NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT!

 

INTRODUCING BOOK 2 IN MY 
GLITTER BAY MYSTERY SERIES

Vintage Sage was a peaceful, one woman operation until Sage Miller’s sister Laken moved to Glitter Bay. Now they feature gently loved items with a side of mystery.

ALL THAT SHINES!

Book 2:  All That Shines (April 2021)

Sage Miller is knee deep in fashion designers—whether she wants them in her new vintage boutique or not.

One winds up dead.

Another isn’t what he seems.

A third is treasure hunting.

Sage is stuck in the middle trying to solve a murder before the grand opening of Vintage Sage, which involves a fashion show she’d rather not be part of.

To Buy:

Amazon.com     https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08W2J3LBQ?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

BWL Publishing Ltd.     https://www.bookswelove.com/bator-diane/

Reviews:

Diane Bator has once again successfully completed another beautifully written mystery: “All That Shines” Book 2 in the Glitter Bay Mysteries series. A comfortable, easy read, and a page turner which keeps you guessing right to the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed Bator’s willingness to step into the deep waters of some human issues which rage today’s society. An honest and bold move on her part, Bator writes with absolute grace and dignity. Well done!  5 Stars ~  Maggie Kirton, Award-winning, bestselling author.

All That Shines is another great “who done it” with Sage and Laken and once again I was wrong. Can’t wait for the next book in the Glitter Bay Series to see what the sisters are up to! ~ L. MacGregor

Want to join me for a chat about writing February 21? 

One thing new writers are often told is to “write what you know.” How are you supposed to grow as a writer if you only write the things you know about? The best way is to take what you already know and give it a twist—turn it into a story your readers will find engaging.

All writers put a little of themselves in their work whether they realize it or not. Sometimes using subjects you are familiar with can be a great start for any genre of novel. 

Workshop will be via Zoom, Sunday, February 21, 2021 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. Pre-registration ends February 19, 2021. Please register below. Instructions for logging into Zoom will be sent the week before the meeting. Be sure to click on + to add a ticket before clicking on “Get Ticket” below. 

Diane Bator is the traditionally published author of ten mystery novels. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime Toronto, and the Writers Union of Canada. When she’s not writing, she works full-time in theatre which may be subjected to immortality in a whole new series. No surprise she’s trying her hand at writing a play as well as a couple of fantasy novels.

Click on the link for more information: 

https://wcyork.ca/event/write-what-you-know-then-give-it-a-twist-with-diane-bator/

Lorna Poplak's New Book The Don: The Story of Toronto's Infamous Jail

 

Welcome to Canadian non-fiction author, Lorna Poplak! 

I had the pleasure of meeting Lorna through Crime Writers of Canada and hearing all about her great books. If you're a history buff or just have a love for the macabre, be sure to check them out!

Lorna Poplak is a Toronto-based writer, editor, and researcher drawn to the people and stories behind historical facts. Lorna’s background is in law, literature, information technology, and technical communications. Her written work includes medical and scientific articles, travel pieces, children’s literature, blog posts, and a radio play. Lorna is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime. She has had two non-fiction books published by Dundurn Press: Drop Dead: A Horrible History of Hanging in Canada in July 2017, and The Don: The Story of Toronto’s Infamous Jail in January 2021.

Links:

Website/Blog: http://www.lornapoplak.com/

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/LornaPoplakAuthor      

LinkedIn:        https://www.linkedin.com/in/lornapoplak/

Instagram:       https://www.instagram.com/lornapoplak/

Dundurn:         https://www.dundurn.com/authors/Lorna-Poplak

Goodreads:     https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15421614.Lorna_Poplak

Amazon:        

https://www.amazon.ca/Books-Lorna-Poplak/s?rh=n%3A916520%2Cp_27%3ALorna+Poplak

What sort of research do you do for your work?

Research is the lifeblood of any nonfiction writer. As I work, I comb through the more traditional sources, which in my case include government documents, books, articles, and audio and visual materials. With my first book, Drop Dead, which was purely historical, I found another very rich vein of material: archival newspapers. Before the advent of newer media such as radio and television, people relied on print media for reports of local and global events. Good news for the modern researcher is that many of these papers are now available online, and I have on so many occasions burned the midnight oil looking for that last critical piece of the jigsaw puzzle! With The Don, I came across another equally fascinating source of info and local colour: interviews with architects, former jail officials and city authorities, and even inmates who did their time in Toronto’s notorious jail.

Which books and authors do you read for pleasure? Is there an author that inspires you?

I read nonfiction for research purposes — and for pleasure! At the moment, I’m dipping into two recent Canadian books. The first is Nate Hendley’s The Boy on the Bicycle, which unearths the largely forgotten case in the 1950s of Ron Moffatt, a Toronto boy wrongfully convicted of murder. The second is Bush Runner, which follows the rollicking adventures of Pierre-Esprit Radisson. Author Mark Bourrie describes the 17th century pioneer as “an eager hustler with no known scruples.” I also consume loads of fiction. One of my particular favourites is News of the World by Paulette Jiles. Set in Texas in the 1870s, it describes the tortuous journey of a grizzled war veteran turned ambulant news reader to reunite a young hostage with her family. The book is a wonderful combination of meticulous research, engaging characters, and a gripping plot — all woven together with brilliant and evocative prose.

I have always read broadly — classic and modern fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and even children’s literature. I am constantly coming across inspired and inspiring authors. I would be hard pressed to limit the list to a single name.

Was there a person who encouraged you to write?

My reply to this question is entirely predictable! I remember with great fondness a language teacher in my last year of high school. She told me I had potential and encouraged me to write with honesty and passion. 

THE DON: THE STORY OF TORONTO’S INFAMOUS JAIL

Conceived as a “palace for prisoners,” the Don Jail never lived up to its promise. Although based on progressive nineteenth-century penal reform and architectural principles, the institution quickly deteriorated into a place of infamy where both inmates and staff were in constant danger of violence and death. Its mid-twentieth-century replacement, the New Don, soon became equally tainted.

Along with investigating the origins and evolution of Toronto’s infamous jail, The Don presents a kaleidoscope of memorable characters — inmates, guards, governors, murderous gangs, meddlesome politicians, harried architects, and even a pair of ill-fated lovers whose doomed romance unfolded in the shadow of the gallows.

This is the story of the Don’s tumultuous descent from palace to hellhole, its shuttering and lapse into decay, and its astonishing modern-day metamorphosis. 

DROP DEAD: A HORRIBLE HISTORY OF HANGING IN CANADA

Take a journey through notable cases in Canada’s criminal justice history, featuring well-known and some lesser-known figures from the past. You'll meet Arthur Ellis, Canada’s most famous hangman, whose work outfit was a frock coat and striped trousers, often with a flower pinned to his lapel. Other memorable characters include the man who was hanged twice and the gun-toting bootlegger who was the only woman every executed in Alberta.

Drop Dead illustrates how trial, sentencing, and punishment operated in Canada’s first century, and examines the relevance of capital punishment today. Along the way, the book presents the mathematics and physics behind hangings, as well as disturbing stories of bungled executions and wrongful convictions. 

Andris Bear talks about Enter the Witch and Witchful Thinking

 

Welcome to Bestselling Paranormal Romance and Cozy Paranormal Mystery author, Andris Bear!

Bestselling Paranormal Romance and Cozy Paranormal Mystery author, Andris Bear, weaves snark and dark wit into her sexy tales of demons, angels, witches, and hot cops. Though she's always loved to slip into a great story, the writing bug didn't bite until Andris had three small children—just in time to have not a moment to herself.

She loves sexy, bullheaded heroes, dark chocolate, and a strong cup of coffee. Get in the way of any one of those and there will be violence.

Though she currently resides near Raleigh, NC with her own dashing hero and their mini villains, you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Bookbub

Website and other links to your social media pages.

Website: https://www.andrisbear.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrisbear

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrisbear

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/andrisbearauthor/

What would you say are your strengths as an author?

Humor. There is nothing better than making others laugh. I tried writing a dark and serious book once, but just didn't work. At all.

How often do you write, and do you write using a strict routine?

When I'm in book mode, I have to write every day. If I take even one day off, it'll turn into two. Then three. I'm really good at finding other things to do.

Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?

Probably in the same place, doing the same thing, with just a bigger backlist. Or signing a movie deal that will make me a millionaire. Hey, I can dream, can't I?

If you could offer once piece of advice to a novice writer, what would it be?

I think it's the same advice any writer would give. In the first draft, nothing matters. Sit down. Write. Ignore the mistakes and enjoy the process.

What would you consider to be the best compliment a reader could give your book?

I read it without break, then got the next one.

What are you working on now?

I'm working on the final book in my Witches of Whisper Grove series, which will tie up all loose ends and launch a new series! I'm very excited about what's coming next!

 

ENTER THE WITCH

A laugh-out-loud Cozy Paranormal Mystery!

Some witches are born to their craft. Some of us fall face-first into it.

Evangeline Winther has just landed her dream job as a librarian in Whisper Grove, NC. The fact that she also discovered she’s the lost heir to a centuries-old coven of witches is not so dreamy.

She can’t control her powers.

She can’t cast a spell.

And—let down of a lifetime—no one rides a broom.

 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GdCWeF

iBooks: https://goo.gl/4oUhMT

Google Play: https://goo.gl/ZyqH5u

Kobo: https://goo.gl/bqkXX4

B&N: https://goo.gl/2xf1nt

WITCHFUL THINKING

Evangeline Winther accepts that she is a witch... but is she a capable one? Eh, not so much.
She can’t control her powers.
She can’t cast a spell.
And—let down of a lifetime—no one rides a broom.
But she does have the love of her hot mechanic and her ever faithful—if somewhat annoying—cat. Things are looking up.

Until someone runs her off the road.
Now she must figure out who—or what—is trying to kill her.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2DfU6UX

iBooks: https://goo.gl/i2eJbd

Google Play: https://goo.gl/U6f4gL

Kobo: https://goo.gl/EWDKXc

B&N: https://goo.gl/rBk9z2

 

Penelope Cress tells us about Holy Homicide and Divine Death

 

Welcome to Penelope Cress, author of the Reverend Jessamy Ward Mystery Series! 

Penelope Cress lives on an island off the coast of Kent, England, with her four children and an elderly Jack Russell Terrier. A lover of murder mystery and cups of tea (served with a stack of digestive biscuits), she writes quaint cosy mysteries and other feel-good stories from a corner table in the vintage tea shop on the high street. Penelope loves nostalgia and all things retro. Her taste in music is also very last century.

Website – www.penelopecress.com

Twitter - @PenelopeCress

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PenelopeCressWriter

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/penelopecresswriter

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.co.uk/penelope5046

What would you say are your strengths as an author?

When I was younger, I trained to be an actress. I learnt about various methods for getting into a role and I think that helps with my writing. Readers say that they love my characters, even the setting is a character. I see them in my mind like a movie. I spend most of my prep time on the characters - their quirks, their motivations. And then let them loose. They live their story. I just take notes.

How often do you write, and do you write using a strict routine?

I try to write every day. I find that when I leave it for a few days, those days become weeks and often months and then it becomes a terrifying prospect to return to. Once I start again, I wonder what the issue was as I love writing! I am part of a writers’ group than runs online sprints three times a day across all time zones and I aim to join at least one of them each day. Most days I manage two online sprints and edit etc. outside of those times. I am always trying to be more disciplined because when I am I get better results.

Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?

In five years, I want to be able to give up the day job and be more mobile, earning enough from my books to travel and write as I go.

If you could offer once piece of advice to a novice writer, what would it be?

Get out of your own way! I spent years writing my first book. The whole Wesberrey series was heavily inspired by my mother. I wanted to publish it so, hopefully, I could start to earn enough money to reduce my day job hours and spend more time with her as she was not well. I wasted so much time. Even when I had the first book finished, I didn’t show her. I wanted it to be perfect. Sadly, she took very ill suddenly and died ten days later. I eventually published on what would have been her 80^th birthday six months later. I didn’t earn enough money to give up the day job, but the worse bit is that my mother never got to see my work in print. As they say, time waits for no man. It will never be perfect – just do it!

What would you consider to be the best compliment a reader could give your book?

I didn’t want it to end.

What are you working on now?

I am increasing my workload as I am writing two books. The fifth book in the Wesberrey series, Consecrated Crime is underway, and I have outlined a second series and have begun to plot the first book. I am also working on a short story for an upcoming anthology.

 

HOLY HOMICIDE

Despite her cat allergy and her mother’s warnings of doom and disaster, Reverend Jessamy Ward is excited to return to the Isle of Wesberrey to take up her promotion as parish priest of St. Bridget’s Abbey.

Tourists know Wesberrey is famous for three things: there are no cars, there are lots of cats, and there is a legendary fertility well. Shortly after Jess’s arrival, it will be famous for something else - murder!

Can Jess root out the killer or will the unearthing of her own family’s mystical pagan history threaten to destroy her new life?

Holy Homicide is the first book in the exciting new Reverend Jessamy Ward Mystery Series by Penelope Cress.

Escape to a new mystery. Buy Holy Homicide to explore the often quirky and sometimes seedy secrets on the Isle of Wesberrey today!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085298YK2

 

DIVINE DEATH

Things appear to be settling down in the island parish of St. Bridget's, and Rev Jess Ward is enjoying the relative peace in the lead up to Pentecost. So, maybe it's unwise to invite in the local archaeological society to dig up the old well?

What will the dig beneath the floor of the baptismal font uncover?

Spring is a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. Is that romance we smell in the air?

Life is skipping along until a sudden death takes the spring out of Jess’s step.

Old rivalries, deception and ambition are all viable motives for violence, but could it be a crime of passion, or even self-defence?

In a mystery that appears to involve some of her closest family and friends, Jess turns to her ancient past to help solve this latest tragedy.

Divine Death is the fourth book in the Isle of Wesberrey Series.

Find out more about the island's history as the latest mystery unfolds. Buy Divine Death now!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KHP1YQJ

June Storer tells us about Hotter Than Coffee and You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It

 

Welcome to author June Storer!

June Storer is an Author of Romance and Fantasy books and I was born in Birmingham in the United Kingdom and still live locally. Like most people, my life has had its ups and downs and I have learnt many valuable lessons on my journey. I previously worked for the National Health Service for 26 years, in varying roles ranging from Nursing to Administration. It was from here that I started to notice the rich diversity of society, there were so many interesting characters and so many unbelievable situations which I had found myself in and I soon realised that truth was definitely stranger than fiction. It was then that I started to write and I have not stopped since. I am also a qualified Reiki Practitioner. My interests include reading of course, movies, rock music, yoga, spiritualism and I also film and take part in paranormal investigations. My little rescue dog also keeps me fit and active on our daily walks out into the breathtaking scenery in the UK.

Social Media Platforms and Website:

Author J Storer  (31) J Storer Author - Posts

J Storer (@jstorerauthor) • Instagram photos and videos

J Storer Author (@j_storer) / Twitter

J. Storer (Author of You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It) | Goodreads

What is your latest release?

My latest release is "Hotter Than Coffee" which is a contemporary romance story. Pippa the Protagonist, has a disability which she acquired as a child but hasn't let it stop her from living a normal life. Unfortunately, she has been on the receiving end of disparaging comments and behaviour from other people, and as much as she has tried to ignore what has happened previously, it has left a residue upon her. I decided to write about a character who had a disability because a family member of mine became disabled from an accident and I saw first hand how it affected them and us as a family. I remember an incident when they were discriminated against and I stepped in to educate the person who did it. In this story I tried to emphasise about the difficulties which we all face in life and tried to express how sometimes these problems can add extra stress to someone who might be struggling, but also trying to emphasise how with determination and tenacity most things in life are possible.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on my new book which features some romance but has more of a fantasy storyline, involving witchcraft, magic and otherworldly themes. It has been really satisfying to allow my vivid imagination to take flight and start writing down all the crazy ideas which I usually have on a daily basis.

Was there a person who encouraged you to write?

After spending most of my life with my head stuck in a book and always working out the endings to films etc, my family repeatedly encouraged me to put pen to paper and start writing my own stories. I also took inspiration from Angela Marsons who is a local Author, based near to where I live in the United Kingdom. She was unfortunately made redundant from her job and had been trying to get her work published for a while without any success. Eventually her perseverance paid off and she is now an international bestselling Author. Her amazing story also encouraged me to write and I am so glad that I did.

What would you say are your strengths as an author?

Having led a colourful life, my main strengths as a writer come from my life experiences and I know that the younger me would not have been able to write from the heart like I do now. Like most of us, I have lived through ups and downs in life and have come out the otherside as a wiser and more empathetic person. I also have an active imagination, which enables me to think up ideas and subject matter to write about.

How often do you write, and do you write using a strict routine?

I try to write everyday, sometimes it may only be a few lines or it could be a few paragraphs. Scattered all around my home, are blank notepads and pens, so that I can jot down any ideas or sentences which suddenly ping up in my mind. I tend to wake up in the morning with my head brimming over with ideas and if I don't scribble them down straight away, by lunchtime they are nothing more than a distant memory, of which I can't recall. When I was previously working full time during the day, I used to only be able to write during the evening and this has now become a normal routine for me, but if I am going out in the evening, I ensure that I do write during the daytime instead.

Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?

In five years time, I would like to be an established writer and have written and published many more books. I am also experimenting with poetry and writing stories in other genres at the moment, so maybe some of my future books might be completely different from what I write now, but that is what I love about being a writer, the possibilities are endless.

 

 YOU CAN HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT

Penelope Carter is the Midlands favourite radio Agony Aunt, who seemingly lives a perfect life. Married to a handsome Doctor, her obverse way of thinking encourages her callers to do the wrong thing, to take the immoral path, without thinking about the consequences. Penelope's world begins to unravel with the emergence of her lost love, world renown Celebrity Chef, Marcus Day. Will she decide to follow her own advice and see what fate karma brings or can Penelope Carter really have her cake and eat it?

You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It eBook: Storer, J: Amazon.co.uk: Books

 

HOTTER THAN COFFEE

Pippa had known what discrimination was from a young age and had learnt from her own experiences what a cold place the world could be. Unexpectedly falling in love, the safe environment which she had built all around her, suddenly started to disintegrate. Discovering that she had been humiliatingly betrayed by the one person whom she thought that she could trust and with yet another further traumatic event, Pippa was pushed to the very edge of sanity. Would she have the emotional strength to survive and rise again or had she finally reached her breaking point?

Hotter than Coffee eBook: Storer, J: Amazon.co.uk: Books