Meet author Kaye Schmitz
Kaye Schmitz is the author of the award-winning novel, The Consort Conspiracy, A Covington Family Mystery. Active in the writing community, she is a member of the Florida Writers’ Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is also an active speaker and teaches a writers’ workshop titled, “We All Have a Story to Tell.” Ms. Schmitz makes her home in St. Augustine, FL where she lives with her husband, Michael.
Tell us about your newest book.
On the eve of an international G7 Summit, event coordinator Mattie Maguire discovers that the small North Carolina town of Sinclair Station, home to her family for four generations, is more than simply a picturesque setting. The century-old estate, Clairmont Place, site of the upcoming meeting, is also the center of a decades-old mystery and political conspiracies involving ruthless foreign infiltrators that together, result in a series of death threats. And Mattie’s beloved grandparents are trapped in the middle of them.
As Mattie struggles to protect her family and ensure a safe event for the most important leaders in the world, she uncovers secrets that endanger her own life as well. The key, Mattie believes, to eliminating the external dangers and protecting those she loves, is to locate Clairmont Place’s rightful heir, hidden away for decades after the murder of his father. But will the true owner’s return to his childhood home put his life in danger as well?
What inspired you to write On Deadly Grounds?
So far, my stories have been inspired by real life events in history and this one is no different. My inspiration was the 1929 Beverly Hills murder of Ned Doheny, supposedly by his male secretary, who then turned the gun on himself. Forensics at the crime scene didn’t match up with the story told by those in the house at the time, so to this day, there is still speculation about who did the actual shooting…or if a third person was involved who shot both of them. My husband and I visited the mansion grounds several years ago and the story intrigued me so much, I had to write about it.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
When she is hired to manage an international meeting at the hundred-year-old mansion, Clairmont Place, just twenty-two miles east of Asheville, NC, Mattie Maguire discovers that the house she has loved all her life harbors secrets that could prove deadly to her and her family.
What genre do you focus?
Suspense/Mystery, with a large dose of history
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
The main character is Mattie for Matilda) Maguire. I believe she chose me—just popped up and said, “Pick me for the story you’re writing.”
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m in my office every day, researching and writing—sometimes two to three hours a day, sometimes eight to ten. Depends on what characters are talking to me and how much they have to say.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The mind talk that tells me everything I write is garbage.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Making my own schedule and taking as much—or as little—time as I want to spend on it on any given day; communicating with my readers and filling them in on how the process is going.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I am a former award-winning ballroom dancer
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I just finished my third book, titled The Road Remembered, which I describe as “A story of humanity set against the atrocities of World War II.” I consider it Band of Brothers meets The Nightingale. The thing that’s different about this book was described by one of my early readers who said, “I could see the scenes in your first book, but I felt them in this book.” So, the answer is, I am now writing not only from the heart, but also from the soul.
What is your favorite pastime?
My standing Monday night movie dates with my husband, followed closely by planting spring flowers in a myriad of colors.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My first book was The Consort Conspiracy, a dual timeline that takes place two hundred years apart, where modern day Kate Covington solves not only a two-hundred-year-old murder, but also discovers who killed her own mother. And, as mentioned earlier, I recently finished my third book, The Road Remembered.
What are you working on now?
Next week, I plan to go back to a sequel to the first book, where Kate Covington attends a wedding of one of her distant cousins and helps solve the murder of the cousin’s mother from thirty years earlier.
Website: www.kayedschmitzauthor.com
Link to book: Don’t have it yet; so far, described on my website
Social media links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayedschmitz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayeschmitzauthor/
Twitter: @kayedschmitz
Meet author Jodie Wolfe
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. She’s a contributor and co-founder of Stitches Thru Time blog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie.
Tell us about your newest book.
In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery’s sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation’s ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy. Jules Walker strides into Drew’s life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle–more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she’s not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is.
What inspired you to write Taming Julia?
I’ve always had a fascination with the whole mail-order bride era. How could a woman answer an advertisement, choosing to leave all she’d known in order to take a chance on love and find a new path in life? How did she choose to leave the familiar and step into the unknown with someone she’d never met?
The more I studied stories and clippings from the past, the more my mind kept spinning with ideas. What would happen if a pastor was dictated by his congregation that if he wanted to keep his job, he had to find a wife by a certain time? What if the wife he advertised for was completely different than what he expected? How would he handle it? That nugget of an idea is what spurred the inspiration for Taming Julia.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
A gun-toting, breeches-wearing wife wasn’t what the minister ordered.
What genre do you focus on and why?
Ever since I was a little girl and read my first Little House on the Prairie book, I had a fascination with the 19th Century. I don’t know if it was the fact that people lived more simply back then, or the whole idea of eking out a life on a prairie from scratch that drew me in.
Why do you write? What drives you?
I write because it’s part of the way God created me. I love to come up with characters and create a story world and then let my characters go so I can see what happens to them.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
My heroine’s name is Julia Montgomery (since they marry by proxy before the story begins), but she goes by Jules. I look at her as a diamond (jewel) in the rough. It will take a lot of chipping away to find the precious gem that she is.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
It all depends. Taming Julia I actually wrote within two months, but that’s unusual. Most often it takes a few months to write and then a month or so to edit.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Editing, marketing and promotion. Marketing and promotion are a stretch for me because they are way out of my comfort zone as an introvert. Editing is hard too because I’m so closely tied to the story that sometimes it’s difficult to see the errors.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
It never gets old seeing something I wrote in print, but it means a lot to hear from readers that my story (stories) have touched them and drawn them closer to the Lord. That’s the ultimate reason why I write – to share His hope with others.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I like to insert quirkiness in each of my characters. Let’s see… a quirk or two about me… I’ve been known to drink pickle juice (dill) and every winter you’ll find me and my husband praying for snow.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I actually wrote Taming Julia over eight years ago. I’ve changed a lot as a writer during that time. I think I’ve learned more tenacity to stick with things even though an end isn’t in sight – to trust God to work things out in His timing and in His way.
What is your favorite pastime?
Other than writing? Reading and spending time with my best friend, my husband.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Taming Julia is actually my seventh book in print. I also have written Hearts Tightly Knit, Love in the Seams, Let Love Spring, The Hope of Christmas, To Claim Her Heart, and Mrs. Wigglesworth’s Essential Guide to Proper Etiquette and Manners of Refined Society.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on two books – a sequel to Taming Julia (part of the Burrton Springs Brides series) as well as a book set in the town where I live dealing with belonging entitled, Hannah’s Quest.
Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com
Links to book:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taming-julia-jodie-wolfe/1136004491?ean=9781522302711
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jodie_Wolfe_Taming_Julia?id=FH7IDwAAQBAJ
Social media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodieAWolfe
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Meet historical fiction author Heidi Chiavaroli
Heidi Chiavaroli writes women’s fiction, exploring places that whisper of historical secrets. Her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her at heidichiavaroli.com
Tell us about your newest book.
Boston, 1773
Emma Malcolm’s father is staunchly loyal to the crown, but Emma’s heart belongs to Noah Winslow, a lowly printer’s assistant and Patriot. But her father has promised her hand to Samuel Clarke, a rapacious and sadistic man. As his fiancée, she would have to give up Noah and the friends who have become like family to her―as well as the beliefs she has come to embrace. After Emma is drawn into the treasonous Boston Tea Party, Samuel blackmails her with evidence that condemns each participant, including Noah. Emma realizes she must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means giving up the life she desires and becoming Samuel’s wife.
Present Day
Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth is determined to be the first woman inducted into the elite Navy SEALs. But before her dream can be realized, she must return to Boston in order to put the abuse and neglect of her childhood behind her. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within, she wonders if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized. Two women, separated by centuries, must find the strength to fight for love and freedom. . . and discover a heritage of courage and faith.
What inspired you to write The Tea Chest?
This inspiration definitely came slowly for me! Since I knew I wanted to write about the events of the Boston Tea Party, I dove into researching everything I could about the circumstances surrounding it. My historical heroine, Emma Malcolm, was birthed when I read an account of the brutal tarring and feathering of customs official John Malcolm. This servant of the crown was quite a character in his own right—very outspoken and stubborn with no patience for the antics of the Patriots. And yet I found myself feeling compassion for him. He was treated cruelly and inhumanely by those we find ourselves lauding as heroes today.
I imagined what it’d be like if he had a daughter—one who sympathized with the Sons of Liberty…one who sympathized with the very political side her father was intent on squelching. What if his daughter befriended those plotting to dump the tea? What if she aided them? What if she were even in love with one of them?
Once I had the historical storyline down, I thought it might be fun to explore a contemporary woman who also longs to fight for her country and prove herself the best way she knows how. In my research about women in the military, I learned that in July 2017, it was announced that for the first time, a woman would enter the training pipeline to become a Navy SEAL. I imagined what this unidentified woman had gone through and what propelled her to enter such rigorous training. I decided to explore her story in fiction.
Emma and Hayley, my contemporary heroine, both long to serve their country despite broken families. They both long to prove themselves and seek a greater worth and identity.
What genre do you focus on?
I write women’s fiction with a time slip element. I love exploring relationships of all kinds—whether they be romantic, familial, or having to do with friends. This genre allows me to dive into just about any part of life, which I love!
I also love history AND contemporary stories, so it’s fun to include both. I love watching my contemporary characters learn from my historical characters.
Why do you write?
I can’t imagine not writing. I think it’s in my blood. It’s not only a creative endeavor, it’s a sort of release for me, a way of figuring out the world and my place in it.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
When I’m on deadline I figure out how many words I need to write a week to make my deadline. Then I break it down into days with one day off per week. Sometimes that looks like seven hours of writing, sometimes I can get it done in a few hours, but either way my mind is pretty involved with my story. My family always knows when I’m creating by that hazy look in my eyes….
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Definitely marketing for me! I can never get over the feeling that I’m a salesperson when I’m marketing my book. I guess that’s because I sort of am. 😉 But it’s a vital part of being an author and since I love the writing part so much and do want readers to find my book, I suck it up and do it!
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Research travel trips! Those are my favorite. Partly because I love to travel, partly because that’s always the way my characters really start to come to life for me.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes, I have three other books! (Thanks for asking!) Freedom’s Ring, The Hidden Side, and The Edge of Mercy.
What are you working on now?
I just finished edits for my next book with Tyndale due out next year, tentatively titled The Orchard House. So right now, I’m in the beautifully free place of dreaming up my next book!
Website: heidichiavaroli.com
Link to book: http://www.heidichiavaroli.com/the-tea-chest/
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/HeidiChiavaroli.Author/
https://www.instagram.com/heidichiavaroli/
Devyn’s Dilemma…an excerpt
I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy Devyn’s Dilemma, book two of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series. If not, I wanted to whet your interest with a short excerpt:
The scent of lavender pleased Brice’s senses as Devyn passed by him and entered the panty.
He had been happy to find the bonnie lass exploring the dining room with the endearing wonder of a child as he happened upon the open door—and even more gratified by her apology.
But then there was her flummoxing reaction to the river views.
Such a curious combination of sweetness and something that seemed to border on bitterness. What would make this fair fawn so skittish, so resentful of the great St. Lawrence River? Had she had a near-drowning experience? Could she have toppled over from a boat and feared for her life?
His imagination ran wild with the possibilities, but as it did, his heart began to hurt for her. Surely something, or someone, had turned her against the river. Was it Falan? Could that scrappy lad have terrorized her somehow? Brice didn’t doubt that he might have been the culprit. If he harassed her in any way during their tenure here, her brother would have to reckon with him.
Devyn’s voice tore him from his thoughts. “This pantry is far grander than Mother’s tiny kitchen—and far more luxuriously equipped.” He followed her gaze as she surveyed the fully stocked room. Fine china, elegant stemware, and ornate chafing dishes filled the shelves. “That sink and those warming ovens are huge. And I’ve never seen the likes of those cut-glass cupboards!” She turned and pointed at an open box. “Is this the dumbwaiter?”
Brice nodded. “It is. You work it like this.” He pulled a heavy rope, lowering the wooden box until it was out of sight. “Now it’s down in the kitchen, and Cook can send up the hot food when it’s time for dinner. Mahlon, the butler, or his staff, can set the food here in the warming ovens until it’s ready to be served.” He pointed to the two modern contraptions.
“I’ve never seen such wonders in all my life!” Her eyes twinkled like the stars.
“You’ve seen but a few of the marvels that are here. Maybe I’ll run into you again so I can show you more of them.” He allowed himself a teasing wink in her direction. “But now, off with you afore the missus tans your hide.”
Brice smiled broadly as he waved her away.
I hope you enjoyed this little taste of Devyn’s Dilemma. Click here to get your copy today!
Meet author Patricia Beal
Patricia Beal writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She is a Genesis Award semi-finalist, First Impressions finalist, and the author of A Season to Dance (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, 2017). She writes from Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Tell us about your newest book.
Desert Willow is a love song to the City of El Paso, to family, and to Prince Harry.
What inspired you to write Desert Willow?
Desert Willow started as a NaNoWriMo project in 2015 and has a lot of my grandma’s history in it—life in the German colonies of the south of Brazil, the beginning of the shoe industry there, and the story of the most influential man her town has ever known, my great-grandfather.
What does that have to do with El Paso and Prince Harry?
Well, my Prince Harry lookalike, a young Army captain named Andrew Lee James who lives in El Paso, is helping the protagonist deliver her grandmother’s last love letter, a letter she was urged to write all those years ago after what happened in Brazil.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
A stubborn ballerina and a charming young officer are brought together by an old woman’s dying wish and last love letter.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Clara Malone. I wanted a name that was easy to pronounce in English and also in Portuguese, should this story end up published back home in Brazil, like the debut.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I like thinking about the writing all week and then putting it on paper on Saturday.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Christians who judge you and your writing. I write beauty from ashes stories, so there are broken parts needing to be made whole. That bothers some people.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
When readers tell me they finally understand the Gospel because of my writing.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I love my day job. I’m an Army Special Operations Forces civilian employee, and there isn’t a thing I would rather do with my life. What a privilege to serve alongside America’s best, helping them in the fight against our Nation’s adversaries.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
My first novel was first person women’s fiction. The new one is deep third person romance. Learning how to do deep third person was great, but I discovered that I’m stronger writing first person women’s fiction. I enjoy it more too. So that’s the direction I will go in the future.
What is your favorite pastime?
Other than working, it’s dancing ballet.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
A Season to Dance, the debut, the book of my heart, the book that wrote me. God had me writing my own salvation story, and I had no idea.
What are you working on now?
I have two works in progress: Kindred Spirits and The Seven Lives I Never Lived. Visit my website or those WIPs’ Pinterest boards for more info. Thank you so much for having me here!
Website: www.patriciabeal.com
Link to book: https://shoplpc.com/desert-willow/
Social media links:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/bealpat
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/bealpat
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/patriciasbeal
Facebook: www.facebook.com/patricia.beal.author
Instagram: www.instagram.com/patriciasimoesbeal
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCusGML42eeycuYcxFCAtDZQ
Blog: http://icfwriters.com/ (group)
Happy Birthday to Devyn’s Dilemma!
Happy Birthday, Devyn’s Dilemma. My second book in the Thousand Islands Gilded Age series has finally released! Here’s the storyline:
Longing for love, can she escape the shadows that follow her to Dark Island?
1910, Thousand Islands, New York. Others may consider The Towers castle on Dark Island an enchanting summer retreat, but to Devyn McKenna, it’s a prison. Yet as she works as a maid for Frederick Bourne, former president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, her life blossoms under the kindness of his family and fascinating entrepreneurs such as J.P. Morgan, Thomas Lipton, and Captain Vanderbilt. But more than anything, the growing friendship of Mr. Bourne’s valet, Brice McBride, begins to pry away the painful layers that conceal Devyn’s heart.
Brice is drawn to the mysterious Devyn even though he’s certain she’s hiding a secret, one far more dangerous than the clues they find in The Towers that hint of a treasure on the island. When Devyn is accused of stealing Bourne’s investment in Vanderbilt’s New York City subway expansion, he might not be able to protect her.
I love connecting with my readers and getting the word out about my newest releases, but no matter how you cut it, it’s a lot of work to let others know about any book baby you birth.
The reality is, there are so many books out there that it’s easy for Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Katelyn’s Choice, Christmas Charity, or The Fabric of Hope to get lost in the crowd. Would you be willing to help me in getting the word out?
Would you help me promote my book? It’s the best gift you can give an author. Here’s some ideas:
- Post an Amazon review. Your review doesn’t need to be fancy. Just a sentence or two would be great. Here’s the link:https://www.amazon.com/Devyns-Dilemma-Thousand-Islands-Gilded/dp/1645262731
- Post on Social Media. Share posts about Devyn’s Dilemma (or anything else you like) as well as post comments! You can post your review on your social media pages, and I can also email you other helpful stuff (Facebook posts, Tweets, etc.) that you can copy and use at your leisure.
- Take pictures. Post photos of you with the book (even holding it in your hands or on your lap), on a library or store shelf, at a book club, with your dog, etc., and be sure to tag me.
- Pass the word. Tell your friends, family, local library, etc.
- If you have a blog and would like me to be a guest blogger, I’d love to do that. Or if you know of someone who has a blog who might be interested in interviewing me, a personal introduction would be greatly appreciated.
- If you have a book club, I’d love to be a guest author for it in person or through Skype, Google Hangout, etc.
The truth is, word-of-mouth is the most powerful way to make a book successful. Thanks, for joining me on the journey. You are a blessing!