GUEST THRILLER AUTHOR NANNETTE POTTER ON THE INSPIRATION FOR HER PROTAGONIST

An adventuress at heart, Nannette Potter lives vicariously through her fearless and impetuous characters, inventing lives balanced on a knife’s edge. Learn more about her and her books at her website.

I've often wondered what sparks the imagination. Inspiration is all around us through life experiences, nature, and the arts, to name a few. During my research on the historical backdrop of San Francisco for a short story I was writing, I stumbled upon a striking poster featuring The Gibsons, renowned for their awe-inspiring knife-throwing act. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. As I laid my eyes upon the mesmerizing Veiled Wheel of Death, I instantly recognized its potential to shape the identity of my protagonist, Genevieve "Blade" Broussard.

 

Possibly more fortuitous, throughout my life, I've been captivated by the allure of knives. I vividly recall a childhood memory when a neighborhood friend dared me to engage in a risky game of skill, throwing knives at the ground with the goal of avoiding injury. Needless to say, my nerve failed me, and I withdrew from the challenge. Reflecting on that experience, I believe it became a driving force behind the creation of Blade, a woman characterized by fearlessness, audacity, and a love for throwing knives.

 

Like Alice venturing into Wonderland, I willingly plunged into the depths of exploration, delving into the world of impalement arts. Through platforms like YouTube, I discovered The Great Throwdini, observing how he skillfully secured an assistant to a circular target board, which freely rotated around its center point. My mind exploded with endless possibilities. Where could she perform? What would the stage look like? Would she use special effects? What would Blade wear? Blade sprang to life within my mind's eye. I envisioned her commanding the stage, striding confidently in a leather jumpsuit equipped with a holster of knives instead of guns.

 

As I began the intricate process of developing Blade's backstory, a compelling plot began to gradually unfold. With every stroke of creativity, the narrative took shape, weaving a tapestry of an unsolved murder, concealed family secrets, and the enigmatic presence of an ancient Christian brotherhood.

 

I fell in love with Blade and the cast of characters I created. If you feel comfortable sharing, please comment on what has sparked your imagination lately.

 

Pierce the Darkness

A Blade Broussard Novel, Book 1

 

Impalement artist Genevieve “Blade” Broussard’s past and present collide when she accepts a lucrative job offer from Spanish billionaire René Martel. This gig could lead to her big break. Yet the moment Blade arrives on the island, she is greeted by a kidnapper warning of impending danger. Anticipation quickly turns deadly after she overhears Martel’s scheme to assassinate world leaders at the United Nations in Geneva.

 

Soon an attempt is made on her life, and she is on the run. Blade discovers an unsolved murder, family secrets, and an ancient Christian brotherhood are intricately woven together—and she is at the epicenter of this complex labyrinth. Determined to survive and to stop the attack, Blade turns to Chase Maserati, a soldier of the Soldati di Cristo, with a traumatic past and his own code of honor. Racing from Mallorca to Florence to Geneva, Blade and Chase must use all their wits and skills to stop the attack while there is still time.

 

Buy Links

hardcover

paperback

ebook

AUTHOR DEBBIE DE LOUISE ON RESEARCHING MURDER IN A LIGHTHOUSE

Debbie De Louise is a reference librarian at a public library. Her novels include four books in her Cobble Cove mystery series, a romantic comedy novella, a paranormal romance, and two standalone mysteries. Learn more about Debbie and her books at her website/blog. 

Shedding Light on a 20-year-old Mystery

When I first came up with the idea of writing a novel about a murder at a lighthouse, I knew I would need to do some research about lighthouses. As I wrote the book, I discovered a unique way to add in this research that readers will understand once they finish the story. I included numerous facts about lighthouses and maritime lore and asked my publisher to feature photos and drawings to illustrate each point.

Take this short quiz to see how much you know about lighthouses. Answers are included below. No peeking or Googling allowed. These are only a few of the facts featured in Sea Scope.

1. What was the first lighthouse built in the United States?

2. What is the term for the study of lighthouses?

3. What date do we celebrate Lighthouse Day?

4. Which lighthouse was the first built in New York State and was visited by a slave ship and a pirate?

5. Which lighthouse was manned by a female lighthouse keeper?

Answers

1. The first lighthouse built in America was Boston Lighthouse in 1716 on Little Brewster Island. It was destroyed during the American Revolutionary War and rebuilt in 1783.

2. The study of lighthouses is known as “Pharology,” named after the famed lighthouse of Alexandria. Pharos of Alexandria, the first known lighthouse, was built in Egypt between 300 and 250 BC and stood 450 feet high.

3. For the bicentennial of the United States Lighthouse Service in 1989, the U. S. Lighthouse Society petitioned Congress to declare National Lighthouse Day on August 7—the date in 1789 that the Ninth Act of the First Congress, establishing federal control of lighthouses, was passed and signed by President George Washington. The measure was signed by President Ronald Reagan as Public Law on November 5, 1988 but only for that day in 1989. A similar declaration was won in 2013, but efforts to add the day to the official national calendar have not succeeded.

4. The Montauk Point Lighthouse on Long Island was the first built in New York State and was visited by both the slave ship “Amistad” and a pirate.

5. Robbins Reef, also known as Kate’s Light, is named after the wife of a keeper who, after his death, tended the light from 1886 to 1919 and daily rowed her children to school in Staten Island.

Sea Scope

Sarah Collins needs an escape. Mourning her brother’s death and the impending breakup of her marriage, she returns to her childhood home in South Carolina, where her family operated an inn.

Sarah hasn’t been back to Sea Scope for twenty years; not since she and her brother Glen discovered a body by the nearby lighthouse. She never understood why her parents left Sea Scope so suddenly, or the reasons behind her father's suicide.

After Sarah returns to the inn, she faces long-buried memories, text messages and strange clues. Something is not right in Sea Scope. Reunited with people from her past, she tries to figure out what's going on in her childhood home.

When past and present collide, Sarah must face truths about her family, and what happened that summer day by the lighthouse. But will she survive to tell the tale?

Buy Links

paperback

ebook  

ANASTASIA'S GOING ON THE (VIRTUAL) ROAD...

…and you could win a book! Come join Anastasia and author Lois Winston on a Halloween Book Blast tour of the blogosphere today, tomorrow, and on Halloween. Enter the Rafflecopter drawing, and you could win your choice of any one of Lois’ books. Just click on the links for the blogs listed below each day and enter the drawing. Hope to see you there!

October 29

Minding Spot

Michele Lynn Seigfried’s Blog

Babs Book Bistro

readalot

Cozy Up With Kathy

3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy,  &, Sissy, Too !

A Blue Million Books

Frankie Bow

Book Babble

Shelley’s Book Case

Tea and a Book

October 30

Community Bookstop

Girl with Book Lungs

Kaisy Daisy’s Corner

Mallory Heart Reviews

Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews

Musings and Ramblings

THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK

deal sharing aunt

Laura’s Interests

Brooke Blogs

October 31

Sapphyria’s Book Reviews

Books Are Life – Vita Libri

Thoughts in Progress

Christa Reads and Writes

Jane Reads

Teatime and Books

Queen of All She Reads

StoreyBook Reviews

Read Your Writes Book Reviews

Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--GUEST AUTHOR JOANNE GUIDOCCIO

Cozy mystery and paranormal romance author Joanne Guidoccio sits down for an interview today. Learn more about Joanne and her books at her website.

When did you realize you wanted to write novels?

In high school, I dabbled in poetry and dreamed about writing novels. But I listened to my practical Italian side and put my dream on hold as I pursued a teaching career. Throughout my career, I imagined different storylines but didn’t put pen to paper until my “cancer” year.

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

In 2008, I retired from a 31-year teaching career and decided to launch a second career as a writer. At first, I wrote articles and book reviews but later gravitated toward novels. I was offered my first book contract in January 2013.

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

Traditionally published.

Where do you write?

Originally, I had designated my den as a writing space, but I felt too confined and relocated to an empty space in my large living area. Whenever I need a break, I swivel my chair and take in the majestic trees outside my window.

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

I cannot write amid any chaos – auditory or otherwise. For that reason, I can only write at home.

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

I identify strongly with Gilda Greco, the protagonist of the novel. So much so, that I used the first-person POV. Our similarities...Italian Canadian, born and raised in Sudbury, relocated to Southern Ontario, mathematics teachers, career development practitioners, yoga enthusiasts, non-foodies.

One major difference – Gilda won a $19 million lottery. I’m still hoping.

Having lived and taught in different cities throughout the province of Ontario, I felt free to “borrow” characteristics from former colleagues and students to create composite characters. While Gilda is approximately 70% me, the same can’t be said of the other characters. I would be very surprised if anyone recognized himself/herself in the novel.

Describe your process for naming your characters?

I devote the most time to selecting names for the protagonist and her love interest. In A Season for Killing Blondes, I liked the flow of Gilda Greco and Carlo Fantin. For the older Italian characters, I called to mind the names of my parents’ friends and also used the telephone book. I spent some time coming up with the double names—Anna May, Carrie Ann, Jenny Marie, Melly Grace—for the blondes.

Real settings or fictional towns?

A Season for Killing Blondes is set in my hometown of Sudbury, Ontario. My mermaid novels are set in the fictional town of Carden, Ontario with stops in Toronto, Chicago, and Sedona.

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

Gilda Greco, the protagonist of A Season for Killing Blondes, is a self-proclaimed non-foodie. Throughout the novel, she refers to this “quirk” in a self-deprecating way.

What’s your quirkiest quirk?

I am controlled by a bird clock. Each hour, one of my feathered friends, among them the Downy Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, and Great Horned Owl, chirp and remind me to pace myself.

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

I have great admiration for authors of historical fiction and would love to write a trilogy. I am particularly impressed by Ken Follett’s Century Trilogy.

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

I had planned to pursue a master’s degree but life intervened. If I could go back, I would take a leave of absence in my late twenties and pursue that degree.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Lack of response to emails. I am peeved when I have to send multiple emails.

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?

Clean drinking water. Compatible companions. Pen and paper (preferably a journal.)

What was the worst job you’ve ever had?

During my university years, I accepted an enumeration job with a government agency. I had hoped it would segue into a long-term summer job. Instead, I spent two weeks knocking on the doors of apartments in a high-rise building. Updating information was a tedious, frustrating, and annoying task.

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

So many books come to mind! The best book I’ve read this year is Circling the Sun, a fictionalized memoir of Beryl Markham, by Paula McLain. I was drawn into the fascinating lives of the British expats living in Africa in the early twentieth century. A must read!

Ocean or mountains?

Definitely ocean! I’m landlocked in Ontario.

City girl/guy or country girl/guy?

City girl...I like the bustle and activity.

What’s on the horizon for you?

Right now, I’m working on Too Many Women in the Room, Book 2 of the Gilda Greco Mystery Series and The Making of a Mermaid Psychic, Book 3 of the Mediterranean Trilogy.

A Season for Killing Blondes

Hours before the opening of her career counseling practice, Gilda Greco discovers the dead body of golden girl Carrie Ann Godfrey, neatly arranged in the dumpster outside her office. Gilda’s life and budding career are stalled as Detective Carlo Fantin, her former high school crush, conducts the investigation.

When three more dead blondes turn up all brutally strangled and deposited near Gilda’s favorite haunts, she is pegged as a prime suspect for the murders. Frustrated by Carlo’s chilly detective persona and the mean girl antics of Carrie Ann’s meddling relatives, Gilda decides to launch her own investigation. She discovers a gaggle of suspects, among them a yoga instructor in need of anger management training, a lecherous photographer, and fourteen ex-boyfriends.

As the puzzle pieces fall into place, shocking revelations emerge, forcing Gilda to confront the envy and deceit she has long overlooked.

Buy links

paperback 

ebook 

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--GUEST AUTHOR CLAUDIA LEFEVE

My inexpensive Brother sewing machine is a champ.
There is nothing it can’t do!

Claudia Lefeve was born and raised so far down the Texas Gulf Coast she has to pull out a map to show people it's nowhere near Houston. Now living in Northern Virginia, she’s taking a hiatus from a civilian career in law enforcement to write full-time. Learn more about Claudia and her books at her website. 

One of the best things about being a writer full-time (and a part-time professor,) is getting to wear whatever I want. Granted, most of the time I live in my pajamas, but on the days when I actually venture out of my cave to write at the local coffee shop or attend my local writer’s group, I can choose what I please.

The only downside to writing full-time, however, is my checking account! Book royalties aren’t as stable, as let’s say, a salaried bi-monthly paycheck. In other words, when I ditched my job with the police department, I gave up my steady income.

I’m such a sucker for vintage shifts,
I buy most of my 1960’s patterns from eBay and Etsy.

So this year I decided I could still be fashionable on a budget. My grandmother taught me how to sew when I was younger, but I hadn’t used a sewing machine in over 20 years, though I still felt compelled to purchase my very first sewing machine. Instincts kicked in, and within a few weeks, I had a whole new summer wardrobe.

I usually reserve my sewing projects for the mornings and use the time to think about whatever I’m currently writing as I sit in front of the machine. And by early afternoon, I’m chock full of ideas ready to be written!

Fall is around the corner, so I have already started picking out my fall fabrics!

Next up on my quest to style myself up, is learning how to use an embroidery machine (which arrives this week) because growing up and living below the Mason-Dixon line, I have a strong desire to have everything monogrammed.

Destined for Trouble

A Jules Cannon Mystery, book 1

After getting dumped by her boyfriend, FBI crime analyst Jules Cannon flees to her hometown of Trouble Island, Texas, to nurse her wounds. All she wants to do is unwind, forget about her failed relationship, and work on her tan.

But when the owner of the local crab shack is murdered at Jules’s welcome-home party, she is forced to scrap her rest-and-relaxation plans. Now her best friend, Abby Lee, is the prime suspect, and her high school sweetheart, Deputy Chief Justin Harper, is working the case. Even though Jules knows she shouldn’t, she just can’t keep herself from getting involved in the investigation—and entangled with handsome Assistant District Attorney Hartley Crawford. While an old flame threatens to rekindle and a new one sparks, Jules must find a killer and prove her friend’s innocence. But will she put two and two together before trouble catches up with her?

Buy Links

paperback 

ebook  

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--MEET CONNIE STEDWORTH

Did you know that I’m not the only crafty character author Lois Winston has created? Long before she conceived me, she gave birth to Connie Stedworth, the Martha Stewart of the Midwest (but being that she’s from the Midwest, Connie’s a much kinder, gentler version of the crafting diva.) Connie first made her appearance in Talk Gertie to Me, the first book Lois ever sold. Unfortunately, she was stuck in out-of-print limbo for several years. A few years ago Talk Gertie to Me and the novella romantic mystery sequel, Elementary, My Dear Gertie, became available as ebooks. Now, Talk Gertie to Me is finally once again available in print and for the first time, so is Elementary, My Dear Gertie. Both also have new covers.

If you enjoy the humor of the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries, you won’t be disappointed with Talk Gertie to Me and Elementary, My Dear Gertie. A word of advice, though: due to the hysterical nature of these books, it’s best not to read them while drinking anything. And if you enjoy the crafts that are included in the mystery series, you’ll find one of Connie’s trademark crafts in Talk Gertie to Me.

Click here to sign up for author Lois Winston's brand new newsletter.

Talk Gertie to Me

Two years ago Nori Stedworth fled the conservative mentality of both her parents and Ten Commandments, Iowa, for Manhattan. She loves her new life—until one devastating afternoon that culminates with the arrival of her mother. Mom Connie is suffering from middle-age meltdown. Her only identity is as a wife and mother, but her husband is a workaholic, and her daughter is halfway across the country. Grandchildren would give her life new purpose. If only Nori would come to her senses and marry town mortician and most eligible bachelor Eugene Draymore.

To that end, Mom sets off to bring Nori home. But when she meets Nori’s neighbor, her plans take an unexpected twist, and she’s thrust headfirst into a career as the next Martha Stewart. Suddenly, she’s a somebody in her own right and reconsiders returning to her old life.

As a coping mechanism, Nori resurrects Gertie, her adolescent imaginary friend. A laptop mix-up lands her musings in the hands of Mackenzie Randolph, a talk-radio station manager on deadline to boost sagging ratings or lose his job. He knows he’s found the answer to his prayers when he reads Nori’s make-believe correspondence.

And maybe he’s found much more.

Meanwhile Dad, with Eugene in tow, comes in search of his AWOL wife.Tempers flare when Mom refuses to return home. However, when she and Dad hear Nori on the radio, they unite to “save” her from the corruption of both Mac and Manhattan.

And that’s when things really get interesting.

Buy Links

paperback

Kindle

iTunes

Nook

Kobo

Google Play

Elementary,My Dear Gertie

In this novella sequel to the award-winning Talk Gertie To Me, two years have passed since the happily-ever-after that isn’t doing so well. Nori Stedworth has moved in with the love of her life, Mackenzie Randolph, much to her parents’ displeasure. They’re coping as best as parents from Ten Commandments, Iowa can. They want Mac to make an honest woman of their daughter, and that means nothing short of marriage. Mac is all for exchanging I do’s. He’s even bought the ring, but before he can pop the question, an explosion hurls him and Nori right into the middle of a murder investigation. Gertie, Nori's alter-ego, can't help but lend her acerbic wit to the twists and turns as the town is turned upside down in the search for a murderer and arsonist, and yet another scandal envelopes the not-so-pious residents of Ten Commandments.

Buy Links

paperback

Kindle

iTunes

Nook

Kobo

Google Play

COOKING WITH CLORIS--GUEST AUTHOR LYNN CAHOON & RISOTTO

USA Today and New York Times, best-selling author Lynn Cahoon is an Idaho native. If you’d visit the town where she grew up, you’d understand why her mysteries and romance novels focus around the depth and experience of small town life. Currently, she’s living in a small historic town on the banks of the Mississippi River where her imagination tends to wander. Learn more about Lynn and her books at her website. 

From ala peanut butter sandwich to easy risotto, in one lifetime

Working a full time job and trying to be an author can limit the time you have for other activities in your life. Like cooking dinner. What’s a girl to do? My husband, the cowboy, is good with an occasional meal of Hamburger Helper. (Don’t laugh, it can be dinner in a pinch.) But I get bored with just the meat and potatoes route.

I always shied away from the fancier recipes. Or what I considered fancy. I come from a lower-socio-economic family. Heck, we were poor. Living on a farm, we always had food. Even if it was the mystery meat my mom liked to mix into the spaghetti or meatloaf. Seriously, elk, deer, and bear meat do not taste like beef. Even with a package of dry spaghetti mix to mask the flavors. I could always tell we were having mystery meat by the way she watched me take that first bite.

I ate a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches growing up.

So fast forward, to grown up Lynn. I’ve become a bit of a food snob. Not to the Julia Child level. I couldn’t even stomach making an aspic. But I do love trying recipes and finding new ways to make old favorites. My only challenge is finding the time to cook. I’m sure many readers can relate. With kids to run to practice, or community obligations, it’s hard to find time to play in the kitchen.

Watching several seasons of Top Chef and Hell’s Kitchen, I became obsessed with risotto. I poured over online recipe blogs reading different versions and wondering. Would it turn out? Would I like the taste when it did? I made soufflés once.  Neither I nor the hubby were impressed. On the other hand, I spent a year obsessed with a cheesy grits and sausage recipe I’d found and made my own.

One weekend night, I decided to experiment. When the risotto was done, one taste and I was in love. Since that time, I probably make my version of risotto once a week, especially when I have too many veggies in the fridge.

 

Quick and Easy Risotto

Ingredients:

3-4 cups chicken stock (If you have a day job, like I do, as soon as you get home, put a pot of chicken stock on the stove to warm. If you don’t have homemade chicken stock, boil water and add 3-4 bouillon cubes to make a stock.)

Chop assorted veggies – mushrooms, onions or green onions, asparagus (I usually do the onions pretty fine, but the others can be course chopped or sliced.)

1-2 tablespoons olive oil

1-1/2 cups Arborio rice

fresh spinach (optional)

Heat a large skillet and when warm, add a touch of olive oil. Sauté the onion and mushrooms until the onion wilts, but doesn’t brown. Then add rice to the skillet. Keep stirring as the rice browns (think Ricearoni) for a minute or two. Then add a ladle or two of the chicken stock. Stir to mix.  Add Asparagus.

Let risotto cook as you prepare your choice of meat for dinner. (Or add a can of chopped clams later on, and this can be a complete meal.) Continue to stir, adding stock when rice appears dry. When the stock is all added, and the rice is creamy, you’re done.  Takes about 30 minutes total.

If you want a veggie boost, add a handful or two of spinach leaves with your last bit of chicken stock. The leaves will wilt into the risotto and give you a nice color and extra nutrients.

Mission to Murder

In the California coastal town of South Cove, history is one of its many tourist attractions—until it becomes deadly…

Jill Gardner, proprietor of Coffee, Books, and More, has discovered that the old stone wall on her property might be a centuries-old mission worthy of being declared a landmark. But Craig Morgan, the obnoxious owner of South Cove’s most popular tourist spot, The Castle, makes it his business to contest her claim. When Morgan is found murdered at The Castle shortly after a heated argument with Jill, even her detective boyfriend has to ask her for an alibi. Jill decides she must find the real murderer to clear her name. But when the killer comes for her, she’ll need to jump from historic preservation to self-preservation …

Buy Links

paperback 

ebook