#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with J. P. McLean

I’d like to welcome author J. P. McLean to the blog this week for #ThisorThatThursday!

A few of your favorite things:

My husband, the smoky scent of a campfire, family photographs, red wine, and the sound of grown women giggling.

Things you need to throw out:

Insecurity, perfectionism, and what other people think of me.

Things you need for your writing sessions:

Not much: a coffee, a laptop, and at least one hour (I don’t write well in shorter spurts).

Things that hamper your writing:

Lyrics in music because they distract me. Nor can I write with a telephone ringing in the background, or people talking. When that happens, I get up and make another cup of coffee.

Things you love about writing:

Creating dialogue, especially when my characters are having an argument. I love that I have the time to come up with the perfect retort (which rarely happens in my real life).

Things you hate about writing:

Feeling like a dunce when the edits come in.

Things you never want to run out of:

Pepperidge Goldfish Crackers

Things you wish you’d never bought:

Pepperidge Goldfish Crackers

Favorite foods:

All the pasta.

Things that make you want to gag:

Liver, tongue, heart, kidney—pretty much all organ meat.

Something you’re really good at:

Organizing: closets, filing cabinets, bookshelves, photos, you name it.

Something you’re really bad at:

Cold calls to sell my books.

Something you wish you could do:

Speak another language.

Something you wish you’d never learned to do:

Housework.

Things to say to an author:

I loved your book; where can I post my review?

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

If I had nothing to do, I’d write a book, too.

Things that make you happy:

Puppies (such fond memories), Fridays (even though I haven’t had a day job for years), finding a twenty-dollar bill in a coat pocket from last season (yes!), and going out for dinner (something I’ve dearly missed during COVID).

Things that drive you crazy:

When you get stuck behind a car that is driving WAY under the speed limit. Or when you get all the way home only to find the store’s non-removable tag still attached to the new jeans you bought for tonight’s party.

Most embarrassing moment:

Almost scoring for the other team when playing grade-school basketball. The nets changed ends at halftime, and I was exhausted—forgot we’d changed ends. I made a break for it—I honestly thought all the shouting was me being cheered on. Sadly, they were yelling at me to stop. If I hadn’t been such a lousy shot, I would have made the basket and scored two points for our opponents.

Proudest moment:

When I overheard my mom and dad tell a stranger that their daughter was an author.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done:

Scuba diving

Something you chickened out from doing:

Skydiving

About J. P.:

JP (Jo-Anne) McLean writes urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers. She is best known for her Gift Legacy series, which reviewers call addictive, smart, and fun. Her work has won honourable mentions from the Whistler Independent Book Awards and the Victoria Writers’ Society. JP is a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business and makes her home on Denman Island, which is nestled between Vancouver Island and British Columbia on Canada’s west coast.

Let’s Be Social:

Website:         https://jpmcleanauthor.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jpmcleanauthor

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

Behind the Scenes - Renaissance Fairs

My sister and I went to our first Renaissance Fair in the nineties near Fredericksburg, Virginia. What fun. There were reenactments, jousting, crafts, demonstrations, and lots of singing. The venue had several vignettes that included a jousting ring, a Medieval ship on the pond, and a castle-like setting. I was amazed at the number of guests who arrived in costume. There were some theatre-worthy outfits.

Unfortunately, the fair we attended folded at that location. I’m hoping post-pandemic that the fairs and the fun will return. If you’ve never been, it’s an escape to another world with all kinds of characters and action-packed cosplay.

The RenList is a good source of information on schedules and events. This site also provides details on the themes and activities. The FaireFinder is also a wealth of information on Renaissance Faires, Pirate Festivals, Celtic Games, and Fantasy/Fairie Events.

I’m also fascinated by abandoned places. The Renaissance Fair near Fredericksburg, VA is listed on several of these type of sites. I love looking at the photos (especially of places I had visited). Renaissance Faires and the abandoned site made its way into one of my mysteries.

In THE TULIP SHIRT MURDERS, Delanie is investigating a lead on a stalker, and she meets a character who enjoys larping and Renaissance faires. Douglas Black, is very excited to share that he and his friends went on a quest to the abandoned site in Fredericksburg and pilfered artifacts and souvenirs.

Pop culture is always an underlying theme in my mysteries. Different activities, hobbies, and interests add flair to the characters. I also learn a lot during my research, and I end up adding things to my bucket list.

It's Time for Health Check of Your Writing Life

Audits, regular check ups, and routine maintenance always make me cringe. They’re not my favorite things to do, but they are necessary and important. And I challenge you to do an annual check up on your writing life. Are the things that you’re doing helping to move you forward with your goals?

Platforms

• Your website, newsletter, and social media platforms need routine care and feeding. When was the last time you posted or commented? Do you do things to actively grow your audience?

• Occasionally look at your follower lists. There are accounts that follow and drop you when you follow them back. It’s a good idea to purge nonfollowers from time to time.

• Make sure that all your links work on your sites. Test your contact me forms.

• Look at your author headshot. If it’s from ten years ago, you may be due for a new one.

• Look at the landing page of your website. Is it inviting and appealing? Can visitors easily navigate your site?

• Search for your name on a variety of search engines. See what comes up. If you’re not in the first page of results, you need to work on your internet presence.

Tools/Services

• Look at the tools and services that you pay for. Are they helping you market yourself and your books?

• Make sure that you use this services enough to get your money’s worth. Are there comparable free tools available?

• Check your accounts. Is “autorenew” set? If so, make sure that you still want the service before it’s time to reup. Chances are that you’re paying for things you don’t use.

Your Time

• Time is precious, and you need to guard it.

• It is okay to say no to things that you don’t want to volunteer for. It’s hard, but if you’re overloaded and overscheduled, you don’t have time to write.

• Look at where you spend your writing time. Is it balanced with your marketing efforts?

• Look at your numbers and what marketing efforts sell books. Scale back or jettison the ones that didn’t work for your book.

• Look for pockets of time in your day that you can redirect to your writing time. When we worked from home during the pandemic, I dedicated my normal two hours of commuting time to writing, and it paid off. I was very productive with my writing projects that year.

• Get organized. Stop spending precious time searching for things. Organize your desk, schedule, and computer files.

Take a few minutes to do a retrospective with your writing life. Look at what you’ve produced, marketing, goals, schedule, and expenses. Focus on a few things that will help you move closer to your goals.

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Michelle Prosser

I’d like to welcome author Michelle Prosser to the blog today!

A few of your favorite things: Expensive chocolate, Champaign, books, my Kindle, and my yoga mat

Things you need to throw out: Skunky wine, cheap chocolate, much of my freezer.

Things you need for your writing sessions: Solitude, quiet, nature and a calm mind

Things that hamper your writing: Interruptions, people talking to me, loud music, worry and anxiety.

Things you love about writing: Being in the flow

Things you hate about writing: Too much sitting

Things you never want to run out of: Comfortable shoes

Things you wish you’d never bought: Shoes that looked comfortable but are torture devices

Words that describe you: Deep thinker, bubbly, positive, and loving

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Bossy, anxious, caretaker, family matriarch (I’m TOO young but that is what everyone calls me)

Favorite foods: Lobster, shrimp, Brussel sprouts, filet mignon, tiramisu, brownies

Things that make you want to gag: Blue cheese, dill pickles

Favorite music or song: Bridge Over Troubled Waters (my Dad used to play it on the piano when I was going to sleep as a kid)

Music that drives you crazy: Heavy metal

Something you like to do: Climb Machu Picchu in Peru

Something you wish you’d never done: White water rafting on the Gauley River in Class 5 rapids. Boat hit a rock and broke a passenger’s leg. Was positive I would orphan my 3 little kids.

Things to say to an author: Beautiful turn of phrase, you took me there, your prose shimmered

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: You are a hack,

Favorite books (or genre): Magical Realism

Books you wouldn’t buy: Mean gossip and lies whether Hollywood or politics

People you’d like to invite to dinner (living): Oprah Winfrey

People you’d cancel dinner on: Tucker Carlson

Things that make you happy: Dancing, writing, hiking, yoga, hanging with my family

Things that drive you crazy: Being stuck with certain family members

Most embarrassing moment: Two of them: As a junior in high school my halter dress fell down at a Homecoming dance. As an adult being asked to be the executive coach for the man who was my date when my dress fell down. I knew at that point he was gay and was probably over it but I wasn’t!

Proudest moment: I was a speaker at the Virginia Festival of the Book and many of my coaching clients, friends and Festival participants came to support me. The room was overflowing with 200 people and my children and family sat in the front row.  The bookseller sold out of my books, and I spent an hour autographing books for both loved ones and strangers. People I barely knew came and videotaped it to put it online.  I was so touched!

The coolest person you’ve ever met: Rosa Parks

The celebrity who didn’t look like he/she did in pictures/video: Daryl Hannah

The nicest thing a reader said to you: You changed my life

The craziest thing a reader said to you: Your book is not based on Scripture

About Michelle:

Michelle Epiphany Prosser, is Director of Talent Development and Learning for the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA). Previously she served as Assistant Vice President/Learning Manager at Union Bank & Trust and as Director of Employee Development & Engagement for Lumos Networks.

Since 2001 she has been President of Energy Focus Coaching and Consulting either as a full-time or part-time consultant. In 2011 she established the Leadership program at Virginia Military Institute for staff and faculty which she continues to lead through the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics (CLE). She holds an M.A. in communication studies from the University of Virginia and is a trained executive coach. Prosser is working towards Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation at Marymount University.

Prosser is a published author of Team Medicine, Coaching Your Team to Success with Native American Wisdom by Maven House in 2019 which is the first team-building book to draw upon the wisdom of the Native American tradition for a philosophy and tools for strengthening teams. Team Medicine is for leaders who work in organizations that value collaborative teams. It focuses on how teams progress through the stages of the Medicine Wheel (similar to forming, storming, norming, and performing) and the key concepts of working together in a Sacred Circle. She is also the author of the coaching/spiritual book Excuse Me, Your God is Waiting, Love Your God, Create Your Life, Find Your True Self published by Hampton Roads Publishing Company in 2008. She is completing a book that uses Native American archetypes as models for leadership energy entitled Leadership Medicine.

 Before becoming a coach, Prosser worked for twenty years in government and politics, including leadership positions for three Virginia governors and a congressman.

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Behind the Scenes - Roller Derby

When I was little, I would watch roller derby on TV on Sunday mornings before church. Probably not the peaceful introspection my mom would have wanted, but I was fascinated with the game and the women athletes. I loved to roller skate in the seventies and eighties and thought it would have been so cool to try it. I’ve never been to an in-person jam, but it’s still on my bucket list after all these years. We have a local team, River City Roller Derby, and it’s definitely on my things-to-do-after-the-pandemic list.

In THE TULIP SHIRT MURDERS, sassy PI, Delanie Fitzgerald, tracks down a lead who is part of the roller derby scene. The skater agrees to answer Delanie’s questions if she’ll suit up and help the team out at practice when they are short a few members. And Delanie is braver than I am. After surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon, I may be relegated to the audience.

I had a lot of fun researching the sport. The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) site has a great overview (and anything you ever wanted to know about the rules). There’s a neat infographic and links to Roller Derby 101 videos.

I am fascinated with the jammers and the blockers. The jammers are the only ones who can score for their team, and they have the cool star on their helmets.

Check out the adventures of Delanie, Duncan, Margaret, and Chaz in The Tulip Shirt Murders.

What I Learned about the Writing Life from the Wizard of Oz

The 1939 MGM version of THE WIZARD OF OZ is my all-time favorite movie. It used to be a once-a-year treat when it aired on TV, but when technology changed, I bought the VHS tape and DVD for “on demand” viewing. I even took a two-week fun course on it as an undergrad. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen it, but it still find surprises each time I watch it. Here’s what I learned as an author from it.

You Had the Power All Along - You do. You have the grit and determination to fulfill your writing dreams. It’s there. You just need to harness it and figure out your plan. Make a plan and follow it. Don’t give up!

Use Your Assets - You have the tools to be a writer. You will need to put in the time and energy to hone them, but you have the brain, heart, and courage to do it.

Everyone Needs Friends - The writing journey is a long (often solitary one), you need friends, mentors, coaches, and cheerleaders. Find your crew and support each other.

People (or Scarecrows, Tinmen, and Cowardly Lions) Are Willing to Help - The Writing Community is full of authors at different stages who are gracious with their time and advice. Find your writing allies and cherish them.

Be Part of The Group - Make sure that you’re an active participant with the writing community. You don’t have to do everything, but you need to do something. Share ideas, experiences, and contacts. Provide feedback and guidance. Support other writers with comments, shares, and reviews.

Sometimes It’s Scary - The witch’s flying monkeys scared me so badly as a kid. (And when I was little, I found it hard to fathom that the lady in the Maxwell House coffee commercials was really the Wicked Witch. But that’s another story.) There are some rough patches and scary stuff along the writing journey. Rejections, bad critiques, and nasty reviews aren’t pleasant. Learn what you can from them and keep going.

Be Flexible - You are going to run into all kinds of roadblocks and dead ends. Figure out ways to move forward and to advance your goals. Use your gifts. Be creative and find your way out of the haunted forest.

And one pair of shoes can change your life.

#ThisorThatThursday Interview with Caramel Lucas

I’d like to welcome author, Caramel Lucas to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday!

A few of your favorite things: I like Green Tea, Clothes and Wigs

Things you need to throw out: All of my old shoes and clothes. I keep everything because I am afraid I will need it later.

Things you love about writing: Writing gives me the opportunity to become any character I choose to be.

Things you hate about writing: I hate when I have writers block. When I am writing I want to be able to focus on what I am writing.

Hardest thing about being a writer: The hardest thing for me is getting started to writing and what I am going to write about.

Easiest thing about being a writer: The easy for me is when I have started writing it becomes a easy flow.

Words that describe you: I am a person who always keeps it real. I am a person who is loyal and have a lot of respect for people until they crossed me with disrespect. I have a heart of gold and I would do anything for people who needs my help.

Favorite foods: Seafood - Crabs, Fish, Shrimp

Favorite music or song: R&B . I don't have a favorite song because I love music and I love meaningful  music.

Music that drives you crazy: Metal music drives me completely crazy because I never know what they are saying.

Things you always put in your books: I love putting romance in my books. I am a huge fan of love and romance.

Things to say to an author: Being an author you have to love writing and what it means to write. Writing becomes your life and you must have the passion for writing for the reading to have a passion for your writing.

The coolest person you’ve ever met: Oprah Winfrey

Caramel is a motivated entrepreneur and continues to reach for the stars. Caramel is a Podcaster  Host with her own show called Keepin It Real w/Caramel "As We Say 100" on Anchor.fm which has  a very wide digital platform. She interviews entrepreneurs who want to be heard and give her listeners inspirational and motivational messages as well as give the entrepreneurs a chance to let  the world know the impact they are making in the world.

In 2018, Caramel became a Published Poet with Eber & Wein Publishing and Poetry Nation. She  was published in the Upon Arrival Edition and Quarantine Edition. Caramel’s novel is  "In Love With The Other Man with Authorhouse.

She has been in  many music videos, magazines hardcopy/online and have won many modeling competitions. She  has directed many music videos & commercials. Caramel never stops in her acting career she has  been in many acting gigs such as an extra "News Reporter" on the movie "Recount" with John  Travolta on HBO Productions, Room 236, The Kupid Killer, The Gathering, Dead Con, Logistics, etc.  She has her IMDB credits for her acting. Meanwhile, she had a great opportunity to auditions for the  TV shows "She Got The Look," "Bad Girls Club" and “America's Got Talent” which they all were  great experiences. Caramel was in two National Commercials for Sports Authority and Dick  Sporting Goods.

In 2010 Caramel was Ms On Air Personality for Hot1079, myblockradio.net &myblocktv.net out of  Charlotte, NC (704djs). She had her own shows "Grown and Sexy" every Sunday and on Tuesday  and Thursday "Silk Music."

Let’s Be Social:

Instagram: @mscaramellucas

Twitter: Ms__Caramel

Facebook: Caramel Lucas 

Linkedin: Caramel Lucas 

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Behind the Scenes - The Big 80s

I am Generation X. We were first generation “Sesame Street” and “M-TV.” Television, movies, music, and the mall scene were part of formative years, and we grew up with ever-changing technology. So, it was a natural fit for pop culture to play a key role in my mysteries and characters’ lives.

In the first Delanie Fitzgerald mystery, Secret Lives and Private Eyes, the sassy Private Eye is hired by a tell-all author to look into the rumors that 80s rock star, Johnny Velvet of the Vibes, faked his death and was living incognito on a small farm in Amelia, Virginia. Delanie’s whisked back to the era of boom boxes, teen mags, mix tapes, and other pop culture memories from the decade of excess as she searches for what happened to the members of the Vibes. Could the handsome John Bailey really be the Johnny Velvet?

My mix tapes were full of Duran Duran, Culture Club, the Cure, Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, and A-ha. And my closet doors were covered in pictures of C. Thomas Howell, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio, Llmahl, and George Michael. I sported blue eye shadow, banana clips, braces, and shoulder pads. Delanie is a bit younger, but she experienced the Big 80s in elementary school.

Check out how it all began for Delanie and Duncan (and Margaret, the English bulldog) in Secret Lives and Private Eyes.