Karla Stover tells us about Murder: When One Isn't Enough and Wynters Way

Escape with a Writer Sunday welcomes Karla Stover!!

Karla Stover graduated from the University of Washington with honors in history. She has been writing for more than twenty-five years. Locally, her credits include The [Tacoma} News Tribune, the Tacoma Weekly, the Tacoma Reporter and the Puget Sound Business Journal. Nationally, she has published in Birds and Blooms and the Ruralite, Internationally, she was a regular contributor to the European Crown and the Imperial Russian Journal. For fifteen years she hosted a radio program on her hometown, Tacoma (Washington). She won the Chistell Prize for a short story called, “One Day at Appomattox.” She is a member of the Daughters of the Pioneers, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Tacoma Historical Society. Her entire working career was at Merrill Lynch.

1.   Tell us about your life outside of writing.

I belong to a very active garden club. In addition to our own yards, we play Flower Bingo with residents at the Orting Soldier’s Home, do community service (this year we hope to clean and plant a currently unloved garden in front of a county library. We help decorate a 19^th century mansion at Christmas, run the horticulture building at the Pierce County Fair, and host several horticulture-related 4H meetings.

2.   Do you have a work in progress?

In both Tacoma, WA. (where I live) and Pierce County, residents are extremely supportive when it comes to non-fiction books about the town. I’ve published three and think, this year, I’ll alternate between a novel and a third Tacoma history book. I’m making a presentation to the publisher under its “Wicked” series. So, I’m heavy into local crime, right now. But I’m also starting a book based on the story of a young woman who came here in the 1890s and while here, ended up meeting and marrying a Scottish lord.

3.   What was the most difficult section/piece you ever wrote? What made it difficult?

I think my three novels were all equally hard but for different reasons. I set A Line to Murder in the pre-computer years because I hate it when protagonists make easy use of them (computers, not years. No misplaced modifiers for me). Using a computer to dig up information feels like a cop-out. I quit reading Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series for that reason. That being said, there are things about the ‘80s that I don’t remember. At that time I was in a critique group and was constantly called out on things the other writers didn’t feel were accurate, things such as clothes, music, even internal feelings, and I hate gratuitous sex and don’t have a lot in my books which didn’t go over well. The Hood Canal murder mystery was easier, but Wynters Way took a lot of research.

4.   What sort of research do you do for your work?

Since I am focused on Tacoma, Washington history in both fiction and non-fiction, I read old newspapers. I subscribe to Genealogybank which gives me access to most of what I want. I used to use the New York Times but they now charge to access archived articles. I also make use of “Historylink.org” and Hunt’s History of Tacoma, a very old book.

5.    Which books and authors do you read for pleasure?

Last week I went to my favorite used books site, “Alibris” and ordered a bunch of memoirs. I’m a sucker for what it was like to work for British aristocracy---certainly not Downton Abbey. The amazing women who, with so little education, were able to write their experiences make me proud. But, I am also reading the true story of a woman taken captive by the Indians circa 1760 and how she survived and escaped. We have three vehicles and I have a different book in each one, plus my bedtime book.

6.   Is there an author that inspires you?

I can’t think of any

7. Was there a person who encouraged you to write?

Okay, you can laugh, but I am an introvert and a big daydreamer—always have been. And growing up I loved Anne of Green Gables, Jo March, (Little Women) and Betsy Ray (Betsy, Tacy and Tib.) They wrote so I wanted to, also. I also wanted red hair like Anne had but that’s another story.

Costco, Amazon, Target , the Tacoma History Museum, and the Northwest Shop carry my non-fiction.

The fiction is available through Amazon.

                            

J. M. Tibbott talks about The Arrival and The Healers

Escape with a Writer Sunday welcomes J.M. Tibbott!

                                                              I’m delighted to appear in Diane Bator’s Blogspot  this Sunday as her featured author. You may ask, who the heck is J. M. Tibbott and how does she know Diane?

My Pseudonym

J. M. Tibbott is my pseudonym, of which I’ve become rather fond. My legal name is Marilyn J. Kleiber, under which I have published a collection of short stories, encompassing, humor, horror and a teeny bit of romance.

The day came for me to put hand hands to keyboard and produce a novel, which I had been threatening to do for a number of years.  My challenge was that my legal name just didn’t suit the myth/fantasy I had in mind. The initials J.M. are simply my legal ones reversed, so I can still introduce myself as Marilyn. The surname was  a bit more challenging. I finally settle on Tibbott, which was my grandmother's maiden name, is Welsh and you will see as I explain further, entirely appropriate.

As to my friend Diane - we are fellow authors who belong to the same writing group.

My bio

I was educated in a British School system in South Africa, which stressed the use of proper grammar and spelling, and, also, we received the benefit of elocution.

When I arrived in Canada, I failed my first spelling test. When I presented the marked up paper to my parents they were astounded, because all the words I’d spelled were correct. A meeting between my mother and my teacher, revealed the challenge.  I could not understand the Canadian accent.  Imagine what might have happened if I begun school in the Bronx or in the deep south of the US. Luckily my teacher worked with me to explain the differences in pronunciations by Canadians.

I loved writing, and from the age of ten, wrote plays which my sister and I performed, insisting my parents paid a penny to attend our performances.

I have been writing ever since, and now, if I could not write, I could not breathe.

Who inspired me

The biggest inspiration was my Grade 12 English Teacher, Miss Izzard. She was a true lover of the English language, and encouraged me to enter the public speaking contest and the writing contest in high school. I won both. She fostered my love of Shakespeare, and when I was lucky enough to have a boyfriend whose father acted at Stratford, I saw some of the best performers in a variety of plays, and even had the opportunity to stand on the stage of the main theatre. 

Work in Progress

I am currently writing my fourth novel in The Pridden Saga, and each book adds to the fun.  Book One was called The Arrival, Book Two, The Healers, Book Three (which is being released at the end of this month) The Warriors, and Book Four (the title is still under wraps) is my current work.

Some of the Books and Authors I read for Pleasure  ( I have very catholic tastes)

Anything written by:

Terry Fallis,  Terry Pratchett,  Brad Smith,  Gerald Durrell,  J. K. Rowling

Isaac Asimov, Dick Francis,  Bryce Courtney,  Anne McCaffrey,   Peter Bayer,  Lawrence Sanders, Agatha Christie (even though she cheats),

Robert Rotenberg,  Oscar Wilde — and these are just the few of my favorites

Research for my work

I use Cornish/English, Welsh/English and Maori/English dictionaries for names of people, places, geographical information and fauna. (but written phonetically)

In my current series, I’ve had to research: tapestry making, weaving, horsemanship (even though I do ride) sailing, animals, travel, wine making, architecture, gems,

For research I use the internet, books I already possess, my own photos and travel memories, travel agency information, and used book stores.

Difficult piece to write.

Because I’m a plotter not a pantser writer, I do not encounter writer’s block, but occasionally wonder about how to handle a particular piece of action. I am curious, and therefore, have done many different things, travelled to many countries, and attempted many sports. Thus, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience to call upon. But generally the things I find difficult to write are personal happenings that affected me emotionally.

My Website: www.jmtibbot.com, and www.marilynkleiber.com

Facebook:  facebook.com/J-M-Tibbott.

Twitter     :  @marilynkleiber

The Arrival: The Pridden Saga: Book One 

“What happens when a solitary but brilliant video game designer is thrust into an unfamiliar world? Offered a chance to return home if she will help save the inhabitants from the winds of war, Kat must decide what risks she will take and what restrictions she is willing to accept. Beset by bizarre and ferocious creatures, narrow minded social mores, seductively erotic men, and with no idea who is friend or foe, she must wend her way through a minefield of challenges. Can she do it?”

The Healers: The Pridden Saga: Book Two

 

“The journey continues as Kat wends her way among the spiritual healers of Shendea, but encounters heart-stopping challenges from a ferocious cathnog and unknown and violent strangers. Still tasked with the demand by Eduardo of Kaylin to help Pridden avoid a devastating war, but without clear instructions, she is escorted by her mysterious guide, Mouse, and the glorious big cat, Shade.

Despite her tendency to blunder through peculiar customs, she is astonished by a Thieves’ Guild who do not steal, a Magicians’ Guild who demonstrate no magic, and learns to sidestep the wiles of the alluring Rifellans. How will she keep her word to help Lord Rhognor, and still return safely to her own world?”

  

Tricia McGill talks about Mystic Mountains and Powerful Destiny

Escape with a Writer Sunday features Tricia McGill!

 Award winning author Tricia McGill was born in London, England, and moved to Australia many years ago, settling near Melbourne. The youngest in a large, loving family she was never lonely or alone. Surrounded by avid readers, who encouraged her to read from an early age, is it any wonder she became a writer. Although her published works cross sub-genres, romance is always at their heart.
Tricia’s love of animals has always shown up in her books. Tricia devotes as much time and money as she can spare to supporting worldwide conservation groups and is passionate about supporting those who do all they can to preserve our wildlife for future generations. She volunteers for a local community group that helps disabled adults and children to connect to the internet with provided computer equipment. When people ask what she does in her spare time, she is heard to ask, “Spare time, what is that?”

Tell us about your life outside of writing.
My day always begins with taking my two dogs for a walk. I love to potter in my garden. I have recently moved and the garden here has many rose bushes that need tending. I have been a volunteer for 20 years for a local community group that provides technical equipment and ongoing assistance to disabled or housebound folk and their carers (very important people). Each day I take care of the admin side of things. Once the mail is checked and the day’s promo taken care of, then it is writing time.

Do you have a work in progress?
I am currently just about halfway (or thereabouts) on Annie’s Choice Book 4 in my Settler’s Series, Australian historical romances set in the 1800s. Book 3 was Tim’s story and when that was finished, his younger sister was determined to have her say and insisted I write about her. She kept me guessing on where she wanted to go next, and who with, but now will not shut up, hence the title. Will she make the right choice in the end? I have no idea at this stage.

What was the most difficult section/piece you ever wrote? What made it difficult?
As you probably guessed by the above, my characters tell me where they want the story to go, but my book Crying is for Babies, was the true story of my beloved sister Violet’s life, and there were days I sobbed so hard as I wrote that it grew painful. But, I kept my promise to her and wrote it all down, working through the pain and sadness. Of course, there was also plenty of laughter along with the tears.

What sort of research do you do for your work?
Tons and tons. When writing about past eras each day-to-day activity has to be researched down to the last detail. This goes for whether I am working in the early days of Australia (as now) or going back to Viking times or ancient Scotland as in my time-travels. Even modern eras have to be researched meticulously. My contemporary romances are set in Australia, so depending on the area they are set in I still need to know that place well. In the early writing days, I would spend many hours at the library (a place I love) making reams of notes, but now old Google serves me well. Luckily, I love this part, there is always something new to learn as you delve into the past.

Which books and authors do you read for pleasure? Is there an author that inspires you?
I have always loved reading time-travels, hence love writing them, and love to read historicals, but also like contemporary romance. I was inspired in my early writing days by authors like Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Catherine Coulter, Bertrice Small, LaVyrle Spencer, to name a few.

Was there a person who encouraged you to write?
My husband Bill was my biggest supporter. He went out and bought my first typewriter when he saw how eager I was to spend hours scribbling in notebooks. Soon the typewriter was upgraded to a word processor, and eventually to a computer. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1998 just before my first book was published. So encouraging was he that he took my first draft off to a publisher in the city, marched in there and presented it to a wonderful person who took the time to read it and give me a 3 page critique that led me in the right direction. Only afterwards did we learn that she was a publisher of medical journals and most definitely not a publisher of Romance books. She remarked in the letter she enclosed that his enthusiasm and obvious love for me gave her the impetus to read it.
Thanks so much, Diane, for having me as your guest and for such great questions.
Anytime, Tricia! I'm looking forward to seeing more great books from you.

Mystic Mountains (Settlers Book 1)
In the early 1800s the penal colony of Botany Bay was an unforgiving and harsh place. Isabella O'Shea is transported to New South Wales for wounding a member of the British aristocracy who raped her, so it is understandable that she loathes members of the upper class and the system that punished her; sentenced her to seven years transportation.
Tiger Carstairs is rich, ambitious and English-so is it any wonder she is determined to hate her new master. Tiger dreams of making a new life beyond the aptly named Blue Mountains, so called because of the perpetual haze of blue surrounding them.
Mystic Mountains is a story of courage and persistence-traits that were essential for the settlers who carved out a new life in a raw land where suffering and heartbreak were commonplace.
Isabella and Tiger face tragedy and many hardships in their quest for a new life in this untamed land.
Buy Link: https://books2read.com/Mystic-Mountains
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Powerful Destiny
Can love span time?
It is 850AD and Norse warrior Rolf lands on the shores of East Anglia determined to take revenge on a Celtic clan. Following a fierce battle, where the Celts are savagely killed, Rolf comes face to face with the daughter of the slain Celtic leader. So stunned by the beauty, along with the courage of Brigid, he is convinced that his Three Fates of Destiny brought them together. Resolved to make this woman his own, he spares the lives of the captured Celtic women and children and takes them back to his homeland across the ocean.
Strangely drawn to the Norseman who is so sure they are destined to be together, Brigid must fight against succumbing to the wishes of the man who killed her father. Nevertheless, to save her fellow Celtic captives from slavery or worse, Brigid must keep a bargain with the Norse leader—a bargain that will see her tied to him forever.
In present day Cornwall, naturally shy Rolf shares his secluded lighthouse with his wolfhound. An artist, he delights in the rugged scenery and ever-changing weather. While in the nearest bookshop one day, he meets a newcomer to town. Brigid’s unusual personality strikes a chord with him. Not only are both convinced they have met before, but their fascination for Viking and Celtic history forges an unusual bond between them. Outspoken and forthright, Brigid sets out to break down the barrier of reserve and caution Rolf has erected over the years. Is it simply whimsy or can lovers across centuries be reunited?
Buy link:  http://books2read.com/Powerful-Destiny

BWL Publishing Author page: http://www.bookswelove.net/romance-authors/mcgill-tricia/
Web Page: www.triciamcgill.com
Blog: http://triciamg.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorTriciaMcGill

New Release Dead Without Shame

I have a New Release!

   

         Once more, Gilda considers leaving the karate school to work for her friend Happy (no one has ever called him Harvey). When three men rob Happy Harvey’s Hangover Hut and kill the woman at the front counter, Gilda is stunned to think that could have been her. Was this a mere robbery, or does someone have a vendetta against Happy, including his good friend Gary del Garda? The evidence keeps piling up while both her mother and another karate instructor come to town bearing secrets that may cost Gilda the life she loves in Sandstone Cove.

Here's a sneak peek:

Detective John Fabio, Thayer’s partner, limped out of the store. “Let me guess. They wore black masks and told you to hand over the money and the girl’s shoes.”

Happy looked up. “He talk fast. Don’t know about shoes.”

“One guy spoke?” Thayer raised his eyebrows. “Did you recognize him? What did he say?”

Gilda patted Happy’s arm as she shot Thayer a scowl. “Maybe you should bring him somewhere warm and quiet. Having an interpreter when you take his statement would be a good idea too. I’m worried things might get lost in translation.”

Thayer folded his arms across his chest. “Don’t you think I know how to take a statement?”

“I’ve been the subject of one of your interrogations. You don’t listen very well.” She mirrored his pose placing her arms across her chest. “I don’t want you to misunderstand what he says.”

Fabio nodded toward a police car a few feet away. “Gilda, can I have a word with you?”

“That depends.” She flared her nostrils. “Am I under arrest?”

“You are not under arrest.”

“Then you can have a word with me.” She drew in a deep breath then kissed Happy’s cheek. “I’ll be back in a couple minutes. Don’t let Thayer get you worked up, okay?”

Happy narrowed his eyes at Thayer. He pressed his lips together and zipped his index finger across them and folded his arms across his chest.

Thayer groaned. “Thank you for your help, Gilda. You can leave any time.”

“You’re welcome.” She flashed a saccharine smile and fluttered her lashes.

Fabio limped around the police car then leaned on the trunk before he ran a hand over the side of his face then back through his hair. Exhaustion had settled over him in the form of weary eyes and a deep frown.

“Looks like you’ve had a long day.” She leaned beside him against the police car and yawned. “What’s up?”

“I know you, Gilda,” he said. “When things like this happen, you get caught up in figuring out whodunit and forget about everything else, like your own safety.”

“But Happy needs—”

He cleared his throat.

“I just want to—” 

“Not this time.” Fabio’s jaw tightened in the flashing lights.

Silly Fabio should know better than to say no to our intrepid Sherlock! 

Hope you check out Dead Without Shame to find out more...

Buy your copy at https://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/