Thank you for stopping by. I know you will enjoy today's guest but before we light the fire, I have some exciting information about my own camping trips. Yes I said trips. We are scheduled for a few things in spring. Honesdale Pa, KOA is one of our go-to places where my grandkids join us. And as I type this I hear hubby on the phone scheduling a site in Lancaster, PA. May 30th is the first day of retirement for me. Huzzah! We head out to Tampa for a conference then a leisurely trip up the southeast coast stopping in each state. There's a map on 2HOOTs door and every time we drop the landing gear we get to fill in another state. One of my most anticipated stops will be Chincoteague in Virginia. One of my most treasured books from childhood are the Misty series. I'll be posting lots of pictures and sharing so much in my newsletter you won't want to miss it. So sign up here mailchi.mp/37b945511a50/dvstoneauthor and make sure you read to the end. I have a special offer.
Now without further ado, please help me welcome today's guest Gayle Irwin

Hi Gayle, and welcome to the fire. Seasons change and so do refreshments. What can I get for you? 2HOOTS is like Aladdin's lamp. Make a wish and it appears.
Pinot Noir, please.
​
I have a nice bottle from Sonoma County Cali right here. Tell us, have you ever camped, or as I call what I do, Glamp. 
As a child growing up in Iowa, camping was a family adventure. We started with a tent when I was four and graduated a few years later to an over-the-cab pickup camper. My husband and I have camped in a tent a few times, but now our outdoor adventures take place in our 12x35-foot cabin, which sets on 6 acres of land in a peaceful setting in the woods of Wyoming.

Ohhhh, I adore cabins in the woods. There's a couple of television shows I watch and Log Cabin Living is one of them. Of course some of those cabins are over the top, but then I glamp more than I camp. Tell us about your latest project and, what’s on the horizon?
Rhiann’s Rescue released in December, and although there is no camping that happens in the story, my primary female character travels to bring dogs into rescue or get them to their forever homes. The descriptions of my settings (eastern Washington/northern Idaho and southern Arizona) will hopefully inspire others to get their travel mojo revved up again as we head into springtime! Additionally, I’ll be releasing a new book, My Montana Love, next month, which takes place in western Montana – another beautiful place to visit (and camp, if you enjoy doing that!)  

Those places are certainly on my map to visit. I'm also a huge proponent of rescue. Hali, my latest rescue has been with us for two years now. Gayle Do you have a tagline? Life Motto? The tagline for my Pet Rescue Romance series is “Where romance and rescue meet.”

I love it! How long did it take you from conception to publication?
Last summer I envisioned writing a Christmas story as part of my Pet Rescue Romance series.  However, I wasn’t able to complete it and now that book is set for release in November of this year. I had started what I thought would be a short story as a prequel to the series – that became a novella (Rhiann’s Rescue) that spans from December through February. Rhiann’s Rescue took me about four months from idea to publication. I am indie published.

Our stories do take over sometimes, don't they? Are there any mentors, authors, or books you would like to give a shout-out to?
I’m enjoying several different authors right now who write in the contemporary, clean romance genre: Casey Peeler, who writes YA contemporary romance; Eliza Boyd, who has started a line like mine called the Animal Sanctuary series; Linda O. Johnston, who weaves mystery into her romance stories that feature pets (the Barkery and Biscuits series); and Annie Rains, whose Sweetwater Springs series includes covers featuring cute dogs!

Those sound great. I'll have to check them out. What does literary success look like to you?
I love the idea of writing for a living, including creating new books and upping the game of my freelance writing career. I want to travel more – I so enjoy visiting America’s national parks and wildlife refuges! – and I’d like to become a snowbird in the next five years. A successful writing career for me means freedom, and one day I hope that becomes my reality.

We could be twins with that. Those things are just like my hopes and dreams. Gayle, do you have any Life Hacks for Authors?
Last year I learned about a book promotion site called BookSweeps. I joined two promotion opportunities for romance writers and gained more than 500 people for my email list. I also joined All Authors, which promotes books and BookFunnel.com. Additionally, I’m a speaker with the March 2021 Women in Publishing Conference, a virtual writing and book marketing conference for women authors. I’m enjoying discovering new outlets to reach potential readers and help other authors. (Here's the link folks, it looks wonderful womeninpublishingsummit.com/ )

Now the fun questions 
What is your favorite mug or teacup if neither T-shirt with graphic or Meme? A friend of mine gave me a coffee mug for Christmas a few years ago that says “Rescue Mom” and has pawprints on it. I use that mug often!

Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours? I visited Vancouver, British Columbia once and went to the aquarium. As I watched the beluga whales swim, one came over to me and seemed to look me in the eye. As I walked around the tank and enclosure, it followed and watched me. I felt a connection with that creature. I’d love to have a photo of that encounter; the memory remains in my heart.

Teach me something I don’t know in two sentences. Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters in the U.S. every year; about 3.2 million are adopted and many others (strays) are reunited with their owners. However, nearly 1.5 million dogs and cats are euthanized, therefore, we have a long way to go to eliminate the number of healthy, adoptable animals killed in America’s shelters.

Favorite childhood book? I enjoyed all the Little House books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. My favorite though is Those Happy Golden Years.

What’s your go-to coffee order? Raspberry mocha!

Gayle, thank you so much for joining me around the fire today and sharing so much wonderful information about rescues and writing tips. Would you please leave us with some more about your book?

​

As homage to my childhood favorite, anyone who comments on either their own rescue companion or favorite childhood story, will be entered to win in a drawing for an Amazon gift certificate.  So comment away! And once more thank you for joining us at the Campfire.

Ugh, February. In case you didn't know we've had about three feet of snow this month. Now, I like a snowstorm. But it just keeps piling up. Pete had to rent a machine to take away the snow to make room for more. Oh, and I didn't mention the ice storm. Yep we had one of those tucked in there too. What's a girl to do? Well if you camp in a lot of different places you come to find out not all campgrounds have firepits. To me, it's not camping without a fire. So we bought a propane one. One day with snow in the background we broke it out. The pile of snow on top of the gazebo melted and created a shower but, I got my fire. Enjoy! ​

Love Overboard
by Rachelle Paige Campbell

Forced to share a stateroom with her ex-fiancé, Caitlyn fakes amnesia to stay on board her dream Alaskan cruise. Torn over deciding his future, Cruise Director Gregory tumbles into helping her. As they grow closer, unspoken secrets threaten to rip them apart, for good.

Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082S78G9V
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-overboard-rachelle-paige-campbell/1136008218https://books.apple.com/us/book/love-overboard/id1491983622
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Rachelle_Paige_Campbell_Love_Overboard?id=RdrQDwAAQBAJ
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/love-overboard-5

A little more about Rachelle
Rachelle stumbled into the world of romance novels in college; as a way to help speed up her reading to make it through Art History textbooks. After years in the professional world writing very dry grant proposals and auction descriptions, she started writing the contemporary romance stories she wanted to read. Setting her books in some of her favorite destinations was her inspired way to require plenty of research trips every year with her family.
​https://rachellepaigecampbell.com/
eepurl.com/dEjzZz 
https://www.instagram.com/rachellepaigebooks/​

Welcome to today's campfire! I'm so glad you joined us. Before we get to today's campfire guest I'm excited to tell you I've booked my first trip of the up coming season. The day I retire in May, Pete and I are, Lord willing, heading south to the www.fwcwriters.com/ignite-your-imagination/ Then to celebrate the new stage in life taking our time heading up the east coast. We plan to drop the landing gear in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia (where we'll be near Chincoteague. The Misty books are from there.) Delaware, and then home. I'll keep you posted with any developments and a photo journal. Now let's light this fire and greet my guest.

Hi, Julie, welcome to my campfire. I'm so glad you could join me today though it's pretty cold out. What can I offer you?  The camper is like a shooting star with refreshments. You wish it, you get it. 
Dark, strong coffee at 5:45 a.m., light cream. I like to be fully awake and at my writing desk by the time the sun rises.
Oh, your one of those morning people. Well I roll out of bed anywhere between seven and eight, even at camp. Which by the way have you ever camped, or as I call what I do, Glamp. If you’re not the camping type. Tell us about your favorite adventure or vacation. What made it special to you?
My favorite vacation (this sounds like a school essay) was a trip to the Cinque Terre region of Italy. There’s a narrow trail high above the sea that connects five villages that I hiked with my daughter several years ago. We stayed in one village, took a train to the farthest point in the trail and hiked back. The views were stunning (!) and it was so much fun saying hello to people from all over the world in different languages. No matter where people were from, everyone had a huge smile on their face.

Well then, ciao, oh and yI'el. (Who knows what language that is?) It sounds lovely. I would love to visit Italy one day. Problem is getting 2HOOTS across the pond.  Tell us about your latest project and what’s on the horizon.
Spirit in Time, which released this week, is the third in my Spirited Quest mystery series. The main character is a ghost hunter, and in this book she is kidnapped back in time to 1872 by a mysterious spirit.

A ghost story with time travel! It sounds wonderful. Do you have a Life Motto?
If you get knocked down, get up and fight a little harder.

Yep, that's a good one. We can't let circumstances rule our life without kicking back. And your motto speaks to an author trait, perseverance, and lead to my next question. How long did it take you from conception to publication? How did you do it so quickly, or what circumstances drew the process out.
Each book takes about a year and half from conception to publication. The writing part takes a little under a year and the rest is editing and publishing details (that magic a publisher does behind the scenes). I write nearly every day, at least for an hour and often for several hours, so the chapters stack up quickly.

Julie, what does literary success look like to you? I love this question. It’s different for everyone.
This is such a difficult question because the answer changes over time. At first, my goal was simply to finish a manuscript I was proud of. Then, it was to get published, and next to see it read. Spirit in Time is my seventh novel, and the third in a series, and I get the most enjoyment when I see people read all the books in the series; this means, they like the characters and my writing. I feel I’ve done my job well.

Do you have any tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others. I’m also interested in how you have been managing your life and writing with COVID-19.
There’s a silver lining in most difficult situations and I suppose the upside to Covid is it keeps me focused on my writing. Covid, of course, is distracting but if I’m limited in many other things, like shopping or traveling or getting together with friends, then I may as well work on my next book. I’m always surprised how much I can get done if I take the first step, which is sitting down in front of my laptop.
 
Now the fun questions 
Do you have a special object like a piece of jewelry or keepsake of some sort? Can you tell us what makes it special to you? I have an azure blue Swarovski crystal pendant that is a lucky charm for me. I had it on when one of my books was accepted by my publisher and it continues to bring me good fortune.

What is your favorite T-shirt? It’s a T-shirt that says: Every Word Matters.

What’s your favorite candy, cookie, pasta? Oh, molten lava chocolate cake or mudslide cake. The key is the chocolate.

Favorite childhood book? Grimm’s Fairy Tales – the real one, where the stories are pretty dark. I checked this out from the library over and over again when I was a child. I loved that not all stories had happy endings.

Last movie you saw? The last movie I watched in the theater was the remake of The Lion King (loved it). The last movie I watched at home was Testament of Youth, a true story set during WWI.

If you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be? A four-course meal inside a fine restaurant with friends. I haven’t been in a restaurant in nearly a year because of Covid. I’d dine slowly, enjoying some good wine along the way. I don’t really care what I eat – it’s the experience I crave.

Last thing you googled? Why?
I looked up how to train a race horse for my work-in-progress. This next book, The Three Widows of Wylder, is a historical fiction/women’s fiction story about three women who each are running from their past. Their stories collide and their lies are exposed. I hope to have this book completed in late spring.

Julie, thank you so much for being my guest at the fire. Before you go will you leave us a tease about  about Spirit In Time and where we can find out more about you?

Time is not on her side.
Time travel isn't real. It can't be real. But ghost-blogger Jillian Winchester discovers otherwise when an enigmatic spirit conveys her to 1872 to do his bidding.
Jillian finds herself employed as a maid in Sacramento, in an elegant mansion with a famous painting. The artwork reveals another mystery: Why does the man within look exactly like her boyfriend, Mason Chandler?
Morality and sin live side by side, not only in the picture, but also within her. As her transgressions escalate, she races the clock to find the man in the painting, and hunt down a spirit with a disconcerting gift.
But will time be her friend or foe?
 
 A peek inside 
“Are you a ghost?” A young girl stood where the guard had been only minutes before. She spoke matter- of-factly, her dark eyes alive with curiosity.
The house was still whole, she was alive, and the world hadn’t ended. Jillian scanned the room for damage, then blinked. This must be a dream. The long dining table—bare just moments ago—was now laid for a meal. Glasses sat upright, forks and spoons lined up in perfect order, and a tall flower arrangement appeared unscathed. A crystal chandelier above the table remained perfectly still.
The guard and Asian man were nowhere in sight.
The girl, dressed neatly in a calf-length white pinafore embellished with pink ribbons, didn’t appear rattled by the cataclysmic jolt.
“What happened?” Jillian asked, still crouched on her knees. “Are you okay?”
“You don’t belong here. Mother will be angry.”
Even though the floor had ceased to shake, the roiling continued in her head. Might this very real looking girl be a spirit? Most apparitions wavered in some manner, their appearances paler and less there than the tangible world around them. This child appeared solid in every way, from the tips of her shiny chestnut hair to the toes of her lace-up black shoes.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LslC9S 
iBooks: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781509235100 
Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/3qaFAF5

More about Julie
Julie Howard is the author of the Wild Crime series, and Spirited Quest. She is a former journalist and editor who has covered topics ranging from crime to cowboy poetry. She is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild, editor of the Potato Soup Journal, and founder of the Boise chapter of Shut Up & Write. Learn more at juliemhoward.com.
Website: http://juliemhoward.com 
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/juliemhowardauthor 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18116047.Julie_Howard 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Julie-Howard/e/B07D6CS4NQ/ 
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/julie-howard?list=author_books 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JulieMHoward 
Follow her on Instagram: @authorjuliehoward

Hi Shirley! Thanks for joining us around the campfire on this cold morning. It's 14 degrees in Northern NJ and we are expecting a major Nor'easter late tomorrow and maybe into Tuesday. 🥶 So hunker down with a nice hot beverage and join in on the conversation. What’s your preference, coffee, tea, cocoa, wine? The camp fridge is like the Starship Enterprise. You speak it, you get it. 
Well, since it’s after five at the campfire, I’d love a glass of wine. Anything red. Zinfandel is my favorite, especially since the fridge is like Mary Poppins’ carpetbag. Have you got my favorite wine, Zinforomantica? It’s Italian. 

Well you know it's 5 O'clock somewhere, right and sì, naturalmente. One glass coming up. I too enjoy a nice red wine, unfortunately some days it doesn't agree with me. Now, you've visited before. Tell us, about a camping memory or adventure. What made it special to you?
I was a Girl Scout, even at thirteen, way past when other girls gave it up. My best friend and I went camping with our Scout leader, Mrs. Manz, her real name. Who could make that name up anyway? Once we got to the camp site, we dug latrines and built the fire pit. I know how to boil water in a paper cup. Who knows? It may still come in handy one day.

Ugh, I remember roughing it when I was young. One time it was a semi rough with my friend Linda. There was an old abandoned camper in the woods of Minnesota. On a snowy, ten degree night we thought it would be a good night to stay there. We stayed up half the night drinking Dr. Pepper and shivering. Fast forward to 2021 and you have some exciting news to share with us. 
My new book, Eat Your Heart Out, just got the new cover you see here. It’s a little difficult to make out the details since the sun is setting on our campsite, but you can see the guy is a cutie. My characters are fifty and they’re both dating. Not each other. “We’re older, not senile,” Dana says. Dana and Alex, the two main characters, are foodies and do a bit of sautéing and bantering, along with tiptoeing around each other. 

I adore books with older and experience characters. Add a bit of wining and dining and I'm hooked. Do you have a tagline? Life Motto? If you have both, let us have them.
Never give up. Seriously. It’s on my coffee mug. 

As an author, that has to be ingrained in us. Perseverance and thick skin are in our DNA. So, speaking of never giving up, how long did it take you from conception to publication? 
I am not a fast writer. I’ve written five books, two of them when I still worked full time. (Three are waiting patiently for rewrites.) It took me years to grab the courage to pursue a publisher and get the first, Middle Ageish, published. Although marketing is so time-consuming (Dear Readers, did you know that?) I write every day and if it’s not my book, it’s a blog post or book review.

I testify to that on the marketing. I'm not a fast writer either. Are there any mentors, authors, or books. 
I’d have to say the group of authors I work with and exchange ideas with at Wild Rose Press deserve a round of applause. They are so supportive and I learn something new every day. D.V. Stone, thanks so much for having me here at the campfire. I’ve been wanting to join you for a while now. Oh, I brought all the making for S’mores. (Shirley reaches into her bag.) Zinfandel and S’mores, what a great combination.

You are very welcome! I love talking to other writers about the craft and sharing them with my readers. I'm looking forward to reading this book. If anyone hasn't read Middle Ageish I highly recommend it. And don't be so slow with those s'mores. (D. V. does gimme hands). While these marshmallows are toasting can you tell us about what literary success look like to you? I love this question, because it's different for everyone.
Success means readers. I want readers who laugh along with my characters and can’t wait to ask questions about them. Ask me if the dating stories are true, was my boss that awful, and where did I get the concept of the buttered noodle syndrome. Hint: It’s in Eat Your Heart Out. 

You heard her, grab Shirley's books and enjoy a good laugh. I did. Do you have any Life Hacks for Authors. Tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others. I’m also interested in how you have been managing your life and writing with COVID-19.
Writing has saved me during Covid times. There is no other way to say it. Writing is keeping me sane. I live alone, so I’m not a stranger to hermit-like habits. Lucky for me I live in Florida. Tough in the summer, though, but all summer long I got up and out early to get in my morning walk. That helped me a lot. It’s all in your head.
A tip for writing is always bounce your writing off others. My writing group is essential to my writerly well-being. Before publication, I rely on the help of friends and my writing group to proofread. My sister is very patient when I talk about my characters as if they’re roomies. 

Thank you for sharing that. I kind of takes a village, right? Now the fun questions. If they made a movie about your life, what would the title be and who would play you?
My Life as a Date. It would star Goldie Hawn. I have no idea what she looks like these days, so I’m taking a leap of faith.
 
What is your favorite mug or teacup?  
My Never Give Up mug. 

Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?
I used to live in Crete, Greece. My Kodak Moment would be all the times shared with my mom when she visited, and my friends and their kids at the beach. The best things in life are free. We used to say that out loud to remind ourselves how lucky we were swimming in the Med. 

Favorite childhood book?
Madeline and Curious George

If you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be?
Full-fat deep dark chocolate ice cream with nuts and hot fudge.

What was the last thing you Googled?
Last thing I Googled was the spelling of Madeline, the girl who walked with the others in one straight line. 

Shirley you are such a fun guest. Thank you for joining us today and letting us have a peek into your life. Now I have to go wash all this stickiness off my hands. I would love for you to leave us little more about you, your life and especially your new book cover. And readers out there, don't be afraid to ask any questions of Shirley. If you are intrigued enough about this lovely lady, here are her social media links.


Shirley’s Socials 
WEBSITE:  
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54758920-middle-ageish
BOOKBUB  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/3531427862
https://www.facebook.com/midagedating
https://twitter.com/mylifeasadate
https://www.instagram.com/shirleygoldbergauthor/

​Note from D. V.
Eat Your Heart Out doesn't have a release date yet but soon, very soon. So keep your eyes peeled and I'll let you know when it does. In the mean time, head over to https://midagedating.com/  and check out her other books. 

Hi Sorchia! Thanks for visiting the campfire today. What’s your preference, coffee, tea, cocoa, wine? The camp fridge is like the Starship Enterprise. You speak it, you get it.
I’m a green tea with jasmine freak—can’t get enough, but I’ll not refuse a crisp white wine either.
 
Lets start with tea and we'll see where it goes. I'm a Sauvignon Blanc fan. So there's always a bottle around here. Tell us, have you ever camped? If you’re not the camping type tell us about your favorite adventure or vacation. What made it special to you.
We used to camp often. Then we bought some property at the end of a road in the middle of a forest. At first, we camped there at every opportunity and then we built a house on the campsite. Now I can enjoy the same view, but with a kitchen and bathroom, as well! Tall pine trees, lots of deer, turkey, and other wildlife, a pond filled with fish, and the nearest neighbor is nearly a mile away—and they are nice people who value privacy as much as we do. I have a porch and a deck and a firepit and all is well. There’s really no need to ‘go’ camping anymore though I wouldn’t be opposed to a camping trip to the mountains one day.

That sounds amazing. We live at the edge of a state forest but have lots of neighbors. Tell us about your latest project. What book are you talking about today, and what’s on the horizon.
Today, I’m chatting about a 99 cent sale book. The last book in my Zoraida Grey trilogy was released in October and now all three books are available for 99 cents each. The trilogy is about a small town fortune teller who travels to Scotland on a quest to save her granny’s life. Instead, she finds herself in a haunted castle battling a family of witches and in danger of being ensorcelled by not one, but two, handsome Scottish witches. She has to choose between her comfortable, safe life or a life of magic and danger.

Wow that sounds like a great book set at an awesome deal. Do you have a tagline? Life Motto?
A reviewer provided the inspiration for my tagline: Magic, Mystery, Romance, History, a Little Whisky, and a Cat.

How long did it take you from conception to publication?
This trilogy has taken 6 years to get finished. My family were the primary culprits—they are barely aware that I write and seem to come up with one drama after another just as I get involved in a book. And then in 2020, I came down with a slight case of cancer which slowed down the last book by a year. I’m fine now, and determined to put my writing projects on the front burner instead of letting them languish.

Huh. I've never considered any cancer slight. You must have great perspective on life. I'd do a freak out at any mention of it. Are there any mentors, authors, or books?
Writing is a solitary activity but promoting and marketing are just the opposite. I’m grateful for all the people I’ve met as I guest on their blogs or they guest on mine. I could point to Stephen King’s On Writing, William Zinsser’s On Writing Well, and Annie Dillard’s The Writing Life as inspirational works on the business and purposes of writing.

What does literary success look like to you?
Well, I would love to quit the day job and write fulltime—this is doable since my standards are low. I don’t crave fame—this is why I live at the end of a road. For me, literary success is a steady income from writing which would give me time to write more and to provide help and encouragement to other writers who may be having some of the same doubts and problems I had. I love to write the stories—love to dig into personalities and love to create atmosphere. The writing is the main goal.

How you have been managing your life and writing with COVID-19?
During COVID I also had cancer. Actually, if you are going to get cancer, I highly recommend doing it during a pandemic. Get it all over with at once. My hair fell out and no one saw it. I felt and looked like poo and no one will remember that. I was cranky and dopey and only a select few know about that—and I’ve apologized profusely to them. Traffic was light during lock downs as I went to the doctor for treatment and I was taking good drugs which made the whole experience kind of blurry. I still limit my trips to town and I would really, really like to go out to eat. I miss yard sales and flea markets and the opportunity to hobnob with friends. I’ve been disappointed in some acquaintances response to the situation, but I’m looking forward to talking it out with some of them.
 
Now the fun questions
Teach me something I don’t know in two sentences. 
The word "quarantine" literally means “40 days.” The word was coined in the 14th century and 40 days was how long passengers on ships were kept in isolation to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.  Extra sentence: Fun fact--after the 40 days, if the infection was still extant, the ship—and passengers—were sometimes burned.
(😮⬅ Me, D.V.)
What’s your favorite cartoon, and why?
Rocky and Bullwinkle closely followed by Bugs Bunny—hard to pick between them, but Moose and Squirrel featured Boris and Natasha, Fractured Fairy Tales, Snidley Whiplash,  and Captain Wrongway Peachfuzz so…..

Last movie you saw? 
I’ve been binging movies like there is no tomorrow. The most recent batch was all the Mission Impossible movies. I’m not a huge Tom Cruise fan, but Mission Impossible is great fun.

What weird talent do you have?
I’m a Firestarter. I love bonfires and am proud of my ability to lay the fire and start it in the most inhospitable conditions. I took tutelage from a historical reinactor—a mountain man—who showed me how to light fires with just a piece of flint. This guy was a mild-mannered art teacher by day but authentic mountain man by night and weekend and summer. In full mountain man regalia, he used to give presentations to my evening college folklore classes and one night, while his partner was demonstrating the meanings of Native American tatoos and badges, he sidles up to me and points to a feather in his cap. “Wanna know what this one’s fer,” he says, in character. “Sure,” I reply. “Strangling a white woman,” he says smugly. He enlivened history for my students as well as teaching me how to set the forest on fire at any time of year.

Last thing you googled? Why? I just googled how much money is to be made selling illegal firearms. Yep—I’m certain to be on an FBI list. They’ll also find searches for most lethal spots to stab someone, amount of blood which would result—and a few other bits like that. The info will show up in a small-town mystery trilogy. The first book is titled All the Pretty Knives. I’m aiming at a July release.

Blurb for Entire Series https://sorchiadubois.com/witchin-winter-sale-zoraida-grey-trilogy/
How many Scottish witches does it take to destroy one small-town fortune teller?
The Zoraida Grey trilogy follows Zoraida from Arkansas to Scotland on a quest to retrieve a healing stone to save her granny’s life. But Granny hasn’t told her everything. Soon Zoraida is smack dab in the middle of a witchy clan war and in danger of being ensorcelled by not one but two smoking hot witches. The truth of her own heritage is buried deep beneath Castle Logan, but the only one who can help her has stepped in a steaming pile of Voodoo thousand of miles away in the Caribbean. Zoraida must decide between her old, safe life or a new one filled with magic and danger.
The task may be the end of her—or the beginning.
 
Zoraida Grey and the Family Stones
 How many Scottish witches does it take to destroy one small-town fortune teller?
 Granny’s dying, but Zoraida can save her with a magic crystal of smoky quartz. Too bad the crystal is in Scotland––in a haunted castle––guarded by mind-reading, psychopathic sorcerers.
Getting inside Castle Logan is easy. Getting out––not so much. Zoraida stumbles into a family feud, uncovers a wicked ancient curse, and finds herself ensorcelled by not one but two handsome Scottish witches. Up to their necks in family intrigue and smack-dab in the middle of a simmering clan war, Zoraida and her best friend Zhu discover Granny hasn’t told them everything.
Not by a long shot.
 
Zoraida Grey and the Voodoo Queen
A Scottish wizard, stripped naked and painted blue—a Voodoo priestess bent on immortality—a yacht-load of Caribbean pirates. What can possibly go wrong?
With her best friend held hostage in a haunted Scottish castle by the magical Logan clan, Zoraida needs help. She can’t trust beguiling but dangerous Shea Logan, and Al, her over-protective ex-boyfriend, doesn’t believe in magic.
Granny says only one creature strikes fear in the blackened hearts of the Logan witches. Trouble is Jock disappeared five centuries ago leaving a trail of destruction across the Gulf of Mexico. Now he’s stepped into a steaming pile of Voodoo.
Can Zoraida drag wayward Jock back to Scotland? And what’s she supposed to do with two men who promise completely different futures? She’ll need all the magic she can muster to get out of this predicament with her skin-- and her heart-- intact.
 
Zoraida Grey and the Pictish Runes
 Hostages in the tower, vampires in the caverns, witches in the drawing room.
 Castle Logan lives up to its dark reputation when Zoraida returns to Scotland with vengeance on her mind.
 To rescue her best friend forever, she’ll have to use every skill she’s learned. Will it be enough? How can a small-town fortuneteller hope to defeat the powerful witches of Castle Logan? The mysterious black crystal hidden beneath the East Tower offers certain victory––but the price is high. 
The last book in the Zoraida Grey Trilogy finds Zoraida pitted against the entire clan of Logan witches. But if they think it’s going to be easy, they've got another think coming.
 
 
Buy Links:
Zoraida Grey and the Family Stones: books2read.com/u/mKJkvZ
Zoraida Grey and the Voodoo Queen: books2read.com/ZoraidaGrey2
Zoraida Grey and the Pictish Runes: books2read.com/ZoraidaGrey3
 
 
Author Bio:
Sorchia Dubois is the pen name of a mysterious, retired English teacher who lives deep in the forest in a tall house with nine cats. Sorchia writes paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and small-town murder mysteries. She published her first book in 2018 at the ripe age of mumblety-seven and plans to publish at least ninety-nine more. Her latest accomplishment is to survive cancer, which was no fun, but served to broaden her perspective—that’s for sure. Currently, she’s working on All the Pretty Knives, the first in a new trilogy to be released 2021-22.
 
 
Social Media:
Website:  www.SorchiaDubois.com
Straight to the blog: https://www.sorchiadubois.com/sorchias-universe-the-bloga/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SorchiaDubois
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/SorchiaDubois/
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/SorchiaD
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/SorchiaDuBois/e/B00B60NOUQ/
Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6879978.Sorchia_DuBois
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sorchia-dubois
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorchiad/
UnEarthly Tymes Newsletter: https://sorchiadubois.com/signup/
 
Excerpt from Zoraida Grey and the Pictish Runes
 
Dinner guests at Castle Logan look like a traveling Halloween party in search of a human sacrifice. Why am I surprised? A few of them stare at the looming figure of Jock in the doorway, but the majority seem to be people not put off by a giant wizard and his feathery familiar in the foyer.
Castle Logan looks much as I remember it, but I’m changed in more than appearance. The place is as creepy as it ever was. Dark shadows lurk in the upper hallways, a cold mist flows along the floor, and the prickle of magic crawls across my skin like a dozen tiny spiders. The first time I walked into Castle Logan, I had a severe case of the heebie jeebies. Now, the weirdness feels homey. I’m glad to be back.
Normal rules don’t apply here. We’re going to sit down to dinner as if nothing monumental has happened. Our unexpected appearance is but one of many odd happenings in the last quarter hour alone.
Zhu materializes beside me and hands me a glass of wine. I marked her presence and apparent good health the first minute I walked into the castle. I’m glad to see her, and not just because of the wine, though that’s a nice plus.
“You took your sweet time,” she says, grinning like a drunken Cheshire cat. “This place is nothing like Arkansas.”
“You’re the one who wanted to see witches and real magic. I didn’t want to come back too soon and ruin your fun.” I breathe a silent sigh of relief. She’s safe and she’s not bewitched. The world is still right side up. “You look pretty chummy with all these folks. I had the idea you were being held hostage.”
As I lift the glass of wine to my lips, I notice a tall, blue-eyed man standing close to Zhu. If I didn’t know better, I would say he was her bodyguard. And if not for the large, dark Scotsman holding my hand, I would be giving this blond fellow a longer look. Instead, I raise my eyebrows at Zhu.
Zhu smiles sweetly and sips her wine. By this, I understand I am not the only one with a story to tell.
 
 
Coming Attractions:
A new trilogy for 2021-22:
When a routine burglary goes tragically wrong, Money MacQueen heads for the only safe place she knows--Home. But her hometown isn't as quiet and secure as she remembers. Prominent townspeople keep turning up dead and her own dad may be on the killer's list. Did she bring trouble with her or has her crazy uncle finally gone too far? Old loves, new enemies, and a murderer haunt the familiar streets. Money must confront her own bad decisions before she can help people she loves.
 
Watch for All the Pretty Knives, Birds of a Feather, and Corked by Sorchia Dubois. Sign up for my newsletter to get the latest—along with freebies.
​

Hi Liz! I'm glad you joined me as 2021's first campfire guest. With so much going on in the world it's nice to step away from it all and hunker down around a cozy flame and great company. So, what can I offer you? The camp fridge is like shooting star where all your wishes come true. 
I’ll just get some coffee. Oh, good, you have hazelnut creamer.  

I love hazelnut creamer so it's a staple on every shopping trip. Tell us, have you ever camped? 
I camped with a friend’s family as a kid, and it was so much fun, but it wasn’t something we did later with our own family. I do love staying in a lodge in a state park—any state, any park! That’s almost like camping, isn’t it?

Absolutely. To me, camping is just about the shelter or lack of one. It's about time in the outdoors with family and friends. Conversation and good food. My son and his family don't have a camper but love the experience. Each Christmas we get them a KOA gift certificate and they rent a cabin and enjoy themselves. Now, tell us about your latest project. What book are you talking about today, and what’s on the horizon?
My latest book is a complete departure. Although I’ve written contemporary romance since the late 90s, I’ve also written a column called “Window Over the Sink.” Sometimes for newspapers, a few times for magazines and often for my blog. My husband wanted me to compile a bunch of them in a book. A mere 15 years or so after he broached the subject, Window Over the Sink, the book, was published.
 
That's great! I love books like that .Do you have a tagline? Life Motto? If you have both, let us have them.
My tagline is Stories from the Heart. My motto is my favorite A. A. Milne quote: “What day is it?” asked Pooh.
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.”

My favorite mug is a Winnie the Pooh one. So much simple wisdom from the stories. How long did it take you from conception to publication?
It took years—probably 10--at the beginning, and sometimes years between sales, too. I was published before indie became a “thing,” so my career path wasn’t unusual. While I always resented the term “hobbyist,” I suppose to some, that’s what I was. Writing was my second job, no matter how much I loved it, and the time I had for it came after the kids, the husband, and the day job. When I had the time to devote to it, I no longer had the drive. If I didn’t still love it as much as I always did, it would be a sad story; as it is, I’ve just been lucky. 

I don't know, luck? Maybe. How about adding talent and perseverance? And speaking about writing, are there any mentors, authors, or books you would like to give a shout-out to?
The list here is really long, so I’ll name just three. Muriel Jensen, who wrote a gazillion books, all of which I’ve read, told me never to give up and was a friend to me always. Kathleen Gilles Seidel has, for my money, the best voice in romantic or women’s fiction, and I grew as a writer just by reading her. Nan Reinhardt, who is my favorite travel buddy, is also my best writer friend. We brainstorm and have even discussed writing a book together, but decided the friendship was too important to risk.
​
They sound like a fantastic trio of women. Liz, what does literary success look like to you?
I’m happy in my writing life, and that’s all the success I need. I’m not sure how I’d answer that if I wrote for a living; I’m afraid I wouldn’t have recognized pleasure as success.

Life Hacks for Authors. Do you have any tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others?  I'm especially interested in how you've dealt with COVID-19.
Have your own space. I remember reading that way back when my own space was my seat at the kitchen table. I laughed—probably derisively—but I can’t overstate its importance.
It’s easier for us than it is for many other people. We live rurally, like each other’s company, and being creative when it comes to shopping or food someone else has cooked. I miss my kids and grands a lot, but we’re all safe, so I count my blessings.

Now the fun questions 

1. Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours? A picture I took of all seven grandkids when we were all on vacation together several years ago. They live all over the country and we’re never in one place, and that photograph makes my heart sing—and break.
2. Which superhero would you like to be existing or you make up? I wouldn’t want to BE her, but Ruth Bader Ginsburg is my superhero. I would like to have her strength of character and her wisdom—what a combination those two things are!
3. Favorite childhood book? A bunch of them, but something about UNDERSTOOD BETSY still calls to me all these years later. I’ve probably reread it in its entirely 10 times, and gone back to read certain scenes more often than that. 
4. Last book or movie that made you cry? WONDER. When Owen Wilson cried alone in the night over the loss of their dog, I cried for Owen Wilson.
5. What’s your go-to coffee order? Medium grind with sugar-free hazelnut creamer or syrup and Splenda. Several times a day, thank you very much.
6. Last thing you googled? Why? LOL. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, because I can never remember whether it’s -berg or -burg!

Funny how the spelling of some words allude us. Liz, thanks for being my guest today at the campfire. Would you leave as with a little more about your book and where readers can find out more?
​

I'm sure for many of you the holidays were a bit different. My dear husband and I drove and delivered porch presents in the pouring rain. We waved and moved on. Then came home and had a bit of turkey and the fixings. I know I'm not the only one looking forward to 2021. But, in the midst of all I never want to forget the good things. There's an old hymn that says Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Seems like great advice to me. ​
How could everything be bad when there’s cake? There were several major events this year in my life that were served up with sugary sweetness. Hubby retired in June which has been amazing. He wonders how he found time to work? With the help of friends the new deck is fabulous. The Christmas display grew, and even with all the COVID restrictions we were able to camp with the grandchildren, have outside church (which Hali loved by the way) Christmas came and Hali went for a hayride to pick out a tree and then the morning of the big day, Pete made his homemade cinnamon buns which we did porch deliveries in the pouring rain. 

Now here we are it's January 1st 2021. For each of you I hope you have a happy, safe, and blessed New Year. And without further ado here we go.

• Today I’m welcoming myself to the Campfire blog. I've had so many wonderful guests this past year and I'm giving them the day off. It's been awhile since I've spilled my news, so why not today. The answers to my normal questions will be mine! I hope you stick around long enough for my speed question round. And to make things even more interesting (or at least interesting) I'm going to do a giveaway or possibly more than one. Comment on the blog and your name will be entered into a random drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card. 
• One of the things I ask my guests are their preference in beverages. Some have given me some fancy requests. And the camp fridge is always accommodating. I'm pretty basic. Coffee, tea, white wine, or a diet coke are all on every trip. One of my favorite refreshing drinks is a splash of Crystal lite orange and then fill the cup with cranberry seltzer.
• Then I ask about camping or glamping. I've done it all. From sleeping rough in a bag without a tent in an open field (woke up with a face full of mosquito bites), to my home away from home now. 2HOOTs is my 41.5 foot long 13.3 feet high 5th Wheel. She's got more amenities than my house. I think some of my favorite trips were with my sister to the Finger Lakes Wine Festival in Watkins Glen NY.  This year though DH and I ranged from NJ to Kentucky to Niagara Falls and Mystic CT. There were a few weekends at our local haunts in NJ and Pa as well. 
• This is a book and author blog and so here's where I ask my guest to share about their work. I've been a busy girl this year. Both the Campfire and Peek blogs are published each week. Then in April Rock House Grill released followed by Rainbow Sprinkles in August. I've been trying to get the second Agent Sam Carter finished and on January 5th The Mystery at High Pointe Tower will be available. For my Rock House fans, Jazz House is going to my wonderful editor Elf at the end of the month. Hopefully my edits won't take as much time since I've learned so much, but we'll see. Oh, and I continue to work fulltime in a medical office. 
• One of my favorite questions is about a persons life tagline or motto. I have a few. So here they are in no particular order
  • Your thoughts of God are to human. Martin Luther
  • He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?  Micah 6:8
  • Git'er done  Larry the Cable Guy

​          What are some of your go to phrases?

• People ask me all the time why it takes me so long. Refer to bullet point 4. Enough said. 
• Are there any mentors, authors, or books you would like to give a shout-out to? Oh my goodness! How do I count them. If you know anything about me you know that JRR Tolkien and C. S. Lewis are huge influences. But every book I've ever held in my hand has influence me in some way just like every person I've met has. Some good, some bad, and some I'm still going Huh? about. Certainly my friends and family. Also Wild Rose Press and the Rose Garden www.thewildrosepress.com/. Can't forget the N.J. Romance Writers  https://www.njromancewriters.org/  And there's critique partners and folks like Margo Karolyi who for years ran a critique group. 
• What does literary success look like to you? I love this question. It’s different for everyone. I thought after opening my first box of books with Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar. That was it. Then when I signed my first publishing contract with The Wild Rose Press, that had to be it. Recently, Rock House Grill recieved a first place award from influencer N. N. Light's Book Heaven www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/2020-nnlight-book-award-winners and Rainbow Sprinkles received a 3rd place in the International Digital Awards okrwa.com/contests/international-digital-awards/winners/ So when I figure out the answer to this question I'll let you know. 

​          In the meantime would you answer it?
 
Now the fun questions

1. Do you have a special object like a piece of jewelry or keepsake of some sort? Can you tell us what makes it special to you? I have a paper mache fish someone gave me. It reminds me to always take a moment to lend a hand to someone. 
2. What is your favorite mug or teacup? I have a Winnie the Pooh mug that is interchangeable with an Owl mug my sister gave me.
3. Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. A whale watch off the coast of Maine. The water and sky met and a pod breached the surface. A mother and calf were just off the side so close. It was amazing.
4. What do you think the headlines will read 40 years from now? I hope it reads we all learned responsibility for self, kindness to others, and chocolate doesn't make you fat.​
5. What is your favorite childhood book? Anna Sewell's Black Beauty.
6. Last thing you Googled and why? How to spell Paper Mache for the answer to question #1.

I hope you enjoyed my little self-indulgence today. I'd love to hear from you. And if you've gotten this far, let me know what my favorite childhood book is. First one to comment gets a signed copy of Magical Sweets an anthology including Rainbow Sprinkles. 

Agent Sam Carter
Book 2
The Mystery At High Pointe Tower
 Join the gang in the second Agent Sam Carter series. Sam’s camping vacation is canceled. Strange happenings at the High Pointe Tower are going to take all his wits and skill to save the world from its latest threat. The convergence of the Dragon Aurora and volcanic eruption tears a hole between the dimensions trapping a paranormal creature on earth side. But as usual, nothing is as it first appears.

 
Goodreads Giveaway
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NC6XZR9
And if you signup for my monthly email you'll get a link to read the first Agent Carter for free!
https://mailchi.mp/23c28f1b6477/dvstoneauthorcom

Bio 
D. V. Stone is a multi-genre author, both traditional and independently published. A weekly blog host of Welcome to the Campfire and A Peek Through the Window. She reviews books and shares her favorites in a monthly newsletter.
D. V. is a full-time employee in a medical office, wife to an amazing husband, mother to one son, and not your average grandma to three beautiful grands. A woman of faith, she trusts and believes in God.
When not behind the wheel of my camper, 2Hoots—a 41 foot long 13.2 feet high 5th Wheel, she tools around Northern New Jersey in her white Camaro named Snowball. Her greatest pleasures are spending time outside with friends and family, cooking over the open fire, owls, and reading.
Hali, her rescue dog, always reminds everyone, “Woof, woof.” Which is loosely translated. Support your local animal rescue.
 
You can find out more about D. V. by following her on Social Media 
Website  Amazon Author Page  Facebook  Twitter   Instagram
Pinterest          Bookbub        Goodreads      Newsletter     Link Tree For one-stop connections
 
Blogs 
Welcome to the Campfire Blog          Peek Through the Window     
Books by

D. V. Stone 
Rainbow Sprinkles
After the storm come the rainbows.
Amazon  Barnes & Noble   iBook’s
 
Rock House Grill
One man’s choices. One woman’s Impact
Amazon           Barnes & Noble          iBook’s      Google Books      Kobo

Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar
One foolish thought. One brutal act. Instead of a peaceful alliance––war.
Amazon
 
Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake
Amazon - The Mystery At Branch Lake

Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery At High Pointe Tower
A Mid-grade paranormal
Amazon - High Pointe Tower
 
Contributing Author
Australia Burns
Amazon

Un-embedded links
Link Tree For one-stop connections
https://www.instagram.com/d.v.stone/
https://twitter.com/donnavstone
https://www.facebook.com/dv.stone.1
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16344100.D_V_Stone
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/d-v-stone
https://www.amazon.com/D.-V.-Stone/e/B01N154Y9U

And if your still with me, here are the lyrics to the Hymn I mentioned above

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God has done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

If you're reading this, comment with your favorite inspirational song, hymn or Psalm and you'll get a chance for a free signed book of Rock House Grill.

​Happy New Year!

​Happy day after Christmas. I hope you had a safe and blessed one. I'm sure for many of you the holidays were a bit different. My dear husband and I drove and delivered porch presents in the pouring rain. We waved and moved on. Then came home and had a bit of turkey and the fixings. I know I'm not the only one looking forward to 2021. But, in the midst of all I never want to forget the good things. There's an old hymn that says Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Seems like great advice to me. Come on back next Saturday for my 2020 recap. 
Now on to today's wonderful guest. She's a returning friend to the campfire. That's what the fire is all about. Returning friends, making new ones and having great conversations.

​Happy Saturday Maria! Let's get you settled in. What’s can I get you this chilly December day? The camp fridge is like a Wishing Well. You speak it, you get it. 
Hot cocoa please, with plenty of marshmallows. It’s cold outside. 

Have you had any new adventures since we last came together? Or perhaps a fond memory of a past vacation?
I’m definitely not the camping type, but I do love to go to Key West. We have been going every year for 34 years. I love the town with its shops, art galleries, bars with live bands, and restaurants. While there are beaches, we generally relax at the pool at our timeshare located on an old Caribbean Estate, which has lush gardens all around and is just one block from Duval Street, the main thoroughfare. We are also a few short blocks from Mallory Square where there is a nightly party at sunset.  We bicycle, kayak, and walk our legs off while there when we’re not lying by the pool reading. It’s a combination of relaxing, exercising, and partying on a tropical island.  

Sounds wonderful. I've never been to the Keys, but it's on my list for when we return to Florida after I retire in May. I understand you've been a busy lady, what's been happening in your writing world?
My newest release is “A Song For Another Day.”  It’s part of the Deerbourne Inn series and I absolutely loved writing this book. I devoured the series Bible put out by The Wild Rose Press and read as many other Deerbourne Inn books as possible to get the feel for the town as well as the residents. The Inn is located in the fictitious town of Willow Springs, Vermont. I chose a character who had already been identified, but didn’t have a story. His name is Jason Simmons – the shuttle driver for the Inn and weekend singer/guitar player at Finnigan’s, the local bar restaurant. Creating him to be a three-dimensional person was exciting. So, in addition to his two part-time jobs, he is now following his dream to make it in Nashville as a songwriter. In his spare time, he goes to the park, plays his guitar and writes lyrics to his melodies. He’s also a model (how hot is that) since the guy needs to make money somehow, and driving a shuttle and singing at the local bar weren’t cutting it. 

I've read several of the Deerbourne books. What a great concept. Getting to know characters and be in a familiar location is very satisfying. They get to be your friends and delving in to the community can make you feel like your going home for a visit. Do you have a tagline? Life Motto? 
Learning is a lifelong endeavor. While I’m still, and will always be learning the craft of writing, I recently took a seminar on how to record my own audiobooks. It’s different, challenging, and fun. I bought the equipment that I needed, set up a little recording studio in our walk-in closet, and I’ve been practicing my recording skills as well as editing on audacity. I’m starting with a novella, since its shorter, but will hopefully get to all my books at some point. 

Wow! That's a project. Good for you. You'll have to let us know how it goes. Maybe even return for a chat about the process. How long did it take you from conception to publication?  What was your time line for writing A Song For Another Day.
It took about a year, but I was working on another project at the same time. My novella, “The Blueberry Swirl Waltz,” which is part of the One Scoop or Two Series, had to be pushed ahead of “A Song for Another Day” because it needed to be ready for publication by the summer. (June 1st) 

See, like I said, busy. By the way if anyone hasn't heard about The One Scoop or Two series you should check them out. Because it's never to cold for ice cream. Here's the link to the series 
www.amazon.com/s?k=one+scoop+or+two+wild+rose+press&crid=F03C8BQ3UHDU
Maria, are there any mentors, authors, or books you would like to give a shout-out to? 
My critique partners over the years have been instrumental in pointing out the flaws in my stories or characters. It is so important to work with other authors who know the craft and won’t pull any punches. 

That's so true. Sometimes we are so close to our writing that we can't see problems. Literary success means so many different things to different people. What does it look like to you? 
Being happy doing what I’m doing, in the time frame I choose to do it in. 

Life Hacks for Authors.  Do you have any tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others. I’m also interested in how you have been managing your life and writing with COVID-19.   
Although Covid is affecting all of us, my daily life hasn’t changed much.  Once I retired from the practice of law almost four years ago, I have done something writing-related every day, which is a solitary commitment—so I’m used to holing up in my home office. Some days I focus on marketing, other days I work on my current manuscript, and other days I may read a writing-related book or take a writing course on line. I will never learn enough. Now that I don’t have outside distractions due to the pandemic, it’s even easier to accomplish my writing goals or add to them. 

Now the fun questions 
If they made a movie about your life, what would the title be and who would play you?   “It’s Not All About You”   (My husband says this to me at least once a week)  Sandra Bullock would win the title role – just love her. 
Do you have a special object like a piece of jewelry or keepsake of some sort? Can you tell us what makes it special to you?  I have my dad’s barber chair and old cash register. He and I had a special bond and although he died 16 years ago, I think about him often. He actually wanted me to be a barber and set up shop with him, but I went to college and law school instead. 
Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?    My husband and I were exploring the east end of Long Island over a long weekend with another couple. Chris had his arm around me as we stood on the ferry taking us to Shelter Island from Greenport. We both had sunglasses on and were looking towards the island. It looks like an ad for Ray-Bans, but the memory is so special. 

Favorite childhood book? “The Secret of The Old Clock” by Carolyn Keene (or any Nancy Drew book)
Last movie you saw?  “On the Basis of Sex” which was about Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s early legal career. She had to deal with such discrimination as a woman looking for a job at a law firm in NYC in the 1950s. Although she was first in her class at Harvard Law and then at Columbia Law, no firm would give her a job since it would take that spot away from a man. She ended up teaching law at Rutgers Law School in Camden before she became a circuit judge. 
Last thing you googled? Why?  Whether the TikTok App was free. (It is)  I didn’t want to pay for it, but was considering using the platform in a Christmas story I’m plotting. I thought I should explore it before writing about it.

Maria, thank you so much for stopping by the fire today. I wish you and yours a very happy New Year. Before you go, can you please tell us more about your book and where we can learn more about you?

 Song for Another Day https://books2read.com/u/bzjQ7G
Gigi Jenson, an up-and-coming Broadway star, finds herself in Willow Springs, Vermont, for the summer as director of their first annual community revue. This sleepy town is worlds away from her vibrant and beloved New York City, but the experience she’ll gain will be invaluable to her career. 
Jason Simmons has lived in Willow Springs his entire life. Working several jobs while writing music, he yearns for a contract to record his songs. The one chance he had to make it in Nashville he blew due to stage fright. 
When Jason volunteers to help Gigi with the revue, sparks ignite but their dreams are taking them in different directions. Will their love for each other ever guide them to the same path?
 

ExerptWith Herculean effort he tamped down his burning desire. “I better go,” he said instead of take me to your bed.
Her eyes flew open, and she uttered an “Oh,” as if surprised—either by his statement or her reaction to his kiss, he didn’t know which.
He swallowed, keeping in the words he wanted to say. “I have an early morning pickup at the airport, and I know you have a lot on your plate.”
She bit her lip, the lip he’d just assaulted with his mouth, and he ached to return.
“Yes. Well…thanks again for dinner. I’ll see you…around.” She bowed her head and walked away, disappearing into the inn as he watched her go.
Had she wanted him to come to her room? If she did, she would have asked. Besides, flaunting that kind of intimacy in front of whoever was watching would be fast-forwarding the rumor mills. She definitely wouldn’t want that. Yet she’d seemed disappointed that he called upon every self-controlling atom he had to pull away from her.
Maybe a good thing. He needed time to think this through, and being in her presence clouded his already murky judgment. They’d just met three days ago. Taking it slow to see what they both wanted was the prudent course. On the other hand, they only had six weeks.
Fast and furious might be the way to go.
Print Books
https://www.thewildrosepress.com/product/a-song-for-another-day

Where to find out more about Maria
 
https://www.facebook.com/mariaimbalzanoauthor
http://www.twitter.com/mariaimbalzano
http://www.mariaimbalzano.com/category/blog/
http://www.mariaimbalzano.com
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7276749.Maria_Imbalzano
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maria-imbalzano
https://mariaimbalzano.com/sign-up-for-my-newsletter/
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00FG9RI5K
  
Maria Imbalzano
Author and Speaker
A Song For Another Day
The Sworn Sisters Series
The Blueberry Swirl Waltz
www.mariaimbalzano.com

Welcome everyone to 2020s second to last campfire. What a crazy year, right? Just a few things before we get to today's amazing guest. Agent Sam Carter and friends are soon to be back in action. I have a Goodreads giveaway going on until January 15th. If you haven't read my first mid-grade The Mystery At Branch Lake here's your opportunity. Join my Newsletter and get a link to download a free copy. Merry Christmas from me. Now let's get to today's intrepid camper.

​Welcome back, Anna. What can I get for you? Coffee, tea, cocoa, wine? The camp fridge is like Aladdin's lamp you speak it, you get it. 
A clementine Izzy please. I discovered I could buy them in my local grocery store instead of having to place an order at Chipotle.

Hmm, that's a new one for me. But let's test my with theory with the fridge. Oh, look at that. Here you go. For those who are curious like me and want to know  what is a Clementine Izze? Sparkling Juices 70% fruit juice with a splash of sparkling water. Sounds delish, I'll join you. Now that we're settled, please remind us if you have ever camped or Glamped.
 Camped, not glamped. I think the last time I was here I shared in an earlier post that I hiked an Adirondack trail and camped in old WPA lean-tos with  a guy I was dating in seminary. Next I camped with my husband again in the Adirondack State Park but this time pitching a tent in a campground and cooking on a Coleman stove.

That's right, now I remember. I love Upstate New York. You've been a very busy woman this year. Tell us about your latest project.
I've got two on the drawing board: a holiday story set during Kwanzaa that uses the principle of Kuumba, creativity, to bring two estranged lovers back together as they try to recreate a cookie recipe. The other is an erotic time travel western tentatively titled Possessed By A Wylder Past.
 
They sound great. You're quite a diverse writer. What book are you talking about today and what’s on the horizon? 
Today I’m talking about my second self-published novella, A Little In Love With Death. I wanted to write a second chance romance that has family secrets at its core, family secrets revealed by the presence of ghosts, but had a hard time figuring what those secrets could be. I hit upon the idea of using a dual time format to help me flesh it out and it worked wonders. I was able to develop the how and why of the secret affecting the present time story. In the end I liked the past time story so much I decided to split the two into their own books. A Little in Love With Death is the present time story of romance and reconciliation. The past time story, Always the Dead Between, is a ghost story with romantic elements. It will release in 2021 and, like all the novellas in my Haunted Harlem series, will have a brilliant cover designed by my fabulous cover designer Dawne Dominique.
 
I do love a ghost story and this book is in my to be read pile.  Conception to publication is so varied among not only authors but books by the same author. How long did A Little In Love With Death  take you? 
Jeepers. I started this probably in 2012 and didn't pick it up again until 2019. So actually maybe a year but all told eight.

Do you have a tagline? Life Motto?
Life motto: Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly before God. Micah 6:8

That is one of my favorite verses. It wraps up our faith so simply, yet profoundly. Are there any mentors, authors, or books you would like to give a shout-out to?
As always I must give a shout out to Mary Buckham, mentor extraordinaire. I took my first RWA workshop with her on writing synopses and query letters. Talk about learning what you don't know. She was and continues to be the most generous mentor on the face of the earth. She's also the first person to force me to take myself seriously as a writer. Virtual hugs and kisses, Mary.
 
Mary sounds amazing. You're lucky to have such person in your life. Anna, can you tell us what literary success look like to you?
Creating community through the sale of my books with folk looking for stories told from an African-American lens who want to be enlightened, encouraged, educated and entertained.

You've certainly done that for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the first Haunted in Harlem book Haunted Serenade. It did all those "E" words for me. It's time for Life Hacks for Authors. Tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others. I’m also interested in how you have been managing your life and writing with COVID-19.
As this annus horribilis draws to a close, a trick I've been developing is learning to be playful. I have enjoyed creating a town with Christmas village buildings and figurines. In this playfulness I am not only finding rest but reviving my writing muse.  

Wise words. We don't play and laugh enough as grownups. Now the fun questions. 
Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?
I've had many but one that sticks with me happened on the subway in NYC. I was passing through the cars and passed a man who flashed me the biggest, brightest smile I'd ever seen. It touched my heart. I not only smiled back just as brightly but kept on smiling long after we'd passed one another.

Teach me something I don’t know in two sentences.
There are 54 countries in Africa. Ethiopia is the only sub-Saharan nation on that continent that was never colonized.

What is your favorite mug or teacup if neither T-shirt with graphic or Meme
I have so many, but lately my favorite mug is a 16 ounce white ceramic mug that has "Motivated by Cats and Caffeine" in black lettering above a black line drawing of a cat's head peeking out of a teacup. My mug has a tiny chip in the rim and my husband wants me to get rid of it. Not happening.

What’s your favorite fairy tale? 
The Bremen Town Musicians

Favorite childhood book?
The Borrowers.

Last thing you googled? Why? 
The last thing I googled the spelling of annus horribilis for this blogpost.

Ha, now its the last thing I googled and I bet there are readers now who are doing the same thing. Anna, thank you so much for stopping by the campfire. We always enjoy your visits. Can you leave a bit about your book and where we can find out more?

Buylink: https://amzn.to/3mGvWci
​Ten years ago no one -- not even the man who said he loved her -- believed Sankofa Lawford's story of being attacked by a ghost. Ten years later a new ghostly assault brings her back home to a mother going mad, a brother dangling at his wits’ end and a former love wanting a second chance. She’s at a loss what to do because the pain created by memories of her own attack prove stronger than her desire to heal her family and find love again.

Mitchell Emerson believes science and reason can account for the ghostly happenings at Umoja House. He’s seeks a rational explanation that will prove him right while regaining Sankofa’s trust and love. What he learns leaves him shattered.

Now reluctant allies, Mitchell and Sankofa uncover years of lies that threaten to pull them apart until help comes from an unexpected ally: the ghost itself.
 

Read more 
For the last hour Sankofa Lawford blinked through a haze of tears at her mother’s stricken face. She held the glassy-eyed woman’s hand and tried repeatedly to get her attention. No gesture stilled the older woman’s incessant rocking. No words penetrated her intonation of the same awful phrase.
“Them that tell don’t know and them that know don’t tell.
“Them that tell don’t know and them that know don’t tell.” 
Wanda Lawford suddenly stopped rocking and stared in Sankofa’s direction. A bright glint of glee shone in her gaze.”
“Hope struggled for a foothold in Sankofa’s heart then slipped as a death head’s grin contorted her mother’s once beautiful features.
“Sankofa?”
Sankofa forced the lump of sorrow down her throat. “Yes, Mama?”
With a grip made strong from madness, Wanda pulled her daughter’s hand to her chest and leaned in so her lips pressed against Sankofa’s ears.
“A word to the wise is sufficient. Have you been wise?”
Her hissed warning parodied whispered confidences mother and daughter had shared in the past. Sankofa kissed away a tear from her mother’s cheek. 
“Yes, Mama.” She swallowed the lie with a smile. “I’ve been wise.”
Wanda Lawford cupped her daughter’s face and smiled, too.
“Good. I’m so sorry, so sorry.  It shouldn’t have happened to you. It should never have happened to you”
Sankofa took a deep breath and controlled her sadness despite the wobble of her lips.
“Rest now, Mama. Rest. Okay?”
Wanda released Sankofa’s hand only to grip her own,  rocking again, repeating again.
“Them that tell don’t know and them that know don’t tell.

Them that tell don’t know and them that know don’t tell.” 

About the Author
​As a native New Yorker, I thrive on the gothic novel that is New York City. My vintage and contemporary stories take place in African American communities like Harlem, Bed-Stuy, St. Albans and East New York. Although re-imagined in my story world, they're places I hope you will become intimately acquainted with as you and I become intimately acquainted.

annamtaylor.webs.com/
https://mailchi.mp/7d60e5679ab4/anna-m-taylor-writes
​​https://www.amazon.com/Anna-M.-Taylor/e/B0894LFCTV

Thank you all for stopping by. Before we get to today's guest here's just a little note from me.
​Even though in my neck of the woods camping season is over until next year, the virtual campfire is ablaze. These are tough times and sometimes we need a break from the real world. If you are looking for a further break check out my giveaway starting December 16th on Goodreads. Enter for a chance to win a giveaway of Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery At High Pointe Tower. Here's the link www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/316018-the-mystery-at-high-pointe-tower

The campfire is about hospitality and conversation. So, Katy, before we get to the chit-chat what can I get for you? Coffee, tea, cocoa, wine? The camp fridge is like a shooting star, you get what you ask for.
Hot cocoa please!
​
You've got it. I'll even let you use my favorite Happy Camper mug. Tell us have you ever camped, or as I call what I do, Glamp. If you’re not the camping type, tell us about your favorite adventure or vacation. What made it special to you? 
I did some camping when I was in Girl Scouts years ago, but it was never really my thing. My last camping experience was just me and my husband shortly after we got married. Nothing will test your marriage like pitching your first tent together. Starting a fire was super fun as well. We ended up driving to the nearest town for dinner. Never again, lol.

LOL! I have a torch and firestarters. I highly recommend them when camping. Is it cheating? Nope. 
Tell us about your latest project and what’s on the horizon.
My latest book is contemporary Christian romance First Class Christmas. When Mandy Brockman gets a last-minute seat reassignment on her flight home, she meets CJ Hawkins and her life is never the same. It’s a sweet, clean read perfect for the holidays. I’m working on another romance that follows four different yet interconnected relationships, but it has a ways to go yet.

Sounds wonderful. Many of my readers love sweet and clean, add in Christmas and I'm sure they'll love it. Do you have a tagline? Life Motto? 
Everything in moderation” is one I use a lot. My dad used to put things in perspective by asking, “Will this matter in five years?” whenever I stressed out about something.

Wise man, your dad. For some authors like me writing is a long process. How long did it take you from conception to publication?
I don’t recall specifically, but it probably took 4-6 months to write. Then submissions and acceptance by my publisher took another month or two. I submitted early in the year, so it’s been a waiting game for my release date. So glad it’s finally here!
​
So are we!  Are there any mentors, authors, or books you would like to give a shout-out to?
My first-ever book was published on the same date and with the same publisher as Jennifer Pierce, who writes romantic suspense. I also adore Christian romance from Jaycee Weaver. Both great authors—among many, many others!

Katy, please tell us what literary success look like to you.
I would say success means following through on what I start, growing in the craft of writing, and enjoying the journey along the way. I also hope my stories inspire others.

Life Hacks for Authors. Do you have any tips, tricks, or anything you specialize in that you would share with others. I’m also interested in how you have been managing your life and writing with COVID-19.
I’ve found that when an idea comes to me at an inopportune time, it helps to jot down the gist on the “Notes” app of my phone so I don’t lose it. The microphone function even allows you to speak your ideas, and Siri or whoever just magically types it out for you. I mean, are we, like… living in the future, or what? As for COVID-19, I’ve been super fortunate that I already worked remotely so there was no transition or learning curve there. And my kids are old enough to be pretty independent with the distance learning stuff. It’s hard to find time to write when they’re always home, because I feel like no matter what I do or when I write, I’m ignoring my family. But I do my best to strike a good balance between work, family, writing, and relaxing.

Now the fun questions 
Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?
My dad walking me down the aisle at my wedding. He died two years later, and I miss him so much.

What's your favorite candy, cookie, pasta?
Candy – Dove Dark Chocolate (is that considered candy? lol); Cookie – warm, fresh-baked chocolate chip; Pasta – lasagna (but no ricotta cheese!)

Favorite childhood book?
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Last movie you saw? 
That Thing You Do. I liked it as a teen, and decided to watch it with my kids recently.

What weird talent do you have?
I can sound like a trumpet using just my voice and lips. True story.

What’s your favorite ‘90s jam?
“Stay” by Lisa Loeb. I used to know the whole song, and I thought I was pretty cool busting out the lyrics as a teenager.
​
Katy, thank you so much for taking the time to be with us at the campfire. Could you leave us with some information about your book and where to find out more?

First Class Christmas by Katy Eeten
When Mandy Brockman flies home from her friend's destination wedding, her heart is on empty at the thought of spending Christmas alone. It doesn't help that her ex is on the plane, seemingly unaffected by their breakup. But the kind-hearted man seated next to her seems to have it all together—and he's handsome to boot. She knows her emotional healing won't come in the form of another guy, but will the source of this man's peace and joy help Mandy find the Christmas she's looking for?

CJ Hawkins is captivated by the beautiful, feisty woman he meets on his flight. The only thing is, she's fresh out of a relationship, and he has no interest in being anyone's rebound. But the more he learns about Mandy, the more he's drawn to her unique mixture of compassion and spunk.

Can he figure out how to make their relationship take off before this First Class Christmas is grounded forever?
 
Buy Links:
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/First-Class-Christmas-Holiday-Extravaganza-ebook/dp/B08KSJHMW4
B&N https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-class-christmas-katy-eeten/1137850777?ean=9781522303251
 
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyEeten/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KatyEeten
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KatyEeten/
Website: https://katyeeten.wordpress.com/