Serious Wednesday: Cozy Mystery Author Carol Heilman Visits!

I'm tickled to introduce you to my friend, Carol Heilman! Her books are delightful and intriguing mysteries that are bound to keep your interest. Do check out her links to purchase them!

Is there a story behind your books?

Yes indeed. Agnes Hopper began as a short story—a writing assignment from a creative writing class. The story ended when Agnes walked away from a retirement home where the administrator ran a tight ship for sinister reasons. When I began asking

“What if Agnes stayed to help her friends?”

the story evolved into a book, and then a series. It’s been an adventure.

What started you on your writing journey?

I began writing in my fifties when I purchased a book on “free writing.” Completing those exercises took my breath away. I was hooked.

What kind of books do you enjoy reading?

Mostly historical fiction

• The Cigar Factory by Michele Moore,
• The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd, and
• Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Which character in your newest release most interested you while you wrote? Why?

Nellie, a recent resident of the retirement home, who claims to be Minnie Pearl’s cousin twice removed. She looks like the little old woman who lived in a shoe. She is a kleptomaniac, a quirky character who lends a sense of humor to the story.

Why do you write in the genre you do?

I love the people and their lives in small southern towns where a mystery thrives in the hot, humid air.

What is a favorite memory from your childhood?

Summer evenings spent listening to my coal miner daddy and uncle tell stories on our front porch while lightening bugs danced along the wood’s edge.

Share a verse or Scripture passage with us that is special to 

you. (and why it's special)

2^nd Samuel 22:17 NIV

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters."

I was in my early thirties at the time when the Lord spoke to me through this verse. I was drowning in deep waters of bitterness yet He rescued me with His steadfast love. He has remained faithful and true.

Buy her books here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792DNZMW/

About Carol:

Carol Heilman, a coal miner's daughter, married her high school sweetheart, a farmer's son. She began writing family stories, especially about her dad's Appalachian humor, for newspapers and magazines. One day her mother said, "We don't have any secrets any more!"

Carol's book series, Agnes Hopper Shakes Up Sweetbriar and Agnes Hopper Bets on Murder, was inspired by her mother's spunky spirit and her dad's humor.

She has relocated, along with her husband of fifty-plus years, from the mountains of NC to Charleston, SC. The low country is now their home. They love to play cards, go antiquing, hike, and visit grandsons on the east and west coasts.

Be sure to check out her books. You'll not want to miss them!
Blessings!

Boo!! It's the Bad Guy!

Most stories have a bad guy, or at least a loser who's sought after a maiden heart, etc. Since I write mystery and/or suspense, I ALWAYS have a bad guy and sometimes more than one. Many times I’ll start out with one in mind…and lo, and behold, someone else insists that, “I’m your man!” Wow. A surprise for the author.

Let me give you a couple examples from my own works.

In one of my books, I had a young man–a twin, no less–planned as the culprit. But the farther I advanced into the mystery, someone else stood out in bold outline as the person behind all the evil deeds. Yes, the first one, the young man, was a bully and easily swayed by the wrong companions, but it was soon evident, that the real mischief maker was the guilty party.

In the second book I want to use as an example, there was a planned harasser, a bully and a person who believed a lie. He was a very bad trouble maker, the perfect patsy of an antagonist for this book. But, again, I got a surprise when a quieter person, one most would never suspect ended up being the “bad guy” of this story for a different, one might even call it, more sinister reason.

What do you do when your characters change from one thing to another? Well, you go with the flow after reasoning, digging into the message and plot of your book, and deciding that it does make sense to listen to the characters, but most of all, to your heart that validates the changes will truly make your book more interesting.

What do YOU do when your characters tell you that that certain changes will strengthen your writing? Do you listen?

Check out my two cozy series to see if you can spot the changes I’m talking about here.

The Denton and Alex Davies series:  

 Hog Insane

Bat Crazy 

The Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series:

• Sabotaged Christmas
• Knight in Shining Apron
• Undiscovered Treasures

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1488550602&sr=8-1

Happy Reading!

FREE for a Limited Time! Sabotaged Christmas!

A gift from me to YOU!

FREE! 

(for a limited time)

Amazon

This award winning romantic cozy mystery is set in the fictional town of

Appleton, West Virginia.

Here's the blurb:

Toni DeLuca, the Italian owner of DeLuca Construction, finds herself confronted with doubts about her father and his possible deceptions--all because of the mysterious pink notes she’s receiving. 

Relations with Perrin Douglas who has a troubled history—but the first man in years who’s interested her--is building to a peak. Yet Perrin‘s own personal problems and his doubts about women and God, keep getting in the way. 

Gossip, a Spanish proposal, an inheritance, and a sabotaged construction business all converge to play a part in ruining Christmas for Toni’s employees. Will the mysterious person behind it all succeed in pulling off the biggest scam Appleton, West Virginia has ever seen? 

Will this culprit destroy Toni’s last chance at happiness with the man of her dreams?

Don't miss out on your chance to get this FIRST BOOK in the

Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series

FREE!

GET it here:

Amazon

Have a wonderful holiday season

and a very 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Blessings.

REVIEW Day!

Delighted to give you a few suggestions about recent books I've enjoyed! 


Midnight on the Mississippi by Mary Ellis
I could hardly wait to get this book.

Ellis is an author that I admire, her writing is superb, and now that she's moving into some suspense, I'm delighted! This book doesn't disappoint.

The protagonist is a spunky, albeit clumsy, PI who is determined to prove her worth in detecting. Hindered from the start by her uncle with his less than satisfactory view of her and her immediate family and his refusal to let her work with him, she doesn't let that stop her. Fortunately, Hunter, the co-protagonist and accused, takes "a shine to her" and hires her to find the murderer of his partner.

Unpleasant details immerge about the partner--blackmail and indiscretions, that further the plot. The uncle proves to be dishonest, Hunter's girlfriend--not what she seems, and a whole lot more goes on in this novel. The romance develops even though Hunter and Nikki seem unsuited. The setting is delightful--New Orleans--with vivid details about the city and descriptions of the food to die-for!.

When Nikki finally finds the murderer, she not only solves the present day crime, but one that took place seventeen years prior. A delightful mystery that will keep all mystery lovers glued to their chairs! Highly recommended. Given to me by the publisher for an honest review, if desired.

* * * * * 

To Soar on Eagle's Wings by Renee Blare

Ms. Blare packed a lot of action, suspense and sweet romance into this story about Rachel, struggling with family problems and her own questions and doubt about God, besides the suspenseful problem she and Steve (her brother's one time best friend), to make this a book not easily put down. Set in the beautiful country of Wyoming, this novel coveys a message that is both powerful and vital today: trusting God.

I recommend this book for all readers. The thought, alone, of soaring on eagle's wings, is fascinating to me because what are we if we cannot trust God? And to fly high above situations and problems that would drag us down below anything less than sky-high victory with God is unsatisfactory. Provided a copy of this book for an honest opinion and review, I appreciate the opportunity of reading it!

* * * * *

Fear Not by Barbara Derksen

A christian couple determined to hold fast to their beliefs must find who murdered the man on the cruise ship. Their friend Troy is in big trouble and unless Brian Strait and Andrea Wilton can uncover the clues leading to the murderer, he's headed to prison!

A clean read, the protagonists react with unbelievers in the story with a sense of reality and strong faith. The romance is strong but within safe bounds; the suspense continues to build with intensity as the couple face serious problems including the black market and culpits who will let nothing and no one stand in their way of success. 

This is another great book from an author who knows how to write suspense. I recommend this book to any serious lovers of suspense. Well done, Ms. Derksen!

Enjoy! and super blessings! 

Introducing . . . Denton and Alex Davies!

It's a thrill to introduce these detective--even if they are amateurs! I'm Caroline; Carole's interviewee, and I'm so-o-o excited to finally get some answers I've been dying to know. They've agreed to an interview so without any further ado, here they are!


Caroline:  Welcome, Denton and Alex! First off, Alex, do you mind your name being shortened from Alexandria? It's such a beautiful, elegant name.

Alex:  Not at all, Carole. I've gotten used to it. When we were first married, Denton began calling me Alex as an affectionate nickname, and it stuck. It works for everyday life.

Caroline: Tell me, how did you become amateur detectives? And why amateur?

Denton: In our first case, our pastor's wife asked us to locate an adopted nephew, Tony Risler. We did but the only problem was, he was murdered. Reluctantly--"

Alex interrupts:  You.

Denton glances at Alex (exasperated, I think): Me, then. We knew we needed to find out why Tony had been killed and what was going on. Not only because it interested us, but because of Selena Mathias, Tony's adoring aunt.

Alex: An we're amateurs because we've never had training. We use our eyes, ears and brains to lead us to clues that can possibly give us answers.

Denton: I really didn't want Alex involved. Way too dangerous!

Alex (tosses her head): Nonsense. It was a lot of fun, and as I always say, gave us purpose for the traveling.

That brings me to something I've wanted to ask ever since I read the book: What about this traveling? Do you love it? Why did you retire so early? How do you decide where to go? Do you miss your home? What about--

Denton (raises hand): Whoa! That's a lot of questions. I'll answer a couple and Alex can give a couple a shot.

Why did we retire early? Because I've worked hard all my life. Fortunately my business took off in the early years and I gained some very good clients. I didn't want to wait so long we couldn't travel and enjoy it. I knew it was time. Besides, more than anything, when our daughter Kelly asked if she could help me in my landscaping business, and I saw how well she did, I knew I had a replacement. She loves it. I keep a hand in a little, giving her advice when she asks, etc. After that, all I needed to do was find the right RV and persuade my wife to retire early too.

Alex, frowning a little: Which I really didn't want to do. I worked hard too to build my real estate business, but it didn't take off as early as Denton's, and it's only been the last few years that it's boomed. I hated to give it up just when I could enjoy what I'd worked so hard to achieve. Yet Denton wanted so much to travel, I gave in. Unhappily, yes. But thankfully, I finally realized, it wasn't all about what I wanted in life. We had health, a wonderful daughter, and each other.

Caroline: So you ended up in Carole Brown's first cozy mystery. How exciting is that?

(Both speaking at once) 
Alex: Very!
Denton: A surprise, but nice too. 

Caroline: Wow. Can't believe time's up. You two will return, won't you, so readers can find out more about your adventures to come? 

(Both nod vigorously!) 
Alex: We'd love to.
Denton: Sure thing.

Caroline, laughing: One last question: Do you have more books coming this year? I know I hope so!

Denton: Yep. Two. At least we're hoping so.

Alex interrupts: Bat Crazy will hopefully appear in June, and Daffy's Duck in late November.

Caroline, pleading: A tidbit about both please.

Alex, laughing: We got involved with the Bat Crazy case because of a conversation I overheard in a truck stop. It involves two kinds of bats, two brothers, and a dark, dark place.


Caroline: Dark, dark place? What on earth do you mean?

Alex laughs: Sorry, can't tell anymore right now. You just wanted a tidbit, didn't you? Here's the preview cover though:

Caroline: Looks great. And I think I know what you mean by a dark, dark place. :)

Denton (sniffs, but there are twinkles in his brown eyes): If you think her's looks great, take a gander at mine.

Alex: It's mine too.

Denton, grins: I know. I'm teasing you.

Caroline: And the cover?

Denton: Right . . . here:

Caroline: What's it about? Tidbit please.

Denton: I received a strange letter in the mail from a man I hadn't heard from in years. In fact, I thought he'd died. He was always an odd bird.

Caroline: Bird, as in ducks?

Denton: Maybe.

Caroline: And the name of the book comes from . . .?

Denton: Well, obviously you can see there are ducks in the story. The rest you'll have to wait on.

Caroline: Fantastic. I'll let Carole know we need to have you back right away.  Best to you both, and have fun with your mysteries!

Alex and Denton: We will. Thanks.


Caroline: There you have it, folks. An introduction to the newest soon-to-be-famous (I think) amateur detectives. Fun times ahead, sounds like.

Blessings

I'm Thrilled to Announce prolific writer Lisa Lickel is on my blog this week! 

Join us as we learn more about her writing life, and leave a comment and email address for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Nice.

How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

Hi, Carole, thanks for having me back. I’m not a lifer. I colored the walls with crayons when I was three, and even though maybe I had tried to tell a story, I didn’t entertain more than a passing fancy for writing professionally until I took the Apprentice program of the Christian Writer’s Guild in 2002.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I have published in a couple of different genres. Cozy mysteries, which are lighter, not gory, crimes solved by an amateur sleuth. I’ve also published romance, which I enjoy, but I dream of being taken…um, forgive me, but—literarily, so to speak.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I don’t have strict schedules because I’m an at-home housewife first. I’d like to get more serious about getting back into article-writing where the income is, and I’m an editor and like to help people when they ask. As a mentor and magazine editor, I also have responsibilities. Marketing is a huge chunk of time and sometimes I have to watch to jump on opportunities as they come. I do book reviews and network by doing interviews also, as well as blog in several places. When I’m in writing mode, I do the research first, then by the time I’m writing, it goes pretty fast – usually six weeks or so.

You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?

I’m excited about the re-release of my cozy mystery series. MuseItUp from Canada bought the second book of my Buried Treasure series, re-did the cover which I adore, and put it out electronically December 1.

What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

The theme of The Gold Standard is about how money, or the love of it, destroys people—a pretty old theme, but one we never seem to “cure.” There are more important choices in life than building up treasures on earth. How we treat others, even the suspects, shows our real character.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

More often than I’d like to admit. It feels wasteful, with so much sitting, typing, staring into space, researching, the constant learning curve, even networking and marketing, and especially the reading we must do. It’s one of those jobs that demands both working with people, and being alone. At least, I do my best work when I’m in a quiet environment. Each time someone says “no thanks” to your work, you have to learn to not let it sink you. A real author gets right back on the keyboard and goes to work.

Who’s inspired you the most?

Ann Schrock, my longest-term writing pard. She’s had a lot to deal with, including getting another job experience outside her home, but she’s still writing, still being a great mom and wife, still managing to get published by Barbour and work on proposals for her agent, and find time to celebrate Guy Fawkes day. Now that’s class.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

My first publisher, Barbour, offered a cozy mystery line, so I tried it and was contracted. Authors should be careful to study the market, the publisher’s guidelines, the types of material and other authors they represent before submitting. Success is very loosely and liberally interpreted in this business. Some authors are happy to hold a book with their name on the cover, some define success as reaching best-seller status; some as getting into their favorite magazine, some by number of copies sold or money earned. You can relax in your coffin, but until then…get to work!

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I’m not much of a pink person. I like dragons, watching movies and cinnamon raisin toast. I’d like to travel to Great Britain someday.

I like that! Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

Sure, Carole: my web site has a lot of information on it, and all my links to social networking and my blogs: http://www.lisalickel.com/.

I have workshops, writer’s tips and links to the organizations I participate in, as well as information about my editing business and an online store. As I mentioned above, The Map Quilt, the second book of the Buried Treasure series releases in April, and deals with an old family story of the Underground Railroad. I enjoy working with a small cadre of authors around southeast Wisconsin who travel together for programs at book stores and libraries and writing conferences.

My second edition of OtherSheep magazine released this month. OtherSheep is a Christian world-view science fiction/fantasy/monsters magazine of short fiction, essays, interviews and reviews, poetry and games from Written World Communications. I’m always looking for contributions.

Thanks so much for  visiting, Lisa!

Readers, comments and email addys, please.

Blessings!