Author Interview — Jackson Paul Baer

Today, I'm more than pleased to introduce you to Jackson Paul Baer, the charming, humorous, talented author (and all-around great guy). Jackson is a busy bee, splitting his time between writing, reading, being a loving father and husband, and preparing for the release of his newest project The Earth Bleeds Red. How does he find the time? I have no idea, but I have my suspicions that he's a superhero (with a time machine). Thanks for sharing your time with me, Jackson! Lights, camera, action!

You have a literary suspense novel coming out this month. Quick! Give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline.

The book is called The Earth Bleeds Red. All right, 30 words… starting, now :) Scott and Jessie are a couple in love. Someone took their only daughter, leaving behind only a pool of blood. Is there any redemption left to be found?

Crime, suspense, and a serial killer, oh my! What gives you the drive to write literary suspense? Do you have a favorite crime or suspense novel? You know, it’s not exactly a scary book. I’m not a big fan of scary books/movies, though I do enjoy thrills and twists. This book will force you to question faith, justice, and what is really important in life. I read a lot of literary fiction and historical fiction, rather than suspense novels (don’t judge me). Too late! Kidding.

The title of your book is unique (and a little scary!). How did you come up with it? I can’t say exactly how it came to me, just that it did. I distinctly remember telling me wife back in February that I was going to write a book called, The Earth Bleeds Red. I sat down, began to write, and couldn’t stop. The book just poured out of me. 

I want to mention that you're hosting a giveaway on Goodreads. Three lucky people will win an autographed copy of The Earth Bleeds Red. Yay! I already entered (and, yes, I'm still going to buy the book). Members of Goodreads can enter here. If people are not members of Goodreads, they can join now. It's free!

Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork? The publishing company did the cover (their graphic design guy). I worked with them for a while, sharing ideas and pictures, and they captured the perfect metaphorical picture for the novel. There is a point at the end of a particular chapter where The Earth Bleeds Red is used as a metaphor. The cover reflects that moment.

Author Interview — Abby Cavenaugh

Today I'm pleased to introduce you to Abby Cavenaugh—a writer after my own heart. She's a hardworking, romantic-movie-watching, chocolate-loving, all-around cool person, and she's here today to talk with us about her new novel, Going Home Again, as well as tell us a little more about herself. Thanks for sharing your time with me, Abby!

Your novel has just been published. That’s so exciting! Quick! Give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline. Title—Going Home Again; Genre—contemporary romance/women’s fiction; Tagline—Alyssa’s high school crush never knew she was alive. Now, how much will she risk for a second chance with the one who got away?

How did you come up with the title of your book? I thought it was a fitting title, given what happens in the book, although I don’t want to give the ending away. ;)

"The Baker's Man" Fall Giveaway

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Baker's Man

by Jennifer Moorman

Giveaway ends October 31, 2013.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Cooking Through "The Baker's Man": Spice-Kissed Pumpkin Pie

Some of my favorite movies are romantic comedies. I love watching two people fall in love, and I love all the wonderful, fluttery feelings that tag along with falling in love. Butterflies in the stomach, starry eyes, held breath. All the clichés—I love them.

Simply thinking about the feelings associated with falling in love pulls a big girly sigh from my lips. But you know what I also love about finding that perfect someone? Having a best friend who knows you better than anyone else.

Author Interview — Jeanne Arnold

Today I’m excited to introduce the prolific, published author Jeanne Arnold. Jeanne is humorous, talented, and kind (not to mention a great writer), and I’m pleased that she agreed to be interviewed by me. Hey, Jeanne, thanks for being here!

Quick! Give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline. Stubborn is a young adult novel. A green-eyed boy with a Texan accent comes to Avery Ross’s defense against a rowdy train passenger and leads her into a passion-charged summer full of temptation and loss.

How did you come up with the title of your book? The characters in Stubborn have stubborn qualities, some a little more than others, so it’s a theme I carry through the book. And it seemed fitting since my main character, Avery, has stubborn writing scrawled across her forehead that won’t rub off. I believe everyone has a little stubborn in them even if they’re too stubborn to admit it.

If you were given a train ticket, what do you hope is the final destination? Lately I’ve been thinking about the Grand Canyon and writing a book to go along with it.

I think the Grand Canyon is an excellent destination. I went a few years ago with my family, and my mind was blown at the greatness of it all.

Cooking Through Fiction: Blue Chocolate Chip Cookies

I love mazes. I love to try and solve them on paper, and I love to walk through the giant ones constructed from corn or boxwood hedges. I’m not discouraged by dead ends. I just backtrack and choose another path. I never think I won’t find the way out. Neither does Percy.

In book four of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, titled The Battle of the Labyrinth, Percy, Annabeth, Grover, and Tyson must navigate Daedalus’ labyrinth in order to save the world. Again.

Cooking Through "The Baker's Man": Bear Claws

My friend Jenna says everyone needs at least one 3 a.m. friend. This is the type of friend (guy or girl) who you can call at 3 a.m. Regardless if you have a flat tire, a broken heart, or are stranded in some seedy night club because you’ve deserted the total jerk you showed up with, this friend will answer the phone.

And not only will he or she answer the phone, this 3 a.m. friend will come and pick you up, talk to you until you can breathe again, or tell you to pack a suitcase and drive over (and when you arrive, this 3 a.m. friend will have the perfect remedy to soothe your ache, at least temporarily).