Ellen Jacobson

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG) is a place to share and encourage, where writers can express their doubts and concerns without appearing foolish or weak. It’s a great place to mingle with like minded people each month during IWSG day.

Every month there’s an optional question which may prompt folks to share advice, insights, a personal experience or story. Some folks answer the question in their IWSG blog post or let it inspire them if they’re struggling with what to say.

This month’s question is:

Have you ever written a piece that became a form, or even a genre, you hadn’t planned on writing in? Or do you choose a form/genre in advance?

Check out how people have answered this month’s question, as well as the other insecurities and writing topics they may have shared by visiting the IWSG sign-up list HERE. I opted out of answering the question, instead sharing an update about what life has been like on the road for us lately.

Photo Credit: Duwan Dunn @ Make Like an Ape Man

Check out the picture above. That’s our teeny-tiny camper surrounded by bison. Crazy, huh? The friends we had been traveling with took it as we were driving through Yellowstone National Park. It perfectly sums up what life has been like lately on the road during the past month – travel, adventure, and lots of fun!

I was trying to remember what we got up to during July but it’s all a bit of a blur. We used to be really good about keeping a log previously on our sailboats and now in our camper, but that seems to have fallen by the wayside. We really should get that log going again because the older I get, the more help I need in remembering stuff!

I’ve now had a second cup of coffee. It’s amazing how caffeine helps jog the memory. Okay, so here’s where we’ve been and what we got up to in July:

We spent the first part of the month in Bismarck, North Dakota spending time with my hubby’s family. I spent a good chunk of that time on the couch working on Shooting by the Sea – the fifth book in my Mollie McGhie cozy mystery series. I also worked on release stuff for a multi-author cozy mystery anthology that my short story, Buried by the Beach is part of. And I read some books about Scandinavian-Americans as inspiration for the new cozy mystery series I’m planning which will be set in North Dakota.

It was such a relaxing spot to work. The fact that we had ice cream for dessert every night didn’t hurt either! We don’t have a freezer in our camper so I relished every bowl of salted caramel craze I could get my hands on.

Then we headed to a wonderful campground in Elgin, North Dakota for a few days so that I could finish Shooting by the Sea. There are two things I love about this particular campground – the views of the lake and the electricity. Yes, you heard that right – electricity! We often camp in places without it and have to run the generator when we want to charge things. To be able to have my computer constantly charged, not to mention being able to run the air conditioner, was heavenly.

After sending Shooting by the Sea to the editor it was time to go meet up with our friends from Make Like an Ape Man. They’re former boaters like us and now live full-time in their van. After a night in Buffalo, South Dakota, we hooked up with them in Montana, spent a night at Red Shale (a wonderful free National Forest campground), spent the next night at the Ten Sleep Brewery (you don’t have to worry about drinking and driving when your camper is a few feet away in the parking lot), then headed to Castle Gardens (a free Bureau of Land Management campground) for a night.

While at Castle Gardens, I got back the edits from my editor. Internet was patchy there so I had to download the manuscript by perching my computer on the hood of our vehicle and holding my phone in my hand. Such is the life of a writer on the road.

I finished that first round of edits, sent it back to the editor and then it was off to Grand Tetons National Park in Wyoming for three days. Have you been there? If not, you should go. Absolutely gorgeous! I could have stayed there longer, but we had reservations at one of the campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park so off we went.

To be honest, I wondered if Yellowstone would live up to its reputation. Everyone talks about how amazing it is. Guess what? Turns out it is. In fact, it was so amazing that my hubby and I spent two weeks there. But all good thing must come to an end so that new good things can happen. And that new good thing is going to be Glacier National Park in Montana. We’re making our way up there today and tomorrow, so I may be offline for a while. But I will try to respond to comments and visit blogs when I can. I know, I know . . . I’m still behind from last month. {Sigh}

Anyway before I go, I wanted to thank everyone who offered to read and review ARCs (advance reader copies) of the cozy mystery anthology, Mystery Follows Her, and my latest Mollie McGhie book, Shooting by the Sea. It really means a lot to me and it helps immensely with the launches and attracting new readers!

By the way, if you’re interested in either of these books, Mystery Follows Her is promotionally priced at only 99c/99p right now. You can grab a copy at your favorite retailer HERE. Anthologies are a great way to try out new authors. Shooting by the Sea will be released on Friday, August 7th. You can pre-order a copy at your favorite retailer HERE.

Some of the spots we camped in during July

What did you get up to in July? Did you read any good books? Get any writing done? Any fun adventures?

IWSG, Mollie McGhie Cozy Sailing Mysteries, USA, Writing

Writing Update & Travels in Our Teeny-Tiny Camper | IWSG

July 1, 2020July 1, 2020 Ellen Jacobson

There have been many industry changes in the last decade, so what are some changes you would like to see happen in the next decade?

This is going to be a short post as things are a bit frantic in my world. We hit the road in our teeny-tiny camper in the middle of May. Since then we’ve traveled from Florida up to North Dakota, spending time in Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota along the way.

It’s been really hard to concentrate on writing and blogging while traveling, camping, and enjoying the great outdoors, but I’ve been trying my best. It was the same thing when we were traveling on our sailboat – the nomadic life can be a challenge when it comes to focusing on creative projects.

Despite the travel, I have been working on two projects. The first is a Mollie McGhie short story – Buried by the Beach – which will be published in the Mystery Follows Her cozy mystery multi-author anthology coming out on July 23rd. Many, many thanks to all of you who offered to read and review an ARC copy!

The other project is book #5 in my Mollie McGhie cozy mystery series – Shooting by the Sea – due out in August. I’m in the process of finishing it up right now before getting it to my editor. Deadlines are looming and the pressure is on, but I’m having a blast with this story.

I’m looking forward to catching my breath next month once Shooting by the Sea is wrapped up, then I’ll be diving into the next book in my Smitten with Travel rom-com series.

FYI – I may be a bit slower visiting blogs and returning comments, but hopefully things will get back to “normal” and I’ll have a bit more time and headspace next month.

In the meantime, a couple of pictures from our adventures in South Dakota – a bison in Custer State Park and our teeny-tiny camper (“Scamper”) in the Black Hills National Forest.

IWSG, Romantic Comedy, Smitten with Travel, Writing

Writing in Present Tense, ARC Reader Request & An Adorable Cat | IWSG

May 6, 2020May 5, 2020 Ellen Jacobson

Do you have any rituals that you use when you need help getting into the zone? Care to share?

Check out how people have answered this month’s question, as well as the other insecurities and writing topics they may have shared by visiting the IWSG sign-up list HERE. I opted out of answering the question, instead sharing some of my insecurities about writing in present tense. Check it out below.

Which of these sentences do you prefer:

1 – I write in present tense, then worry that readers will hate it.

2 – I wrote in present tense, then worried that readers would hate it.

If you had asked me this in the not so distant past, I would have said without any hesitation that Option #2 was way better. Like many other people of a certain age, I grew up reading novels written in the past tense. That was just how it was done. I had no idea there was any other kind of book.

Then came The Hunger Games. Loved the story, but I found the use of present tense a bit jarring. I read a bunch of other YA books for a while and made my peace with present tense. I didn’t love it, but it was starting to grow on me.

As of late, I’ve been obsessed with reading romantic comedies / chick lit. And guess what? A bunch of them are written in present tense. And guess what else? I love it!

I know some of you are shaking your heads. Why, Ellen, why? Why have you gone to the dark side?

Well, here are a couple of the things I like about it:

1 – Everything feels way more intense.

And when you reading romance, that’s an awesome thing. Especially when the main character is kissing a really cute guy.

2 – It kind of feels like a movie.

You’re smack-dab in the middle of the action. It’s all happening right now. You’re experiencing things right along with the main character, like those kissing scenes.

So when I decided to try my own hand at writing a romantic comedy, guess what I did? Yep, that’s right, I decided to write it in present tense.

This may turn out to be a huge mistake.

Readers may hate it.

This may be an experiment gone bad.

Or it could be amazing.

Time will tell.

Wanna try out a present tense romantic comedy? I’m looking for ARC readers.

If present tense doesn’t scare you off and you’d like to read and review an advance reader’s copy (ARC) of Smitten with Ravioli, let me know if the comments. Be sure to leave your email address.

I don’t have a firm publication date yet, but it will be out sometime toward the end of May. In terms of heat level, it’s on the clean & wholesome side of the scale. There’s kissing, but no sex scenes.

You can check out the blurb HERE.

Raise your hand if you like adorable cats!

This is Garfieldia, one of the cats that lives at the marina where we’re currently hanging out at in our teeny-tiny camper. She’s such a sweet cat – super affectionate and cuddly.

So what about you – any writing rituals you want to share? Do you like present tense? Interested in an ARC of Smitten with Ravioli?

Cozy Mystery Author Interview

Cozy Mystery Author Interview | Ava Mallory

April 20, 2020April 21, 2020 Ellen Jacobson

Hello everyone! I’m excited to have an interview with Ava Mallory for you today. Ava is the author of a number of series including the Mercy Mares cozy mysteries, the Missy Rae paranormal cozy mysteries, and the Beatrice Montoya mysteries. In addition, she does a lot to support the cozy mystery author and reader communities through organizing cross-author promos and running author and reader Facebook groups.

So sit back, grab a beverage and a delicious snack and fine out what Ava has to say about writing, cookies, and penguins.

Interview with Ava Mallory

1 – What inspired you to write your books?

I wanted to be a writer since I was a little girl. I wrote and told stories all the time. I still do. I didn’t get the courage to publish until my life fell apart in 2014. I found myself alone with 4 kids, after years of following my then-husband around the globe for his career and family, and decided I was done with ignoring my dreams, so I polished one of the dozens of handwritten manuscripts I’d written over the years and hit publish a short time later.

2 – What’s your favorite thing about cozy mysteries?

My childhood home was a mecca for all things mystery. My mother bought every mystery she could find. I grew up on a diet of Georgette Heyer and Agatha Christie. It was inevitable I’d one day write cozies. I love the settings and the quirky characters. Cozies feel like home.

3 – Do you have any writing rituals?

Yes! I must be alone. Totally, completely, utterly alone. Silence! I can only write (well) in my home office and only after I meditate to quiet the extra noise in my head. Early morning and late night writing sessions are king for me. In other words, little chance of the children needing something during those hours.

4 – What’s more important – character or plot?

I love the characters. Of course the plot must be great, but I fall in love with characters and want to see them grow.

5 – What do you like best about being an author? What do you like the least?

I love writing. It’s the hardest thing in the world to do sometimes, but I’m addicted.
Marketing is my Achilles heal. I’m a horrible marketer.

6 – What’s your favorite cookie? If you don’t like cookies, what’s wrong with you? Oops, sorry, scratch that. My follow-up question was meant to be far more polite – “Why don’t you like cookies?”

Chocolate chip cookies! Is there any other kind? 🙂

7 – A penguin walks through your front door wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why did he come visit you?

My gut reaction would be to blame my mother. I should explain. My mother always threatens to put a curse on me (and my siblings and everyone she meets). She’s not a witch. She doesn’t practice witchcraft. She thinks it’s funny.

I imagine he’d come with a message from my mother. If I had to put money on it, I’d say she would send him to tell me I’m doing something wrong.

8 – What else would you like us to know about you?

I am a multi-genre, multi-pen name author who really isn’t online all the time. It only looks that way, I swear.

Ava Mallory’s Books

Grab Mercy & Mayhem—the first book in the Mercy Mares cozy mystery series—for FREE! Click HERE to download your copy.

Thrush to Judgement, the latest Mercy Mares release is now available HERE.

About Ava Mallory

AVA MALLORY has been a grade schoolteacher, a psychiatric technician, a dementia unit nurse manager, and a hospice nurse. She has embarrassed herself in front of handsome celebrities, won vocal contests much to the chagrin of her children, survived a major earthquake, and nearly drowned when she mistakenly thought a YMCA lifeguard asked her to dive into the deep end on her first day of swim lessons. She and her eternally annoyed children share their home with a massive collection of books and a never-ending supply of new book ideas.

If you’d like to sign up for Ava’s email newsletter and be the first to learn about new releases, sales, exclusive newsletter reads, and other fun things, copy and paste this link into your browser and sign up here: http://eepurl.com/cLOoK9

Connect with Ava on Facebook, Amazon, and her Website.

Editor’s Note: Thanks so much for the interview, Ava! You’ve definitely made the right cookie selection. 🙂 I hadn’t heard of Georgette Heyer before – definitely going to check out her books.

Author Interview, Cozy Mystery Author Interview

Cozy Mystery Author Interview | J.L. Collins

April 13, 2020 Ellen Jacobson

It’s time for another fun cozy mystery author interview. I’m featuring J.L. Collins today. She’s the author of several series including the Witch Hazel Lane Mysteries, the Spell Maven Mysteries, and the Ice Witch Mysteries. Right now, you can grab the first books in several of her series for only 99c so be sure to check out Grits in the Graveyard, A Cold Case in Spell, and Spell Maven from Spell Haven.

I loved her answers to my questions, especially the part about saving cookies from Cookie Monster’s delicious destruction! Grab a beverage, a snack (maybe some cookies that Cookie Monster didn’t eat), and have read below to find out what J.L. has to say about writing, penguins, and cookies.

Interview with J.L. Collins

1 – What inspired you to write your books?

A love for murder at the tender age of nine. Actually, that’s not exactly far off—I’ve loved mysteries my whole life. I was and still am a very curious person so when someone gives me something to solve, I’m in heaven!

Writing a book can sometimes feel like an exercise in futility, but I’ve only ever known passion for it. There are, at any given time, ten or so plots spinning around my brain. Any time I go anywhere, see something new, hear about something funny, all of it gets categorized into ‘I’ve gotta write about this’ boxes. So I guess the short answer is everything!

2 – What’s your favorite thing about cozy mysteries?

They’re so much fun. It’s a delicate line to balance lightheartedness and murder, but when you see it being pulled off it can put a smile on your face even in the midst of the worst day.

3 – Do you have any writing rituals?

I wouldn’t say I have rituals per se, more like weird tics.

I always have my headphones on listening to some kind of music and when the music hits the scene just right, I’m bobbing my head like a pigeon. No, seriously! My kids and husband have called me out on it several times. There’s video evidence that won’t see the light of day.

I also get cold hands pretty quickly while typing, so when I’m really on a roll with the words I always rub my hands together really fast like I’m standing in front of a bonfire. Why? I have no idea but it’s a surefire sign that you should approach me cautiously.

4 – What’s more important – character or plot?

Ooh, that’s a good question! I’m personally a sucker for characters. My books are all character-driven because that’s what I like to read. To me, plot-driven books are great but they can feel distant, if that makes sense? And I like to be pulled into a book via a character right away. The classics are an exclusion, but newer works? I’m all about characters.

5 – What do you like best about being an author? What do you like the least?

Best… I love working for myself doing the thing I always told myself I would do one day. In the middle of this business it can feel like you’re treading water sometimes, throwing books that you love out into the void, but I can still say it’s my job. How many people can say they’re living their dream job?

Least… The mechanics and back-end stuff. It’s so boring I won’t even go into detail but I know fellow authors are nodding their heads, mumbling to themselves.

Favorite cookie? Can’t I pick more than one?

All right fine, you drive a hard bargain. If I was in a room with Cookie Monster and I could only save one type of cookie from his delicious destruction, I would pick the chocolate cookies with peanut butter chips. Chocolate & PB are the yin and yang flavors in the world and I would be doing everyone a disservice by allowing their demise.

7 – A penguin walks through your front door wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why did he come visit you?

First, I would spray him down with Lysol and request him to stand at least the standard six feet away. There would be scouring involved most likely. Then I would remind him that the show doesn’t start until nine pm, but since he’s already here, I’ll save him a seat down in front. The curtains open, the spotlight goes on, and the piano man is playing a sad tune. Pierre the penguin downing his second bottle of tequila already, stumbles to centerstage and starts woefully singing along in French. Yes, French. What, French penguins can’t wear sombreros?

What happens next is a mystery. See? Characters > Plot.

8 – What else would you like us to know about you?

My books are cozy but they’re more than ‘just cozies.’ There’s a mystery in every book, but an engaging plot that carries out through each series, too.

The first books in my last three series are all only 99c—perfect for a fun read. And I have a new series coming in May, all about a woman getting trapped in a town hidden in a cursed eternal winter. There’s a talking owl, need I say more?

I also have a newsletter where I routinely show off sneak peeks, deleted scenes, and hold a monthly giveaway. Last month my giveaway winner got their prize and also got to pick which non-profit I sent an additional amount to, to help fight the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Your readers should check it out! ❤

About J.L. Collins

J. L. (Jerri) lives in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, with her family and feisty canine. She loves delicious southern food, dogs, Carolina sunrises on the beach, shopping on King Street, and curling up with about twenty different books on the weekends. When she gets the rare chance, she also likes to go exploring and learning more about Charleston’s rich history!

Connect with J.L. on her Amazon author page and sign up for her newsletter.

Editor’s Note: Thanks so much for the interview, J.L.! You cracked me up with your comment about having the penguin observe social distancing. 🙂

Author Interview, Reading

Murder, Just Because by Yolanda Renee: An Author Interview Plus a Giveaway!

April 10, 2020April 10, 2020 Ellen Jacobson

It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Yolanda Renee’s MURDER, JUST BECAUSE Blog Tour through MC Book Tours today.

The author is offering an awesome tour-wide international giveaway including a $25 Amazon Gift Card! More information on the giveaway is listed below.

Interview with Yolanda Renee

1 – What was your hardest scene to write?

Every scene where Stowy Jenkins is at his worst. It took me forever to do more than tell in as few words as possible what he was up to. It will be a long while before I write such an antagonist again.

2 – What makes you run screaming?

It used to be spiders, but now I just squish them. Snakes, especially when they crawl out from under the chair you’re sitting on. Which happened and yes, I did run screaming! Which I continued to do until the beast was gone! I did not sit on the porch or in that chair for a very, very long time!

Now it’s viruses–such as COVID-19. Except there’s nowhere to run. That’s the scariest of all.

3 – You’re about to be dropped in a remote spot for a three-week survival test. Where would you go? What three tools would you take?

The Brooks Range of Alaska, a high-mountain cabin next to a creek with grayling. Camping gear and my laptop so I can keep writing.

4 – If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in that same setting, where would you choose?

Paris, of course. It’s always been my dream location, but a year may not be long enough. 😊

5 – If you could tell your younger-writing self anything, what would it be?

Never, ever leave Alaska. What you search for is there. All my books have been set in Alaska and while I live on a beautiful beach, I would trade all that to live in Alaska.

About Murder, Just Because

MURDER, JUST BECAUSE
by Yolanda Renée

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: Yolanda Renee
Series: Detective Quaid Mysteries
Paperback: 291 pages
Print & eBooks
ISBN-10: 0985820632
ISBN-13: 978-0985820633
Contains explicit sex & graphic violence

“While this book does contain explicit sexual language and graphic violence, it could easily be taken from the daily headlines. The content is plausible and realistic as we look at the world around us. The events in the book are not overly done but give a pragmatic look at the terrifying actions killers can and sometimes do take.”

It was a matter of beginner’s luck, but rookie detective Steven Quaid’s career and reputation as an elite investigator skyrocketed when he captured one of the most sadistic serial killers in Alaskan history: Stowy Jenkins, AKA the Snowman. But that was ten years ago.

And now…Jenkins is back. Escaped from prison and on the move, his bloodlust is stronger than ever, and his methods of torture are even more horrifying than before. As his bloody rampage continues and the number of mutilated bodies mounts, terrified Alaskans increasingly doubt Quaid’s ability to catch the killer again. The detective’s reputation is on the line, and he’s going to need a lot more than luck, because this time, Jenkins is driven by more than the thrill of a random kill.

This time, it’s more personal. He’s out for revenge…and his ultimate target is Quaid. In a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Jenkins starts picking off the people in Quaid’s life…slowly, gradually tightening his circle of corpses and drawing ever closer to the most important person in Quaid’s life…his wife. Can Quaid do the impossible again? Can he outmaneuver the killer, or has the detective’s luck finally run out?

About Yolanda Renee

For those who aren’t familiar with the author, here’s a bit of background on her in her own words.

At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I’ve traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influences my writing.

Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!

For more on Yolanda and her writing, you can connect with her here:

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Email

Giveaway Details

This tour-wide giveaway is for a complete set of the Detective Quaid Mystery series books for one winner, paperback copies of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE for five winners, and a Kindle copy of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE for 10 winners. There’s also a $25 Amazon Gift Card up for grabs!

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Yolanda on her week-long tour HERE. You never know what you might find out. Do you enjoy watching a character grow from one story to the next?

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Cozy Mystery Author Interview

Cozy Mystery Author Interview | K.M. Waller

April 6, 2020 Ellen Jacobson

It’s time to find out more about one of my fellow cozy mystery authors. Today, I’ve got the lovely K.M. Waller lined up for you. She’s the author of a number of mystery books including The Three Witches of Burberry, which is part of her Lost Souls Paraagency romantic paranormal series, and Mourning Express, which is part of the multi-author Funeral Fakers series.

I love her sense of humor – read her answer to the penguin question and you’ll see what I mean. So grab a beverage, settle down into a comfy spot and have a read below to see what K.M. has to say about writing, cookies, and penguins.

1 – What inspired you to write your books?

Books have always been my happy place, but it never crossed my mind growing up and into all of my twenties to write one. Then, while reading everything written by Janet Evanovich, I came across her book How I Write. That was the first time that I read about an author who’d started writing as a stay-at-home mom at the kitchen table. I’d just stopped working as a real estate paralegal to stay at home with my daughter, so it felt timely to be reading her journey. I started writing after that and over my ten year journey have found my way to writing what I enjoy reading the most – cozy mysteries.

2 – What’s your favorite thing about cozy mysteries?

I love the amateur sleuth who uses his or her ordinary skills to solve a crime. Kooky sidekicks who either help or accidentally hinder the investigation add so much fun to the story too.

3 – Do you have any writing rituals?

I am a morning person, so all the writing gets done in the first part of the day or not at all. I do have to be in the “zone” and I use brain.fm for focus music to help me get there. Oh, and don’t forget that trusty cup of coffee at my side!

4 – What’s more important – character or plot?

Tough question! I can be disappointed in a plot and still continue to read if the characters are fun and entertaining. Character driven stories are my favorite but if an author can twist a mystery plot that gives me a surprise, then that author has a fan for life.

5 – What do you like best about being an author? What do you like the least?

Readers are the best thing about being an author. Especially, when they fall in love with characters I’ve created and take the time to tell me. I love connecting with readers. What I dislike is how fast the publishing industry is changing. Most days it’s hard to keep up with trends in marketing, tropes, cover art, etc.

I’ve rarely met a cookie I didn’t like. I’m my daughter’s Girl Scout troop cookie mom, so I spend a great deal of February and March eating my favorite GS cookie – Samoas. For a few months our lives revolve around cookies.

7 – A penguin walks through your front door wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why did he come visit you?

The sombrero belonged to his owner who has been accused of murdering one of his restaurant employees. Death by salsa. The penguin needs me and my special skill of being an animal psychic to help find the killer and bring them to justice. His name is Eduardo and I tickle his tummy before joining him on the mystery-solving adventure.

8 – What else would you like us to know about you?

I’m just as goofy as I look – to the horror of my children who are always embarrassed by me.

About K.M. Waller

K.M. Waller lives in Florida with her husband, two kids, two rescued porch kittens, and a popcorn-loving hermit crab. When she’s not reading, writing, or chasing her kids around the house, she’s binging television dramas and mysteries.

Connect with her at her Website | BookBub | Instagram | Facebook

Grab your copy of K.M.’s books – they’re also free in Kindle Unlimited:

The Three Witches of Burberry

Mourning Express

Editor’s Note: Thanks so much for the interview, K.M.! Is there anyone who doesn’t love Girl Scout cookies? My favorite are the Thin Mints. 🙂

Author Interview, Reading, Writing

Top 10 Lessons about Self-Publishing “Dancing with Dementia” with Jemi Fraser

April 3, 2020March 30, 2020 Ellen Jacobson

It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Jemi Fraser’s DANCING WITH DEMENTIA, Recognizing and Coping with the Early Stages of Dementia Blog Tour through MC Book Tours today.

I absolutely loved this book! Here’s my review on Goodreads:

Dancing with Dementia is an utterly engrossing memoir which is brutally honest, funny, and tear-jerking. The author does an amazing job of blending stories about the impact of her mother and step-father’s dementia had on herself and her family with tips about how you can recognize the early signs of dementia and support those afflicted with it. You’ll find yourself alternating between laughter at the author’s dark humor and wiping away tears as she shares poignant stories about the impact of this terrible disease. Be prepared to set aside a serious chunk of time once you pick up this book. Once you start reading it, you won’t want to stop.

Jemi offers some lessons that she learned self-publishing Dancing with Dementia that you’ll want to check out below.

The author is also offering a tour-wide international giveaway of an Amazon Gift Card. More information on the giveaway is listed at the end of this post.

Top 10 Lessons Learned about Self-Publishing

Dancing With Dementia is my first foray into self-publishing. I decided not to seek traditional publication because I wanted the book out there quickly. Well, also because #8.

10. If there is a super-difficult or round-about way to do something, I’ll find it. If there is a glitch in a system, it will find me. I’ve not yet found the easy way on the first try. Or even the fifth.

9. (Directly connected to #10) There is no ONE way to do anything. And there are at least a bazillion books & articles on each of those different ways. Choosing what works for you isn’t easy!

8. I’m kind of a control freak. I like knowing how things work. I like knowing how to fix things. I like knowing what stage things are at.

7. I like learning new things. I loved learning all these new skills. From finding a drawing program, to learning to combine voice and visual files, to creating a YouTube channel, to building a website, to making a cover, to formatting, to uploading files, I’ve had a ton of fun.

6. Technology hates me. Well, maybe it’s not sentient and maybe that’s an exaggeration, but maybe not. In the past few months I’ve had a recurring computer virus that no one can fix. This has caused technological hissy-fits that have put me out of commission for hours/days at a time.

5. Despite my control-freak status and my joy of learning, self-publishing is anything BUT a solo journey. You need extra eyes on every stage of the project.

4. The writing community is awesome! I already knew this, but it has been confirmed by so many along the way. There are so many blogs out there to learn from, people who willingly offer helping hands and advice for others.

3. Asking for help is hard. I’m not very good at this, but I’m working at getting better.

2. My Tigger Brain is very bouncy. This is sometimes a good thing. I can switch between tasks pretty easily. But, maintaining focus on one task for extended periods of time when other tasks are calling my name is tough!

1. There is a LOT to learn and that learning never ends. Which is also part of the fun!

About Dancing with Dementia

Dancing with Demntia: Recognizing and Coping with the Early Stages of Dementia
by Jemi Fraser

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir
Publisher: Just Jemi Books
eBooks
ISBN-13: 978-1-9991258-1-3

Dementia and Alzheimer’s touch the lives of millions around the world, but so much is still unknown.

As first-generation Canadians, we didn’t recognize the early warning signs. We didn’t know the differences between regular aging and the early stages of dementia. We’ve made mistakes but we’ve learned a lot.

DANCING WITH DEMENTIA will help you:
•Identify those early warning signs
•Use visuals to improve communication
•Choose your words wisely
•Redirect and reassure
•Stay calm and cope with your own emotions
•Consider nursing home options
•Improve caregiver self-care

We’ve learned to dance the early steps of the disease with our love and laughter intact. If you are looking for help recognizing early signposts along with practical ways to cope with early Dementia and Alzheimer’s, this book is for you.

Grab a copy of Dancing with Dementia at: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Add DANCING WITH DEMENTIA to your Goodreads shelf

About Jemi Fraser

Jemi Fraser writes both fiction and nonfiction. Her nonfiction work focuses on the ways that dementia has impacted her family. Her fiction work varies from contemporary romance to suspense and flash fiction. Years as a teacher have taught Jemi that life is short and that happy endings are a must.

Jemi lives in Northern Ontario, Canada where snow is always a topic of conversation and the autumn leaves make everything better.

Giveaway Details

This tour-wide giveaway is for a $20 Amazon Gift Card. The giveaway is open internationally.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Jemi on her week-long tour HERE. You never know what you might find out. I hope dementia hasn’t touch your family or friends, but in case it has do you have any tips to share on dealing with this terrible disease?

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Cozy Mystery Publishing, IWSG, Mollie McGhie Cozy Sailing Mysteries, Writing

Missing Deadlines & Eating Lots of Chocolate | IWSG

April 1, 2020 Ellen Jacobson

The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world?

Check out how people have answered this month’s question, as well as the other insecurities and writing topics they may have shared by visiting the IWSG sign-up list HERE. You can see how I answered the question below.

So, how are you all doing in your neck of the woods? Feeling a little crazy? Stir crazy, perhaps?

I’m definitely feeling the crazy right now, especially the stir crazy. Do you remember my IWSG post from last month – the one where I said that by the time this month rolled around, I’d either be celebrating with chocolate for meeting my deadlines OR commiserating with chocolate because I didn’t meet them?

Well, I failed. I watched as the deadlines came and went while stuffing my face with some delicious dark chocolate Dove candies that a friend gave me. She knows me so well.

In my defense, we had a lot going on – selling our boat (done!), getting all our stuff of the boat (done!), moving the boat into storage for her new owner (done!), preparing our teeny-tiny camper to become our full-time home (done!), and temporarily moving our camper into the campground at the marina (done!).

We also were busy with something immensely more fun then dealing with campers and boats – we got to meet fellow IWSG member, Liesbet from Roaming About, along with her sweet hubby and their adorable dog! So much fun was had and we were super sad to see them leave.

We too had hoped to leave Indiantown Marina here in southern Florida and head out West, first with a stop at Disney Land. Needless to say, that didn’t happen. By the time we were ready to head out, it was apparent that COVID-19 was a pretty big deal. We couldn’t decide what to do – stay or go – so we kept ordering stuff from Amazon for our camper to delay having to make a decision.

Eventually, the pandemic made the decision for us, so here we sit at Indiantown Marina eating lots of chocolate.

In writing news, I obviously missed my deadline for finishing up my romantic comedy, Smitten with Ravioli, but I’m now back on track and hope to have it done this week.

In other news from the writing front, I had scheduled a bunch of price drop promos for Murder at the Marina, the first in my Mollie McGhie cozy mystery series, long before the pandemic. I wasn’t sure how it would go in this new reality of ours, but, so far, they’re going okay. I think people are looking for bargain books in the current economic climate. Whether they’ll go on to buy full-price books in the rest of the series remains to be seen. My guess is probably not so much given financial strains that folks are feeling. On a related note, I’ve been selling a bunch of my large print cozy mysteries – people sure are looking for something to do while cooped up inside.

Well, anyhoo, that’s how things are going here. We’re healthy, we have a place to stay, and we have lots of chocolate. It could be worse.

How are things going for you?

Murder at the Marina is on sale for 99c/99p! If you like quirky characters, adorable cats, and plenty of chocolate, you’ll love this cozy mystery! Grab your copy at:

Cozy Mystery Author Interview

Cozy Mystery Author Interview | Larissa Reinhart

March 30, 2020 Ellen Jacobson

I have another fun cozy mystery author interview for you today, this time with Larissa Reinhart. You’re going to love her answers to my questions, especially the one to the cookie question. You’ll definitely be craving a sweet treat after reading that one.

So settle in a comfy chair with the beverage of your choice, maybe even a cookie or two, and find out what Larissa has to say about writing, penguins, and cookies.

1 – What inspired you to write your books?

My first series, A Cherry Tucker Mystery, began when I was living in Japan. I’d been working on another manuscript, but this redneck artist from Georgia kept speaking to me as I drove my kids to school. Then her crazy family began speaking to me. I had to write her story down just to get her out of my head so I could concentrate on the other manuscript. And that became Portrait of a Dead Guy. She never did stop speaking, so my idea of quieting her didn’t work.

The Maizie Albright Star Detective series began because I had an agent who wanted something like Cherry Tucker “but different.” The movie industry had moved into our area. Pinewood Studios had bought land a few miles from my house (that’s where the Avenger movies are made) and The Walking Dead and other TV shows were being filmed a few miles in the other direction. That inspired me to create a new character and place her in Georgia, with a “fish out of water” theme — a celebrity who’s basically kicked out of Hollywood and returns home to start a new career as a private investigator, the role that made her famous. Six books in and movies are still being made here. Maizie Albright is learning how to become a detective and also how to live a normal life.

The Finley Goodhart Crime Capers is my newest series. I always loved con artist stories, so I thought it’d be fun to create a con artist amateur sleuth character and also put her in Georgia.

2 – What’s your favorite thing about cozy mysteries?

I love the puzzle. I was always an Agatha Christie fan. But it’s really about the characters to me. I’ll read a long series because of the characters. Particularly if they’re funny and quirky with a romantic interest.

3 – Do you have any writing rituals?

As a mom, I have to keep changing my writing rituals. There’s an office but now it also has a treadmill and weights in it. This winter I find myself sitting at the kitchen table and writing so I can keep a better ear on the washing machine (I kept forgetting about the laundry). Now I’m working and homeschooling due to the Corona Virus, so I’m still at the kitchen table. When I started writing and my girls were little, they used to go to bed and I could write. They don’t go to bed before me anymore. 😉

4 – What’s more important – character or plot?

A bad plot can ruin a book, but if the characters aren’t interesting or likable or compelling, I don’t think you could get through the book and learn if the plot works or not. At least, that’s my opinion!

5 – What do you like best about being an author? What do you like the least?

I think most writers love coming up with ideas for stories and characters. That’s exciting and fun. I have so many ideas for future stories that I don’t even know if I could write them all. Interacting with readers is also an awesome part of writing. When I began writing, I never realized how many new friends I’d make, particularly through social media.

The hardest part is forcing myself to sit and write when nothing seems to be working. My brain literally hurts. It’s frustrating. Every time I write, I get to a point where I wonder if I can really finish the book. It puts me in a horrible mood. I don’t it when the “writing world” bleeds into my “mom world” because I can’t get the problem out of my head.

In that case, I’m 100% normal. I love cookies! Recently, I’ve developed an addiction to the Girl Scout shortbread cookies, Trefoils. I also love Oreos, Nutter Butters, and anything made by Pepperidge Farm. For homemade cookies, you can’t beat a chocolate chip. This is such a hard question…

Actually maybe my favorite are some of the Christmas cookies I make. Either sour cream cookies or almond. Or the sugar with the frosting. Or my daughter makes these delicious orange and lemon cookies.

I don’t think I have a favorite cookie.

7 – A penguin walks through your front door wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why did he come visit you?

It’s Taco Tuesday, obviously. He’s made frozen margaritas.

8 – What else would you like us to know about you?

I made the first Maizie Albright Star Detective book free to encourage everyone to #StayHomeAndRead. 15 MINUTES is available in most stores for free right now: https://books2read.com/b/m2Xqor

18 CALIBER, Maizie Albright Star Detective #6, launches April 14th. Maizie’s mixing with international stars, spies, and her mother’s dark past in her sixth case in The Wall Street Journal bestselling series.

You can learn more at my website www.larissareinhart.com, where you can also sign up for my VIP Readers’ Email group and get a free short story! Thank you!

Thanks so much for having me on, Ellen! This was fun. Should I send the penguin over to your house? With my daughters at home, we’re making cookies. 🙂

Editor’s Note: Thanks so much for the interview, Larissa! Loved the reference to Nutter Butters – took me right back to my childhood. 🙂 So great that you’re making cookies with your daughters at home. I suspect there is a lot of cookie baking and eating going on in many homes these days.