Blog

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Spells & Spice & Everything Nice (Wyrd Words & Witchcraft Book 3)?

Spells & Spice & Everything Nice is book 3 in a series featuring Juliette, a 39-year-old woman with a chronic anxiety panic disorder. At the beginning of the series, Juliette, who has always believed she was a witch with minimal powers, develops the ability to reunite lost objects and their owners. The unexpected magical boost pushes her far out of her comfort zone and forces her to manage her anxiety rather than doing everything in her power to avoid triggering panic attacks. But while her magic allows her to right many wrongs, Juliette’s powers cannot help her find the one thing she’s always craved. Or can they? I write stories about women that readers can relate to despite their magical settings. Chronic anxiety is something a shocking number of us experience, yet it’s rare to read stories with anxious main characters. I set out to write Juliette’s story to show women struggling with the disorder that they are not alone, and that their anxiety doesn’t have to hold them back from living their dreams.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Spells & Spice & Everything Nice (Wyrd Words & Witchcraft Book 3), what would they be?

Colbie Caillat: "Try" ; Julia Michaels: "Anxiety ( ft. Selena Gomez)"

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

I have broad reading tastes, but I'm definitely partial to Magical Realism, Cozy Paranormal fiction, and anything Fantasy related.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Deborah Harkness' new book 'The Blackbird Oracle' is sitting at the top of my TBR. I cannot wait to be on vacation next week so I can give it my undivided attention!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There is a scene toward the end of the book where the semi-sentient building that houses Juliette's appartment and bookshop creates a gorgeous bookshelf in the shape of a tree, complete with reading nooks on various branches. It was so fun to get to write about the bookshelf every book lover wishes they could have!

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

I can't seem to start writing if I don't have a mug of hot coffee or tea on my desk. How much is left in the mug at the end of a writing session is a sure sign of how well things went!

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

These days I seem to be living by the moto, "Bird by Bird" coined by Anne Lamott. It’s what her father told her brother when he was panicking about writing a report on birds because there was just so much material to cover. Whenever I get overwhelmed by everything I need to do, I remind myself to focus on one bird at a time. It’s ironic because I have a massive bird phobia, but it works! It's also Ted Lasso's motto, which is an added bonus!

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

I would love for my readers to put down my books feeling like they've just enjoyed a great cup of coffee and a chat with their best friends. We are all so lonely and isolated these days, I want my readers to feel a little more connected and a little less alone.

Jessica Rosenberg is the author of the new book Spells & Spice & Everything Nice (Wyrd Words & Witchcraft Book 3)

Connect with Jessica Rosenberg

Author Site

Facebook

Buy The Book

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Lilac Ink: The Knocknashee Story?

I read an article about a woman who threw a bottle with a note inside into the sea in Co Wexford in Ireland ,and a family walking on a beach in New Jersey found it, which sparked the idea for a story.

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

I love thrillers, but historical fiction will always have my heart.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

So many - I'm just starting 'The Dinner Guest', and just finished 'The Four Winds'.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I love a good baddie and I have written a truly awful one in this series, so anything with Agnes Fitzgerald is fun to write.

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

I write in a glass office in my garden, so i'm surrounded by nature which is lovely. But I often write late at night, or in the early hours. I got into that habit when i worked full time as a teacher and wrote on the side.

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

The overwhelming majority of people are basically good and kind everywhere, and we all want the same thing: to be safe and comfortable, but that doesn't sell newspapers...

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

We have far more in common as human beings than the things that divide us, regardless of gender, geography, social class etc.

Jean Grainger is the author of the new book Lilac Ink: The Knocknashee Story

Connect with Jean Grainger

Author Site

Facebook

Buy The Book

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Darkest Chase (Dark Hearts of Redhaven Book 3)?

The Darkest Chase is a small-town grumpy sunshine romance with the lights turned down. Think of it like entering concert or a theater. I've always loved to throw together characters who are light and shadow, and that's definitely Talia Grey and Micah Ainsley. She's a walking sunbeam. He's a human storm. She's a sheltered girl. He's had his soul split apart by life. Together, their opposite polarities find a new balance with all of the healing, heart, and emotion I love to infuse into a story.

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

I should say romance, and it's at the top of my list, but I also read a lot of pure mysteries and thrillers. I read a decent amount of non-fiction lately as well, history and biographies are my go-to. I think it's good for authors to mix it up and expand their own reading tastes beyond their genre, and I've always done that by habit.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I've had the Riley Thorn books by Lucy Score on my reading list for some time. I saw she released a new one recently, so I think it's finally time to dive in. I'm also a fan of Brittney Sahin's work and her whole Falcon Falls Series rocks.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Easy. When the tension between Micah and Talia boils over and their true feelings erupt. It's steamy, emotional, and kind of dark when it comes to the loving they get up to. It's a refreshing change from my usual sultry scenes and it just oozes feelings.

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

It's never too late to embrace yourself, embrace love, and transcend old wounds. That's the short, simple message of this book, and even if it's pure fiction I think it's also true to life.

Nicole Snow is the author of the new book The Darkest Chase (Dark Hearts of Redhaven Book 3)

Connect with Nicole Snow

Author Site

Facebook

Twitter

Buy The Book

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Five Fatal Flaws?

"Five Fatal Flaws" is about five flawed characters who may or may not be capable of committing one, or more, crimes. The characters are very dear to me, having been created in a series of flash fiction stories over the past few years, even before the actual crimes in the novel became part of the plot for my story.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Five Fatal Flaws, what would they be?

Each of my characters has a theme song. You’ll have to read to the book to find out the obvious connections: "Hurt" – Johnny Cash, "Back to Black" – Amy Winehouse, "The First Cut is the Deepest" – Rod Stewart, "Hip to Be Square" – Huey Lewis and the News, "Firestarter" – The Prodigy.

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

Although I predominantly write psychological suspense, my reading preference leans towards women’s literary fiction. I do still read a lot of suspense, though. In order to write in your genre, you should read in your genre.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

This is really a coincidence, but my TBR pile is filled with Louises: Louise Beech - 'End of Story', Louise Candlish - 'Our Holiday', Louise Doughty - 'A Bird in Winter'.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favourite scene to write was the penultimate chapter. I obviously can’t give away anything about it as that would be a MASSIVE spoiler, but it is set in the Alpine mountain resort of Leysin in Switzerland, a place that is dear to my heart, where I spent many years as a young adult, and is the hometown of one of my characters.

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

No quirky habits apart from consuming massive amounts of tea to get me through my writing. But if I’ve had a satisfyingly productive day, a congratulatory glass or two of Prosecco is definitely my reward.

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

Never give up on your dreams.

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

I aim to provide a sense of place with my writing, to accompany my quirky characters, and I strive to write prose that touches the reader’s heart.

Louise Mangos is the author of the new book Five Fatal Flaws

Connect with Louise Mangos

Author Site

Facebook

Twitter

Buy The Book

What perspectives or beliefs have you challenged with The Shooter's Sister (Raven Ledger Duet: Book 1)?

These violent tragedies are mainly shown to us from two perspectives: the unfortunate and violated victims and the monster who murdered them. We see only what the media wants us to see. The victims should be front and center of these horrific events. I was watching a documentary on a school shooter (mainly their time in the courtroom) and the camera panned to his sister. I began to wonder how awful it would be to have a brother or sister who committed mass murder. We’ve all been betrayed by family and friends at some point in our lives, but imagine having to carry the shooter’s burden and hatred with you. Your sibling didn’t seem unstable or capable of doing something so egregious, thoughtless, and vindictive. The shooter’s family members are often as disgusted and bewildered as others in the community. But through insurmountable loss and sorrow, the victims’ families may find it difficult to empathize, I know it would be hard for me. The victims’ families want someone to be held accountable for the sudden loss of their loved one(s). In my opinion, that’s just human nature. It would seem only natural to place blame on the shooter’s family members. At times, these individuals become a target of hate and retribution. People, being people, need answers. I know I need them when something horrific happens in my life. We all want to understand why and how someone can commit a barbaric and vile act against innocent people. I’ve been in situations where I’ve been blamed for the sins of others. In my small world, I’ve dealt with narcissistic psychotics at home and in the workplace. I know what it’s like to be betrayed and decide whether to defend myself or move on. Raven Ledger shouldered all the burden of her brother’s horrible actions. She wasn’t able to grieve for her losses and she wasn’t able to forgive her brother. Like her, I understand the crushing weight of carrying someone else’s burden, mistake, and intentional misconduct.

What risks have you taken with your writing that have paid off?

I write about sensitive, controversial topics through storytelling. I find that real-life fiction is the best way to represent the themes. Even though personal experiences and characters are laced through every book I write, it’s important to write robust stories around my protagonists. I want to give readers a sense of time, place, and emotion. I intend to bring readers deep inside the story so they can see a situation from various points of view and feel what the characters are going through.

When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?

It was my imagination that saved me from the abuse I endured as a child. From a young age, I’ve been able to put myself in someone else’s head, pretending I had their life instead of my own. Through personal experiences and exposure to things happening around me, I’m able to go into those dark spaces and draw from the feelings of fear, isolation, and poverty. Then I draw upon my fleeting moments of happiness and contentment. My times of laughter and sorrow. The strong characters I write that help my protagonist are scripted of people I wish would have stepped in to help me—then and now. Loyalty is important to me and one of the hardest things to find in people.

Paige Dearth is the author of the new book The Shooter's Sister (Raven Ledger Duet: Book 1)

Connect with Paige Dearth

Author Site

Facebook

Twitter

Buy The Book

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Atlantis, Land of Dreams?

This story chose me. My mother passed her interest in Atlantis to me when I was young, and I’ve since been fascinated with ancient civilizations and the myriads of possibilities surrounding them. Around Christmas 2023, when I had just finished a romantic thriller, inspiration struck. This was the time to write about Atlantis. I knew it would be a second chance romance between a woman who could communicate with animals and a woman who practiced the healing arts, both over fifty years old. So, while writing the next book in my mystery series (already scheduled), I immersed myself in everything about Atlantis and pre-diluvian civilizations, from spiritual, archeological, and geological perspectives. When I started writing the book, I would dream chapters and type them up the next day. The novel lays out a viable hypothesis of what happened to the real Atlantis. I intended to go far beyond a conventional romance and present a believable historical fantasy world readers would long to visit, and hopefully recreate in humanity’s future. It’s a sweet love story too.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Atlantis, Land of Dreams, what would they be?

I think the two main characters, Ariel and Lysandra, would agree on the same song—"When you Believe" from The Prince of Egypt.

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

My favorite genres to read and write are mysteries and fantasies, preferably with a romantic element.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

'Gideon the Ninth' and 'The Way of Kings'.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Oh, are you going to try to make me pick a favorite? There were so many—so many tender interactions, terrifying life-and-death moments, not to mention the love scene. Alright. Maybe this will be a fun teaser. Every generation has its slang, its catchphrases, or expressions people use to express themselves in ways other than plain words. Throughout the novel, various characters use the expression, “bury a spoon,” and Ariel doesn’t know what it means. Before arriving at the last page, I finally have a major side character tell her the story behind the phrase. That was also fun to write after stringing readers along.

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

I wouldn't say I have quirky writing habits; however, I have an adorable Havanese who loves to lie on my feet or legs while I'm typing.

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

"Everything is always working out for me."

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

The law of one. Everyone and everything, every cell and atom, person and planet in the universe are connected. We're all made from the same stuff, a part of each other. There is no "us" and "them;" there's only us.

Edale Lane is the author of the new book Atlantis, Land of Dreams

Connect with Edale Lane

Author Site

Facebook

Twitter

Buy The Book