These Haunted Hills: Book 5

The These Haunted Hills series began with the first installment in fall of 2017, and has since produced second, third, and fourth editions. Each anthology is filled with stories that indulge readers’ curiosity for the supernatural from an array of accomplished authors.

These Haunted Hills: Book 5 is set for publication autumn 2023.

The submission fee per story is $20, and authors are allowed to submit a max of two stories. You may call the office at 423.926.9983 with a credit card number or mail a check to JCP at P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN, 37605. Stories must have a minimum of 1500 words and a maximum of 3500 words per story.

Authors accepted to the anthology will receive two free books upon publication.

The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2023. Send your submissions to submissions@jancarolpublishing.com. Join the host of talented writers to take part in our most beloved anthology series!

Steamy Creek: A Cozy Romance Anthology

JCP is now accepting submissions to our first romance short story collection, Steamy Creek: A Cozy Romance Anthology !

Steamy Creek will join our other JCP in house anthologies—our These Haunted Hills series; our Appalachian inspired short story collections with titles such as Daffodil Dreams, Scattered Flowers, and Wild Daisies ; as well as our winter themed anthology, Snowy Trails.

Steamy Creek is set for publication in February 2024.

Stories submitted to Steamy Creek should be of the romance genre and must be fiction. Please include with your submission a short author bio. Author bios should be no more than 50 words and should be written in third person.

The submission fee per story is $20, and authors are allowed to submit a max of two stories. You may call the office at 423.926.9983 with a credit card number or mail a check to JCP at P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN, 37605. Stories must have a minimum of 1500 words and a maximum of 3500 words per story.

Authors accepted to the anthology will receive two free books upon publication.

The deadline for submissions to Steamy Creek: A Cozy Romance Anthology is September 30, 2023. Send your submissions to submissions@jancarolpublishing.com.

Q&A with Author KATHRYN RAAKER

How old were you when you started creative writing for different mediums as a hobby?

I was around the age of 7 or 8 I when I started writing little plays and productions to perform with my circle of friends. Back then children entertained themselves by creating things for fun when they weren’t in school. We would create productions for family and friends. I was in my own world. As the oldest of seven children, it was a way for me to escape from reality.

What inspired your love for writing to start and flourish?

My father was my mentor in writing and entertainment. He encouraged me to play instruments and write. He loved the plays and productions that I had created. He was my inspiration being that he was a very talented musician and lyricist at a very young age. Growing up he formed a trio and orchestra, so we were around music all the time. When I was a teenager, he formed his own record company. And later on in my life I became his PR person and publicist. My Dad was the perfect mentor for me.

How has your experience been co-authoring with your son?

Working with my son, Robert Taggart, has been an honor, collaborating on our first book together. Robert is such a talented author. His writing captures the reader and doesn’t them let go. It’s thrilling from the first chapter. Robert has inspired me to continue the series as a mother and son team, as we continue Elizabeth Bromwell adventures in the spy world.

What is one thing readers have shared with you about your work that will stay with you forever?

I was so surprised and thrilled that readers love the story lines as some of it is based on true experiences and some are not. Readers love the international intrigue, characters, countries, and events that are intertwined in the books.

What is something you want readers to know about you as an author and about your writing?

I love sharing the adventures that I experienced living in many international locations, from learning the languages, customs, and culture, to being part of the countries in which I have been privileged to work and live.

What are you most excited for right now in your writing career?

Creating the series with my son is exhilarating for me as we take our readers on the ride of their lives to new countries all over the globe. You will be surprised by the characters and countries we visit and encounter next.

Q&A with Author ROBERT TAGGART

How old were you when you got into writing as a hobby? What inspired your love for writing to start and flourish?

My journey began when I was 11 years old. I loved comic books, music, and poetry. At first, writing felt like a chore. In middle school, my English teacher changed my outlook on writing. I began to practice my writing skills by writing poetry to girlfriends. In 1983, I wrote the commencement poem for the 1983 graduating class. My writing really flourished as a college journalism student. I joined the college newspaper as a sports and city reporter.

What about co-authoring with family do you find is different than writing on your own?

I never thought about writing a book with my mother, but the experience has changed me. I feel like we have a very close and loving relationship.

What surprised you about writing or publishing once you got into the process?

My experience in journalism does not compare to the intricacy of a book being published. There as so many moving parts, and I feel fortunate that Jan-Carol Publishing is representing our efforts.

What is one thing you hope readers remember or take away from your upcoming novel?

My hope is they will find this adventure exciting and riveting. If we accomplish this with the reader, I believe they will pass it on to friends and even read it again.

Do you have a favorite work of yours — published or unpublished? Why is it your favorite?

Undecided at this moment. I am always trying to be better for the reader. Perhaps when I am much older, I will look back and realize my most accomplished work.