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Vision and Verse does not store any personal information like email addresses, home addresses, etc. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.
VISION AND VERSE DISCLAIMER
Note:
Vision and Verse does not store any personal information like email addresses, home addresses, etc. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.
The Cat Collier Mystery short story series is described as a cross between Nancy Drew and Mike Hammer.
Follow Mary Catherine (Cat) Collier on her journey from small-town obituary writer for the local newspaper to big city detective and beyond in this series that starts with January Black Ice.
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The critics are lukewarm for this new ACORN mystery. They call it
fluff-stuff. But sometimes you want to watch something without a
giant, complicated plot with twists and turns and somersaults and
explosions.
A widow is searching for answers in the mysterious death and earlier
mysterious life of her husband.
An ex-cop is running from his past. They collide. Literally.
An accident. They run into each other on the highway.
They join forces and set off together to solve the assorted mystery of
the week. Veteran actors Greta Scacchi and Bryan Brown have great
chemistry.
I wouldn't hold my breath for Season Two, however. Bryan Brown is
73. He has said filming a series in exhausting. I doubt they can talk
him into doing another, even though the younger Ms. Scacchi is all for
it.
Filmed in Australia, the cinematography is absolutely gorgeous. And
the music is pretty good, too.
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Jan Foster
Manchester, UK
My published works include a historical fantasy series of novels (the Naturae series) set in Tudor England and Scotland, and a children's book series about new experiences, Mitch and Mooch Try.
What is your favorite genre to write?
Historical fantasy! I love the mixture of research to get the historical angle right, and the magic of fantasy.
Favorite food.
Cake – pretty much any kind but especially cheesecake!
I love cake! Tea or coffee?
Coffee, preferably milky and sweet.
Pizza or ice cream?
Pizza every time! My daughter is obsessed by ice cream though – even through winter, she insists on one a day, but it’s a hot day thing for me! Pizza is great any season though, a year round staple.
Wine or beer or soda or what?
I’m not a fan of any of them! I don’t drink and I don’t really like fizzy drinks. I know, weird, right? A cup of tea or frothy coffee will do me fine thanks, or water.
That's so much healthier!
Where would you like to visit?
Narnia. Seriously, I’m sure somewhere there’s a wardrobe…
Well, if you come up missing, we know where to look...
Favorite musical artist.
Prince, a lifelong fan. I am team purple all the way!
Do you listen to music when you write? What?
I don’t actually, I find I need absolute peace and quiet. Even for editing!
What makes you laugh?
Mr Bean, my puppy, and any kind of physical comedy.
Favorite work of art or sculpture.
I get lost in Monet, there’s something about the textures and colours which inspires my muse. Oddly, I first saw them copied on the sidewalks of Paris as a child – the street artists are amazing!
How old were you when you started writing?
When I was in university, I wrote plays and scripts but then real life intruded and I ended up writing a lot of business material. When I had my children, I found it was the writing for work which I missed, so I decided to fill my maternity leave with that (in between naps!).
Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?
I believe I’m what they call a Plantster – I do plot but leave the specifics of exactly how each scene will go to my characters. I have a rough idea of where each character arc will start and finish, but generally, their interaction and motivations guide the story. I do love a good flashcard session though if I’ve got myself into a hole plot-wise!
Describe your perfect evening.
My children go to bed early, and stay there, when told. Husband stops working. Chocolate, of course, and a film. We can all dream, right?
Where do you get your inspiration?
History provides me with a great starting point, and I question when I research, what must that have felt like? What *could have happened differently and where does that lead? A lot of my plots stem from asking What If…
What do you do when you get a writer's block?
I rarely get actually blocked – my problem is usually procrastination or other things (RL!) intruding. If I do get blocked, I revert to flash cards, where people are, what they are doing, and why. Then it’s like a jigsaw puzzle to figure out what the problem is and how they can all fit together to get to where they need to go.
Who is your favorite author?
I’m going to have to break this down – there’s just too many!
Historical and fantasy – Deborah Harkness or Jodi Taylor
Historical – CJ Sansom and Bernard Cornwall
Thrillers – Jeffrey Deaver and Scott Mariani
Medical thrillers – Patricia Cornwell
Best book you ever read.
You are killing me here! Too many to choose from… how about best comfort read? Jean M Auel, Clan of the Cave Bear series.
Last book you read.
A Woman of No Importance – its all about Virginia Hall, who was quite possibly one of the finest war heroes you’ve never heard of!
What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
House renovations – I love it!
Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
Eddie Izzard. His comedy drew me in, his wackiness and sense of humour and view on life. Then, later, his unbelieveble commitment to all the other things he has done – the charity marathons and his acting. I even have a signed photo propped up above my kettle for when I need spurring on, for inspiraton. He’s holding his fists in a kind of boxer pose, and it just makes me think ‘go get ‘em!’
If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
Probably Anne Bolyen. I am constantly torn over how calculating she really was, or was she more of a pawn?
What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
The words don’t write themselves, you have to actually get your butt in the seat and focus on finishing! Sorry if that sounds harsh, but it was the best, most honest advice I was given when starting out also and it worked for me!
Do you have some links for us to follow you?
Social Links
Websites: www.escapeintoatale.com (Author Website)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janfosterauthor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B084LF154S
Blog: https://escapeintoatale.com/short-stories-and-articles/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/escapeintoatale
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20093349.Jan_Foster
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jan.foster.author/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JanFoster
LinkTree https://linktr.ee/janfosterauthor
Subscribe to my newsletter https://www.subscribepage.com/mailingsubscribe and I’ll send you a free copy of the Naturae Series prequel Risking Destiny (a full length novel set in Viking Age Orkney!) to enjoy!
Fancy getting Advance Reader Copies of all of my books? Join the Launch Team here https://www.subscribepage.com/naturaelaunchteam
VISION AND VERSE DISCLAIMER
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Vision and Verse does not store any personal information like email addresses, home addresses, etc. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.
I love Donna Leon, and I especially love Commissario Guido Brunetti, who lives and works in Venice, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.
Leon’s latest, Give Unto Others, is a diversion from her usual murder mystery. In this one, she tackles non-profit charities in Italy. Though not the same murder mystery, with food and family stories intertwined with good detective work, it is still worth reading. There is less Venice and family and food and more graft and corruption Italian-style. Still, an excellent read.
VISION AND VERSE DISCLAIMER
Note:
Vision and Verse does not store any personal information like email addresses, home addresses, etc. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.
VISION AND VERSE DISCLAIMER
Note:
Vision and Verse does not store any personal information like email addresses, home addresses, etc. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.
VISION AND VERSE DISCLAIMER
Note:
Vision and Verse does not store any personal information like email addresses, home addresses, etc. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.
Daisy Mazlo faces a dilemma.
She’s met the man of her dreams in Cooper MacNeill, a gentleman in every sense of the word, tall, handsome, wealthy, witty, and very interested in her. Every way except one…
And because of that one way, Daisy can’t accept his love.
So she runs away, moving back to Oakville, the small town where she grew up, to sort out her feelings.
Will the small loving community of her past help her find herself?
Will Cooper come after her?
Will a letter be pivotal in resolving Daisy’s dilemma?
Will love win out?
A Dilemma for Daisy is part of the Monday Mystery Society Series. This story was fun to write. Some authors from Books To Go Now publishing Co. got together to write a series revolving around Acorn, a bookstore in the fictional town of Oakville, Ohio and a book club that meets there.
The Monday Mystery series meets on….? Mondays!
And they pick a….. ? Mystery!
Everybody goes home and reads the book. Then the following Mondays of the month, they meet to discuss the mystery.
There’s coffee and cookies and other refreshments. A new book is picked every month. Did I mention these book club members are single? So, members are likely to find MORE than they’re next favorite author. (Wink, wink.)
Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XZCK820/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p3_i9
Note:
Vision and Verse does not store any personal information like email addresses, home addresses, etc. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.
VISION AND VERSE DISCLAIMER
Note:
Vision and Verse does not store any personal information like email addresses, home addresses, etc. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.
Elizabeth Lavender
Texas
USA
Good morning, Elizabeth, and welcome to Vision and Verse. Can you tell us a little about what you've written?
I have written the sci-fi/fantasy Sunspear series. Currently there are three books completed and published in the series. (The Spinning of the Deception, Deception’s Hold, and Shadowed Bonds). I am currently writing the next book in the series.
Between those two I have to do tea, but I like a glass of iced sweet tea like I grew up on in Alabama. If we’re talking a hot drink, it’s going to be hot chocolate.
Who would make someone choose between those two? My sweet tooth wins every time though, so I’ll go with the ice cream.
Wine or beer or soda or what?
I don’t drink anything alcoholic, and I’m not a big soda drinker. I usually have sweet tea.
Where would you like to visit?
I really don’t have a particular place. Honestly, I’m partial to any place with a beautiful beach. I love being near the water, and it’s one of the things I miss the most about Alabama. I lived on the Alabama coast all my life as a kid, and there’s nothing like watching the sunset over the water.
Favorite musical artist.
I don’t have one in particular. I have songs from various artists I enjoy, but I don’t keep up with when an artist is putting out their next album. For example, I love the soundtrack from Les Misérables and The Greatest Showman. I do enjoy songs from Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave, and Steven Curtis Chapman.
Do you listen to music when you write?
No, I don’t listen to music when I write. I could, but I just don’t. Generally, when I’m writing, I’m in my own world, so I can write with all kinds of distractions. I know a lot of authors have to tuck themselves away into a quiet room to write, but I’ve never been that person. The usual for me is writing in my den while my family is talking among themselves and watching the TV at the same time.
What makes you laugh?
Lots of thing. There’s always a funny meme or just something someone says. I try not to take life too seriously. I have children (two boys) and a husband. Need I say more? They manage (mostly the kids) to provide a steady source of entertainment and laughter with their antics.
Favorite work of art or sculpture.
I don’t have a specific one. However, I tend to enjoy artwork that captures an outdoor nature scene, particularly one that has a water/shoreline scene or a gorgeous skyline/sunset.
How old were you when you started writing?
This is actually my first time in the author’s helm. I’ve always enjoyed writing, and it came naturally to me, as far back as when I was in school. However, it’s a case where the story has been weaving its way in my head, and as time went on more and more of it wrote itself there. After a while, I finally said, “Okay, I’ll write it already.” So, it wasn’t until I was in my forties, that I started writing down my Sunspear series. Once I started, it flowed because I put to paper or type what I had already done in my head. So, The Spinning of Deception was spun, Deception’s Hold found its grasp, and Shadowed Bonds made its mark. The next part of the journey is being written now, nameless only for the moment.
Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?
I don’t plan out my book in the traditional sense.I really do just write. Most of the “planning" is done in my head. I know how the last battle of the whole series will go, and the dialogue has written itself in my head for a while. I know there are certain events and conversations that have to be revealed to get me there. I have a good idea of how those events need to unfold and probably how the dialogue will go, but that’s because I’ve been in my characters’ world for so long now. I just know what they would say and do, but it’s not because I sat down and outlined how it’s going to go or plotted it out. I can’t even imagine writing like that. I know my eventual endpoint and the dots in the middle to get me there. I just write the story first. I don’t stop to edit or revise until I have the complete story for that part of the journey. I let the story flow, stay inside my world and my characters’ heads and hearts, and allow them to direct the writing. Once the story is down, then the editing/revising begins.
Describe your perfect evening.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Since my series has its feet in the sci-fi and fantasy worlds, I’ve been inspired by several sources. From the sci-fi world, Star Wars certainly left its mark on me. I also always enjoyed Star Trek. I enjoy the earlier ones in the timeline (the ones with Captain Kirk and Captain Archer) more than the later ones. The characters seemed more personable/relatable to me. Then there was a sci-fi series I loved as a kid. It was called Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. It was one of my earliest introductions to the sci-fi world, and I loved the characters. The heroes were relatable as well, even though they had cool ships and technology. On the fantasy side, I’ve always loved The Lord of the Rings series, so the epic fantasy feel to the Sunspear Series came from that. Also, the earliest fantasy series that I fell in love with was The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, starring the Assistant Pig-Keeper who, one battle at a time, becomes more than he thought possible. So that one influenced parts of my Sunspear world. Also, there is the concept of this whole other unseen battlefield that comes into play that is prominent throughout my series. I’ve made that battlefield as great a role in my series as the sunspear/air battles that one expects from a fantasy/sci-fi struggle. Two authors that inspired that part of the Sunspear world would be Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. Then I adore Victor Hugo's work, Les Misérables and his character Jean Valjean. The themes of grace, redemption, and sacrifice that are threaded throughout my series were directly inspired by Victor Hugo’s heart-wrenching tale. Another favorite has always been Alexandre Dumas' story The Count of Monte Cristo and his character Edmond Dantes. It’s about a young naïve hardworking sailor who’s wrongly imprisoned. While in prison, with the help from another prisoner, he pieces together how he ended up in prison, and upon escaping carefully plots out and carries out revenge on all those responsible for his imprisonment. Only at the end, does he realize he went too far, but it’s too late. The book inspired several parts of my story. It includes the way he changed personalities, once he began carrying out his revenge. The meticulous fashion he implemented is reflected in a couple of major characters and storylines. The Sunspear story is a rich culmination of all those influences, the story that began taking shape over twenty years ago in my mind.
Ultimately, the story itself inspires the writing. Certainly, the other fantasy and sci-fi works and characters I’ve named have inspired the series. Others around me encourage me to keep writing. But when everything else is stripped away, the only answer remaining is the story itself. There's a point where this world formed inside my head, these characters became living and breathing in it, and they begged for their story to be told. So, I have and I continue to tell their story. When you have the story in you, you can't not tell it. I love sharing the story, and there's no greater joy than when a reader falls in love with the story as much as I have. In that sense, the reader inspires me to continue to write as well.
What do you do when you get a writer's block?
I honestly don’t get writer’s block, or I haven’t yet. It’s just never been me. So much of the story is written inside of my head already. I've gotten to know my characters and their world so well now that they write the story. It's always exciting to step back after a scene has unraveled on the page, seemingly on its own. Sometimes I'm as surprised how it emerged as the reader. I absolutely love that feeling!
Who is your favorite author?
There is no way to choose one author. I have several and the list keeps growing. I’ve always been a fan of Tolkien's work including The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series. The earliest fantasy series that I fell in love with was The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, and I still enjoy going back to that series. I’m also a big fan of the works of Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker, with the concept of this whole other unseen battlefield that comes into play in their stories. Then I adore Victor Hugo's work, Les Misérables and his character Jean Valjean. Another favorite has always been Alexandre Dumas' story The Count of Monte Cristo and his character Edmond Dantes. Honestly, when I read most of the time now, I tend more towards indie authors. Favorites among those are Helen Garraway, Christopher Russell, Jacque Stevens, Cami Murdock Jensen, and Cully Mack.
Best book you ever read.
Once again there’s no way to narrow it down. My favorite authors and books coincide a great deal. The best books I’ve read include The Hobbit/The Lord of the Rings series, The Chronicles of Prydian series, Les Misérables, The Count of Monte Cristo, and The Hunger Game series.
Last book you read.
I just finished reading A Fire That Whispers (Voice that Thunders #3) by Cully Mack.
What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
I would miss the writing for sure, but since this isn’t what I do for a living, it wouldn’t be as huge of an adjustment as it would be for other authors. I work fulltime as a counselor during the day and do all my writing/marketing for the books during the evenings and on the weekends. So that time would be freed up again.
I have many individuals that have influenced me, but there’s not one person that has a monopoly on that. Just as I can see pieces of different people in my characters in my series, I can see splashes of influences from different individuals in me.
What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
Just write the story that’s in you. The passion for your world and your characters will come through on its own. Have readers fall in love with your world and your characters as much as you have. Don’t let anyone discourage you. Surround yourself with people that will keep encouraging you to keep the journey going. You never know if your story is what someone needed to hear.
Do you have some links for us to follow you?
Social Media Links:
https://twitter.com/Elavenderauthor
https://facebook.com/elizabethlavender.author
https://instagram.com/elizabethlavender.author
https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Lavender/e/B07ZLS4G93
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-lavender
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19685019.Elizabeth_Lavender
Universal Book Links:
https://books2read.com/TheSpinningOfDeception