BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--GUEST AUTHOR CHARLENE D'AVANZO

Mystery author Charlene D’Avanzo sits for an interview today. Learn more about her and her books at her website. 

When did you realize you wanted to write novels?

About five years ago. I heard another scientist describe the harassment he had to deal with at the hands of powerful climate change deniers. I realized most people had no idea this was going on and that fiction might be a good vehicle for telling the story.  

How long did it take you to realize your dream of publication?

After several years taking workshops and working with editors I found an agent and publisher.

Are you traditionally published, indie published, or a hybrid author?

Traditionally published by a small independent publisher.

Where do you write?

I live on the coast of Maine, where my stories are set. My little office upstairs has a window with a view of the ocean.

Is silence golden, or do you need music to write by? What kind?

I need silence, solitude, and a lot time.

How much of your plots and characters are drawn from real life? From your life in particular?

A great deal. I’m a marine ecologist and like me, my protagonist is Irish-Italian, lives on the Maine coast, and loves sea kayaking. We’re both opinionated and save-the-world types.

Describe your process for naming your character?

“Mara” is Italian for “sea” and Tusconi has a nice ring to it.

Real settings or fictional towns?

The “Maine Oceanographic Institute”, which does not exist, is in the fictional town of Spruce Harbor, Maine.

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?

She talks to her pet lobster.

What’s your quirkiest quirk?

I talk to my cat.

If you could have written any book (one that someone else has already written,) which one would it be? Why?

Anythng by Nevada Barr or Kathy Reichs. Both write books some call thrillers (mine are closer to cozies) with very strong female protagonists who are scientists. Nevada Barr’s stories are set in national parks and nature is essentially a character in itself. Reich’s were adapted for the T.V. Tempe Brennan series.

Everyone at some point wishes for a do-over. What’s yours?

I’ve moved along in years and wish I had a tenth the personal wisdom thirty years ago that I have now.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Fake news—and that people believe it—drives me wild. I cannot understand why people don’t ask questions like “How do you know?”, “What’s the basis for that claim?” and “Why am I so ready to believe this?”. The irony, of course, is that I write fiction to help readers better understand facts.

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves? Something that distills seawater into freshwater, a boat, and fishing gear.

What was the worst job you’ve ever held?

Being a waitress.

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

Hmm, that’s tough. Maybe Gabriel Márquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera.

Ocean or mountains?

Ocean, always.

City girl/guy or country girl/guy?

Country, always.

What’s on the horizon for you?

I intend to write a book a year for my Maine Oceanography Mystery series. The second one, Demon Spirit, Devil Sea, is in final editing now and will be published early this summer. I’m researching book #3, which focuses on lobstering and lobstermen. Working title is Beware the Lobster’s Sea.

Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself and/or your books?

If you like fast-paced mysteries with smart female protagonists plus the ocean, boats, lobsters, plus humor and surprises, please give Cold Blood, Hot Sea a try. Feel free to email me at author@charlenedavanzo.com.

Cold Blood, Hot Sea

A Mara Tusconi Mystery

A scientist is killed aboard research vessel Intrepid—and oceanographer Mara Tusconi believes its no accident. Although busy with demands of work and distracted by the blue eyes of a new hire down the hall, Mara investigates why her friend and colleague died. The quest takes her from a lobster-lined research lab to a kayak bobbing in icy waters of the Atlantic. Mara uncovers a scheme cooked up by powerful energy execs threatened by Maine Oceanographic Institute researchers’ climate change findings. Her career—and life—is on the line, imperiled by intrigue as big and dark as the ocean.

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HAPPY EARTH DAY!

courtesy of TheOriginalSoni,

based on the fixture File:NASA Earth America 2010.jpg

Happy Earth Day! Earth Day began in 1970 as a way to promote environmental awareness. 

Here are some easy things you can do to help preserve our planet:

Educate yourself and your family about the environment and why it’s important to take care of our planet.

Use as many locally grown foods as possible. 

Use eco-friendly cleaning products.

Plant trees and plants native to your area.

Encourage children to make nature crafts.

Hold a garage sale or donate household items and clothing you no longer use or need.

Walk or ride your bike instead of driving everywhere. It's not only good for reducing your carbon footprint, it's good for reducing your waistline.

Keep your neighborhood clean. Never litter, and if you see litter, pick it up and toss it into a trashcan.

Recycle everything you can. Many communities now pick up recyclables at your curb. These include newspapers, magazines, office paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass, and plastics. It's just as easy to put out the recycling as it is to put out the trash. Just use separate receptacles.

Use both sides of the paper. This cuts down on paper waste by fifty percent. The reverse side of mail, homework, office memos, etc. can be used for scrap paper, shopping lists, or your kids' arts & crafts projects. The Sunday comics section of the newspaper makes for fun wrapping paper.

Purchase paper towels that allow you to tear off smaller sheets. Not every spill needs a full sheet of paper towel. And use sponges instead of paper towels whenever possible.

Don't leave the water running while you brush your teeth and floss.

Showers use less water than baths.

If you have in-ground sprinkles, turn them off when it's raining or if there's been rain recently.  I can't tell you how many times I see sprinklers going on a rainy day or the day after we've had storms.

Turn off lights when you leave the room, and switch out your incandescent bulbs to energy efficient ones.

Don't stand in front of the open refrigerator, contemplating the contents.

When washing your car, use a bucket instead of the hose.

Remember, only you can save the planet. Happy Earth Day! 

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--MILK CARTON BIRDHOUSE

In honor of Earth Day, coming up on April 22^nd, I’m repeating a craft project from the very early days of Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers. Our kids are often the driving force in making us think green. Crafting is a great way for the entire family to enjoy a reuse/repurpose/recycle activity beyond separating the glass, plastic, and newspapers for curbside pick-up. So coax the kids away from the video games and spend an afternoon crafting. 

Milk Carton Birdhouse

Materials:

clean, empty half-gallon milk or juice carton

compass and pencil

hammer and nail

1/8” dowel or twig, 3” - 4” in length

wooden bead to fit dowel or twig

sandpaper

craft knife

weatherproof white acrylic primer

weatherproof acrylic paint in colors of choice

weatherproof acrylic varnish

paintbrushes

tacky glue

scissors

scraps of colored paper

3 spring type clothespins

narrow plastic cording (the kind for making lanyards)

dry pasta, popsicle sticks, buttons, cereal, etc.

Directions:

1.  Lightly sand carton.

2.  Glue the carton closed, holding together with clothespins until glue sets.

3.  With hammer and nail, make two small holes in top flap for hanging loops. (Adult should do this.)

4.  Using compass and pencil, draw a 2-1/4” circle centered approximately 2” above base of carton on one side.  Using craft knife, poke a small hole 3/4” below circle.

5.  Using craft knife, cut out large circle.

6.  Poke dowel or twig through small hole.  Secure by gluing wooden bead onto dowel inside the bird house.

7.  Apply a coat of primer to carton and dowel.  (Twig can be painted or remain unpainted.) Paint in desired colors. Allow to dry between each coat.  (Note: if using roofing materials that require painting, glue them to top of carton before painting.)

8.  Glue dry pasta, popsicle sticks, buttons, cereal, or other materials to top of carton for roof.

9.  Cut shapes from colored paper and glue to sides of birdhouse.  Other materials may also be used (pictures from magazines, stickers, buttons, pasta, ribbon, scraps of wrapping paper, colored yarn dipped in glue, etc. Use your imagination!)

10.  Apply several coats of varnish to entire bird house for protection, allowing to dry between coats.

11.  Thread plastic lacing through holes on top for hanging. 

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--PLASTIC RECYCLING BASICS

Here at American Woman we’re all into reusing, repurposing, and recycling, but when it comes to plastics, it can get very confusing. Money guru Sheila Conway did a bit of research and is here today to give you a basic plastics education. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia! Plastics come in 7 different varieties. You can tell which type of plastic was used for making a product by the number you’ll find inside the recycling triangle marked in the plastic.

Type 1 -- This type of plastic is generally used for soda and water bottles and are usually clear plastic. Because of its porous surface, you shouldn’t reuse these bottles because of the possible accumulation of bacteria. Recycle all Type 1 plastics. They can be remade into everything from carpets to shopping bags.

Type 2 -- These plastics are generally opaque in color. They’re used for detergent bottles, milk bottles, and toiletries. There’s a low risk of leaching, so you can reuse them. They’re also very recyclable and are made into new containers.

Type 3 -- This type of plastic is used for food packaging and plumbing pipes. Don’t reuse them with food, and never microwave them. They generally can’t be recycled.

Type 4 -- You’ll find this plastic in squeezable bottles, some food bags, grocery bags, and food wraps. They’re safe to reuse but generally can’t be recycled.

Type 5 -- These plastics are used for yogurt cups, straws, and medicine bottles. They’re safe to reuse and recyclable, but check with your local recycling program. Not all recyclers take Type 5 plastics.

Type 6 -- This plastic is used for egg cartons, packing materials, and disposable cups. Don’t reuse them, and never put them in the microwave as they can release toxic chemicals. They generally can’t be recycled.

Type 7 -- This plastic is used for lids, ketchup bottles, and items made with mixed resins. They have various levels of risk for reuse and are generally not recyclable.

Thanks, Sheila! This is great information. Post a comment to be entered into the drawing for a book by our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--GREEN KIDS

Green Kids.  No, I don’t mean green with envy or what your kid looks like right before he hurls his cookies.  I’m talking about environmentally conscious kids.  Our kids are often the driving force in making us think green.  Crafting is a great way for the entire family to enjoy a reuse/repurpose/recycle activity beyond separating the glass, plastic, and newspapers for curbside pick-up.  So coax the kids away from the wii and spend an afternoon crafting.  Today I’ll show you how to make a milk carton birdhouse or bird feeder.  Check back often for other family crafting activities.

MILK CARTON BIRDHOUSE OR BIRD FEEDER

Materials:
clean, empty half-gallon milk or juice carton
compass and pencil
hammer and nail
1/8” dowel or twig, 3” - 4” in length
wooden bead to fit dowel or twig
sandpaper
craft knife
weatherproof white acrylic primer
weatherproof acrylic paint in colors of choice
weatherproof acrylic varnish
paintbrushes
tacky glue
scissors
scraps of colored paper
3 spring type clothespins
narrow plastic cording (the kind for making lanyards)
dry pasta, popsicle sticks, buttons, cereal, etc.

Directions:
1.  Lightly sand carton.

2.  Glue the carton closed, holding together with clothespins until glue sets.

3.  With hammer and nail, make two small holes in top flap for hanging loops. (Adult should do this.)

4.  Using compass and pencil, draw a 2-1/4” circle centered approximately 2” above base of carton on one side.  Using craft knife, poke a small hole 3/4” below circle.

5.  Using craft knife, cut out large circle.

6.  Poke dowel or twig through small hole.  Secure by gluing wooden bead onto dowel inside the bird house.

7.  Apply a coat of primer to carton and dowel.  (Twig can be painted or remain unpainted.)  Paint in desired colors.  Allow to dry between each coat.  (Note: if using roofing materials that require painting, glue them to top of carton before painting.)

8.  Glue dry pasta, popsicle sticks, buttons, cereal, or other materials to top of carton for roof.

9.  Cut shapes from colored paper and glue to sides of birdhouse.  Other materials may also be used (pictures from magazines, stickers, buttons, pasta, ribbon, scraps of wrapping paper, colored yarn dipped in glue, etc. Use your imagination!)

10.  Apply several coats of varnish to entire bird house for protection, allowing to dry between coats.

11.  Thread plastic lacing through holes on top for hanging.

12.  Birdhouse can become bird feeder by filling with birdseed.


What are you doing to make sure your family thinks green?  Let's hear from you. Anyone who posts a comment this week will be part of the drawing to win a book from out Friday Book Club guest author. 


Also, Lois Winston, my author, has several designs in the August issue of  The Cross Stitcher. Check out her "America the Beautiful" sampler, "Life is Measured" pillow, and "Parrots" designs. -- AP