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
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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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Rainee Allen Series Facebook Page
CommissionsEarned
Interview with
Michael Charton
Author of
Today I have the pleasure to present an author who is originally from Brooklyn, New York, but now live in Tucson, Arizona. I've been writing since 2006. Michael Charton is eclectic and interested in many different things. Among them: Baseball, history, Geopolitics, Mysteries, problem solving, things British, comedy, especially Monty Python
Why did you choose to write non-fiction?
Most of what I enjoy are history and "What ifs.” History is full of forks in the road. What might have happened, IF. Doesn't mean I don't experiment .
In that case, Why a book about being an alien in Canada?
I've been to Canada many times, but my longest visit was in July, 2023. I have a lifelong friend who lives in Toronto and has Parkinson's. I went to see her and help her caretakers with her. The idea came from a 1946 book called How to be an Alien. It was written by George Mikes, a Hungarian comedian who emigrated to Britain. Mostly, I wrote it for my fellow Americans, though many think it might work for immigration purposes in Canada.
Where do you get your idea from?
I might ask myself that same question. I can watch a documentary on TV and get an idea. I can walk down the street and get an idea.
What can we expect from you for the future?
I am working on several projects at the moment. Makes me sound like a building contractor, going from job to job.
What inspired me to write How to be an Alien in Canada?
I always enjoyed the original How to be an Alien by George Mikes. What inspired me to write the book was as follows:
If you are in the Canadian Province of Quebec, even the blindest American knows they are now in a foreign country. Montreal is nothing like Paris, but you know for sure, it is not Houston.
I suspect most Americans if they are in the remaining provinces forget they are in a foreign country at times. Crossing a border by car, or flying in should be a hint with a sledge hammer, but you never know. Just because we are neighbors and share the North American continent doesn't mean we are the same nation. As a matter of fact, Canadian identity mainly rests on the fact that they are NOT part of the United States and they worked hard to not be.
I met all sorts of people, and saw different Toronto neighborhoods. I saw their medical system briefly and asked questions. My goal was to listen and learn, not make Canadians into what I think they should be.
Please share with us the chapter in the book on Ice Hockey
It’s not that there aren’t other sports in Canada. Canada has its own version of American Football, with different rules and playing for the Grey Cup. The Toronto Raptors have won the NBA title. I enjoyed attending a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game. Hockey is another story.
Hockey holds a deeply ingrained cultural significance in Canada, often being referred to as the country's national sport. Its importance extends beyond mere entertainment or competition; it's intertwined with Canada's identity and history. Here's what hockey means to Canadians:
- Cultural Identity: Hockey is seen as a symbol of Canadian identity, representing the spirit of resilience, teamwork, and perseverance. Many Canadians grow up playing or watching hockey, and it forms a common thread that binds communities together. Hey, the community that freezes together works together.
- Passion and Pride: Canadians are passionate about hockey like few other nations. From cheering for their favorite NHL teams to supporting local amateur leagues, hockey fandom runs deep across the country. There's immense pride in Canada's hockey heritage and the accomplishments of Canadian players, both domestically and internationally. Sorry, I need to ask. Do Defensemen say “Sorry,” when they hit someone with a bone jarring body check, or oops the goalie trips the man with the scoring opportunity in the crease?
- Community and Tradition: Hockey fosters a sense of community and tradition in Canada. From neighborhood rinks to packed arenas, hockey brings people together, whether they're players, coaches, or fans. The tradition of playing hockey outdoors on frozen ponds or backyard rinks is particularly cherished, emphasizing the connection between the sport and Canada's natural environment. Is it because Mom’s across Canada bought all that hockey equipment and wanted their kids out of the house? “I didn’t buy all that equipment for you to sit in the house all winter. Get out to the pond!”
- Historical Significance: Hockey has a long and storied history in Canada, dating back to the late 19th century. The sport has evolved over time, reflecting changes in society and technology, but its core values remain deeply rooted in Canadian culture.
- National Unity: Hockey has a unifying effect on Canadians, transcending regional, linguistic, and cultural differences. During international competitions like the Olympics or the World Championships, Canadians come together to support their national teams, fostering a sense of unity and pride in representing their country on the global stage. Glad we clarified that. Don’t go to a bar in Edmonton and root for Calgary. Or in Toronto, cheer for the Ottawa Senators, or Sacre Bleu, Les Canadiens! Just follow the lead of the Canadians you are with. I want your visit to be successful and you to come home in one piece. Again, don’t make our diplomats have to rescue you.
Overall, hockey is more than just a game to Canadians—it's a cherished part of their cultural fabric, embodying values of teamwork, resilience, and national pride.
What would Canada be without Hockey? Pity the fool of a Prime Minister who wants to ban the National Pastime. Well, you get the idea. Other sports are played in Canada, but Hockey is built into the culture. Growing up in New York City, I had a shortwave radio and could listen to Hockey Night in Canada. The youngster vaguely remembers interviews that went something like this ""We were skatin’ good doon the ice, eh and checking them hard on the boards, eh?” They had trouble pronouncing D and T. No teeth in front creates a problem.
In the United States for many decades, Baseball was the sport that glued the nation together. In England, it is Football, what we call Soccer.
Of course my silliness spreads to hockey. I will loop back to English vs French. Think of it this way. The history of English French battles. Crecy, Poitiers, Agincourt, the Plains of Abraham. Why not meet the French Knights from Monty Python and the Holy Grail on the field of…Ice rink? Why have reenactments like the Civil War reenactments in the United States? Attend a Montreal Canadiens Toronto Maple Leafs game.
I mentioned my South African friend earlier. One night, we were watching a Rugby match. The South African national team the Springboks playing Argentina. At one point, a South African player stepped on an Argentine player's head. I looked at Laurie and said, “Surely even in Rugby, a penalty is called for.” I thought she was going to break into Fee Fi Fo Fum, I smell the blood of an Argentine. Do Canadians do that when the archrival gets cut in half? Oh, he’s a Canadiens defenseman bleeding out on our ice. I wonder if it is the one place Canadians can be mean and don’t have to say sorry. You can always be a defensemen and take out the other team's main scorer and say sorry. To paraphrase The Lord High Executioner in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado; “The task of filling in the names and determining whether the apology is sincere or not, I rather leave to you.” Meanwhile the defenseman adds the next line from the Lord High Executioner for opposing scorers, “I’ve got them on the list and they never would be missed, they never would be missed.”
Let the action on the ice do the reenacting. I was struck at the irony in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. They had an exhibit of a Montreal Canadiens locker room. How did that happen? Multiculturalism? National pride, but whose nation? As a visitor, never mind. You just watch the game.
How far can the passion go? Picture a rural pond. Twelve boys went to play. Eleven returned. A mother asks her son, “Aren’t you missing someone?”
“Yeah he fell through the ice at the beginning of the Third Period.”
Mom looked at her son, as though he were mad. “You didn’t have the decency to get help?”
“Mom, we had a period long power play!”
Now, that’s dedication! Mom also forgot many hours earlier, she sent them out at twenty below zero to play, telling them not to come back until dinner
Picture a dignified Toronto grandmother. Bakes cookies for the local kids, volunteers for her community. Loved by all. When she’s in the stands at a Maple Leafs game, look out..Bloodthirsty, language that would make sailors blush. When called on it, she says, “This is the one place I don’t have to say sorry all the time!” Nuff said.
The point is, it is more than a sport, but a major part of life and the culture of Canada. If you can get to any game, NHL or Juniors, do so
Links:
CommissionsEarned
Interview with
Jim Riley
Author of
Today I have the pleasure to present an author who was born on the banks of the Cane River in Natchitoches, LA, the heart of the southern cotton patch. Growing up in this rural setting developed the love and passion Jim riley has for the outdoors and for the wildlife he hunted.
After graduation from Louisiana State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering, Jim worked in the oilfield for more than twenty years. Now he is happy at home with his wife.
When did your start writing?
I began when incarcerated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons in March 2015 for a disagreement on how to report hedge fund results. Obviously, the government won that argument. When arriving at the medical facility in Fort Worth, I did what others were doing: sleeping all day, watching TV, playing cards, goofing off. I didn't get involved with the gambling, fighting and territorial disputes among the various gangs, including MS13. A few months into my sentence, I became ill: couldn't eat, sleep, or doing any of the normal activities. The prison doctor (actually a veterinarian) told me I would die. I made arrangements for another inmate to take everything in my locker after my death. On the fourth night of devastating pain without sleep, I received a vision. The next morning, the pain was gone and I began to write.
What obstacles did you face?
I soon discovered that prison is not the best place in the world to focus on creativity. Chaos surrounded me 24/7. No day went by without fighting, cursing, turmoil and even death. Other inmates harassed and mocked me for spending time writing. I had no access to a typewriter or computer. The only tools available were ink pens and yellow pads. The correctional officers were suspicious. They twice confiscated my yellow pads, which had about 30,000 words each. I never recovered those and had to start over. The officers dictated when I slept, took meds, ate, went to rehab and had time to write. During the summer, the air conditioning failed. I often sweated onto the yellow pads, smearing my words. My health deteriorated over the four years of incarceration.
Why didn't you give up?
I wanted to show the other inmates they could also be productive while in prison. Six other convicts began writing, all asking me for assistance. My hope was that others would see my efforts and begin their own paths to using their time more wisely.
What happened after you were released?
When I went to home confinement in March 2019 I had completed 59 novels and short stories. The problem was they were all on paper and had to be transposed to Word documents. For those who have seen my interviews, you know I have a cross vernacular somewhere between redneck and Cajun. The voice recognition software still struggles to translate my words correctly.
I managed to get the first novel, Murder in the Atchafalaya, in a somewhat readable form before submitting it to publishers in June 2019. Surprisingly, a micropublisher offered me a contract for it in July 2019 with a release date in May 2020. As many writers realize, there are numerous rounds of editing and cover design. I sent out pre-publish alerts and was all set. Little did I anticipate reality.
The publisher canceled the contract the week prior to the release. I felt devastated after the high emotions of the expectation of having my first book published. However, I thanked the publisher and God for closing that door.
Two weeks later, a larger publisher offered me a contract for all 59 works, almost none transposed at the time (some still aren't). I couldn't believe it. That doesn't happen to authors with no history and no books on the market. I thanked them and God.
To date, they have published more than two dozen of my works, with the remaining stories on contract. I am still transposing from yellow pads to Word documents to this day.
What was your first book published?
Murder in the Atchafalaya was the first published. It's a story set in a swamp larger than Rhode Island between Baton Rouge and Lafayette in southern Louisiana. I grew up hunting and fishing this mysterious ecosystem that changes every time the flood gates of the mighty Mississippi River are opened. The abundant wildlife, cypress trees and Spanish moss make it a lush setting for the murder mysteries. This book represents my writing style, offering many opportunities for the reader to crack a smile while guessing the identity of the culprit.
What does the future hold?
I hope to continue to write, including Western novels. My goal is to encourage other writers and folks facing tremendous hurdles in life to complete their dreams. Many face obstacles: financial, health, family, job, etc. These burdens often interfere with productivity, whether they are physical or mental blocks. If I can write with constant turmoil enveloping me, I hope they can fulfill their hopes despite the struggles they face. I would like to give hope to other writers who are having difficulties staying focused on writing because of external interferences.
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Book Links:
CommissionsEarned
Interview with
Richard Correa
AKA R.A. "Doc" Correa
Author of
Today I have the pleasure to present the author of a Sci-fi Adventure. Richard Correa served in the US Army, Army Reserve, and Rhode Island Army National Guard as a battlefield medic, surgical tech, scout section leader, and other roles. He graduated from Colorado Technical University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 1999. His poems were published in various publications.
Was Rapier your first attempt at writing a book.
Yes. Though I enjoyed writing when I took creative writing in high school I never seriously considered writing a book or a short story. In the 1990s I dabbled in poetry and had four of my poems published in poetry collections. I even received a couple of editor’s choice awards, but it wasn’t until 2017 that I started on Rapier.
What convinced you to write Rapier?
After ‘role playing’ the adventure with a friend it just seemed an exciting idea for a book.
How did you come up with the plot idea for Rapier?
I had an internet friend in Australia who was several years younger than me that I spent time chatting with online. We had little in common so we started what we called ‘story time’. It was kind of role playing where I would come up an adventure scenario and we would ‘play’ it out. There were a number of different story lines, and Rapier was one of them.
Obviously, you decided on Science Fiction. What made you decide on that genre?
I’ve loved Science Fiction since I was a kid. The idea of exploring the stars, visiting different worlds and discovering new life always intrigued me. I read Heinlein, Asimov, Dick and others constantly. I just couldn’t get enough.
However, I’m not just Science Fiction, and in the Science Fiction genre I don’t just do Space Opera.
I’m also involved with a number of really good authors in providing stories for a series of anthologies. The majority of stories I write for that are my Gospels of A.S.I.N.M. (Artificial Super Intelligent Network Manager), which you might call my ‘rant’ about the dangers of artificial intelligence.
I’m tinkering (nine chapters so far) with a werewolf/vampire story called Sophie. The few friends I’ve shown it to are very enthusiastic about it.
I’m afraid I’ve digressed here, at the top of my list of projects is Razor, the sequel to Rapier.
Where else did you draw inspiration from?
I drew inspiration from History Channel’s, there’s a bit of the real dread pirate Robert’s in Commodore Black. Of course the authors I mentioned above influenced the story. What might surprise some is the tactics used by the Rapier, and the rest of Commodore Black’s ships, come from an old book called ‘U Boat’. And the Chinese Empire in the story is highly influenced by a History Channel episode on China and a U.S. Army country study of China.
Focusing on Rapier, what would you consider the major themes of the story?
As the old saying goes; When you begin a journey of revenge, start by digging two graves: one for your enemy, and one for yourself. Though Commodore Black is a brilliant tactician and a successful raider he is also enough of an irritant that the navies of the Chinese and the Americans dedicate large amounts of resources to hunt him down and destroy him.
I also deal with how a community responds when they feel all they have left is revenge. What will the survivors of a colony do when their enemy has so devastated them that they are on the edge of extinction? How will they respond when their own people won’t come to their aid in their darkest hour and what will they do when their tormentors keep returning to take what little they have and enslave their children?
There needs to be a couple more things mentioned here. The main characters of this story are three women that are brought into this maelstrom by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I want to leave the details of their involvement to the reader but there is the sub theme of how their lives become intertwined with all of the above and what is the impact being a part of this has on their lives.
Book link:
Rapier a SciFi adventure
Also on Barnes & Noble, Kobo
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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