Interview with Author Kathryn Elizabeth Jones

Kathryn Elizabeth Jones has been a reader even before she could read. She has always loved books and would pretend to read even before the skill to read sunk in. She has loved to write for almost the same amount of time. Kathryn has published 7 books to date. Two mysteries, two Christian fiction books, two nonfiction books and one middle reader. She has also published short stories and articles for newspapers and magazines throughout her 20+ years as an author.

Welcome back to my blog, Kathryn. You have a book that helps authors market their books. Please tell us about Marketing Your Book on a Budget and give us some examples.

Marketing Your Book on a Budget is an easy guide to use in navigating the marketing world. And because I update the book every year (usually in January) the writer receives the most up-to-date information on reviews, blog interviews, book trailers, contests, and more. For example, book trailers using Animoto.com are easy and pretty pain free. Any video under 30 seconds will not cost the writer a penny, and anything above that will cost them very little. I pay $30 for an entire year of use. And this use includes video, photos, music and text. After your trailer is created you can share it on your blog, on YouTube, on Facebook or on Twitter.

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

Each and every idea in the book has been tried out and tested in the "Kathryn Jones Factory" of market testing. That means I won't include something in my book that hasn't worked for me. If it doesn't work, if I see no results, the idea gets booted. You will notice that there's not a chapter on creating a news release or getting your books in libraries, and that's because I have found little to no success in these arenas. What I have found successful is found in the book along with direct links to places to market your book for free. Most of these ways are found online, but some of them are 'old school' and still very effective.

It sounds like a perfect book for authors. What kind of research did you have to do before writing this book?

My first book was published in 2002. Since that time I have done all of my own marketing, and have weeded and pruned. The research came about as I was trying things out. Once I could see success, whether that success was new readers or new sales, I counted the idea a success and included it in the book.

At the end of every year I go through the book and take out links, sites, and so forth that no longer produce results for me. And I add new things that I have since discovered that have increased interest.

It is good to know that you update your book. Here is a question that I love asking authors on my blog. It’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

The real me... hmmmm... I love chocolate and will eat it along with every meal of the day if it's in the house. The good news is that I exercise every morning doing Wii Dance to ward off the pounds. :)

What a perfect routine for eating sweets! Thank you, Kathryn, for visiting my blog. I think it’s time for all authors to consider this book because it may help you spread the word about your novels.

Interview with Suspense Romance Author Charissa Stastny

Charissa Stastny hails from Las Vegas, Nevada, but has never pulled the handle of a slot machine and can’t shuffle cards to save her life. She envisioned herself as an author since 4^th grade when she wrote the creative work, The Creature from McGool, and went on in shame to pen some cheesy romance scenes as a teenager. Now she has matured somewhat and is a member of the Idaho Writer’s Guild and tries hard not to spread too much cheese around in her writing. She resides in Idaho’s Treasure Valley with her family, where shuffling isn’t required. Thank goodness!

Welcome to my blog, Charissa. Where did you get your inspiration for the Bending Willow Trilogy?

My muse for this story started with a creative writing assignment and a door-to-door art salesperson. An Israeli girl named Suvi with a nose ring and a vivacious personality knocked, charmed me into buying one of her oil paintings, and then talked to my daughters and me for an hour. After she left, an idea for my short story began to form. As I wrote my imagined story for Suvi, I hoped to make my daughters aware of hidden secrets people carry so that they would be more merciful in their judgment of others. We never know what awful circumstances and experiences have led someone to act in certain ways. There are religious undertones in this story, but it’s not preachy because I knew my daughters would toss it aside if they thought mom was trying to get one over on them. 

What is book one about: Eyes of Light?

This series follows three characters through several harrowing years. In Vol. 1, Suvi Goldstein tries to escape her past, but falls for a man with secrets as deadly as her own. Torn between violent men in one world and a forgiving man in another, she must fight her way out of darkness to find redemption. James Hinton is Suvi’s opposite—a clean-cut, returned missionary who seems like the classic Boy Scout. Austan Sandoval is an ex-NCS operative who Suvi believes died when she was in high school. He’s gone deep undercover, but still secretly watches over and protects her from brutal forces bent on her destruction. 

Tell us about book two: Secret Keepers.

This book delves deeper into Suvi’s horrific past and exposes damaging secrets she has locked away for years. Though she has begun healing, she still struggles with self-worth after what she has endured. As the past clashes with the present, she flees to Israel to lead danger away from the man she loves. There she seeks her estranged father’s help. But when she disappears without a trace, Austan and James will do anything to find the woman they both love. From Idaho to Israel, and with madmen, ruthless drug cartels, and Mossad assassins as key forces, the fight for light continues in a battle where lives, love and freedom are at stake.

When you fall in love with your characters, it is hard to leave a series as you write the last book. Please tell us what the third book, Hands of Mercy, is about.

This is hard to do without giving away too much. Let me just say that two of our characters are finally married in this book, but marriage doesn’t automatically mean happily ever after…no matter what fairy tales portray. As our celebrated couple struggle with the mundane in their marriage, malevolent forces beyond their control cause hell to erupt. Suvi, Austan, and James must struggle to survive as separation, death, guilt, and revenge rip them apart and scatter their broken hearts and bodies over the battlefield of life until unseen Hands of Mercy save them. Whew! How’s that? 

Very good description, Charissa. Who is one of your favorite characters in this series and what do you love about him or her?

I adore all my characters, but Austan’s probably my favorite to write. He makes me run the gamut of emotions—one minute he has me laughing so hard my side hurts; the next I want to weep for all his troubles; but then I turn the page and want to smack him for being such an arrogant pig. If you’d like to read an interview with him, go HERE. 

Haha! That is such a great way of describing your own character. Love it! Here are a few links to visit Charissa and her sites.

·        Website – http://www.charissastastny.com

·        Facebook 

·       You may purchase these books here: Eyes of Light, Secret Keepers, Hands of Mercy

Interview with Romance Author Paige Timothy

Paige Timothy is the author of soon-to-be five romance novels in the Main Street Merchants series as part of the Sweet and Clean Romance Collection by Trifecta Books. Under another name, she’s written twenty-five other books in every genre from historical fiction to cozy mystery. She lives along the Wasatch Front with her husband, four children, and very spoiled little dog.

Welcome to my blog, Paige. Writing romance is a new genre for you. Where did you get your inspiration for this series?

Romance is new to me, definitely, although my other books have elements of romance in them. I just wanted to give something new a try, and to see about catching the wave that is sweet romance. It’s been a lot of fun. I get to do a lot of bantering between my characters, which is one of my favorite things to write.

Please give us a short synopsis of book one: And Something Blue.

Each of the books in this series takes place in one of the businesses along Main Street in the fictional town of Aspen Ridge, Colorado. In And Something Blue, we meet Laurie, who works at the bridal shop. She deals with temperamental brides and their equally temperamental mothers all day long, but in this story, it’s the brother she has to deal with. Sparks do fly.

Tell us about book two: For Love or Money.

Laurie’s roommate Morgan works at the bank, and hangs out with her best friend and fellow bank teller, Rory. When Rory’s grandmother falls ill, he goes home to South Dakota to be there for his family, and Morgan realizes that maybe he’s just a little bit more than a friend.

Now we want to learn about book three: Five Golden Rings.

Cara is the third roommate in this apartment, and she works at the jewelry store. She’s always loved singing and writing her own music, but she’s crippled by insecurity. She believes that she’ll never be good enough to perform for anyone but herself, but her life takes some amazing and unexpected twists and turns, and she learns that she’s so much more than she ever thought.

Please tell us about book four: Just Desserts.

Now we go across Main Street to D’Angelo’s Bakery, which is managed by Quinn. Mr. D’Angelo’s health has been poor for years, and Quinn spends all her time taking care of the bakery. So much time, in fact, that she doesn’t have much time for anything else. When a construction worker shows up to take her cake decorating class, she has to learn to put her critical nature aside and see past the scruffy beard and steel-toed boots to the person inside.

The fifth book in this series is now available. Please tell us about Between the Lines.

Between the Lines is about Regan, the fourth roommate in Laurie’s apartment. She works at the bookstore, and she’s decided that the only good romances are the ones that take place in fiction. She’s never had a real romance of her own, and while she’s happy that all her roommates have found love, she doesn’t think it will ever happen to her. But then she gets swept off her feet and up a mountain, where she learns in a moment of crisis that heroes are actually real.

Thank you for being a guest on my blog, Paige. I hope you visit again. You can learn more about her at www.paigetimothy.com.

Interview with Romantic/Comedy Author Brooke Williams

Brooke Williams is a former radio announcer turned stay at home mom/freelance writer/author. She has two daughters and has been married since 2002. Brooke has written numerous novels including “Someone Always Loved You,” “Beyond the Bars,” and the recent romantic comedy “Wrong Place, Right Time.” She looks forward to releasing “Mamarazzi” in August and her first children’s book “Baby Sheep Gets a Haircut” in February 2016.

“Accept This Dandelion is a humorous romance, full of amusing and witty narratives. The author not only wrote a sweet love story, but the humor she added made this story delightful. I was chuckling and even laughing out loud at times because it was hard to keep quiet. When Renee decides to be on a dating show, everything seems to go wrong in each interview, but Ben thinks she’s fun and charming despite her foibles. The author has developed the characters so well that I fell in love with them. This is a story that would be fun to read over again.” –Review by Author Linda Weaver Clarke

Welcome to my blog, Brooke. Please tell us about your novel, Accept This Dandelion.

Thanks so much for having me today! It’s an honor! This book is about a radio announcer named Renee Lockhart. She wants to move up at work and get a position on the Morning Show, but her boss doesn’t think her public image is large enough. Her co-worker signs her up to try out for the localized version of “The Bachelor” TV show…in part to help her heighten her public image and also to help her get a date! When Renee lands on the show, she has low expectations for the outcome…and let me tell you, nothing goes right for this girl! Talk about a date gone bad! Again and again! We get to see all of her dating disasters and groan right alongside her as they turn from bad to worse…on TV, no less!

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I enjoy “The Bachelor” TV show and I have to say, my favorite part are the bloopers and outtakes they show at the end sometimes. The show, to me, is an escape from everyday life. It puts a smile on my face and it’s the only show I follow on a regular basis. So it really inspired the book because the book is about a localized version of the dating show. Probably some of my own bad dates inspired it as well, but I never did anything quite the way Renee does! I also gave Renee a job very similar to what I used to do in radio. I’ve heard it’s best to write what you know and I was in radio for a decade so I know how that world works. Most of all, the story came to me and I was inspired by the idea itself!

That is hilarious. I love hearing how a story comes about. What kind of research did you have to do?

Just watching TV and going on bad dates! Ha. I don’t often research. I prefer to make things up. Hence the reason I’m a fiction author and not a journalist. I had enough of a background in both radio and TV to pull this book off without any research. That isn’t the case for ALL of my books. Mamarazzi, for example, is based largely in and around LA, a place I’ve only ever visited once. Some books take more and some, I just make it up! J

Hey! If it works, that’s all that matters. Haha. Please tell us about the main character in this story and what you love about him or her.

Renee Lockhart is a hot mess, but she’s a real girl and someone I felt like I could really relate to. She’s not a size 0. She’s a normal, average American woman! She doesn’t care about hair and make-up or what she’s wearing either. She wants people to see her for who she is. She is ambitious and wants to work her way to the top in her job, but her reason for wanting to be on top is sweet…she simply wants to be able to help more people with her station at the top of the totem pole. But she’s also pretty set in her ways and stubborn. She has her ideas about people and her opinions on how things should be, whether she’s right or not! She also seems to be a natural born klutz…at least when it comes to dates! The things that happen to this poor girl on the local TV show…!!

I absolutely loved Renee. She had me laughing quite a bit. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I only cut my hair once every two years. IT used to be once a year, but I’ve cut back. Ha. I like my hair longer in the summer and shorter in the winter, strangely enough. In the summer, long is good because you can put it up in a variety of ways. In the winter, I don’t want it up so down is best! But the real reason I grow it and cut it is to donate what is cut for a wig for someone who has cancer. I’ve probably cut it 5-6 times by now.

That’s so interesting. I love learning things like this about the authors I interview. Thank you very much for this wonderful interview.

Young Adult Fantasy Medieval Romance by Anna Del C. Dye

Anna Del C. Dye was born in the extreme South along some famous beaches. She grew up with four other siblings, being placed in the middle. Anna moved to the USA to marry her husband Rodney, and has resided in Utah since then. Her husband, a native of Idaho, met her in her hometown. They fell in love and she came to Utah on Christmas Eve to be married two weeks later. They are the parents of three princes and a princess.

Early on in her life she showed an affinity for sewing and took classes that have rewarded her with the opportunities of doing the costuming for the cast of four musicals, and Utah’s own Fantasy Con, which she enjoyed immensely. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Have you ever wondered who your “soul mate” is or if you even had one? Anna’s book is exactly about that. This is what her new fantasy is about.

Freedom to Choose is Paramount for any human. An arrangement made when Elizabeth was just a babe ties her to someone she has never met, never spoken to, never loved. Now she desires freedom—a way to choose her own path—her own husband. The moment Elizabeth meets Patrick she knows he is her soul mate. But when you are bound to a crown how is any choice your own?

Here is a snippet from Once Upon Two Kingdoms for you to read:

“People should be free to choose, once they are old enough to know what they want, and can take responsibility for their choices,” I whispered, watching my little baby, asleep so peaceful in contrast to the rage that brewed in me.

“How could your father condemn you this way while forcing me to stand by, unable to do anything but despair? I know he felt wretched. That doesn’t help the pain in my soul. I begged him on my knees, but it was no use. Your path in life was sealed and no human could break it asunder. All I could do was leave the sad scene, crying miserably with you in my arms. Still, I am not alone in my misery. Oh, Elizabeth, I tried my child, I tried to protect you and I have failed you…”

If this excerpt hasn’t intrigued you, I would be surprised. You can find out more about Anna and her books at http://www.annadelc.com.

Some of Anna’s writing recognitions:

She received the Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry and had her article entitled A New American Mother published by Desert Saints Magazine. Her short story entitled Amerine—Fairy Princess won an award in a League of Utah Writers contest later to be published by Kalkion Magazine. (Now it has been published as an e-book.) Other articles about family and relationship have been published frequently in the MOMS CLUB of Salt Lake Valley-West. She has published 7 books on her Elf series. Rodney’s and her love story was published by Deseret book in the anthology entitled Angels Round About compiled by July C. Olsen. Another of her articles was included in the Anthology Mother’s Message in a Bottle, edited by Tyler Hayden and published by Nimbus Publishing.

Interview with Historical and Regency Romance Author Regina Scott

Regina Scott is the award-winning author of more than 25 historical romances, most set in the Regency period. Her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She and her husband of over 25 years reside in Washington State with their overactive Irish terrier. Regina Scott is a decent fencer, owns a historical costume collection that takes up over a third of her large closet, and serves as the chief organizer for her family and friends.

“The Bride Ship is such a charming story. The hero, Clay, is a man among men. He’s a rough and tough man who knows what he wants but underneath he has a heart of gold. Allegra was married to his brother but is now a widow. Clay is completely opposite from his brother who was a refined gentleman. Clay lived a life of adventure panning for gold in California and shipping lumber from the forests of Oregon Territory. Now Clay wants to help Allegra because of his devotion to his brother. But that is not the real reason. His love for Allegra shines through.” –Review by Author Linda Weaver Clarke

Welcome to my blog, Regina. The Bride Ship is your first venture outside the Regency era. Please tell us about your novel.

The Bride Ship is the first in a new series that chronicles the real-life story of a group of women who left the East Coast after the Civil War to start new lives in frontier Washington Territory. Though my heroine, Allegra Banks Howard, and her friends are fictional, the challenges they face are real to that fateful journey and time period. Some of the women came hoping to be brides. Others merely wanted a chance at a future away from sad memories of husbands and brothers lost to that bloody war. None expected the trip and the destination to be so ripe for adventure, and love.

I have never heard of this before. That’s so interesting. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I first learned about the Mercer Belles (one of the kinder names given to this stalwart group of ladies) when I was a girl growing up in the Puget Sound area of Washington State, and I’ve wanted to write a story about them ever since. What would make a woman willing to travel thousands of miles, to leave family and friends behind, most likely forever? To attempt life on the frontier with nothing but the clothes on her back and the faith in her heart? How did that woman react when she saw fledgling Seattle, which wasn’t nearly as civilized as she had been led to believe from the materials given her by the group’s recruiter and organizer, Asa Mercer? I could imagine dozens of ways the stories might have played out, all depending on the lady herself.

I bet the trip was very hard to endure. What kind of research did you have to do?

I read every account of the Mercer party I could locate, including journals of the ladies in the group. I studied in the state Historical Society archives to learn what befell the others once they reached their hallowed shores. I owe a lot of my material to the journal of Roger Conant, which has been published as Mercer’s Belles: The Journal of a Reporter. He was a New York Times reporter embedded in the Mercer party, who not only described their adventures but shared the stories with the newspaper to the delight of his many readers. He had a rather patronizing attitude toward the ladies, calling them “fair virgins” and emphasizing every time any of them so much as batted her eyes at a gentlemen. But the stories he tells, of exploring the wonders of Rio de Janeiro, navigating the desolate Straits of Magellan, being chased by a Spanish man-o-war in Chile, and visiting the Galapagos Islands, are amazing!

Please tell us about the main character in this story and what you love about her.

What I love about Allegra is that she is trying her wings for the first time. A pampered Boston socialite, she went through life as the dutiful daughter, doing everything her parents required, including marrying the son of family friends when his brother, the man she loved, headed West. Now her husband and parents have died, and she can see how her mother-in-law is determined to shape Allegra’s young daughter into the same mold. Isn’t there more to life? Shouldn’t Allegra be the one guiding her daughter’s footsteps? Shouldn’t Allegra have the right to choose who she’ll marry, if she’ll marry again? She may make some mistakes along the way, but she picks herself up and keeps on trying, knowing that it’s not only her own future she’s championing, but her daughter’s. When Clay Howard, the man she once loved, shows up to “rescue” her, she’s not so sure she wants rescuing. And then it’s his turn to learn a few things.

Wow! Your story sounds so intriguing. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I believe in living the history I write about. I’ve sailed on a tall ship, driven a carriage four-in-hand, sipped the waters in Bath, and strolled the shops on Bond Street in London. If you need a fourth for an English country dance, I’m your girl. But don’t be surprised if I step on your toes. We have many women named Grace in my family. I am not one of them. J

Haha! Now I know the real you! Thanks for this wonderful interview, Regina. This has been a real pleasure getting to know you.

Interview with Fantasy YA Author Andean White

For thirty-five years, Andean White worked in manufacturing management for some awesome organizations making interesting products. A couple years before retiring, Andean wrote a series of travel journals with a humorous under current. Several friends and family suggested he write some short stories based on the journals—that sparked an interest in writing. Among his interests, Andean enjoys biking, fishing, travel, woodworking, golf, classic cars, and of course writing.

Welcome to my blog, Andean. Please tell us about this Fantasy/Medieval Romance, Winter’s Thief.

Winter’s Thief is a medieval-like tale of a king’s secret adoption scheme to create an heir to the throne, as the queen cannot bear children. The story takes us into the lives of the characters providing security and those who wish to see the princess dead. Oscar, the captain of the guard, instrumental in the success of the king’s scheme, has second thoughts when his farmer son meets the princess several years later. Their budding romance struggles as they battle treason, spies, revenge, assassination, kidnapping, abduction, ambush, social class, beasts, and parents.

This tale sounds intriguing. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

For Winter’s Thief, the idea came from a completely different source than other stories. Kathryn Elizabeth Jones, mentor turned editor, asked if I would write a page and a half story inspired by a card pulled randomly from a deck. The card contained a reproduction of the Bernardo Martorell painting titled Saint George Killing the Dragon—a castle, princess, knight, and a dragon. I was not thrilled with the assignment and put it off until a couple hours before our meeting. With little time to proof, I had to be at my best. It turned out pretty good. Over the next month Kathryn talked me into five pages, ten pages, a couple of chapters, and then a book.

That is so interesting. It was as if Kathryn had to encourage and pull this story out of you. Haha. What kind of research did you have to do?

Mostly I verified a few timing concerns. For example, the date linen was first used in clothing. Also checked the names of flowers, clergy apparel, and food. The story is loosely base on medieval life, but I took a few liberties, as it is a fantasy.

Please tell us about the main character in this story and what you love about him or her.

Oscar is the Captain of the Long Bows and the king’s most trusted knight—handling the king’s secret missions. He is bound by his oath to the king, and sacrifices time with his family to be strong, efficient, prepared, and deadly. His skills are tested on assignments from transporting a newborn princess to interrogating an enemy spy. The real test is coming as some of his secrets are about to be exposed.

And yet, he is not afraid to discuss his favorite color is green because it reminds him of Spring, a new beginning. He knows thoughts of his new beginning are in conflict with his oath and reality. Lost time with Abby, his sick wife, has him wondering how his son Kendrick will survive without a father.

I’m sure adults would enjoy this novel as well. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

When I tell friends and former work associates that I am a writer, their faces have the strangest expression followed by “What did you say?” Then “Really?”

My former career was details, procedures, specifications, testing results, blue prints, budgets—you get the picture—technical, with a narrow range for creativity. I am happy to say Winter’s Thief, my second book has received good reviews from many of those same people who formerly asked “What did you say?” Thankfully, I can answer “Really!”

Haha! That is great. Thanks for this wonderful interview. For those interested, you may visit Andean’s website at http://andeanwhite.com. 

Interview with Cook Book Authors Annie, Chelsea and Holly Forsyth

Annie, Chelsea and Holly Forsyth began Natural Sweet Recipes (www.naturalsweetrecipes.com) in June 2011 as a way to share recipes with family and friends that were interested in eating sugar-free. Because they enjoyed sharing their recipes so much they decided to broaden their readership and make their blog public. Since then their recipes have been featured all over the Web on sites such as BuzzFeed, The Pioneer Woman’s Tasty Kitchen and Huffington Post. Their first cookbook The Everything Naturally Sugar-Free Cookbook was published in September 2014 which features 300 of their favorite naturally sweet recipes. The book features drinks, appetizers, breads, main dishes, and, of course, desserts that can all be made without refined sugar!

Welcome to my blog, Girls. This is fun having sisters on my blog. Please tell us about your cookbook and why it is unique.

Thanks so much for having us! The Everything Series is a great series of books that spell out everything you need to know about a topic. The company contacted us and asked us if we would be their “Sugar-free Experts” and write a book dedicated to cooking and baking without refined sugar. It was the perfect fit for us and we jumped on board. The book features some of our reader’s favorite recipes from the blog but also has many new and improved recipes as well. We think something that makes the book special is it really became a labor of love for our entire family, not just the three of us. We had family near and far testing recipes and even creating new recipes. This book really pays tribute to our support and love for each other as well as our collective pursuit of health. If we had a family time capsule for the year, (which we should make!), this book would definitely be in it, representing a lot of collaboration, work, laughter, tears and late night phone calls.

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

We get inspiration from absolutely everywhere! We love to travel. Annie and her husband have done a lot of traveling all over Europe and always come back with fantastic recipes that we set out to re-create in a healthy way. Chelsea is currently in Brazil where she is learning a lot about food and traditions there. Holly lives in Los Angeles where the food scene is top notch and is always taking pictures of beautiful dessert cases and restaurant food presentations. Whenever we see unique flavor combinations at gelato shops or a dessert presented in a particularly pretty way, we text a picture to each other and store the idea away for later. The fact is, most desserts are not healthy in the slightest, so we always have our work cut out for us in recreating recipes. We currently have a recipe list with over 200 ideas that we hope to share on our blog or add in a future cookbook!

Did you have to do any research for this cookbook?

Yes! When it comes to science, the world is always changing! We wanted to make sure our readers had the latest research on what sugar does to their bodies. We have an entire chapter dedicated to refined sugar and why people should avoid it. We did a lot of research trying to ensure we were using the best techniques in our cooking as well as ways to make procedures easier for our readers. Not to mention endless “tasting research”! Taste testing was definitely the most time-consuming (and enjoyable!) part. We reworked recipes over and over, at 3 different altitudes, in 3 different test kitchens, trying to make sure they were the best they could be.

What is your most favorite recipe from this book and why?

Annie: I really enjoy the Vegan Lemons Bars because lemon bars are an old family and personal favorite that I am so excited to enjoy now in a sugar-free way. I also love that there is a secret healthy ingredient in them! It’s always a blast telling people after they eat dessert that you snuck in something super healthy that they didn’t notice!

Chelsea: I love the Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting. I have a weakness for gourmet cupcakes and this recipe is my go-to for any celebration!

Holly: I love the Honey Mustard Dressing. I can’t believe I’m picking this recipe over all the wonderful desserts in the book, but my three little girls, ages 8, 5 and 2 will literally eat anything with this dressing on top. I’m a big green vegetable fan, and it makes me giddy seeing my two year old ask for seconds on her salad at dinner.

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

Something real about us is that we are recovering sugar-addicts! We each suffered from various health problems in our teenage years and over time realized that our diets had a lot to do with how we felt. We have strived ever since to heal our bodies by cleaning up our food. After a lot of reading and consulting health gurus, we decided that a big part of an optimal diet is eliminating refined sugar. We are grateful to be in this together, because it’s so much easier making good food choices when we have support. Also, we are best friends in real life! We live very far away from each other right now so this blog has been a way to work, eat and laugh together across long distances.

Thank you so much for this interview, girls. I hope my readers check out your new cookbook. Congratulations!

Interview with Mystery Writer Kathryn Elizabeth Jones

Kathryn Elizabeth Jones has been a reader even before she could read. She has always loved books and would pretend to read even before the skill to read sunk in. She has loved to write for almost the same amount of time. Kathryn has published 7 books to date. Two mysteries, two Christian fiction books, two nonfiction books and one middle reader. She has also published short stories and articles for newspapers and magazines throughout her 20+ years as an author.

Welcome to my blog, Kathryn. This is a Susan Cramer Mystery. Where did you get your inspiration for this series?

I grew up on Nancy Drew Mysteries, so it was only a matter of time before I delved into the genre of mystery writing myself. Susan is a regular sort of woman with the same hang-ups and desires for a better life; something we all want.

I’m a mystery fan, too. Please tell us about book one: Scrambled.

Susan decides to leave her long-time husband hoping for a better life. Problem is, things only get worse as she is the first person to discover the collapsed man in the cellar of the Hotel Camaro. With all of the strange people who rent rooms at the old hotel, plus the fact that she has been blamed for the murder, Susan is also concerned about keeping where she is staying under wraps. The last thing she wants is to be persuaded to come home. Can she find the killer before her true identity is discovered?

This series sounds intriguing. Tell us about book two: Sunny Side-Up.

In Sunny Side-Up, Susan is finally able to take that well-needed vacation. Problem is, the first night out on the cruise ship, Aloha, an old man falls dead at her feet. Once again she is at the wrong place at the wrong time. How will she be able to clear her name this time? And how will she deal with Henry, Mr. non-romance himself?

It’s fun to see a character grow and develop in each book. When you fall in love with your characters, it is hard to leave a series. Please tell us what the third book is about: Hard Boiled.

In Hard Boiled, Susan returns home only to be told that someone within her family has been murdered. Though she isn't blamed, (she was on a cruise after all) there are some pretty strange clues floating through the air within the outreaches of her very own family. Is someone within it to be blamed?

Though this is not the last book in the series, (expect at least one more book in the series and a teen mystery series that will begin soon thereafter) I will have a hard time leaving the book and going on to something else. Expect Hard Boiled in 2016.

Who is one of your favorite characters in this series and what do you love about him or her?

My favorite character is Susan. She is so like me and so unlike me it's funny. What's not so funny is how easily she fumbles, how easily she is taken in. Susan is every woman who wants a better life for herself, but is sometimes unsure of how to get it.

Thank you for this wonderful interview. In January, Kathryn’s newly updated Marketing Your Book on a Budget will be released. I’m sure that many authors will be interested in this book. Watch out for her new Christian series called Heaven 24/7, also.