Interview with juvenile fiction author Sherry Ellis

Today’s special guest is juvenile fiction author Sherry Ellis and we are chatting about Bubba and Squirt’s Mayan Adventure.

Sherry is sponsoring a tour-wide giveaway. She is giving away ten (10) autographed print copies of the book open to all. Be sure to enter using the form below. The giveaway ends at midnight on Oct. 17^th. The full listing for her tour stops is at the bottom of this post.

Bio:

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. 

Ellis has previously published Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China; Don’t Feed the Elephant; Ten Zany Birds; That Mama is a Grouch; and That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN. 

She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Welcome, Sherry. Please tell us about your current release.

Bubba and Squirt’s Mayan Adventure is the second installment in the Bubba and Squirt’s Adventures series. The two young protagonists travel through the mysterious portal and find themselves at the ancient Mayan ruins of Altun Ha. They befriend archeologists who are unearthing priceless artifacts. But someone is stealing them. It’s their job to find out who. Thrown into the mix are characters from Mayan folklore who add an element of magic to the story.

What inspired you to write this book?

In 1998, I took a trip to Belize and saw Altun Ha. Since I found the place fascinating and wanted to teach kids about Mayan history and culture, it made sense to make this the setting for Bubba and Squirt’s second adventure.

Excerpt from Bubba and Squirt’s Mayan Adventure:

We climbed the steps and stood at the opening. Guess what we saw? A pyramid with no point on top, like the one from my dream. It was in the middle of a grassy field, and it had lots of steps. And do you know what else? Behind the pyramid was a jungle. A real one with palm trees and tropical plants. You wouldn’t believe the noise! I needed earplugs for all those bird chirps and bug sounds. I took a deep breath, and it smelled like mud puddles.

            “I think we’re in Mexico!”

            Squirt shrugged. “Maybe. I know we’re not in Egypt. Egyptian pyramids don’t look like that. Plus, we’re in a jungle, not a desert.”

            “Correctomundo, Captain Obvious. Come on. Let’s check it out!”

            I took off lickety-split to the pyramid and climbed the steps. But when I got to step number thirty-two, I had to take a break. Sweat leaked out of my forehead and dripped into my eyes. Sitting down, I looked around.

            I spotted another pyramid, but it was shorter than the one I was on, and it was covered with grass. Someone needed to get a lawnmower. A line of white steps went to the top.

            I looked down. Squirt was at the bottom.

            “Bubba wait!” she said.

            But I didn’t. I wanted to get to the top first. So I kept climbing. Those steep, narrow steps were tricky. A couple of times my feet slipped, and I almost fell.

            I finally made it, but boy was I thirsty! They should’ve put a drinking fountain at the top. Wishing for water, I sat down and waited for Squirt.

            She huffed and puffed. Sweat made her stringy, brown hair stick to her face. She stopped in the middle and looked up. “How many are there?”

            “Steps?”

            “Yeah.”

            “Ninety-two.” I didn’t really know, but it sounded good. I’d lost track after forty-seven.

            Squirt frowned and continued climbing. When she reached the top, she grabbed her hair and lifted it off her neck. Then she let out a big breath and plopped down next to me.

            “About time, slow poke!”

            Squirt gave me a tummy jab.

            “Check out the other pyramid,” I said.

            Squirt nodded. “There are more stone things over there.”

            She was right. Crumbling gray buildings made of giant stone blocks were everywhere. They must’ve been part of an ancient city. I looked at the structure we’d come out of. Compared to the others, it was in good shape. The building looked like a stone rectangle with a door. Easy to spot whenever we had to go back.

            “What do you think we’re supposed to do here?” Squirt asked.

            “Beats me. But it would be nice if they had a burrito shop. I’m hungry.”

            Squirt rolled her eyes. “Seriously? We’re stuck in who-knows-where, and all you can think of is food?”

            “And something to drink.”

            “Yeah, I guess that would be nice.”

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m working on the next three Bubba and Squirt adventures which will be a trilogy. I’ve completed the first draft of the first one and am almost done with the first draft of the second. That’ll leave one more. The working titles are Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones (to the catecombs of Paris), Bubba and Squirt’s Shield of Athena (to Greece), and Bubba and Squirt’s Legend of the Lost Pearl (to Japan).

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve always enjoyed writing, but I don’t think I actually considered myself a writer until my first book, That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN was published. That was in 2005.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

Unfortunately, I can’t say that I’m a full-time writer. I am an Executive Director for an orchestra (the Georgia Philharmonic), which takes a lot of time, and I also teach and perform (violin, viola, and piano). Finding time to write is challenging. I usually go in spurts, which means it takes me a long time to crank out a story. I try to fit in a chapter a week, writing a few days a week, but it doesn’t always work out that way.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I write all my stories by hand in a notebook. I’ve tried to be a “normal” writer and sit at my keyboard, but it just doesn’t flow as easily. I literally have to use a pencil and paper.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An astronaut and opera singer. I used to love to sing when I was young. I’m not sure what happened, but even through I’m a professional musician, I don’t sing much. I am, however, still fascinated by space. I think going into space would be interesting, but I’m happy staying on planet Earth and just observing the photos from satellites and telescopes.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

There are activities and teacher guides that go with each of my Bubba and Squirt books. Visit  https://www.bubbaandsquirt.org/ for details.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author page | Buy page on Amazon

Thanks for being here today!

Thank you for having me as a guest!

Feel free to visit Sherry at other stops during her tour:

Monday, Sept. 14 - Write With Fey - Guest Post
Alex J. Cavanaugh - Guest Post
Tuesday, Sept. 15 - Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews - Interview
Wednesday, Sept. 16 - The Story of a Writer - Review
Thursday, Sept. 17 - Book Reviews by Pat Garcia - Review
Friday, Sept. 18 - Booked Solid with Virginia C - Feature
Rockin' Book Reviews - Review & Top Ten List
Monday, Sept. 21 - Just Jemi - Review & Interview
Anna del C. Dye Official Page - Excerpt
Tuesday, Sept. 22 - Baroness' Book Trove - Review
Saturday, Sept. 26 - Storeybook Reviews - Excerpt
Monday, Sept. 28 - Elizabeth Spann Craig's Blog - Guest Post
Joylene Nowell Butler - Excerpt

Journaling Woman - Feature
Wednesday, Sept. 30 - Nesie's Place - Excerpt
Friday, Oct. 2 - Thoughts in Progress - Review
Monday, Oct. 5 - The Sexy Nerd "Revue" - Excerpt
Wednesday, Oct. 7 - Willow Writes and Reads - Review
Friday, Oct. 9 - Celticlady's Reviews - Excerpt
Monday, Oct. 12 - Literary Rambles - Interview
Wednesday, Oct. 14 - Writer's Gambit - Feature & Top 10 List  

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Interview with mystery write S. R Betler

Today is the final interview in a series with the authors of

Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime

An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

About the anthology:

The clock is ticking...

Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze? Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?

Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues, and stay out of danger. Time is wasting...

“Each story is fast paced, grabbing the reader from the beginning.”

- Readers' Favorite, 5 stars

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com

So far, we’ve had C.D. Gallant-King (on April 19), Gwen Gardner (on April 26), Jemi Fraser (on May 2), Christine Clemetson (on May 11), Rebecca M. Douglass (on May 15), Yolanda Renee (on May 23), J.R. Ferguson (on May 31), C. Lee McKenzie (on June 7), Tara Tyler (on June 13), Mary Aalgaard (on June 20), and now S.R. Betler is here to chat about her crime short story called “Three O’Clock Execution.”

Bio:

Born and raised in New York, S. R. Betler now lives in Kentucky, where she passes her days collecting stray animals, torturing her characters, and inventing new worlds while attempting to keep her husband and offspring from destroying this one.

Welcome, S.R., What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?

I really just love the challenge of it. It's hard fitting a full-fledged story into so few words and finding just the right words to get it across. There can be no spare words in a short story, so it really makes you stop and think about exactly what you're putting down and how you phrase things.

Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?

In Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime, my short story is “Three O'Clock Execution,” and it isn't, I don't think, a typical crime story. When I sat down to write it, I really wanted to focus more on the psychological aspect of crime. More specifically, I got to wondering just what sort of toll it would take if someone were to be convicted of a crime they didn't commit and they were desperate for someone, anyone, to believe their innocence. A lot of my stories start that way, with a what-if question or the beginning of a premise I want to explore. I really enjoy exploring moral and ethical dilemmas in my writing.

What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?

The genre I most often write in is fantasy, and most often contemporary fantasy. I'm not really sure why. I guess because I really like the idea that some sort of magic exists in our world, lurking in the shadows or just around the corner, waiting to be discovered. So I like exploring that in my stories, where things seem mostly "normal" except for a few fantastical elements. 

What exciting story are you working on next?

Actually, what I've been working on most recently is a contemporary fantasy YA novel, which is book one in a series. I actually just started querying with it, in the hopes of finding an agent, so that's an exciting and terrifying new step.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Am I a writer? Yes, I suppose so. I think I've always considered myself a writer; it just took a long time for me to consider myself an author. I'm not sure if there's really a distinction, but there always was in my mind, where a writer is someone who writes and an author is someone who's published. I've considered myself a writer since probably around junior high, when I started my foray into trying to seriously write and improve my work.

How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?

The easiest way to research is to read. Luckily, it's also probably the most enjoyable form of research. Staying abreast of the most popular books in your genres, whatever books are hitting the top 100 list on Amazon in your particular niches, etc. Networking is also really important, to see what agents or publishers are looking for in your areas, what tropes are popular and what are falling flat, and what other authors are doing or talking about. Another great resource, if you're looking for where to submit things, is the Writer's Market book series for the year, or if you're querying a novel, Query Tracker makes it easy to find agents to query and keep track of people you've already reached out to.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Oh, gosh, I don't know if I have any. I usually write with either a cat or a dog's head (it's all that will fit) in my lap. I'm not sure that counts as a quirk so much as the life all pet owners have signed up for. I refer to characters as if they were people. Does that count? It drives my husband batty, but when I'm writing something, I'm living in that world, so the characters are as real to me at that point in time as anything else, I suppose.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A paleontologist! Until I realized that I actually hate heat and the majority of that time would be spent writing boring things I didn't want to write, so I figured I might as well be a writer, then.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime became available on May 1. You can keep up with everything that's happening by liking our Facebook page, or following our blog at http://ticktockmysteries.blogspot.com/.

Thanks, S.R.

Tick Tock links:

Facebook | Website | Goodreads

Purchase links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Interview with mystery writer Mary Aalgaard

Today is the tenth interview in a series with the authors of

Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime

An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

About the anthology:

The clock is ticking...

Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze? Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?

Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues, and stay out of danger. Time is wasting...

“Each story is fast paced, grabbing the reader from the beginning.”

- Readers' Favorite, 5 stars

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com

So far, we’ve had C.D. Gallant-King (on April 19), Gwen Gardner (on April 26), Jemi Fraser (on May 2), Christine Clemetson (on May 11), Rebecca M. Douglass (on May 15), Yolanda Renee (on May 23), J.R. Ferguson (on May 31), C. Lee McKenzie (on June 7), Tara Tyler (on June 13), and now Mary Aalgaard is here to chat about her crime thriller short story called “One More Minute.”

Bio:

Mary Aalgaard is a playwright and piano/theater teacher, living in the heart of Minnesota. She writes theater reviews and supports the arts through her blog Play off the Page. She teaches youth theater workshops in the Brainerd lakes area, writes articles for regional magazines, and works with both seniors and youth in multi-generational programs to enhance quality of life and build community. Her website is PlayoffthePage.com. You can follow her on her Play off the Page Facebook page, on Twitter, and email her at Mary@playoffthepage.com.

Welcome, Mary. What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?

A short story is like a scene in the life of the characters. It’s a brief, but significant, moment in time.

Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?

The short story I wrote for the Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime anthology is about a woman who is making a major change in her life. She faces great danger in doing so and has a limited amount of time to pack up her life and leave.

What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?

I usually write plays and realistic fiction. This is my first story in the area of mystery/crime/thriller, although, it’s my favorite genre to read.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m writing a play inspired by my motorcycle adventures, as a passenger. I don’t ride my own, but my character might!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Well, I’ve always been a writer. I kept journals starting at around age 13. But, I first thought of myself as an author when I had my first article published in a local magazine called Her Voice.

How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?

My best friend is a publicist, Krista Rolfzen Soukup, owner of Blue Cottage Agency (https://www.bluecottageagency.com/). She is a tremendous gift.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I’m very messy. I have notes scattered everywhere.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A performer and a teacher. I’m a pianist and I also enjoy all aspects of the theater.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

All dreams take time and perseverance. Dare to rise to the challenge.

Thanks for being here today, Mary!

Tick Tock links:

Facebook | Website | Goodreads

Purchase links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Interview with mystery sci-fi writer Tara Tyler

Today is the ninth interview in a series with the authors of

Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime

An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

  

About the anthology:

The clock is ticking...

Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze? Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?

Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues, and stay out of danger. Time is wasting...

“Each story is fast paced, grabbing the reader from the beginning.”

- Readers' Favorite, 5 stars

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com

So far, we’ve had C.D. Gallant-King (on April 19), Gwen Gardner (on April 26), Jemi Fraser (on May 2), Christine Clemetson (on May 11), Rebecca M. Douglass (on May 15), Yolanda Renee (on May 23), J.R. Ferguson (on May 31), C. Lee McKenzie (on June 7) , and now Tara Tyler is here to chat about her sci-fi mystery short story called “Reset.”

Bio:

Tara Tyler is a math teacher by day who writes to inspire others to enjoy reading. She loves dogs, coffee, and is the lazy housewife, living in a world of boys with a yellow lab, three sons, and a coach husband. Join her for an adventure!

Welcome, Tara. What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?

My stories usually start out short, so I can usually fit a lot of action into a few words

Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?

One of my favorites is THE COMEBACK (it's in the Curiosity Quills anthology: CHRONOLOGY) – it's a zombie love story where a young man dies but his girlfriend finds a way to bring him back – but there are always consequences when you mess with the natural order of life and death. Another is a humorous horror story called HARRY – he's obsessed with his receding hairline and seeks a way to restore it, again watch out for dire consequences of the hairy kind!

What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?

I mostly write action-adventure and usually in the sci-fi/fantasy realms. I love inventing new worlds and not being limited by normalcy. And I usually include humor & sarcasm in my writing.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I usually have 2 or 3 projects going on at once. My latest novel is FARTHER ALONG, a Christian YA story about a downtrodden girl who is chosen to help change the world through her magnificent singing.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I realized I could write once I won a couple of contests and some of my stuff was published. It was more recently that I gave myself a chance at it. I've been writing for about 9 years now.

How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?

I go out and find venues to sell my books, like writing conferences, book fairs, literary events, and since I'm a sci-fi/fantasy writer, sci-fi cons. Local bookstores are also friendly!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I write anywhere and everywhere – from my sun room or patio when it's nice out, to my sons' baseball games or restaurants or waiting rooms. Any free moment is usually dedicated to writing!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher – I teach math because it's easy for me and I want to make it easier for others to understand! Don't fear math, embrace it, then set it free (hahaha)

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Keep reading! And share your thoughts about books with others by reviewing them!

I enjoyed answering the questions. Thanks for having me!

My pleasure, thank you for being here.

Website

Tick Tock links:

Facebook | Website | Goodreads

Purchase links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Interview with mystery writer C. Lee McKenzie

Today is the eighth interview in a series with the authors of

Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime

An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

About the anthology:

The clock is ticking...

Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze? Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?

Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues, and stay out of danger. Time is wasting...

“Each story is fast paced, grabbing the reader from the beginning.”

- Readers' Favorite, 5 stars

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com

So far, we’ve had C.D. Gallant-King (on April 19), Gwen Gardner (on April 26), Jemi Fraser (on May 2), Christine Clemetson (on May 11), Rebecca M. Douglass (on May 15), Yolanda Renee (May 23), J.R. Ferguson (on May 31), and now C. Lee McKenzie is here to chat about her crime thriller short story called “Heartless.”

Welcome, Lee. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have a background in Linguistics and Inter-Cultural Communication, but these days I write for young readers. Some Very Messy Medieval Magick is the third book in the time-travel adventures of Pete and Weasel, with Alligators Overhead and The Great Timelock Disaster being the first two. Sign of the Green Dragon, another book for young readers, jumps into ancient Chinese dragon myths and a quest for treasure.

My young adult work is represented by Italia Gandolfo. I’ve published four young adult novels: Sliding on the Edge, The Princess of Las Pulgas, Double Negative, and Sudden Secrets. When I’m not writing I’m hiking or traveling or practicing yoga or asking a lot questions about things I still don’t understand.

What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?

They’re short. Seriously. After putting together 70K words and wrestling all those threads into a pattern that makes a good tale, I love the focus that the short story gives. Of course, that doesn’t make them easy to write, just a different challenge.

Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?

I loved writing Premeditated Cat (2011) and Matilijas (2018) and now Heartless. These are as different as any three stories can be. The first is about a teen escaping from a brute of a step-father. She applies her art talent that brings things to life and ends her oppressive situation at home. With Matilijas, I went a bit literary and into a grieving woman’s soul. Heartless let me expose my darker side with a touch of horror. I set this one during the great Chicago fire of the nineteenth century because I wanted a larger horror to loom over characters while they were up against the ticking clock to save a life.

What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?

I mostly write what the book business markets as Young Adult. Most of my readers are in their twenties, and I have some in their sixties, so the term “Young Adult” is quite broad. I like to write in this fiction category because it’s a time of life when there are so many choices, and it’s a time of life when there’s the greatest potential for the choices we make to impact the rest of our lives.

What exciting story are you working on next?

Right now, I’d say this thing I have under construction is far from exciting. It’s at the stage of “What was I thinking?” However, if I ever sort out the mystery of what to do next, this will be a Young Adult story about treating people badly because they’re different from us. I’m couching it in a ghostly fantasy, something I haven’t really tried in YA.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’m still thinking about that. I’ve always loved to write, and it seemed like a logical extension of loving to read—the other side of the coin I guess you could say. I’m looking ahead now to when I can consider myself a good writer.

How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?

I used to go to bookstores and look at the shelves. Since most of our bookstores are gone (insert a great lament here) Now I look at what’s being checked out at the library or what's being reviewed well on Amazon. If you can’t attend conferences, there are blogs that feature agents and editors. Those are great resources for writers to find out what people are interested in managing and selling.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I often write with my eyes closed. I learned two things by doing that: 1) I see the story so much better that way and 2) I should always make sure to have my fingers on the right keys before starting typing.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An archeologist. I went around for years digging up stuff. I was actually fairly “successful” at discovering small artifacts people left behind. My mother didn’t apply the term successful, but she let me keep a lot of what I found. I called them buried treasures. The discovery of Troy and King Tut’s tomb had a powerful impact on me.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Thanks for reading to The End. I hope you read and enjoy the collection of stories in Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime. I’ve read all of them and they are quite good. I’m not just saying that because I have a place in the anthology. I’m very proud to be included among such strong writers.

Website

Thanks for joining me today, Lee.

Tick Tock links:

Facebook | Website | Goodreads

Purchase links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes