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Interview with Eric Weule, Author of Caffeine & Nicotine

What can you tell us about your new release, Caffeine & Nicotine?

Caffeine & Nicotine is a surf noir mystery with a touch of the supernatural. It is the second book featuring Kelly Jenks.
The novel focuses on a series of murders and a missing young woman. There's plenty of coffee, cigarettes, mystery, and music. And, maybe a couple of ghosts.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My family read The Stand out loud every night during the summer of 1982. It took the whole summer, but it was the defining moment in my life as far as wanting to be an author. I started writing the day after we finished and I haven't stopped since. I took a couple extended breaks, but stories are always running through my head. Once a writer, always a writer.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

This isn't even a fair question, there are so many books that I love. Hundreds of them. So, I will narrow it down to the five most influential books I've read.
1) The Stand by Stephen King. The book that started it all for me. He's written a number of better books, but it is definitely the most influential.
2) Gone South by Robert McCammon. Boy's Life is up there, too. Gone South was the first book I read that blended horror with mystery and I loved it.
3) The Tomb by F. Paul Wilson. Repairman Jack is one of my favorite characters in fiction. I am, and always will be, in awe of Wilson as a writer.
4) A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton. Kinsey Millhone is up there on my list of favorite characters. She was also my first fictional crush. Grafton was one of the best.
5) Every Dead Thing by John Connolly. Charlie Parker is my number one. Connolly is my favorite writer and he is a constant influence on my work.

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

Robert McCammon would be my first guest. I would ask him if he regretted taking a decade off from writing. The struggles he went through to get Speaks the Nightbird published just blew my mind.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

I love watching the characters evolve as I write. They're just ideas in my head, and then they become their own independent beings. It's like raising kids, only much faster and no diapers or college tuition.

What is a typical day like for you?

I work full-time at my day job. I write an hour or two every night when I'm actively writing a novel. Other than that, just normal life shizz. Feed the dogs, hang out with my partner, Stephanie, and enjoy what life has to give me.

What scene from Caffeine & Nicotine was your favorite to write?

There's a very cool scene near the end of the book where Ryan and Jackie go surfing. I loved writing it, but it was stressful because I had to nail the feel and emotion of what they were sharing while riding waves. The hardcore surfers who have read it gave me props for that scene, so I'm happy.

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

My philosophy is to work hard and take care of the people I love. I can't control the world, I can only make sure I'm doing right by my family. That's all that matters.

Do you have any reviews of the book you'd like to share?

"Mystery, crime, and the supernatural are all mixed in Caffeine & Nicotine by Eric Weule, an engaging story with a lot of fun characters and a gripping plot. If you enjoy atmospheric writing, terrific descriptions, and humorous narrative, then this is a great treat for you." - Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

"A solid and absorbing piece of work" - Debra Doyle, co-author of the Mageworlds series

"The dark and intriguing backdrop of Caffeine & Nicotine by Eric Weule captivated my interest immediately. This is a brilliant tale of suspense, human relationships, and the mysteries of the afterlife." - Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

"It is as if Mr. Weule has taken the best elements of the genre and modernized them, but done so immersed in finely tuned relationship studies." - Austrian Spencer, author of The Sadeiest

"It is dark and gritty, a mixture of crime and the supernatural, with several subplots weaving through the main story, all tying in nicely. The author has a way of writing that draws you in and makes you feel as though you are there in the story and offers plenty of action to keep you interested." - Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Eric Weule is the author of the new book Caffeine & Nicotine.

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Interview with M Sheehan, Author of SkyView: Lord of the Wills

What can you tell us about your new release, SkyView: Lord of the Wills?

Well, I don't want to give to much away but so far the reviews have been amazing, Kirkus called it "Tolkien-Like" which was humbling as J.R.R. Tolkien is my favorite author. My book SkyView Lord of the Wills, however, occurs in modern times where William Ward is informed he is an heir to a vast fortune that's been lost for 700-years, thus he embarks on his adventure, setting many idle things in motion.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

J.R.R Tolkiens' works, mainly The Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings, definitely kindled a little writing fire in me that I couldn't ignore.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

Lord of the Rings
Hobbit
1984
Dune
The Count of Monte Cristo

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

My first guest would be J.R.R Tolkien and I would simply ask if there is any more detail he could provide.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

My favorite part of writing is having full control over an entire world.

What is a typical day like for you?

Right now it's a blend of finishing Book 2, promoting Book 1, and hanging out with the family in-between.

What scene from SkyView: Lord of the Wills was your favorite to write?

SkyView is a Jet with a large AR window to see the world. My favorite scene in the book is when William sets a default spot above Eupore to watch the world and figure out the mystery behind the Wills.

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

If one holds the world's knowledge, then one can shape its reality.

M Sheehan is the author of the new book SkyView: Lord of the Wills.

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Interview with Jamie K. Schmidt, Author of Necessary Evil

What can you tell us about your new release, Necessary Evil?

It's a super sexy motorcycle romance with a few twists. One of the first twists, is the Sentinels of Babylon (S.O.B.s) are vigilantes. They kill the bad guys that get away with their crimes. The second twist is one of the club members is a woman. She's a tough, slightly sociopathic hacker in addition to being a biker. She gets her own book that's coming out next year.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My grandfather. He used to sit me on his knee and tell me "burglar stories," which featured Keystone Cop-like characters arresting and catching Looney Tunes-like robbers.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

These are my go to books to read when I need to escape into a fictional world that's familiar and comforting:
1. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase, 2. The Innkeeper series by Ilona Andrews, 3. Black Jewels series by Anne Bishop, 4. The Rockton series by Kelley Armstrong, 5. The Emperor's Edge series by Lindsay Buroker.

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

My first guest would be Stephen King and I would want to ask him how he kept all of his entertwining story threads together.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

Writing the words THE END. But I also like release day when I see my book up for sale.

What is a typical day like for you?

I work my day job for eight hours, spend some time with my family, play a game or two and if I'm still awake I write.

What scene from Necessary Evil was your favorite to write?

I liked the pet tarantula scene that freaks Lucy out so much she screams when she sees Evil's tattoo.

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

Comparison is the thief of Joy. A Goal without a plan is just a wish.

Jamie K. Schmidt is the author of Necessary Evil.

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Interview with Jessika Klide, Author of Rules of Engagement

What can you tell us about your new release, Rules of Engagement?

Rules of Engagement is a steamy romance overflowing with passion, heat, determination, and finally understanding. A story that is light, witty, and enchanting.

What books are currently on your nightstand?

Truthfully ... Rules of Engagement. My order just came in and I'm signing them to mail out. They are stacked everywhere. lol.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

That's a loaded question, but to answer your question as it pertains to writing, I would advise my teenage self to believe in my ability to weave a good story and learn the craft of writing early on. Don't wait. I was in my fifties when I wrote my first novel and it became a bestseller within three months. (Sexy is free by the way.)

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

Writing. I enjoy it that much.

What makes your world go round? Why does it bring you joy?

My husband makes my world go round. We've been together forever (40+years) and he still does it for me. I'm a lucky girl. We are more than best friends, we are soulmates.

What scene from Rules of Engagement was your favorite to write?

The helicopter scene when Jorja is terrified and doesn't know that the dude she is leaning on for support is Jocko. I laughed out loud writing it, and I still chuckle when I read it.

Jessika Klide is the author of Rules of Engagement.

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Interview with Alexa Padgett, author of Midnight Dance

What can you tell us about your new release, Midnight Dance?

We first met Colt Rippey way back in Book 4 of my Seattle Sound series, and my readers have asked me to tell Colt’s story ever since. I really wanted to move into romantic suspense (that’s sprinkled much more lightly through some of the Seattle Sound series books, specifically 3 and 8) than another straight-up contemporary romance.

That’s when I came up with the idea of a bridge book. This book allowed me to meet both those goals.

And…I hate to admit this, but this manuscript didn’t come together cleanly. It has a complicated plot that needed to be tied up at varying intervals. I’m proud of the ambition there, but my original execution wasn’t always as clear as it needed to be.

I’m pretty sure my editor, Sarah Allan, cursed me a few times during the initial read-through. Thanks to her patience and thorough commentary, I was able to clarify problem sections, which created better pacing and improved the characters’ growth. I hope she’s proud of where we ended up because I am.

What books are currently on your nightstand?

The Rope by Nevada Barr. I’m so looking forward to digging back into this series!

What advice would you give your teenage self?

Hmm…probably what I tell my teenage kids: do your best. That’s all any of us can do, really. Sometimes my best doesn’t get me to the goal I’ve established, and that’s frustrating. But continuing to work hard and learn helps me grow as a person and as an author.

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

I’d like to learn to meditate. I’m terrible at quieting my mind. I’ve been told meditation improves creativity, which could make me a better storyteller. And I’d read. There are so many fantastic books I want to devour, but I rarely find the time to sit and enjoy a novel for as long as I’d like.

What makes your world go round? Why does it bring you joy?

My family. Walking my dog. Finally mastering crow pose (in yoga). Pushing myself creatively. Developing deep connections with author friends. Having a new, fantastic book premise smack into my brain.

What scene in Midnight Dance was your favorite to write?

The action scenes were a blast to develop! I never expected Hemp to show up at Tawny’s apartment like that, but as soon as I began writing that scene, my fingers flew over the keys. There were a few moments where I was as breathless as I hope my readers are.

Alexa Padgett is the author of the new book Midnight Dance.

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Interview with Kirsten Fullmer, Author of Problems at the Pub

What can you tell us about your new release, Problems at the Pub?

Problems at the Pub is book four of the Sugar Mountain Series, which feature the fearless women of the Sugar Mountain Ladies Historical Society. This book is set in the town pub, owned by the lovely but notoriously snarky, Monique Brewer. In the other three books we aren’t sure why Monique is so standoffish, but in book four we get a glimpse into her home, her work, and her motivations, as well as her heart. We also find Mayor Winslow up to his old tricks, raising taxes on local businesses, which Monique cannot afford. Adding to Monique’s problems, her cougar of a mother drops in for an extended visit. Her life may be tipped upside down, but Monique is not about to let the mayor, or anyone else, ruin her dreams of buying a house. Enter the mayor’s new assistant, Anthony Tidwell, who appears to be assisting Mayor Winslow’s dastardly deeds. Of course, Monique and the ladies immediately dive in to investigate, leading missions into the court house and stealthily shadowing Mr. Tidwell’s activities. Monique even lets him move in over the pub in order to watch him more closely. But letting a handsome and charming man like Tony get too close is something she may regret…

If Problems at the Pub is turned into a movie, who would you pick to play the main characters?

Since Monique is part Asian, I’d choose Maggie Q, and for Tony, who resembles a young Sam Elliot, I’d chose Paul Rudd with a handlebar mustache.

What’s the last book you read?

Throughout the whole Covid thing, I’ve sought comfort in old favorites and reread several Linda Lael Miller books from my library.

What's on your writing desk?

If you’re referring to what is physically on my desk, it’s far too much clutter. It has become a dumping ground for things I don’t want to lose. Keeping my desktop clean and clear is an ongoing struggle. If you mean what am I working on now, I am currently writing book two of Love on the Line, featuring Grandpa Buck, along with Andy and Rooster who continue their ill-fated romance while building a pipeline through rugged and difficult terrain. Book two also offers Nick a bit of romance with a new girl on the coating crew!

What's in your Netflix queue?

I’m a documentary junkie, currently interested in shows about new technology and archeology.

What scene in Problems at the Pub was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene in this book is the one where Monique finally breaks down and opens up. Oftentimes we don’t know what people have been through and why they cope the way they do. This scene is not only hilarious, it depicts why so many of us ladies feel like we can’t depend on others. As an author, I really love that pivotal scene where everything goes pear shaped for my leading lady.

Kirsten Fullmer is the author of the new book Problems at the Pub.

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Interview with Lauren Blakely, author of One Time Only

What can you tell us about your new release, One Time Only?

One Time Only is my newest M/M romance and it is a passionate, addictive, angsty and sexy as sin forbidden romance between a rockstar and his bodyguard! It's emotional, white hot, and full of banter!

What fictional world would you most like to visit?

Any world where I can apparate so I can travel easily!

What's rocking your world this month?

What's rocking my world this month is Veep. After the election I went back to an old familiar show, since my college age son grew increasingly interested in politics and we've been having a blast while he's home during quarantine watching it with him and enjoying his reactions to the sharp dialogue and incredibly well-written and self-destructive characters. I'm also enjoying the audiobook Call Me Maybe by Cara Bastone.

What scene in One Time Only was your favorite to write?

There are so many favorite scenes of mine in One Time Only. But a lot of early readers have already told me how much they loved the barbershop scene. They say it's very tender and it's an emotional turning point in the book.

Lauren Blakely is the author of the new book One Time Only.

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | November 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 Kirsten Fullmer, Eric Weule, Baer Charlton, James Patterson, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

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New Romance Books to Read | November 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 K.K. Allen, Lauren Blakely, Jamie K. Schmidt, Alexa Padgett, Jessika Klide, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!

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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | November 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 Bernard Cornwell, Zeyn Joukhadar, Philippa Gregory, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!