Babs BookMark Issue 11

no. 11

Babs BookMark the official magazine of the book enthusiast

On the Cover / Cozy Mystery/ Romance / Reviews Author Tips / Blog Tour Sign ups

Babs Book Mark

only

make

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Reading one book is like eating one potato chip. –Diane Duane

On the cover Larissa Rheinhart/ Cozy Mystery

Larissa is starting us off with an interview.

BBM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Thanks so much for the interview! I write the sassy, Southern cozy series, A Cherry Tucker Mystery; the cheeky, Hollywood-satire mystery series, Maizie Albright Star Detective; and the con artist, crime thriller series, Finley Goodhart Crime Capers. A country girl at heart, I’m from a small farm town in Illinois but I’ve lived in Georgia most of my adult life (except for when we’ve lived in Japan). All three series are located in small towns in Georgia, although Finley Goodhart never stays in one place for long, so her series finds her in the country and in Atlanta.

I’m also a mom of two teenage girls and spend my weekends and evenings as Volleyball Team Mom and Orchestra Mom and whatever other Momming that needs doing. Before writing full time, I was a high school history teacher and I taught English in Japan quite a bit while living there with my husband on and off over the years.

I also have a very friendly Cairn Terrier named Biscuit who is often on Instagram. He even lived with us in Japan and appeared on House Hunters International!

BBM: Was there a certain time in your life you knew you wanted to write?

I’ve been writing since age four, starting with lists or words I liked. (My mom kept all the lists and has been giving it back to me in bags every time I visit.

I’ve yet to look in the bags.)

In second grade, I made “magazines” with little stories and pictures and tried to sell them to my neighbors for a nickel. I won some awards through the years and took any writingrelated class I could in high school and college.

I didn’t have ambitions to become a novelist when I was young, I just liked writing. In high school, I focused on journalism. But when I earned a column on my local paper, interviewing new teachers, I realized journalism was not for me, because you actually had to call people on the phone and talk to them. I was extremely introverted, so I gave up on that dream and followed in my parents’ footsteps as a teacher.

Where, incidentally, you have to talk to people ALL THE TIME (there went my introversion).

To be honest, where I grew up, most people were blue collar, farmers, or went into nursing, law enforcement, and things like that. I had no idea one could do anything with writing other than journalism. I thought “authors” were all New Yorkers. I didn’t really connect how someone could work with words in other ways, like editing. I think I would have loved to have been an editor if I had known that was a thing.

But this was the path that led me to where I am today and I wouldn’t choose differently because I have a wonderful life.

BBM: What are you currently working on?

I have three main writing projects for 2019 and several smaller ones. I’m currently working on a Women’s Fiction/Romantic Comedy novel (initially called PROM NIGHT). I’m also developing the story for 18 CALIBER, the fourth book in my Maizie Albright Star Detective series. And writing the second full book in the Finley Goodhart Crime Caper series (no title yet).

This year, I hope to publish some novellas for Maizie Albright, Cherry Tucker, and possibly Finley, too, but that all depends on my schedule which revolves around volleyball tournaments and family visits.

BBM: Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

Are you kidding me? My characters would kill me for choosing. That’s like picking a favorite child.

But…right now it’s PROM NIGHT, probably because I’m immersed in it. I really loved writing THE CUPID CAPER because it was a different voice, more of a thriller, and fun to write about real places in Atlanta. I loved 15 MINUTES because it was different than Cherry Tucker and the Hollywood theme is so easy to poke.

But then Cherry is so much fun to write, too.

So…I don’t have a favorite. How about I say, whatever you’re reading RIGHT NOW is my favorite. LOL BBM: What books have most influenced you as a writer?

Probably the three authors who have influenced me the most are Agatha Christie for mystery, Jennifer Crusie for romance, and Elmore Leonard for character.

BBM: What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing? And the most rewarding?

Getting the ideas for a story or characters are easy. Making myself sit in a chair for hours to tap out the actual words is difficult. I hate sitting. Once I get going, I can lose myself in the writing but getting to that point can be really hard. I’m easily distracted. I don’t like have a list of things to do waiting for me while I’m writing, because once I get into the writing, I don’t like to stop and come up for air. I need a timer for everything and I LOATHE being a slave to a timer. But the timer is the only way I’ve found that I can make myself stay on task and move to another task.

There’s my tiny violin sob story.

The most rewarding? Hearing from readers who like my books is pretty dang amazing. I feel that writing is just another kind of performance. Hearing from readers is our applause. But as an “artist” (such a pretentious word), I’m also juiced by the creativity. When the words are flowing, the scenes are emerging, and the characters speaking…that feels miraculous.

BBM: What book is on your nightstand?

Right now, I’m reading the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy. Having lived in Japan and traveled some in Asia, I love the setting. The food scenes are making me crazy hungry. My daughters are Chinese, so that’s an interesting peek into a part of that culture. But to be honest, I loved the movie so much I had to buy the books. I got the “real” box set. It’s made out of *gasp* paper!

BBM: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

I can’t say when Prom Night will be published. It’s likely to be part of a trilogy and its’ fate will be in the hands of others.

But, this year, you will see 18 CALIBER, Maizie Albright Star Detective book 4, as well as the second Finley Goodhart Crime Caper. And hopefully, a few novellas in all the series. God willing.

BBM: Is there anything you’d like to share with your readers?

I have a free short story, the prequel to THE CUPID CAPER, for those who sign up for my email group. And you can always unsubscribe after downloading, but I hope you’ll stay and keep up with my bimonthly news And I love chatting with readers. I’m on Facebook, Bookbub, and Instagram, but I also have a reader group called The Mystery Minions on Facebook, and I’m involved in the Sleuthing Women Reader/Author collective. The authors take turns hosting each week, which is a lot of fun.

Interview with Grace Topping Mystery Author BBM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

First of all, I’m a Pennsylvania girl. I live in Virginia, but my heart belongs in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. I appreciate the beauty of that area more the longer I live away from it. However, I have to admit that I don’t miss the hard winters there.

In my working career, I was as an Information Technology specialist, and before that, a technical writer, accustomed to writing really boring documents.

To give you an idea of how exciting my work was, I helped develop banking-related computer systems. Can’t get more exciting than that. My thoughts turned to murder when someone made changes a system that I’d worked overtime on a weekend to document. I’ll get revenge eventually by working him into a book—as the victim. I did have an exciting seven years earlier in my career while serving in the Navy, which took me all over the world, including four years in England, where I met my husband. We’ve been fortunate to travel extensively, so I’ve seen a great deal of the world.

BBM: Was there a certain time in your life you knew you wanted to write?

While in high school, I wrote some fiction. It must not have been too awful since my sisters would sneak into my room to read the next installment. Even now, they are my biggest supporters. I gave up writing fiction when I went into the Navy and started writing long descriptions of my travels to send to my family. So you could say that I’ve been a travel writer for years.

The idea of becoming a mystery writer didn’t come about until years later and only because of a fluke. One of my friends invited me to attend Malice Domestic, a conference for fans of mysteries in the tradition of Agatha Christie.

I had never heard of Malice Domestic, but I was game and went along. I enjoyed it immensely. I couldn’t believe that I actually got to meet authors of books I loved.

Imagine talking to Katherine Neville who wrote The Eight, and having her tell you that she hadn’t told many people, but she was writing a sequel to her best-selling book. (A great book if you haven’t read it.) I discovered that the writers at the conference were ordinary people like me, and it made me wonder if I could write a mystery good enough for publication. So the seed was planted at Malice Domestic, and the rest is history.

BBM: What are you currently working on?

Right now I’m working on the second book in my Laura Bishop Mystery series. This book, tentatively titled Staging Wars, takes my characters into the world of art groups.

BBM: Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

The first book in the series, Staging is Murder, published by Henery Press and released on April 30, 2019 is my only book. I have a three-book contract, so there will be two more after this one. So right now, my only book is my favorite.

BBM: What books have most influenced you as a writer?

I think every book of fiction I read has some influence—noticing a wording choice that’s unique, dialogue techniques, pacing. I learn from them all. The nonfiction books that have had the biggest influence on me are some of the reference books I’ve collected, especially the Thesaurus series by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi (The Emotion Thesaurus, The Positive Trait Thesaurus, etc.)—they are terrific resources.

My favorite reference book, and one that I read cover to cover at least once a year, is Don’t Sabotage Your Submission, by Chris Roerden. When it came out, it won the Agatha Award for Best Nonfiction. No writer should submit a manuscript to an agent or publisher without reading it.

BBM: What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing? And the most rewarding?

With so many distractions in life, the most challenging part of writing for me is just sitting down and writing. There is always something that needs to be done in the house. Plus family obligations always come first—as they should. Social media enables me to stay connected with other writers and learn what’s going on in the mystery-writing world. But I’ve become so drawn to it that I should start showing up at meetings and say, “My name is Grace, and I’m addicted to social media.” But now having contract deadlines is motivating me considerably.

The most rewarding part of writing is being a member of the mystery writing community and seeing the authors around me succeed. The community is very supportive. In fact, I don’t think I would be published today if it hadn’t been for the Guppies, the Sisters in Crime online chapter. Their support and encouragement kept me going for the ten years it took for me to take my book from an idea to publication.

BBM: What book is on your nightstand?

My iPhone with several audiobooks downloaded to it is always on my nightstand. I listen to one of them when I get into bed. It’s like being a kid and read to at bedtime. If I can’t sleep or wake in the middle of the night, it keeps me from tossing and turning.

I also have a copy of at least one print book, currently The Elusive Elixir by Gigi Pandian, and the latest Writers Digest and Mystery Scene magazines.

BBM: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

In addition to book 2 in my series, which should come out next spring, I have a short story that I plan to submit soon to a magazine or anthology. It’s my first short story, so fingers crossed.

BBM: Is there anything you’d like to share with your readers?

A big thank you to anyone who has read my book. I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.

Grace Topping is a recovering technical writer and IT project manager, accustomed to writing lean, boring documents. Let loose to write fiction, she is now creating murder mysteries and killing off characters who remind her of some of the people she dealt with during her career. Fictional revenge is sweet. She’s using her experience helping friends stage their homes as inspiration for her Laura Bishop mystery series. The first book in the series, Staging is Murder, is about a woman starting a new career midlife as a home stager. Grace is the current vice president of the Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime, and a member of the SINC Guppies and Mystery Writers of America. She lives with her husband in Northern Virginia.

Laura Bishop just nabbed her first decorating commission—staging for sale a 19th century mansion that hasn’t been updated for decades. But when a body falls from a laundry chute and lands at Laura’s feet, removing flowered wallpaper becomes the least of her duties.

To clear her young assistant of the murder and save her fledgling business, Laura’s determined to find the killer. Turns out it’s not as easy as renovating a manor home, especially with two handsome men complicating her mission: the police detective assigned to the case and the real estate agent trying to save the manse from foreclosure.

Worse still, the meddling of a horoscope-guided friend, a determined grandmother, and the local funeral director could get them all killed before Laura props the first pillow.

Mystery Reviews Amber Marr/ Babs Hightower

Amber & Babs love to read and it shows in their reviews.

Thyme to Kill by Tegan Maher review by Babs

Toni has gotten her divorce and has sunk all her funds into an old lodge. It is time for her to start over. She is in over here head and she bumps into Scout who has been taking care of the place as much as he can.

She stays in a cabin that is not half bad behind the lodge and goes to the closest dinner for food. The good is awful but the waitress , Dee is nice. Fiona who owns the dinner and is family to Dee is not very nice.

Imagine everyone not so surprised thoughts on Fiona being dead. Of course Dee was found by Toni over the body holding a rolling pin. Dee couldn’t have done this could see?

With the help of Toni they will find out who really killed Fiona.

Not the most amazing start to a new series but not half bad. The story got better as the chapters came and went. The characters are fun to read about and the plot got better. It does have some surprises and twists to keep the reader engaged. I will be checking into book 2.

Grimoires, Spas & Chocolate Straws (Spells & Caramels #8) by Erin Johnson review by Amber

Imogen and her friends are going to be on Badlands Island for the foreseeable future. To keep from going crazy, Imogen friends agree to go with the guards to a resort town to help distribute tea to the locals while the guards protect the fishermen. When a man indulging in a signature spa treatment is found dead and the owner of the spa is Sara, the infamous black widow, Imogen can’t help but get involved, especially since her friend Yann shows an interest in Sara.

Grimoires, Spas, and Chocolate Straws was a little bit slow for me at the beginning. It wasn’t until after they reached the resort town and the death occurs that the pacing of the book picked up. The characters are delightful as ever and we get to meet new people and get reacquainted with Horace. His conversation with Imogen is pretty sad and I felt really bad for the life he’s had to live for so long.

Spells and Caramels is a really enjoyable cozy mystery series. There are now eight books and the author still manages to keep things fresh and interesting. Imogene, Hank, Maple, and Sam, along with all the others, are well developed characters. They aren't flawless characters but that's what helps give them, and the story, so much charm. The continued world building describes scenes very well and the continues character development helps the reader develop deeper connections with the characters.

Imogen's character is fun and caring with a bit of emotional baggage making her a very realistic, likable, and interesting character. She has embraced the magic she was born into and she's continually trying to harness and use the magic. Imogen and Maple are wonderful, and I love their friendship. Iggy the flame is the best!

He's mouthy but Iggy and Imogen have a great relationship. Hank and Imogen’s relationship continues to grow and strengthen even though they are far from home. I look forward to more of their antics in the next book.

Blog Tours Sign Ups Blackflies & Blueberries by Sharon Ledwith/Forever Hold My Heart by Rue Allyn

Blackflies &Blueberries

Forever Hold My Heart

Young Adult, Paranormal

Historical Romance

Tour Dates: May 17 – May 24, 2019 (no weekends)

Tour Dates: May 20th - June 3rd

Amber is hosting this one....Sign up here.

Babs is hosting this one.....Sign up here.

Tips & More Authors Corner written by Ruth Casie / Viviana MacKade

5 Things to Help You Through Writing When You’re

It’s not a perfect world, but you already knew that.

Sick

The overwhelming reason why my perfect writing

In a perfect world, I begin my writing day after

day went out the window (or down the toilet) had

eight hours of sleep, a large cup of my favorite

everything to do with being sick.

coffee, a clear idea of my story, a perfect outline, and an uninterrupted day.

It’s been a difficult season here in the Northeast.

One day you’re romping around in the park in spring-like weather and the next you’re plodding through your driveway knee-deep in snow!

According to Medical News Today, “many people associate cold weather with the common cold. While the weather is not directly responsible for making people sick, the viruses that cause colds may spread more easily in lower temperatures, and exposure to cold and dry air may adversely impact the body's immune system.” In addition, we’re confined in spaces with air heating system which recirculate the air from those who have the virus which, in essence spreads the virus around.

I was prepared for this cold season and did everything right. I got my flu shot. I ate right and exercised. I kept myself hydrated. Washed my hands. I even made sure I slept seven to eight hours every night. I still got sick.

The kind of achy, sneezy, restless, lack of attention, all-you-want-to-do-is veg sick.

My cold settled in my chest. Bouts of coughing and wheezing kept me up at night. Our new cold water humidifier helped some, but not enough. Cold medicine, cough medicine and even an inhaler got my symptoms under control by mid-week, but ‘rust’ was settling on my writing gears.

Book blogs and writing seminars stress that writing every day is key to sharpening your craft. I understand the rationale. Every day you don’t write your writing skills dull. To be honest, they seem to dull faster than they sharpen, but I digress. My point is I tried to write, but the more I tried, the more difficult it was to maintain my attention. My mind wondered, I got caught up on social media, or I just nodded off. There was no sense sitting at my desk. I wasn’t accomplishing anything but watching my deadline loom closer without any progress on the work-in-progress.

I needed to figure out how I could help myself. I was still tired, congested and chugging bottles of cough medicine. Determined, I made a large cup of tea with honey and lemon then sat down determined to get back to my writing. I came up with 5 action items and found that each one helped me get back to my writing

.

#1 READ

After a few days of not writing I found the intimacy I had with my story and characters was gone. I decided to read my work from the beginning and get back into my character’s head. In truth, after I finish a first draft I usually step away from the story for a few days to get some distance. That way when I edit the story it’s with a fresh eye. Here I read from the beginning to ignite the fire that made me write the story.

#2 Outline I write an outline with all my projects. After reading my story (#1 above) I found things to add, delete or move around. Rather than edit my draft yet. Instead I edited my outline and highlighted the new information in red.

Here the excitement was in identifying new scenes or taking out ones that didn’t work. My outlines are narrative documents, almost like a synopsis. I don’t worry about ‘show and tell,’ choosing the right verbs.

Sometime I even add dialogue. This gave me a quick view of what needed to be done.

#3 WRITE

Now, I was ready to write. I began by tackling the notes I made on the outline. This isn’t usually massive changes, but enough to get my writing started, back into the groove. With my head back in the story, I was ready to move the story forward. I still wrote in short spurts but I felt a sense of accomplishment. Several short spurts were better than none.

#4 WORD COUNT

I keep my daily project word count on an Excel spreadsheet. I calculate when I want the book finished and polished and estimate how long the story will be. I also decide how many days I have to write the story. I take family time and vacations into consideration. From there it is a simple math calculation, number of total words divided by the number of writing days. I enjoy working toward short goals. Being sick, I knew I couldn’t reach my daily goal so I adjusted my word count goals and made it reasonable.

As a note: Each year, New Jersey Romance Writers, my local RWA chapter has a one month 30K writing challenge. I use my spreadsheet to keep track of my progress and get excited as I reach my daily goals and move closer to the 30K target.

#5 REST

Sometimes, no matter how much you plan or how diligent you are, your body tells you to stop. I realized that when I found myself asleep at my desk. That was not a pretty sight. Pushing myself was not going to help me recuperate or produce a good story. I needed to let your body heal. So I scheduled a nap into my day. The short rest did wonders. I woke refreshed and eager to write.

BONUS

One other thing you can do while you are sick is journal. Think of it as research for writing a sick character. Note down how you feel, record how others respond around you, and plot. Your body may be defeated but your mind is fine.

If you can’t sit at your computer or pick up a pen, think about recording your story thoughts on your cell phone. Plot out your story and when you’re ready to write, it will be there.

I hope you don’t get a cold, but if you do I hope some of these suggestions will help you.

Ruth’s new release…

Deception and family honor are at stake – so is her heart.

Wesley Reynolds will do anything to avenge his family’s banishment from Dundhragon Castle even throw in with the notorious pirate, MacAlpin. His plan, ruin Lord Ewan’s trading network. He has a more devious plan for his father’s ‘best friend,’ the man who abandoned them at the eleventh hour. He’ll ruin the man’s most precious jewel, his daughter Darla. Wesley’s so close to ruining the trade network and succeeding he can almost taste it, but revenge is not nearly as sweet as Darla’s kisses.

Darla Maxwell, beloved by her parents has no prospects of marriage.

Her father and Lord Ewan search to find her the right husband. Darla’s special gifts are frightening to many. She has visions that often come true. The murky image of a man haunts her, she’s sure it’s Lord Ewan’s soon-to-be son-in-law, but the vision morphs when she meets Wesley.

The meaning couldn’t be any clearer to her, her destiny lies with Wesley.

Storyteller | Blogger | Creative Thinker | Dreamer | Good Sport | Teammate Hi – I’m Ruth A. Casie and I write historical and contemporary romance.

You might be wondering what I’m about. Sit back and let me tell you.

I’m happiest when I’m telling stories either chatting in a group or writing them down. I love to put my hero and heroine in tough situations and dare them to work it out—together, always together. They haven’t disappointed.

Oh, they complain but in the end their love and relationships are stronger than ever.

Here are five things you probably don’t know about me.

1. I filled my passport up in one year.

2. I have three series. The Druid Knight stories are a historical time travel series, Knight of Rune, Knight of Rapture, Druid Knight Tales, and Knight of Remorse releasing December, 2019. The Stelton Legacy is historical fantasy about the seven sons of a seventh son, The Guardian’s Witch, The Maxwell Ghost, The Highlander’s English Woman, The Pirate’s Jewel (a crossover story to Pirates of Britannia), and The Pirate’s Redemption (also a crossover to Pirates of Britannia) releasing July, 2019. Havenport Romances are stories set in a small coast Rhode Island town, Happily Ever After, The Witching Hour, Never Say Never, Echoes of Betrayal, and Heart of the Matter releasing October, 2019. I also write stories in the connected world the Pirates of Britannia.

3. I did a rap to “How Many Trucks Can a Tow Truck Tow If a Tow Truck Could Tow Trucks.”

4. When I cook I dance.

5. My Sudoku book is in the bathroom. I’m not saying anything else about that.

My stories feature strong women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all.

Their stories will keep you turning the pages until the end. I hope my stories become your favorite adventures.

I’m a USA Today bestselling author.

My hobbies: * counted cross stitch * ballroom dancing - not just between the fridge and stove * reading almost anything * Sudoko - I'm still staying quiet about that

On procrastination by Viviana MacKade

Well, guys, I think I reached it.

The summit, the peak, the pinnacle, the crest, the apex, the vertex (yes, I’m copying straight from the Thesaurus, and I think by now you got the gist) of procrastination: writing a new book to avoid finishing a book.

I’m not sure if I’m proud of my procrastination level, or if I even should, but it is what it is.

I had finally found the courage to jump from my Contemporary Suspense home into new territories (literally), and I had started writing my first Fantasy. Let’s call it Book A. I’ve never had so much fun writing anything. It all came from my fantasy, I could play with ancient legends, come up with new monsters and way of killing them. The hero was a laid-back warrior, smart, and with a dry humor that always got me. The heroine was a no-nonsense fighter that needed to get in touch with a part of herself she’d always negated. They complemented each other perfectly. It was simply amazing.

So I write, write, write like I normally do, which is trying to get to the end as fast as I can, leaving a lot of scenes unwritten.

I’d go on and note: They fight here.

Or They kiss Or They do it – sex scenes are the last ones I write because, to me, are the hardest. I’m no puritan nor shy, but I am indeed, reserved. The intrusion into their intimacy always takes ages for me to deal with.

When I write The End I go back to page 1 and start fleshing up what I have, which is usually a lot for some part of the book and less for others. And then there are the infamous aforementioned notes.

Scenes now I must fill.

I usually march on, swallowing it down like bad medicine. I just do it. That’s it.

But this time, darn it, this time stubborness didn’t work.

Sure, words and ideas were still there, as available as they always are. But the will, though, had vanished like that one sock after a big load of laundry: you’re sure you put it in the washing machine, so why now it’s nowhere to be found?

I knew how those scenes were supposed to go. True, that confidence lived in a very smoky area of my brain, but lots of ideas are there and I’d always managed to find them back and put them to paper. This time, when I tapped at that door, they shouted Go away from the other side of the locked door.

Okay, I thought at first. Maybe I’m just more tired than usual. I’m sure it’ll pass in a day or two. I busied myself with blogging, with writing interviews, ideas for new covers, did the windows, redid the backgarden, scrubbed the fridge and the oven, sure once I was done all will be fixed.

It did not.

Even worse, I started to resent that story and hate myself because I knew it was not the story’s fault.

Basically, I loathed everything.

And that’s when I started another book, let’s call it Book B. I said to myself, let’s give the old story a week of rest. I’ll use the time to plot the new idea, shape the characters, and when I’m done with it I’ll start (actually, I’ll finish) book A. I did plot the book. Shape the characters. Go back to Book A. Nope.

Okay, not yet. Let me write something small, maybe just the Prolog of Book B, and I’ll go back to Book A. Didn’t work.

Oh, for the love of….

I’m now writing chapter 3 and surrendered to the idea that I’m writing an entire book so I don’t have to write those scenes in Book A. Ta-dah, ladies and gentlemen *bowing*, here for you the highest form of procrastination.

Thank you, thank you.

We are famous for it, aren’t we? Us writer folks. There are memes about us, gifs, coffee mugs with I got so much procrastinating done today written on them.

Why? Well, not to go on and try to justify an entire genre of people, but we procrastinate because writing is hard. Really hard.

All the scene I had left to write are those where the characters had the most to lose. The hardest moment for them to live through. The life-or-death scenes.

You see, it doesn’t matter how much fun you’re having with your story or your characters. You always, always, get to deal with emotions (yours and the characters’), and that’s never easy.

Recently, I had an author on my blog talking about her series, and how she stopped writing for 10 years because depression kills creativity.

Now, without going to such expense of time, or serious issues like depression, writing means that for a certain amount of time you won’t be the master of your own emotions. Or, better yet, you’ll step, heart and soul, into someone else’s.

Those won’t override ours, they ride on top of ours, and it means you set on writing with your emotional crap plus the characters’ all on your back.

That’s a lot of weight to carry.

Thinking about it in this perspective, it shouldn’t be surprising that we try to avoid writing.

Okay, you can say, but life is not really a drama, at least not every given day. Not for us, nor for the characters.

Oh, I hear ya.

But on those days where everything in your life is a field of daisies, who would want to leave that emotional paradise to step into someone else’s misery?

See? There’s little way out. Hence, the bad reputation of un-curable procrastinators.

Mind you, we end up doing it because the alternative is the character’s nagging, but that’s stuff for another post.

Interview BBM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hello, Babs, and thank you so much for having me here today. I’m Viviana MacKade from South Florida by way of the UK, hailing from north west Italy. I write romantic contemporary and suspense, and I’ve just started tipping my toes in the Fantasy subgenre pool.

BBM: Was there a certain time in your life you knew you wanted to write?

I’ve always written. I wrote my first “novel” when I was in middle school. No computers by then, and I didn’t have the patience to deal with a typewriter, so I wrote it all on a notebook. It was massive!

I wrote through middle school, stopped in high school. I was away the entire day and spent the weekend at the riding school, I literally had no time for anything else.

Yet, I’ve always known it was just a pause, not an ending. And when I found myself alone because my husband was at a conference in 2009, I opened a Word file and it all started again.

BBM: What are you currently working on?

I have a fantasy that needs an ending, but I got stuck–big time. I’ giving that book a moment of rest and I’m writing a contemporary that has a ghost in it… I guess it makes it a fantasy as well? It’s odd because those two books are so different, it’s hard to put them in the same genre.

BBM: Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

Probably the last one in the Crescent Creek Series, His Midnight Sun. It was the hardest to write not only because Aidan, the hero, was difficult to work with (and I’m being polite because to be honest, he was an a$$). He had issues I realized later were my own, and had to go through a journey within himself that I had to copy. Of course, when the story was over I loved that guy, and Summer, the heroine, too. Thank goodness she was there….

BBM: What books have most influenced you as a writer?

The MacKade Brothers by Nora Roberts. It’s the first romance I read and loved and, years later, the one that made me realize what I wanted to be as a writer: honest in my voice and with my characters.

BBM: What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing? And the most rewarding?

Marketing. Hands down. I hate it, mostly because I feel like fumbling around in the dark. The most rewarding is to finish another story I’m satisfied with, and opening a new Scrivener file, ready for another adventure.

BBM: What book is on your nightstand?

Right now, I’m reading and loving Blood Feud: A Dark Ages Scottish Romance (The Warrior Brothers of Skye Book 1) by Jayne Castel. Man, it had been some time since I enjoyed Scottish historical but this one is simply fantastic.

BBM: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

Hopefully, I’ll be done with any of my two fantasy soon, and I’ll be able to hunt for a pub house for them. In the meantime, readers are always more than welcome on my blog, or in my Instagram account. I love my blog, and Instagram is the only social I can stand.

Romance

Rebel (Hellion MC #1) - Available on kindleunlimited This is not your normal MC story.

Abandoned at birth, Rebel has been raised by the men of Hellion MC. Happy and successful, living the life she’s chosen outside of the MC, everything changes when her mother surfaces on her 30th birthday, desperate to forge a relationship with her daughter.

All is not is as it seems.

Duplicity and betrayal threaten not only everything she holds dear, but her very existence. Forced to decide between the mother she’s always wanted and her MC family almost destroys her.

Who will she choose, and who will she lose?

Interview with Amber Daulton written by Babs

BBM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m from North Carolina, USA and have lived there all my life, but most people think I’m from England or even France when they first meet me (and yes, I’ve been asked to speak French, which I don’t know). I have an accent, which sounds proper and smooth; a far contrast to how most people sound in my area. I’ve been getting the “Where are you from?” question since I was in elementary school, and kids can be quite cruel. Luckily, I’ve never really been bothered by the questions and funny looks. In fact, I take sounding different as a matter of pride because I like standing out in a crowd.

BBM: Was there a certain time in your life you knew you wanted to write?

I read my first romance book when I was 12 after I snuck a Harlequin paperback out of my mom’s bedroom. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and I wanted to create my own story about two people having an adventure and falling in love.

I published my first book when I was 26, and Lyrical Embrace is now my eleventh book to date. I have about ten more manuscripts on my computer just waiting to see the light of day.

BBM: What are you currently working on?

I’m editing book four in the House of Darkain series, an on-going set of unpublished vampire novels. I’m seeking representation for the series, and book one is now in the hands of agents and hopefully out of the slush pile.

BBM: Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

Arresting Mason, book one in the Arresting Onyx series with The Wild Rose Press, is my favorite. I love second chance stories, especially those with bad boy heroes who are struggling to turn their lives around.

BBM: What books have most influenced you as a writer?

I don’t think there is a single book or group of books that has influenced me.

I love all genres of romance (especially romantic suspense and paranormal), but some of my favorite authors include Maggie Shayne and Sherrilyn Kenyon.

BBM: What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing? And the most rewarding?

The hardest thing for me is deciding on character names. Now, that might not sound like a big deal, but the names have to fit with the characters I see in my mind perfectly. I feel stumped and lose my creativity if I assign a name to someone that just doesn’t feel right. I usually choose the names based on their personality, physical characteristics, family dynamics/heritage, the time period of the novel, or just what I find sexy! I sometimes spend hours, if not days, just scouring through baby name books and websites for the best names.

The most rewarding part is when I finish a novel, especially one that kicked my booty too many times to count. After all the stress and hard work that goes into writing a great story, it’s such a relief and a moment of triumph to finally finish it.

BBM: What book is on your nightstand?

Nothing at the moment. I’m too busy editing.

BBM: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

The second installment in the Arresting Onyx series should hopefully be out in late 2019. Arresting Jeremiah follows hardnosed parole officer Jim Borden and his obsession Calista Barlow as they stick their noses where they don’t belong and fall deep into the trouble with the criminal organization known as Onyx. This sexy, dirty-talking romantic suspense series spans five books with a standalone HEA for each rough-and-tumble hero and their spunky heroines. The first book is already published.

BBM: Is there anything you’d like to share with your readers?

My books range between sweet (no sex, sex behind closed doors, and mild petting) to spicy (hot scenes and explicit scenes with dirty language), so there’s a little something for everyone. I love hearing from fans, so please feel free to contact me on my Facebook page.

Amber Daulton is the author of the romanticsuspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through The Wild Rose Press and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.

Amber lives in North Carolina with her husband and four demanding cats. Feel free to visit her at http://www.amberdaultonauthor.blogspot.com.

Interview with Andrea R Cooper written by Babs

BBM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Thanks for having me. I’m a wife and SAHM with two kids at home. I’m also a Sci-Fi nerd and love TV shows, movies, books and games. When I’m not chasing my kids around, I live out my dance dreams through Zumba.

BBM: Was there a certain time in your life you knew you wanted to write?

I’ve always created characters and stories. Writing just became an natural progression of that when I grew-up and couldn’t have friends to ad lib with me.

BBM: What are you currently working on?

I’m working on the Little Mermaid retelling as part of my Modern Fairytales’ series.

BBM: Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

The Garnet Dagger because it was the first book accepted by a publisher. I also really enjoyed the banter between Brock and Celeste and watching their story unfold.

BBM: What books have most influenced you as a writer?

Lots. But a few are: The Sword of Truth series, Wheel of Time, Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels, and Sherrilyn Kenyon.

BBM: What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing? And the most rewarding?

The most challenging part of writing, for me, is finding the time. I write the best whenever it’s almost time to pick up the kids from school ;) BBM: What book is on your nightstand?

On my kindle at the moment, it’s Blood Lust by Cheri Winters BBM: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

Sleeping Trouble – the retelling of Sleeping Beauty is next as well as Bound – my paranormal romance.

BBM: Is there anything you’d like to share with your readers?

I love hearing from my readers! Signup to my VIP List for advanced notice of sales, contests, and more. http://eepurl.com/brydf1

Andrea R. Cooper is an author of fantasy, paranormal romance, and historical romance with a touch of magic. Her Legends of Oblivion series has won the Up Author Approved Award and Moonrise's Best Fantasy Romance.

Andrea lives with her husband and three kids in Texas where she casts fictional characters into mystical worlds. She practices fighting with plastic swords with her son and daughter or conjuring up dinner with her wizard and an amazing husband who is the love of her life.

She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.

Sometimes love is just too powerful for one lifetime…

Part love story, part ghost story, Lacewood is a timeless novel about trusting in fate, letting go of the past, and believing in things that can’t be seen.

MOVING TO A SMALL TOWN in Virginia is a big change for New York socialite Katie McCain. But when she stumbles across an abandoned 200-year-old mansion, she’s enthralled by the enduring beauty of the neglected estate—and captivated by the haunting portrait of a woman in mourning.

Purchasing the property on a whim, Katie attempts to fit in with the colorful characters in the town of New Hope, while trying to unravel the mystery of the “widow of Lacewood.” As she pieces together the previous owner’s heartrending story, Katie uncovers secrets the house has held for centuries, and discovers the key to coming to terms with her own sense of loss.

The past and present converge when hometown hero Will Durham returns and begins his own healing process by helping the “city girl” restore the place that holds so many memories. As the mystic web of destiny is woven, a love story that might have been lost forever is exposed, and a destiny that has been waiting in the shadows for centuries is fulfilled.

Rich in emotion and poignant in its telling, Lacewood is an unforgettable story about love and loss, roots and belonging… and spirits of the past that refuse to be quieted.

A haunting story that connects the past with the present—and the present with eternity Jessica James is an award-winning author of historical fiction and military suspense/thrillers ranging from the American Revolutionary War to the modern day war on terror. Her novels are inspired by her love of the land, her belief in everlasting love, and her curiosity about the past.

James' novels appeal to both men and women and are featured in library collections all over the United States including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy. She resides in a 200-year-old house in Gettysburg, Pa.

Romance Reviews Amber Marr/ Babs Hightower

Down & Dirty (Men of Haven, Book 6) by Avery Flynn review by Amber

I knew Axel’s story was going to be phenomenal and Down & Dirty surpassed all my expectations and soared to the top of my absolute favorites list.

Axel’s glimpses through the rest of series were perfect teasers that culminated in an epic romance with strong musical undertones. Lizzy and Axel are perfect for one another and I couldn’t have loved anyone else for Axel more. Their chemistry crackled off the pages and Axel was so tender and kind to her.

This series is phenomenal. Rhenna Morgan has mad freaking skills. Her books are wonderful. I love everything about Down & Dirty. The character development and world building continued with Axel and his potential love interest while still making sure we get to hang out with the rest of family. Both characters are unique and perfectly paired in the author's brotherhood world. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning and everything about it kept me engaged. The love scenes were steamy and sensual and written well.

Lizzy and Axel complement each other in the music industry and between the sheets.

The plot was smooth, and the entire story was perfectly paced. I was never bored or overwhelmed with details. The dialogue between everyone was realistic and conversational - it was like I was there with them. The events and storylines were well thought out and eventually they all came together in an explosive crescendo.

Be prepared to get lost in Down & Dirty and not find your way back out into the real world until you get to the very last word in the story!

Crushing on the Cop (Blue Collar Brothers, Book 2) by Piper Rayne review by Amber

Cristian Bianco is one of Chicago’s finest; police officer and male specimen. Not only does he have a steady job, he comes from a warm Italian family, and he, himself, has a heart of gold. He is kind, considerate, thoughtful, and not the one-night-stand type. He’s in it for the long haul and he wants Vanessa Flannigan. Vanessa, however, has other ideas.

Vanessa Flannigan won Cristian in a charity bachelor auction courtesy of her best friends. She’s not the relationship type, though, especially with a police officer, since she grew up with a police officer father, one who is Cristian’s boss. Oh, she’s attracted to Cristian, but she refuses to allow herself the chance to really get to know, consistently pushing him away. Her character is very independent and has a hard time accepting help. Her past, however, is catching up to her and help is exactly what she needs. Will she accept the help from a hot cop who wants nothing more than to protect and love her?

I knew I had to read Crushing on the Cop just as soon as I read the synopsis. A hot police officer from an upstanding Italian family and his boss’s daughter with a dark secret had me intrigued. I was not at all disappointed. Crushing on the Cop is the first book I’ve read by Piper Rayne, and let me tell you, it will not be the last. The characters are three dimensional and expressive. The world building is crafted so well that not only could I visualize everything, I felt like I was there.

The chemistry between Cristian and Vanessa is amazing, palpable, and realistic. Cristian is persistent in his pursuit and Vanessa is just as determined to keep the wall up around her heart. I love the way Cristian is able to chip away at that wall and show Vanessa that she doesn’t have to life her life alone, always pushing people away. Their interactions are cute, and I loved the witty banter. I truly enjoyed Crushing on the Cop.

Valiant Light (The Demon Trappers, Book 6) by Jana Oliver review by Amber

Valiant Light, the final book in the series, is another excellent book in the Demon Trapper’s Daughter series. Being the last in the series, it is also a sad time for me. I’ve been reading this series since book 1, The Demon Trapper’s Daughter, was released in 2011. Watching the character development of Riley and Beck over the years (book release-wise, not timeline of the series-wise) has been fun, frustrating, and emotional. Book 6 is a wonderful finale to one of my favorite series’ and cast of characters.

Riley is in Atlanta trying to protect humanity from hellspawn and Beck is in Scotland, having just finished up his studies to become a Grand Master. Amid all of the protecting and studying, Riley and Beck also have their upcoming nuptials. To say things are stressful is probably an understatement. When entire cities are being discovered completely destroyed under a layer of fire and brimstone, Beck now has another thing to add to his plate. Things get even more complicated when Riley is summoned to Rome to explain the goings-on. Will Beck and Riley get their happily-everafter?

As in the rest of the books, the story is easy to follow but the twists and turns are not easily figured out. I also love the emotional feel to these books. The love between Beck and Riley is undeniable, even in the midst of chaos, death, and accusations. I am able to feel all of the emotions that have been put into Valiant Light and the author does a fantastic job with that in all of The Demon Trapper's Daughter novels. The world building is also done well. I am able to visualize the story in my mind.

Series’ come and series’ go. Some never get beyond a third book and some go on for 15+ books. I’ve read some that are discontinued before we get a satisfying ending and I’ve read some that just keep going. I’ve never been emotional about the ending of any series until now. I really hate to have to say goodbye to Riley and Beck. I’m glad I found the series so many years ago and loved it so much I purchased each book in paperback for my bookshelf. I can still enjoy them for years to come. Thank you, Jana Oliver, for writing a series that kept me coming back for more. I wish you could find a way to continue their story – there is so much more for them in store.

If you haven't started this series, I highly recommend them. You won't be disappointed.

The Charitable Bride by Emma Ashwood review by Babs

Annie and her brother Charles had a nice upbringing. When he father passed he left her the town house while Charles is married and has a house of his own.

She wants more out of life. She enjoys helping the orphans. After her sister in law tries and tires to find her a husband she came up with a brilliant plan. use the newspaper ads men place for wanting a mail order bride.

Annie writes back and forth for a bit to a man she believes takes care of orphans, has his own ranch and is pretty well off. her dream man but is Billy Jones really the right man?

The story was fun to read and there were some twists and turns to keep the reader wanting to find out who this billy man really was and what about Grant Miller what would happen with him in all this? Not a bad read at all.

Rogan (Men of Siege #1) by Bex Dane review by Babs

Rogan has been waiting for revenge for Eden’s death but until then he works at Siege for Dallas and his brother. if he is not there he is out on missions with Tokoda and his crew.

Rogan rescues Vanity unexpectedly from hostiles in Afghanistan while him & his elite Ops unit are on a mission. Once they get back he is ready to send her on her way until he learns about where she came from and what she has gone through.

He decides to let Vanity stay with him until they can get her a new identity and safe.

Vanity who is now Tessa Harlow is now a new person going to college and trying to not make a move on her crush, Rogan.

Rogan keeps pushing her way and while gone on a mission she starts to go out and dance in the box. Rogan has learned while being one he wants Tessa but is it too late?

I really enjoyed learning more of Rogan and letting him have a second change. Tessa was interesting to get to know.

An Unexpected Union: Western Romance by Montana Ross review by Babs

Careen went home as they heard that the war was over. As she arrives there is a man riding way from the house. She walks in to find her mom passed out on the floor and her dad looking pale. She learns that her brothers have passed away in the war.

Her mom ends up passing away and her dad says she has to leave.

She finds an ad to answer in the paper.

Reed Harris has been looking for a wife to completed him after the war. When she shows up Careen is a bit miffed when she sees his uniform. He is a yankee and she blames him at first for her brother’s death.

These two have a lot fo work on. Can they make things work out of will it all fall apart.

This was a cute quick read. After Reed and Careen talk and work on things, they both are fun to read about and they ease into their relationship.

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