents, editors, reviewers, etc, and some of the things they bring up are common across the board in a negative way, make sure to take those things into consideration and realize that your readers (your “market”) may not like that aspect of your writing and you should try to amend that in future books. We all need to be told what comes off in a negative way and if you’re being told, instead of being offended, it’s best to accept it gratefully. This is how I operate and it works for me for sure. My writing has improved so much through the years and I feel it’s very strong now. I am thankful for every critical comment I’ve received.

Rebecca: Good advice! Now tell us what's next! I've heard rumors that Seven Days to Mannerley will have a sequel. Any truth to it? Any hints you can give the audience?

Audrey: It’s 100% true! I just typed ‘the end’ on A Telephone at Mannerley and now I’ll go through that very rough first draft and clean it up a bit before sending it to two trusted beta readers mid-May. It’s slated for release in the fall of 2025. I’ll go ahead and drop a major bombshell here: Mary Potts finds out she has a younger brother that she never knew about! He shows up and… hijinks ensue! I hope my readers love it just like they loved the first book. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic. I want to keep the Mannerley fun train rolling!

 Rebecca: We definitely hope to hop on the Mannerley train again in the near future!  Thanks for taking time to give us more insight into your debut novel.  We wish you lots of success and happy writing! Don’t forget to follow Audrey on social media for updates.

X: @AudreyLancho

Reading ARCs

I’ve recently gotten into reading ARCS. It’s been fun to do so. Maybe one day I’ll want some people to read my book and leave some reviews, so it seems only logical to do so for other people. Instead of being jealous, it’s better to celebrate with them and help them along.

If you follow lots of writers on Twitter, sometimes they ask for ARC readers. Also, several publishers list on their websites that they want ARC readers. Scout around online and sign up to read some books.