Thank you, Fresh Fiction for having me today. Oh, the options to choose from! Since I’ve been completing a playlist for my new release, SUGAR SNAPPED, (book 2 in my Juli Butler Mystery series) I felt talking about a Song Match was a perfect choice. This is not something that I’ve always done while writing. I create better with silence or nature sounds (ocean and beach sounds are my favorite). But while adding a subplot to Cracker Jacked (book 1), I started writing down songs I heard (usually while driving) that reminded me of the push/pull relationship and history between my main characters Juli and Chase. I was so pleased with the outcome I couldn’t wait to continue the trend with Sugar Snapped. And I have to say, while completing the latest set list I found myself compiling songs for books 3 and beyond! Listening to the playlists while I’m editing is great mood music and when I need to stay grounded in the story, I will listen to them in the car driving to and from work.  I have 12 songs per playlist and today I’m going to touch on 5 of them from the playlist for Sugar Snapped….

From taking on a challenging job to creating a new life after a devastating natural disaster, this month’s books echo January’s theme of new beginnings. We start with THE TIFFANY GIRLS by Shelley Noble.  It’s the dawn of a new century and to promote his work, stained glass artist Louis Tiffany is planning a special exhibit for the Paris World’s Fair.  Among the artists working to make this project a reality are three members of the Women’s Division.  Emilie Pascal, daughter of an art forger who fled Paris, hopes to establish her new life as a craftsman by perfecting Tiffany’s designs.  Grace Griffith is the best copyist, cutting glass pieces to form the exquisite flower designs for which the company is famous.  Overseeing them is Clara Driscoll, manager of the Women’s Division, who while handling her division’s schedule, budget and sometimes fractious employees, has her own dreams of the ultimate glass creation, even though the women workers receive none of the credit for the designs they bring to life.  Full of fascinating detail about the construction of glasswork and with rich background details that bring to life New York and Paris in 1900, Noble‘s book illuminates these women pioneers who…

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.

When I’m writing, I need to have music playing in the background. I curate playlists for each of my novels with songs that either the song fits one of my characters, or it gives a feeling that fits a scene. My playlist for A HAPPY BEGINNING goes from Taylor Swift to Twenty One Pilots, new releases to songs back from the birth of jazz music. I have lost my illusions / I have drowned in your words / I have left my confusion to a cynical world / I am throwing myself at things I don’t understand / Discover enlightenment holding your hand. He tries to stay realistic, but when he finally lets himself believe in Alard’s world, he finds himself. Bonus: True Colors, Cyndi Lauper—covered by Greek Fire: As I’ve personally allowed myself to embrace who I truly am inside, I’ve rediscovered this song and it has more meaning now. I see the song as a person embracing their gender and sexuality outside of society’s norms and being true to themselves. My novel is about three characters embracing who they are and sticking to their choices that will lead them to that happily ever after we all expect at…

Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were replete with that most wonderful gift: guilt-free reading time! I cheat by managing to squeeze in most of my reading via audiobooks since that way I can carry out all the cooking, laundry, and endless dog walking without remorse. And squeeze in I did! I “read” many fantastic books, both new and old, by an array of talented authors, and I’m delighted to tell you about them. Fresh Fiction recently hosted the wonderful Elizabeth Boyle for its Wednesday night video book club (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC2EH8w2FhI)  to discuss her new book, O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM. Excited by her presentation, I put that title in my basket, hoping Santa would bring a gift card. (He did.) While waiting, however, I read her SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE from 2020 and loved it. In turns funny, informative, and oh-so romantic, it tells the story of that stereotypical British aristocrat pressured by his family to marry. To quiet the harpies, Baron Sedgwick invents a sickly wife who must remain in the countryside and names her Emmaline. Imagine his surprise when he starts receiving bills accrued by his wife, Emmaline, busy shopping in London to redecorate his residence! Hijinks and…

Most humans think the fair folk vanished from their lands over a century ago after a bloody war that should’ve driven us all out. But here’s a little secret—some of us never left. Oh, the elves? They’re hiding in plain sight (not that humans are observant enough to notice). Then there’s me, an orc using a glamour to blend in. My name is Magdud, and I don’t just live in Carrus, a city in northeastern Trinth—I run the place. As the magistrate, I spend my days keeping the peace, managing disputes, and making sure this city stays the wealthiest in the kingdom. A bit ironic, considering I used to fight humans. Now, I’m sipping tea in silk pajamas at night, and by day, I’m overseeing trade agreements and tax disputes. If my old commander saw me now, he’d probably keel over—or try to challenge me to a duel. Hard to say. Orcs aren’t known for their flexibility. I used to think humans were my greatest enemy. Living among them now, I’ll admit, they’re not all bad. Not perfect either—but who is? These days, I’ve got my eyes on a different problem. The Elven Council—now there’s a group that deserves watching….

Book title: LORD RAVENSCROFT IS NOT A GENTLEMAN – Victorian Outcasts 5 Character name: Mrs. Winkworth (the mother of the female protagonist, Edith) Interviewer: Mrs. Winkworth, what— Mrs. Winkworth, fanning herself: Oh, dear. Where do I start. May I have a nice cup of tea, please? My poor nerves! So my daughter Edith, she’s the youngest…she wants to be a surgeon like her father. I’m not opposed to that. Society has changes, and it’s 1878, after all, and we have a queen. But goodness, she does nothing but study! A young lady needs to make friends and attend balls and tea parties. Yes, she met Lord Peregrine, the brother of the Earl of Ravenscroft, but heavens, that young man is wild. Interviewer: Yes, But— Mrs. Winkworth: And then there was that dreadful accident. We were on Princess Alice, sailing along the Thames, when another ship hit us. And poor Perry—we call Lord Peregrine Perry—was hit in the head, and when he woke up in the hospital, he couldn’t talk or walk. Interviewer: Do you— Mrs. Winkworth: Perry had to leave for Switzerland to go to a specialised clinic, the poor thing. Is my tea ready? No milk, only lemon and…

1–What is the title of your latest release? THE QUEEN’S SPADE 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? Queen Charlotte from the Bridgerton series goes on a murderous rampage 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? History decided for me. Sarah Forbes Bonetta is a 19th century African princess given to Queen Victoria of England as a gift in the 1850s. Once I learned about her story, I just had to write her. I mean, why don’t we know about her? The world needs to know about her. 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? LMAO I’d be too scared to say the wrong thing. She’s so Machiavellian and I’m a bit timid. I’d be terrified to piss her off. 5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? Machiavellian, determined, ruthless 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? I actually learned a lot about what life was like in 19th century Britain for BIPOC people and people of the working class. Even little things like how people groomed themselves. I also learned a bit too much about Queen Victoria’s complicated and very large royal family. 7–Do you edit as you…

1–What is the title of your latest release? ACCIDENTALLY AMY 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? Woman tells little white lie while meeting a handsome stranger, but everything blows up in her face when he ends up being her new boss. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? Whenever setting isn’t integral to a book’s plot, I set it in Omaha because it’s my city and I love it. 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? Absolutely I would. 5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? Funny, well-intentioned 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? It’s possible (but dangerous) to crabwalk backward downstairs. 7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done? both 8–What’s your favorite foodie indulgence? McChicken sandwiches (I’m very lowbrow) 9–Describe your writing space/office! New! We just moved, so my current office is barely unpacked 10–Who is an author you admire? Ali Hazelwood (I love love love her so much) 11–Is there a book that changed your life? Forever by Judy Blume 12–Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or,…

1–What is the title of your latest release? MURDER IN THE DRESSING ROOM 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? Misty Divine, an upcoming London drag queen finds her drag mother poisoned in her backstage dressing room. Can she catch the killer before they strike again? 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I set it in Soho in London because that’s where I work for the majority of my performing. I love the drag and cabaret scene so that was my inspiration. 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? Yes, definitely! Fiery while in drag and kind and caring out of drag… they’re a great personality. 5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? Determined. Loyal. Strong. 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? I learned a lot about the editing and publishing processes that I didn’t know before, and that there are so many people involved in getting to the final product! 7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done? A bit of both – I like being able to write without too much editing on the way, but sometimes it’s necessary to…