Interview with
Dominic Piper
Author of
The fifth PI Daniel Beckett thriller
Today I have the pleasure to present an author who formally worked as a jack-of-all-trades television writer/script editor and a music journalist before turning his hand to writing detective thrillers. His first two books, Kiss Me When I’m Dead and Death is the New Black were traditionally published, but quite early on, he retrieved the right for both books and decided to self-publish, being dissatisfied with the traditional publishing approach.
Your new book, Acid Yellow, has just been released. What is it about?
I’m not a big reader of detective mysteries or crime fiction (hence my unique take on those genres!), but I think Acid Yellow would be classified as a cold case mystery. Private investigator Daniel Beckett is hired by the CEO of a Korean multinational conglomerate with offices in London, to investigate the murder of her sister, a famous classical musician.
At the point where she turns to Beckett for help, the murder was two years in the past, and the police and three big private detective agencies had failed to make any headway, but Beckett is an enigmatic individual with a mysterious and possible dubious past and has a different and unconventional take on cases like this one.
Part of the inspiration for this particular story was a lot of high-profile news stories about assaults and murders that had been perpetrated against women in London over the past few years. It just never seemed to stop. The whole atmosphere of the book gives an idea of that constant threat, whether minor or major, that women experience from day to day. It’s always shocking to me, as I thought many of the misogynist attitudes related by women I’ve known were a thing of the past, but it seems to be getting worse.
Is this a theme in your other books?
It’s not something I do consciously, but yes, it is. It’s arguable how much any fiction can have an effect on the real world, but I think it’s your duty as a writer to make people stop and think. I know that my outlook on things has been changed by things I’ve read, even by lyrics of songs, so I have to assume it can be the same for other people. If I have any writing aims at all, it’s to make the world a better place, I guess.
Do you have target readers?
I don’t set out to target any particular age or sex, but from the reviews of the books that I’ve had, it does seem that they’re very popular with women. Maybe they pick up on what’s going on in the books, or maybe they strike a chord in some other way that I’m not aware of. There are occasional comments that the books themselves are misogynistic, but that’s due to the way in which the bad guys in the books speak, and what their attitudes are. I try to make them as convincing as possible. By doing that, you always run the risk of people thinking that some of the odious views expressed by characters in the books are yours, but that’s always been the case since I’ve been writing professionally. A lot of times in my television work, people have commented on some character’s dialogue, saying things like ‘Oh, so you think that (whatever it is)’. I never correct or defend myself, but you sometimes feel like saying ‘No. I don’t think that. But that particular fictitious character thinks that. Those are his views, not mine. This is fiction, not thinly disguised autobiography.’ But I’m far too polite to say something like that!
Many reviews of your work have pointed out that your main character, Daniel Beckett, is never judgmental of the females he encounters, no matter what their life choices or questionable habits.
That’s true. These books, in their unique way, are turning the tables on the way women are portrayed in crime fiction while keeping to the basic parameters. As I said, I don’t really read anything in that genre, but when I occasionally flick through recent stuff like that, I’m amazed to find how cliché-ridden they still are in that respect. Beckett does sleep with a lot of the woman he encounters in these books, and some people have referred to him as a womaniser, but that’s not really accurate. For these books to work in the way I intend, he has to be like that. It’s a very delicate and tricky balance and can be quite challenging to write sometimes.
Do you have a favourite of any of the five Daniel Beckett novels?
They’re all quite different from each other, so no. Even though they’re a series, they’re all standalone, and I try to make each book quite dissimilar from the others. There are a few characters I remember fondly, but that’s usually because they were great fun to write. Caroline Chow in Femme Fatale was one of those, as was Liva Søndergaard in Bitter Almonds & Jasmine.
Book Link:
Author Links:
CommissionsEarned
Interview with
Kevin Klehr
Author of
Today I have the pleasure to present an author whose tall tales explore unrequited love in the theatre district of the Afterlife, romance between a dreamer and a realist, and a dystopian city addicted to social media. Kevin Klehr lives with his husband, Warren, in their humble apartment (affectionately named Sabrina), in Australia’s own ‘Emerald City,’ Sydney.
What inspired this Alice in Wonderland like tale?
I wanted to cover a serious topic within the pages of a fantasy novella, in a way where the underlying theme of this story wouldn’t scare potential readers if it was clearly outlined in the blurb.
The main character, Ferris, is going through an ordeal I personally encountered with a boyfriend many decades ago. Since then, I have been in a loving relationship for thirty-four years, so to go back to these dark times meant I needed a surreal setting to help soften these memories.
What has the response been to this novella?
First off, it’s my husband’s favourite work of mine. And he is critical of my books.
But others have also given lovely responses. I was caught off guard when someone commented on a on a Facebook post, praising this particular novella. I thanked her for her praise. One audio reviewer split her review into two parts with the second half praising my courage in telling this story.
One of my favourite reviews said “At times I couldn’t read because of my blurred vision, all my emotions bubbling up.”
The ending is quite unexpected. Was that always the case?
Yes and no. I always know the ending of my novels before I start writing the outline. It’s important as I want my reader to be left with something to ponder.
Originally, I had a different ending but as I was still finessing the outline, this surprising twist came to mind.
You often get mistaken for a Romance writer. Why is that?
It’s a strange phenomenon which I think comes from having a US publisher. Here in Australia, our first impression of writing gay fiction means it deals with issues of identity. That is the case with the work of best-selling gay authors like Holden Shepphard and Christos Tsiolkas.
Yet to a younger set of queer Americans, gay fiction means Romance! I’m fortunate to have several blogs who always review my work, knowing what to expect.
But I was really disheartened when a young American blogger gave up listening to the audio version of Winter Masquerade. She said it wasn’t what she was expecting. Seriously, it was narrated by a British actor with Shakespearian experience. He did a beautiful job. It seems so foreign to me that someone on a book review blog would give up listening just because it wasn’t Romance.
Book link:
Author Links:
CommissionsEarned
Interview with
Eichin Chang-Lim
Author of
Talking About Adolescence: Book 2: Supercharge Your Body and Brain Power
Today I have the pleasure to present an author who modeled during college in Taiwan and was in several short films and is now a semiretired optometrist, a multi-award-winning author, a wife, and a mother. Besides acting and writing, Dr. Eichin Chang-Lim loves opera and a big bear hug.
What is the book about?
Talking About Adolescence, Book 2: Supercharge Your Body and Brain Power is about helping teens understand the changes they’re going through and showing them how to take control of their body and mind. It dives into the science behind those mood swings, brain development, and the highs and lows that come with being a teenager and young adult, but in a way that's easy to grasp and enjoyable to read.
The book engages readers with its interactive “PowerPoint-style” format, making it feel more like a conversation than a lecture. Every chapter begins with thought-provoking questions and ends with introspection to orient the readers. It is not just a book of facts; it invites you to discover who you are and how to grow mentally and physically, becoming more intelligent, stronger, and capable.
Geared towards teens, parents, and educators, this guide is a powerful tool for empowering young people to reach their full potential. This book provides practical advice and knowledge, whether you're a teen navigating the ups and downs of adolescence or someone supporting them. It's a roadmap to a smoother, more empowering journey through adolescence.
Do you have target readers?
The primary audience for the Talking About Adolescence series is teenagers and young adults who are trying to make sense of themselves and their experiences. It’s written for anyone looking for practical advice and a deeper understanding of who they are. But it’s also a valuable and handy tool for parents, guardians, therapists, and educators. The books can spark those tough but important conversations, helping bridge the gap between generations and making it easier to connect and communicate. My hope is that it becomes a resource that brings people together, supporting and guiding teens through some of the most critical years of their lives.
What inspired you to write Talking About Adolescence series?
The Talking About Adolescence series came from a very personal place for me. As both a healthcare provider and a parent, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles young people face—some of them truly heartbreaking. Moments of deep sadness, like hearing about losing lives from violence or suicide among teens, left a lasting impression on me, showing just how much they need support and guidance during such a vulnerable time.
I wanted to create something that could really help, something accessible that teens could turn to for real, science-backed information about what’s happening in their bodies and minds. It’s not just about throwing facts at them—it’s about helping them understand themselves better, so they can make decisions that shape a brighter future. In a way, I see this series as offering them a map and a flashlight to find their way through the often confusing and overwhelming path of adolescence.
My hope is that this series becomes more than just books; I want it to be a trusted source of support, empowering young people to rise above the challenges, avoid the hidden pitfalls, and embrace their full potential. If it can make even a small difference in their lives, then I feel I’ve done something truly meaningful.
If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could inspire a movement that would make a real difference, it would be one where mental health is recognized as a fundamental human right. We wouldn’t just be talking about mental health awareness; we’d be changing the way society prioritizes and supports mental well-being across all generations. Imagine a world where mental health is valued just as much as physical health—where help is always accessible, no matter who you are.
The first step? Focus on our youth. Teens and young adults often struggle with their mental health, but if we can support them early on, we can set them up for a lifetime of well-being. We need to:
- Destigmatize mental health: Normalize conversations about mental health so that no one feels ashamed or afraid to speak up.
- Encourage seeking help: Let’s empower young people to seek support when they need it, giving them the tools to grow into confident, thriving adults.
- Nationwide education: Incorporate mental health education in schools, starting in elementary and continuing through high school. Children should learn about their mental health as easily as they learn math or science.
- Support foster children: These kids face unique challenges and need extra mental health support to navigate their difficult situations.
But supporting our youth means supporting their parents too. Research shows that by age 16, more than half of children will have experienced a parent struggling with mental illness. Addressing this can change everything:
- Screen for perinatal depression: Healthcare providers should be proactive in identifying and addressing mental health issues in expectant mothers, and offering postpartum support is key.
- Prevent child abuse: Parental mental health issues are linked to child abuse, and by supporting parents, we can break this cycle and protect children.
- In-home assistance: After childbirth, let’s provide in-home help to new parents—not just for infant care, but for their mental health too.
We also need to build community support:
- Offer free parenting and mental health classes at community centers, creating spaces where parents—especially single parents—can connect, learn, and support each other.
- Provide early intervention services for mental health issues, making them accessible and affordable for all ages.
Finally, we need to educate the public about the lasting impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These experiences affect mental health, relationships, and even future generations. If we can spread this understanding, we can break these harmful cycles. As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk says in his book The Body Keeps the Score, eradicating child abuse could reduce rates of depression by more than half, alcoholism by two-thirds, and suicide, IV drug use, and domestic violence by three-quarters. Imagine that.
This movement would be about so much more than addressing mental health challenges—it would empower individuals and communities to thrive. We’d see lower rates of addiction, improved academic performance, and stronger, more resilient families. By treating mental health as a right, not a luxury, we can create a world where everyone has the tools and support, they need to live a mentally and emotionally healthy life.
Book Link:
Talking About Adolescence: Book 2: Supercharge Your Body and Brain Power
Author Links:
CommissionsEarned
Interview with
Josie Riviera
Author of
Whispers of Love in Sweetwater Springs
Today I have the pleasure to present a USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances that read like Hallmark movies. Josie Riviera lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations.
I love that the mystery in Whispers of Love in Sweetwater Springs opens in a quaint bookshop. How did the idea of finding a mysterious letter there come to you? And did you model the bookshop on a real place?
The idea of the bookshop as a setting emerged from my own love of reading, plus I love a cozy space and have always enjoyed spending hours in a bookshop. Bookshops are enchanting, in a way. There are so many stories there. The bookshop in the book, by the way, is fictional.
The mysterious letter came about because I wanted to write my first sweet romance cozy mystery. I brought 2 worlds together--Olivia Whitfield, the owner, and a man and woman in their 70s. Besides being a "second chance" romance between the younger couple--Olivia and Daniel, the story focuses on the older couple--Theodore and Lillian, making this story also a "seasoned" romance.
Two childhood friends joining forces to uncover a mystery allows us to discover their past and their present, and allows you as an author to flesh them out in a fully nuanced way. Please describe your characters, Daniel Whitfield and Olivia Harper to us.
Daniel Whitfield, the hero, is the type of man who carries a quiet strength. He's observant, thoughtful, and often lost in his own musings. His childhood bond with Olivia Whitfield, the heroine, is deeply rooted, and they have their own "second chance" romance.
On the other hand, Olivia Harper is vibrant and spirited. While she exudes confidence, there are layers of vulnerability beneath her outgoing nature. I hope that Olivia and Daniel both will capture the reader's heart as they rekindled their romance.
In addition to being a cosy mystery, this book is a love story decades in the making. Unraveling it over time is quite a challenge, tell us how you do it.
I focused on layering both the mystery and the romance, which is quite a task. I tried to echo their past, while simultaneously propelling the hero and heroine forward. I included poignant flashbacks that revealed their past history--laughter, heartache, and the unresolved tension that defined their relationship. Each revelation about who wrote the letter to Lillian (spoiler alert--it was Theodore!), brings Olivia and Daniel closer together. I hoped to keep readers engaged to not only root for the characters, but to try to solve the mystery.
The companion audiobook is done using virtual voice technology. Tell us about the process and about the experience of hearing your characters come to life i such an expressive way.
I’m so excited to share that all my books are available as audiobooks! They are narrated by talented professional narrators, as well as by me, allowing for a personal touch to the storytelling experience. Now, I’m even exploring the world of technology to bring my stories to life in new and innovative ways. It's a very exciting, simplified option, and I'm thrilled that Amazon is now offering it.
In addition, my books are all available in ebook, paperback, large print paperback, and hardcover. I do all the formatting and created several of the book covers myself.
Give us an excerpt from the book.
“You’ve got to be kidding me! Only two boxes of books when I ordered three?” Olivia Harper’s exasperated voice echoed through the cozy confines of Harper’s Haven, the bookshop she’d inherited from her grandfather Elijah.
She hoisted the books inside and shook her head. “I guess I’ll have to charm my customers with my dazzling personality instead of relying on the books.”
With a grin and a sigh, she reached for her cell phone to rectify the mistake. Sunlight filtered through the lace curtains, casting a glow over the antique furniture and overstuffed chairs. The scent of aged paper and rich mahogany embraced her like an old friend.
Blooming cherry blossom trees, with slender upright branches and rounded canopies, lined the street. When she finished her phone call, she opened the window to let in the floral-scented air.
As she gazed around her shop, a flicker of uncertainty passed through her.
Harper’s Haven wasn’t just a bookstore—it was her dream, her legacy. She had poured her heart and soul into every detail, determined to carry on her grandfather’s proud tradition. But lately, the weight of responsibility seemed more burdensome than ever.
With each passing year, the pressures of running the business grew more daunting.
She shrugged off her khaki-colored windbreaker, hung it on a hook by the door, and secured an apron over her clothes. Then she kneeled beside the book shipments and sliced through the packing tape.
She lifted out two hardbound editions of Wuthering Heights, their gold-leaf lettering glinting in the gauzy morning light.
The distinct tinkle of the shop bell was unmistakable, and she greeted the first customer of the day.
But no one responded.
“Hello?” she called out again. “Can I help you find anything?”
Only silence. Every aisle lay empty and still.
Okay, this was strange. She was certain she had heard the bell.
“Anyone here?” She repeated.
Nope. No reply. She must’ve been mistaken. She was obviously alone.
Corralling her unease into something more productive, she redirected her attention to her task. As she sliced through the packing tape on the next box, a flash of creamy parchment grabbed her attention. She crouched for a better look, clearing dust bunnies from the wooden floorboards. An envelope lay slightly hidden underneath the front door.
She yanked the envelope free. The texture was luxuriously thick, and clearly expensive stationery. No postage, no address … only a wax seal, keeping its contents mysteriously confined. The wax itself was an unusual shade of yellow, its sheen catching the morning light streaming through the windows.
There were no clues as to the sender, an intriguing omission.
Her fingertip dipped over fancy lettering.
The initials L.B.
Where had she seen that unique script before, with its elongated curves and artistic loops? It tugged at her memory but hovered slightly out of reach.
The letter was addressed to:
Ms. Lillian Beaumont
Sweetwater Springs
Whispers of Love
“Whispers of love?” she asked aloud. “What does it mean?”
Book Link:
Whispers of Love in Sweetwater Springs
Author Link:
CommissionsEarned
Interview with
Lauren B. Grossman
Author of
Today I have the leisure to present and author who was originally from Massachusetts but now resides in Southern Arizona with her husband, two children, three dogs, and a desert tortoise.. Lauren B. Grossman earned a degree in theatre and has performed in, designed sets, directed and produced numerous productions.
Is your Rainee Allen mystery series stand-alone books?
All of the Rainee Allen Mysteries share a few of the same characters, but the plotlines are completely different. While reading the series in sequence and becoming familiar with the characters and their relationships may enhance the reader’s experience overall, it is not necessary in order to enjoy each unique story.
Why did you pick the Czech Republic for the third one? Something specifically politically important there?
First, and most importantly, my son, Zachary, lives there. That’s given me the opportunity to travel there on multiple vacations. Prague is a city out of a fairy-tale. One expects to see Cinderella’s carriage come around the corner. I wanted to share that with readers, and I hope I did it justice. Also, I considered that bringing something ugly into a beautiful city would be a nice contrast.
Each Rainee Allen novel take place in a city in which I have spent time. I spent some time in London doing research for THE GOLDEN PEACOCK, since it is based on a real person.
You co-wrote the last two with your brother. The process of two writers seems difficult. Is it? Is it easier, getting a male and female perspective?
What made it a bit difficult was the geographical distance. My brother, Bernie, lived in Kentucky, and I live in Arizona. We could not just meet at the local coffee shop to discuss chapters. Yes, the internet made collaboration easier, but there is a lot to be said for in-person meetings. And, there was that pesky three-hour time difference.
As to the second half of the question: I found it easier having a male viewpoint writing the male character. Bernie did the research on underwater explosives, the heist, the gang interactions, etc. I was happy to leave that to him.
It was certainly helpful that we had similar sensibilities, writing styles and compatible personalities. We communicated well and often, with each of us writing a scene or chapter, then having the other editing it as they saw fit. We agreed with each other’s perspective – mostly.
Sadly, my brother passed away in 2022.
Why did you decide on a trio of books? Did you want to keep this character around longer? Do you see or feel what her ending will be in life?
The first novel, The Golden Peacock was a stand-alone novel. I never imagined that there would be a second, let alone a third. But often, readers would ask me about Rainee Allen and want to get to know her better. So, the second novel, The Verona Exchange was written with the emphasis of fleshing out more about Rainee’s character. Plus, at that point, the subtitle—a Rainee Allen mystery—was added to both books… as was the collaboration with Bernie.
Readers have requested another Rainee Allen mystery. Only time will tell.
Currently, I am working on a young adult novel. This is a new genre for me, and it has been quite the learning process.
More background on Rainee. She's not a kid. What is her philosophy of life? Do other people like her? Respect her?
I can only know from reader’s communications through reviews and direct messages how they feel about any of the characters. Since, as I said above, they wanted to know her better, I took that as a positive sign.
Rainee is a smart, focused woman who sees a task and does everything in her power to see it through. She is an experienced author and researcher, so she plunges into her mission well-prepared and resolute.
No, she’s not a kid. I believe that brings maturity and some common sense to her reasoning.
As the writer, do YOU like Rainee? Why should the reader like and care about her?
I respect Rainee. She perseveres where others may give up. She puts family and friends first. I believe her to be a kind, intelligent, tenacious woman.
She is definitely not a pushover. She doesn’t hesitate to jump into something if she feels that it’s justified. Strong women characters are much more interesting to me than those that aren’t.
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Much thanks, Uvi, for your feature of my book today! So appreciated! ox
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure Sarah! Can't wait to read it :)
DeleteThank you so much for this opportunity, Uvi. The presentation looks fantastic, too.
ReplyDelete