Interview with Lauren Carr

Interview with Lauren Carr                   

Author of

The Murders at Astaire Castle

(A Mac Faraday Mystery)

Questions: R. Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself? I first fell in love with murder mysteries when my mother read Perry Mason to me at bedtime. From murderous bedtime stories, I grew up to become the author of the Mac Faraday Mysteries, which takes place in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.  

The Murders at Astaire Castle is the fifth installment in the Mac Faraday Mystery series. Within days of its release in July 2013, it was in the Top-100 slot on Amazon under mystery-thrillers/police procedural. It is my Halloween mystery.

This month, The Lady Who Cried Murder, the sixth Mac Faraday mystery, was released and is in the top one-hundred in police procedurals and cozies on Amazon. In this mystery, Mac Faraday and his friends encounter their strangest group of suspects yet in the murder of a fame-obsessed reality star.

I am also the owner of Acorn Book Services, which offers publishing management, consulting, editing, cover and layout design, and eBook formatting for independent authors. This year, several books, over a variety of genres, all written by independent authors, will be released through the management of Acorn Book Services, which is currently accepting submissions. Visit Acorn Book Services website for more information.

I do all that from my home in Harpers Ferry, WV, where I live with my husband, son, and three dogs (which includes a German shepherd named Gnarly).

Do you remember the first story you wrote? Actually, I remember two stories. I had been making up stories from the time I could use my imagination, but never actually sat down to write one out. At fourteen, I decided to write a short story for a writing contest in a teen girl magazine. It was a kidnapping story. A romance won.

Later, when I was a senior in high school, a friend of mine was in a fix. She was taking creative writing and had the whole semester to write a short story, but she couldn’t. She was completely blocked. So, on the day the story was due, during lunch, I wrote out a short story in long hand. It was a comedy about a dog that was suffering from the humiliation of fleas. He is in love with the dog across the street, but his flea problem repelled her. The story was written in first person. She paid me with a cheeseburger, fries, and soda. It was my first professional writing job. She got an A for the story.

Were you inspired by someone or something? I’d have to say my mother. Books and mysteries are the love we share. She has always encouraged me to write and supported it. I can’t tell you how many times she would read a book and say, “Your stories are so much better than that.” She said it enough for me to believe it.

What do you like about writing a story? It’s the escape into a world of adventure and mystery.

Can you tell us about your book? In The Murders at Astaire Castle, Mac Faraday discovers that he owns a haunted castle. Or is it cursed?

Topping the list of the ten most haunted places in America, Astaire Castle is associated with two suicides, three mysterious disappearances, and four murders since it was built almost a century ago—and Mac Faraday owns it!

In spite of David’s warning, Mac can’t resist unlocking the gate to see the castle that supposedly hasn’t seen a living soul since his late mother had ordered it closed up after the double homicide and disappearance of Damian Wagner, a world-famous master of horror novels.

Halloween has always been a fun time. It’s the time to break out and be someone else. As a child, I would pretend to be one of the Bobby Twins searching for clues to lead me to a secret treasure. If I was lucky, it was made up of chocolate. As a teenager, I was Nancy Drew. Always, when October rolled around, I craved mysteries with something extra added—something beyond the normal—something supernatural. As an author, I couldn’t resist taking this one Mac Faraday Mystery on a scary Halloween adventure.

What starts out as a quick tour of a dusty old castle turns into another Mac Faraday adventure when Astaire Castle becomes the scene of even more murders. Mac is going to need to put all of his investigative talents to work to sort out this case that involves the strangest characters he has run into yet—including a wolf man. No, we’re not talking about Gnarly.

What genre best fits for the book? It’s a mystery.  I would not classify as a paranormal, though they do encounter a wolf man in the castle. Amazon has placed my mysteries under both police procedural and cozy. I guess you would describe them as “gritty cozies.”

Are you working on something new at the moment? Right now, I’m working on the next Mac Faraday, which I am aiming for an early 2014 release. The working title is Twelve to Murder. In this mystery, Mac is taken hostage by the prime suspect in a double homicide, who gives him twelve hours, until midnight, to find the real murderer and prove him innocent. If Mac fails, then the hostage taker is going to kill him—after shooting Mac in the head.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? Write whatever turns you on. Don’t worry about the market or what is hot right now. That always changes and you will go nuts trying to keep up with it. Write what you love. If you love it, there will surely be an audience who will love it, too.

Where can people go to read your work? Amazon.com. All of my books is available in both print and e-book. The e-book versions are only 99 cents each.

You can start by visiting my author page on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lauren-Carr/e/B001JP4F0Q/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1360868874&sr=8-2-ent

Do you have anything to add? Readers can also get the updated schedule for my tour by visiting my sites:

Visit Lauren’s websites and blog at:

Website: http://acornbookservices.com/

                 http://mysterylady.net/

Blog: Literary Wealth: http://literarywealth.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lauren.carr.984991

Review of Killing Sands

Killing Sands
Written by David Ball

a.k.a. John Cleever

Reviewed by Roy Murry

Intrigue, thrilling adventure, international killing, and police investigation all rolled into one novel is hard to pull off. Mr. Cleever does it by laying the foundation in the first part of his book and then the parts turn into events that shock and disturb the world.

A simple World War II event in Northern Africa ignites and changes the lives of those involved, especially that of a young boy. He sets his goals albeit not the most pleasant ones. Another, who does an act of heroism about the same time, will be the key in an attempt of destroying that boy’s goals.

Each has set their eyes on overcoming adversities to place themselves in a position of security. Only one in the end reaches their place of accomplishment.

A third person of interest is a professional killer at large and the world wants him found and neutralized. He lives the life of a negative James Bond that is provided financially by someone of means. He is invincible to the point that Interpol needs to get involved.

That is just a snippet of what the spine of this multi-layer novel is about. You won’t be confused by the interwoven plots, but you’ll be wondering when the clash will come. When it does, you’ll be glad you waited till the end.

Mr. Cleever’s prose is easy to comprehend and enjoyable for those who like to read detail about the plot. The dialogue was sometimes light hearted but mostly complimentary to the plot giving direction to the next scene.

The book is a long read that will keep your attention. All in all, it’s a book well written.

Mr Cleeve’s links are in his interview http://bit.ly/19XCXZC

Review of Playing with Poison

Review of

Playing with Poison

By Cindy Blackburn

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

The one behind the eight ball has the ability to end the game when playing straight pool or for you Europeans pocket billiards. In Playing with Poison, the sleuth protagonist Jessie has the ability to end the game on a positive note by calling the right pocket.

However, she is put behind the eight ball, figuratively speaking, when a friend’s lover stumbles into her apartment unannounced. He says Jessie’s friend’s name and drops dead on her couch.

The novel starts with that shocker, but continues on, in a light hearted and humorous pace, as Jessie and her new detective friend Captain Rye proceed to find the killer. Of which, Jessie Hewitt, aka Adele Nightingale novelist, is one. How ridiculous, she mentioned to Rye, who has taken her couch away as evidence.

There is a cast of characters who wanted the dead-man dead, but only one did it. Jessie, who won’t let the police do their job, runs them all down to the anguish of Captain Rye.  Sarcasm and sexual intrigue enter into their conversations and non-conversations relating to the case.

Ms. Blackburn’s, first in a series, novel pleasantly entertains as her sleuth investigates using Jessie talk. The language of her romantic novelist character Jessie Hewitt is witty, direct at times and sarcastically on cue. Dialogue is what propels this mystery forward.

It’s interesting, that when Jessie misses putting the eight ball in the pocket, the crime is solved by her and her new acquaintance Wilson Rye, at the same time, from different points of view.  The ending is not what you’d expect. You’ll have to read it to find out.

Ms. Blackburns’ link www.cueballmysteries.com

     

       

Interview with John Cleever

Interview with

Author of Killing Sands

Questions: R. Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

My Nom-de-Plume is John Cleever.

I’m a veteran in the vision media industry, mostly working on feature films and television on four continents over forty years. I am married with four permanently young but ageing children.

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

The first story I wrote was a western screenplay in the Agatha Christie style; full of red herrings and misleading dialogue.

Were you inspired by someone or something?

I was inspired by my Father’s love of westerns and, being the head of the house, we tended to follow his lead.

What do you like about writing a story?

I’m keen on the concept of it being as much an adventure writing it as hopefully it will be for the reader. Writers can fiddle with reader’s emotions and my endings are never plotted; they happen as the story dictates.

Can you tell us about your book?

I’d much prefer you read it. It is a busy first novel and gathers pace as the action unfolds. Unlike many novels,  “ KILLING SANDS”  has two main plots that bump into each other at the crescendo.

What genre best fits for the book?

I’d place this book as a classic “goodies v baddies” action, adventure thriller; easy to read yet easy to put down.

Are you working on something new at the moment?

I’m always doing something, Roy. Currently, there are three feature film screenplays I’m helping to develop for next year and I’m dusting off a bunch of short stories I cobbled together a few years ago. All things being equal, they should be E published before Christmas, tentatively entitled “TRAVEL SHORTS”.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

The best tip I could give would be to remind the writer his performance will be judged by “them” so don’t write it for “you”.

Where can people go to read your work?

My work is available on Amazon or via my website which is:-  http://www.davidballmovieman.com/writing.html

Do you have anything to add?

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to say a few words Roy and for allowing me to become a friend. This valuable service contributes to the creation of an awareness of writers you would probably never otherwise hear of, especially the non USA writers. Thanks so much for the use of the “apple box”. Be well, stay well and read well!  JC.

Interview with Cindy Blackburn

Interview of Cindy Blackburn  

Author of Playing with Poison

Questions: R. Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself? I’m kind of boring. That’s why I write about Jessie. She’s far more fascinating! Me? I was born in Vermont, raised in NJ, and now live in SC. I read, write, walk, drink wine, play with my cat, and do typical middle aged lady stuff.

Do you remember the first story you wrote? I wrote a story about my pet hamster Hazel when I was 6. My mother liked it!

Were you inspired by someone or something? Other writers inspire me, as do my friends in Sisters in Crime, the Romance Writers of America, and my critique group. And, my hubby John has encouraged me from the get-go

What do you like about writing a story? I love writing dialogue. I love it when my characters start speaking for themselves and I’m just there as the secretary recording what they tell me to.

Can you tell us about your book? Murder meets menopause. Take a guess which wins. Pool shark Jessie Hewitt usually knows where the balls will fall and how the game will end. But when a body lands on her couch and the cute cop in her kitchen accuses her of murder, even Jessie isn't sure what will happen next. Playing With Poison is a cozy mystery with a lot of humor, a little romance, and far too much champagne.

What genre best fits for the book? Cozy Mystery

Are you working on something new at the moment? Yes! Thanks for asking! Book four in the Cue Ball Mysteries, FOUR PLAY should be ready sometime in November.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? Write every day, even if only for a few minutes. Join local writers groups. Writers are nice people and very willing to share their knowledge and skills.

Where can people go to read your work? All three Cue Ball Mysteries are available on Amazon! And my website has some more details about me and the books. That’s at www.cueballmysteries.com

Do you have anything to add? Just  I give you a big huge thanks for letting me join you today. Cheers.

Review of A Perfect Setup

Review of Douglas Wickard's
A PERFECT SETUP 

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

The world revolves around Sami Saxton, as it seems in this complex character driven novel. The author delves into the background of the main women characters to the point of telling us their intimate sexual preferences and choices of men. Sami’s ex is the only male character that women migrate towards. That is the reason for their parting ways – other women.

A young woman is murdered and the story begins. Sami’s ex, Jerry, is the prime suspect, but he wasn’t there at the time of the crime. Sami living her somewhat psychogenic existence believes that Jerry could never kill anyone. Or, could he?  

The development of Mr. Wickard’s attractive Sami Saxton character has her in a delightful existence in New York City with her lovable dog. In her journeys around town, the reader gets a taste of the big apple. She drives taxi cab drivers crazy with her back seat driver’s attitude. But in all other parts of her life, she has little clue as to where she is going or what is happening around her.

This mystery is thrilling at points, because of Sami’s mental aliments which are minor and controllable with legal prescriptions. However, mixed with wine she gets the feeling that someone is out to get her. They are, but it’s not who she thinks it is.

Mr. Wickard keeps the reader’s attention using the character’s explanations as to why they are doing what they’re doing. Some of the explanations are intriguing and entertaining.

The novel is a quick read that a reader of suspense novels will find captivating. I can’t wait to see what will happen to Sami in her next adventure. Or, should you?

Purchase: http://
amzn.to/SPl3WK

Interview of David Ronwinski

Interview with David Ronwinski,

Author of The Open Pillow

Questions: R. Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself? My name is David Rowinski. I grew up in New Jersey-went to school with Dea Lenihan, the illustrator of The Open Pillow. Then I escaped for college at UMass where I studied English, Communications and Arabic.

After school I worked construction, as a security guard, and eventually spent a year in Egypt teaching English before working at a youth hostel in Athens and survived on borrowed money in Budapest the year the Communist regime fell. I also spent time in Zurich working as a PCA. I am married to the Kenyan/Tanzanian musician Sali Oyugi and split time between East Africa and Amherst, Ma where I am painting houses to pay bills.

Do you remember the first story you wrote?  Yes, it was Unfortunately-Planet of the Dog Men, which was my take on Planet of the Apes.

Were you inspired by someone or something?  I am inspired by my wife whose talent and dedication continue to amaze me.

What do you like about writing a story?  I enjoy the feeling when things suddenly fall into place and a story makes sense beyond what I had initially envisioned.

Can you tell us about your book?  The Open Pillow has its roots in my putting a friend’s son to bed. He asked for a story about an open pillow. My first thought was a torn pillow with feathers everywhere but it occurred to me that open could mean growing. Improperly placed in a flower bed, the pillow encounters rejection from various animals but continues to grow as it seeks it place in the world. The book introduces the concept of exponential thought and the notion of growth with aspects of animal behavior.

What genre best fits for the book? Though it is a children’s bedtime story the notion of persistence in pursuit of goals should never be outgrown.

Are you working on something new at the moment? Yes, The Book of Complements which morphed beyond a children’s book into something somewhat unclassifiable that I am tentatively calling graphic poetry or illustrated myth. There is a book trailer on Youtube.com under ‘BOC Trailer 080813’  I have a number of other ideas including a story arch called The Wending Tree and a novel about a shaman that is have been struggling with for years.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? I shall give the most useful advice given from my wife, “Finish something.”

Where can people go to read your work? The Open Pillow can be ordered on Amazon, B&N, Smashword, etc but can also be requested at any brick and mortar store which I prefer in an effort to support local bookstores.

Do you have anything to add? Probably but I was renovating an apartment until 11:30 PM and it is now midnight so nothing is coming to mind apart from thank you.

Review of Pillow: http://bit.ly/1kOzhPp