Who Did It? A Mystery Series with A Paranormal Twist

MEET FELICITY BELL & ALICE WHITEHOUSE. One is a baker, the other a mortician’s assistant, and both can talk to the dead. These mysteries have a little comedy and a splash of supernatural but are so worth reading as well as some of Nic Saint’s other books. This husband and wife team shares funny paranormal stories that I couldn’t help but delve into.  Visit their website and sign up for some of their free titles. I’m enjoying When in Bruges now.

Book One-One Spoonful of Trouble

When Felicity Bell expresses the wish there were more to life than working in the family bakery, she didn’t know her wish would come true so soon. Suddenly the small town of Happy Bays is confronted with a crime wave the likes of which she’s never seen. The main culprit seems to be big shot reporter Rick Dawson, and soon the two are at daggers drawn.

Rick actually came down to Happy Bays to work on a tell-all article exposing villainous billionaire Chazz Falcone. Rick just lost his job because of the exposé, and he’s determined to nail the real estate tycoon to the wall. He soon discovers that trouble has followed him from New York City. Though she pretends to be a baker, he has a sneaking suspicion Felicity Bell is really working for Falcone, trying to get her hands on his article.

Before long, Felicity and Rick find themselves in a reluctant partnership fighting the crime wave that has hit Happy Bays, and the shady billionaire who seems to be behind all the trouble.

Available from Amazon

Book Two-Two Scoops of Murder

Happy Bays, that peaceful little town nestled on Long Island’s south shore, is suddenly the scene of a brutal murder. Felicity Bell, baker and sometime crime reporter, decides to get involved when the police appear stumped. Very soon, however, more murders startle the small community, and Felicity enlists the help of the ‘holy trinity’, three nosy and gossipy members of the Happy Bays Neighborhood Watch Committee (HBNWC).

Meanwhile Alice Whitehouse, Felicity’s best friend and chairwoman of the HBNWC, has other fish to fry in the form of Reece Hudson, Hollywood hunk. Alice has been Reece’s number one fan since he first rose to fame, and the fact that the handsome movie star is in town to introduce his fiancée to his father doesn’t stop her from accidentally falling into the man’s arms, and promptly signing him up for the HBNWC.

Now Felicity, with the help of Alice, the Holy Trinity, and action hero Reece Hudson, has to find a way to stop the killer before he strikes again. And as the body count rises, Felicity finds herself running out of time, out of options, and out of customers.

Available from Amazon

Book Three-Three Shots of Disaster

Just when Felicity Bell, well-renowned baker and sometime crime reporter, thought that the streets of Happy Bays were safe once again, tragedy strikes. First there’s the nuclear power plant, where a terrorist is plotting revenge on the small Long Island town. Then there’s Mayor MacDonald’s pet parrot Moe who is suddenly kidnapped, and finally Felicity’s best friend Alice’s love life suffers a crushing blow when Hollywood hunk Reece Hudson decides to return to his ex-girlfriend, the socialite Dorothy Valour.

Felicity, Alice, and their band of friends and family are faced with three shots of disaster. And this may well be the end, for even Felicity’s baking skills seem to have deserted her when her muffins turn out inedible, due to a mistake in Granny Bell’s recipe.

Will Alice be reunited with Reece? Will Moe the Parrot escape his captors? Will Happy Bays survive nuclear disaster? And, most importantly, will Felicity’s baking prowess return? In this, Felicity’s third mystery, things suddenly look very grim indeed…

Available from Amazon

Catch books 4-6 of the series and Learn more about this husband and wife duo at http://nicsaint.com/.

*Book cover art and synopsis courtesy of nicsaint.com

A Women’s Fiction Book that Evokes Emotion

I have been on a mission to find as many gems in the Women’s Fiction genre as I can. I was surprised to find one at a Heart hospital while waiting for my little brother to come out of heart surgery. I picked up a copy of Words by Ginny L. Yttrup. I started reading it while there and upon leaving, found the nearest book store to buy it ( I couldn’t take the hospital’s copy).

Available at Amazon.com

About WORDS

Ten-year old Kaylee Wren doesn’t speak. Not since her drug-addled mother walked away, leaving her in a remote cabin nestled in the towering redwoods-in the care of a man who is as dangerous as he is evil. With silence her only refuge, Kaylee collects words she might never speak from the only memento her mother left behind: a dictionary.

Sierra Dawn is thirty-four, an artist, and alone. She has allowed the shame of her past to silence her present hopes and chooses to bury her pain by trying to control her circumstances. But on the twelfth anniversary of her daughter’s death, Sierra’s control begins to crumble as the God of her childhood woos her back to Himself.

Brought together by Divine design, Kaylee and Sierra will discover together the healing mercy of the Word-Jesus Christ.

I immediately connected with the main characters, Kaylee, because of her outstanding faith that her mother would return for her. Also her strength in enduring everything she was going through with a man her mother should have never left her with. Sierra because I could understand the pain she was going through with loosing someone she loved and blaming herself. It was overwhelming when these two characters met but also exciting to see help arriving for Kaylee after all. This book shares two people needing to be saved from their current situations. After reading WORDS, Ginny L. Yttrup’s writing made me connect so much with her characters  that I can’t help but read the rest of her work.

Emotions displayed: compassion, sympathy, frustration, excitement, heartbreak and hope.

If you would like to learn more about Ginny L. Yttrup and purchase any of her books, visit her at http://ginnyyttrup.com/.

A Fuzzy Opportunity with The Literary Guru, Yolanda Gore

Photo courtesy of MB Kelly Photography

Author/Pen Name: Yolanda Gore
Current Book Title: Second Chances (in the editing phase)
Company Name: The Literary Guru
Location: Virtual
Products/Services: Virtual Literary Assistant/Publicist, Social Media Manager, Transcription
Education: BA Elementary Education

What motivated you to become a writer?

I’m an only child, so while growing up, two of my favorite things to do were to read and write “Once Upon a Time,” stories. I thought I was going to make millions. I began writing my first novel in 2011, pitched it at the Faith and Fiction Retreat, and then weeks later I received my first rejection letter. All of the air left my body because, as like most other aspiring authors, you just know your book is a #1 best-seller. After crying for a month, I finally sat down to start writing again, but because of fear, it took me five years to complete. Now that the first draft of my manuscript is complete, I’m going through the editing stages and I plan to have it published in 2017.

How did it lead into running tour business?

Pat G’Orge-Walker, author of the Sister Betty series, was the one who planted the seed in my head to start a business. She saw my consistency in always supporting authors and promoting their books. I thought about it, but didn’t really put much thought into it because at that time I was in college working on my undergrad. So, I continued promoting on Facebook, doing it out of love, and having a passion for it. I was talking to author Mutima Jackson about various literary topics and she referred to me as a “Literary Guru.” That’s how the name evolved. I’ve been blessed to work with many big named authors. 

Photo courtesy of MB Kelly Photography

Tell us about a typical day for you.

A typical day for me consists of replying and sending out various emails, making lots of phone calls, responding to my clients and drinking several cups of coffee.

What is your mission statement?

My mission statement is simple. I help authors get through the day.

Are you an online or brick and mortar business?

Online

What services do you provide?

Virtual Literary Assistance/Publicity, Social Media Management, Transcription

What benefits will authors receive if they use your services?

The biggest benefit authors can receive for using my services is they are able to devote more time to getting their manuscript(s) completed without having to worry about the administrative side of things that need to be accomplished, because I handle that.

Do you plan to expand your products and or services?

Yes, I do. I plan to offering ebook formatting and typesetting.

How can authors view your services?

Because my website is being revamped, authors can send an email to theliteraryguru74@outlook.com requesting information. They can also contact me via Facebook: The Literary Guru or Twitter: ILC1

Again, thank you Teresa for this opportunity.

In My Neighborhood: Interview with K. M. Jackson

In My Fuzzy Neighborhood today is New Yorker native, K.M. JACKSON. She has won RWA NYC’s Golden Apple Author of the Year Award and is a daily advocate for #WeNeedDiverseRomance. She currently lives in a suburb of New York with her husband, twins, and a precocious terrier named Jack that keeps her on her toes. Visit her online at kmjackson.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KmJacksonAuthor or follow her on Twitter @kwanawrites. Her latest novel, ROMANCING THE FASHIONISTA is available now.

KJ: Hi Teresa. Thank you so much for having me. It’s a real honor.

FF: Thank you for being here. Let’s jump right into the interview.

FF: Can you tell us 4 words that describe your writing style?

KJ: Plotster, stressful, surprising, and fun.

FF: Do you have a writing process? If yes, briefly explain.

KJ: I have a writing process that’s always evolving. I’m forever working on trying to perfect my process, but really I guess for me it’s not about perfection. I plot by scene, but always as I’m writing my characters come through and surprise me. It’s a lot of fun.

FF: Why do you write books?

KJ: I write because I can’t seem to stop these pesky stories from creeping into my mind and the only way to get them to stop nudging me is to write them out.

FF: What genre do you write in? Which genre is your favorite?

KJ: My writing genre is mainly romance but I to cross over into women’s fiction with a high level of romance. As with life, love is always a strong force in my stories.

FF: Describe your ideal place of escape to write your books.

KJ: My ideal place would probably be a place I don’t have right now. Some beautiful office with a view of tropical water with a cool breeze coming through the open window. As it is right now an ideal place would be anyplace that I can tune out the noise of the everyday and just get lost in my stories.

FF: Tell us about your current book.

KJ: My latest book out is a romantic comedy called: ROMANCING THE FASHIONISTA out this past May from Samhain Publishing. Here is a little bit about ROMANCING:

Manhattan fashion maven and magazine editor Melinda Mitchell shuns the social media spotlight. That is, until a tipsy girl’s night out ends with her first Facebook account and a friend request from none other than her secret high school crush, Nolan Parker.

When Nolan lost his chance at the big leagues, he signed on with Doctors Without Borders and never looked back. Now he’s back home to help out his ailing father. Running into Mel at his fifteen-year high school reunion rekindles old feelings he thought he’d buried for good.

Intrigued by Nolan’s irresistibly sexy profile, Melinda heads to the reunion with her best friend to see if the picture matches up to the man. Their instant attraction flares brighter than the Manhattan skyline.

Although the tough fashionista and accomplished ex-jock rub each other the very right way, a few stumbling blocks will decide if the heat between them is a symptom of forever love, or a past that should be left where it belongs.

ROMANCING is available now: http://amzn.to/2au12R8

Upcoming I am thrilled to be in an holiday anthology with bestselling authors Donna Hill and Farrah Rochon called HOLIDAY TEMPTATION with three sexy stories to satisfy your holiday desires. It is available for pre-order now. Here is a bit about my story: FROM HERE TO SERENITY :

Unstoppable real-estate developer Ross Montgomery is under orders to get some holiday R&R. A cruise to Miami on his yacht, “The Serenity,” is the perfect place to start—especially when he meets his new personal chef, Essie Bradford. Between her calming presence, her amazing food, and her delectable beauty, Ross just might develop a taste for the good life. And when the two discover they have a lot in common—including an irresistible attraction—the next course may be a spicy New Year…

HOLIDAY TEMPTATION is available now: http://bit.ly/2aqYmFb

Fun Facts 

FF: What is your favorite thing to do before a book signing?

KJ: Gather my favorite pens.

FF: What city would you love to have a book signing or speaking engagement?

KJ: I really don’t enjoy speaking in front of crowds but I love meeting people face to face. I’d say Australia. My books have been doing well there and I’d love to meet those fans and say thank you.

FF: What is your favorite drink or beverage?

KJ: Coffee. Always coffee.

FF: Are you an early bird or night owl?

KJ: I love the night life!

FF: If you could collaborate on a book with any author, who would it be and why?

KJ: Oh gosh that is hard. I just had a huge dream come true with Farrah Rochon and Donna Hill with HOLIDAY TEMPTATION so I don’t want to appear greedy. I think I should quit while ahead and say thank you for the blessing I just received and if more comes my way? Just wow.

FF: What is one tip you would give authors on how to show appreciation for their readers?

KJ: Just respect. Everyone will not like all you write and that is ok. You don’t like all you read either. I’m always surprised and grateful that anyone has read my words.

FF: What advice would you give your younger self?

KJ: Just keep going. It won’t get easier but it will be worth it.

FF: What is one thing you would change about your life?

KJ: There is no need going there. You can’t change the past or control the future. Better to focus on the fiction stories you can control.

FF: What is your motto for life and career?

KJ: I don’t have just one motto. My life changes constantly and I pull on what I need when I need it.

FF: What is your favorite scripture or quote?

KJ: Psalm 27.

FF: Thanks for stopping today.

KJ: Thank you. Once again it was an honor to be here today!

My View Fuzzy: Blackberry Summer by RaeAnne Thayne

The small town of Hope’s Crossing, Colorado seems like the best place to start over from being an undercover cop. Riley McKnight believes the same thing, which is why he takes the Chief of Police job in his hometown. His past behaviors are still haunting him and others still judge him but not Claire. She owns the beads store that is robbed which brings Riley and her face to face again.

Both with past crushes on each other that sparks present attractions, which both try to fight it. When Claire is in a car accident the community rally’s around to help her especially Riley. Tragedy brings down the thief, but sadness follows this small community especially because Riley’s family feels the impact. Claire knows her mother and ex-husband are against her getting close to Riley but she can’t help it. She is grown and has the last say. Will her decision back fire?

This was a wonderful story of a community’s inspiration and coming back together. This book had well-developed characters as well as storyline with just enough of romance. I also liked the mystery behind the Angel of Hope performing wonderful acts of kindness. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

To learn more about RaeAnne Thayne or to purchase her books, visit www.raeannethayne.com

Fuzzy Findz: Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch

My first Fuzzy Findz of September is a deal of a book, I purchased from Half Price Books. I can never pass up their percentage off sales. I also got this book because it reminds me of why I never joined any sidity sororities or socialite clubs.

Character

I really related to the main character, Sarah Walters. She is a fun character who wants to be a Carmellias and enjoy her privileged life. The Carmellias is a socialite group of the wealthy and is important to be asked to join. Carmellias are women of many generations so it is a big deal if you are a part of the group. What makes me love Sarah’s character is that she has a tendency to make decisions that are out of the norm. She also not always polite about what she is doing, saying or her views.

View

This book starts with a young Sarah and carries you through to adulthood. It takes you on a journey where as the reader, I was able to learn as the main character you can never shake the environment you were raised in. Everyone you encounter and everything you do will affect you in every aspect of your life. It was great to discover this as Sarah starts realizing it as the story unfolds.

Therefore, Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch is my first fuzzy findz for September. I will be sharing the second fuzzy findz later this month. Stay tune!

If you would like to know more about Katie Crouch or would like to purchase a copy of Girls in Trucks visit Amazon.com.

 

In My Fuzzy Neighborhood Interview with Nigeria Lockley

In My Fuzzy Neighborhood today is Author Nigeria Lockley. She is the owner of Inheritance Books, an independent Christian publishing company that seeks to present content that will edify and entertain. Lockley possesses two Master’s degrees from the City College of New York, one in English Secondary Education, which she utilizes as an educator with the New York City Department of Education. Her second Master’s degree is in Creative Writing. She serves as the Vice President of Bridges Family Services a not-for-profit organization that assists student parents interested in pursuing a degree in higher education. She is also the deaconess and clerk for her spiritual home King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Church of God. Nigeria is a New York native who resides in Harlem with her husband and two daughters.

Let’s get to know a little bit more about Nigeria Lockley:

FF: Can you tell us four words that describe your writing style?

NL: Raw, Riveting, Poetical, and Powerful.

FF: Do you have a writing process? If yes, briefly explain.

NL: Not really. I am all over the place. I work differently for each project. Both my first novel, Born at Dawn and my last book, Tempted to Touch were written entirely long hand.

FF: Why do you write books?

NL: If I didn’t I’d be classified as crazy. LOL. Now seriously, I write because I love it. The words call to me from dusk til dawn.

FF: What genre do you write in? Which genre is your favorite?

NL: I write Christian Fiction and I would say besides Christian Fiction I am a lover of poetry, literature, and plays.

FF: Describe your ideal place of escape to write your books.

NL: I don’t have an ideal place. As a multitasking mama I learned how to do things on the go. I wrote more than half of my second book on cell phone riding the subway to work.

FF: Tell us about your current book.

NL: My current book, Tempted to Touch tackles a marriage on the rocks. It takes a slightly untraditional look at temptation and adultery because this time it’s the wife struggling with it. Most often in Christian Fiction we see a marriage after the husband steps out and the wife has to decide if she’s going to forgive him or the wife has stepped out and is now carrying the scarlet letter baby. Things don’t exactly go that way in Tempted to Touch.

Fun Facts

FF: What is your favorite thing to do before a book signing?

NL: Go shopping.

FF: What city would you love to have a book signing or speaking engagement?

NL: I’d love to have a book signing or speaking engagement in Atlanta.

FF: What is your favorite drink or beverage?

NL: Coffee. We have a longstanding love affair.

FF: Are you a early bird or night owl?

NL: Hoot. Hoot. Night owl.

FF: If you could collaborate on a book with any author, who would it be and why?

NL: I’d love to collaborate with Unoma Nwankwor. She is my writer bestie and our characters live in two different worlds, so I’d love to see them collide. Her African spice plus my Harlem grit plus the Holy Ghost and a dash of romance could only equal a crazy page turner from the throne of heaven.

FF: What is one tip you would give authors on how to show appreciation for their readers?

NL: Thank you goes a long way. Tag them and root for them when you have the opportunity to and readers love gift cards.

Getting Serious

FF: What advice would you give your younger self?

NL: Serve God. Point blank. Period. The moment I began serving God so many doors opened up to me. I just wasted twenty-something years.

FF: What is one thing you would change about your life?

NL: I would like transition into full-time writing, coaching, and speaking.

FF: What is your motto for life and career?

NL: GO HARD. Even when you don’t feel like it GO HARD.

FF: What is your favorite scripture or quote?

NL: My current favorite scripture is: The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. Ps. 138:8

 To learn more about Nigeria Lockley or to purchase any of her titles, visit her at http://www.nigerialockley.com/, Inheritance Books, Facebook, Instragram

4 Women Fiction Books that Will Take You on A Rollercoaster

The women’s fiction genre continues to take readers on an emotional rollercoaster. From family secrets bringing characters back to the town they fought to leave, to mysteries behind disappearances, to secrets behind murder, to the bonding of siblings. Here are four books that are worth being on the rollercoaster.

The Wishing Tide by Barbara Davis

In The Wishing Tide, Lane Kramer runs an inn in Starry Point, North Carolina. A storm comes in along with an unexpected guest, a English professor working on his book. Lane connects with him in ways she never imagined along with the crazy lady on the dunes.

The Secrets She Carried by Barbara Davis

In The Secrets She Carried, Leslie Nichols inherits her grandmother’s farm, Peak Plantation and she can’t wait to sell it. Jay Davenport is the caretaker of the farm and wants to keep it. Leslie and Jay delve into the mysteries behind the farm and discover it holds a lot of family secrets.

Lies and Other Acts of Love by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Lies and Other Acts of Love is about Annabelle, a woman who looks up to her grandparents and the love they share. Annabelle always does what is right but this time she calls off her engagement and marries an unlikely candidate. Her spare of the moment, love and first sight attitude changes her life.

Dear Carolina by Kristy Woodson Harvey

This says it all:

One baby girl.

Two strong Southern women.

And the most difficult decision they’ll ever make.

It makes you want to read it, right?

*Click book cover to purchase

4 Cozy Mysteries with Crazy Twists and Turns

The cozy mystery genre is full of humor, twists, turns and often has an unqualified individual who gets involved with solving a crime. The individual in this series features Abby Knight, a flower shop owner. Here are four books from the flower shop mystery series with some crazy twists and turns:

Shoots to Kill

Shoots to Kill has a funny cast of characters especially Elizabeth Blume, whom Abby babysat years ago. Elizabeth has gotten over it because she wants to be Abby. When she comes back home strange things start to happen. Abby finds herself accused for murder and having to clear her name.

Evil in Carnations

In Evil in Carnations, Abby finds herself playing matchmaker for her friend, Nikki. She convinces her friend to try speed dating where Nikki finds a date. Everything goes wrong once her date is found dead. Abby is determined to clear her friend’s name.

Seed No Evil

In Seed No Evil, Abby is trying to find a location for her wedding. Abby is all about protecting animal rights. When she finds out the charity’s director has been murdered, Abby steps him to help the case, especially since her mother is a suspect.

A Root Awakening

In A Root Awakening, Abby and husband, Marco are looking for a house to purchase. In searching they step into a case after witnessing a man falling from a building.

To learn more about Kate Collins and to purchase any of the featured books, visit http://www.katecollinsbooks.com/

In My Fuzzy Neighborhood: Interview with Sharon C. Cooper

In My Fuzzy Neighborhood today is award-winning and bestselling author, Sharon C. Cooper, is a romance-a-holic – loving anything that involves romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies, or real life. Sharon writes contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. She’s been nominated for numerous awards and is the recipient of an Emma Award for Romantic Suspense of the Year 2015 (Truth or Consequences), Emma Award – Interracial Romance of the Year 2015 (All You’ll Ever Need), and BRAB (book club) Award -Breakout Author of the Year 2014. When Sharon is not writing or working, she’s hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, visit www.sharoncooper.net

Let get to know a little more about Sharon C. Cooper:

FF: Can you tell us four words that describe your writing style?

SC: The first four words that come to mind to describe my writing style are: Entertaining. Fun. Passionate. Free-flowing.

FF: Do you have a writing process? If yes, briefly explain.

SC: I do have a writing process.

• I usually start with identifying the main characters: what they do for a living, what they look like, what their issues are.
• Then I play around with whatever their issues are and think about possible scenes for the story.
• I create a character sketch and then I outline the story with my initial scene ideas. Unlike some authors, I would be totally lost without an outline!
• From the outline, I plow through a first (rough) draft.
• Once I have a solid first draft, I go back into the story and beef it up some. I go a little deeper and start layering the story with more information and I fill in some blanks.

 FF: Why do you write books?

SC: I write books because I have an active imagination and enjoy telling stories, especially love stories. I also write books because characters and story ideas always pop up in my mind. So writing helps get the characters out of my head. Lol. Usually once I’m in the middle of one story, another story idea manifests, hence, more books.

FF: What genre do you write in? Which genre is your favorite?

SC: I write multi-cultural contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Though I enjoy writing both, romantic suspense is my favorite to read and write.

FF: Describe your ideal place of escape to write your books.

SC: I enjoy writing in coffee shops if the place has comfortable seating. Though I do a little people watching while there, the environment stirs my creative juices. But in all honestly, I have learned to write anywhere.

FF: Tell us about your current book.

SC: My latest release is Seducing the Boss Lady, book 5 of my Jenkins Family Series. The heroine, Peyton “PJ” Jenkins runs the family’s construction company. She’s poured her life into the business and has sacrificed her social life. She comes from a very close knit family of nosy, well-meaning individuals. She is 35 years old, divorced for about 5 years now, and has been watching her sister and female cousins fall in love, get married and have babies, one by one. Although she’s extremely happy for her sister and cousins, PJ secretly–or not so secretly– wants to have what they have; to find a man who truly loves her and have a family of her own. The weight of her failed marriage, working nonstop and her loneliness, coupled with all the wedded baby bliss, is starting to take its toll on Peyton.

And in comes Michael Cutter. He’s handsome, has a great personality, charismatic and sexy. However, his initial and subsequent interactions with Peyton are rocky. But Michael manages to charm Peyton into seeing him in a different light and all goes great…until it doesn’t. Lol. Michael has…some challenges in his life that causes some strife in their budding relationship.

Seducing the Boss Lady is a fun story of love, family, trust and forgiveness that I think readers will really enjoy.

Here’s the blurb for the book:

Master electrician, Peyton Jenkins, is tired of being the responsible Jenkins’ girl. She’s ready to hand over the reins of the family business for a chance to live life and find love. However, fear of getting hurt again keeps her from letting down her guard. That is until her world intersects with bad-boy, Michael Cutter. Their sparks ignite a passion that can’t be denied.

Private investigator, Michael Cutter, has no intention of falling for another pretty face, not even someone as beautiful as Peyton. But her smokin’ hot body and sass can’t be ignored. She desires love and commitment, yet the sins of his father continue to haunt Michael, deterring him from pursuing any type of relationship other than a casual fling.

Will their pasts keep them from taking a chance on love? And will love be enough to heal old wounds?

Buy links: Amazon– http://amzn.to/21aGKO6

Barnes & Noble – http://bit.ly/1WIbdED

Smashwords – http://bit.ly/1TY0v7k

ARe: http://bit.ly/1YgYVCN

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1RZmHeM

iTunes: http://apple.co/1tt17vs

Though most of my books are a part of a series, they all can be read as standalones.

Fun Facts

FF: What is your favorite thing to do before a book signing?

SC: I’m in introvert by nature, so I’m usually pretty nervous before a book signing. I guess trying to relax and remember that I’m amongst readers who enjoy my work would have to be my favorite thing to do before a signing. Once the signing starts and I connect with the readers, I usually forget about my nervousness.

FF: What city would you love to have a book signing or speaking engagement?

SC: Hmm…my first thought is New York, which is one of my favorite places to visit. I wouldn’t mind doing a book signing there, especially if I wasn’t the only author signing (makes me less nervous).

FF: What is your favorite drink or beverage?

SC: I’m pretty simple: drinking water (not spring water) is my favorite.

FF: Are you an early bird or night owl?

SC: Definitely an early bird. My most productive writing time is around 6 in the morning.

FF: If you could collaborate on a book with any author, who would it be and why?

SC: I’m currently collaborating on a project with two of my best writing friends – Delaney Diamond and Candace Shaw. So they would definitely be on this list.

There are some amazing writers out there and I could fill a page with a list of authors I’d love to collaborate with. Since I’m sure you don’t want a list that long, the first ones to come to mind (besides Delaney and Candace) are: Brenda Jackson, Phyllis Bourne, Maureen Smith, Farrah Rochon, Iris Bolling, Joy Avery, Roxanne St. Claire, Beverly Jenkins, Sheryl Lister, Synithia Williams, Naima Simone, A.C. Arthur, Kaylea Cross, and the list goes on. Lol.

FF: What is one tip you would give authors on how to show appreciation for their readers?

SC: Hmm…good question! I have found doing giveaways is a wonderful way of showing appreciation to readers. Giveaways can be autographed books, gift cards, and gift baskets just to name a few.

Also, I would express the importance of interacting with readers. Some of them are super thrilled when one of their favorite authors acknowledges them, whether accepting a FB friend request or giving them a shout out in one of their books. Most times it doesn’t take much. Social media makes it a lot easier to meet your readers and I think authors should do what they can to reach out to readers.

Another way to show appreciation to readers is by attending reader events. There are tons of reader events that go on throughout the year and readers love to rub shoulders with their favorite authors.

Getting Serious

FF: What advice would you give your younger self?

SC: Don’t hold back and embrace new (positive) experiences whenever possible and have fun.

FF: What is one thing you would change about your life?

SC: At the moment, I can’t think of anything that I would change about my life. I have been truly blessed and have a great life.

FF: What is your motto for life and career?

SC: My motto for life is – treat people the way I want to be treated. That’s not to say that I always get it right, but I do try to live by this motto.

My motto for my career is – work hard and the rewards will come. And I can honestly say that my writing career has exceeded my expectations and I am truly grateful for the success I have experienced. I would also say giving back to other authors is super important. So many amazing authors played a role in my success and my hope is that I’ve done the same for other authors.

FF: What is your favorite scripture or quote?

SC: My favorite scripture is from Proverbs 3:5, 6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.”

To learn more about Sharon C. Cooper or to purchase any of her titles, visit her at http://www.sharoncooper.net/