#WriterWedneday Author Interview with A-M Mawhiney

Welcome to A-M Mawhiney to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Things you need for your writing sessions: I need to be sure to have my laptop, my iPad (for research), a dictionary, paper and pen, a quiet space, and time for regular breaks.

Things that hamper your writing: Loud noise/music, being interrupted when I’m ‘in the zone,’ phone calls, and fatigue

Words that describe you: Introverted, independent-minded, and easy-going most of the time.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: weird, clumsy, easily distracted

Something you’re really good at: Speedreading

Something you’re really bad at: Anything athletic. I am really bad at sports but am a great fan of sports.

Last best thing you ate: Gluten-free chocolate truffles

Last thing you regret eating: Bacon.

Favorite music or song: “Pie Jesu.” This song makes me cry whenever I hear it.

Music that drives you crazy: Anything with a strong bass beat that overpowers the rest of the music and that you can feel physically.

Things you always put in your books: Social issues and more than one main character.

Things you never put in your books: Murder, at least so far.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: As someone who is afraid of heights, the day my sister and I challenged each other to use a rope bridge high over a river and rocks so that we could see a famous waterfall on the other side. I was terrified while crossing and decided it was worth it when I saw the waterfalls.

Something you chickened out from doing: I was going to Barbados with friend who was a certified scuba instructor. I planned to dive but chickened out at the thought of all that water between me and fresh air.

The funniest thing to happen to you: I was celebrating an important milestone with one of my work teams and invited them to a local restaurant. I also invited my supervisor. I was talking to a person beside me when my supervisor asked me if I had a pen. Without looking, I reached into my purse and handed him a pen. Then I notice the previously animated conversations had fallen silent. I looked at my supervisor and realized I had handed him a tampon. I still laugh when I think about this.

The most embarrassing thing to happen to you: I was in an isolated area in the British Columbia, Canada interior doing research for Fugitive Rifts, when I tripped over a stick and it activated the automatic 911 emergency response on my cellphone. When 911 called me, I was so flustered I kept hanging up instead of answering the call. Finally, I connected and assured the operator I was safe and with my sister, who was also one of my emergency contacts. The operator said she would call back the emergency response team hurrying my way. Then she called my sister to make sure everything was okay. At least I know what happens if I ever need to set off the alarm another time.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: “It’s [Fugitive Rifts] a story for every kid who was made to feel they cared too much.”

The craziest thing a reader said to you: “I had no idea you could write something like this. I always thought you were kind of boring.” He apparently thought this was a compliment.

My favorite book as a child: In grade six we read a young person’s version of Les Misérables called Jean Val Jean. I believe I still have that copy. The thought that someone could be hanged for stealing food for a starving family shocked me.

A book I’ve read more than once: We spent our summers as children at my grandparents’ cabin far from any library or bookstore, and we only had access to a car on weekends when my father and grandfather returned from where they worked during the week. I read Trixie Belden and the Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell thirteen times that summer. The following summers my parents drove us to the nearest library 30 miles away one a month, and we took out as many books as we wanted.

Your favorite movie as a child: Mary Poppins

A TV show or movie that kept you awake at night as a kid (or as an adult): It was a movie shown on TV one Saturday night called The Fly. I had nightmares for months.

About A-M:

At age eight A-M Mawhiney announced she wanted to be an author. It only took sixty years. Her career, first as a social worker and then as a university professor and senior administrator, ended with her retirement in 2018. She began writing again during the first lockdown in 2020. To her surprise she found herself writing her first novel, Spindrifts. which was a finalist in the 8th annual Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writers’ Prize and shortlisted for the Whistler Independent Book Awards in 2022. Its sequel, Spelldrifts, was released in 2023, and her latest book, Fugitive Rifts, was published in July 2025. When she isn’t writing A-M enjoys reading, taking in local basketball games, time with family and friends, and travelling. She lives in Sudbury, Ontario with her partner Dave.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: http://www.ammawhiney.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Anne-MarieMawhiney

#WriterWednesday with Author Susan Drew

I’d like to welcome the wonderful Susan Drew to the blog today for #WriterWednesday.

Favorite thing to do when you have free time: My favorite thing to do is to read. Even when I’m supposed to be working, or writing, or cooking dinner. Sometimes I have to put on a timer so that I don’t read all day.

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list: Cleaning my house. I can always find something else to do.

Things you need when you’re in your writing cave: I really only need quiet to write. I’m not one of those people who can write with music on in the background.

Things that distract you from writing: I’m very easily distracted, so almost anything can stop me. Why is the dog barking? Do I hear water dripping somewhere? Ow, a hangnail!

Hardest thing about being a writer: I think the hardest thing about being a writer is the waiting. Publishing is a slow business and I’m an antsy person.

Easiest thing about being a writer: I love a good game of make-pretend so I can find lots of things to write about. They may not be good, or go into a book, but I have little scraps of scenes or dialog all over the place.

Things you will run to the store for at midnight: Unfortunately I live in a place with no midnight grocery stores. If I’m starving in the middle of the night, and there’s no cheese in my fridge, I just have to tough it out until morning. It’s also at least 20 minutes to a Dunks. I have to plan ahead.

Things you never put on your shopping list: Liver is about the only thing I don’t cook. Liverwurst is fine, but no liver.

Favorite snacks: My favorite snacks are cheese and crackers. Or cheese and apples. Or cheese and pretzels. Okay, it’s just cheese. I love cheese.

Things that make you want to gag: Almost nothing makes me gag. It’s unfortunate really, but I can eat everything. Oh wait, liver. I won’t eat liver, but I don’t if it will make me gag because I’m not going to test the theory.

Something you’re really good at: I’m really good at being a weirdo. I can’t help it and I’m not even sorry. I like silly jokes, bright colors, cornball movies, and goofy socks.

Something you’re really bad at: I’m really bad at being quiet. I was that kid in church who got the evil eyes from a grandparent trying to be serious. I don’t know why they did that because it only made me be weirder. And louder.

Something you wanted to be when you were a kid: I wanted to be a whole lot of things when I was little. A truck driver with a monkey (Okay, maybe I was influenced by a ‘70s tv show), a teacher, a singer, and a lawyer (probably to put one of my sisters in jail).

Something you do that you never dreamed you’d do: I never thought I’d live in Vermont and get used to snow.

Something you wish you could do: I wish I was a better athlete but I’m not all that coordinated and I’m a chicken. The fear of falling keeps me from doing a surprising amount of things.

Something you wish you’d never learned to do: I was going to say I wish I’d never learned to clean the house because then I’d have an excuse not to do it. But I really like a clean house and I’m too cheap to hire someone else to do it, so I just have to do it myself.

Things to say to an author: I’d tell an author my favorite line in their book. We’re secretly always wanting to know if people like us, if they really like us. Or is that just me being insecure?

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: Did you get AI to help you with that?

The most exciting thing about your writing life: The most exciting thing for me has been finding out my book is going to be published. I have one published picture book, and I’m working through edits with another publisher for a middle grade book.

The one thing you wish you could do over in your writing life: I wish I could do my book launch party again. I was so nervous that I didn’t enjoy it. My stomach was in knots, I don’t think I properly thanked the people in my life for supporting me and I forgot to read from the book. Live and learn. I know what to do for my next launch.

Recommendations for curing writer’s block: I go to writer’s prompts when I can’t figure out what to write. Or I make a list of things that could happen to my character. Usually one of those things will “prime the pump” and I’ll be able to get back into the book I’m writing.

Things you do to avoid writing: I read to avoid writing. But if I’m really, REALLY desperate, I’ll clean the bathrooms. I’m sensing a theme in this interview.

About Susan:

Susan Drew is a kidlit writer and the author of Sadie Does Not Like Sorries. She lives in Vermont with her husband and dog but grew up all over the world as a military brat. Her favorite place to live was Heilbronn, Germany. Susan loves British baking shows, and doodling.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: Susan Drew Writes

Art shop: susandrewart.myshopify.com – Susan Drew Art

Newsletter:  www.substack.com/@susandrew

Intagram: www.instagram.com/_susandrew/

Bluesky: @susandrewwrites.com — Bluesky

#WriterWednesday Author Interview with Jackie Layton

I would like to welcome my friend, the amazing Jackie Layton, to the blog this week for #WriterWednesday!

Favorite thing to do when you have free time: I almost said reading, but I make time to read. I enjoy watching true crime TV shows.

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list: Keep up with my writing expenses. Every year, I plan to do better, but when I get ready for taxes, I realize I have not done a good job at all. Things you need when you’re in your writing cave: I need coffee, but I rarely snack when writing.

Things that distract you from writing: Most of my neighbors use the same company to mow their yards, so when they show up, it’s loud, and it lasts a long time. My husband takes care of the mowing at our house, and I help with weeding and gardening, so I don’t deal with the noise then.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Marketing.
Easiest thing about being a writer: Brainstorming. I love to think about new story ideas.

Things you will run to the store for at midnight: Nothing for myself, but if I have a grandchild or parent and they need something, I’ll go. There’s nothing like a baby with a fever to get me moving.

Things you never put on your shopping list: I never put those frozen hamburger patties on my list. I tried once, but they don’t taste as good as patting out the burgers myself.

Favorite snacks: Pretzels, popcorn, and peanut butter cups.

Things that make you want to gag:  Too much mayonnaise on a sandwich, in chicken salad, or anywhere.

Something you wanted to be when you were a kid: I wanted to be a nurse, a pharmacist, a journalist, a teacher, a writer, and a secretary.

Something you do that you never dreamed you’d do: I dreamed of being a published author, but I didn’t think it was possible. With encouragement from my husband, my parents, and my kids, I gave it a shot. I feel blessed that my dream came true.

 Last best thing you ate: My husband surprised me with triple berry muffins, and they were delicious.

Last thing you regret eating: Fried chicken tenders. I’ve avoided fried food for so long, and I felt icky after eating it.

Things to say to an author: You kept me guessing until the end. I didn’t see the twist coming.

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: Your story was predictable and boring.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: I moved from Kentucky to Athens, Georgia with my three-year-old son so I could attend pharmacy school. (The dean at another college told me I’d never make it as a divorced mother, and his words discouraged me, but I did it anyway. And I graduated. So glad I went, and it’s probably the reason I’m such a big UGA fan.)

Something you chickened out from doing: I just joined the Y, and I still haven’t gotten the courage to take a water aerobics class. The locker room intimidates me. It’s probably because I’m not athletic.

The most exciting thing about your writing life: Seeing the first paperback copy of Bite the Dust in print was exciting. I am always excited to get that first print copy of my books.

The one thing you wish you could do over in your writing life: I wish I had started writing sooner.

Best piece of advice you received from another writer: Brandilyn Collins told me to join a writing group. I learned so much once I took her advice. I also met a lot of great authors and readers who are now my friends.

Something you would tell a younger you about your writing: The journey to publication is a wild ride, but don’t give up.

About Jackie:

Jackie Layton is the author of cozy mysteries featuring Spunky Southern Sleuths. Her stories are set in South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. She lives on the coast of South Carolina, where she enjoys beach walks and golf-cart rides around the marsh. Reading, gardening, and traveling are among her favorite hobbies. Jackie always keeps a notebook handy to jot down ideas for future stories. Many of her ideas come from observing people and watching Dateline and American Greed.

Let’s Be Social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackieLaytonAuthor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jackiebeth117/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/joyfuljel

Threads: https://bit.ly/4oOCK6R

Substack: Jackie’s Substack | Substack

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackielaytonauthor.com

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/49XTfpf

Bookbub: https://bit.ly/37RqGQ8

TikTok: https://bit.ly/43ENa0M

Website: https://jackielaytoncozyauthor.com/

Killer Secrets

Speed dating sabotage?

Or straight-up murder?

Kate Sloan’s best friend, Bess Walker, decides to try speed dating and convinces Kate to go with her for moral support.

The night of the event is filled with many emotions. Excitement, hope, jealousy, fear, greed, and even anger. Emotions spiral out of control for one person.

Before the second round, the event’s host is murdered.

Kate will use her skills at organizing, list-making, and questioning to try to solve the murder. Can she unravel the mystery before the killer leaves town for the next weekend of singles events?

#WriterWednesday Author Interview with Anna St. John

I’d like to welcome the amazing Anna St. John to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Things you need for your writing sessions:

I’ve found that I can write anywhere: on a plane flying to Bangkok, in a beach cabana overlooking the ocean, or cozy in my home office with the snow falling outside. All I need is a quiet space and a way to put words on paper—although it’s faster when my fingers fly across the keys of a computer, sometimes I mix it up and write the old-fashioned way with a pen and a yellow pad. When it’s possible, I surround myself with Jim Brickman piano music, soft lighting, and scented candles.

Things that hamper your writing:

Dirty laundry. When it’s piled too high, I can hear it calling to me.

Something you’re really good at:

I make potato soup that’s almost as good as my mother’s.

Something you’re really bad at:

Making beautiful music of any kind. I can’t carry a tune (which doesn’t stop me from singing, unfortunately). I don’t play any instruments. I can’t even whistle, although my grandson encourages me to “keep practicing, Grammy.”

Favorite music or song:

I have favorites for different occasions: music for singing, dancing, snoozing, and writing—not to mention cooking and holiday decorating. For listening at home, my favorites go back to the crooners when the melodies were beautifully orchestrated and the lyrics told a story: Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Perry Como, I can’t resist songs like “Catch a Falling Star and Put it in your Pocket” and “Unforgettable.” I also love 60s rock and roll, and classic country songs. They are perfect for road-trip singalongs.

Music that drives you crazy:

Hip Hop and Rap: I can’t figure out the lyrics. Words matter to me.

Things you’d walk a mile for:

My Old English sheepdog, Oliver, who loves his daily walk.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room:

Spiders. Mice. Abrasive TV commercials that play at every program break.

Things you always put in your books:

Intelligent small-town characters I would like to know.

Things you never put in your books:

Politics, profanity, or gore.

Things to say to an author:

I love your books and always post 5-star reviews.

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book:

Cozy mysteries must be so easy to write.

Favorite things to do:

Travel to faraway places like Egypt or Singapore.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing:

Going into a cave. I had a panic attack the last time I tried.

The nicest thing a reader said to you:

I couldn’t stop reading your book; I read it straight through.

The craziest thing a reader said to you:

It must be nice to be a famous author and make all that money in royalties.

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done:

When I was in college, I painted our large dorm window to look like a stained glass of The Three Wisemen for the holidays.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it:

I knitted a sweater for my husband before we married. The sleeves stretched and stretched until he had to push them up to his elbows to keep them from dragging to his knees. He married me anyway and we will celebrate our 56th Anniversary this year.

My favorite books as a child:

All the Nancy Drew Books, Little Women, and Gone with the Wind

A book I’ve read more than once:

Little Women

About Anna:

Anna St. John writes the Josie Posey Mystery Series, featuring a mature yet feisty former crime reporter as the amateur sleuth. CASHED OUT COLD is book four of the series. Others include Doomed by Blooms, 2023 (Winner, Kansas Notable Books, 2024), Clocked Out, 2024 (Finalist, Kansas Authors Club, Best Fiction, 2025), Dolled Up for Murder, 2025.

A former journalist, award-winning advertising copywriter and ad agency owner, Anna loves small towns and is married to her high school sweetheart. Their Old English Sheepdog, Oliver, inspired the character of “Moe” in the Josie Posey series.

In addition to her cozy mysteries, she is writing a narrative nonfiction book, They Gave All for Freedom: The powerful true story of one family’s quest for freedom, and the two countries they served. The book follows a Czechoslovakian family as they navigate life under the Nazis, Russian Communism, prisons, and displaced persons camps, before immigrating to the U.S. after WWII.

Anna is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and The Kansas Authors Club. She is represented by Cindy Bullard of Birch Literary Agency.

Let’s Be Social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozyauthor/

X/Twitter: https://x.com/AuthorStJohn

Website: www.anna-stjohn.com

About Cashed out Cold

It's finally spring in English Village, and local reporter Josie Posey reluctantly agrees to write about the snooty Cleeve Hill Garden Society’s annual Garden Tour. When the tight-lipped socialites give her a chilly reception, Josie is determined to unlock the secrets behind their garden walls. 

But before she can dig into the story, Josie takes on a cat-sitting job for her favorite bank teller, Maryann Penny, who has enlisted her help. Arriving at Maryann's to check on the cat, Josie is shocked to discover the young woman dead—lying peacefully on a suspicious bed of cash in the antique bathtub of her home.

Suddenly, Josie is a prime suspect in a puzzling murder with no weapon, no motive, and no cause of death. To clear her name, she and her Mahjong Maven buddies are on the trail of a killer again. With her Old English Sheepdog Moe and a fluffy cat named Johnny Depp in tow, Josie checks out a red-haired real estate agent, a handsome dentist, and a Peruvian professor in her search for suspects.

The police chief warns Josie to stay out of his case. The editor of The Village Gazette demands exclusive reports on the Garden Tour and Maryann's murder. And the meddling mavens are digging up dirt to figure out who's making a killing from counterfeit cash.

#WriterWednesday Author Interview with Mary P. Karnes

The wonderful Mary P. Karnes is my guest today for #WriterWednesday!

The last thing I ate, chocolate – I will never regret this choice.

The last thing I regret eating, bacon (I generally don’t eat processed meats.).

The last thing I ordered on-line, a new iPhone screen protector – a necessity!

The last thing I regret buying, another winter beanie – I have about ten!

Favorite places, my hometown, Ojai, California

Places I’d never want to go to again, Kansas – it’s a lovely place, but we only lived there a year and didn’t set down roots.

The coolest person I’ve ever met was James Taylor – I wanted to get his autograph for my husband, a huge fan. I couldn’t get near him. But I shouted out, “I gave birth to four children listening to your music.” (True story) His response? “Let that lady up here!” I got the autograph.

The celebrity that did live up to my expectations: Mohamad Ali (not a kind person to fans)

My favorite book as a child, Are You My Mother?

A book I’ve read more than once, Gone With the Wind

Hardest thing about being a writer. Writing when you are not motivated.

Easiest thing about being a writer: You can write anywhere.

Something I’m really good at: Motivating young women (I have four daughters and am a wedding planner)

Something you’re bad at: keeping track of my glasses

Something I’d walk a mile for – a good cup of coffee

Something that would make me run screaming from the room: a mouse

Things I always put in my books: wedding tips

Things I never put in my books, personal situations of my wedding clients

Favorite book genre: thrillers

Books I’d never buy: Sci-Fi

About Mary:

Mary Karnes, a college English major and former teacher, is the mother of four who raised her family through six corporate moves. She always dreamed of being an author and dabbled with writing throughout the years. Once the children were grown and out of the house, she started a wedding planning business, while simultaneously chasing her dream of being a traditionally published author. Her ‘Wedding Planner Mystery Series’ was born, with her business providing delicious subject matter for her books.

The first in the Wedding Planner Mystery Series, WEDDING BRIDE AND DOOM, debuted August 2023 and the second in the series, SAVE THE FATE, published October 2024. Book Three, UNVEILED SECRETS, published October 2025. The fourth book in the series will debut in the Fall of 2026.

Mary resides in New England and Southern California with her husband, Ken. She is hard at work writing book number five in the “Wedding Planner Mystery Series,” as well as working on something a little different, a stand-alone domestic thriller. Her door is a revolving one with her children and grandchildren visiting frequently.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: https://www.marykarnesauthor.com

 Instagram: @marykarnesauthor

Instagram: @marypkarnesweddings

 Facebook: Mary Karnes Author

Author J. M. Shaw is my guest for #WriterWednesday

I’d like to welcome J. M. Shaw to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Hardest thing about being a writer: The hardest thing, hands down, is editing.

Easiest thing about being a writer: The easiest thing is writing the rough draft. Letting your imagination run free is much easier than trying to wrangle it in during the refining process.

Things you need for your writing sessions: A hot coffee, a comfortable seat, a quiet space—preferably tidy—and my laptop.

Things that hamper your writing: A messy space, a runaway to-do list, random phone calls, or my kids’ constant demands for snacks are all things that stifle my creative process. Sometimes, I’ll have to concede and take a day off writing because the fight for a conducive writing environment is just too exhausting.

Words that describe you: If you ask my husband, he’d say creative, driven, and compassionate are words that best describe me.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: In contrast, my family has described me as loud, socially awkward, and, at times, obsessively creative. While I appreciate brutal honesty, their delivery leaves much to be desired. On the otherhand, there are worse things to be called, so I’m not that offended.

Last best thing you ate: I am a sucker for chocolate in any form, but my favourite has to be Coffee Crisp bars. This past weekend, I splurged, and it was as good as I remember.

Last thing you regret eating: Years ago, I went out for a quick bite with my mother. We stopped for Chinese food at a local mall. It left a bad aftertaste in my mouth and, less than an hour later, I came down with food poisoning. At least I didn’t have to suffer alone, since my mom and several other patrons of said restaurant were also violently ill.

The last thing you ordered online: I recently ordered a trilogy—a highly acclaimed fantasy adventure. Now it’s sitting on my bookshelf, urging me to read it.

The last thing you regret buying: I bought a sweater dress a few months back that looked so good on the digital model. When it arrived, it was not only the wrong size but also far shorter than I expected—barely reaching my hips. Needless to say, this item was quickly returned for a full refund.

Things you’d walk a mile for: I love walking, and I could easily manage a mile. If someone offered me a Coffee Crisp, I wouldn’t hesitate to don my shoes and hit the trails.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: I find the sound of nails on a chalkboard the most uncomfortable sound, and you’d have to tie me to a chair to keep me from bolting for the hills.

Things you always put in your books: I have an odd sense of humor—situational banter with a sprinkle of irony and, if the mood is right, a little bit of slapstick to curve the edges. I will often break up the tension by throwing in something awkwardly hilarious.

Things you never put in your books: While I’m not opposed to reading spicy romance, if there’s enough action and adventure to balance out the flavor, writing steaming romance is another thing. While I have no problem penning clean romantic arcs, I’m not comfortable writing graphic intimacy, at least not at this point in my career.

Favorite things to do: Where do I begin? Though the list is extensive, there are a few standout items: reading, writing, hiking, playing the piano, and spending a quiet morning sipping a still-hot coffee under my gazebo.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: I hate cooking. If I could pay someone to feed my family in my stead, I would gladly fork over that cash.

The funniest thing to happen to you: I was attending an author signing, sitting in front of a bookshelf while talking to someone about my latest novel. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a book begin to fall from the shelf. Without missing a beat or even breaking eye contact with the person across the table from me, I thrust out my arm and caught said book before it hit the ground. My conversation partner and I were understandably surprised.

The most embarrassing thing to happen to you: Years ago, I was out with my eldest son, who was a toddler at the time, and my screaming bladder demanded I find a washroom. I quickly found my way to a public toilet, only to find it bustling with several other nature callers. I took the next available stall and, being that I couldn’t leave my two-year-old alone, brought him into the narrow cubicle with me. He cooperated for most of my visit until the very end, when he flipped the latch and shoved the door wide open before I could stop him. Regrettably, that day, a room full of strangers got a clear view of me with my pants down.

My favorite book as a child: When I was ten years old, I came home from school to find a copy of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. I have no idea where it came from, and it was a little above my reading age, but I became engrossed in the story and instantly made it a favorite.

A book I’ve read more than once: Aside from having to read my own novel countless times—a necessity of editing—the only other book that I’ve voluntarily read more than once would be the Gray Man by Mark Greaney. Though it’s not a genre I often read, Greaney is a master of action, and his stories never fail to draw me in. Even so, subsequent passes are not nearly as enjoyable as the initial read-through because you already know what’s going to happen.

About J. M.:

J. M. Shaw is a Canadian author of fantasy fiction who lives in Alberta with her husband and two young children. She’s been writing since childhood, building worlds from raw imagination and quiet observation, but it took years before she found the courage to share them. For Shaw, storytelling has always been more than a hobby; it’s a passion.

In 2019, Shaw was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, a turning point that brought clarity to a lifetime of feeling “too much” or “too different.” Her intense focus, emotional depth, and ability to live inside fictional worlds became not flaws but the superpowers of a neurodivergent mind. These qualities shape her stories, infusing them with realism, heart, and meaning, and giving her the courage to finally share her creative works. Her worlds may be fantastical, but her characters—flawed, searching, and deeply human—resonate on a personal level.

When she’s not writing, Shaw enjoys connecting with nature, curling up with a good book, and dreaming up new worlds. She also finds joy in encouraging young writers to pursue their own passions.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: www.jmshawauthor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmshaw_author/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmshawauthor

Email: jmshawauthor1@gmail.com

#WriterWednesday Author Interview with Tara Hodgson

I’d like to welcome Tara Hodgson to the blog for #WriterWednesday.

Favorite thing to do when you have free time: Go for walks outside no matter the weather

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list: Putting the laundry away - I’m good at the washing and the drying, but HATE putting it all away!

Things you need when you’re in your writing cave: An assortment of beverages (coffee, water, sometimes a smoothie) and some background noise. This is usually Gilmore Girls on repeat. Not sure why it works, but I trust the process!

Things that distract you from writing: My phone and chores. The pile of laundry sometimes refuses to be ignored.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Finding the time to write in between my day job and other realities (aka. being a mom to two young kids, sleeping, cleaning) Easiest thing about being a writer: When the words flow and you create something from nothing. It’s a magical thing when that happens.

Favorite snacks: Pickles and sliced cheese

Things that make you want to gag: Blue cheese and olives

Something you’re really good at: Saying ‘no,’ setting boundaries, and protecting my peace. Something you’re really bad at: Leaving my house to socialize

Something you wanted to be when you were a kid: All I wanted to do was be a marine biologist. For some unknown reason, this was the career to aspire to in my rural community.

Something you do that you never dreamed you’d do: Public speaking because I was painfully shy growing up

Something you wish you could do: Play a musical instrument or sing well

Something you wish you’d never learned to do: Nothing!

Favorite places you’ve been: Costa Rica

Places you never want to go to again: Las Vegas

People you’d like to invite to dinner: Taylor Swift, Betty White, Stevie Nicks

People you’d cancel dinner on: Any current politician.

Favorite things to do: Have a cold beer on the boat in the middle of my favorite lake and jump in the water when it gets too hot

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Confrontation of any kind

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: Skydived on my 27th birthday

Something you chickened out from doing: I usually suck it up and do it anyways even if I’m dying inside while doing it

The most exciting thing about your writing life: I have the opportunity to highlight current, societal issues that are affecting teens by communicating them in a fictional manner. I love using my fiction as a means of sparking conversations and making people think

The one thing you wish you could do over in your writing life: I wish I had started writing seriously sooner. I have so much to say and feel like I missed out on so much time!

About Tara:

Tara Hodgson is the YA contemporary author of Chasing Through Time and At Least I’m Trying. As a long-time teacher, she is passionate about communicating the potential implications of a technology-centred world and spark necessary conversations about these impacts on teens, using her fiction to do so. She lives on an acreage in Sturgeon County, Alberta with her husband, two children, and a crew of cats and dogs. When she isn't teaching or writing, she is reading. She loves all genres of books, but especially YA Contemporary, Fantasy, and Dystopian (but she’ll read anything, really!) She spends her down time walking, camping, boating, and relaxing at home with her family and animals.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: http://www.tarahodgson.ca/

#WriterWednesday Author Interview with Nikki Knight

I’d like to welcome the multi-talented Nikki Knight to the blog for #WriterWednesday.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Rejection
Easiest thing about being a writer: Taking edits and notes – after a lifetime in a newsroom, I’m not hung up on my lovely words!

Things you need for your writing sessions: Five minutes and a flat surface for the laptop.

Things that hamper your writing: Lack of sleep – I work morning drive on the weekend, and I can’t get anything done on Mondays!

Words that describe you: Determined, creative, loyal, family-oriented. (Family of blood, work, and affection!)

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Easily distracted, hot-tempered, oversensitive.

Something you’re really good at: “The Dance,” anchoring breaking news.
Something you’re really bad at: Meeting people in person. I’m painfully shy. (I know it doesn’t make sense!)

Last best thing you ate: Chocolate cake on date night…I took the best bite and my husband didn’t mind!
Last thing you regret eating: Leftover canned soup. But I hate wasting food!

Favorite music or song: K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack (today!)

Music that drives you crazy: Pop stars trying to be country because it’s hot right now.

The last thing you ordered online: Fun press-on nails.

The last thing you regret buying: Blue eyeliner that looked cobalt and turned out to be turquoise. (Cobalt eyeliner and mascara is my signature thing.)

Things you always put in your books: Pets with personality –and a role in solving the case!
Things you never put in your books: Children in danger.

Things to say to an author: I love your work.
Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: Gee, it looks so easy!

The funniest thing to happen to you: Walking in Manhattan’s Battery Park with a friend, we turned a corner and there she was. And I said, in the hill country accent I’d spent the last ten years working to lose: “Oh mah Gawd, it’s the Statue a’ Liberty!” My buddy just walked away like he didn’t know me

The most embarrassing thing to happen to you: That time my dress fell off onstage during a college theatre production. I was a costume assistant, and I’d checked everyone’s outfits but my own. Good thing I was wearing dance underpinnings.

Some real-life story that made it to one of your books: We were at the Aquarium with our son, watching the beluga whale when there was suddenly a wave of liquid under it…and my son said, at full volume: “Look, Ma, the whale’s peeing!” It’s in the opening scene in MURDER ON THE SEA OTTER EXPRESS. 

Something in your story that readers think is about you, but it’s not: Unlike Grace, I don’t poison people…though I’ve thought about it occasionally!

My favorite book as a child: ANNE OF GREEN GABLES.

A book I’ve read more than once: STRONG POISON, Dorothy Sayers.

About Nikki:

Nikki Knight is the pen name of Kathleen Marple Kalb, an anchor/author/mom…not in that order. The Agatha-nominated author of short stories and more than a dozen novels, she’s also a longtime weekend anchor at New York’s 1010 WINS Radio. Her book series include the Grace the Hit Mom, Vermont radio – and under her own name, Ella Shane and Old Stuff Mysteries. Active in writers’ groups, she’s currently a Marketing and Communications Liaison on the National Board of Sisters in Crime, and a past VP of the Short Mystery Fiction Society and NY/Tri-State SinC. She and her family live in a Connecticut house owned by a large calico cat.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: https://kathleenmarplekalb.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Nikki-Knight-101660128672615

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenmarplekalb/

Threads: @kathleenmarplekalb

Bluesky: @mysterymarple.bsky.social