Glenn Seerup exciting new fiction!

The Illuminating Occurrence of Maxine Porter

Glenn Seerup

Print and eBook

October 11, 2019

Glenn Seerup, publisher

Literary Fantasy

eBook $4.99

Print

Buy the Book

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Read my review here.

About the Book

Hayden Carlisle, a socially awkward twenty-three year old designer, begins his first professional job at The Plush Porcupine, a boutique toy design studio in Chicago. Hard times have fallen on the Porcupine and a dark cloud hangs over its future.

Maxine Porter arrives with a mysterious background and an uncanny knack for knowing things. Spellbound by the amazing Max, the eclectic crew at the Porcupine begin to prosper, while continually ruminating over who Max is and where she came from.

Through Hayden’s Journal writing, we learn of the unlikely friendship developing between him and Max.

A Brief Interview with the Author

Glenn, tell us what you love about this book.

I love the people in the book. I love how as I write a story, the personalities of each character develop and grow as their voices come alive. This is really a story about personalities and relationships. It demonstrates how diverse individuals can bring unique strengths and frailties together, feeding off each other. They don’t always have to get along but each individual contributes to complete the dynamic of the collective group. I know when my characters begin to feel real to me when I see somebody walking down the street and I think, “Hey, is that Max?” Then I remember that she isn’t real.

Introduce us to the character who was most challenging to capture.

I would have to say that Marty would be the character that was most challenging to capture. Marty is a dedicated employee and friend. She has a lot of baggage in her personal life and she tries to compartmentalize it from her outward persona, shielding her troubles from her colleagues. I think that the challenge in writing Marty came from never personally living through the situations where Marty finds herself. I had to imagine myself dealing with these issues in my personal life and what I would do, and then re-imagine it from the point of view of Marty. Each character has their challenges. That’s what makes writing fun.

Share a couple of things you learned in researching this story.

For most of the book’s themes and locations, I was able to draw from my experiences living in the design world of great city of Chicago. I did learn a lot about different toy manufacturers and their processes as well as the cutthroat world of product placement and wholesaling. I also found the study of kinesiology and ergonomics interesting as I looked into design and comfort. Probably the most surprisingly interesting topic that I briefly delved into was my look into metallurgy and the different properties that metals can take on with slight molecular modifications to their structure.

What do you hope readers will tell others?

I hope readers will tell others that reading this book made them feel good about people and the world that we live in. I feel like this story is about real people in real situations and the reader is rooting for them to succeed. I also hope they feel like they are a little on edge throughout the book, feeling that little bit of mystery that grows on you in a nagging way. This is the suspense that keeps you reading, knowing that there is more to the story but you’re not quite sure what it is. I hope they tell people that when they finished, they sat for a while pondering the story with a smile on their face.

What are you reading now?

I usually have a couple of books going—I listen to audio books in my car while commuting and I always have a book at my bedside. Currently, I am about halfway through The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, by Junot Diaz. The audio books I check out of the library are generally hit or miss. The most recent one that I really enjoyed was Nine Perfect Strangers, by Liane Moriarty, an interesting character study that takes place in an unusual setting.

What’s next for you?

I am currently knee-deep in a new novel, which I intend to be the first of a trilogy. While a similar type of character study that I love, I am framing this in a more adventurous, fast-paced style. Hunter Cahill’s escapades will take the reader on a frantic romp through the streets of Chicago. He’ll meet all kinds of interesting characters as he works to unravel the mysterious drama that falls unwelcome at his feet.

About the Author

Glenn Seerup is a future New York Times bestselling author of Literary Fiction. It’s good to have goals. With over twenty-five years as an accomplished architect under his belt, Glenn has returned to his first passion, the written word. Successfully publishing his first novel in 2017 to rave reviews, a second novel, The Illuminating Occurrence of Maxine Porter, is due for release in the Fall of 2019. A third project in the works will be the first of a three (or more) part series.

While Glenn has traveled extensively through the United States, Europe, and Africa, and lived in various cities, he loves to write about life in the big city of Chicago – well, and Boston. Settled now in a sleepy beach town in northwest Indiana, Glenn devotes as much time as he can to his wife and two wonderful kids. Most of that time is spent driving to soccer practices, games, and tournaments. Somewhere in there, he still finds time for home remodeling, playing in adult soccer leagues, and watching the English Premiere League. Glenn likes soccer.

As a young adult, The Catcher in the Rye solidified the love of Literature and the joy of a simple, beautifully written story. Glenn likes to include subtle references to the Salinger masterpiece into his own writing. See if you can spot them.

Books:

-The Illuminating Occurrence of Maxine Porter
-After and Before: The Story of Hatley Chambers
www.glennseerup.com

Facebook: Facebook profile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-seerup-67b4378
Blog: https://glennseerup.com/blog

Book Review The Illuminating Occurrence Coming Friday!

The Illuminating Occurrence of Maxine Porter

Glenn Seerup

Print and eBook

October 11, 2019

Literary fantasy

$4.99 Ebook

262 pp

available in hardcover

Preorder, or buy on Friday at:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Goodreads

Bookbub

About the Book

Hayden Carlisle, a socially awkward twenty-three year old designer, begins his first professional job at The Plush Porcupine, a boutique toy design studio in Chicago. Hard times have fallen on the Porcupine and a dark cloud hangs over its future.

Maxine Porter arrives with a mysterious background and an uncanny knack for knowing things. Spellbound by the amazing Max, the eclectic crew at the Porcupine begin to prosper, while continually ruminating over who Max is and where she came from.

Through Hayden’s Journal writing, we learn of the unlikely friendship developing between him and Max.

Lisa's Review

Time is the essence of this new work from former architect Glenn Seerup. A self-proclaimed aficionado of Holden Caulfield, readers are challenged and amused to discover bits of Catcher allusions in Seerup’s stories.

One March day in Chicago, present, life begins to unfold for recent industrial design graduate Hayden Carlisle. Realizing his talents are more suited to a smaller operation, as is his prickly personality, Hayden has been hired by a toy design firm. The Plush Porcupine is past its heyday of once-popular unique toys and entering a downward spiral of ennui. Hayden is more interested in using the staff for a personal pet project—writing a best-seller documentary on his first, and probably only, year at the firm that will jumpstart his literary career—and has initially little other appreciation for corporate or personal intrigue.

Characters rarely get what they wish. Hayden is not the only hire at the Porcupine this special week. A promising indeterminately-aged but highly motivated and challenging woman named Maxine Porter comes on board as well. The reader follows Hayden and the members and friends of the Plush Porcupine during the rest of the tumultuous year.

The book is divided into months with epigraphs that hint at the events to come. Chapters within the months are divided by Hayden’s journal writing in first person and other chapters in a wandering omniscient voice that focus on the personnel: company founder and owner Walter whom Hayden admires; the troubled Marty, Walter’s friend and confidant who’s a talented designer in her own right; Scott, another focused toy designer; Matthew, the religious advertising guy; the ever-perky Caryn who’s a designer but prefers to run the office and make sure everyone is greeted with a smile; and Adam, Hayden’s roommate. The story progresses as the force that is Maxine with all her mystery and energy firmly shakes up the world of the Porcupine. The staff wonders alternately if she’s an angel, an alien, or Mary Poppins. Maxine plows on, taking Hayden under her wing as her special assistant on an equally mysterious project dealing with virtual reality. Or does it?

Meanwhile, each character’s personal and professional life plays out with Maxine’s golden prophetic aid, firm hand, and subtle dare to rise above. As the year flows onward, it’s obvious Maxine has a personal goal, and I had fun turning pages and wondering about it right along with the well-fleshed and interwoven characters. Participating in the story as the pieces come together is a delight for readers who enjoy character-driven set pieces with a subtle twist of fantasy.

Chicago comes alive as the designers and their friends and family invest themselves in their work and lifestyle choices. The Illuminating Occurrence of Maxine Porter is a fresh, thoughtful, feel-good tale of imperfect people learning to grow, work, and communicate in a joint effort to make a better future.

New novella from Robin Densmore Fuson

Restoration

Robin Densmore Fuson

Inspirational holiday novella

$2.99 ebook

Paperback available

Buy on Amazon

About the Book

Restoration is a Christmas novella which tells a twenty-five-year love story. Nurse Rebecca Porter and bush pilot Kyle Warren’s relationship started terrific, tight, memorable and romantic. Kyle swept Rebecca off her feet in a remarkable marriage proposal. Their fantastic wedding day surrounded by beauty, family, words of wisdom and promises made went without a hitch. An unexpected marvelous honeymoon trip took them up in the air to enjoy the rugged landscape of Alaska. Can their storybook relationship go on without a flaw? Do they have what it takes to dig deep into their souls to heal, grow, and change? Through the years, Christmas remained Rebecca’s favorite time of year when peace reigned for a day. Love traveled with Rebecca and Kyle from the snow covered Mountains near Anchorage, Alaska to the vast ocean off Miami, Florida’s coast. Helicopters, small aircraft, speed boats, and vintage cars marked their mode of transportation in this tale of hearts won through love language, prayer, and perseverance.

Lisa’s Review

This latest tale from prolific author Robin Fuson encompasses a fairytale marriage through ups and downs.

As with most marriages, secrets, disillusionment, and shame color the relationship. Some secrets are good but some are simple acts of controlling behavior. Rebecca and Kyle can’t see past their rose-colored glasses as they set up housekeeping and become a family. Kyle’s need to keep up the appearance of perfection and Rebecca’s growing disenchantment with his financial behavior may become a deal breaker unless they get help and remember the source of the faith they both profess.

Set in lush Alaska and moving to Florida, Restoration is a romantic story for readers who are intrigued by the long haul; the reality after the initial passion, and the need to be honest and mindful of the foundation on which we build our lives.

About the Author

Robin recently moved to Tennessee with her husband Jimmy. Together, they celebrate with seventeen grandchildren. An award winner for romance and flash fiction. Robin is multi-published and writes stories on her blog for children. Robin is a member of ACFW, Vice President of ACFW Colorado Western Slope, and member of John316 Marketing Network. She enjoys leading a Bible study group and singing in two community choirs. Robin loves company and challenging her young guests to discover the many giraffes in the obvious and hidden nooks and crannies of their home.

New from Barbara M Britton Lioness Mahlahs Journey

About the Book

While the Israelites struggle to occupy the Promised Land of God, Mahlah bat Zelophehad is orphaned and left to care for her four sisters. But daughters of the dead are unable to inherit land, and it will take a miracle for Mahlah to obtain the means to care for her sisters and uphold the vow she made to her dying mother.

Mahlah must seek Moses, the leader of her people, and request something extraordinary—the right for a daughter to inherit her deceased father’s land. A right that will upset the ox-cart of male inheritance and cast her in the role of a rebel.

But, God is the protector of the orphan and the widow, and five orphaned daughters need His help. With God, anything is possible. Even changing man’s tradition.

~the print edition will release on December 6th.

Ebook $5.99

Buy on  Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Pelican Book Group.

My Review

The Israelites had more to fight than Canaanites on their way to take the Promised Land. Britton brings to light another little known aspect of Bible times as she creates a story based on one family of orphaned young women who request their rightful inheritance of property among the ancestral clans. Although Jewish tradition is strongly patriarchal, stories like these remind us that God is our loving Parent who hears our petitions and acts in our best interest.

While Britton acknowledges the story of how the daughters of Zelophehad became orphaned, she uses recorded incidents such as plagues and snake attacks as God’s swift answer to swiftly quell grumbling, sin, and resultant uprisings. Readers may want to review the Bible journey of Exodus to remind themselves of the perils the Israelites underwent on their escape from Egypt and the forty-year journey to their home. Mahlah, as eldest sister of five girls, watches her father choose death, leaving his daughters in despair. But Mahlah will not allow despair to overwhelm her or her family. She will honor her promise to her mother to watch over her sisters, and she does, fighting sin and tradition alike to ensure their safety and inheritance. Mahlah is willing to sacrifice herself and even her future happiness to prove to this world of men that family matters more. With delight, Britton imagines a biblical beat-down on several fronts, from Baalam’s lesson to show-off boys and conquering respect from tribal elders.

The author makes it clear these Chosen Ones have their own issues of misogyny, death and widowhood, poor choices, sin, and war. Everyday life and peril for these nomads is pictured through Britton’s careful research. Britton’s fans will find a new series to delight in with Lioness: Mahlah’s Journey.

A Brief Interview with the author

What do you love about this book?

I was thrilled to discover a Bible story that was new to me. I’ve been a Christian a long time, but I had never heard the story of the daughters of Zelophehad. How had I missed these groundbreaking sisters? Five orphaned sisters changed history by seeking to inherit their father’s land. This was a bold “ask” in a male-dominated society. Their story is like a “David and Goliath” for girls.

Introduce us to the villain.

The nebulous villain would be the cultural confines of the day that did not allow women to inherit land and the jeopardy women faced if they remained unmarried. My sisters of faith do meet Balaam son of Beor. Balaam is a sorcerer who tried to lead the Israelites into idol worship and sexual immorality. Balaam battles a strong woman of faith in Mahlah.

Share a couple of things you learned while researching this book.

My biggest discovery was the girls themselves and how many Scriptures refer to them and their journey. They are mentioned several times in the book of Numbers and also in the book of Joshua. The sisters are from the tribe of Manasseh which splits—some Manassites stayed on the east side of the Jordan River and some ventured west. I had written a heart-tugging good-bye scene only to discover the girls crossed the Jordan. Joshua 17:2 references the clans that traveled west. I’m sure I would have heard about my mistake had I left the girls on the wrong side of the Jordan.

What do you hope readers will tell others about the story?

My desire is for more people to hear the story of these brave girls and see their strong faith in God. Did they doubt God’s provision of land? We will never know. I’m sure the assembly of men wanted a swift denial of their request. Moses heeds God’s commands to protect the widow and orphan (Deut. 24:17-18, 14:28-29). God is the God of these downtrodden, yet faithful daughters. Deuteronomy 10:18a says that “He (God) defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow.” God shows up in a big way for these orphaned girls.

What are you reading now?

I am reading “What They Meant For Evil” by Rebecca Deng. Rebecca came and spoke to my Sunday School class. She is one of the Lost Girls from Sudan. She talked about being a refugee and how God brought her through some scary and violent times in her life.

What’s next for you?

I planned to only write one book about the daughters of Zelophehad, but there will be two more. “Lioness” ends after the girls cross the Jordan River and before the battle of Jericho. Canaan hadn’t been conquered yet, so the girls couldn’t receive their land. “Heavenly Lights: Noah’s Journey” takes the girls through Joshua 5-8 and “Claiming Canaan: Milcah’s Journey” will see the girls get their land. I also have a WWI historical releasing this year called “Until June.” If you liked “Me Before You” but hated the ending, then this Historical is for you.

About the Author

Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast, Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian Fiction for teens and adults. Barb brings little-known Bible stories to light in her Tribes of Israel series. In October she will shine a light on the daughters of Zelophehad with “Lioness: Mahlah’s Journey.” Five orphaned sisters changed history, and few know their names. Barb is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. She is published by Harbourlight Books an imprint of Pelican Book Group. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Follow Barb on Facebook or twitter, or find out more about her books at www.barbarambritton.com.

“Providence: Hannah’s Journey”~ Harbourlight Books~ October 2016
“Building Benjamin: Naomi’s Journey”~ Harbourlight Books~ February 2017
“Jerusalem Rising: Adah’s Journey” ~ Harbourlight Books~ November 2017
“Lioness: Mahlah’s Journey” ~ Harbourlight Books~ October 2019
“Heavenly Lights: Noah’s Journey” ~ Harbourlight Books~ February 2020
“Claiming Canaan: Milcah’s Journey” ~ Harbourlight Books~ April 2020

Writing Tips for narrating your novel

Omniscient Voice or Head-Hopping?

What’s the difference between an all-knowing, omnipresent, prescient narrator, or what’s basically author intrusion?

The widest footprint in the sand is whether your omniscient narrator has a role in the story or whether it observes events. An omniscient narrator knows the thoughts and timeline, but does not influence them. It is unkind to show off this knowledge of multiple characters in the same scene or paragraph, let alone same sentence, but it’s not necessarily wrong. Omniscient Point Of View (POV)s are generally found in literary works instead of genre work. Omniscient POV generally works better in plot-driven story (when the story is mostly about what happens/reactions to events) vs. character-driven story (when the story is mostly about the people/what they do).

Head-hopping switches from a person’s thoughts about something to another person’s thoughts of their own individual tone/perspectives in the same setting or scene, in the same sentence or paragraph. It is the character’s voice vs. the narrator’s voice telling something about them or another character from outside of the purview, not the characters sharing their story from their own mindset.

Is head-hopping ever acceptable? Let’s just say, it’s done on occasion, especially in some romantic lit or in books by popular authors whose editors fear their reps. It can be done without disrupting the reading experience (eg, in the heat of the moment), but it’s more compelling to watch an expert author spin a tale limited to one perspective (at a time).

Omniscient voice should never change perspective but keep the same tone and ability throughout, an all-knowing prescient entity, unless the narrator is a character with a storyline and purpose. Omniscient voice often masquerades as author intrusiveness and lays a barrier between reader and story. An aspect of omniscient voice that I try to teach writers to avoid is that a prescient voice tends to waste the reader’s time explaining what’s not happening, not heard or seen, not done, or not known. Omniscient is what perspective, in general, cinematic films use to show story.

Omniscient voice can be:

Completely outside narrator with a voice/personality/perspective of his own (Our Town/Wilder, Book Thief/Zusack). This perspective may be unreliable because it has bias. (Oddly enough, The Lovely Bones/Sebold crosses the line between this description and the next and falls technically into paranormal because the character Susie influences others outside of herself.)

Omniscient close third – the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of everyone, those born and long gone, but does not direct the action; merely reports, not responds, not causes the characters to act or react; this narrator is trustworthy (and boring), and uses the same tone throughout the book. (Celeste Ng/Everything I Never Told You, Brave New World/Huxley)

Omniscient limited third – the narrator knows everything about only one or two characters or an event. The setting can become a character. It has bias but only from what it knows about the character. This voice understands and not always hears those around him/her. (Harry Potter/Rowling, Hogwarts; A Man Called Ove/Backman, the neighborhood; My Grandmother Told Me to Tell You She’s Sorry/Backman, the apartment house)

What should you choose for your story? Here are some pointers:

 Does your story have a literary scope or does your story fall into a specific genre?

• Whose story are you telling? (Which character has the most to lose?)
• Is the relationship among the characters or the event/scope of the story more important?
• How would your story be different if your characters weren’t directing their own actions?
• Can you carry such an all-knowing voice consistently throughout the entire book?

Arthurs Awesome Adventure childrens stories with Katy Ant

Awesome Friendship Adventures: Return of the Golden Feather

(Early Chapter Book for kids 6-8 years)

Katy Ant

Buy the Book onAmazon 

Currently 99-cent e-book

About the Book

Wonderful adventures and challenges are on their way!

In this NEW marvelous, colorfully illustrated book, the smart and funny parrot named Arthur has to face his worst nightmare, Evil Hawk. This dangerous predator stole Arthur’s golden feather and got away with it. Now, the brave parrot has to get it back.

During this exciting adventure, Arthur will encounter many trials, meet new friends, and challenge himself.

My Review

Borrowing heavily from the idea that often the things we think we want most are already at our feet, Katy Ant's new Awesome Adventure story features Arthur the orphan parrot who takes advantage of a physical quirk to create a wealthy but lonely life. Arthur's golden feather may or may not grant wishes to those who visit. While Arthur has plenty of company, none of them are friends. When the feather is stolen, Arthur gathers a awesome, curious bunch of folks on a journey to retrieve their stolen items from the Evil Hawk who took his feather.

Arthur's lesson comes at the end of the journey when he realizes his own wish has been granted. Lovingly and simply told and lusciously illustrated, parents and kids alike will fall in love with Arthur and his companions.

About the Author

Katy Ant started writing books at the age nine and never stopped, eventually earning a BA in Journalism.

After nineteen years of writing, she realized her real passion was writing for kids and finally decided to publish her first children's book.

Katy co-founded a publishing house named Little Panda Publishing with her beloved husband and started a real-life journey following their dreams.

She lives in South California with her husband and an embarrassing number of cats.
Katy has a little sister, twenty years younger and she dedicates all her books to her.

You can contact Katy by e-mail: littlepandapub@gmail.com

Katy is the author of The Best Day for Adventures: Awesome Friendship Story

May 5, 2019

The NEW amazing story about the smart and funny Little Dragon Princess named Stacy and her wonderful adventures in a human world!

Creating Fictional Settings

This post is based on a talk given at Elroy Public Library in April, 2019.

Settings

One important aspect of creating story besides giving you interesting characters with an intriguing problem is setting them in a place readers can identify with. In cozy mysteries which are generally set in small communities we authors want you to feel at home and fall in love with the neighborhoods and the people.

Authors will set stories in a known place or a hybridized version of the city, or like me, make up a city from scratch. I tend to base my made-up cities near others that are well known so my readers have an idea of where they are, and can identify familiar landmarks. But I want to avoid problems of businesses changing hands or moving, or buildings being torn down, or the old school being made into apartments, or using characters who would never fit into the setting. I read a mystery last year that was set in Hillsboro—just down the road—with very few elements that were true. The author even set it at the foot of Wildcat Mountain and gave us a tough, sexy female police chief. That does not remotely describe Hillsboro.

So, my first step in creating a town is to make sure there’s nothing with the same name that I want to use in the area. I go through atlases and online directories and maps. I knew the Fancy Cat series was going to be set in Illinois, and after searching for a place to build, settled on west central. I may have to play around with locations or names to make it work. There is no Apple Grove on the official Illinois state maps, so I settle on the name. I knew I wanted Apple Grove to be near a river and close to major highways. Eventually, the river and Hannibal Missouri, and being within a couple hours’ drive to Chicago are all important.

Research and fact-finding are important to me. So, although I am making up my community, the lifestyle still has to ring true. Each county and municipality in every state has its own codes and quirks. I don’t live in Illinois, although our younger son and his wife do, so I have a source of first-person knowledge to back up what I research. I chose a small city in the area, Beardstown, and borrowed heavily from its great website.

My books all tend to have large casts. I have trouble identifying with characters who tend to show up midway through life out of the blue and meet somebody, have a story, and then be done, so I give my characters family and friends to interact with. These side characters will often be part of future stories, or become the center of the next mystery. I have placed a city website for my fictional AppleGrove on my own website, which contains elements that I have created or recreated from the Chamber of Commerce and municipal resources. You’ll also find a list of characters and their roles there, as opposed to inside the books.

I found photographs from free sites on the internet to show on my Apple Grove city page. I use a conglomeration because I want readers to be able to fill in the blanks themselves of details of buildings. I rarely put people in my covers or websites for the same reason.

Some familiar things readers will find in many of my stories are set up to provide a place for my characters to meet others, gather information, do regular business, buy food. So we’ll have a diner or restaurant, a gas station, a place to get supplies and food, usually a library and a often, church. Since my work fits into either inspirational or clean and wholesome reading categories, so faith elements are important. Using each of our five senses helps to bind you to a place. Sometimes I will tell you what’s cooking at Tiny’s Buffet; other times, all I need to do is say “diner” and each reader will fill in the blanks with your own memories of smell, and taste, sight, hearing the customers and background noise, and the touch of a fork or a hot cup of coffee.

Venturing to a new Style—Science Fiction

For my story Parhelion, part of which is set around Madison, Sauk City, and Cottage Grove, I just stole the neighborhood and house my oldest brother and sister-n-law bought on Madison’s west side a few years ago. In the first book of the series, Forces of Nature, the main characters bought a house there when they got married, and the poor neighborhood was never the same. This is not their house, by the way. One of my writer friends lives in Cottage Grove, so she gave me a few hints of what it’s like, and we drive through Sauk City quite a bit, though I did take liberties with a new housing complex built there along the river. One of the tricks of the trade is not to give too specific of details.

PARHELION

In Parhelion, however, much of the story moved from Madison to an underground, figuratively and literally, complex in Colorado. The compound is a community carved from mountain caverns. No matter where or when a book is set, we readers still need something to ground us. What are things people need no matter where they are?

My underground community has individual apartments set in clusters, classrooms, parks that have living plants and trees and playground equipment, a sound system, and a video system that shows the day and night skies, even rain. There’s a cafeteria, a chapel, meeting rooms, and offices, as well as laboratories, farm, and a medical clinic. People in the community are experimenting with potentially adapting to life in a new place. They don’t know what to expect about the environment, so they are trying to be redundant, and adaptable without feeling as though they are raising the next generation to be cave people.

It’s not easy to jump into a book, either writing or reading. An author’s goal is to provide a setting that will enrich the story, whether it begins with a crime scene or a scary place someone wants to escape or a place of love and laughter. But most of all we want you to be at home, enjoy your reading experience, and to come back.

Enjoy an Excerpt from Meow Matrimony

There it was—Ivanna’s address, the right hand of a two-story dark-sided and narrow-windowed building. I supposed it was modern classic, but I frowned at its bleakness. The tree in the front yard was spindly, with its “I’m new and insured the first year” store tag fluttering in the breeze. I knocked and rang the bell before depositing the box on the rubber welcome mat.

Weatherman Bob at WWAG reported possible showers in the early morning hours, so I hesitated to leave it exposed. As I reached to test the knob, I noticed the interior door was ajar. Maybe I should push it open and shove the box inside. I didn’t even need to set foot in the entry.

With a peek up and down the street, deserted for the dinner hour, I gingerly eased the glass storm door toward me, then tentatively pushed the black-painted interior door inward. Not even a squeak added to the spooky tension. I grinned. I’d been reading way too many mysteries and detective dramas lately. “Hello! Just dropping this off!” I called as I slid the box forward, though I was certain no one was home.

Except the outstretched fingers on the floor I happened to see appeared too real to spring from an overactive imagination.

I swallowed and pulled back, still on my knees on Ivanna’s stoop. If it was a crime scene, I shouldn’t go in. My heart raced and the sweat on my brow would make my hair frizzier.

But what if she was hurt or sick?

What if an assailant was lurking?

What if I was lying there and someone saw me on the floor?

What if it wasn’t her?

Apple Grove’s semi-warm and fuzzy almost-detective Officer Ripple could reprimand me later. I pushed the door wider—it was already open, not locked, so I couldn’t be accused of breaking and entering, I hoped—and crawled one knee inside. “Hi! Just making a delivery!”

My caution blew back in my face. I’d never seen Ivanna from the radio show, but I recognized her as a former waitress at Tiny’s. She was mostly on her stomach with her legs slightly bent, splayed across her Italian green and gold marble-tiled foyer, red hair partially covering the white skin of her face. Under her pale gold silk blouse her abundant cleavage was kind of pushed up toward her throat and her cheek rested on the floor. I was so glad her eyes were closed. That meant she could be…

“Um, Ivanna? Miss Pressman? Are you all right?” I figured I’d better ask before I checked for a pulse. I didn’t see any blood. As I leaned across her outstretched arm to see if I could put a finger on her neck without touching anything else, I planted my left hand near hers. My skin prickled and I pulled back.

A piece of candy, partially unwrapped, lay near her wrist. I reached for it but stopped before my fingers left prints. Ripple’s stern cop voice sounded in my mind: “You didn’t touch anything, did you?”

I refocused on the very still body. Well, technically I didn’t know if it was—oh, just check for a pulse, Ivy, so you have something to tell the police. “Ivanna? I’m just going to…put my finger here…under your ear…”

There was plenty of time for her to open her eyes or start breathing before I made contact. But, no. Just as I figured. Her icy cold skin did not thrum with any beat of life. WWAG would have to find a new morning show host.

I sat back and fumbled for my phone. While I dialed 911 and waited for the response, I studied Ivanna. Her mouth seemed a little pinched, even in death. A slash of crimson red lipstick and matching polish on her long nails should have clashed with that shade of brassy hair, yet some blondish highlights kept the color from being gauche. The engagement ring on her outstretched hand had a positively vulgar two-carat diamond in an ornate, swirly gold setting, posed as if it was on display.

“What is your emergency?” the voice on my phone asked.

I explained with the fewest words possible and was directed to remain on the scene until officers arrived.

“Sure, I will,” I said and hung up. The adrenalin rush wore off. I’d be late to meet Adam and probably wouldn’t get to see him at all today. I held up my phone again, about to speed dial him, when I was distracted by the piece of candy on the floor.

The wrapper bore the unmistakable winged design of Featherlight Confectionaries—the same kind my ex-fiancé, Stanley Brewer, sold since he’d switched companies.

I stopped in mid-reach once again. I didn’t recognize this style of chocolate cube. This had a slightly bumpy texture, as if stuffed with delicacies. I was well acquainted with them all since we sold that brand at Mea Cuppa, and this one didn’t belong.