Interview with Mystery/Suspense Author Bruce Judisch

                                                                                                              

Bruce Judisch has been writing fiction for many years.  His first work, “A Prophet’s Tale,” is a two-part novelization of the story of the Old Testament prophet, Jonah ben Amittai, comprising The Journey Begun and The Word Fulfilled. A third part, The Promised Kept, is under construction. More recently, he wrote Katia and its sequel For Maria, both with contemporary and 20^th-century historical storylines. Please see the next pages for more information on these works. Bruce lives in Texas with his wife and high school sweetheart, Jeannie, and their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Charlie and Raleigh.  Bruce and Jeannie are the proud parents of three and grandparents of fourteen.

Welcome back to my blog, Bruce. Please tell us about your new book, Quimby Pond.

Oh, my goodness, was this fun to write! It’s a contemporary mystery/suspense—with a healthy dose of romance—based upon a true historical event.  Let me give you the contemporary storyline (I’ll save the historical hook for the next question.)

Gwen Kelly comes to Marble Falls. Maine, to escape a broken past, a past that revisits her when she begins to restore an antique trunk. A mysterious assailant targets her and her friends, one by one.  Gwen is thrust into an awkward relationship with Officer Brent Newcomb as they race to stop the intruder from striking again. Could the trunk hold the key to this cloud of violence spreading over the peaceful Marble Lakes? If so, will they discover its secret in time? If not, what have they stumbled into?

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

This is the really cool part. A good friend shared a 19^th-century newspaper article she’d found in her aunt’s attic. Here’s the verbatim article:

Rangeley Lakes, Volume 2. Rangeley, Maine. Thursday, August 20, 1896. Number 13.

The center of attraction Thursday was at the railroad station after the arrival of the 1 o’clock train. There came on that train a “bridal trunk,” anyway, one of the cards attached said: “I’m a bride;” another announced, “We are married.” There was a drawing of a loving couple with wedding bells and a cupid. But the happy couple didn’t come. There was a crowd awaiting the train at night, and again they were doomed to disappointment, but they had the pleasure of looking over the trunk just the same.

My goodness, how can an author read an account like this and not write a mystery story? In Quimby Pond, Rangeley becomes the fictional town of Marble Falls. Outlying areas—like Quimby Pond—retain their names for authenticity.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

I received wonderful help from contacts in the Rangeley area—notably through the exceptional Ms. Belinda Mansfield, a Rangeley resident I credit in the Acknowledgments. Additionally, an author who penned the chronological history of the Rangeley Lakes area sent me a complimentary copy of his book. The chair of the History Department at the University of Maine was also very forthcoming with material regarding 19^th-century Maine. Most fun, though, was the superb joy of visiting Rangeley, after having written the first draft of the manuscript, for a “boots-on-the-ground” research trip. It was during this journey that I bonded with the beautiful Rangeley Lakes region. If any of your readers is interested in touring New England, Rangeley is a must visit—especially in the autumn, or the winter if they’re snow-sports enthusiasts.

Tell us what you love about your main character?

Who, Gwen? Oh my goodness, what a lady! She has two things going for her. First, her namesake is my fourteenth granddaughter—let there be no mistake about my bias. J  Secondly, I strived to write Gwen outside of the modern Disneyesque profile of heroines abandoning their femininity in favor of “kicking the butt” of any and all male counterparts. Women are blessed God-given beings to the world in all of their strengths and weaknesses, the same as men. In Quimby Pond, Gwen Kelly retains all of her feminine qualities, like grace and charm, but still rises to save the day in more than one instance. If I were unattached and 30 years younger, I would so date Gwen!

Where can my readers find you online?

For now I’m at www.brucejudisch.com; however, I may be changing that soon. Any interested reader will find my work by searching my name at Amazon,com.

Thanks so much for featuring me on your blog, Linda. It’s been fun!

Thank you, Bruce, for talking to us today. I hope my readers will check out your suspenseful story.

Interview with Children’s Author Corine Dehghanpisheh

Corine Dehghanpisheh is a children’s book author and illustrator. Her inspirations for writing and illustrating come from everyday life. She was a Mom's Choice Awards® Silver Recipient and a Next Generation Indie Author Finalist for her debut children's book Can We Play Again?, which was published in March 2012. Her inspiration for this book came from her work as a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist in NYC. Corine published her second children’s book, Buddy’s Dream, in November 2013, and her third children's book, #BabyLove: My Social Life, in July 2015. When Corine is not busy being creative, she is most likely having fun taking pictures of her family. Corine lives in Manhattan, NY with her husband and new baby.

Welcome to my blog, Corine. Please tell us about your book, #BabyLove: My Social Life.

#BabyLove: My Social Life is a modern children’s picture book based on a baby being raised in today’s digital world.  The story is told from the perspective of an adored baby who is photographed and recorded all day long for the purpose of sharing with family and friends via social media and messaging.  The story is intended to highlight today’s social phenomenon of sharing life using social media and technology.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

My inspiration for the story came from my own experience with my daughter Lily.  My husband and I live away from the rest of our family and many of our closest friends.  Social media and technology has provided us the opportunity to share the announcement of the birth of our daughter and other milestones with those that are far away.

Because of technology, Lily gets to see her extended family through regularly scheduled FaceTime sessions with her grandparents, cousins, and our friends whom she wouldn’t otherwise get to know.  Technology has actually helped her relationships with her family members.   When we do get to visit in person, she already recognizes and interacts with them comfortably and not as strangers.  This is one reason I see the benefits of using these tools. 

There are downsides to sharing and using technology such as safety and privacy.   We take security seriously and try to use our best judgment before putting pictures or videos of our daughter online.  Also, I do get a sad feeling at the end of a FaceTime session or when we are looking at photos together on my phone or computer when Lily gives the screen kisses and hugs instead of the real people.  But is that any different than kissing or hugging a photo?

What kind of research did you do?

I didn’t really do much research.  I just looked at every day life– how are people using their social media feeds?   It was abundantly clear that many people are using social media to share their life events and updates including their kid’s milestones, announcements, and updates. 

Where can my readers find more information about you?

Readers can connect with Corine on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

To learn more, go to http://www.booksbycorined.com/

Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

As a child, I enjoyed reading so much that I would hide books and a flashlight under my bed so that I could read after the light went off.  Thankfully the flashlight didn’t bother my twin sister who slept in the same room with me.  I would read for hours and fall asleep dreaming of the stories that I was reading. 

Storytelling either through pictures or writing has something that I have done since I can remember.  I am very thankful that I am able to write and illustrate my stories for a larger audience.  I truly enjoy what I do. 

Thank you, Corine, for this awesome interview. I hope my readers will check out your book.

Interview with Inspirational Romance Author Laurean Brooks

Laurean Brooks has authored six inspirational romances. Two titles are full lengths available in print or ebook: Journey To Forgiveness and Beneath A Macon Moon.  A Medley Of Inspirational Romance is a compilation of four short stories/novella which can be purchased as a single ebook or together under one cover, print or download.

Ms. Brooks lives in a rural area of Tennessee surrounded by woods, creeks and farmland. Her favorite time of day is a leisurely walk with her two labs and black cat, in the late afternoon. Yes, Tux the cat joins her and the dogs. When Laurean isn't writing, you might find her engrossed in a home renovation show like, Fixer Upper, Rehab Addict, or Texas Flip and Move.

Welcome back to my blog, Laurean. Please tell us about your book, A Medley Of Inspirational Romance.

A Medley Of Inspirational Romance was born when my publisher, Publishing By Rebecca J. Vickery wanted to compile four of my short stories to make a full-length book. Each hero and heroine is struggling through a painful experience. Each must learn to trust God's grace and guidance.

Where did you get inspirations for these stories?

Jonquils In The Snow—This story came to me after the ice storm that hit our area in late January, 2010. What if a young single lady calls a tree service man after the storm took down trees in her yard?

Miranda is a third-grade teacher, but school is canceled due to a devastating ice storm. Miranda was jilted two days before her wedding. Two years later she's ready to put it behind her. Brady owns a tree service business. Three years after his wife's tragic death, he still grieves. Can Miranda and a cluster of snow-covered Jonquils give Brady hope for a new beginning?

Over The Coals--My publisher asked. short story submissions for a summer romance collection she was putting together. What could be more summery than a backyard cookout?

Jill watches Rob flirt with the blonde who hangs over him while he's grilling. The gregarious Rob thinks he's God's gift to women. Or does he? A one-on-one talk with Rob makes Jill reassess. What is he hiding? Why does he not answer questions about his past? And why does Rob start avoiding her?

Will Jill's suspicious heart soften toward Rob? Will Rob find healing for his broken past?

Severed Hearts—Set in the Vietnam Era when time seemed to move slower. My late brother's experience was my inspiration for this story. I even named my hero “Johnny” after him.

Johnny is crazy in love with Julie. He is about to propose when he overhears a conversation between Julie and the arrogant guy who devises to destroy him. The demeaning words send Johnny packing. Without a word to Julie, he enlists and hops on a bus. Who can put these Severed Hearts back together?

Sad to say, my brother and the young lady he loved never reconciled. Like Johnny in my story, he enlisted to run away from heartbreak.

A Decision of Trust—My heroine's position as a legal secretary came from my experience. Though, the heroine, hero, and plot were figments of my imagination.

Amanda's late husband was a high-paid CEO. They had everything money could buy. But after his death, she discovers he was a philanderer and obsessive gambler. Amanda could lose everything. She is disillusioned, not willing to trust her heart again. Handsome attorney Jake, lost his wife to a medical procedure gone wrong. He is not looking for a second chance at love. Once was enough. He will raise his young son alone. Then Amanda walks into his office to apply for a job.

Can God heal their broken hearts and give them the courage to trust love again?

What kind of research did you do for this book?

Very little. All four stories are set in the South, familiar surroundings to me. In A Decision Of Trust, I used my experience as a former legal secretary. Otherwise, I would have been clueless to certain legal terms and procedures in a legal office. My full-length books required a lot of research. My historical, Journey To Forgiveness set in the year 1938, because it is a historical. My contemporary Beneath A Macon Moon because I'm not familiar with the town.

Do you consider your female characters to be strong and feisty or meek yet spirited?

They appear strong and feisty, but beneath the surface all are vulnerable. The feisty or cool manner is a coverup for past hurts. I wouldn't call any of them meek. Jill Landers in Over The Coals is a bit shy. She doesn't like being the center of attention.

Thank you, Laurean, for this wonderful interview. I hope my readers will check out your books. Here are some links below for them to find you.

Laurean Brooks Website: http://laureanslore.blogspot.com

Friend Lauren on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/laurean.brooks

Follow Laurean on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Laurean2

Interview with Christian Romance Author Regina Andrews

 A resident of Providence, RI, Regina grew up in nearby Barrington. After graduating from Providence College she attended the University of Delaware, eventually earning her Master’s Degree in American Civilization from Brown University. She is inspired by anything to do with nature, and she and her husband enjoy visiting nearby Cape Cod. Regina’s hobbies include Travel, Museums, Theater, Classical Music, Choral Singing and Gardening. She is a radio host for In-Sight, an association dedicated to providing services to the visually impaired of all ages. Among Regina’s inspirational romances are: THE PERFECT PROPOSAL, LIGHT OF THE HEART, ANGELS OF THE HEART, PRAISE OF THE HEART, and GLORY OF THE HEART. Look for brand new titles in her Sterling Lakes Series: DESTINY’S DESIGNS, SPOTLIGHT ON LOVE, and IN GOOD FAITH.

Welcome to my blog, Regina. Where did you get your inspiration for the Sterling Lakes Series?

This series is based, in part, on the town where I grew up. By that I mean all the good parts! As I grew older I realized how idyllic my background was in Barrington. It was filled with natural beauty and kind-hearted people. We never locked our doors. Things change over time, and that became a theme I wanted to explore in my work. So I added the dimension of life’s problems and challenges to Sterling Lakes. I think it makes the books more true-to-life and easier for my readers to relate to. I hope so anyway! They are all stand-alones but flow as a cohesive series. The nine books in the series all deal with the renovations of the town church and thematically are divided into three sections. The first three deal with the past, the middle three with the present and the last three with the future. Of course, past, present and future overlap, but that is the general story arc of the series.

“Light of the Heart, book 1, is a great love story with plenty of humor. Cascade, the female character, is charming. As for Dan, he is a hoot and he’s such a fun and masculine character. One of my favorite quotes that he says is this: “I’m just the project manager. I come into town, do the job, and leave. No ties, no friendships, no tea parties and barbecues with the neighbors. In and out.” He snapped his fingers. “Just like that.” No tea parties and barbecues with the neighbors? After that statement, you can tell what kind of guy he is going to be. This story is very entertaining and I really liked Dan.”  –Review by Author Linda Weaver Clarke

Tell us about book two: Angels of the Heart.

The life of a television journalist has been good to Maryanne Lynch. That is, until she learns of developer Travis Collimore's plans to destroy the Townsend Barn, a cherished Sterling Lakes landmark, and build a strip mall in its place. Will Maryanne's efforts to stop him be successful? Or will Travis' plans for the future prevail over her attachment to the past?

“Angels of the Heart, book 2, is a love story with grit. Maryanne is a strong character and is trying to save a historical landmark, a barn with an angel weather vane. She says that the barn represents the city’s past and who they are, so it can’t be torn down. She says that we don’t tear down our history but “we build up on where we came from, that’s who we are.” I loved her strength and grit concerning other beliefs she had and she was not about to back down. A great story!” –Review by Author Linda Weaver Clarke

Now tell us about book three: Praise of the Heart.

Librarian Laura Matthewson is happy staying out of the limelight. But when pro baseball star Cliff Markham returns home to Sterling Lakes to help with the St. Luke's Church Renovation fundraiser, will she be able to resist his magnetic power?

“Praise of the Heart, book 3, is a sweet love story with challenges. Laura is a librarian with a quiet demeanor who doesn’t like a lot of attention drawn to her. Cliff is the complete opposite. He’s an all-star baseball hero and enjoys the limelight, but he doesn’t let it go to his head. These two are opposites, but they quickly fall for each other. Love at first sight! This story has its challenges, too. Someone is trying to stop the church renovations from going through and a certain woman gossips and bad-mouths others without another thought or worry about who it hurts. Not only that, Laura is faced with a decision whether or not to become a model. These challenges have their moments, but end happily. A great story!” –Review by Author Linda Weaver Clarke

Now tell us about book four: Glory of the Heart.

GLORY OF THE HEART deals with a hero who is grappling with the past and a heroine who is starting a new future, trying to put the past behind her. CC, the heroine, has just moved to town and purchased the house that the hero used to live in as a child before his family left Sterling Lakes. He finds a stash of letters from his father in CC’s attic, and they reveal a shocking truth about the past that shatters his image of what his family really was. Both characters struggle to find the truth, and both struggle to move on from the past. Faith and doubt play a huge role in how their romance develops.

Perrin Marlowe, a war hero, has based his life on the ideals of his father and pursued a livelihood in the realm of stonework and masonry. Returning to Sterling Lakes, he finds the truth about his past in the attic of CC Cogshell’s house--and for CC, who has started a new life in the rural New England town, this seminal move in her life as she leaves a terrible relationship may lead her to places she never dreamed of going. It is through the past that they will both be able to move into their futures...will it be a future that they can share together?

Please tell us where my readers can find your books. 

Regina Andrews Website: http://www.reginaandrews.com

Writers Exchange: http://www.writers-exchange.com/Regina-Andrews.html

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/regina-andrews

Thank you so much for this interview, Regina. I went to Writers Exchange and it’s a very nice website. I hope my readers will check out your Christian Romances.