Jeff Bailey's Blog, page 14

 

The Promise was Nora Wolfenbarger’s debut crime thriller. I don’t usually hold out a lot of hope on debut novels. Lately I’ve read several really excellent debuts. The Promise was one of them. I like a crime thriller to have multiple story threads, the more the better. The Promise has just the right blend of story threads and they collide to morph the story in a very pleasing sequence. An altogether enjoyable read. So, when grandpa solicits a promise to give his old warehouse a heart, it gets the soul of all souls. I would be disappointed if we didn’t hear from the blackbirds again?? For me, five starts for both Nora Wolfenbarger and for The Promise. One great debut novel. A couple of more books and the 'Blackbird' Mysteries would make a great Hallmark Channel movie series.

For more on Nora Wolfenbarger, follow her on GoodReads, FaceBook  or her LinkedIn Blog. 

For more on Jeff Bailey, go to his home page or follow him on GoodReads or his LinkedIn Blog.

 

Today I'm introducing supernatural author T.C. Schueler

Schueler's debut novel, 22 Dutch Rd. was as excellent as a debut novel gets. T. C. lives with his family in Cary, NC, just outside Raleigh. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in civil engineering and has spent his professional life pursuing solutions to ecological problems, such as wetland loss.  He is originally from the Chesapeake Bay area, having been raised just outside Washington, DC and is an avid reader, particularly of supernatural and paranormal books. Of course, he likes dogs and donuts.



          Tim, 

Q: What prompted you to start writing?

I’ve always liked to read but in the back of my mind I’ve wondered if I had the potential to write. One day I was reading a particularly bad book I’d ordered from Amazon and I thought: I can write better than this person! So at 50, I started my first novel.

Q: Describe the genre of your books.

I’ve only published one book [22Dutch Rd.] . It’s a mixture of sci-fi fantasy and horror but I think it’s safe to say my genre is dark fiction.

Q: Most readers have an all-time favorite book and author. What are your all-time favorite book and author?

There are so many books, I can’t think of just one. I can narrow it down to two authors, however: Stephen King and Graham Greene.

Q: What publishing awards and honors have you received that you’re most proud of?

[22 Dutch Rd. won the Gold medal in the Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards for horror in 2020/2021. Quite an achievement for a debut novel]

Q: What words of wisdom do you have for our readers?

Writing is the hardest thing I have ever voluntarily done. Writing is work. If, like me, you have a day job and a family, communicate with your family to set aside an hour, even a half hour, to write each day. Tell them it’s important to you. Some days and some material will be better than others, but the paragraphs will add up, showing you progress.

Q: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you handle it?

I suffer from first drafts that are so bad I’ll actually type “This is dreadful.” Sometimes I’ll insert something like: “Insert something clever here later,” then I keep going. Often later in the day or the next week something clever occurs to me (well, I think it’s clever, anyway).

Q: Every writer I know is also, an avid reader. I know I am. What new author have you discovered lately that you’re reading? Tell us about him or her.

I’ve been reviewing some new books for a website called Reader Views and came across a novel that I liked called “Weeper,” by Greg Morgan. Well written, interesting premise.

Q: If readers can read only one book this month, why should it be yours? 

If you like your fiction a little dark and humorous, escape into a book filled with mentally twisted scares: “22 Dutch Road.” It will fit the bill.

Q: What are you working on for your next release?

I am working on a new novel, not related to my first book.  The one-liner slogan currently is” “Twelve men, one curse—The Evil Men’s Book Club.” I actually participated in a book club for men who were barely nominally “evil” and really were just looking for an excuse to meet in a bar and drink beer. In “The Evil Men’s Book Club,” there’s some real world evil. It’s not nominal.

For more on T.C. Schueler, check out his home page or follow him on GoodReads.

For more on Jeff Bailey, check out his web page or follow him on GoodReads or his LinkedIn Blog.

Today's book selection:

The Peculiars, by Maureen Doyle McQuerry was engrossing. When I finished the read, I wanted the story to continue. An outcast girl on a quest through strange land. Ever something unexpected. I came to know the characters very well. I want to know where they go next. A superb read with great imagery.

 

Trechery , by R. T. Lund was an excellent and pleasingly complex crime thriller. In the story, the wife of a federal judge is found nude and dead in the rocks under a bridge in a state park. Enter a law suit against the Catholic Church (she was a lawyer) and a heap of mail and banking fraud and you have the elements of my kind of thriller. I found the story to be super well crafted with an intriguing attention to detail. The reveals in the story were expertly coordinated to keep the story morphing and growing. Well done. The conclusion is hot and active. Then comes the Perry Mason style wrap-up. It all seems to make sense. I was a fan of Perry Mason. But… what did we forget? Lund got me good. My rating, five stars for both R.T. Lund and for Treachery . You’re going to love it and we’re going to hear more good things about R.T. Lund. Jeff Bailey, author of the thriller Not On My Watch.

For more information on R.T. Lund, follow him on GoodReads and on Amazon.

For more information on Jeff Bailey, go to his Home Page, or follow him on GoodReads and his LinkedIn Blog.

Welcome to my world

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        Today I'm introducing author Larry Rodness:

Larry Rodness - began his professional career as a singer at the age of 19 working with various bands around Toronto. After studying musical theatre Larry worked in summer stock where his love of writing began. From that point on he wrote for dinner theatre, trade shows, and even ice skating shows. To date he has written over 10 screenplays and has had 3 optioned. As Larry says, 'A writer makes sense of his or her world through story-telling. The process can be the result of a slow, contemplative self examination or come screaming straight out of last night’s fever dream.'

Q: What prompted you to start writing?

A: I started my career as a singer but felt I needed to express myself by writing as well as interpreting other people’s songs. Over the years my writing spanned the genres of popular music/lyrics, to musical theatre, to plays, to script writing.

 

Q: Describe the genre of your books.

 A: The first was autobiographical. The rest have been paranormal.

 

Q: Most readers have an all-time favorite book and author. What are your all-time favorite book and author?

A: John Irving – The World According To Garp – because I was a varsity wrestler too.

 

Q: What words of wisdom do you have for our readers?

A: Accept criticism to help strengthen your work.

 

Q: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you handle it?

A: Only once when I was writing Perverse. I stopped mid way through, unsure of where to take the story. Six months later it came to me.

 

Q: Every writer I know is also, an avid reader. I know I am. What new author have you discovered lately that you’re reading? Tell us about him or her.

A:  Because of my business I travel every week which allows me to listen to audio books. I listen to whatever comes out with no thought or clue as to what the story is about until I listen to it. Sometimes not having a preconceived notion turns into a nice surprise.

 

Q: If readers can read only one book this month, why should it be yours? 

A: The Judas Robe allowed me to put some existential ideas I’d had for years into what I hope is a well written, entertaining mystery-thriller.

 

Q: What are you working on for your next release?

A: “Crystal Vision” will be coming out this year – a YA novel about a 14 year old boy who believes a beautiful woman in her twenties is being pursued by a demon – and his family’s part in it.

For more on Larry Rodness,  check out his web page, or follow him on Amazon or FaceBook. 

 

For more on Jeff Bailey, check out his web page or follow him on GoodReads or his LinkedIn Blog.

Today's book selection:

Stephen Coonts did a superb job telling a compelling thriller with Jake Grafton and Tommy Carmellini on center stage. You could not mistake that this book was using some of today's news as a plot line for this book. I like writers that take story lines out of reality and then tell a fictional story of what really happened. I do the same thing. The Armageddon File had one of the best and most surprising endings for a thriller that I’ve encountered in a long time. Stephen Coonts continues to be one of my favorite authors and The Armageddon File was definitely five stars.

Contact: [email protected]

 

She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome, by Mark Tedesco touched the wonderer in me in a big way. One of the things that I liked most about James Mitchener was his attention to backstory, the people, and locations. He always told more than the story he was narrating. Tedesco does the same, only it was his story that was being told. Having Mark go into depth about the history of the people, the art, and the splendid architecture of Rome made his story about his living in Rome for eight years all the more real. His was an emotional journey and he related it with style. I would have gladly read another few hundred pages if I had the chance. This combined story, travel log, adventure was right up my alley. I will read more of his books. I’ve already bought The Dog On The Acropolis and will start it as soon as I have a few minutes. I highly recommend that you let Mark Tedesco take you an emotion filled and truly touching trip through the backstories of Rome with She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome. I predict that you won’t regret it. The opinion of Jeff Bailey, author of Not On My Watch.

For more information on Mark Tedesco, , check his website or follow Mark on GoodReads or on AllAuthor.follow him on GoodReads.

For more information on Jeff Bailey, go to his Home Page, or follow him on GoodReads and his LinkedIn Blog.

Contact: [email protected]

Welcome to my world.

              Today I'm profiling author Dan McDowell.

Dan McDowell was born in Dallas, Texas. He has a BA in Social Work from Howard Payne University and a MS in Business Management and Leadership from Tarleton State University. He and his family currently reside near San Antonio, Texas. Dan enjoys 80s and 90s nostalgia (especially movies and music), plucking the guitar, and writing stories. He released his debut novel, Level Zero , in 2021.

Good Morning Dan,

Q: What prompted you to start writing?

A: I was stressed out to the max and found writing to be an incredible release for me when I discovered it. It didn’t hurt that it was fun.

 

Q: Describe the genre of your books.

 A: I would say they teeter between mystery, psychological thriller, and horror, but now and then, I’ll change it up. It’s largely dictated by mood.

 

Q: Most readers have an all-time favorite book and author. What’s your all-time favorite book and author?

A: The Bible, God. Second to that, I’m definitely a fan of Dean Koontz. I haven’t read his entire catalog but I enjoy most of his work. Velocity, Hideaway, and Tick-Tock are among my favorites.

 

Q: What words of wisdom do you have for our readers?

A: Imagination can take us to incredible places. What’s holding you back from sharing yours with us? You might find your quite the storyteller yourself.

 

Q: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you handle it?

A: Write my way out of it. If I’m really stuck I will write a short story or do another project to ease my mind, that always cleans the slate and gives me a breath of fresh air to get back to it.

 

Q: Every writer I know is also, an avid reader. I know I am. What new author have you discovered lately that you’re reading? Tell us about him or her.

A: I really enjoyed the book, Furious: Sailing Into Terror, by Jeffrey James Higgins. 

This is his first effort and a very impressive debut. It had me hooked from the first page. He combines harrowing description with relatable characters and situations. Furious would make a great movie!

 

Q: If readers can read only one book this month, why should it be yours? 

A: If they want a dark, unconventional, and unpredictable take on horror/thriller fiction, they’re sure to be in for a surprise. I strive to do it differently. Love it or hate it, that’s my approach at this point.

 

Q: What are you working on for your next release?

 

A: I’m in the final editing phase for the spiritual successor to my current novel, Level Zero. Oak Hollow will release just in time for Halloween on October 28th.

For more on Dan McDowell, check out his web page, or follow him on GoodReads or FaceBook. 

 

For more on Jeff Bailey, check out his web page or follow him on GoodReads or his LinkedIn Blog.

Today's book selection:

Warning Light is an espionage thriller. I now have a new favorite author for my list. Warning Light is a fast paced, cold war, action story about a failed ‘excursion’ in Iran and Zac Miller’s journey back. From page one, nothing was as it seemed. I was so engrossed in the story that I carried the book so I could read a page or two at a time whenever my scheduled opened near a chair. I especially enjoyed the rich descriptions. I wondered during many passages if the author had been to these locals and how much of this story might be true. The intrigue didn’t stop until the last page, ‘This is your new life…’

Contact: [email protected]

Today I'm introducing Americana writer Mark Tedesco.

 

Mark Tedesco is a writer and educator residing in California. Having lived in Italy for eight years, he enjoys weaving stories connecting the present to the past and exploring how deep human longings are expressed in relationships, events, culture and history.

Mark has written in the genres of travel, historical fiction, memoir, self-help and childrens’ fiction. His titles include: That Undeniable Longing, I Am John I Am Paul, Lessons and Beliefs, The Dog on the Acropolis and Loving Hoping Believing. Mark’s Dixi Books title, She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome, brings to life Mark’s love for the magic of a city, in which he weaves history, personal stories and interviews into a tale that, little by little, also seduces the reader:

Mark:

Q: What prompted you to start writing?

A: My primary occupation is teaching history (social studies) to high school students and mentoring new teachers in Los Angeles. I write in my free time.

My writing journey began when I started to record my experiences in a Vatican seminary; I wrote a sort of "journal" to reflect on this time of my life and understand how the pieces of my life fit together. When I finished, I showed this manuscript to my sister, and she said, "This is good. You should get it published". I had my doubts but went ahead and sent it to a few publishers. The Chicago Review press picked it up and published it soon after. The book is called That Undeniable Longing: My Journey to and from the Priesthood.

Q: Describe the genre of your books.

A: I've written in the genres of travel, historical fiction, memoir, self-help, and children's fiction. I try not to confine myself to one genre though I am particularly drawn to historical fiction. It often happens that I find a story welling up within me; the genre then reveals itself.

Q: Most readers have an all-time favorite book and author. What are your all-time favorite book and author?

A: I have a wide variety of books that I like to read, from historical fiction to travel, from classical literature to contemporary biography, from bestseller to unknown works. The common thread for me is that a story has to be based on experiences to interest me. If I pick up a book and it consists of the author's thoughts, I get bored. If it is the author's experience, I get interested.

In my adulthood, the first book that spoke to me on a deeper level was Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh. It was as if I felt the author reading the story personally, and each episode, each struggle, was my own. The author was able to weave personal experiences into a fictional story in a way that intrigued me. After this, I found myself drawn to historical fiction with authors such as Margaret George and Steven Saylor. Saylor's account of a private detective investigating cases in ancient Rome covered multiple genres that I could not get enough of! I have other favorite books, but the list would be too long!

I've always enjoyed reading because getting into a book makes my life feel bigger. Being able to explore someone else's world broadens my horizons and experiences.

In childhood, I liked fantasy and adventure books, such as Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland.

Q: What words of wisdom do you have for our readers?

A: My words of wisdom come from others:

"Who am I to judge?" -Pope Francis

"A friend to all is a friend to none." -Aristotle

"In the end, we will be judged by how much we have loved." -John of the Cross.

"When someone reveals who they are, believe them the first time." -Maya Angelou

Q: Do you ever suffer from writer's block? How do you handle it?

A: When I suffer from writer's block, it is simple: I stop writing. A story has to grow organically, and if the story is not there, it is not there. I do not try to force it. More often than not, after a few days, weeks, or after some new experiences, the story starts to flow again. If it doesn't, then I acknowledge it, file it away, and open myself to be inspired by another story. I don't stress over it.

Q: Every writer I know is also an avid reader. I know I am. What new author have you discovered lately that you're reading? Tell us about him or her.

A: Joy Norstrom, "Flying the Nest" and S.C. Farrow "This is Not a Lie". These are two of my favorite new authors whose stories are based on experiences that take on the grittiness, humor, and insight of real life. 

Joy Norstrom is a Canadian writer and social worker residing in Treaty 7 territory. She enjoys sharing stories about the human experience, exploring the outdoors with her family, and reading late into the night when she should be asleep. She has written several works about social issues, including the impact of poverty, loss, and grief on the individual experience. Whether Joy is meeting with friends, advocating for a socially just society, or discussing current events and eyeshadow tips with her teenagers, she can generally be found in conversation. Why? She believes human connection and laughter keep her grounded in a muddled world.

S. C. Farrow has been a writer and editor for over twenty years. She's worked on everything from educational texts to novels. She's also written and produced several films including a feature- length psychological drama. Based in Melbourne, Australia, she has a Master of Arts degree in Creative Writing. She occasionally teaches creative writing at various Melbourne institutions. 

Q: If readers can read only one book this month, why should it be yours? 

A: Because my book "She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome" will transport you to that magical city for only 15 bucks! All the reviewers agree that the book takes the reader across the world, lets them experience aspects of the city that few know about, and then delivers them back home changed and grateful.

Q: What are you working on for your next release?

A: The working title of my new book is "Stories from Puglia," and it is a collection of stories from different places and times in southern Italy. From pirate invasions to coffee by the sea, the book will carry the reader back in time and to the present, gathering experiences.

S. C. Farrow has been a writer and editor for over twenty years. She's worked on everything from educational texts to novels. She's also written and produced several films including a feature- length psychological drama. Based in Melbourne, Australia, she has a Master of Arts degree in Creative Writing. She occasionally teaches creative writing at various Melbourne institutions. 

Q: If readers can read only one book this month, why should it be yours? 

A: Because my book "She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome" will transport you to that magical city for only 15 bucks! All the reviewers agree that the book takes the reader across the world, lets them experience aspects of the city that few know about, and then delivers them back home changed and grateful.

Q: What are you working on for your next release?

A: The working title of my new book is "Stories from Puglia," and it is a collection of stories from different places and times in southern Italy. From pirate invasions to coffee by the sea, the book will carry the reader back in time and to the present, gathering experiences.

For more on Mark Tedesco,  check his website or follow Mark on GoodReads or on AllAuthor.

Today's Book Selection:

Joshua Fields takes the same flights every week for work, his life a series of departures and arrivals, hotels and airports. During yet another layover, he meets Morgan, a beautiful stranger with whom he feels an immediate connection. When it’s time for their respective flights, Morgan kisses Joshua passionately, lamenting that they’ll never see each other again.

As soon as Morgan disappears in the crowd, Joshua is shocked to see her face on a nearby TV. The reason: Morgan is a missing person.

Contact: [email protected]

 

The first thing I noticed about US Volume One by M.P. Web was the writing style. It was reminiscent of the Mickey Spillane novels I read as a teenager, straight forward, ‘just the facts ma’am.’ I liked the reading of it and for this story it worked. In US Volume One, the main character, Fuller, is out on the Gulf of Mexico for a day of therapeutic fishing. The sea is perfect, the sky is perfect, even the air is perfect. Nothing could spoil this day. Fuller notices a glint of light at the edge of his peripheral vision. Then… he is alone… the last man on earth. Web crafted this story perfectly. Fuller witnessed many strange phenomena; few were immediately explained. But, by the end of the book some were Web tied just enough of them together to close the story-line of this book and left just enough of them open to lead into what I assume will be US Volume Two. Masterfully done. Today, I’m a casual reader, but I’m also a writer of novels and screenplays. I couldn’t help dropping into screenwriter mode while reading this book: visualizing this scene or that setting, how would I write this last description?  Now, for the purposes of this read, I may only be a casual reader, but for me, by the end of US Volume One, I had the feeling that I just read the first installment of the next block-buster Sci-Fi book/movie series. Jeff Bailey, author of Not On My Watch.

For more information on M.P. Web, follow him on GoodReads.

For more information on Jeff Bailey, go to his Home Page, or follow him on GoodReads and his LinkedIn Blog.

Contact: [email protected]

Welcome to my world.

 

Today I'm introducing action/thriller writer C.J. McKivvik.

C.J. McKivvik writes action/thrillers that I find intriguing, a Dan Brown meets Indian Jones mashup. He lives in a small village in southwest Ontario, Canada with his partner, their three children and some cats and chickens. When he is not writing he is thinking about writing, and/or running, and/or swimming and/or walking in the fields and forests.

Like many Canadians, he is passionate about hockey and has a love-hate relationship with winter. If given the opportunity, he would live full-time on a tropical island, and would weave numerous visits to Canada and traveling the world into the island life. He likes coconuts, the ocean, tigers, the color blue, the number 10, science and Indie music.

Good morning CJ:

Q: What prompted you to start writing?

A: Good question! I think I’ve always been a writer, and wanted to be a sports journalist when I left high school. I did get a job offer, but I was in my first year of university and decided to stick that out instead. Years passed … and the writing that I did was more and more research kind of writing. I wrote several non-fiction books but my first novel was The Secret of Immortality, last year. When I look back, I think what prompted me at various times, was the enjoyment I get creating something from nothing. What I really enjoyed about my novel was I simply ‘made it up’. Sounds kind of dull, but I love the challenge of making something seem realistic – something plausible – that is entertaining and can make people think, and wonder, even just a little bit.
     Q: Describe the genre of your books.
 A: The Secret of Immortality is the first of four books in that series, and I had always struggled to think of ‘The Genre’ as I was writing it, and soon after when I was asked exactly that question. Fortunately, the reviewers have done that job for me, and I’ve seen comments that the book reminds people of the adventure fiction of Clive Cussler, the adventures of Indiana Jones, and the mysteries of a Dan Brown novel, and it’s been labelled as ‘an incredibly paced action/ adventure tale’ and ‘reminiscent of ‘National Treasure,’ and the ‘The Mummy’ franchise. I wasn’t trying to write within any specific genre, however, and the story was simply ‘the story’ without any genre to call its home.   I’m also writing another novel outside of the Immortality series, and I can’t think of the genre for that either. It’s quite different from anything I’ve read or seen, and I can’t even think of a comparable book.
 Q: Most readers have an all-time favorite book and author. What are your all-time favorite book and author?
A: That is a really tough question! I don’t actually read much fiction and tend to read more science-type books. So many great books. Right now, I’m into my third book of Frans de Waal’s, a researcher (zoologist and ethologist) who writes about primates and human behavior (e.g., Are We Smart Enough ot know How Smart Animals are?’). Fascinating subject and one of the best writers around. I enjoy reading Steven Pinker’s books, and if you want to laugh a lot it’s hard to do better than the late Pete McCarthy’s ‘McCarthy’s Bar.    
 Q: What words of wisdom do you have for our readers?A: Read widely, and experience as much in life as you can. [Good words]
 Q: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you handle it?
A: I’ve been fortunate as I’ve not known a writer’s block per se. But I find my best ideas happen when I’m walking, or swimming or running … basically when I’m getting exercise. So I always have a small notebook with me to scribble down the idea, because ideas ‘happen’ when you least expect them.
 Q: Every writer I know is also, an avid reader. I know I am. What new author have you discovered lately that you’re reading? Tell us about him or her.
A: As above, Frans de Waal! A great writer and someone who has clearly given some great and extensive thought to animals and the human species. I enjoy books that make you think and provide new perspectives on life, the universe and everything. Which reminds me, Douglas Adams is one of my all-time favorite authors too, and I’ll read his books over and over again.      Q: If readers can read only one book this month, why should it be yours?
A: Ah … hmmmm … well, because you will not have read a book like it. I would like to say it is not predictable, the writing is somewhat different and I don’t think you’ll see the ending coming. It’s longer than your standard book but that’s because I’m setting the story up for the remaining 3 books – all of which will move along really quickly now the foundation has been set.     Q: What are you working on for your next release?
A: My next book is the second in the series – its titled “The Search.” Plenty of intrigue and action and is a fast-paced romp through approx. 250-280 pages. Meantime, there is another book in the works – titled “Enough”. It is very different to the series and ‘out there’ – but a fun book all the same. Well, at least I’m thinking & hoping it is.  For more information on CJ McKivvik, follow him on GoodReads.com.

For more information on Jeff Bailey, follow him on GoodReads.com and his LinkedIn Blog.

Today's Book Selection:

Tumble, The Andaman Event was a surprising find for me. Bob Triggs takes a fictional, global disaster, The Andaman Event and takes it epic. After reading the first in the series, I know its going to take at least six books to cover the story.  Triggs delves into the lives of the people who are directly involved in the event, not just the event itself.  Reminds me a bit of James Mitchener's development of a story. The geology, the history, the people's lives all blended into a uniquely readable story. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Try it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.


Contact: [email protected]

 

There has been a recent uptick in the sales of my debut book, The Defect . I'm not sure 'why.' I've never been able to decipher the mysterious world of book marketing. However, I just thought I should revisit and repost an image or two.
The Defect  is a fictionalized account of what really happened during the core meltdown at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Station in 1979 and why the government covered it up.


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