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Interview with Tara Sue Me, Author of Exposed Desire

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Exposed Desire?

The entire Benedict Brother series was me wanting to try my hand at something different than what I normally wrote. I made the setting Charleston because it’s one of my favorite cities. What I hadn’t planned on was Jade. She was nowhere in my initial plot outline, but popped up in Book One (Perilous Kiss) and refused to behave.

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

I was born in the 70s, so I’m going old school on this one! Definitely, Pam Tillis and ‘The River and the Highway’ The lyrics are below.

She follows the path of least resistance She doesn't care to see the mountain top She twists and turns with no regard to distance She never comes to a stop And she rolls, she's a river Where she goes, time will tell Heaven knows, he can't go with her And she rolls, all by herself All by herself He's headed for a single destination He doesn't care what's standing in his path He's a line between two points of separation He ends just where it says to on the map And he rolls, he's a highway Where he goes, time will tell Heaven knows, she can't go with him And he rolls, all by himself All by himself And every now and then, he offers her a shoulder And every now and then, she overflows And every now and then, a bridge crosses over It's a moment that every lover knows...

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

Romance is my preferred genre, but I’m open to anything as long as it has a happy ending. I was scarred for life once when I read an Amish “romance” where the hero died in the next to last chapter. You just can’t do that to me. I haven’t read a book about the Amish since!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m on a bit of a historical romance kick at the moment. I’m currently reading Always be My Duchess by Amalie Howard, and The Countess by Sophie Jordan is up next. I just finished Evie Dunmore’s Portrait of a Scotsman. And because it’s in my top five of all time and I need a reread, I’ll probably crack open Mary Balogh’s Slightly Dangerous soon.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Without giving away any spoilers, there’s a scene where Alyssa gets an email and its contents and the fallout were the most fun. I hope it’s a twist no one saw coming.

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

I wish I did because that would be really cool. Unfortunately, my only writing quirk is that I don’t have one.

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

"Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup."

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

Don’t let your past define your future.

Tara Sue Me is the author of the new book Exposed Desire (The Benedict Brothers, Book 3)

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Interview with Kimberley D. Tait, Author of Vandemere

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Vandemere?

One day, my sister and I were discussing how much we both enjoyed the movie, The Greatest Showman. I'd just finished writing another historical novel with magical realism and was busy querying agents for it, and my sister asked me if I would write a circus story for her, so I did! My grandfather on my mother's side of the family emigrated to Canada from Romania back in 1926, and he brought with him all kinds of stories and folklore that held us kids captivated for hours. I believe it was through him that I got my gift of storytelling, and I've tried to create a character that reflects the magical memories I hold close to my heart.

I've always been fascinated by the paranormal, and I've spent years developing my intuition, as well as playing around with Tarot. I've also spent the bulk of my working career in the horse industry, and have brought my love of dressage horses forward into the storyline of Vandemere. I hope I've done a good job passing on my knowledge of horses in an entertaining, insightful way.

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

For my protagonist, Vandemere Petruska, I would definitely choose Come Alive, from The Greatest Showman.

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

Literary fiction. I like to write in various genres but right now, historical fantasy is my favorite.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Ghost Bride by YUangsze Choo, The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson, Exodus by Kate Stewart, and Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I really enjoyed writing the scene where Vandy is recovering in the hospital after breaking his leg in the ring, and Lieutenant Dawson is grilling him about Annie Lee's disappearance. There is a lot of nuance going on between them, and it becomes a cat-and-mouse game of wits, with each trying to take control of the situation and come out the victor.

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

No quirky writing habits, although sometimes I like to leave off writing for the day in the middle of a sentence so I can come back the next day and know exactly what I was going to say. It helps get the creative juices flowing!

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

Better late than never.

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

Sometimes, these little quizzes cross your path, where someone will ask; if you could sit down to dinner with just one fictional character, who would it be? It's my dream that someday, one person will answer, Vandy Petruska, from that book Vandemere! I hope I've written the kind of character that will stay with readers for the rest of their lives.

Kimberley D. Tait is the author of the new book Vandemere: Book One of Circ de Tarot

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Interview with Duyu Wander, Author of Arrival of The Moon Hare

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Arrival of The Moon Hare?

I have a profound passion for the psychological challenges that arise when an individual must confront the unknown. I also have a great love for Japanese culture, anime, and pretty much anything related to horror. I combined all of these interests to create this series.

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

Yes, dark fantasy novel with psychological and horror elements.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

More than I could count, probably. Among them are: Dreamer's Throne by Seth Ring, Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell, Betta by Sammy Scott, Yami-Hara by Mizuki Tsujimura, and A Budding Scientist in a Fantasy World by Acaswell.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Honestly, I enjoyed writing all of it, but I've noticed that it's easier for me to write scenes that include a lot of humor or horror elements.

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

No, I don't. I need to be left alone so I can focus.

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

Write what you wish to read.

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

Even new authors can write good books.

Duyu Wander is the author of the new book Arrival of The Moon Hare (Rinyv Book 1)

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Interview with Jessica Rosenberg, Author of Spelled With a Kiss

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Spelled With a Kiss?

I write stories about real women who happen to live in a magical setting. Chronic anxiety is something a shocking number of women deal with on a daily basis, yet it’s rare to read stories that feature anxious heroines. Representation matters, and it can only be helpful for women to read stories about people like them who manage great and small things despite self-doubt, fear, and everything else anxiety brings with it. I was a child who escaped into books as often as feasibly possible (and a few times when it shouldn’t have been feasible!) Now, I am a grown-up who still uses books as a way to dissociate from reality. Unlike Juliette, most of us don’t ever get to live the bookish adventures we read about. Living vicariously through her helps us all realize that anything is possible, even when our brains make it especially difficult.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Spelled With a Kiss, what would they be?

Brave, by Sara Bareilles.

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 partial to magical realism, cozy paranormal fiction, anything fantasy related, and space operas.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I just released two books at the same time, so I’m a little behind on my reading. I’ve been rereading all of Patricia Brigg’s wolf shifter series. It’s nice to spend time with old friends after a hard day of work.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

At one point, something affects Juliette and frees her of all inhibitions and filters. She comes out swinging and says all of the things she’s never voiced for fear of hurting someone’s feelings. That level of radical honesty was a blast to write.

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

I find it hard to start writing without a mug of hot tea or coffee on hand. I also write better when Axl, our cat, and Dottie, my dog aren't in their respective beds "supervising" me as I work.

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

I try hard to remember that I can’t control everything. Life flows better when I stop trying to force it in the direction I think it should go. So… not to quote a famous Disney character, I do what I can to ‘Let it go.’

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

I hope that readers put down my books feeling like they've just enjoyed a great cup of coffee and a chat with their new 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 Spelled With a Kiss (Wyrd Words & Witchcraft Book 2)

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Interview with M. K. Wiseman, Author of Sherlock Holmes & the Silver Cord

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Sherlock Holmes & the Silver Cord?

I write from Holmes’ perspective in my stories and, thus, like to look at some of the things Conan Doyle glossed over and/or wrote around in the original Canon. On more than one occasion in Doyle’s stories, Watson makes references to the strain on Holmes’ “iron constitution” and the resulting off-page mental breakdown. However, it was a more delicate observation in his “The Adventure of the Three Students” which caught my attention. That story dates but a year after Holmes’ return to life post-Reichenbach Falls and I thought that, perhaps, there was something to the idea of Sherlock Holmes coming to terms with his actions in ridding the world of Professor Moriarty.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Sherlock Holmes & the Silver Cord, what would they be?

For this book? I’m half tempted to select “Creep” by Radiohead just for the angst and mental self-guessing game alone, haha. I do actually make playlists for many of my books-- not as inspiration (I write in silence/coffee shop white noise), but as sort of “companion pieces” for the stories, assembling collections of songs that speak to the theme, or tone, or even time period and location. I sort of play the “if this were a show/movie soundtrack” game for myself. It also serves as a good reference point for songs I have researched for the stories as, in each of my Sherlock Holmes books, I have included at least one reference to a song contemporaneous to the story, oftentimes an actual piece Holmes would have gone to see performed or played himself.

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

I love to read classic fantasy; I love a good old fashioned quest. And I have actually gone back to my fantasy beginnings on my current book-in-progress, turning my back on another story (temporarily) because I just wasn’t vibing with its mood. I, apparently, need some wizards in my life again, hahaha.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’ve heaps of philospohy to plow through. I’ve a little bit of Nietzsche out from the library right now, in fact, which I really should get on before I’ve run out of renewals. I’m also a big fan of the “Bungo Stray Dogs” manga and anime and so have been reading through the actual main works by the authors whose names have been used as character names in the series. (“I Am A Cat” by Natsume Sōseki seems to have taken up semi-permanent residence on my nightstand.)

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Sherlock Holmes has a bit of a transcendent moment while playing the violin in Silver Cord. I have long lamented at how little this particular talent of his is showcased in extra-Canonical media. Generally, it’s quickly interrupted, or even downplayed as yet another quirky thing defining the great detective, and I do believe Holmes was quite an accomplished musician. The moment also serves as a hat tip to a personal experience of Conan Doyle’s, something he made off-hand reference to at one point, but reimagined here for Holmes to encounter.

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

Mentioned elsewhere, I do require near silence to work. Maybe this is not fully a quirk, but my brain tends to ‘catch’ on sounds and distract me, whether it be wind whistling through my office window (I ought to get that looked at) or a clock ticking (now silenced and often glared at by me over in my writing chair). I also really like low lighting. My office has no less than a dozen not-the-overhead-light lighting options.

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

Love. Okay, that’s not really all that developed of a motto. (Or is it?) Love is just a core driving Thing in me, in my work, and what I wish there was more of in the world.

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

I think it’s a wonderful thing how much emphasis is given to self-care these days. But knowing you should engage in self care and actually doing it are two different things. I know I patterened on Conan Doyle’s Holmes at a young age—using his example as an excuse to sit in a chair thus, or move through a room or speak this or that way. In that vein, I would hope that maybe this story gives that little nudge to folks to do that bit of self-care, to maybe take that break, have that honest talk and unburdening. Or “Watson it” instead and be that steadfast and reliable partner.

M. K. Wiseman is the author of the new book Sherlock Holmes & the Silver Cord

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Mysteries, Thrillers, and Fantasies, Oh My!

13 Books. $0.99 each.

Celebrate Halloween with these amazing deals!

Don't miss your chance to add these enchanting, heart-pounding, and sometimes spine-tingling stories to your collection, all while enjoying special Halloween savings. Let the magic of these ebooks enhance your holiday festivities, and celebrate Halloween with a touch of literary spookiness.

This eBook Sale is Brought To You by She Writes Press and SparkPress and ends on Friday, November 3rd, 2023.

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | October 24

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 P.G. Kassel, M. K. Wiseman, Lee Child, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

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New Romance Books to Read | October 24

Looking to fall in love with some new romance reads? You’ll adore these exciting new novels! This week you can get your hands on books by bestselling authors Tara Sue Me, Angela Terry, Kimberly Dean, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!

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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | October 24

Literary fiction readers are in for a treat. This week’s latest releases list is full of intriguing reads you won’t want to miss! The new releases list includes so many bestselling authors like Jesmyn Ward, Tim O'Brien, Dann McDorman, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!

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New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | October 24

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 Robert J. Mendenhall, Skyler Ramirez, Mark Tufo, and more. If Fantasy is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from Jessica Rosenberg, Vishnul Jain, AJ Sherwood, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!