Monday, February 2, 2015

Community Affairs by Michele Lynn Seigfried Interview & Giveaway


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Community Affairs
by Michele Lynn Seigfried

Cummunity Affairs
Community Affairs
(Jersey Shore Mystery Series Book 3)
File Size: 2293 KB
Print Length: 217 pages
ASIN: B00PSOBBEC
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Synopsis:
A tale of kidnapping, murder, and neighbors you’d like to kidnap and murder…
 Bonnie Fattori is a sexy, sassy, Italian Princess living in New Jersey. She’s loving life with a rich husband, beachfront living, and a promotion at work—until a new neighbor, Lyla Spratt, is determined to destroy her happiness.
 After several run-ins with the unstable woman next door, Bonnie starts to suspect a connection between her new neighbor and the untimely death of a local resident, Polly Pitcher. She recruits her good friend Chelsey to help figure out if her suspicions are correct.
As the neighbors go head-to-head in a hilarious battle, Lyla is pushed to the brink of insanity. The more unhinged Lyla becomes, the more Bonnie’s life and the safety of her family are at risk. Can Bonnie find out what really happened to Polly Pitcher before it’s too late? A perfect read for those who like laugh-out-loud humor in their mysteries!
Seigfried photo
About This Author
 Michele Lynn Seigfried is an award-winning novelist, children’s book author/illustrator and public speaker who was born and raised in New Jersey. In her mystery novels, she draws from her personal expertise in the area of municipal government, in which she has served for over 16 years in two different municipalities. She holds a B.A. in communication from the College of New Jersey with a minor in art. She obtained the Master Municipal Clerk certification from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks in 2010. She also holds the Registered Municipal Clerk certification and Certified Municipal Registrar Certifications from the State of New Jersey.  In combining her love of writing with art, Michele began writing and illustrating children’s picture books in 2013.
Michele is a member of Sisters in Crime, Sisters in Crime – Central Jersey, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, New Jersey Author’s Network, International Institute of Municipal Clerks, Central Jersey Registrar’s Association, Municipal Clerk’s Association of New Jersey, and the Municipal Clerk’s Association of Mercer County, where she is currently President. She also serves on the New Jersey League of Municipalities’ Legislative Committee.
Michele is available for public speaking engagements such as book talks, seminars, readings, panel discussions, and other author events. Contact her for more information.

Interview

Hi!  Thank you so much for having me on your blog today!

Where are you from? 

I’m originally from Trenton, New Jersey. I’m currently living Bordentown, a suburb just south of Trenton. But with a toddler, a puppy and a crazy Italian family, I sometimes wonder if I’m in Crazyville, USA.

Tell us your latest news?

I just released my 3rd cozy mystery novel – Community Affairs!  I’m so excited about this book. I think it’s the best out of the three books in the Jersey Shore Mystery series.  The sassy side-kick became the main sleuth in this book and she is in a hilarious battle with her neighbor that you won’t want to miss.

When and why did you begin writing?

If you can count the silly poetry and stories I wrote in all my creative writing classes, I would have to say high school, 30 years ago, er, um, I mean—15 years ago (I’m only 29 plus 15 years).

The “why” is probably because I started out with class assignments and my friends and I would make up “poetry” to the beat of popular songs.  Think of the Madonna hit, “Like a Virgin”.  Then sing “Like a tax cheat. Caught for the very first time…like a taa aa aa ax cheat.”  I know, I know. I didn’t say it was quality material! Lol.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Not until three years ago when I published my first novel.

What inspired you to write your first book?

It was something I had thought about doing for 10 years and never had the ambition to find myself a publisher. Then I learned about self-publishing through a friend, and I thought, why not?

Do you have a specific writing style?

I’m not sure I have a specific style. I like for each of my works to be a little unique. I’m sure the dialogue all sounds like something I’d write. I’ve been told I write like I speak. If that’s the case, then I write like a 40-something year old Jersey girl.  (Not to be mistaken with the Jersey shore girls that became so famous on MTV).

While I write cozy mysteries – i.e. amateur female sleuth, small town setting, not much foul language, not a lot of gore, I have written each novel in this series a little different, different points of views, a different main character. I like to incorporate humor in my novels and romance too. I also have a passion for writing quirky characters into my novels….hmm, it’s starting to sound like I’ve found my style! Mysteries with humor, romance and quirky characters.

How did you come up with the title?

It’s a play on words of sorts.  Bonnie, the main character, is a government worker.  There is a government office called “Community Affairs,” however, Bonnie is being accused of having an affair with her neighbor and that neighbor has had affairs with others.  With the book being in a small community setting – I thought “Community Affairs” was an appropriate title.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Mostly, I want my readers to have a fun experience and suspend reality for a little while when they read my books. However, in my first novel, I wanted people to understand the devastation that was left by Hurricane Sandy.  In my second novel, I tried to portray the fire that occurred on the Seaside Boardwalk. Both events were tragic to a massive number of New Jersey residents and had a profound impact on many lives.

What would you like my readers to know?

I’m currently working on the 4th book in the Jersey Shore Mystery Series, where Chelsey returns as the main character and Bryce is in trouble! I also have ideas for another series, but that shall remain a secret for now!

Also, I want to say that I truly appreciate all of you reading my interview and thank you for all your support!




Purchase Link:
Amazon 

Tour Participants
February 2 – deal sharing aunt – Interview
February 3 – Community Bookstop – Guest Post
February 4 – Babs Book Bistro – Guest Post
February 5 – Christa Reads and Writes – Review
February 6 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Guest Post
February 7 – Melina’s Book Blog – Guest Post
February 8 – off
February 9 – Back Porchervations – Review
February 10 – Marie’s Cozy Corner – Review
February 11 – readalot – Review
February 12 – Tea and A Book – Review, Interview
February 13 – Teresa Trent Author Site – Review, Interview
February 14 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – Review
February 15 – Chloe Gets A Clue – Guest Post
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1 comment:

  1. UnknownFebruary 2, 2015 at 8:19 AM

    Thank you very much for hosting me on your blog today!

    ReplyDelete

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