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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Abracadabra and Goodbye (Rose Cruz Cruise Ship Mysteries Book 3)?

I’ve always loved the idea of a cozy mystery set in an unexpected place, so when I thought about a cruise ship, it felt like the perfect backdrop for suspense and intrigue. I’ve also been fascinated by the world of magicians. The idea of mixing that with a murder was too good to pass up. But beyond the murder mystery itself, this story is really about relationships, the friendships, the rivalries, and the way people hide things behind the masks they wear. It was inspired by my own experiences of getting to know people in unexpected circumstances, where secrets are revealed, and everything isn’t always what it seems. Plus, I couldn’t resist the thought of solving a murder while cruising the open ocean... Again.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Abracadabra and Goodbye (Rose Cruz Cruise Ship Mysteries Book 3), what would they be?

For Rose, I’d say “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey.

For Ben, I think “Smooth Sailing” by Leon Bridges fits.

As for Rex, I’d go with “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love cozy mysteries, but I also enjoy romance mysteries and thrillers. These genres help me build tension and add emotional depth to my own writing. Over the past couple of years, reading across different genres has really helped me grow as a writer, especially as I’ve learned from my mistakes and figured out how to share my work more authentically.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m looking to dive into The Guest List by Lucy Foley. I’ve also got The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion on my list. And, of course, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is calling my name.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I really enjoyed writing the scene where Rose faces off with Mr. Magoo. There’s this undeniable tension between them. What makes it exciting is that, as much as they’re saying to each other, you know there’s so much more being left unsaid. It’s one of those moments where everything feels like it’s on the line, and I really enjoy building that kind of suspense.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I like to meditate before my writing sessions to clear my mind and focus. I also keep a cup of chamomile tea nearby; it’s a simple way to stay calm and centered. And I always have my writing playlist playing softly in the background, usually Carl Doy Radio, which helps set the mood and gets my creative ideas flowing.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Life’s a journey, not a destination.” I think it’s so important to embrace the process, whether it’s writing a book or navigating life. There are always ups and downs, but the adventure is what makes it all worthwhile.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I hope readers walk away remembering that no matter how tough things get, it’s worth pushing through. Rose faces a lot of challenges, but she never gives up on finding the truth. It’s a reminder that persistence, trusting yourself, and staying determined can get you through even the toughest moments, even when doubt tries to creep in.

 

Audrey Alden is the author of the new book Abracadabra and Goodbye (Rose Cruz Cruise Ship Mysteries Book 3)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Death Panels?

My career passion was repairing America’s broken health care system. Upon retiring from a 40 year career as a health care executive trying to create health reform, I realized my efforts had fallen short. I turned to a bucket list idea- writing a novel- and discovered this could also be an outlet for my unfulfilled career dream. Why not write entertaining books about American medical care, that also educate Americans about how the health system got to be the way it is, and how to fix it? Turns out there was more than one novel in me- now three and still counting.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Death Panels, what would they be?

"Things Have Changed" by Bob Dylan.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Historical Fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

James by Percival Everett. Trying to improve my writing by reading other recognized books.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The escape scene. I worked so hard to imprison my heroes in a health care horror, and then had to figure out how to get them out!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Nothing very quirky. Try to write everyday when a book is under development.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Erleichda. Coined by the late great Tom Robbins. Essentially means to "lighten up"- advice that was invaluable during my working days in health care.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Life is precious, and our health care system is incredibly important to almost everyone, at some point in their life. The people working in the system are talented, committed and smart, but toiling within a very flawed system. We can do much better.

 

Greg Vigdor is the author of the new book Death Panels

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Dead As A Dodo (A Birdie Byrnes Mystery)?

I’ve always loved amateur sleuth & cozy mysteries with a female protagonist. Years ago, I stumbled upon Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series – there were only two books at that time—and I’ve been a loyal reader ever since. Over the years, I’ve added quite a few other cozy authors to my reading pile and decided to try my hand at writing one. I live in South Florida, so Dead As A Dodo is set in Miami and the surrounding areas. As for Birdie’s occupation as a massage therapist, I’d never seen it done before. It gives her the opportunity to meet and help a lot of people and it requires real strength and endurance.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Dead As A Dodo (A Birdie Byrnes Mystery), what would they be?

I love this question! The characters in this book go to The Pickled Pelican for Monday Night Karaoke. These are their picks:

Birdie – "I Will Survive"

Callie and Luca – "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" (hint: but not with each other)

Detective Stephens – "My Way"

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genres to read are cozy mystery and romantic comedy. Having a little humor injected into my life is a good thing. I’d written a couple romcoms and recently decided to try writing a mystery. Dead As A Dodo is the first book in the Birdie Byrnes cozy mystery series. It was a blast to write!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m reading Jana DeLeon’s Unlucky after devouring every book (so far) in the Miss Fortune series. And, I’m impatiently waiting for Julie Mulhern’s Tight Rope, the 19th book in The Country Club Murders series that is due out in March.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Hmm…I do love the scenes when Birdie is investigating with her best friend Callie. One of my favorites is when they decide to do a stake out on their prime suspect one night. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I’ll just say they’re persistent amateurs!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I do, but it’s a secret. If I told you, I might jinx myself. *wink*

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I’m optimistic and try to see the glass as ¾ full, because it’s better than ½, right? Even so, everyone has their share of hard days, months, or years. There’s always something to be thankful for and when you find it, that will make those hard times better.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The name of the series, so they can find the second book—LOL. But seriously, to save herself, Birdie must go completely outside of her comfort zone. In doing that, she emerges a much stronger person with a few new skills. I believe everyone can become stronger by going outside their comfort zone. Maybe that’s why I decided to write a cozy mystery.

 

Shel Delisle is the author of the new book Dead As A Dodo (A Birdie Byrnes Mystery)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Conquest of Liberty (Of Moors, Monarchs and Monks Book One)?

After living several years in the Andes Mountains, I felt motivated to tell the story of the Inca Empire and its conquest by the Spanish, along with its eventual liberation.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Historical fiction and action adventure romance. Following this series, my next will be a fun action adventure packed with romance.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Virginia Dynasty, Anne of Green Gables, Napoleon.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

When Michelangelo escorts my characters into the Sistine Chapel to give them a tour of his progress painting the ceiling.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

No, I get up early and sit in my recliner and write. When an idea surfaces, I pull out my laptop and write.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

My most valuable assets are my friends and family, take care of them first.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Our personal liberty is sacred. It must be defended at all cost because there are always those willing to do anything to take it from us.

 

Kent Merrell is the author of the new book The Conquest of Liberty (Of Moors, Monarchs and Monks Book One)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Times of Clouds and Sun?

Delving into the struggle for reconcilation and forgiveness in familial relationships.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Times of Clouds and Sun, what would they be?

"Pray for Forgiveness" by Alicia Keys.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Literary, contemporary and women's fiction. Yes, women's fiction is one of my favorite genre to write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Alice Network, The Direction of Wind.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene where Maya and Jefferey first meet on the chaotic train in India, and subsequent development of the their relationship.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Write one day, edit the previous day's writing the following day.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Compassion and understanding that we are all humans with faults and differences that need to be respected and held high as a moral compass.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I would ask them to remember that even in the most difficult situations with family members that is it always worth trying to work towards reconciliation and forgiveness.

 

Michael Dane Hager is the author of the new book Times of Clouds and Sun

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The City That Would Eat The World (More Gods Than Stars Book 1)?

Ooof. That's... well, a long story. It's the culmination of years of reasearch and thinking about capitalism, colonialism, urban sprawl, regulatory capture by corporations, the megastructure architectural movement of the 1960s and 70s, and of course a bunch of really cool anime fights.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I do read more fantasy than anything else, but it's by no means the majority of my reading!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Well, I have 538 unread books on my kindle alone, not counting books I picked up on other ereader platforms or physical books. So... a lot.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Obviously the convoluted economic crash caused by regulatory malfeasance that requires two chapters to explain- in a high-action adventure novel.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Caffeine. Dangerous levels of caffeine.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I wouldn't choose! I want them to remember my book, but... what sticks with you when you read a book is usually more about what you bring in with you than the book itself.

 

John Bierce is the author of the new book The City That Would Eat The World (More Gods Than Stars Book 1)

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