July 30, 2010

Blog Tour: Amanda Lee/Gayle Trent, The Quick and the Thread

** Today I'm welcoming guest Gayle Trent, writing as Amanda Lee for her new embroidery mystery series, beginning with The Quick and the Thread: An Embroidery Mystery, coming out in August from NAL/Penguin. The next book, STITCH ME DEADLY, comes out in Feb. 2011.

Gayle, who's a fellow Fatal Foodies blogger, is also known for her previous cake mystery series, Murder Takes the Cake and Dead Pan, (Bell Bridge Books).

MURDER TAKES THE CAKE, which has been revised and updated, is also being re-released in Jan. 2011 by Simon & Schuster.

About THE QUICK AND THE THREAD:

First in a new mystery series that will have readers stitching-and itching for more

When Marcy Singer opens an embroidery specialty shop in quaint Tallulah Falls, Oregon, she throws a soiree and a Stitch-In. Soon, Marcy's sign-up sheet for embroidery classes fills up and everyone in town seems willing to raise a glass-or a needle-to support the newly-opened Seven Year Stitch.

Then Marcy finds the shop's previous tenant dead in the store-room, a message scratched with a tapestry needle on the wall beside him. Now Marcy's shop has become a crime scene, and she's the prime suspect. She'll have to find the killer before someone puts a final stitch in her.

About Gayle/Amanda:

(And readers, be sure to check out her last answer!)

Q: What you did before you began writing fiction?

A: Before I became a full-time writer, I was a secretary in the accounting and legal fields. I also did freelance writing in my spare time.

(books are: names, date released, publisher.)

Q: How did you get started in fiction and why write a novel?

A: I've enjoyed writing fiction since I took creative writing courses in high school. I've always been a little too long-winded to write short stories effectively, so novels have always been my first love (to read as well as write). :)

Q: How hard/easy has it been for you to write a novel? (and how did you find your agent?)

A: I've found the hard part has been writing two novels at once. Last year I wrote two books in four months. (Host: Four?? Gulp!) Actually, I was very blessed in that my current agent - the incomparable Robert Gottlieb - found me.

Q: How long did it take to get an agent and get your book published? What was that process like?

A: I've been on a long and weaving road as far as book publishing is concerned. I started by publishing a book called Photo Finish with a small press located in Florida. That company closed down, and I never received any compensation for my book.

I continued with small presses publishing romantic suspense and romantic comedies. I discovered the fun in writing in first person when I contributed a story to Belle Books' popular Mossy Creek series. My story appears in 'Blessings of Mossy Creek'. I formed my own publishing company and published my own books and the books of other writer for a few years. After closing the publishing company, I signed with my first agent and wrote the first book in the Daphne Martin series, 'Murder Takes the Cake'.

Q: Some nuts and bolts questions: What is the one thing that you try to put in your stories to make them unique?

A: Interesting, multi-dimensional characters.

Q: Your tip: What would you say many starting/beginning novelists miss?

A: I think many are so married to their stories and characters that they're unable to see errors an editor will spot immediately. Let me give you an example. When I was acquiring manuscripts for Grace Abraham Publishing, there was a manuscript that was good but in which there was a scene that needed to be rewritten because it was unrealistic. The writer chose to forgo being published by GA because the scene was "so cute" she refused to revise it.

Q: What keeps you inspired?

A: Deadlines, these days. [grin] Seriously, the constant "what if." I got my inspiration for Killer Sweet Tooth when we had to take my son to the orthodontist at 10 p.m. I wondered aloud, "Wouldn't it be terrible if we got there and found her dead?"

Q: What is your writing day like?

A: Chaotic. I have a lot of distractions throughout the day, so I write whenever and however I can. I've been known to write in the morning before the children get up, at night while everyone else is in bed, while sitting in the car rider line at school....

Q: What was the hardest part of writing that first book?

A; Knowing when and how to end it.

Q: What writer or writer's style inspired you and how/why?

A: I loved Victoria Holt's books when I was in high school. When introduced to Mary Higgins Clark, I found I really enjoyed those, too. I love books that are suspenseful without being too heavy.

Q: So, what's next?

A: I'm currently working on "Killer Sweet Tooth," the next book in the Daphne Martin mystery series, and the third book in the embroidery mystery series.

Q: And to sum up, what is the oddest thing you've done as a writer?

A: I once called the FBI to learn what a frozen corpse would look like and what process it would undergo as it thawed. I was referred to a coroner who, by the way, told me my question was the second strangest she'd ever received. Despite my pleading, she wouldn't disclose THE strangest question.

Gayle, thanks for sharing, (especially that last answer. Now we're wondering too. ha!) Good luck with the tour and the new book!

** Upcoming contests: Check out Gayle's Facebook page (see website) on release day, Aug. 3, for prizes and other stuff!

* See more giveaways on the rest of the tour




BUY:

July 29, 2010

Searching for a Starry Night blog book tour - Talking about Kindle!

Today on the tour I'm talking about Kindle and getting "Kindle-ized" with Helen at Straight from Hel. Stop by and comment!

(and ignore that other woman's pic in the post if she's still there. haa!)
(Helen, aww, I missed my one chance to be a tall, gorgeous super-model!!)

July 28, 2010

Seaching for a Starry Night - Talking about writing and wiener dogs!

Today's stop for the Searching for a Starry Night blog tour is at Marian Allen's blog, where I'm talking about writing and stuff.

Oh, and since it's supposed to be a "Food Day" there, she says having a "wiener dog" is close. haaa!

Reminds me of my favorite few lines in the book:

Next to them, Petey lay on his blankets. He snored and turned over on his back, sticking his legs up in the air. Sam tried not to laugh as he rolled to his side. He looked like a Vienna hot dog without the bun. All he needs is relish, she thought.

July 27, 2010

Searching for a Starry Night blog tour - Crafts and Writing at Killer Hobbies!

Today I'm talking about crafts and writing (what's better?) over at Killer Hobbies with Camille Minichino - stop by and comment!

July 25, 2010

Searching for a Starry Night blog tour - talking with Morgan about dogs!

The Searching for a Starry Night blog tour continues!

Today and tomorrow (Monday), I'm camped out over at Morgan Mandel's blog, yakking about dogs and other stuff. Stop by, say hi and enter the contest!

July 24, 2010

Pink Magic for Pink Saturday!



It's another PINK SATURDAY at Beverly's blog, How Sweet the Sound, so I thought I'd share some pretty pink "magic" - pink fairies I spotted flitting about at the Renaissance Faire!

I wonder if they've left any magical fairy dust around?



** Pink Saturday visit: I stopped by Lisa's blog at Pale Pink and Roses who has some lovely peonies - and love the pink covered books! Pretty!



** Be sure to follow my blog tour (or see links on side) to enter the contest and check out my award-winning kid's mystery, Searching for a Starry Night - on Kindle and coming soon in print!

July 22, 2010

Searching for a Starry Night Blog Tour Starts!

** A new Blog Tour begins today for Searching For A Starry Night - now on Kindle - and coming shortly in a new print version!

Be sure to check the blog stops and comment to win some prizes! Leave an email or blog so I can contact the winners.

** See schedule below and visit today's stop at Acme Authors Link Blog! **



**CONTEST: Anyone commenting on any of the blog stops on the tour can win:

* One person who comments on any of the blog tour stops will win a free Kindle copy of Searching for a Starry Night. (You can download Kindle for PC free here.)


* One person will also win a miniaturized dollhouse collector's edition of the first chapter from the first print edition, made by miniaturist LeeAnn Borgia. And it's readable! (*Prize is mini book only - doll and props NOT included.)

** To celebrate the revised Searching for a Starry Night, one person will win a copy of the new print version as soon as it's available.




Blog Tour Schedule:

Today: Thurs, 7/22: Acme Authors Link - Real vs. Fictional Friends


Mon, 7/26: Morgan Mandel's Double M blog - Dogs and Such


Tues, 7/27: Killer Hobbies with Camille Minichino - Crafts and Writing, what comes first?


Weds, 7/28: Marian Allen's blog - Talking about Writing


Thurs, 7/29: Helen Ginger, Straight from Hel - Getting Kindleized


Fri, 7/30: J.E. Taylor's blog – Writer's Quiz and Other Stuff


Mon, 8/2: Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers - craft how to with Anastasia Pollack – Crafts: Make Easy Miniature Cloth Decorations (A miniature bed pillow!)


Tues, 8/3: L. Diane Wolfe, "Spunk on a Stick" – Making the Switch from Nonfiction to Fiction

July 21, 2010

A charming miniature cottage - and it's real!

This is the neatest little cottage - only 89 square feet! - and it's real! Wouldn't you feel cramped living somewhere this small? But what a great dollhouse idea!




The cottage reminds me of Mercedes's at Liberty Biberty's wonderful shabby cottage.

July 20, 2010

2010 Blog Tour for New Searching for a Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery

** A new Blog Tour begins Thursday for Searching For A Starry Night - now out in Kindle - and coming in a new print version!

Be sure to check the blog stops and comment to win some prizes!


**CONTEST: Anyone commenting on any of the blog stops on the tour can win:


* One person who comments on any of the blog tour stops will win a free Kindle copy of Searching for a Starry Night. (You can download Kindle for PC free here.)


* One person will also win a miniaturized dollhouse collector's edition of the first chapter from the first print edition, made by miniaturist LeeAnn Borgia. And it's readable! (*Prize is mini book only - doll and props NOT included.)

** To celebrate the revised Searching for a Starry Night, one person will win a copy of the new print version when it is available.

** Be sure to have a blog or email in your post to contact you!


Blog Tour Schedule:

Thurs, 7/22: Acme Authors Link - Real vs. Fictional Friends


Mon, 7/26: Morgan Mandel's Double M blog - Dogs and Such


Tues, 7/27: Killer Hobbies with Camille Minichino - Crafts and Writing, what comes first?


Weds, 7/28: Marian Allen's blog - Talking about Writing


Thurs, 7/29: Helen Ginger, Straight from Hel - Getting Kindleized


Fri, 7/30: J.E. Taylor's blog – Writer's Quiz and Other Stuff


Mon, 8/2: Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers - craft how to with Anastasia Pollack – Crafts: Make Easy Miniature Cloth Decorations (A miniature bed pillow!)


Tues, 8/3: L. Diane Wolfe, "Spunk on a Stick" – Making the Switch from Nonfiction to Fiction

July 19, 2010

Miniatures Monday: Visit a new Miniature Doll Emporium

If you like miniature dolls, Dana, owner of the Mini Doll List, has opened a new "hotel."

The Grand Astoria features 50 "suites" showcasing wedding, fantasy and "little black" dresses.

Several miniature doll makers, including Pathy Biero and IGMA Artisan Lucie Winsky, whom I featured previously, (see links), contributed their creative visions in miniature to the project.

If you enjoy miniature dolls and clothing, this is definitely worth a visit!

July 17, 2010

Need Inspiration? Woman Trains to be Oldest Female Weightlifter

Need inspiration? Fifty-year-old Lisa Fisco is reinventing herself - she lost 100 pounds and went from lifting 60 pounds - and now lifts over 200 in her quest to be the oldest female weightlifter in the Olympics. Good for her!



July 15, 2010

Fun Quiz - Who do you write like?

For fun, I tested my excerpt from The Killer Valentine Ball at I Write Like...

and (hysterical laughter) It says...

I write like
Stephen King

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!



** So.... I'm waiting for that $million check. haaa! Try it out for yourself; see link above!

July 14, 2010

New Links for Motherly Love Ebook

I've been waiting (and waiting) for my ebook, MOTHERLY LOVE, to go up on Amazon for Kindle, but it is available for Kindle on Smashwords, (you may have to register to purchase) and other sites.

It is available on Ipad (if you've seen it let me know,) and is supposed to be up on Kobo (I can't find it.)

** For easier downloading you can find Motherly Love at Sony and B&N.com (B&N has a free reader for PC too.)

A story for less than a cup of coffee!

If you read it, please post a review on the site you purchased it from. Thanks!


About the story:

It's not what you think - it's more of a light horror story with heart.

Maria's family has an age-old tradition that she viewed as mere superstition, until her little girl fell ill. Now she'll do anything to save her daughter's life - even the one thing she fears most.

July 13, 2010

Meet Jess and read an excerpt from The Killer Valentine Ball

Today meet Jess, the girl of the hour in THE KILLER VALENTINE BALL, coming in October...

Jess finds out just how memorable a party can be, in today's post at the Muse It Up Publishing blog.

July 09, 2010

Killer Valentine Ball and other Scary Ebook Covers

How about a little gore?

Lin, LJ Holmes, author of the upcoming Dec. release eboook, SANTA IS A LADY (cute cover!), posted a rather creepy entry for her Cover a Day post.

The posts feature THE KILLER VALENTINE BALL and some of the other ghoulish (well not all) ebooks coming out this October from MuseItUp Publishing.

Gotta say I just love the heart pic she found...

July 02, 2010

Author Snapshot column in Mysterical-e: What about the cover?

In my latest Author Snapshot column at Mysterical-e, I talk with a couple digital book cover designers who explain how they create their magic.

Click cover at site, then click Author Snapshot under columns.

* Direct link: Summer 2010, Author Snapshot column - First Impressions, Designing the Book Cover

July 01, 2010

Motherly Love Featured at Examiner.com

* My short horror ebook, Motherly Love, is featured today at Horror Happenings at Examiner.com. Check it out.

NOTE: You may have to sign in to Smashwords to purchase.