Interview with Romantic Mystery/Suspense Author Mary L. Ball

Mary L. Ball is a multi-published Christian author. She resides in the heart of North Carolina. When she isn't working on her latest story, she enjoys fishing, reading, and ministering in song with her husband at various functions.

Readers can connect with her on her web page, Face Book or Twitter. 

Visit Mary’s Singing Ministry Site at: http://heirsofsalvation2.webs.com

Welcome to my blog, Mary. Sunny's Dream is the first book in an Inspirational Mystery Series called Celestial Investigation. Please tell us about this Mystery/Suspense Romance.

Sunny Kast spends her week fighting cyber-crime, and dreaming of her prince charming. When a man walks into Celestial Investigations, and introduces himself as Trouble, she’s sure he’s not her prince and positive that he lives up to his name. After Max Trouble finds an important document, his life gets complicated with the know-it-all P.I. hired to track down its owner.

Sunny and Max’s relationship grows. She’s optimistic that he may be her prince charming, but after her car is sabotaged and she’s almost killed, Max’s chauvinist ideas of a female investigator surface. Will she see God’s perfect plan, or a not-so-perfect relationship?

“Sunny’s Dream,” Celestial Investigation, book one, is a Christian romantic suspense based on three sisters. Their P.I. skills come in handy in the quaint town of Mercy, North Carolina, a place where romance and mystery unite.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

I was driving home one day. For no reason, the concept of creating a series with three sisters came to mind. The names were instant. I’m very grateful to God for fueling my imagination.

I understand completely. What kind of research did you do for this book?

I researched the requirements to be a private investigator in North Carolina. I also searched out several facts on various ways to sabotage a car and gun laws. LOL I’m sure if anyone notices my search history they may think I’m some kind of nut.    

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

Sunny is the main character. I like her spunk, and the way she reacts to difficult situations.

Where is your website and blog so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

http://www.marylball.com/index.html

http://www.marylball.com/blog-monthly-smiles

Thank you for this fun interview, Mary. This series sounds so intriguing.

Interview with Author Kathryn Elizabeth Jones

Kathryn has been interested in book marketing since her first book was published in 2002 and her ‘then’ publisher, invited her to take care of her own book signings. She was surprised. Later, she realized that no matter how an author is published: traditionally or self-published, it’s up to the author to market his/her book. She has since published 12 books, and the marketing continues.

Welcome to my blog, Kathryn. Please tell us about Marketing Your Book on a Budget.

Marketing Your Book on a Budget is in its 7^th year. It’s a short read; no fluff, and filled with links and tips on marketing that any author will be excited to find. In it, the writer will find links to book reviewers, blog interviewers, free advertising, and more. In it, they will learn how to market their book without fear, and will discover what to do when rejection comes. Because it will. The most important thing for authors is to keep doing what works – what brings in the new readers, what gets the most views – and let go of what doesn’t.

Can you give us one example that will help an author to spread the word about his or her books?

Best example I can think of. Good reviewers. It often takes hours and hours to find reviewers to review a book, but this is the single most important marketing tip I can share with you. But where do you find them? How do you approach them? And what is their contact information? The answers to these questions can be found in Marketing Your Book on a Budget.

At one of your lectures that I attended, you encouraged authors to submit their books to ACX and turn them into an audiobook. I did it and was so impressed with the outcome. Could you please tell my readers more about ACX, which is a sister company to Amazon, and how one goes about making their book into an audiobook?

I would be glad to. ACX, or Audio Creation Exchange, works with Audible.com, iTunes and Amazon where your audio book is listed and can be purchased. At ACX, you can search out a narrator for your book. I have used Nancy Peterson (who now charges for her services) and Lauren Holladay. While some narrators prefer to be paid upfront for their work, there are others who will split the royalty with you at the time of sale. This is what I have done for 9 of my 12 books. Of course, you can do the audio yourself, but it’s fairly difficult to get the audio just right unless you have a studio in which to produce it.

What kind of research did you do?

Both of these narrators came to me without doing any research. I guess I was lucky. One of my sisters knows Nancy, and Nancy was looking for someone to get her started in narration. A connection was made. Nancy has narrated all of my Parable books.

With Lauren, I’d just joined a new site called, Alignable, and was getting familiar with the small businesses that were a part of that. One day I got a message from Lauren. She was trying to build her new business and wondered if I’d be interested in listening to a sample or two. I did, and we connected. Lauren has worked on all of my mysteries, including my newest YA – Tie Died.

Where is your website and blog so my readers can check out your author interviews and your books that you have written?

You can find me at http://www.ariverofstones.com and http://www.ideacreationspress.com, where you’ll find information in publishing with Idea Creations Press. We currently have 22 authors who have published with us, and are always looking for more.

Thank you so much for this informative interview. I hope many authors check out your book and that it helps them.

Interview with Author Paul Joseph Brennan

Paul Joseph Brennan was born in the Boston Children’s Hospital. He was one of 5 children. His early childhood memories were happy, even though his family had some troubles. Then the trials became such that he quit school and left home at the age of 14. His education consisted mostly from the school of hard knocks, a tough taskmaster. His journey through his trials has been difficult, but he was able to not only survive but also find joy in his life. He now lives in Southern Utah with his wife. His grown children and his grandchildren live near him and he and his wife spend most of their time enjoying their family. Paul’s family is his greatest treasure. Under Pressure: Buried Alive and Other Ordinary Miracles is Paul’s first book.

“This story gives you a new insight on the life of Paul Joseph Brennan. I have never known a neighborhood where joining a gang was expected and smoking pot was part of life. I had never had a father who was an alcoholic and beat me regularly. These were experiences that Paul Brennan had as a young boy and teenager. For someone to go through all the trials Paul did in his life and come out a stronger person really amazes me. It would be so easy to give up, but he didn’t. He continued on and changed his life for the better. My respect for this man grew by leaps and bounds as I read his story. This book has humor, hardships, and spiritual experiences.” –Review by Linda Weaver Clarke

This book is one of my favorite books that I read in 2017. Welcome to my blog, Paul. Please tell us about Under Pressure: Buried Alive and Other Ordinary Miracles.

Under Pressure: Buried Alive and Other Ordinary Miracles is a book about my journey. I believe that we can change our future no matter what our past looks like. People have told me all of my life that my life has been unusual. I believe that my past has made me who I am today and there are miracles everyday, large and small that can change us for the better if we just recognize them. I want to share my story in hopes that I can help someone out, then have the hope and courage to carry on and find their true joy in life.

Where did you get your inspiration to write your autobiography?

My inspiration for my autobiography came from all my friends and family and people I’ve met along the way that have heard pieces of my story that have inspired me to write all the stories down and put them together in a book. 

You mention “ordinary miracles” in the title. Would you like to expound on this subject?

Ordinary miracles. I believe we have miracles all around us everyday. Sometimes we don’t recognize them because we get used to them and so we call them ordinary. Like the sun coming up each morning, a baby growing inside a human being, or even all the amazing things our bodies can do. I was kind of playing with the words ordinary miracles in my book because in reality, there are no ordinary miracles. All the miracles around us are amazing!

That is so true, Paul. Did you find it an emotional experience to reminisce about the past as you wrote your autobiography?

It was and still becomes an emotional experience each time I reread a portion of the book. Some memories are cherished, while others are memories I wish I could forget at times. But again, they have all contributed to who I am today.

Where is your website so my readers can check out your book?

You can find more about me and about my book at: https://pauljosephbrennan.wordpress.com

Thank you, Paul, for this enlightening interview. Just a note to my readers, I have known Paul for many years but never realized what kind of life he had lived before moving to Southern Utah…until I read his book. My respect for this man grew so much as I learned about his trials, his spiritual feelings about life, his love for his children, and his devotion towards his wife. I didn’t know this “tough” man was so romantic until I read his deepest feelings for Karen. Get the book. You’ll enjoy it!

By the way, Paul, I couldn't help putting this awesome "tough guy" picture below. Haha. I got it from your wife!!!

Interview with Historical Romance Author Renee Riva

Renee Riva is an Inspirational Romance author who loves to write about the good in life. She has written close to twenty young adult, coming of age, romantic comedies, and historical romances. Her inspiration stems from growing up in the middle of a large Italian family with lots of pets and noisy siblings. She wouldn’t trade her memories or her sibs for anything in the world.

Jackson's Treasure: “This story is adorable and the humor delightful. I enjoy reading stories that are humorous and romantic. When an author adds a bit of adventure, then I’m hooked. And this story is definitely adventurous. Young Adults will enjoy this story so much. After reading this book, I decided to give it to my granddaughter who will be thrilled to read it. She’s an avid reader.” –Review by Linda Weaver Clarke

Welcome to my blog, Renee. Please tell us about this lighthearted romantic comedy: Jackson's Treasure.

Jackson’s Treasure begins with Peyton Abercrombie running away from her betrothal to a plantation owner and stowing away on a ship. She soon comes to realize she’s aboard a pirate ship. When Captain Jackson Lafitte discovers her hiding behind the barrels in his captain’s quarters, he finds her surprisingly interesting and amusing. He sympathizes with her dilemma, and allows her passage to Grand Isle, Louisiana, where she plans to hide out at the family cabin. There are many storms ahead on the high seas as these two get to know each other during the course of a hurricane.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

I have always loved the old pirate stories and the image of pirates, but have been hesitant to write about a character who steals for a living. The thought occurred to me that perhaps not all pirates were bad, and there is hope for them just as there is hope for anyone willing to change their course.

I absolutely love pirate stories and movies, especially if the pirate has some good in him and he’s being a rebel for a good reason. Haha. What kind of research did you do?

I found a wonderful historical account of the life of Jean Lafitte, Louisiana’s most notorious pirate (which I added as a bonus to the end of the book). It proved that pirates were capable of change and serving their country, as he chose to do when America fought against the British. I also read historical accounts and a novel about Grand Isle during that period of history as well as enjoyed many old photos of the island.

That is so awesome. My family and I went there just last year and toured the Jean Lafitte Historical Park and Museum. We learned so much about Jean Lafitte and his devotion to our country when faced to choose a side. He was such an interesting person. Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

Peyton Abercrombie is young, beautiful, and high-spirited. I love her sense for adventure, her gumption to stand up for herself and what she feels is right. I love her Faith and her humility to admit when she needs help with things too big to handle. And I love that she is kindhearted.

Where is your website and blog so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

My books can be found on my Amazon Author page: Renee's Bookshop

My website and blog can be found here: www.reneeriva.com

Thank you for this fun interview, Renee. I hope my readers will check out your new book.

Interview with Cozy Mystery Romance Author Carole Brown

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of nine books, with another one releasing late this month, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

There isn’t a better way to cozy up with a good book than with a “Cozy Mystery.”

In A Flute in the Willows, Both rebels in their own way, Josie and Jerry Patterson must figure out how to keep the other's love...and keep the German enemy at bay. She has two loves—her skating and Jerry, her husband. But when he returns home looking like a skeleton trying to return to life, she’s scared. What happened in Germany to change a man so much? Has another woman captured his heart?

Jerry has vowed to let Josie live her own glamorous life...especially after what happened in Germany. But when his wife's life is threatened, Jerry realizes he can’t stand by and do nothing. Jerry has to risk all for the very soul and life of himself—Josie. These two damaged, rebellious people learn the hard way that leaning on God instead of their ownselves and abilities is the only true way to love and happiness.

Welcome to my blog, Carole. A Flute in the Willows is part of your WWII Spies series. Please tell us about your novel.

This novel is about the second red-headed daughter in the Rayner family. In the first book, With Music in Their Hearts, Josie and Jerry eloped, and were madly in love. Now, after separation because of his spy mission in Germany and injury AND Josie's own injury while ice skating (she trained and hoped for a chance at the Olympics once the war is ended), she's struggling with Jerry's rejection. These two troubled persons must work together to find forgiveness and peace besides locating the German spy who's trying to kill one or both of them. Can their love survive?

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

My mother lived through WWII, and her stories and the pictures I saw impressed and inspired my interest in that period of time. In With Music in Their Hearts (Book One), I chose her name, Emma Jaine, for my female protagonists and Tyrell's name from a book I read years ago.

That time period speaks to me in such a vivid way. I suppose because of my mother and her memories. The dangers and spy activities, the romance of the 1940s era, the gorgeous fashions, the hats, the men's bravery and the women's strength and determination in stepping up to fill their missing men's jobs, and so many other things resonate inside me.

What kind of research did you do?

Lots and lots! I did research on clothing, shoes, women's hats, men's hats and the message of different tilts of them, food (or the scarcity of it), gardens, clothing styles for both sexes, language, Germany, spies, ammunition, plots for spies, the town of Cincinnati, ice skating, flute music and many other things. I enjoyed it all!

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

Jerry Patterson came from an abusive family—not with physical beatings, but in that his father was absent a lot and required excellence from his two sons and degraded them if that wasn't given 100%.  Jerry is good looking in a sulky, mysterious way. At heart he is needy and loves his wife, Josie Rayner Patterson, with all his heart. Confused and hurt and angry at the happenings in Germany and his own injury, he misguidedly thinks he must turn his successful and athletic wife loose from the marriage they share. Of course, his thinking is faulty, but with God's help, Josie's love and the danger they both face, Jerry's heart softens and finally yields to God's perfect plan.

Where is your website and blog so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

Readers can follow my blog or join my newsletter:

http://www.sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/ 

or Amazon is a great place to follow my posts and books too!

http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Thank you for having me!!

Thank you for this wonderful interview Carole. I hope my readers will check out your books and the links below.

Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author