#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Kathryn Prater Bomey

I’d like to welcome my friend, the fabulous Kathryn Prater Bomey, to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday!

Things you need for your writing sessions: A caffeinated beverage and a fairly quiet space. Pro tip: If someone loud sits near you at a coffee shop, drown them out by playing a white noise app through your headphones!

Things that hamper your writing: Loud coffee shop patrons (see above) and social media.

Words that describe you: Organized. Dedicated. Determined.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Perfectionist.

Something you’re really good at: Music—I’ve played the flute since I was ten years old and still play in several ensembles.
Something you’re really bad at: Also music—I’m completely tone deaf when it comes to singing.

The last thing you ordered online: A cast iron skillet and a few other kitchen supplies after being inspired by a cooking class I received as a Christmas gift.

The last thing you regret buying: A set of placemats I purchased online that ended up being slightly the wrong color and clashing with my dishes. I miss brick-and-mortar stores where you could see and touch items before purchasing them.

Some real-life story that made it to one of your books: In “Running Interference,” a story that appeared in the 2024 anthology Three Strikes—You’re Dead!, a marching band member fainted on the field while standing in a pregame formation. That really happened to someone in my high school band, though not for the same reason it happened to the character in my story…

Something in your story that readers think is about you, but it’s not: In “House Arrest,” a story in the recently released anthology Crime in the Old Dominion, the protagonist is a new mother purchasing her first home. I don’t have any human children, but I am a doting dog mom to a rescue pup named Rio!

Rio

Things to say to an author: “I’d love to read it.” (Even if it’s not true.)
Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: “I didn’t read it.”

Favorite places you’ve been: Anywhere I’ve been able to do a guided tour—I love learning new things.

Places you never want to go to again: The gym. Haha, just kidding—after I go, I’m always glad I did!

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: I traveled to Europe last summer with a performing arts group to play my flute as part of an international concert tour. It was a truly life-changing experience!

Something you chickened out from doing: Introducing myself to someone famous or someone I’m in awe of. Many times.

Things you always put in your books: Strong women protagonists.
Things you never put in your books: Damsels in distress.

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done: Probably all the music I keep talking about!

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: Any kind of home decorating project. They always take me weeks (months?) longer than planned.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Finding time to write while juggling a demanding day job, frequent travel to visit out-of-state family, volunteer work, and other weekend and evening commitments (like my music rehearsals and performances).

Easiest thing about being a writer: Coming up with ideas. I have dozens of pages of story ideas just waiting to be written!

Crime in the Old Dominion Edited by Josh Pachter and KL Murphy

About Kathyrn:

Kathryn Prater Bomey has published short fiction in Black Cat Weekly, Shotgun Honey, Punk Noir Magazine, and the anthologies Three Strikes—You’re Dead! and Crime in the Old Dominion. Her work is forthcoming in Hooked on Urban Legends—and Murder and The Dame was a Dick. She has served as president and secretary of Sisters in Crime’s Chesapeake Chapter and is a member of SinC’s Central Virginia Chapter and the Short Mystery Fiction Society. As a manager of a strategic communications team at a global nonprofit and a former journalist, her nonfiction writing has appeared in magazines, blogs, and daily newspapers, including the Indianapolis Star, Grand Rapids Press, Lansing State Journal, and Saginaw News.

Let’s Be Social:

Follow Kathryn at https://facebook.com/KathrynPraterBomey, and sign up for her (very occasional) newsletter at https://bit.ly/KPBnewsletter.

#WriterWednesday Author Interview with Syrl Kazlo

I’d like to welcome Syrl Kazlo to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Hardest thing about being a writer: Finding the time to sit down and write. Easiest thing about being a writer: Daydreaming about the sticky situations I’m going to put my characters in.

Things you need for your writing sessions: A square of dark chocolate, a handful of walnuts and a dark chocolate and peanut granola bars. Now mind you this is all brain food right?

Things that hamper your writing: When life butts in like doctor appointments, paying the bills.

Words that describe you: Kind, caring, thoughtful, loyal

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Getting older, senior citizen, a tad overweight

Something you’re really good at: Handcrafts such as rug hooking, quilting, sewing.

Something you’re really bad at: Anything computer-related

Last best thing you ate: Chocolate crème pie

Last thing you regret eating: liver

Favorite music or song: oldies, 60’s

Music that drives you crazy: Not much does although I may not understand some of the newer stuff out there

The last thing you ordered online: a whistling coal car for my grandson’s model train set

The last thing you regret buying: Another pair of slacks. Like I need to add one more to the bazillion I already have. I’m kind of a shopaholic.

Things you always put in your books: A happy ending and of course the main characters that I include in each book especially Porkchop.

Things you never put in your books: Overt sex and violence Think Hallmark movie for my books

Things to say to an author: I liked your book. Love your characters. I’ve read all your books.

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: I could have written this

Favorite books (or genre): cozy mystery

Books you wouldn’t buy: thriller, horror

Some real-life story that made it to one of your books: A person killing another by throwing water on them then locking that wet person out in the cold (Hubby is a Pennsylvania State Trooper, so I often pick his brain about past cases he solved.)

Something in your story that readers think is about you, but it’s not: That I have long curly hair. Nope, mine is short and straight.

Your favorite movie as a child: Old Yeller

A TV show or movie that kept you awake at night as a kid (or as an adult): “The Twilight Zone” The episode where hands crawled across the floor.

About Syrl: Syrl, a retired teacher, lives in upstate New York with her husband a lively dachshund and a wannabe dachshund (That’s a long story.). She writes the Samantha Davies Mystery series, featuring Samantha Davies and her loveable dachshund, Porkchop. When not writing she is busy hooking, rug hooking that is, and enjoying her family. Her newest book, number seven in the series, A Pawsome Summer For Murder, will be released May 1, 2025.

Let’s Be Social:

website- http://www.sakazlo.com

Facebook: S.A.Kazlo

Instagram: @sakazlo

Twitter @sakazlo

Bluesky-@sakazlo.bsky.social

What Have You Been Reading Lately?

What’s been on your nightstand or Kindle lately? I’ve been wrapping up the first few drafts of the sixth Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mystery, so I’ve been in writer mode for the first part of this year. I have some really good mysteries that I’d like to share.

My year started off with Jenn McKinlay’s Fondant Fumble, the perfect book for pre-Super Bowl reading. I love her cupcake shop mysteries. She’s got a great quirky cast of characters.

I was also fortunate to read an early copy of Janna Rollins’s Goats Just Wanna Have Fun: A Zen Goat Mystery. This is such a fun series, and this one takes place at the county fair.

I read some true crime in Framed John Grisham and Jim McCloskey. It’s a good collection of essays about the wrongly convicted.

I read a short story collection, Paranoia Blues: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Paul Simon, edited by Josh Pachter. I enjoyed the collection with its variety of crime fiction stories.

I read Lisa Q. Matthews’s The Jig is Up in time for St. Patrick’s Day. What a fun series set in a town called Shamrock.

And Darci Hannah is a new to me author. I like her Beacon Bakeshop mysteries. She has a fun setting, including a haunted lighthouse, and a quirky cast of characters. I love her Newfoundland sidekick. I also enjoyed her Food and Spirits Mysteries. I enjoyed it, and I don’t usually read a lot of stories with paranormal elements. A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor was well done with lots of twists. It kept me guessing until the end.

I just finished Lee and Andrew Child’s In Too Deep. This was was action packed with lots of twists.

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Zaida Alfaro

I’d like to welcome Zaida Alfaro back to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday!

Favorite thing to do when you have free time:

I love relaxing in my living room with a glass of red wine, strumming my guitar, and learning new songs—especially on nights when I don’t have crank out 5,000 words!

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list:

Without a doubt, laundry.

Things you need when you’re in your writing cave:

A cozy chair, a cup of coffee or tea, my favorite playlist, a notebook to capture ideas, and my laptop to start putting it down on paper. Bonus: a scented candle to set the mood.

Things that distract you from writing:

Social media, random chores I suddenly remember, the temptation to play guitar, and tackling my TBR list.

Hardest thing about being a writer:

Staying disciplined and focused, especially when self-doubt or writer's block creeps in.

Easiest thing about being a writer:

Letting my imagination run wild and bringing my ideas to life—it’s so natural when inspiration strikes!

Something you’re really good at:

Connecting with people through music and storytelling—I love creating things that resonate.

Something you’re really bad at:

Keeping my plants alive. No matter how hard I try, I just can’t seem to get it right!

Something you wanted to be when you were a kid:

A famous singer performing on big stages around the world.

Something you do that you never dreamed you’d do:

Write an entire book series and share my stories with readers—it still feels surreal!

Something you wish you could do:

Play the piano effortlessly—I’ve always admired pianists and the emotion they bring to their music.

Something you wish you’d never learned to do:

Overthink things! It’s a skill I perfected way too well, and it’s not always helpful.

Things to say to an author:

• "Your book kept me up all night—I couldn’t put it down!"

• "I felt so connected to the characters; they felt real to me."

• "I can’t wait to see what you write next!"

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

• "Writing seems so easy. Anyone could do it, right?"

• "Why don’t you get a real job?"

• "I skimmed through your book—reading every word seemed unnecessary."

Most daring thing you’ve ever done:

Zipline

Something you chickened out from doing:

Skydiving

Best piece of advice you received from another writer:

"Write the story only you can tell—don’t worry about trends or trying to please everyone."

Something you would tell a younger you about your writing:

Trust your voice and don’t be afraid to take risks. The stories in your heart are worth telling, even if they scare you at first.

Recommendations for curing writer’s block:

• Step away and do something creative, like playing music.

• Take a walk or get outside to clear your mind.

• Try freewriting—just jot down anything, no matter how random, to get the words flowing.

• Revisit your favorite book or movie for inspiration.

Things you do to avoid writing:

• Organize my workspace (or re-organize it for the tenth time).

• Scroll through social media or watch random videos.

• Convince myself I need a snack or another cup of coffee.

• Start doing laundry (even though it’s usually at the bottom of my list!).

About Zaida:

The vibrant city of Miami, Florida, serves as the heartbeat of the Miami Music Mystery series—a city I deeply cherish, having been born and raised there. Like the series’ protagonist, Vy, I am a singer-songwriter and Grammy-considered independent artist, with a profound passion for music and literature. 

Years ago, I discovered cozy mysteries and was immediately captivated by their engaging, intriguing, and often humorous storylines. Inspired by these works, I decided to merge my love of music with my newfound passion for storytelling. This led to the creation of my debut novel, The Last Note: A Miami Music Mystery. 

Following its success, I continued Vy’s story In the Key of Dead: A Miami Music Mystery. Drawing from my own life experiences, I wove elements like phobias, dream sequences, and quirky personalities into the narrative—all grounded in truth. Through these novels, I aimed to share my love for Miami, its rich Cuban culture, my family, and the world of music. 

Now, with the release of The Hidden Track, the final book in the Miami Music Mystery series, I’ve brought Vy’s journey to a thrilling conclusion. This latest installment delves deeper into the city’s vibrant backdrop and Vy’s evolving story, tying together the mysteries, challenges, and triumphs that have defined her journey. 

I hope readers feel the same passion for Miami, music, and storytelling that I’ve poured into these novels. It’s been a joy to bring this series to life and share a piece of my world with you. 

Let’s Be Social:

Website: http://Zaidamusic.com

Instagram/Twitter: zaidamusic

Facebook: zaidaauthor and zaidamusic

#WriterWednesday with Jenna Greene

I’d like to welcome Jenna Greene back to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Favorite thing to do when you have free time: Read or sleep.

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list: Any household chore. Cooking, especially.

Things you need when you’re in your writing cave: A cup of tea, extra hot.

Things that distract you from writing: Any person capable of talking. I’m chatty.

Things you will run to the store for at midnight: The next book in a series, especially if it’s the final of a trilogy.

Things you never put on your shopping list: A cookbook.

Something you’re really good at: Public speaking.

Something you’re really bad at: Not talking. Not interrupting. Being quiet when I’m supposed to.

Something you wanted to be when you were a kid: A fairy princess.

Something you do that you never dreamed you’d do: Write about fairy princesses.

Things to say to an author: “You’re doing great!” “I read your book and loved it!”

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: “You’re a writer? I’ll bet that’s easy.” “I always thought about writing a book.”

Favorite places you’ve been: London, England.

Places you never want to go to again: Las Vegas. (10 trips is enough. Please tell my husband).

Favorite things to do: Dragonboat paddling/ drumming/ coaching.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Skiing. (People get up early to fall in snow, go too fast, be scared and cold???!)

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: I went rappelling once. (I was coerced).

Something you chickened out from doing: Ziplining. Anything with heights, really.

The funniest thing to happen to you: Any time I’ve been forced to pee behind a tree, pillar, etc.

The most embarrassing thing to happen to you: See above.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: “I think you’re a good writer.”

The craziest thing a reader said to you: “Can you kill me in your next book?”

About Jenna:

Jenna Greene is a YA/ Children’s author from Alberta, Canada. She is also an elementary school teacher. When she isn’t reading or writing, she enjoys dance and dragonboat racing. Jenna is known for her Reborn Marks series, her Imagine series, and her pictures books.

Where Do You Write?

I can write just about anywhere. I’m a plotter, so I do a pretty detailed outline of each mystery before I start the first draft. When I’m in first draft mode, I usually write at my desk. I have daily writing goals that help me stay on track. By having an outline, I can usually put down the manuscript and pick it back up without having to spend hours trying to get back to where I was. I also compose at the keyboard. It wasn’t productive to handwrite pages and then retype them.

I like to write at my desk. My monitor faces the woods, so I can watch the sunrise, squirrels, hawks, and other birds in the woods. I usually revise/edit/proofread on hard copies. I print out the chapters, and I can take them anywhere. My favorite spots are my sunroom and my deck on a warm day.

I need to have plenty of chocolate and caffeine when I’m in writing mode. And music. I always have some kind of music streaming in the background. It’s usually instrumental, jazz, or one of the calming stations when I’m writing. I like rock and the faster stuff when I’m editing. Music is fine when I’m writing. I just can’t have a TV on anywhere nearby. I also had to buy a pair of noise-cancelling headphones for the days the neighbor’s lawn service breaks out the leaf blowers.

What are your must-haves for your writing sessions? Do you have a specific habit or ritual to get you in writing mode?

#ThisorThatThursday Interview with Myron Edwards

I’d like to welcome Myron Edwards for #ThisorThatThursday!

Hardest thing about being a writer: Concentration is by far the most difficult thing because in life there are too many distractions, and the number one principle of writing is that you need to be focussed.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Enthusiasm, because once you have the idea in your head you are keen to get it down on paper. That should come naturally if the idea is good, and it shows in your enthusiastic approach to the subject.

Things you need for your writing sessions:

Every writer is different, some like music, I do not, some like background noise, like the TV on. I prefer silence, as I am concentrating on the job at hand and do not like distractions. Sometimes it is unavoidable but in general in my writing I lock myself away and write.

Things that hamper your writing:

Any distractions, noise, music as mentioned. To me writing is a solitary experience, it is also very personal and insular especially if you are crafting a story. The less interference in the process the better. Some people like the hullabaloo not me.

Words that describe you: Creative, imaginative, persistent, stubborn, for starters.

Words that describe you, but you wish they did not: Conceited, stubborn (Again) selfish,

Something you are good at: I suppose my skill set would be in creating ideas that can be turned into a viable product in one way or another.

Something you are bad at: Absolutely no doubt about this DIY totally useless.

Favorite music or song: Well, I played in a band as a drummer when I was younger so the music, I like is the music we used to play. The music is available on the bands Facebook page under Froffy Coffee/Equatol there is also the history of the band on there.

Music that drives you crazy: I cannot stand rap, or the hip hop stuff. Music with out lyrics to me is not music. But then I am old man.

Things you always put in your books: I always try to put a twist in the story, so that the reader is surprised.

Things you never put in your books: This depends on the story and the genre that it applies to. I do not have inhibitions about what I write, some subjects can be taboo, but that depends on what the story entails.

Favorite places you have been: I was in the travel business for thirty years; I have been a travel agent. tour operator, airline manager, conference, and incentive manager. I have travelled extensively, to Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, USA, Europe so picking one country is difficult, but I have an affinity for Hong Kong.

Places you never want to go to again: Turkey, India

Favorite books (or genre): I like the books by George Macdonald Fraser the whole Flashman series and the classics like Charles Dickens.

Books you would not buy: Mein Kampf.

The coolest person you have ever met: I have met a lot of people in my life from when I was a comedy writer for the BBC, it gave me the chance to work with people like Tracey Ullman, Marti Caine, John Llloyd MBE, Rowan Atkinson, Roy Hudd, the late Douglas Adams, David Jason and the Two Ronnies, and Valerie Singleton who was a client of mine.

The celebrity who did not look like he/she did in pictures/video: I have never thought about that because all of them I met or worked with looked like their pictures, no one stands out that did not, some were taller or shorter than I imagined but they all looked like they should.

The nicest thing a reader said to you:

Probably when you get a good review, and they say what a fantastic story and how much they liked the books. That is very satisfying.

The craziest thing a reader said to you: My books are based on legend and what is surprising is how many people do not know about it, so when they say, “I didn’t know that.” I wonder where they have been all their lives and what they were taught at school.

Besides writing, what is the most creative thing you have done: I have done many creative things in my life, apart from my comedy writing, I was a copywriter for JWT at the time the biggest ad agency in the world, I passed the copy test which no one had done in 3 years and was offered a job at the agency. I wrote my first TV commercial in 10 days. I also have been a creative director in Cyprus where I live and produced ads for TV Radio and posters. I have created games for internet and an arcade machine.

A project that did not turn out the way you planned it: I suppose I have had a few disappointments; the arcade machine prototype was made but due to licencing conditions never got produced, but I think the big disappointment was my first book being made into a film, which could have happened had it not been for the financial crisis.

Some real-life story that made it to one of your books: My whole premise of the first book Mistress of the Rock is based on my epiphany moment when I saw the image of the goddess in the sea. This was the catalyst for me to start writing the story and the legend of the goddess Aphrodite together with the other Greek myths that appear through the series.

Something in your story that readers think is about you, but it is not: My central character is Corporal Richard Cole a British soldier, people who have read the book think the character is based on me, as they see some traits of my personality in him. But it is not.

My favorite book as a child: I won a book in school as I came top of my class in the infant’s school, it got me on the road to reading and writing called a Little Magic for the Browns.

A TV show or movie that kept you awake at night as a kid (or as an adult): Only one and it is still difficult to watch even today, The Exorcist, I kept the curtains closed for months after watching it.

About Myron:

Myron was born in 1952 in Orsett, Essex, England, the youngest son of Welsh parents.

Upon leaving school, he went into the travel industry globetrotting as a tour operator and representing airlines for some 30 years. In 1976, Myron began freelance writing for the BBC, in Radio and Television. His credits include The Two Ronnies, Week Endings, The News Huddlines and A Kick up the 80’s.

In 1980, he joined JWT Advertising as a copywriter, writing his first TV commercial within 10 days.

Always artistic and inventive, he created Tubewalking in 1987, a new map concept, that made getting around London easier on foot and which still operates today.

He married Niki, whose family is Greek Cypriot, in 1990 and on a family trip to Cyprus and while visiting Aphrodite’s Rock for the first time the beginnings of his passion to write the story of Mistress of the Rock came to fruition.

Moving permanently to Cyprus in 2005, gave him the opportunity to write, as during this time he worked on campaigns for TV and Radio in an advertising agency in Limassol. The first manuscript of this book was completed in 2007 and released by a local publisher but it had a limited audience yet was well received by those who read it. In 2017 he teamed up with RockHill Publishing that is based in the US, to release a new version of Mistress of the Rock. He has now completed the sequel Scylla, The Revenge and the third part of the story Alpha and Omega completes the trilogy.

Myron has three adult children, two sons and a daughter.

Being an adept creator of short stories, Myron has recently started writing for 5-7 year olds in a very distinctive style.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: www.myronedwardsbooks.com

#WriterWednesday with Carol Light

I’d like to welcome Carol Light to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Hardest thing about being a writer: Figuring out what to do in the middle of a book when I realize my outline isn’t working or wasn’t as complete as I thought it was.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Believe it or not, writing the first scene. I’ll probably revise it fifty times or even replace it, but the words usually flow, and it feels joyful starting a new book.

Things you need for your writing sessions: I need a cup of tea (English Breakfast or Darjeeling) and a clear mind. That’s why mornings are my best writing time.

Things that hamper your writing: Low energy, as when I try to write some late afternoons. Also, frequent interruptions or loud noises nearby.

Words that describe you: Kind, honest, creative, positive, funny.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Stubborn, quiet (although I’m not as quiet as I used to be).

Last best thing you ate: A wonderful flan at a restaurant where my niece took me for my birthday.

Last thing you regret eating: Sour grapes (yes, really!). Why did I keep eating them??

Favorite music or song: I love Christmas music and anything by the Eagles.

Music that drives you crazy: Rap, Hip Hop, elevator music.

The last thing you ordered online: Can’t Go Home, a mystery by Melinda DiLorenzo.

The last thing you regret buying: A pair of pants that I never wear.

Things you’d walk a mile for: A meal with friends, a friend in need, a good cause.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: Snakes, obnoxious people (especially loud, drunk ones), fingernails on a chalkboard.

Things you always put in your books: Humor, a female protagonist (although I have male protagonists too), food.

Things you never put in your books: Sadism, violence toward children or animals, explicit sex.

Things to say to an author: “I LOVED your book!” “How are you able to be so creative?” (or brilliant is another good word to use).

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: “I’ve read better books than yours” (no doubt, but do you have to say it to my face?), or “I don’t ever read mysteries” (so why are you here??).

Favorite places you’ve been: Australia, especially Victoria; Italy.

Places you never want to go to again: Tijuana, Mexico. The poverty there so close to the U.S. border made me very sad.

Favorite books (or genre): Mysteries, of course, although I read widely in fiction and nonfiction.

Books you wouldn’t buy: I’m not into fantasy, horror, or true crime.

My favorite book as a child: I loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. Some of her childhood experiences were similar to my grandmother’s, including living in a sod house.

A book I’ve read more than once: The Success Principles by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer. It’s the book I pick up when I need a positive boost and inspiration to go after my goals.

About Carol:

Carol Light is an avid reader and writer of mysteries. Author of the Cluttered Crime mysteries, she loves creating amateur sleuths and complicating their normal lives with a crime that they must use their talents and wits to solve. She’s traveled worldwide and lived in Australia for eight years, teaching high school English and learning to speak “Strine.” Florida is now her home. If she’s not at the beach or writing, you can find her tackling quilting in much the same way that she figures out her mysteries—piece by piece, clue by clue.

Carol’s latest novel and the first in her new Southern Secrets mysteries is Deadly Inheritance. For an excerpt and buy links, click here: https://tulepublishing.com/books/deadly-inheritance/

Let’s Be Social:

website: www.carollightauthor.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084443127285

Instagram: www.instagram.com/wrtrcl/

Bluesky Social: @carollightauthor.bsky.social

BookBub www.bookbub.com/authors/carol-light

Goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/7356900.Carol_Light