Hey ya’ll! Sara Wolf here! I’m super psyched to write this for Fresh Fiction, mostly because they’re a. Awesome and b. It means FIND ME THEIR BONES is almost released to the world at large! Mostly, I wanted to talk about a super serious topic today. I think the question I get most – no matter where I go in the world – is ‘how do you write a book?’, followed quickly by ‘I could never write one’. It’s maybe the hardest question to answer, because I’m not entirely sure how I write a book, either. This might out me as a complete pantser (which isn’t bad!) but it also outs me as the sort of writer who doesn’t really think things through. I always tell people who ask this question ‘I write books because I have to’, and that’s true! When I was thirteen, I came to the horrible screeching revelation that magic wasn’t actually real. The sort of magic you see in books, that always sweeps some unsuspecting down-on-their-luck teenager away to another world. I realized that would never happen to me, and that I’d always been waiting for that to happen to me, and so I launched…

One of the questions I hear a lot is, “How do I come up with an idea that someone hasn’t already done?” We talk a lot about rewrites in fiction, and the idea that nothing is really new. Everyone’s heard the basic story types–man against man, man against self, man against nature, etc. etc. And of course, we’ve seen retellings, for everything from fairy tales from villain points of view to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. It’s possible there really is nothing truly new out there, and that’s something that can be hard for writers to sit with. So much of what we pride ourselves on is our creativity. We love the idea that we might have come up with an idea that nobody else has had before, that nobody else could have. We rush to get the idea out on paper and into the world because we’re terrified that if we don’t, someone else might get there first, and then our story will be meaningless. We feel like it only matters if nobody else has come up with the idea before. People will ask you a lot what’s different about your book. What makes it stand out? What are…

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors as a reader you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present A.C. Arthur! Writes: I write paranormal and contemporary romance featuring hunky guys, strong women, and sweeping passion! Awaken the Dragon, the first book in my Legion dragon shifter series releases Nov. 4th, and A Private Affair is my upcoming workplace romance coming January 1st. About: While writing is my first love, I’m a paralegal by day and a wife, mother and grandmother twenty-four-seven. I’ve written over 85 romance novels and enjoy reading (of course), watching romantic movies and going to Disney World. I don’t drink, but I do curse. I like black and white movies but am not a big fan of popcorn. What I’m looking for in my ideal reader match: Someone who loves big families and the drama that brews between them A reader who’s not afraid of vampires, dragons, and demons, oh my! Readers who block off everything on their schedule to read a book because seconds after they start they must know how it ends Someone who…

Big congratulations are in order for bestselling author ROBYN CARR, who was inducted to the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame yesterday! She chatted with us about this honor and much more. . .  — Congratulations on this incredible honor, Robyn! How does it feel to be in the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame?  Robyn: It’s very humbling to think that I could be chosen from so many wonderful writers. Of course I’m honored and proud. Nevada has been my home for 20 years now. Of all the places and series you’ve created, which one do you sometimes wish actually existed? Just for fun, of course. . . Robyn: I, like my readers, wish I could at least visit Virgin River. The strength of that community is heartening and I believe the residents take comfort in knowing they’re never alone. And, though the town is fictional, that part of Northern California is not and its beauty is breathtaking. And it’s a rugged land that demands much of its residents; they have to be tough and determined, yet another reason being able to depend on your neighbors really counts. What’s the greatest piece of career advice you’ve received? And on the other side, what’s the…

Fresh Fiction Senior Reviewer Debbie Wiley Hi Lauren! Thank you for joining us today at Fresh Fiction! I love cozy mysteries, especially ones centered around a bookstore so MURDER IN THE FIRST EDITION is a real treat for me to read. Can you tell our readers a little something about the storyline and the inspiration behind it? Hi, thank you for inviting me. It’s a pleasure to be here. The inspiration behind my Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series came to me a number of years ago. I had a good friend who owned a small used bookshop and being the book lover I am. It became my second home.  Her shop was my vision of the perfect bookstore–old and rare books, a reading corner, charming knick-knacks, and a bay window display that she decorated to highlight the season and one that never failed to attract passersby.  When I had more time to devote to writing, my old reading friend, Agatha Christie emerged, and the first image that came to mind was my real-life friend Maggie and her bookshop. From there, Addie’s was born. Even though, Beyond the Page Books & Curios is an expanded version of my friends, it’s…

Thank you so much for having me here on Fresh Fiction today! I’m Heather McCollum, mother of three overly dramatic kids, wife of one Highland hero, ovarian cancer slayer, lover of chai lattes and dragonflies, and author of Scottish historical romances. My twenty-first book, THE HIGHLAND OUTLAW, was just released on October 21st (I love coincidences!). I’m often asked where I get my ideas. I feel like ideas are just floating around out in the world everywhere, and I have fun picking them out of the tangle of must-dos and everyday occurrences. It means that I’m sometimes hyperaware of my surroundings. The worlds around us are our own personal settings, just like settings for characters in books. Just like I need to recognize the sights, smells, and sounds in my books, I try to take those all in while living my life. Then I let my mind wander and expound upon those details. For example, I walk my dog each morning through my suburban neighborhood. Being the conscientious dog owner, I pick up her poop and drop the biodegradable baggie in the neighborhood dog waste cans set along the streets. Almost every time I lift that lid to toss it…

To start off, can you tell us a little about your book, DIRTY LETTERS?  Two childhood pen pals are reunited when Griffin has a bit too much to drink one night and writes to Luca, the girl who suddenly stopped writing him eight years earlier. When he realizes why she stopped writing, they rekindle their relationship from afar and resume writing back and forth, this time as adults. Of course, now their letters are a bit steamier. Things get complicated when Luca suggests they meet in person. What were your biggest inspirations for DIRTY LETTERS?  Vi: I actually had a penpal when I was in grade school, a lot like Luca.  So did my kids! Penelope: Thinking back to childhood and the letters my friends and I would write back before there wasn’t any internet certainly inspired parts of the book. Also, music from groups like ABBA, inspired other parts. Why will readers fall in love with Griffin?  Because he’s rough on the outside but an old softie on the inside. Because his love for Luca is unwavering and transcends time. How did you get to know Luca? Did she ever surprise you?  Luca was a fun character to write….

Welcome back to Fresh Fiction, Talia! Can you tell us a little bit about your new novel, GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN? Thanks for having me! And you may regret asking me that question because I could talk about it for days. But I’ll try to restrain myself. GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN is a sexy, sarcastic romantic comedy with a fierce, frosty, chronically ill heroine named Chloe and an artistic, kind-hearted, working-class hero named Red. When the story begins, superintendent Red is convinced his posh, uptight tenant Chloe hates him–but she’s actually just mega-awkward, attracted to him, and always in pain. After certain cat-related shenanigans, they make a deal that involves the two of them working through Chloe’s ‘Get a Life’ list together. And then. . . things happen. LOL! One thing I loved about Chloe Brown is that even though her chronic pain and illness from fibromyalgia has hindered her in some ways, she’s still confident, good at her job, has a witty sense of humor, and knows she wants to change her life. What do you think readers will find the most relatable about Chloe? As a chronic illness sufferer myself, it was really important to me…

Planes from Logan airport were flying, but a lot of white-knuckle types had canceled. Once we were above the clouds, the flight was smooth, and by seven o’clock my taxi was heading into the city. Caroline’s Fifth Avenue apartment occupied the entire floor of an exclusive old building. A bastion of wealth and prestige. The view of Central Park was extensive and sweeping. Caroline once told me that she had bought the apartment from the estate of her third husband’s mother, a notable grande dame. “Everyone thought I was crazy, the jumped-up heiress from Chicago just getting her kicks, but the high ceilings give me room for my grandfather’s old masters. Turns out most of them are fakes painted by an apprentice. That’s the grandfather who invented hairpins. Knew nothing about art.” I seldom visited, but the uniformed doorman greeted me with a smile. “Good to see you again, Mrs. Streat. I’ll have your bags sent right up.” Caroline’s elderly Irish maids had been with her for years. As I came out of the elevator, white-haired Minnie, wearing her black dress and starched white apron, met me at the door. “Ah, Mrs. Streat, ’tis a pleasure to see you. I…

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors as a reader you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Lynette Eason! Writes: Romantic Suspense – Romance Writers of America defines romantic suspense as: “Romance novels in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.” I write more heavy on the suspense, mystery, or thriller element than the romance, but it’s still there for the romance lover. About: Deadline riddled writer seeks fans of mysteries/whodunits/with a touch of romance. Fans must appreciate strong heroines and heroes who will put their lives on the line to keep them safe—and vice versa. Fans must also appreciate strong conflict, twisting plots, and a strong faith element. What I’m looking for in my ideal reader match: · Loves a happy ending. · Is willing to lose sleep to find that happy ending waiting at the end of the book. · Loves a handsome hero who knows what it means to really love a woman. · Enjoys twists you don’t see coming. · Is willing to put off all housework until…