Judy Ann Davis Author of Under Starry Skies
Give a warm welcome to Judy Ann Davis, author of Under Starry Skies. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Judy and her mystery and romance under Colorado’s starry skies.
Tell us what inspired this particular story?
How did “Under Starry Skies” come about? Since I had worked in adult education and understood the value of reading and writing for all adults, the story of school teacher Maria O’Donnell teaching Indian Two Bears to read and write in 1875 seemed plausible for a storyline. Two Bears was a minor but favorite and humorous character in my first book, “Red Fox Woman.” I had to bring him back in the sequel because readers fell in love with him and his humorous and wily disposition. They also fell in love with the youngest Ashmore brother, Tydall, who’s the story’s hero.
Wow, sounds like the book is right up my alley. Tell’s us a little more about Under Starry Skies.
Hired as the town’s school teacher, Maria O’Donnell and her sister Abigail arrive in the Colorado Territory in 1875, only to find the uncle they were to stay with has been murdered.
Rancher Tye Ashmore is content with life until he meets quiet and beautiful Maria. He falls in love at first sight, but her reluctance to jeopardize her teaching position by accepting his marriage proposal only makes him more determined to make her part of his life.
When their lives are threatened by gunshots and a gunnysack of dangerous wildlife, Tye believes he is the target of an unknown enemy. Not until Maria receives written threats urging her to leave does she realize she might be the target instead of the handsome rancher.
With the help of Tye, Abigail, and a wily Indian called Two Bears, Maria works to uncover her uncle’s killer and put aside her fears. But will she discover happiness and true love under Colorado’s starry skies?
How about and snippet from the book?
Two Bears reached out and laid a hand on her trembling ones to still her. “Listen closely. You must tell Tye Ashmore and those you trust. You must always carry a weapon with you. Do not take chances. Do not be foolish. Foolish men are the first to die. Take a different path to the school each morning. We need to find your enemy.”
“I don’t know how.” Maria gave a choked, desperate laugh. She watched Two Bears stare with a hawklike gaze at the forest leading to the stable of the manse, then let his eyes encircle the entire wooded area at the edge of the yard.
Finally he spoke in a calm steady voice. “Enemies are not always wise enemies. They get careless. Then we will find him. . .or he will reveal himself.”
You can find Under Starry Skies at Amazon.
A Word About The Author- Okay several words:
Judy Ann Davis began her career in writing as a copy and continuity writer for radio and television in Scranton, PA. She holds a degree in Journalism and Communications and has written for industry and education throughout her career.
Over a dozen of her short stories have appeared in various literary and small magazines, and anthologies, and have received numerous awards.
When Judy Ann is not behind a computer, you can find her looking for anything humorous to make her laugh or swinging a golf club where the chuckles are few.
She is a member of Pennwriters, Inc. and Romance Writers of America, and lives in Central Pennsylvania.
You Can Find Judy Ann Davis on:
Website: www.judyanndavis.com
Blog: www.judyanndavis.blogspot.com
Twitter: JudyAnnDavis4 https://twitter.com/JudyAnnDavis4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Judy-Ann-Davis/561285450554606?ref=hl
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4353662.Judy_Ann_Davis
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Under Starry Skies.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Step Back to a Gothic Mystery Romance with Alicia Dean!
Give a big welcome to Aicia Dean, author of Haunting at Spook Light Inn. Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick your choice of a Snicker-doodle, Chocolate Chip or Peanut butter cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Lets see what Haunting at Spook Light Inn is all about. Thanks for joining us!
Step back into the days of the classic Gothic Mystery romances like “The Shivering Sands” by Victoria Holt, “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier and “Hunter’s Green” by Phyllis A. 
Whitney. A new series from authors all over the world features novellas in the style of these old-time stories. Check out the “A World of Gothic” series here:
https://www.facebook.com/AWorldofGothicSeries/
Our gothic series includes authors from, and stories set in, Scotland, Greece, Ireland, Texas, Florida, France, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, which is where mine is set. My contribution to the series is titled “Haunting at Spook Light Inn” and is based on an actual spook light phenomenon that appears in Northeastern Oklahoma, only a few miles from where my sister and brother-in-law live. To help with researching the book, I took a road trip to the area with my friends, Kathy and Krysta. My sister Ruth drove us out to ‘spook light road.’ We didn’t see the light, (Well, Kathy and I thought we saw it, but we’re not sure. And the two naysayers with us claim we didn’t, so I guess I’ll say we didn’t…), but we had a good time, and it was helpful for getting a feel for my story.
*** Many of the stories, including Haunting at Spook Light Inn, are on sale for only 99 cents each!
Tell us a bit about Haunting at Spook Light Inn.
Amidst a blizzard, paranormal debunker Camille Burditt arrives at Devil’s Promenade in Oklahoma to research a supernatural ‘spook light’ phenomenon for her latest book. There she encounters a ghostly being, which she dismisses as a figment of her imagination. But as the apparition becomes too persistent to deny, Camille realizes the woman’s ghost is quite real—and that her demise was not accidental.
Declan Rush—the inhospitable, reclusive owner of the inn where Camille is staying—is linked to the deceased woman, but he is less than forthcoming. Despite his unfriendliness, Camille is oddly drawn to him, even though she suspects his connection to the spirit might be that of killer to victim.
When another suspicious death occurs, Camille intensifies her investigation. She has precious little time to ferret out the truth. Not only is her book deadline looming—she’s desperate to discover if the man she’s falling for is a murderer.
Can we have a sneak peek in Haunting at Spook Light Inn?
Right at ten p.m., I put on my coat, boots, scarf and gloves then pulled open the front door. I went around back and keyed in the code to the garage door. The door slid open, and I climbed into a golf cart. I headed down the drive, appreciative of the thick plastic that somewhat blocked the wind. Even with the protection, I was chilled by the time I reached the road.
I parked on the shoulder and snuggled into my coat. Above me, ice-coated tree limbs drooped heavily. A howl rose in the distance. I looked around but saw nothing. Of course, coyotes and mountain lions were sneaky. They wouldn’t be parading around in plain view. From what I’d read, they kept mostly away from civilization. Even though this area was hardly what I’d call civilized, it wasn’t the wilderness either. I was certain whatever had made that sound was a safe distance away.
A three-quarter moon hung in the sky surrounded by a spattering of stars. Beautiful. I didn’t see stars like that in Miami. I focused my attention back to the end of the road. From my understanding, the best spot to see the light was just to the left of a cell tower. I could see the red lights of the tower. I studied the area left of it.
In my peripheral vision, a brief glow appeared. I whipped my head around. A translucent, but not quite human form, wafted above the ditch on the side of the road.
I gasped, and a tremble shot up my legs. It’s not real, whatever I’m seeing, it’s not real.
The figure floated toward me. I lifted the plastic, keeping my gaze on the glow.
What was it?
Not the light. It wasn’t in the right spot nor was it the right shape.
I blinked. Still there. Oh God…
I screwed my eyes shut tightly. When I opened them, the glow was gone.
BUY LINK – Amazon
**Now let’s see what makes the author tick!
Author Alicia Dean began writing stories as a child. At age 10, she wrote her first ever romance (featuring a hero who looked just like Elvis Presley, and who shared the name of Elvis’ character in the movie, Tickle Me), and she still has the tattered, pencil-written copy. Alicia is from Moore, Oklahoma and now lives in Edmond. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals. She is a freelance editor in addition to being an editor for The Wild Rose Press.
Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching (and rewatching) her favorite televisions shows like The Walking Dead, Dexter, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, Vampire Diaries, and The Originals. Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.
Find Alicia here:
*** Sign up for our Novel Notes Newsletter, a multi-author newsletter where we give away a $25 gift card each month: https://www.facebook.com/NovelNotesAuthors
Website: http://aliciadean.com/
Blog: http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alicia-Dean-559598754221926/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/468339.Alicia_Dean
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Haunting at Spook Light Inn .
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.
Welcome Author Debra Doggett
Happy New Year! Give a big welcome to Debra Doggett, author of Training Tessa . Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick a Snicker-doodle and Gingerbread cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Thanks for joining us Debra! Tell us about what inspired you to write Training Tessa.
I used to tell people I got a history degree because I didn’t have to take math classes for it. That was only part of the reason, but back then being a history nerd didn’t give off the best aura. Even my dad said he didn’t understand how I could take those classes because history was boring. It was one of the few things we disagreed on. Growing up, my hero was James Michener. It wasn’t only that he could write like nobody else, but he wrote history. His work inspired me, and one day I plan to write my own historical epic. My first attempt at dipping my toe into that goal was Training Tessa. I set this story in Renaissance Italy, one of my favorite time periods. It gave me an excuse to dig back into that time and place, making the writing fun. One of the biggest reasons for it, however, was the way sensuality permeated art, and life. Yes, there were lots of naysayers, but artists in particular began to look at the human body as sensual. That concept fit well with the story. I hope the story fits well with you.
Debra Doggett has been writing since childhood. Keeping stories in her head while raising three daughters, pursuing her BA in History and working as a museum professional has kept the writer inside her alive. She has also written, performed and directed for the stage, her second love.
Learn more about Debra Doggett:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dgdoggett
www.amazon.com/author/debradoggett
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2266264.Debra_Doggett
Tells us a little about Training Tessa
Meretessa Brexiano believes in love. Her heart yearns for a true bond with the man she weds. She also believes she can change her fate. Refusing the marriage her father has arranged, she strikes a bargain with a man she hopes can teach her the art of seduction. Nicolo da Parma is a businessman with a reputation as a connoisseur of women. Their sensuality is the palette he has painted on since his youth. This time, however, he may have struck a bargain which costs more than he planned. Training Tessa might be the greatest challenge to his own heart Nicolo’s ever had.
How about a sneak peek into Training Tessa?
Nicolo reached a hand toward her. “Seduction is a slow process, Tessa, a process which begins with you. It begins in here.” He tapped her forehead. “Do you even know what your own body looks like?”
She moved, grateful for even a small space between them. “That’s ridiculous! Of course I know what I look like. I see myself every day.”
“Ah, but do you really see? How can you tempt a lover with a body you are not even aware of?”
Before she could protest, he swallowed up the small, safe distance. Strange sensations stirred within her, leaving her without the ability to form the words she knew she should be saying. Nicolo’s fingers untied the lace along her bodice. He slipped the thin scarf through his hand with a sensual caress that made her shiver. What would those fingers feel like against her skin? As his hand slid over her shoulder, his fingers nudged her dress down, letting the fabric glide to the top of her breasts. He leaned in close and for a moment she thought he might kiss her. Tessa wondered what his lips would feel like, what they would taste like.
Buy link: Amazon
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Training Tessa.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
Welcome The Accidental Stranger Author C J Fosdick
Happy New Year! Give a big welcome to C.J. Fosdick, author of The Accidental Stranger. Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick a Snicker-doodle and Gingerbread cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Now let’s find out a little about CJ. Thanks for joining us!
C.J. tell us what inspired you to be a writer?
Writing Journey: My “genesis moment” began in 5th grade. I won a writing contest and was an instant celebrity in Show and Tell, especially after I shared the candy I bought with my $5 prize. Years later I was feature editor of my high school paper and also wrote a teen column for a community paper in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Moving to Rochester, Minnesota as a young wife and new mother, I only had time to pursue writing freelance articles, short stories and the occasional newspaper feature for years. By the time our nest was empty, I was bursting with “novel” dreams.
Published Books: My new novel, The Accidental Stranger, will be released worldwide January 6, 2017. It is part of the Accidental Series that began with an award-winning debut, The Accidental Wife. With a grant, I did manage to edit, contribute to, and publish an anthology of Minnesota writers many years prior. Blossoms & Blizzards was a local success, still available on Amazon.
Favorite Book so far…might always be the last one I write. The Accidental Stranger was a particular challenge to meet with two POV’s, dual continent settings, two eras and a strong current of suspense. I’m loving the feedback on it so far. This novel is really about finding a place in life…and time, and how the transforming power of love is the greatest agent of all.
What you enjoy most about writing: Besides traveling to the sites I write about, I love the play and dialog between characters, and twisting the plot in unexpected knots. I also LOVE basking in the sunshine of great reviews and awards.
Ever had a character twist that surprises you? I often have open discussions with my characters. My hubby thinks I’m talking to myself. I love unique plotting, but great characters drive stories.
Do you have a personal favorite? I relate to my opinionated red-haired heroine and her green-eyed heroes. I am a redhead, my hubby has green eyes. Any novelist who denies projecting themselves in some of their work is not being honest. Attempting to steer clear of stereotypes, my least favorite characters are the hardest to write.
Favorite scenes to write so far? Most often I sweat over all the scenes with conflict and romance, hoping to maximize dialog, tone, setting. I’m the fly on the wall in these scenes, absorbing emotion that hopefully infects my readers.
Recommendations to a stranger: Though each book in this series will stand alone, the lead characters will form a chain linking subsequent characters to subsequent stories. The Accidental Wife is the first link that starts the saga, but each novel will have scattered “refreshers” to clarify the genealogy. For instance, two of the characters in The Accidental Stranger will spin off as protagonists in book 3, The Accidental Heiress which takes place in Ireland.
Your favorite books to read? I was a huge fan of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, even before I met her at two writer conferences in Florida and Colorado. I’ve always loved reading great historical romances and mysteries: the late Kathleen Woodiwiss for romance, Michener and John Jakes for historical rides, Sue Grafton for mystery. When I’m not reading for research, I enjoy the late Winston Graham’s Poldark series which I started reading after viewing the beautiful Masterpiece series on TV. Graham combines it all with a special ear for character dialog and family twists.
TV shows & movies you enjoy? All my favorite movies are visually huge in scenery, scope of history, adventure, romance and characterization. Think Gone With the Wind, Pride and Prejudice, Dances With Wolves. Current TV faves are Outlander, Poldark and The Vikings.
Lessons learned, Tips to offer other writers? I took a survey at the Denver Conference of the U.S. Historical Novel Society and agreed with a lot of sound advice I collected. Read what you want to write. Join critique groups, workshops, writing classes. Write because you must, not because you think you can earn a living at it. Polish your work. Edit and re-edit. Develop a thick skin. The only way to fail is to quit. I might add that success will depend heavily on marketing skills and networking. Navigating online opportunities can be challenging. Bestselling authors usually ratio their time to 50% writing, 50% marketing.
Life as a writer in 10 words: Persistent tapping into novel dreams can spark high voltage success!
FREEBIES to Readers: My short bi-monthly newsletter contains giveaways, holiday news, excerpts, even the Jessica cookie recipes featured in the series from another era. (Alter-ego Jessica has a mischievous sweet tooth—e.g. Chocolate Kisses in The Accidental Stranger.) Subscribe at www.cjfosdick.com
Find out more about CJ below:
See Cj’s Website Get Cj’s Newsletter Order Cj’s Books
Tell us a little about The Accidental Stranger.
Jessica Brewster is being watched…and things go missing from the remote Wyoming home she shares with her toddler. In a freak accident, she shoots the grizzled thief stalking her before she
recognizes the mesmerizing green eyes that belong to the only man she ever loved. Has Mitch bridged time to find her? In a race to save his life and change hers forever, she takes him into her home and
heart. But his memory loss and puzzling clues curry doubt and danger. Is he truly her son’s father or an irresistible stranger in her arms?
SNEAK PEEK INTO THE ACCIDENTAL STRANGER:
I screamed as the gun exploded in my hand and fell to the ground. The
bear moving toward Scout dropped, and I raced to scoop up my son
before he toppled into the icy stream. Cradling my whimpering child,
I ventured closer and could see at once that it was no bear I shot. A
man in a bearskin poncho lay on his side. A mass of dark matted hair
covered the side of his face that wasn’t blooming with blood,
running down his cheek, pooling in his ear and staining his thick
beard.
“Is he, is he dead?” I whispered.
Chuck fumbled for a pulse and we all started when the man groaned and
his eyes fluttered open.
Green! His eyes were green. The fear in them registered with me as
he searched our faces. When his eyes met mine, his jaw twitched. A
flash of memories washed over me and my heart began to thump wildly. I
set Scout down when my knees began to buckle and I thought I was going
to be sick. As I sagged in the snow, my bare fingers reached out to staunch the blood.
So red against the white snow. His eyes, so…green. Every shade
in a spectrum of emotion raced through me. I knew only one man who owned those eyes.
Had he come back to me?
Did I shoot the only man I ever loved?
Oh my now that’s a sneak peek. Where can we find The Accidental Stranger?
Click HERE to order The Accidental Stranger on Amazon. Your order will be received—AND–pushes the novel UP the Amazon BEST SELLER CHART on Release Day—JANUARY 6th Prefer a print? Click on www.cjfosdick.com for BEST price!
It was wonderful having you with us today, CJ. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with The Accidental Stranger and all of your other books.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog by Tena Stetler with 6 comments.
