Come in darling, it’s perishing out there. So wonderful to see you, and in such auspicious circumstances. A new society column you say? Well, you’ve got me all to yourself until, oh I don’t know, sixish. Then I must dash as Dotty is collecting me – you remember Dotty don’t you? Only so high, glossy bobbed hair, big glasses? She’s an absolute dream of a pal and we’re off to watch one of Bunty Buntington-Howe’s shows at the West End tonight. But until then, as I said, all yours. Have a seat. Drink? Once interviewer and the Hon Cressida are seated, with tea – though martinis were offered – we begin… What do you do for a living? Well, as you know, I’m lucky enough not to have to do anything, but being idle doesn’t suit me. I’m sure it’s the reason for so many of these murders I keep stumbling upon. People just sitting around reading magazines – not ones like yours, of course, darling – and coming up with dastardly plans for their poor, or in most cases, rich, relatives. So, yes, I do like to keep busy, so I help people with their décor. I know that…

I love when established authors switch genres. As a reader I know they’ve been around the block a few times and they know their way between the sheets—of paper, people not cotton or satin! Today’s author was a complete joy to work with and she accommodated my scheduling debacle with class. Molly Harper is a talented storyteller who gets things done and she’s a nice person. It doesn’t get any better than that for a fangirl like me! Kym: Welcome to The Cozy Corner on Fresh Fiction! Molly: Thanks for having me! I’m happy to be here. Kym: Congrats on your new release, A PROPOSAL TO DIE FOR. Your new heroine, Jasmine is a proposal planner, which to be honest, I had to look it up to see if young couples were really doing this, and to my surprise it really a thing. I might be a little out of touch on current wedding trends;) How did the idea for your new release come to life for you? Molly: It all started with Jess’s job. As soon as I heard about proposal planning, I knew there was a character there. It’s really just someone who is professionally thoughtful. They listen…

“Wicked” has filled our screens with images of a green-skinned girl who soon acquires a black hat and a flying broomstick and an attitude—our traditional image of the witch reinforced over countless Halloweens. Though Elphaba is young in this prequel, witches generally are depicted as old. Why?             Witches, wise women, hags, cunning folk, crones. They are all part of an ancient tradition from the time of matriarchal societies—the Triple Goddess, who represents all women in an ever-shifting form, a goddess of new life in spring, of the full moon and summer fruitfulness, and the goddess of winter and darkness and prophecy called the Cailleach in Ireland and Scotland.             This traditional belief morphed over the centuries and empires, but with the spread of Christianity, the divine role of the female was shrunken down to Mary alone. Solely a mother, never the radiant bride nor the powerful ruler of the dark moon. Women were viewed as daughters of Eve, creatures of uncontrolled passions and dangerous frailty. Those who did not submit to the new order were cast out as witches, linked to Satan and evil.             In my historical novel UPON THE CORNER OF THE MOON, about the Macbeths, the…

This week’s Jen’s Jewels shines a spotlight on an unforgettable story that blends humor, heart, and mystery. THE SIDEWAYS LIFE OF DENNY VOSS by Holly Kennedy is a poignant coming-of-age novel wrapped in a compelling family drama, following the journey of Denny Voss—a man with a unique perspective on the world—and his loyal Saint Bernard, George. Their story is as touching as it is thought-provoking, reminding us of the power of resilience, kindness, and seeing life through a different lens. If you love novels that linger in your heart long after you turn the last page, this one is a must-read. Tag me on social media and let me know what you think—I have a feeling you’ll be just as captivated by Denny’s journey as I was! Jennifer Vido: Your novel masterfully combines humor with deeply emotional themes. What inspired you to write Denny Voss’s story? Holly Kennedy: I wrote the first 30 pages of this novel at a writers’ retreat in 2010 and immediately fell in love with Denny. He was stubborn and funny, and he had an undefinable charm. I couldn’t stop thinking about him; I even dreamed about him. He wasn’t a cardboard character, though, and I…

1–What is the title of your latest release? CRASH LANDING 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? Crash Landing is a second-chance romance about two exes forced to reunite when a plane crash leaves them stranded on a deserted island. It’s told in a dual timeline, so readers get to see the main characters, Piper and Wyatt, falling in love in high school for the first time and then reconciling on the island in the present. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? Once I decided on a plane crash on an island as the premise, I searched Google Maps for areas where it would be possible to crash between Atlanta, GA (where the plane was leaving) and the Bahamas (where the plane was supposed to land). An unnamed small island in the Caribbean was the winner, though the island in Crash Landing is not based on a specific location. I also liked the Caribbean because it felt more realistic that my characters would be rescued fairly quickly since so many boats and planes travel through that area. 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? Absolutely! Piper is very loyal to…

1–What is the title of your latest release? THE SAINT LAURENT MUSE 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? 1970s Paris. Fashion. Gay love. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? It’s based on a real person: Loulou de la Falaise, muse and creative collaborator to Yves Saint Laurent, who lived and worked in Paris at the time. 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? Yes. In a heartbeat. Loulou de la Falaise worked for decades with Yves Saint Laurent, one of my favorite fashion designers. She dressed with an eccentric flair; she loved to go dancing; and she was a loyal friend. I think she must have been someone marvelous I would have loved to know. 5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? Creative. Reckless. Yearning. 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? That we all stumble through life, no matter our privileges. We all make mistakes in our pursuit of love. As we get older, we hopefully make better choices. If not, we’re doomed to repeat our mistakes over and over. 7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done? I always edit…

In light of current events, more readers are looking for books outside of the Amazon ecosystem. So I thought I’d recommend a few to check out! These authors are available “Wide,” which means their books can be found on Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play, Apple Books, Smashwords, and many more places. Some even have their own direct stores with great deals and even freebies! I’ll try to cover a variety of subgenres, so there will be something for everyone! Emily Mims Subgenres: Contemporary romance, military romance. MM and MF Grace Burrowes Subgenres: Regency romance, Historical Mystery Romance Suzanna Medeiros Subgenres: Historical romance Jade C. Jamison Subgenres: Contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Maggie Shayne Subgenres: paranormal romance, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance Emmanuelle de Maupassant Subgenres: Historical romance, paranormal romance Terry Spear Subgenres: Shifter Romance, romantic suspense M. Tasia Subgenres: Contemporary MM Romance JN Welsh Subgenres: Interracial Romance, Black Romance Brooklyn Ann Subgenres: Rockstar Romance, Paranormal Romance, Romantasy, Historical Romance, Horror Romance WRENCHING FATE by Brooklyn Ann Brides of Prophecy #1 She’s haunted by her past. .. He promises her a future… Akasha Hope trusts no one. Her parents were shot down by uniformed men, which forced her to spend most of…

Each Friday the Smashwords store reports the bestselling indie fiction titles based on the previous week’s sales. If an author has more than one title eligible for the list, only the highest performing title will be included. This ensures high-performing titles receive the accolades they deserve, while providing up-and-coming authors the visibility they have earned. Don’t miss Monday’s Top 10 Hot Preorders List, where Smashwords will provide a list of the most highly anticipated ebook preorders.

1–What is the title of your latest release? THE LIBRARY OF LOST DOLLHOUSES 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? This is a dual-timeline novel about a mysterious collection of dollhouses that reveal the secrets of their former owners. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I picked some my favorites: San Francisco, Paris, and the English countryside (I’m a fan of Downton Abbey!) 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? Yes, I’d love to build a dollhouse with her! 5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? Creative, tenacious, and ambitious. 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? Owning a dollhouse isn’t just for kids. 7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done? I usually write a quick first draft from start to finish and then the editing begins. 8–What’s your favorite foodie indulgence? Coffee ice cream. Oh, and Girl Scout cookies! 9–Describe your writing space/office! My desk is next to my dollhouse and dog’s bed, so I always have company. 10–Who is an author you admire? Louisa May Alcott because of her vivid imagination and drive to write. 11–Is there a book that…

1–What is the title of your latest release? THE NOTORIOUS VIRTUES 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? It’s 1920s Heiresses meets Grim Fairytales, with a deadly competition to control a city’s magic. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? As soon as I knew the book was going to be 1920s vibes, I knew I wanted it to be set in a city. Walstad, the city in The Notorious Virtues, is a mix of roaring 20s New-York, Belle Epoque Paris, and pre-War Berlin. A big part of the book was also having the tension between the city, and the magical woods at their border, and to really contrast the fairytale stories we hear of villages in the woods with a big bold glittering city. 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? 100% I would, but there’s almost no chance she would want to hang out with me (although I do currently have champagne in the fridge so…maybe) 5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? Nora: Wealthy. Intelligent. Confident. Lotte: Naive. Angry. Cunning. Theo: Brave. Loyal. Conflicted. August: Witty. Ambitious. Realist. 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? My…