Paula Benson from the
Writers Who Kill Blog tagged me in the BLOG HOP! Congratulations, Paula, on the publication of your first story, "Nectar of the Gods!" I couldn't be more excited for you.
Other authors who hopped over at Writers Who Kill are E.B. Davis, Warren Bull, Gloria Alden, and Alyx Morgan. When you get a chance, be sure to hop over there are see what they've been talking about.
Now on to my upcoming release, and the questions the Blog Hop poses each author...
1. What is the title of your story?
Oak and Dagger (Book #3 in the White House Gardener Mysteries)
2. Where did the idea come from for the story?
I've always love a great spy story. For me, they add a little extra spark to a whodunit. It's all about the cloak and dagger, danger, and working for a higher purpose (be is good or evil.) When I started working on the White House Gardener Mystery series, I knew right away that there would have to be a spy involved at some point in time. And that time is now...or is it? Is there a spy in the White House or is there something else going on. That's something Casey Calhoun will need to find out.
3. What genre does your story come under?
Quirky cozy mystery. Yep...they're out there!
4. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your story?
When the head gardener is accused of murder, Casey Calhoun, White House assistant gardener, promises to find out what really happened in the White House's Children's Garden, even if it means chasing after a phantom spy.
5. Is your story self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?
It will be published April 2013 by Berkley Prime Crime. But you can
pre-order your copy today!
6. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
First draft? Now this is a difficult question, because I write a bit and revise. Write some more and revise. I never actually have a messy first draft.
It took me about a year to get to "The End." And because I was writing and revising and pulling my hair out all along, I didn't have much cleaning up to do once I reached the end of the book.
7. What other stories would you compare this story to within your genre?
I always get nervous when comparing myself to other authors. Actually, I never feel worthy. But some of the authors who have inspired me and these books include Elizabeth Peters (Vicky Bliss Mysteries), Julie Hyzy (White House Chef Mysteries), and Lillian Jackson Braun (The Cat Who Mysteries). I love their writing styles and if you wish to compare me with any of these I'd be tickled pink!
8. Who or what inspired you to write this story?
My deadline. I'm an incredibly lazy writer and would sit and read novels all day if I didn't have a deadline licking fire under my seat.
9. What else about your story might pique the reader's interest?
Casey Calhoun, my gardening sleuth, is an organic gardener. She peppers organic gardening tips and fun projects throughout the story. But you don't have to garden or even enjoy gardening to have fun with this book.
Thank you, Paula, for inviting me to be part of your Blog Hop! Now, I'll have to think of someone to tag. Hmmm....any suggestions?
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