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Interview with Lynne Marshall, Author of Cynthia Peabody's Big Fat Fake Funeral: Absentminded Witness

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

After completing the first book in the Cynthia Peabody Duet (The Extraordinary Dreams of Cynthia Peabody), an idea for a cozy (ish) murder mystery came rushing through my brain. Cynthia Peabody’s Big Fat Fake Funeral takes place after Cynthia and her new best friend, Ronnie Long, move to Northern California, where Ronnie accidentally witnesses a murder. Cynthia assumed her superpowers were left behind with the move north, but she just can’t quit being an unofficial guardian angel. I had a lot of fun writing this book, even though I was sad to finish the rest of Cynthia’s story.

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

Ronnie Long — "YMCA"
Durrell — "I'm Too Sexy" (written before he was born!)
Cynthia — "I Will Always Love You"

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

I wrote romance for fifteen years for Harlequin, so I read books from other genres to avoid being influenced by other romance authors. As a result, I’m a big women’s fiction and murder mystery fan. Now, I’m thrilled to be writing women’s fiction with a focus on mystery (the woo-woo kind) and murder! And my reading choices are truly eclectic!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I'm currently reading and enjoying The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman. After that, my book club chose The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett. Then the next Vera Wong book (she was an inspiration for Cynthia) by Jesse Q. Sutanto.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I had many scenes I loved writing in this book, but the one that cracked me up was Cynthia and Ronnie’s hotel room scene. She has a grand idea to help him remember all the details of the murder he witnessed. Her plan involves canned cocktails, a reflexology foot massage using essential oils, and there may have been some (special) gummies involved. That’s all I’m saying.

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

BICHOK - pays off every time (Butt in chair. Hands on keyboard.)

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

We're all in this together, so let's be nice to each other.

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

The Cynthia Peabody duet is a true love story. (though not a romance)

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Lynne Marshall is the author of the new book Cynthia Peabody's Big Fat Fake Funeral: Absentminded Witness

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Cynthia Peabody's Big Fat Fake Funeral: Absentminded Witness

Interview with Colleen Helme, Author of Imitation Alien

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

Several years ago, I was invited to speak at a high school career day as an author. I looked through my unfinished works and found the opening scene to this book. Since the scene was about teenagers, I thought it would be fun to use in the writing demonstration. I read the first few pages to the students, and they loved it so much that they wanted more. They told me they would read the book if I’d finish writing it. That was about four years ago. In between writing the books in my Shelby Nichols series and others, I spent my spare time writing this book. It was so much fun to be in Sage’s world, and I’m so happy with how it all turned out. It's really been a work of love for me.

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

If Sage had a theme song, it would be "A Symptom of Being Human" by Shinedown because she spent her whole life hiding in plain sight. The whole premise of that song—feeling like you don't fit, hiding who you really are, the weight of a secret identity—maps onto her story beautifully. And Shinedown has that emotional intensity that really captures her voice. For Zane, Sage’s boyfriend, it would be "Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men—a bit more adventurous, which could work given that he ends up right in the middle of all the action alongside Sage.

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

It changes depending on my mood! I love anything that’s a little outside the box. I like sci-fi and a touch of paranormal, like my Shelby Nichols series about a woman who can read minds! I also love a good Regency romance. Fantasy used to be my favorite, but now I like mystery and suspense more—although I’ll still read a good fantasy!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

First up is the 4th book in the Apprentice to the Villain series. It’s not out yet, but I’m looking forward to reading it. I’ve also loved all The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells (and the TV series—I’ve watched it 3 times!), and I’m looking forward to reading the latest release in that series.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

That’s hard to answer because there were so many! Right now, I'd say it’s when a spaceship suddenly materializes in front of Sage and Zane. I won't say more than that—but let's just say it changes everything!

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

I have my office all perfectly arranged so I can look out my window and see the backyard garden while I\'m writing. It helps to have a Diet Coke handy as well!

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

I write because the stories won’t let me stop, but it’s my readers who keep me going. I think my superpower is making people forget the real world for a while.

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

I always feel hopeful after reading this book—and somehow it sparks my creativity and my imagination. I hope it does the same for you!

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Colleen Helme is the author of the new book Imitation Alien

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Imitation Alien

Interview with Colleen Shannon, Author of The Hawk's Lady

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

I've disappeared for a while because I have over a million books in print, but I’ve been writing screenplays lately. However, I knew I had to do this deluxe ‘keeper’ reissue of my third Berkley book, The Hawk’s Lady. A pirate/captive historical romance set in 1799 against our first terrorist challenge: the Barbary States. Or so it seems. This book actually circulates in the Library of Congress, but it's a fun historical romp with romantic desert nights, kidnappings, harem dances, and a battle between the Algiers frigate we gave them as tribute and the hero. I researched the history at Duke University, and everything, what they ate, what they wore, even the strange words, in the later book, Philadelphia history, is accurate. I’ll sign and ship the first 25 copies sold from my website, but it’s also available as an e-book and in softcover at various sites. Debut date: July 4th. They’re very expensive, but when I get a strong enough interest list, I’ll do a second deluxe printing with Book Vault out of England. If interested, please join my interest list on my website. That's the only place I'll sell these books in this age of AI and the like. Mine is 100% human-authored. There are two short videos on my Instagram account talking about the book, and I’m about to upload an 18-minute YouTube video of me reading key scenes from The Hawk’s Lady. I should get the link anytime and can forward it when I do.

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

I've found a song I'd like to include with my main promo that's about to go out, but I can't get in touch with the artist. I've tried. I'd never violate anyone else's copyright. I'm going to look around to see if I can find something that's not copyrighted to include in a later promo flyer, probably toward the end of the month.

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

I have eclectic tastes. I'm moving more toward romantic suspense these days and even straight thrillers. I occasionally read historical romance. I recently reread Laura London's The Windflower, one of my all-time favorites, and it made Goodreads' list, too. As for my aspirations, if I get sufficient interest, I may pursue the Earth, Wind, and Fire trilogy linked in the back of The Hawk's Lady to an epilogue set in 1814 against the War of 1812, which most historians agree is the war that really united 13 fractious colonies into the USA.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

A John Grisham book, A Time for Mercy; my friend Lori Ryan's romantic suspense, Pure Vengeance (almost finished); the classic Children of Men; and Ruth Ware's The Woman in Cabin 10. I think I saw the movie version of this with Keira Knightley. It seemed the same, anyway. I have two nonfiction books as well: one about Desi because he fascinates me and what he did as a TV trailblazer (he had enough sense to acquire Star Trek when all other studios passed on it), and Band of Angels about Lincoln and the Civil War.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Probably the naval battle scene. It's partially based on a true battle, and I wove it into my story. I even got the director of the NC Maritime Institute to read it for accuracy. It took the longest because of all the research, but I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. I honestly think this book would appeal to men as well as women because there is so much history and action.

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

A messy desk with piles of to-dos, not done, give-me-a-break, I-need-a-bigger-trashcan.

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

I believe kindness in all things is what God meant for us when He created us, but hopefully, most people reading this feel that way too, so I won't cite the Golden Rule. This is probably life's next most important advice, appropriately enough, the first quote in The Hawk's Lady for Part One by the famous Arabic poet Omar Khayyam: "The moving finger writes, and having writ, moves on; not all your piety nor wit shall lure it back to cancel half a line, nor all your tears wash out a word of it." Live for today and let the morrow repine, but be careful of your choices, is the way I interpret this line, but to each her/his own. That's the beauty of poetry.

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

Listen to all the patriotic news. If you don't know our early history, find a source. Best of all, pick up a book on American history. This is my tribute, and you'll certainly get history by osmosis, but the scope is so vast; this is just a slice. And I strongly believe, as voters, we should know where we came from to decide where we're going and why.

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Colleen Shannon is the author of the new book The Hawk's Lady

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The Hawk's Lady

Interview with Danielle M. Wong, Author of The East Wing

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

This story came to me in addictive bits. I have always been fascinated by haunted houses, and I was particularly intrigued by a "cabinet of curiosities" exhibit I saw during one of my trips abroad. My mind ran wild as I experimented with combining those two interests. Wren's family mansion creates an eerie backdrop in the novel, and the peculiar items inside heighten tension throughout the plot!

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

There are some creepy lullabies woven into the story, so probably one of those!

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

I love reading psychological thrillers as much as I enjoy writing them.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Too many to list. There is an endless supply of incredible books I want to read, and my TBR pile seems to grow by the hour!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I love reading prologues because of the way they instantly draw me in. This one was particularly fun to craft!

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

I am a huge fan of snacks, and I almost always have a treat nearby during my writing sessions. If nothing else, it serves as delicious motivation.

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

In terms of my writing life, I try to approach the craft with a beginner's mindset. There is always more to learn, and that keeps things exciting!

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

Without giving anything away, I hope that readers remember how circumstances can change in a pivotal instant...

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Danielle M. Wong is the author of the new book The East Wing

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The East Wing

Interview with Theresa Crater, Author of Whales, Witches, and Wait...What?

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

I lived in the Pacific Northwest for 13 years and loved it, especially the orcas. I started to see reports that they were endangered because of reduced salmon and steelhead populations and pollution runoff from the cities. When the Klamath River dams were removed, the rebound of the fish population was way beyond what was predicted. The Skagit River is now the focus for removing those three dams, but of course, there's controversy. I thought it would be fun to throw some magic and the fun detective team in the Emerald City series at this issue.

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

For the book and Laurie, the main character in this book, "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2595abcvh2M

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

Paranormal women's fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Sanctuary by Mark Dawson, Fireborn by Kate Maclister, and The Subtle Art of Folding Space by John Chu.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The climax because it defies loss through magic. Even when we think there is no way, there is.

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

My cat on my lap in winter, but in summer, she wants to be under a bush in the catio. I try to open my manuscript first thing, and even if I get distracted, it's sitting there waiting for me. Whispering to me.

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

"We have come into the presence of The One who was never apart from us..." Rumi

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

There is always hope.

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Theresa Crater is the author of the new book Whales, Witches, and Wait...What? (Emerald City Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 4)

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Whales, Witches, and Wait...What? (Emerald City Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 4)

New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | June 30

Hold on to the edge of your seat as we hunt for clues and solve the case with these exciting new mystery and thriller books for the week! There are so many bestselling authors with new novels for you to dive into this week including Alexandra Sokoloff & Craig Robertson, Lynne Marshall, Lynn M. Kristopher, Danielle M. Wong, Theresa Crater, and more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

Cynthia Peabody's Big Fat Fake Funeral: Absentminded Witness Get The Book
The Grapevine (The Lost Highway Series Book 1) Get The Book
Whales, Witches, and Wait...What? (Emerald City Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 4) Get The Book
Not Who She Was (Rachel Quinn Thrillers Book 2) Get The Book
The East Wing Get The Book

New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books to Read | June 30

Set off on an adventure to new worlds this week! This selection of new science fiction and fantasy books will surely please! Science Fiction fans should be excited about the latest from bestselling authors N. Joseph Glass, Loki Renard, Kelli Callahan, Toby Neighbors, and Ian Ginn. If Fantasy is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from Hugo V. Negron, Lyra Mishon, Roxie Ray, Lola Glass, and Victor Molotov & Igor Almazov. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!

Glaive Get The Book
Shadows Unbound (Starfall Academy Book 4) Get The Book
My Emergency Contact is a Wolf Shifter Get The Book
Sweet Blood (At First Bite Book 1) Get The Book
The Exiled Healer Get The Book
Harbinger of Darkness (The Outlier Book 1) Get The Book
Owning His Pet Get The Book
Rogue (The Jack Hammer Adventures Book 1) Get The Book
Her Viking Wolves Get The Book
SERUM 8: Amsterdam 2045 Get The Book