#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Maria Jane

Author Maria Jane is my guest today for #ThisorThatThursday!

Things you never want to run out of: Bread, cheese, chocolate, and Diet Coke

Things you wish you’d never bought: The votive candles I realized were $45 for a set of three after the fact.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Wondering whether a reader will like your characters and story.
Easiest thing about being a writer: You can work from anywhere.

A few of your favorite things: My favorite things are my cozy sweatshirts, dog, and treadmill.

Things you need to throw out: I need to throw out my old sentimental holey t-shirts that sit in the bottom of my drawer.

Words that describe you: I think I’m patient, kind, and thoughtful.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Anxious and insecure.

The last thing you ordered online: A Bram Stoker’s Guest themed leather bag, because duh, it was on sale and I got a free Romeo & Juliet bag as a bonus.

The last thing you regret buying: Did I mention the set of three votive candles that were $45?

Things you always put in your books: I always include a love story and happily-ever-after.
Things you never put in your books: Anything graphic, whether violence or romantic situations.

Things to say to an author: I loved character or scene x because…
Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: Will you put me in your book?

Favorite books (or genre): A Million Junes by Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez’s romances, Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer
Books you wouldn’t buy: I’m not a fan of political thrillers.

Favorite things to do: Read, run, hangout with family and friends.
Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Anything involving being cold or on the side of a cliff.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: I stayed an extra day at this con to make sure and see you. (Made my year.)

The craziest thing a reader said to you: You look like your character. (Who, BTW is a fairy with wings, red hair, and gemstones on her forehead.)

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done: I love creating graphics and video trailers for my novels.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: I wanted to dry a bouquet of pink sunflowers someone gave me for my birthday but all the petals fell off.

Some real-life story that made it to one of your books: I moved to Denver and that’s the setting for my upcoming release, Perfect Secrets.

Something in your story that readers think is about you, but it’s not: A lot of readers see me in Chloe from Perfect and Perfect Always. And in many ways we’re alike in being driven academically, but she’s also braver than I am. Interesting that I say that about almost every character I write. I think my characters are braver than I think I am.

About Maria:

Maria Jane is the award-winning author of Perfect Office Pact and other titles in the Perfect romance series including Perfect, Perfect Always, re-releasing in 2026, As Close to Perfect, and the upcoming Perfect Secrets, due out June 2025. A Georgia native and avid runner, Maria now lives with her family in sunny Colorado. She believes in the magical and transformative power of love and aims to imbue all her stories with a smidge of inspiration along with fun, flirty, and happily-ever-afters.

Let’s Be Social:

https://www.mariajaneromance.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TriciaCopelandAuthor/

https://www.instagram.com/authortriciacopeland/

https://x.com/TriciaC_Author

https://www.tiktok.com/@triciacopelandauthor

https://www.pinterest.com/triciacopelanda/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBHpvjj9L3od2SLTS4zJTjA

https://amazon.com/author/mariajaneromancebooks

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maria-jane

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22375622.Maria_Jane

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/oUJIZ4N/mariajaneromance

#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

Ways to Build Your Author Network

Writing is often a lonely endeavor. You need a network of writer friends to celebrate the amazing times and help you when things aren’t so great. Here are some ideas of ways that you can build or add to your network of writers.

• Follow other writers (especially ones in your genre) online. Sign up for their newsletter.

• Look at the other authors who share your agent.

• Look at the other authors who you share your publisher.

• Meet other authors who live near you.

• Join a writing group. This was the best thing that I did for my writing career. They offered book events, all kinds of training, and camaraderie.

• When you meet an author, follow them on social media. Make sure to add them to your contacts.

Here are some things your network can help you with

• Partner together for in-person and online events.

• Find writing opportunities like anthologies and upcoming events.

• Share each other’s social media announcements.

• Promote each other's events and help them celebrate.

• Partner for newsletter swaps, guest blogs, or other promotional ideas.

• Build up a group who could help you with blurbs.

• Find advice and recommendations on writing, publishing, and agents.

#ThisorThatThusday Author Interview with Laraine Stephens

The wonderful Laraine Stephens is my guest for #ThisorThatThursday!

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

A notebook, a laptop, an ergonomic chair, a desk, an online thesaurus, a chronology of the chapters that I’ve written, and my brain in gear.

Things that distract you from writing:

Opening a bottle of champagne, pouring a glass of champagne, thinking about which bottle of champagne I’ll open tomorrow.

Hardest thing about being a writer:

Spam. I get heaps of Spam emails from supposed book club organisers with 50,000 readers (I kid you not), web designers, fellow authors who want to engage in ‘conversation’ (why would I waste my time?), techno geeks who can ensure that my books get maximum exposure on Amazon, and financiers who will arrange loans so that I can promote my series. So many kind people ready to help me – for a price. I just wish they would get my name right and go away! Press Delete.

Easiest thing about being a writer:

Typing ‘“The End.” There’s a real satisfaction when you’ve reviewed your last draft of the Great Australian Crime Novel and you type those words.

The coolest thing you’ve bought online:

A Johnny Was kimono, harking back to my Hippie days when kaftans, a Mia Farrow haircut, Jimi Hendrix playing ‘Hey Joe” and university sit-ins were du jour.

The thing you wished you’d never bought:

A pair of electric blue bellbottom pants.

Something you’re really good at:
Putting things in alphabetical order (as a former teacher-librarian). This is a talent that isn’t called on much, but I’m available if you need me.

Something you’re really bad at:
My sense of direction. For example, getting stuck on the Birmingham (U.K.) Ring Road back in 1979. It took four circuits before we found the way out. The GPS has changed my life (and saved time).  

Something you wanted to be when you were a kid:

An artist. Unfortunately, my artistic ability never developed, although I can draw a mean Fred Flintstone!

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

Be a published author. I loved writing at school but, later on, my career, kids and commitments got in the way. It was only when I retired that I took the opportunity to write a novel. A seven-book contract was my reward for waiting.

Something you wish you could do:

Sing. I can clear an auditorium in 30 seconds flat, but when it comes to the Melbourne Football Club theme song, I’m perfectly in tune. It must be something to do with my love of Australian Rules football. Go Dees.

Something you wish you’d never learned to do:

Housework. I’m bordering on obsessive compulsive so I can’t handle dirt and mess. Fortunately, I now have a cleaner.  

Things to say to an author:

I love your books. I intend to give them as Christmas presents this year. When’s the next one coming out?  

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

I’d make a great dead body. Would $3000 seal the deal?

Most daring thing you’ve ever done:

Going on stage at the Moulin Rouge and pretending to be a ventriloquist’s dummy. It wasn’t a stretch! By the way, I have a Gerry Gee Junior ventriloquist doll that I received for Christmas when I was ten. How’s that for a coincidence?

Something you chickened out from doing:

Going up in a hot air balloon. However, we’re heading to Turkey in 2027, and I’m determined to do it in Cappadocia (as long as they supply a parachute).  

Best piece of advice you received from another writer:

Don’t dwell on negative reviews or regard three stars as being unduly harsh. Fortunately, most reviews have been complimentary.

Something you would tell a younger you about your writing:

Start earlier. And persevere if it’s something you’re passionate about.

Recommendations for curing writer’s block:
Go for a walk and mull over an aspect of the plot that’s bothering you. It’s amazing how freeing your mind can present solutions, show inconsistencies or problems, or give you a new aspect or character that you can develop. It works for me!

Things you do to avoid writing:

Drink champagne.

About Laraine:

Laraine Stephens lives in Beaumaris, a bayside suburb of Melbourne, Australia. With an Arts degree from the University of Melbourne, a Diploma of Education and a Graduate Diploma in Librarianship, she worked in secondary schools as a Head of Library. On retirement, Laraine turned her hand to the craft of crime writing. She is the author of ‘The Reggie da Costa Mysteries’, set in Melbourne between 1918 and 1928. Two of her novels, ‘A Deadly Game’ and ‘Lies and Deception’, were awarded Judges’ Top Picks in the ‘Best Historical’ category at Killer Nashville Writers’ Conference in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Laraine has a seven-book contract with Level Best Books.

Let’s Be Social:

WEBSITE: https://larainestephens.com/

 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/crimewriter3/

#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?

What You Can Learn from Setbacks

The writing journey is really a rollercoaster ride with a lot of highs and lows. Everyone experiences the great and the not-so-great moments. No one likes the latter, but there are things you can learn from them.

• When something disappointing happens, see what advice you can glean from it. Can you make improvements in something you’re doing?

• Allow yourself time to process bad news and to grieve. Sometimes, the news is devastating.

• Don’t reply or respond when you are upset or angry. Take some time to process and craft your response.

• Rejection Slips - If you’re fortunate enough that the agent or publisher provides you with feedback about the reason your work was not accepted, read it when you’re not emotionally charged. See if you can incorporate the advice to improve for next time.

• Bad Reviews - Everyone gets them. You can have hundreds of good reviews, and that one bad one often sends writers into a tailspin. Reviews are nice, but they are mainly for other readers. If you read them, see if there is a nugget of wisdom in the response. If not, ignore it and move on. You will not be everyone’s cup of tea, and you don’t like every book you read. Don’t reply or argue with the reviewer.

• Critique Group Feedback - You will get lots of feedback from your critique groups or partners. Read it when you are not emotional. Change what is wrong or what needs to be improved. But you don’t have to make every change that is mentioned. Make sure you’re not losing your voice in the rewrites.

What have you learned from a setback?

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Alan Warren

I’d like to welcome Alan Warren to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday.

Hardest thing about being a writer: The hardest thing for me about being a writer is probably gaining the confidence while doing a story. Feeling sure about what I am writing people will like.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Researching and learning from history. For example if I am writing about something that happened in the 1960’s, in order to put myself into the frame of mind to help capture the sixties, I’ll do nothing but watch old live television shows from then. Including news, games shows or live entertainment.

Things you need for your writing sessions: Atmosphere has to be right for me. What’s going on around me,

Things that hamper your writing: Too many unexpected distractions. I quite often take a break from writing after a couple of hours, and then let’s say I will walk my dogs, then go back to writing for a couple of hours. But when something happens that I didn’t expect, like aphone call, which I have to go out and do something I hadnt planned, that wrecks writing fo rme fo rthe day.

Last best thing you ate: Raisin Brioche

Last thing you regret eating: Choclate Brioche

Favorite music or song:My favourite music has always been something with energy to it. Dance , or Rock both work for me, so it could be Madonna or Led Zeppelin.

Music that drives you crazy: Music that sound like a commercial on TV or something you would hear at a chorus show in Vegas.

The last thing you ordered online: Ink Toner cartridges for my printer. They were a knock off brand and only a quarter of the price of the name brand ink.

The last thing you regret buying: The name brand printer ink toner!

Things you always put in your books: Humor

Things you never put in your books: opinions, I let the readers have those

Favorite places you’ve been: France both Paris and Nice.

Places you never want to go to again: There really isnt anywhere I would NEVER want to go again, probably places that are really hot like Arizona. I didn’t care for it being that hot.

Favorite books (or genre): History of any kind. Even fiction books like Dracula.

Books you wouldn’t buy: Romance

Favorite things to do: Walk my dogs

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

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done: I have had a radio show interviewing authors, producers, and film makers for over 15 years now.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: A book called Last Man Standing which was a true story about a man who had been released from prison after being convicted and sentenced to a murder that he didn’t commit. It ended up being a learning lesson for trying to sort out the many stories that you hear from people who were involved with the family and crime. There are so many rumors abound that can be impossible to figure out. At the end of the book after the release I soon learned that you can’t please everyone, so don’t try. Just tell the story.

The first 8-track, record, cassette, or CD you ever bought: Beatles 1962-66 Double Album

A type of music that’s not your cup of tea: Big Band

Your favorite movie as a child: The British detective show called The Avengers.

A TV show or movie that kept you awake at night as a kid (or as an adult): nothing kept me awake, I watched plenty of horror and sci-fi, all was good!

About Alan:

Alan R. Warren is a Canadian bestselling true crime author, producer, and lead host of the internationally syndicated radio show and podcast House of Mystery. The show airs across North America on multiple stations, including Los Angeles, Riverside, Palm Springs, Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma, and Phoenix, reaching a wide audience of mystery and true crime listeners.

A respected authority in true crime nonfiction, Warren has authored 38 books covering serial killers, cults, human trafficking, history, and memoir. His work is published by major true crime publishers including RJ Parker/Vronksy Publishing (Canada) and WildBlue Press (USA). He has been a contributor to True Case Files Magazine since 2013 and continues to write for Serial Killer Magazine.

Warren’s bestselling titles have been featured on major television networks, including CNN, Oxygen, Reelz, Vice TV, and Sundance Channel documentaries. Notable works include Beyond Suspicion: The True Story of Colonel Russell Williams, The Killing Game: Serial Killer Rodney Alcala, and Doomsday Cults: The Devil’s Hostages. In 2024, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Writing from Reader’s House in London, UK.

Alan R. Warren is frequently sought out by media outlets for expert commentary on true crime cases, serial killers, cult behavior, and criminal psychology.

Let’s Be Social:

Website: https://www.alanrwarren.com/

#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.