A Romantic's Perspective on Valentine's Day

Jacquée T. lives life romantically. Through being a writer and imbiber of life. She is an authoress, and proprietress of Detour Productions. She is the former newspaper columnist for 'Letter from Chicago'. And the poetess of the book Growing Up (the pain, the joy, the discoveries) "Romance is a matter of perspective." she says.

I am pleased to welcome Jacquée T.  to A Writer's Jumble just in time for St. Valentine's Day!  Remember to check out A Romantic's Perspective for suggestions on wine, cinema, and first dates!

Welcome!

I was excited to hear that you have recently teamed up with WREN Internet Radio out of Topeka, Kansas, for "A Romantic Moment" on Saturdays at 12:30 pm Central Time, USA. WREN Radio dates back to 1926, and in 2012 transformed to an all Internet station. They broadcast a classic radio OLDIES format.

How did you, in Chicago, connect with a radio station in Kansas?

I am on the road via a “Jacquée T. Writer in Residence expedition,” and featuring Kansas. “Writer in Residence” was initiated via my website A Romantic’s Perspective(.com) TRAVEL section.

Shortly after I arrived in Topeka, I discovered WREN on the Internet, and became a regular listener and fan. I would “tune them in” as I traveled to other parts of Kansas. I thought the station would be a fabulous match as a “Writer in Residence” sponsor. One time when back in Topeka, I approached the station owners Frank Chaffin and Les Glenn. They thought it would be a better idea to work together.

Ahh, serendipity! It so happened I had already started recordings for my “A romantic moment” concept and had the recordings filed in my computer. I presented the concept to Mr. Chaffin and Mr. Glenn. They thought it was a great fit for the Saturday Frankie C. Show. We started working together right away.

We are all excited about with this collaboration, discussing ways to further entwine Romantic’s and WREN.

Does the Oldies format make a good pairing with romance?

O, yes!

Firstly, WREN features oldies from the '50s, '60s and '70s. The majority of songs in these eras inspire folks to dance. And dancing is a titillating exchange between males and females.

Not that folks listening in are grabbing partners to dance. Although some might be. Others listening may reminded of times they have been dancing – whether they did when this music first came out, or they did after the music officially became Oldies. All this raises the spirits, and brings smiles.

Secondly, these featured eras present styles of music, lyrics and passion all their own. Their heydays are bygone and the styles cannot be reproduced. Yet the affect remains timeless in appealing to our emotions.

Thirdly, WREN Radio makes this music accessible, in classic car-radio style that includes live deejays. To boot, it’s on Internet radio to bring these eras to a modern day medium. ’Tis accessible to folks who listened to this music when it first came out, and to the younger generations who are discovering it.

The WREN Radio format crosses eras, and inspires its own brand of romance across generations. And now its songs and deejay voices are accessible globally. Romance is timeless, and is universally understood. Quite a nice fit.


The purpose of "A romantic moment" is to demonstrate to listeners simple ways to weave romance into their daily lives. Can you share a few tips?

’Tis my pleasure.

To live life romantically begins with you. Whether you are in a couple, or presently between relationships, you need to foremost nurture the romantic in yourself. From there you may enlighten others with your romantic attitude.

“A romantic moment” celebrates this, and how easy it is to add romance to your lifestyle.

Per each segment, I feature a subject, and for three to five minutes present suggestions to incorporate it into your attitude and your routine. This to add quality to your life and make it a little more romantic every day.

“Begin with you” is one of the earlier features. Here I suggest pausing to recognize what inspires you. Embrace the little things like a good cup of coffee, for example, or a clean desk. If you love coffee, find a favorite way to make your own – and do it. Savor it in the morning as part of your preparing for the day, or take it in a thermos to work to savor as you tend to your tasks.

If you feel comforted by working at a clean desk, pause to straighten it up, before lunch, or before finishing the workday – so that when you return your desk is in order and ready for you.

If you love to read, designate more time for it.

These are examples. You need to take note of things that add comfort to your day, and take time for them to make your days more fulfilling. Tend to the romantic in yourself, and sharing your romantic attitude with others will become second nature.

Another “A romantic moment” feature: “Gotta love chivalry.” Here I emphasize that chivalry is ver-ly much alive and urge both men and women to partake in the exchanges.

For example, one of the basics is a man opening the door for a woman. His gesture is not at-all implying “You can’t open your own door.” ’Tis expressing, “I respect you as a woman.”

The woman completes this exchange by accepting the gesture. She walks through that door, and perhaps offers the gent a smile or “thank you.”

Chivalry is an honoring of masculinity and femininity through small gestures that may be made wherever men and women commingle. Each time the exchange is completed adds a bit o’ romance to the air.

These are all aspects you may integrate into your days to make each day more romantic.

"A Romantic Moment" is sponsored by Avenue Hair Styling & Day Spa based in Topeka Kansas. And, sponsors with products available in stores and online: PINES International, based in Lawrence Kansas, Fabulous Florals based in California, Chilly Root Peony Farm in Alaska, and The Tasteful Olive, based in Topeka and Overland Park, Kansas.

How did you go about finding sponsors?

The main objective is to find businesses that complement the “A romantic moment” mission. I select businesses per an agenda of the “romantic” nature, and personally invite the owners to sponsorships.

Yet I do not invite a business per their niche alone. With each company I invite, I am ver-ly particular.

Examples: Flowers are romantic. However I do not invite just any florist. I seek out florists that provide locally grown and USA grown flowers. I also find flower farmers who are in the United States and offer flowers nationwide.

Cooking is a romantic part of life. And having the right supplies, like olive oil, is essential. Yet not just any olive oil. I find a business that knows olive oils, and takes mission to offer top quality products.

Eating healthy is romantic. It’s taking care of your body. I seek companies that have a dedicated, naturally-based mission that is carried out in the products they offer.

The next objective is geography. WREN Radio is based in Topeka, near the northeast corner of Kansas. So of course I seek regional businesses that fit my “romantic” agenda.

Plus WREN Internet Radio is accessible via the World Wide Web. They have a global audience, including active listeners in Europe. Yet at present the majority listenership is in the United States.

So I seek romantic and otherwise inspiring businesses throughout the United States – preferably ones that have a storefront or farm to visit plus option to order online.

These all represent aspects I consider before inviting a business owner to sponsorship. The ones who accept, of course, are truly romantic.

Sponsors sign on for four or more weeks at a time. We have a limited number of sponsors per segment. Therefore, as “A romantic moment, by Jacquée T.” continues, sponsors alternate.

Do you have any local events in the Chicago area planned in the near future?

As I am on the road, events in Chicago are presently not on the agenda. I am considering beginning a series of recording “A romantic moment” live in the communities I visit.

Any last minute words for us as we prepare for St. Valentine's Day weekend?

Indeed! Ladies and gentlemen, get out and celebrate – if you’re in a couple, and if you’re

single.

Valentine’s Day is not a holiday that was invented to sell greeting cards. It dates back over 1,000 years in honor of St. Valentine. ’Tis said he performed secret marriages to couples in love – at a time the Roman Emperor prohibited marriage because he wanted men to dedicate their minds and their hearts 100% and only to war efforts.

St. Valentine defended romance because it is an integral part of human existence. On Valentine’s Day we honor him and honor romance.

For couples:

Fellows, take the initiative. Sweep your darling away to a lovely evening together. To some of you this may seem like much pressure, yet ’tisn’t. Simply pause to consider details to make this a special Valentine’s celebration.

You may orchestrate a “classic” date with a romantic dinner and a gift or two, or an interactive date.

Depending on the level of your relationship, the details of the date may vary. Perhaps ’tis a budding romance. Perhaps it seems like you have been lovebirds together forever. The main thing is compose this date to celebrate your romance. Once the date begins, focus on her. Do so with enthusiasm, and she will reciprocate, with rosy cheeks.

For singles:

You’re romantic! Seize this romantic holiday.

Compose a “singles only” gathering. Invite all your friends who are unattached, and have them invite all their unattached friends. Nudge them. Have them nudge their friends. Nobody stays home.

Make it a “red party.” Participants need to wear something red.

Host it it at your favorite Happy Hour place, wine bar, or other public venue that has space for mingling.

Or, host it at your place. If so, have folks bring something red, like red appetizers, or a red wine or liqueur.

While this “singles only” Valentine’s gathering does not promise meeting the love of your life, it does promote a hearty mix of fellows and gals who are between relationships, to mingle, and flirt per whim. It promotes laughing, and rosy cheeks.

In summary, I gotta say, celebrate romance every day, through your attitude and little things you do. And for Valentine’s day, definitely celebrate it to honor romance, as romance is a fabulous part of life.

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The Battle of the Sexes Meets Two Private Investigators

              Welcome to the pre-St. Valentine's Day                  Battle of the Sexes - PI style! 

Who's the toughest Private Investigator, Ginger "Gin" Caulfield, or Benny Cahill? Both are excellent investigators written by outstanding authors. To help you decide, we peppered both the characters and the authors with some tough questions to determine which PI would win the Battle of the Sexes. There is a link at the bottom of the page to a brief survey. Place your vote, and the first 100 people to respond to each survey will be entered in a drawing to win the latest novel of the author for whom they voted, so make sure to enter the correct email address! Winners will receive either the paperback of Hedge Bet or the ebook version of Trouble is My Client. Winners will be announced next Tuesday!

                             


We'll let the characters introduce themselves. Ladies first.

Hi, I’m Gin Caulfield. G.B. Pool asked me to answer these “Toughest PI Questions,” since I’m a private detective in one of her detective series. I came along before her Johnny Casino character, so I guess I have a few more miles under my belt. And I’m the one who trained Johnny, so half of what he knows, I taught him. Sorry, Johnny. Age before beauty, handsome.

Alright, let's get this over with. My rent ain't going to pay its self. My name is Benny Cahill. I'm a PI in a big, bad city. This writer, John Paul Wohlscheid, asked me to answer these questions about whose the toughest PI, but we already know who that is. The kid likes to call himself my "biographer". I guess it sounds better than "writer". To me, he's a pain in the butt. Excuse me, if I'm a little short, but I just spent the last two days playing nursemaid to a new PI named Solomon Strong, while we tailed a mark. I'm sure you'll learn about it soon enough. Now. let's get to the questions. I running out of coffee.


And now, for the questions.

What is the stickiest situation your detective has ever had to get out of?

 I’d say the stickiest situation in a book came along in my latest case, Damning Evidence. It had me thinking that I just might have run out of options. It started when I discovered a body up by a local dam. The main suspect hired me to prove his innocence. I went searching for clues to the real killer and found something that changed everything and it almost cost me my life and maybe the lives of hundreds of others.


Does being stuck on a boat between an armed gangster and his armed thug count? When the smoke cleared, they were both dead. And I was unarmed. Never a good thing.

Who is the most dangerous criminal your character has faced, and what made him/her so dangerous?

The most dangerous criminal I ever faced? That’s easy. Anybody who wants to kill you is dangerous, but one with power can really ruin your day. In Hedge Bet, I thought I knew who I was after when an acquaintance turned up dead at the racetrack, only to find out the hard way I was missing a piece of the puzzle And what made the killer so dangerous? The killer knew who I was and was waiting for me.

I've had to deal with quite a few gangster since I got home from the war. For worst gangster I've dealt with so far, there's a tie between Tom Branigan and Frank Cassidy. One sent a sniper to kill me and the other sent his goons to iron out my skull.

What is your detective's weapon of choice and why?

I have no problem carrying a gun… or two. I often do. But sometimes I’m in a situation where I can’t use a gun or I don’t have a gun with me. What do I rely on then? My brain.
I usually carry a rod. I own couple different ones, so it depends which one I grab that day. Sometimes it's the Luger and sometimes it's the Colt Police Special. But my weapon of choice is my fists because they are silent and don't need to be reloaded.

Does your private eye work alone, or does he or she have help?

When I first started out in the biz, I worked for another agency. I did undercover jobs and worked alone. Now that I have my own agency, I occasionally rely on another member of my staff to do some of the legwork. My husband, Fred, often gets roped into doing small jobs like bringing a Mexican firecracker back across the border in Hedge Bet. He had a few choice things to say about that. I hired a capable trainee quite a few years ago, mostly to save him from getting into serious trouble. He went on to start his own agency. His name is Johnny Casino. You can read about our first meeting in The Johnny Casino Casebook 1- Past Imperfect. Or when he first worked for me in The Johnny Casino Casebook 2 – Looking For Johnny Nobody. But now that I am getting older, I want to bring on a full-time partner. I know who he is: my husband. Wait until I tell him about it… in a forthcoming book.

I'm not Superman, I can't do everything myself. My biggest helper is a barfly named Mickey Jakes. Jakes used to be a top investigative reporter until he decided to dig through the mobs dirty laundry. It wasn't too long before the fixed his little red wagon. He still has a bunch of contacts around town, so I tap him when I need help with a case.

Do the police help or hinder your character?

That depends on the cop. In real life, cops give P.I.s some leeway. If you screw up once, they’ll give you a pass. But don’t let them catch you a second time. So far, that has worked. I do have a couple of cop friends who have backed me up a few times in both Hedge Bet and Damning Evidence. But there are one or two cops I wouldn’t turn my back on.

I mainly deal with two detectives: Lieutenant. Brady Summers and Lieutenant Crowley. Summers is a good cop and I generally get along with him. But Crowley’s another story. As soon as I show up on a case, he works overtime to make me fit the crime. I don't think he likes me.

Who was your toughest client and why?

You ask who was my toughest client? Donald Delvecchio from my Hedge Bet case, because the idiot married somebody less than 24-hours after his wife was killed. My quote: “Are you out of your freaking mind? Marrying somebody before you even buried your wife! Do you want me to save your butt or direct traffic to your hanging?”

I've dealt with quite a few gangsters in my time. Before that, I helped kick the Nazis out of Europe. But none of those scared me like Mother Mary Peter. She taught high school at St. Sensation's the whole time I was there. Most of the kids tried their best to stay on her good side, but there always was someone begging for the ruler. She hired me to clean drugs out of her school a couple of years after I hung up my shingle. She might have been in her eighties, but you still didn't mess with her. I gave the kid the information, but he hasn't written it up yet. (The story will be published later this year. JPW)

What is the toughest part of writing a series featuring a private investigator?

Your last two questions will have to be answered by the author. So I’m signing off. See ya, Gin.

What is the toughest part of writing a series featuring a private investigator? The main thing I did when I started writing the Gin Caulfield P.I. Series was to write a biography for her so I knew where she came from and what type of person she was. Since I used to be a private detective, I sort of know what they can and can’t do. And I also didn’t want the books to be so regimented with procedures that I would get bogged down in detail, so I tend to let my imagination take her into fictional trouble rather than blood and guts reality. I don’t write cozies, mind you, so there are dead bodies and some high-wire tension to keep you on your toes, but the language is fairly reserved. Since Ginger Caulfield is a professional, she does use her head and follows the rules… most of the time… and she owns a gun.

I don't know what to tell you, so I'll let the kid answer this.

For me, the hardest part of writing this series is coming up with the solution to the mysteries. The banter and the characters are fun to create, but solutions take time for me to come up with. Most of the time, I'll come up with the crime to be solved and then build from there.

What is one situation/location/challenge you would like your character to face in a future book?
Gin was shot in the back by a very influential man who got away with it by lying to the police. She nearly lost her life and ended up closing her detective agency for a few years until the urge to solve a case became too great. I want her to catch the bum who shot her while he is doing something that will land him in prison. And I want it featured on the nightly news so the swine can’t deny it. It will be a subplot in a subsequent novel. And I will tell you this, I came up with the plot while answering this question. Thank you, Jackie, for stimulating my creative juices.
Well, that's a hard one. I've already been to the (spoiler). What?!? I can't even say (spoiler). For some reason, the kid has his Spoiler Filter set to high. So, I'll say that I've taken down gangsters and lesser criminals. Maybe in a future book, I'll take on bigger fish, like politicians. Because that's where the real money is.

A former private detective and a reporter for a small weekly newspaper, Gayle

Bartos-Pool has several books in print: The Johnny Casino Casebook 1- Past Imperfect, The Johnny Casino Casebook 2 – Looking for Johnny Nobody, and The Johnny Casino Casebook 3 – Just Shoot Me; Media Justice, Hedge Bet, and Damning Evidence in the Gin Caulfield P.I. Series; From Light To DARK, a collection of short stories; Eddie Buick’s Last Case, The Santa Claus Singer, and Bearnard’s Christmas. She is the former Speakers Bureau Director for Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles and also a member of Mystery Writers of America and The Woman’s Club of Hollywood. She teaches writing classes: “Anatomy of a Short Story,” “How To Write Convincing Dialogue” and “Writing a Killer Opening Line” in sunny Southern California. Website: www.gbpool.com.


John Paul Wohlschied was born and raised in West Michigan. He discovered

detective stories at an early age through the magic of Old Time Radio. Since then he has devoured hundreds of hours of radio shows (such as Sam Spade, Philip Marlowe, Boston Blackie, Richard Diamond and Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar) and mystery stories. With all this knowledge, he decided to take a crack at recreating those hard-boiled stories of yesteryear. Someday he plans to expand into scifi and westerns and pick your own adventure games. You can visit his website or sign up for his mailing list to get the latest news! 

And now, vote for the toughest PI!

Click here to vote for Gin Caulfield

Click here to vote for Benny Cahill

Fill Up Your Christmas Kindle with Free and Discounted Books

Saturday, December 26 - December 28, sixteen members of the Indie Catholic Authors will have their books on sale. Check out the fiction and non-fiction options, all available for $.99 or FREE!

Here is the link!

Participating authors

• John C. Connell
• Jeanie Ewing
• Ellen Gable
• Melanie Jean Juneau
• Theresa Linden
• Gil Michelini
• Erin McCole Cupp
• Connie Rossini   Here is a previous interview I did with Connie.
• Marianne Sciucco
• Tim Speer
• Thomas Tan
• Jacqueline Vick
• J.I. Willett
• Gloria Winn
• John Paul Wohlschied

Author Linda O. Johnston Brings Superstition Mysteries to Friday the 13th

Linda O. Johnston is an American author of mystery and romance novels. Johnston’s first published fiction appeared in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine and won the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award for Best First Mystery Short Story of the Year.

Linda writes several series in different genres. In 2014, she released three books, and so far in 2015, she has released two more. It reminds me of Agatha Christie in her more productive years! I   wanted to get the a peek at the both the books and the author. 

Linda, thank you so much for taking the time to be on A Writer's Jumble!

Speaking of time, how do you find the time to write four different series? And do you have a ritual to help change your mindset as you move from writing one series to another?

Well, since I'm currently an officially inactive lawyer, I have more time available than when I was practicing law.  It's still a challenge, though. 

When I move from one series to the next, I usually re-read some of my own stories from the series I'm moving back into, as well as others in the genre, to get my mind aimed in that direction.  There's sometimes a time overlap, such as when edits come in on a manuscript I've already turned in while I'm writing another story, and often I'm promoting a new release while I'm working on a book in a different series.  I just wing it then!

  

The Superstition mysteries, the Barkery and Biscuits mysteries, the Alpha Force paranormal books, and the Identity Division romances. These are intriguing names. Could you tell us a little about each series?

The Superstition Mysteries are cozy mysteries being published by Midnight Ink.  They're about Rory Chasen, who has traveled to the fictional town of Destiny, California, which is all about superstitions.  She needs to learn whether superstitions are real since her fiancé walked under a ladder and died soon afterward.  Her lucky black and white dog Pluckie saves the life of the owner of the Lucky Dog Boutique, and Rory winds up managing the shop--and solving mysteries when her friends start being accused of murders.  She doesn't really want another romantic relationship, but she soon gets acquainted with the town's handsome police chief so that may change.  So far, two Superstition Mysteries have been published: LOST UNDER A LADDER and KNOCK ON WOOD.

The Barkery & Biscuits Mysteries are also published by Midnight Ink.  In them, Carrie Kennersly, a veterinary technician, buys a bakery from a friend who has to leave town and converts half of it into a barkery where she sells some of the healthy treats she has developed for dogs.  In the first book, BITE THE BISCUIT, a person who also owns a shop in town catering to pets hates the competition and vows to put Carrie out of business, but that shop owner is the one who is found murdered, and Carrie has to solve the murder to protect herself.  And, yes, Carrie has a dog, Biscuit, and a couple of potential love interests including veterinarian Dr. Reed Storme.  The second in the series, TO CATCH A TREAT, will be a May 2016 release.

My Alpha Force miniseries are paranormal romances I write for Harlequin Nocturne.  They have canines in them too--both dogs and werewolves!  Other types of animals are also in some of them.  Alpha Force is a covert military unit of shapeshifters. Their romantic interests are sometimes non-shifters and sometimes shifters like them.  So far, there have been seven Alpha Force books.  The most recent is CANADIAN WOLF that also features the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

I write the Identity Division romances for Harlequin Romantic Suspense.  They feature various people who cannot supply adequate evidence for prosecution of felons that would allow them to testify and be put into regular witness protection but nevertheless are in danger because of the unprovable information they have about the bad guys.  So far, those who've gone into non-witness protection have been women, and they tend to fall for the guys who have been sent undercover to the areas of their former homes to find the hard evidence they couldn't.  One book in this series, COVERT ATTRACTION, has been published so far and the second one, CLANDESTINE ATTRACTION, is the book I'm working on now. 

Many of your books revolve around our furry friends. You had the Pet Rescue mysteries, the Barkery and Biscuit mysteries obviously has pets in it, and even the shifters in your Nocturne romance novels are animals...sort of. Are pets your passion?

Link is to the Authors's Amazon page

Pets are absolutely my passion, especially dogs!  I love all animals, but particularly cherish the loving nature of most canines.  I additionally wrote two cozy mystery series before the two I'm writing now that featured pets: the Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter Mysteries as well as its spinoff Pet Rescue Mysteries. 

You belong to several writing organizations. Without negating the benefits offered by any of the others, which one do you find most beneficial and why?

The organizations I primarily belong to are Romance Writers of America, where I regularly attend meetings of two local Southern California chapters, as well as Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, again attending local chapter meetings.  I love them all!  

I used to always recommend that anyone interested in writing any kind of fiction should join RWA because the whole organization was so helpful to all writers, but they have scaled back and now only focus on romance writers--not necessarily a bad thing.  I derive something helpful from each of the organizations, mostly consisting of being able to connect with others of similar interests and also to volunteer for their speakers' bureaus and other events.  

As a result, I can't say that I find any of them the most beneficial.  I do, however, recommend to any new authors I meet that they join whatever organization(s) focus on their genres of interest so they can start networking with others who share their goals and interests. 

If a reader, new to Linda O. Johnston, wanted to jump in and start reading your books, to which series would you direct them?  (Knowing that some like cozies, some like flinch-free fiction, some like spicier novels etc.)

Yes, different people definitely like to read different things.  And I, of course, love all my own stuff! 

I'd suggest that anyone who likes cozies, especially ones with pets, could start with either of my current mystery series.  If they prefer something a little different and with a possibly paranormal edge to it, they should consider my Superstition Mysteries--although I don't necessarily consider superstitions paranormal.  Do you?

If they like culinary mysteries, then they might want to start with the Barkery & Biscuits Mysteries.

Both of my Harlequin series are spicier.  All of my romances contain some suspense, but if they like something truly paranormal they might like my Alpha Force Harlequin Nocturnes.  If paranormal isn't their thing, then my Harlequin Romantic Suspense novels might be more to their liking.

What's next for you?

As I mentioned, my next novel to be published will be the second Barkery & Biscuits Mystery, TO CATCH A TREAT, which will be a May 2016 release. 

I will, however, be republishing another of my backlist time travel romances THE BALLAD OF JACK O'DAIR on Kindle soon.  Two of my backlist stories, THE GLASS SLIPPER and ONCE A CAVALIER are already there!

Thank you, Linda!  

The links I've included are for Amazon, since that seems to be most convenient, but be sure to check out your independent bookstores first. To find additional links for purchasing, to find out more about the author and her books, please visit Linda's website. 

Keep Your Gender-Neutral Pronouns Away From My Writing!

I first noticed the strange phenomenon when I was performing a spellcheck on my novel. Every time the search hit the word "lady", it wanted me to change my selection, as if "lady"couldn't possibly be the correct choice.

Then I noticed that the program wanted to change "waitress" to "server", "businessman" to
"businessperson", and "hostess" to "host".

What was this madness???

Imagine a group of businesspersons gathered at a table at the local Denny's. The server walks up and places the bill on the table. As they leave, the host tells them to have a nice day.

What a bland vision.

Now, imagine a group of businessmen gathered at a table at the local Denny's. The waiter walks up and places the bill on the table. As they leave, the hostess tells them to have a nice day.

Can you get a better picture, even without adjectives, of who these people are? Yes, you can, because you at least know their gender.

I know if my character is a lady. Even if she's not, having another character call her a lady can help to define the character that is speaking.

I also know the sex of my characters, and if it's a woman server, I can save a word by calling her a waitress. There is no shame in being a waitress. I was one. I didn't give a hoot if I was referred to as a server or a waitress. I just wanted my tip.

I don't have a problem with mankind, and I refuse to read a Bible that has obliterated male pronouns. There are certain situations that call for an inclusive word, such as a corporate newsletter that goes out to men and women, but in that case, you are addressing a specific audience. And it's nice to alternate he and she if your giving examples, because your audience is most likely made up of both.

Most of the time, these changes obliterate the femininity of my characters. From hostess, female, to host, male. Why shouldn't Dorothy be a hostess? In the workplace, it's a difficult job that takes great people skills. At home, it's just as tricky. I especially have an issue with the powers-that-be thinking that "lady"is not an appropriate term. Would that more woman would aspire to be ladies.  In a move to avoid offending anyone, the gender police have turned my characters into no ones.

Adopt a Shelter Animal & Adopt a Life Long Friend by Author S.J. Francis

S. J. Francis is a freelance writer with over three hundred publication credits, a University Lecturer with doctorates in English, Mass Communications and Law, and most recently, a novelist. A frequent traveler, Francis has resided in thirteen states and three countries. Francis currently lives in Mississippi, where a major part of Shattered Lies takes place—but grew up in New York City, where the latter portion occurs—and has a great respect and fondness for both places, and considers the world a notebook full of endless ideas. Francis’ first novel, Shattered Lies is a women’s fiction/mainstream/family saga novel.

Welcome S.J.!

First off, I want to thank fellow author Jackie Vick for hosting me on her blog here today. Thanks, so much, Jackie. Jackie asked that I write something about animals. Animals, really? I can do that. I love animals, animals of all sizes and breeds, domestic and wild. In fact, I pen a blog just for animals, but that is for another day. I love talking about animals and speaking up for them any chance I get.

Animals are my best friends. They’re loyal, loving, and funny. When you’re down in the dumps, an animal will always be there for you. Whether it be a dog, or cat, expect your animal to want to cuddle up with you every chance he/she gets.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of adopting fourteen (14) rescue dogs and cats from kill and no-kill shelters, including a few strays that wandered into my life. I've loved them all and have no regrets in any of the adoptions. Most of them are dead now from old age, cancer and kidney disease. My current pet children are two dogs, one cat, and two kittens are all rescues. 

My dogs came from no-kill shelters. My cat came from a kill shelter where she was one of fourteen cats available to adopt. The two kittens were abandoned at a garbage dumpster at just 3 weeks of age. All are thriving and keep me in check. I couldn’t imagine my life without them.

I’m a huge proponent for adopting animals. When you’re in the market for a new pet, whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit, etc. make adoption your first option. Don’t shop. Adopt. Many dogs, cats, of every breed and sex are available and all you have to do is make a nominal adoption fee. Fill out an application and provide references. You’ll feel good for doing so and you’ll gain a loyal and loving companion for life. 

My heroine Kate Thayer in my debut novel, Shattered Lies, is a big animal lover, so much so that she became a veterinarian, a profession I once considered. She’s adopted many stray animals that wandered onto the family farm, as well as caring for the horses and cows she owns. But when secrets and lies are revealed, her nearly perfect world is turned upside down, and she is compelled to dig deeper. Unfortunately, the deeper she digs the more she finds out until nothing she once knew is ever the same again. As Kate quickly learns, some secrets are better left alone. Too bad she didn’t heed those words. At least has real friends and family in the animals she cares for.

Why adopt a shelter animal? Because it will change your entire life for the good. It will do them a great deal of good, too. Every animals deserves love and safety. Though, animals don’t want anything from you, they will thrive through kindness, patience, adequate food and water. If you don’t have a pet, consider adopting one. Can’t adopt. Consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals, large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad. I’m one for the animals. Are you?

Find out more about the author at her Black Opal Books Author Page. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and on her blog.

A NOTE FROM AUTHOR SJ FRANCIS:

     In honor of the launch of Shattered Lies, I’m offering a giveaway for someone to win a printed copy. To all those who leave a comment here today, or those that contact me at my website, you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win a personally autographed copy of my debut novel, Shattered Lies. Two copies are available giving two of you a chance to win.

     Just leave a comment here or go to my website and drop me a line with “Giveaway” in subject line at:

     http://www.sjfranciswriter.com

     Good luck and thanks so much for stopping by. It was my pleasure to spend time with you. Thank you so much, Jackie for hosting me. It's always my pleasure to connect with other authors and readers.

     FYI: The drawing will take place at the end of my blog tour on Saturday, December 12, 2015. I will contact the winner at that time to request your mailing address to send you the printed copy of Shattered Lies.

Author Karina Fabian Takes Readers Out of This World!

Okay. Tell us about your trademark hat, which I almost never see you without in pictures. Is there a story behind it?

Karina in Fedora with Pope Francis. (At least
his cut out.)

My hair is not always dependable, but usually, the bottom half looks pretty good, so a bad hair day means a good hat day.

I’ve had that black fedora for decades, and I wear it to all my events. I started wearing it to conventions as a way to stand out and because my dragon is a noir-style detective, and it’s stuck. Once upon a time it wasn’t as floppy, but we got caught in a deluge in an outdoor book fair in Chicago, and it was drenched.

I have other hats, but the black one is my fave. My gray one, which I bought because I’d forgotten my black one, is loaded with buttons from different conventions. I usually wear it when I’m being a fan rather than an author.

Zombie exterminators. Faerie nuns. Vanquished dragons that have to earn their powers back through faith and good deeds. I can't even imagine what Halloween was like at your house. What's the first step to coming up with a character from an alternate universe that readers will be able to relate to? 

Actually, Halloween is kind of boring at our house. The wild creatures tend to stay in my books, alas.

The characters may be from alternate universes, but they aren’t completely alien. I’d say the first step is coming up with the basic make-up. Then you change it up, add conflict, attitudes, and issues suited to the world. The character will become a person of that universe, but still keep the core. If the core is good, relatable, and sympathetic, so will the character be. The rest makes them interesting as well.

In the case of Neeta and Ted, zombie exterminators, they’re just regular people with an unusual job. If they were alive today, they’d work for Orkin spraying for termites, having barbeques in the backyard with the neighbors, and raising a couple of kids. But since there are zombies in their world, they behead reanimated corpses, have barbeques with fellow exterminators where they trade close call stories, and still raise kids. And they spray for termites.

With the final book of your "Mind Over" trilogy out, do you have a new series in mind?

I’m actually slowing down on my writing for a few years until the kids are grown and out of the house. With three boys at home, a full time job, a freelance career and an active role in the Catholic Writers’ Guild, I’m stretched too thin.

Once I’m ready to go again, I want to reboot the DragonEye series and do Vern’s story right. I took the advice “start in the middle,” but now I want to go back to the beginning. I also have some single novels I’d like to write.

You offer online classes that include a wide range of topics, from "Editing: Not for Wimps" to "Virtual Book Tours", but two of the most attractive to me are "Housekeeping for Writers" and "Time Management Myths for Writers".  What makes these classes specifically geared toward writers?   

The housekeeping class is always a hit at conferences. I approach cleaning house like writing a book. There are plotters and panststers. Plotters like a regular routine and a well-established list, and I give them that. Plotters want to attack the room and see what happens, but just like in writing a novel, there are tips and guidelines, so I give them those.

Time Management for Writers is geared especially for people trying to find time in their busy schedule to write, so in addition to some time management principles, I address ways to get writing in that keeps you moving forward in your book.

After a year's hiatus, the Catholic Writer's Guild Online Conference is back!  You've been involved with the CWG for many years. Can you give us a peek into what to expect at the upcoming conference in March 2016? And will you be teaching a class?  

We’re excited about this conference because we are finally ready to enter the 21^st century! We will be presenting all the workshops via live webinar. I’m using the webinar software for my own classes right now and it’s very easy to participate. Registrants can find all the information and the registration link at http://catholicwritersconference.com.

The conference will run March 4-6, 8:30 am – 10:30 pm. Each class lasts an hour, with 30 minutes in between to allow for Q&A or socializing. That’s over 20 classes from leading writers of Catholic and secular fiction and nonfiction, plus editors. We’ll be arranging pitch sessions as well. There will be a charge this year to pay for the software and the speakers. $40 for non-members, $32 for CWG members.

We’re just starting to gather presenters, so we don’t have the list of workshops yet, but we do know that several will be done on two levels – beginner and intermediate. I’m waiting to see what speakers and topics we get and then create a workshop fill any gaps we may have.

What's next on your busy schedule?

Shambling in a Winter Wonderland (the next Neeta Lyffe book) and Discovery (a SF novel featuring the sisters of Our Lady of the Rescue) both come out in 2016. I’m also helping launch a wonderful new website called SaintConnection, which combines religious education with social media to create a new way of bringing the rich tradition of the Catholic Church to GenY. I’m also working on a Catholic geek devotional.  And yeah, this is me slowing down. (shrug)

  

Karina's audiobook for I Left My Brains in San Francisco has just been released!  You can find an interview with Karina and narrator Becky Parker at Writers in Residence.



Don't forget that I Left My Brains in San Francisco is now available on audiobook! Check it out!

Check out Karina's latest books and find out more about the author at the following links:

Karina's Website , Zombie Death Extreme Official Site , Facebook , Twitter , Google + and Goodreads