This Week on A Cup of Coffee and a Good Book

This week on the A Cup of Coffee and a Good Book BlogTalkRadio show, Jennifer will interview L.F. Crawford about her latest book, BAD MOON RISING. Listen live on Wednesday, March 28 at 3:30 Pacific Time, or hear the recording any time after the show, at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-walker/2012/03/28/a-cup-of-coffee-and-a-good-book.

In BEVERL HILLS VOODOO, Police Detective Art Murry was touched by a Voodoo sorcerer, his life forever changed.  Now. in BAD MOON RISING, he's about to meet a Jamaican shapeshifter...and the ghost of Maria Laveau.

Learn more about L.F. Crawford at http://lfcrawford.50webs.com/

Author Interview and Giveaway: P.J. O’Dwyer

Today we have an author interview with P.J. O’Dwyer, author of romantic suspense, about her new book RELENTLESS. Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how you can win your own autographed copy of RELENTLESS!

Jennifer: Welcome! Please share a little about yourself, your genre, and any other pen names you use.

P.J.: Thank you, Jennifer, for inviting me to join you for A Cup of Coffee and a Good Book. It’s so wonderful to be here with you today! I write romantic suspense as P.J. O’Dwyer and have always found books have the capacity to take you anywhere you want to go—a true gift an author can bestow on a reader.

I’m my mother’s child.

She, too, loved to read and it was her love of books that made it possible for me to become the writer I am today. Back then, I gravitated toward historical romances.  But I hadn’t met my better half yet.

My choice of genre was a given after I met and married my husband. It seems his dreams and aspirations had always been focused on law enforcement. Twenty-five years later, married to a state trooper, it was hard to avoid hearing about the day to day police work he was involved in (very exciting stuff), not to mention the camaraderie and hilarious stories, especially the interactions cops have with each other. So it was inevitable I would combine both of our passions: romance and murder. (Not that murder is his passion, only solving them.) It also helps to have a go-to guy (my husband) to assist me on the law enforcement side


Jennifer: Tell us a little about your upcoming release.

P.J.: This is a very exciting time for me. My debut novel Relentless will be released April 15. This is the first book in the Fallon Sisters Trilogy where we meet Bren Ryan who is widowed, jaded, and searching for her husband’s killer by herself. That is until she meets up with sexy cowboy Rafe Langston who seems quite interested in her theory of murder—maybe a little too interested.

Jennifer: As an author, what surprises you about this story?

P.J.: Well . . . I’d have to say, as in every story, it’s the characters themselves. It’s interesting, but as a writer you find the characters take on a life of their own, most times they dictate what’s going to happen next, and sometimes they even surprise me. 

Jennifer: What was the hardest thing for you about writing this story?

P.J.: On a serious note, Relentless centers on a very controversial topic—horse slaughter. As a writer, there is a lot of research involved in any story, and this one was no exception. But I owed it to every horse rescuer and animal advocate to get it right.

The hardest part for me was watching the barbaric slaughter of healthy, intelligent, majestic horses on YouTube and interviewing horse rescuers. They made me cry with their loss, and laugh at their wit and the lengths they will go, especially, to outsmart their nemesis “the kill buyer.”

Jennifer: What are you working on right now?

P.J.: The second book in the series, Defiant, which is Kate’s story, will be released in September. Gorgeous as she is idealistic, she wants more than just horse pastures. Only she gets more than she bargains for with the man who charmed her, because now he controls her.

But she’s a Fallon and resourceful. She’ll find a way to escape multi-millionaire husband Jack Reynolds, even if he is the U.S. Attorney for Maryland.

Currently, I’m working on the third and final book of the series Forsaken. Dani is the sister neither Bren nor Kate know about yet. That is until the beautiful Irish barmaid Dani Flynn finds her homeland just a spec on the horizon behind her and open seas dead ahead.

She’s poised to change everything Bren and Kate believe to be true. And they’re not the only ones.

There was no way I couldn’t write a book about Bren’s best friend Kevin Bendix. More like the brother Bren never had, eventually, they would become family—even if it was by law.

I loved writing Kevin. Maybe it’s because I have one just like him at home. It was fun to ruffle this guy’s serious exterior.

Here’s a sneak peek into the life and times of Mr. Law-and-Order.

Sheriff Kevin Bendix’s life is orderly and free of complications. That’s the way he likes it. But that’s all about to change with one gorgeous, blue-eyed brunette who can’t prove she’s in the U.S. legally. It’s his job to have her deported. Only his attraction to Dani Flynn is clouding his judgment. She isn’t your average law breaker. All of about five foot two with a face of an angel and a body of a sinner, she will be his undoing. It’s not only his heart she’ll steal. Loving this woman could cost them both their lives.

Jennifer: Whose head do you like being in the most when you’re writing, the heroine or the hero?

P.J.: I enjoy the heroine. I get to live out my hopes and my dreams with her. But I find the hero is the most fun.

Let’s face it, when do you get to be in your man’s head? Well . . . you hope he’s always thinking of you. But to know those intimate thoughts they don’t normally share is a rush.

Jennifer: So . . . you’re debut novel is about horses. Why horses?

P.J.: I fell into that by accident or so I originally thought. I love animals. But in writing suspense, something bad has to happen. And with Bren it had to be about the horses. I wanted my reader to care about Bren and her life’s work. I also wanted to expose the hidden truth about something so hideous. When I learned of horse slaughter, I had a hard time wrapping my brain around the senseless murders that happen every day to such a noble companion we know to be the horse.

On a lighter side, I’ve been told I couldn’t avoid writing about horses if I wanted to. They tell me, those who have researched our Irish heritage, horses are in our blood. My father bet on them, my cousin and uncle own them, and back in Ireland they stole them.

I guess the sparkling shores of freedom looked a might safer than an Irish jail cell.

Jennifer: What is the process like for you when choosing a title?

P.J.: Personally, I like one word titles. To find that one word that describes my heroine and the book is a challenge. But when I find it, it’s an amazing feeling of accomplishment. With Bren’s story, I had gone through quite a few titles.

I know with every author we have our vices and methods to shed writer’s block. For me, it’s a good run. After three miles of just myself and the open road, my brain seems to unfurl and everything is so much clearer.

It was just such an occasion when Relentless popped into my frazzled brain. It was like . . . Eureka! It was golden; and I loved it. 

The other two titles came naturally, and I fell in love with them with just as much enthusiasm.


Jennifer: Do you work with a writing group or mentor? Why or why not? If you do, what do you get out of it?

P.J.: You know, I think it takes a village to create a writer. I am an active member of a writer’s critique group, which has been an invaluable experience with many friendships made and an abundance of helpful praise, and, yes, criticism. But it’s all good. Improving my craft is an ongoing process, and I’m relieved to know I’m not in this alone.

I also belong to a wonderful group called Equine Authors United, a wonderful group which is near and dear to both of us.

Jennifer: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us about RELENTLESS?

P.J.: I’m so glad you asked. As a writer, I believe we are entrusted to entertain as well as educate. Relentless gave me the opportunity to do both. Relentless became a reality for me due to the gracious nature of horse rescuers who took a call from a stranger, listened and agreed with enthusiasm to read Bren’s story, and offer their insight and knowledge.

As a way to thank them for their kindness and because their fight has become mine, I am donating 5% to horse rescue for every book sold in the trilogy and any other future works.

The only catch—you must purchase the books on my website at www.pjodwyer.com. There is a list of rescues to choose from including most states, a fair amount of provinces in Canada, and a few in the UK to include my homeland of Ireland, as well as, Australia and New Zealand.

 RELENTLESS

Headstrong horse rescue director Bren Ryan has been a red-headed streak of trouble for more than one man in Clear Spring. She’s grown up needling local “kill buyer” Wes Connelly, and since the sheriff ruled her husband’s sudden death an accident, Bren’s been investigating things herself. She’s certain Tom was murdered, and she’s hell-bent on cornering his killer the only way she knows how—by tempting him to do it again. And she’s the bait.

Rafe Langston came to Maryland looking for land and a fresh start. Or so he says. The sexy cowboy isn’t generous with details, but Bren couldn’t care less—until he buys half her farm at auction and moves into her childhood home. Suddenly, the last man she should befriend becomes her only ally in solving her husband’s murder.

Soon their cozy stakeouts sizzle with unexpected desire neither one can ignore, threatening his mysterious plans and her promise to never fall in love again—especially with a handsome stranger whose secrets could shatter what family she has left.

Website:         www.pjodwyer.com

Facebook:      www.facebook.com/AuthorPJODwyer

Twitter:          www.twitter.com/#!/pj_odwyer

Linked In:      www.linkedin.com/pub/p-j-o-dwter.3a/633/825

Giveaway:      Want to win an autographed copy of the hardcover edition of RELENTLESS? Leave a comment before midnight on April 1 (no foolin!), and a random commenter will win! Be sure to include your email address (OK to put in spaces or spell out the @ to fool the spam bots) so I can contact the winner.

Book Review: Heroes and Hounds, by Bill Miller

Heroes and Hounds, by Bill Miller

• Paperback: 162 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (November 10, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 1456310364
• Rating: (1 to 5 *): ****

Book Review: Heroes and Hounds

Eleven-year-old Carly dreams of riding to the hounds some day, but in the mean time she must content herself to wander hill and dale atop her pony, Monroe. Hampton is a yearling hound on his first hunt who becomes hopelessly lost. Their paths cross when the master of the hunt stops by Carly's house and tells her Hampton is missing. Carly is determined to find the missing hound, but first she has several interesting encounters with Strange Willie, a hermit who lives in the woods. When her best friend, Freddie, goes missing, Carly gets her chance to be a hero...but does she want the title?

Bill Miller, author of Heroes and Hounds, clearly has a history with horses, fox hunting, and even kids who love animals, because he got those elements so very right. Our heroine is a little girl who loves every animal, wild or tame, and doesn't want to see harm come to any of them--even the thieving fox. She is also caught up in the romance and glory of the fox hunt and imagines herself flying through the fields in a red coat, chasing the hounds, when she is really trotting down a wooded trail on her pony. How many times did I have similar dreams as a child? I couldn't count them. As an adult reader, Mr. Miller's book certainly reminded me of those times, and I could see a lot of appeal in the book for the younger readers it is intended for.  The book contains numerous beautifully drawn illustrations by Mary Burkhardt.

Miller's story is engaging and full of adventure, with a few little life lessons thrown in for good measure--which I always appreciate in a children's book--kindness to animals and strangers, not rushing to judge based on appearances, helping those in need. It also touches on the plight of children of military families.  As an editor, I would like to see the writing developed--some bits are rushed, and the omniscient point of view leaves out some opportunities to really get inside the characters' heads or to build suspense. However, it is a fun story and an engaging read that I think many kids will enjoy, especially if they are animal lovers.

This week on A Cup of Coffee and a Good Book

This week on the A Cup of Coffee and a Good Book BlogTalkRadio show, Jennifer will interview Eddie Lucas about his book, Living Room Legends: Chats With TV’s Famous Faces. Listen live on Wednesday, March 19 3:30 Pacific or hear the recording any time after the show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-walker/2012/03/21/a-cup-of-coffee-and-a-good-book.

Living Room Legends: Chats With TV’s Famous Faces is a pop culture treasure trove filled with behind-the-scenes details, amusing anecdotes, then and now photos, and TV trivia galore.

This week on A Cup of Coffee and a Good Book

This week on the A Cup of Coffee and a Good book BlogTalkRadio show, Jennifer will interview Kelly Lin Gallagher-Roncace, author of Lilian Finch: Her Maiden Voyage and Lilian Finch: Captain At Sea . Listen live on Wednesday at 3:30 Pacific Time or hear the recording any time after the show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-walker/2012/03/14/a-cup-of-coffee-and-a-good-book.


When Lilian is born, her mother dies in childbirth and so Lilian is left to be cared for by just her father - who is a pirate. Lilian is a carefree, fun girl who also has a serious and dedicated side. Reading about her adventures puts you right beside her and her friends. Even though pirates are most times connected with young boys, Lilian’s character brings the girls’ side of piracy to Lilian Finch readers.

Book Review: The Head and Not the Heart

The Head and Not The Heart, by Natalie Keller Reinert

Paperback: 208 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace (November 18, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1466291141
Rating (1 to 5 *): *****



Book Review: The Head and Not the Heart


Alex is living the dream: she spends her days riding young racehorses and running a large Thoroughbred training and breeding operation with her highly respected trainer boyfriend. The only problem is, she's not so sure the life she once coveted as a horse crazy girl is still what she wants. She's getting tired of the early mornings, the unpredictable weather and even more unpredictable horses, getting dropped on her butt, and spending her days covered in horse slime. When she gets sent to New York to look at a colt, she realizes she has the chance to see what her life could be like if she gave up all the craziness and pursued her long-dormant dream of becoming a writer.

For any serious horse person who reads The Head and Not the Heart, it is clear that author Natalie Keller Reinert has walked the walk. Having worked with horses for a living and slunk back to my computer for a sitting-down-inside job, I had many of the same thoughts Alex did. You love the horses, but the work is exhausting. Horses are big, strong animals, and they hurt you without even trying. Yet, it is very rewarding to work with them, especially if you've loved them your whole life!

I did find myself getting a little tired of Alex's whining (I get it! It's cold and you're tired.), but we get past it just in time before it gets really old. The fact is, the story rings very true, and Alex and the other characters are very believable. It even made me reflect on my own life, which is always the mark of a good book, in my opinion. I think any horse lover would enjoy this book...perhaps anyone who has a tough job they do because of their passion would appreciate it.

Guest post: Ashlynne Laynne

Today we welcome a guest post from author Ashlynne Layne on how she became a writer. Be sure to read my interview with her on this blog as well!

Ashlynne Laynne: The Birth of a Novelist

I was eight years old when I placed third in an Optimist Oratorical Contest on Freedom in America. I accepted my shiny gold pin, read my award winning speech and marveled at how everyone hung on my every word. It was the first time I realized the power of my words. 

A writer was born.

My rebellious teenage years were spent writing poetry as a sort of therapy. I dabbled in the occasional Danielle Steel novel, never realizing that I wasn’t exactly the target audience for that particular genre. This early exposure to such salacious material was the marked beginning of my love of romance novels.

I fell in and out of love, had a kid and went through many emotional changes in my twenties. The one constant was always my love of poetry and the written word. And although I lost my faith in true love, that didn’t stop me from writing about it. Some of my best love poetry actually occurred when my heart was at its most broken and fragile.

The promise and possibility of finding that one person that completes your heart spurred a fire, in me, to write about what I was almost certain didn’t exist. I took my love of writing a step further and appeared in several anthologies and poetic compilations. I loved that so much that I took to publishing a book of my original work under another pen name. While stretching my creative muscles, I ventured into songwriting. It was much like poetry set to music. Minding the rhythm and meter of music, and writing words to fit, presented an awesome challenge.

With the benefit of hindsight, I attribute my songwriting to grooming me for the task of taking an idea and characters and immersing them in a world that takes a shape of its own. Writers use their words, the varying of sentence structure and pacing to illicit emotions from readers.

So what—you might ask—possessed a poet/songwriter to consider writing a novel?

Several factors...

The Progeny wasn’t the first novel I ever wrote, even though it is my first release. My first novel had a good concept and characters but it was lacking in technique. I wrote two books of the series before I abandoned it for something else.

I’ve always loved vampires, witches and the horror genre. My next endeavor would encompass my two horror loves. With Stephen King as my favorite author, this shouldn’t be a shock.

Fast forward six years from my songwriting. Now I’m in a better place. I’ve somehow pinned the elusive cupid down and convinced him to give me another shot at corralling love. He obliged and sent me my hubby, Mark. Now I’ve got the love thing down and honestly believe that it exists.

What’s next?

October, 6 2010 started like any other day. I woke up, went to work and came home. I was tired so I took a nap that day. This is where it gets interesting. I dreamed about a gorgeous guy. He had dark hair, the weirdest blue eyes and a strange necklace around his neck. When I woke up, I immediately began sketching that necklace. I’m no artist but I had to admit that what I came up with was interesting.

The pieces of my story line slowly gelled. I researched witches, witchcraft and the Salem witch trials the next day. When I slept the next night, I dreamed about him again but this time I dreamed his name—Ascher. Now that my guy had a name, he needed a love. I’ve always loved the name Shawnette. So I shortened it and made it Shauna.

October 8, 2010 was the day that literally changed my life. Surrounded by a stack of witch research, the vision of Ascher, Shauna’s name and sketches of a unique amulet, I decided to write a home for these two characters. I never considered myself patient enough to write a novel but the characters wouldn’t leave me alone.

I dreamed about them, thought about them and imagined different scenarios for them until my idea was 115,000 words. Shauna did the most changing during the process because I didn’t dream her in the beginning. Her physical appearance and origins evolved until she was exactly who Ascher needed.

I was ecstatic when I finally dreamed them together because I knew that it was finally right.

I fell in love with their story and felt their pain. I laughed when they laughed and cried when Shauna cried. They became my babies. My husband and I often joke that we talk about them so much that they should occupy rooms in our home. Almost a year—to the date—that I started writing these characters, J.E. Taylor at Novel Concept Publishing accepted my manuscript and confirmed what I already knew. Like love, the right publisher is out there that will believe in your work and push you to be better.

There was something there in the pages of that Word document. She now believed as much as I did.

That was only the start of my journey. The first manuscript that she saw and what the reader actually reads is very different. I eventually added three chapters to my manuscript to explain Ascher’s existence and to deepen Ursula’s character.

In the end, I think The Progeny offers the reader a different view of vampires. Though I love vampires, I’ve been disappointed at how common their portrayals have become. I think it’s time the world experiences a new breed of vampire.

In closing, and in lieu of an excerpt, I’d like to leave you with my original poem from The Progeny. Books one and two both feature my poetry as the epilogue. I wrote this poem back in 2007—before I ever thought about writing a novel. My bestie tells me that this poem’s existence is proof that The Progeny was my destiny.

I tend to agree.




Blessed Eternity


Envelop me in the sweet darkness of your burning light

Spin me into a web of your eternal delight

Make me yours for all to see

Cover me in kisses sweet with sinful pleasure

Transform me so that I may be yours forever

Make me yours for all to see

I am not longed for the duties of this world

Nor do I wish to be just an ordinary girl

Make me yours for all to see

One day with you is worth a thousand forevers

If this is the only way for us to be together

My soul is a mere formality

Meet me when the shadows replace the light

In the sweet darkness of the eternal night

Give me blessed eternity



About Ashlynne:


Ashlynne Laynne has always had a soft spot in her heart for vampires but grew tired of the garlic fearing, sun loathing creatures of old. An avid horror movie fan, she tends to enjoy media and music that is of a younger, more eclectic nature. This was the catalyst for her writing The Progeny. The vampire/witch pairing is unique and different when most books pair vampires with werewolves.

The infinite possibilities, for such a wickedly unique couple, intrigued her. There is no shortage of romance, steam and surprises in The Progeny. These books are for adults and contain adult sensuality and themes, but minimal profanity. She loves writing on the edge and teetering between the erotica and romance genres. She thinks of Ascher and Shauna as the damned version of Romeo and Juliet.

She’s currently working on book two of the series entitled Blood Bonds. In her spare time, Ashlynne enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her family. Ashlynne juggles the hats of wife, mother, full time employee and part-time writer, hoping to write full time one day soon.

Ashlynne lives in North Carolina with her husband and teenage son.



About The Progeny


At its core, The Progeny is simply a story about a man and woman who fall in love, and the fact that he’s a half-blood (half-human, half vampire) and she’s a Wiccan human are secondary factors. In the beginning, of the book, Ascher is grumpy. Frankly, who could blame him? He’s engaged to seal to Ursula—a cold and careless vampire who wants nothing more than to get her hands on a bloodstone— and he feels conflicted about his existence.

All of that changes when he meets Shawnette McCutchin. She’s beautiful, intriguing and possesses some of the most potent blood that he’s ever smelled. A war immediately begins inside Ascher. He craves Shauna’s blood just as much as he craves her body and the closer they get, the harder it is for him to control his urges. After Ascher calls off the sealing to Ursula, the trouble begins. His family’s peaceful period ends when Ursula’s army attacks the Rousseaus. Kidnapping, some steamy love scenes between our hero and heroine and Wiccan rage complete the plot.






Connect with Ashlynne


Facebook: Book Page- http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Progeny-Series/129418917161599?bookmark_t=page

Author Page- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Ashlynne-Laynne/118945981513261

Author Blog: http://ashlynnelaynne.blogspot.com/

Email: ashlynnelaynne@aol.com






The Progeny is available at:


Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Progeny-Ashlynne-Laynne/dp/1470141604/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330639326&sr=1-1

Barnes and Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-progeny-ashlynne-laynne/1108540255?ean=2940014108355&itm=1&usri=the+progeny+by+ashlynne+laynne

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/128489

All Romance E-books: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theprogeny-726383-139.html

This week on A Cup of Coffee and a Good Book

This week on the A Cup of Coffee and a Good Book BlogTalkRadio show, Jennifer will interview Liz Longo, author of A Bird and its Albatross, a Tale of Renewal. Listen live on Wednesday, March 3 at 3:30 Pacific, or hear the recording any time after the show, at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-walker/2012/03/07/a-cup-of-coffee-and-a-good-book.


A Bird and Its Albatross, a Tale of Renewal, by Liz Longo

A time ago in wondrous Australia, there lived a very beautiful yet melancholy bird. He lived in a dense old tree beside a river. All day, the Silver-tailed Cockatiel sat as still as steel. But in the evening, he would leap along from branch to branch trying to settle in for the night. His thoughts were as deep as the night sky...

Learn more about Liz at http://www.lizlongoartsspace.com/.

Author Interview: Jennifer Quail

Our interview today features Jennifer Quail, author of Strange Roads: Book One of Omens in the Night.

Jennifer Walker: Where can we find out more about you and buy your book?


Jennifer Quail: You can find a page for the series on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Omens-In-The-Night/130417210321917 where you'll find character bios, links to interviews, and photos, visit the blog at http://ominanoctis.wordpress.com/, and check me out at the Independent Author Network at http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/jennifer-quail.html I'm also on Twitter @stmpnksweets


Jennifer Walker: Tell us about your book.

Jennifer Quail: Strange Roads is the first book in the Omens in the Night series. Set in Washington, D.C. in more or less the present day (I'm deliberately vague, and no, you won't find out a president's name for a while!) it's about two seemingly ordinary people, Alan Graves and Elaine Gates. Alan is a self-described 'just off the turnip truck' Senate staffer from California. Mildly liberal with a penchant for wanting to save the world, Alan's finding D.C. not quite what he expected. Elaine is a former Navy test pilot whose career came to a literal crashing halt when it had barely begun, and she finds herself at loose ends. Apparently-chance encounters with two strange antique-shop owners lead them into a mysterious world of magic, vampires, ancient secrets, and a shared destiny . . . whether they want to go along with it or not.


Jennifer Walker: Where did you get the idea for the story?

Jennifer Quail: Alan and Elaine are actually the last refugees from my very first attempt at writing a 'grown-up' novel. I was fourteen and trying to write like Allen Drury ("Advise and Consent"), so you can imagine how that worked out. I moved on to other things (including the now-defunct story that created Val and Nadia, the secondary leads in this book) but I kept coming back to these characters, and not wanting to waste them. I don't actually remember when the idea of combining D.C., politics, and magic really came together, or how exactly I tweaked out the magical system they use. Some of the details for the final draft, like setting the climatic fight in Congressional Cemetery, really only came together after I went back and spent a vacation just exploring things I'd never gotten round to seeing when I lived there. The plot itself is pretty basic--good vs. evil, with the adventure story race for a MacGuffin--but the details got picked and pried from a lot of different places.


Jennifer Walker: What other projects do you have coming up?

Jennifer Quail: Right now, I'm focusing on the second Omens in the Night book, The Demon that is Dreaming, which will take Alan and Elaine past the initial shock of finding out who they are and out of immediate danger to life and limb and give them some time to process what's happening to them and really figure out how that's going to change their lives. Meanwhile, there are new characters to introduce (one in particular my advance reader's been very excited about), and of course they'll have more magical trouble to confront. I've also been working on short stories for other markets, and one of those may spin off into a novel of its own. We'll see! I'm also tentatively poking at a non-fiction project about Titanic's three senior officers, Lightoller, Murdoch, and Wilde, from the perspective of their wives (Lightoller was married more than fifty years, Murdoch's widow never remarried, and Wilde had become a widower a little over a year before the sinking) as I think much about the officers and their families have been overlooked in favor of the passengers with more 'glamour' stories.


Jennifer Walker: Do you write full time? If so, tell us how you manage it. If not, what is your day job?

Jennifer Quail: Oh, lord, no. I don't have that kind of money. My main 'day job' is as the education programming coordinator for a small museum, and I also make and sell steampunk-themed jewelry and resell vintage and antique items on Etsy.


Jennifer Walker: What was the hardest part: writing the book, getting it published, or marketing it? Why?

Jennifer Quail: Getting it finished and reaching a point where I could step back and say 'this is it'. Since it's just a self-publish at this point, publishing was easy--anyone with an internet connection can use Amazon or CreateSpace. (On a side note, I am not one of those bitter 'indies' who has it in for real publishers and agents. I've never had anything but good responses and personalized rejection letters, where the main point is that it is a hard book to market as it's not the stereotypical urban fantasy where the girl with the tramp stamp's being courted by the vampire and the werewolf.) Marketing isn't much hard as expensive and time-consuming. Mostly the toughest part is finishing, and acknowledging that I'm finished.


Jennifer Walker: Tell us a little about your non-writing life. Family? Pets? Hobbies?

Jennifer Quail: As it says on my IAN author page, I'm an owner of dogs (a secondhand farm dog and a Pembroke Corgi from the county shelter), manager of cats, and keeper of a retired racehorse (who has his own blog, ReRider Who's Lucky To Cope. Lucky To Cope being his registered name.) As the number of cats indicates, I'm single and apparently have a small cat hobo sign written somewhere on my house that says "A soft touch lives here," The horse is my second ex-racehorse and the first I've bought and worked with largely on my own. Lucky was a reasonably-successful mid-level claimer and low-level allowance horse whose last trainer wanted to keep him as a pony horse, and he's good quiet fun to toodle around on. I'm trying not to get sucked back into showing in any big way as that would cut into time and money for my "big" hobby, pro-am ballroom dance. I love sparkly dresses, being the center of attention, and competing at anything, so it's pretty much tailor-made for me! I started dancing when I lived in Boston and was lucky enough to find a great teacher not too far from me when I moved back to Michigan.


Jennifer Walker: Is your famly supportive of your writing?

Jennifer Quail: Well, my parents have put up with my constant scribbling since I first starting writing stories down. In fact my mother and brother are two of my advance readers (my friend Laurie being the other person most often subjected to discussions of my imaginary people) and my dad knuckled down and read my book, even though it's not his favored genre. My uncle also bought several copies to give to my aunt and their children after I signed them, while another aunt apparently downloaded the e-book. Now if I just get all the rest of my relatives to buy it, I'd be doing really well!


Jennifer Walker: If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be, and with whom?

Jennifer Quail: Well, I'm getting a start on it this summer--I've never gone on any kind of cruise, so I'm starting small with a five-day trip to New York, Halifax, and Boston on the Queen Mary 2. (Perhaps there'll be puffins!) But if I could go ANYWHERE, I suppose I'd like to go to Great Britain with lots of time to explore, especially in the north and Scotland. I don't suppose with anyone as I'm not married so I don't have anyone to travel with. More practically, at some point I need to visit more places for writing--Alan is from Sacramento, but I've never been there, and of course Val being who he is at some point I do have to go to Rome (though Pompeii might be more helpful as far as seeing it how he saw it!) And, without giving too much away about future books, seeing Alaska might be quite useful. Bur finding time for a vacation that's not doubling as a dance competition is never easy!