Book Title: Her Own Legacy, Book 1 of the Chateau de Verzat Series by Debra Borchert Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 870 pages Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Le Vin Press Release date:Sep 2022 Tour dates: Mar 13 to Apr 3, 2026 Content Rating: PG-13 + M:No explicit sex scenes or bad language, but one of the main characters is illegitimate. Violence of the French Revolution included, but no gore.
Book Description:
A captivating tale of courage, betrayal, and resilience set against the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution
To save her world, she must risk losing it.
Chateau Verzat’s vineyards have sustained generations, but ancient laws forbid unmarried women from inheriting land. Countess Joliette de Verzat secretly manages her estate, haunted by the fear of losing everything for herself and her people.
Revolution erupts, chaos descends. She risks her life to save her forbidden lover amidst the turmoil and flees to Paris where she uncovers a shocking truth: her illegitimate half-brother, Henri, is the rightful heir.
Now hunted by her father’s killer, Joliette must trust those she has saved to protect her and help her reclaim her legacy. But as she faces impossible choices and dangerous enemies, she must also confront her own desires and the true meaning of family.
For fans of strong women and forbidden romance, Her Own Legacy is a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the fight for self-determination. Experience the passion and turmoil of a woman defying tradition to claim her rightful place.
Debra Borchert has had many careers: clothing designer, actress, TV show host, spokesperson for high-tech companies, marketing and public relations professional, and technical writer for Fortune 100 companies. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, The Christian Science Monitor, and The Writer, among others. Her short stories have been published in anthologies and independently.
A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, she weaves her knowledge of textiles and clothing design throughout her historical French fiction. Her work has been honored with a Historical Novel Society Editors’ Choice, Publishers Weekly BookLife Editor’s Pick, numerous awards--including: Winner Best Book Series, Page Turner Awards and the Independent Author Award, Runner Up, and many five-star reviews.
Interview
1.What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
London,
learning all about the city through Charles Dickens’s books. I’m currently working
on a Christmas romance that is set in London.
2.What is the first book that made you cry?
This
is not politically correct, but I first cried when Big Sam rescued Scarlett and
when Melanie died in “Gone with the Wind.”
3.Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Writing
thrills and energizes me. I’ve never been more creative in my life than right
now, where I have the luxury of writing whatever I please.
4.What is your writing Kryptonite?
I
was trained as an actress, and I use my experience in inhabiting my characters
to understand the depth of their myriad feelings.
5.Did you ever consider writing under a
pseudonym?
No.
I am proud of my work and want full credit.
6.What other authors are you friends with, and
how do they help you become a better writer?
I
am a member of the Historical Fiction Affinity Group of the Women’s Fiction Writers
Association and meet with my fellow members via Zoom once a week. These women,
some published, some not, are the most supportive and generous women I’ve ever
had the great good fortune to work with. We have worked together to write and
publish two anthologies, “Feisty Deeds” and “Feisty Deeds II, Batches and
Brews.” We share our experiences, support our triumphs and disappointments, and
enjoy each other’s company. It’s not a complete week for me without interacting
with this fabulous group of women, who are located all over the world.
7.Do you want each book to stand on its own, or
are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
When
I was working on “Her Own Legacy,” I thought I was working on a stand-alone
book. But a character insisted upon being in a scene no matter how I tried to
write him out of it. Finally, I asked him why he felt he had to be in that
scene, and he replied, “You need me in this scene for your next book.” You
should always listen to your characters. So, because I was so in love with my
characters and their struggles, I continued to write two more, “Her Own
Revolution,” and “Her Own War.” Each book stands on its own, but I believe
readers will get more out of each book if they read them in order.
My
characters also insisted I write a cookbook to include their recipes, which
appear at the end of all my books, and they threatened to stop speaking to me
if I didn’t. So, I wrote, “Soups of Château de Verzat: A Literary Cookbook
& Culinary Tribute to the French Revolution.” Hint, you can get a free
e-copy by signing up for my newsletter at: https://debraborchert.com/bonus/
I’m
currently working on “Christmas Romance at Château de Verzat,” which will serve
as a bridge to the next trilogy, which is news to me, as I thought I was
finished…
8.What authors did you dislike at first but grew
into?
Markus
Zusak, author of “The Book Thief.” When I first picked it up, I thought, “I
don’t want to read a book from the point of view of Death.” Then a few years
later, I was overwhelmed by the power of that book. It was my stepdaughter who
alerted me to the fact that a few years earlier, I hated it and didn’t finish
it. Lesson learned. Now, I give books more of a chance.
9.What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
“Oil
and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo,” by Stephanie Storey. How she
depicts Michelangelo finding the masterpiece within a flawed hunk of stone is
absolutely brilliant. I believe it is being developed into a film, and perhaps
the movie will bring more recognition to this fabulous book.
10.As a writer, what would you choose as your
mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
My
spirit animal is Clyde the whale.
11.How many unpublished and half-finished books
do you have?
I’ve
given up on only one book. I call it my practice book.
12.What did you editout of this book?
When
I started writing, my protagonists were young children, but, as such, they
didn’t have agency. So, all the adorable kid stuff was edited out.
13.If you didn’t write, what would you do for
work?
I
love to cook, and I still design clothing and home furnishings, so I’d probably
have my own businesses doing those things for other people. I don’t think I
could ever return to corporate life.
14.Do you hide any secrets in your books that
only a few people will find?
For
people who know their French history, there will be things that resound with
them more deeply.
I
must add that when I saw “Hamilton,” I had the biggest laugh when King George
sings “I’m so blue,” because the word “blue” refers also to his illness, porphyria,
which causes blue urine and madness.
Terror in Taffeta: (Destination Wedding Mysteries)by Marla Cooper
About Terror in Taffeta
Terror in Taffeta (Destination Wedding Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting - San Miguel de Allende - Mexico
Independently Published
(March 24, 2026)
Number of Pages: 288
More Details Coming Soon!
Wedding planner Kelsey McKenna is just a few hours away from wrapping up her latest job: a destination wedding in the charming, colonial Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende—until a bridesmaid collapses during the ceremony and turns the celebration into a crime scene. When the bride’s sister is arrested for murder, the demanding mom insists that Kelsey fix the matter at once. And although Kelsey is pretty sure that’s not in her contract, career-killer. Before she can leave Mexico and get back to planning weddings, Kelsey must deal with stubborn detectives, a rekindled romance, and late-night death threats in this smart, funny cozy mystery debut.
About Marla Cooper
MARLA COOPER is the author of the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mysteries. As a freelance writer, Marla has written all sorts of things, from advertising copy to travel guidebooks to the occasional haiku, and it was while ghostwriting a guide to destination weddings that she found inspiration for her series. She currently lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and a few too many cats. She is the Vice President of Sisters in Crime, Heart of Texas chapter.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
1.When
did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
For as long as I can remember! I spent a lot of time writing
basically everythingexcept fiction. I was on the yearbook staff. I
became an advertising copywriter. I did some travel writing. But I was in my
40s when I realized that I had a novel in me! I always thought it was something
other people did! But then a friend of mine sold a cozy mystery and I thought,
“Wow, that looks fun!”
2. How long does it take you to write a book?
The first one took several years, but I wrote it while also
working full-time as a freelance writer. The second one took a year because I
was under contract and had to get it done. I'm as curious as you are to find
out how long it takes me to write the next one!
3. What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
When I'm in the groove I will sit down and write a chapter at a
time — anywhere between 1,500 and 2,500 words. Sometimes it's in the middle of
the afternoon and sometimes it's late at night, but I've never been a morning
writer.
4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don't know if this counts, but according to my husband, I scowl
at the page when I'm mad at one of my characters. I don't usually realize I'm
doing it until he points it out, but clearly I don't have a good poker face,
because I'm very expressive even when no one's looking at me.
5. Where do you get your information or ideas for yourbooks?
The idea for Terror in Taffeta came about because I had a client
who was a destination wedding planner, and she hired me to ghostwrite a
nonfiction guide to destination weddings for her. She was telling me all about
her job and I thought, "What a perfect job for an amateur sleuth!"
6. When did you write your first book and how old wereyou?
When I was in my twenties I started a novel that went nowhere,
which was ironic because it was about a road trip. I literally just started
with no idea what the plot was and I think I got about ten chapters in and I
realized it was about nothing. I would love to dig up that manuscript so I
could have a good laugh at myself! I didn’t try again until I was in my early
40s, when I wrote Terror in Taffeta.
7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I herd cats! I used to volunteer at the Austin Animal Center and,
after coming home with one too many animals, now I feel like I'm running my own
rescue. I also found a late-in-life hobby: playing ukulele. I had never been
musical but I picked one up when I was in Hawaii and there was a rain storm. We
ducked into a shop and the next thing you know, I was a uke player!
8. What does your family think of your writing?
Some mix of proud and confused! My father-in-law, surprisingly,
is one of my biggest fans. He brags to everyone that a character is named after
him. My stepfather, on the other hand, was really proud that I had written a
book, but did not understand the concept of cozy mysteries at all. When I
explained the premise to him, he responded by saying, "Do you know who I
like? James Michener.” I never let him live it down.
9. What was one of the most surprising things youlearned in
creating your books?
The first time I did it, I think I surprised myself by actually
finishing one. It is a process, and it takes a long time. And every time you
sit down to start a new book, you think, "Will I really be able to pull
this off again?"But you do. There are times when you want to give up. But
there’s nothing better than that feeling when you get to those two magical
words: “The End.”
10. Do you have any suggestions to help me becomea better
writer? If so, what are they?
First of all, write what you love. You really do learn by doing
it. Read a lot in your favorite genre, and you'll start to see patterns. Find
some other friends and read each other's work. It's so much easier than working
in a vacuum! And mostly, just start. Some things will work and some things won’t,
but you can always edit it once you have something on the page.
11. Do you hear from your readers much? Whatkinds of things do
they say?
I do hear from readers sometimes and it absolutely makes my day!
I'm one of those people who loves it when someone replies to my newsletter. And
when I get an email out of the blue saying, "I read your book and loved
it!”… well, there's no better
feeling! I also blog with Chicks on the Case, and
whenever it's my turn to post, I love chatting with people in the comments.
12. What do you think makes a good story?
I love a good plot-driven story with a fast-moving pace and lots
of plot twists. Character development is great so that readers care about the
people in the story, but too much can start to bog down unless it’s done
extraordinarily well. And as a cozy mystery author, I'm always a sucker for
justice being served at the end.
13. As a child, what did you want to do when yougrew up?
When I was in kindergarten, I wanted to be a kindergarten
teacher, but I'm pretty sure that was the only profession I knew existed.In
elementary school, I wanted to be a ballerina, but unfortunately I was a
little, erm… top-heavy for that. Luckily, I always wanted to be a writer!
14. What would you like my readers to know?
Since you are the Deal Sharing Aunt, I would like your
readers to know that I have a free short cozy mystery novella available if they
sign up for my newsletter! It's called "Welcome to Cozy Town" and,as
I described it in my introduction, it's "the coziest cozy I could
cozy." I threw every cozy trope I could think of into the mix. Tagline:
“Come for a visit. You’ll probably be fine.” I’d love to share it with your
readers for free! Grab your copy at www.marlacooper.com
In the corridors of Indiana’s justice system, power is both a weapon and a curse.
Jakob Rizk never expected to become Indiana’s acting attorney general—especially not after his mentor’s sudden death. Two weeks in, he’s losing sleep, battling a ruthless rival, and facing off with a powerful senator focused on his downfall. The last thing he needs is for his twin, Seth—a Miami cop hiding secrets of his own—to arrive unexpectedly.
Jakob is under pressure to prosecute a young engineer for the murder of a hard-nosed inspector famous for rooting out corruption. But with scant evidence and clear signs of political interference, the case is a minefield. Jakob has always lived by the law, but now one misstep could cost him a career.
Together, the brothers must unravel a web of greed and deception, each dead set on appearing strong in the other’s eyes. As they race the clock, which matters more: the truth, their careers, or fragile bonds that could be shattered forever?
MURDER ON SITE Trailer:
Book Details:
Genre: Mystery; Legal Mystery, Whodunnit Published by: Tule Publishing Publication Date: February 23, 2026 Number of Pages: 279 ISBN: 9781969218989 (ISBN10: 1969218983) Series: The Rizk Brothers Legal Mysteries, Book 1 Book Links:Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | BookBub | Tule Publishing
Read an excerpt:
~Jakob~
Wednesday. 2:30 p.m.
Jakob Rizk didn’t notice the concrete sidewalks of downtown Indy. He didn’t see the people. His body was on automatic pilot, his mind back in the office of the Marion County prosecutor. They’d worked a few cases together back when he, Jakob, was a senior attorney in the criminal department.
Which was last week.
Then Jakob had stepped into the role of interim attorney general after Harrison Stanley died unexpectedly. The death and appointment were as much a surprise to him as the rest of the state. From assistant county prosecutor to the state’s top attorney in three years. The change left no time to plan, to think, to grieve. Noon Monday, the governor publicly announced the interim appointment. An hour later, Jakob sat behind the shiny desk in the office with Harry’s name on the door, scouring through emails and hand-annotated notes to pick up where Harry had left off on Friday.
A shoulder bounced off his arm.
“My apologies,” he said automatically. Lifting his head, he saw a swarm of young teens in identical blue T-shirts. He bobbed and weaved, feeling like he was swimming upstream.
The metaphor applied to more than the sidewalk. He reached an intersection, pressed the “walk” button, and waited.
Three hours ago, his mobile rang. Glad to see a familiar name come up, Jakob had answered without hesitating. But he wasn’t calling as a friend, he was calling as a county prosecutor. He had a problem and needed Jakob’s advice. Could he come over to talk?
So, Jakob went.
“Walk. Walk. Walk.”
Jakob obeyed, staying between the white lines out of habit rather than intent.
The problem was a dead woman named Lucy Torok. Her body had been found in her truck, parked under the interstate bridge where she worked as a construction inspector. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department had a suspect but evidence was so thin the odds of securing a conviction were single digits. On the surface, the case was murder. But beneath the waters lurked a political bear trap. Should he hold out for more evidence or move forward to appease the well-connected family? And that was where his friend needed advice.
What would Harry do if he’d gotten the call …
“I like your shoes.” A rough, worn voice pulled Jakob from his thoughts. He glanced at the Italian leather on his feet. “Thank you,” he said to the man sitting against the nearest building. Likely homeless, the clothes were oversized for the man and too heavy for the hot June afternoon. But his shoes, those were pristine. A point of pride. “I like yours. It’s a challenge to keep white clean.”
“It is, but worth it,” the man said. “Yessiree. I like those shoes. But truth, I liked your other ones better.”
Jakob’s mind raced to decode the comment. Had the man seen him before and noticed his shoes? He had a collection that would be embarrassing if anyone but his wife saw it. More likely the man suffered from a mental illness. Addiction. Delusional disorder. What else could make a man imagine shoes? Didn’t matter. He needed to get back to Harry’s office.
“I like those, too,” he said, playing along. “But you have to mix it up sometimes. Have a good one.” Jakob hurried along to discourage conversation. One more street and he entered the building through the revolving door. Crisp cool air greeted his face and hands. He was tempted to pull off his suit jacket, but knowing he’d been sweating, he left it in place.
“You’re back again,” Anthony Raymond called out. The security guard was one of Jakob’s favorite people, always having a smile to share. “What a surprise.”
“That’s me,” Jakob said dryly as he put his phone in the bowl, backpack on the table. “Just full of surprises.” He walked through the metal detector, then waited on the other side for Anthony to clear his bag.
“I guess your plans fell through.”
“You mean my meeting? No, I had it. It didn’t take long.”
Anthony’s face betrayed his bewilderment.
“Meetings do occasionally end early.” Jakob chuckled. “It’s rare, but every once in a while, we get a few minutes back in our day.”
“No, sir. I mean, yes, sir, I’m sure they do.” Anthony pushed the backpack toward Jakob but didn’t let go. “I just have to ask. Why did you change clothes again?”
Did Anthony get him mixed up with someone else? He felt a little hurt. He saw Anthony as a—well, they weren’t friends, but acquaintances. Apparently Anthony saw him as just another suit.
“The governor expects us to dress when we’re in the building. We need to paint the right picture, you know. Have a good afternoon, Anthony.”
“You, too,” Anthony called after him.
Jakob headed to the elevator, grateful the doors opened nearly instantly. They closed and he was alone with his ego, dented after the reminder he wasn’t special at all. He shared the short ride up with his reflection. A familiar stranger. Neither different nor the same, who was he now?
The doors opened and he put on a façade that included his confident smile.
He walked through the glass entryway that had been the gateway to his work for the last three years. The receptionist, Ivy O’Neil, wasn’t at her post. A rarity. He headed left, to the office of the attorney general. He nodded to a staffer, who blinked without nodding back.
Jakob was beginning to think there really was something different about this upcoming generation of attorneys and it wasn’t their overwhelming social skills.
The desk and area outside the AG’s office was the territory of Executive Assistant Lisa Hastings. The most senior person in the office, who was also conspicuously missing.
“Where is everyone?” Jakob had a moment of panic. Had he forgotten a meeting? An event?
Voices came from behind the door to Harry’s office. A dull thump. Something heavy hit the floor. What the hell was going on in there?
Jakob sucked air in, then narrowed his eyes at the closed door. Someone was looting Harry’s office. Confidential information was everywhere, valuable to both sides of the aisle, to corporations, to plaintiffs and defendants.
Not on his watch!
Jakob shouldered the door open, leaping inside. “Stop what you’re doing!”
The desk fell from two pairs of hands, the muted slap of wood against carpet. Four faces turned to him. Three wore slack-jawed expressions. The fourth grinned like a pirate looting treasure.
“Seth?” Jakob stepped inside, blinking to see if his twin brother was really there or a figment of his overloaded mind. “You’re in Miami.”
“Jakob.” Seth looked around the large corner office. “I almost like the digs.”
“Jakob?” Lisa Hastings took a step away from the man who looked strikingly like her boss. Her head was on a swivel.
Jakob. Seth. Jakob. Seth.
Amusement washed over Jakob and brought a smile to his face for the first time in days. “I apologize, Lisa. I should have warned you that if I showed up shouting ridiculous orders, you were to call an ambulance and have them bring restraints.”
Seth chortled.
“You’re twins,” she said, now shaking her head. “Identical.”
“I’m better-looking,” Seth said as Jakob said, “I’m smarter.”
Jakob scowled as he covered the distance to his brother in three strides. “You show up, unannounced, and you rearrange my office?”
Seth’s smile grew until it reached both ears. “You nailed it in one, Counselor.”
“God, I missed your stupid head.” Jakob grabbed his twin, pulling him in for a hard hug.
“Well, don’t think I missed your ugly face,” Seth said but hugged him just as hard.
Ivy picked up the law book from the floor. “We can put it all back,” she said, looking to the law clerk who always seemed to be lending the young woman a helping hand.
“Absolutely. Just take a minute.” Jakob lifted one end of the desk.
“Leave it where it is,” Seth ordered.
Jakob gave his brother the look that had gotten him accused of witness intimidation. “This is my office. I say where Harry’s desk goes. Put it—”
“—where it is.” Seth dragged him until they were face-to-face. “Haven’t you learned anything about security? Your desk does not go in front of the door. It gives a shooter a direct line of sight.”
“Ohmygod.” Ivy dropped the book in her hands. The dull thud was louder on this side of the door.
Jakob held out his palms as if to calm a frightened child. “It’s okay. Leave it for now. We’ll decide where to put Harry’s desk later.”
“We all have work to do.” Lisa herded Ivy and the clerk out of the office. “And you two … behave.” She closed the door behind her.
Seth pulled his arm back and dropped onto the long leather couch now positioned to face the door. “I bet nothing gets by her.”
“That’s it?” Jakob threw up his hands. “Are you just going to pretend like you didn’t appear out of thin air? What are you doing here, Seth?”
“I came to see you. It’s not every day I become related to the attorney general of a whole state. These are moments to be savored.” He stretched, inhaling deeply. “Feels good. I like it. How about you?”
Jakob gave his brother his perfected “don’t mess with me” stare.
Seth gave up the pretense with an eyeroll. “Put away your weapon. I give up, Counselor. I’m here for Harry’s funeral.”
“Thank you, Seth, but we talked about this,” he said, walking to his desk. “I told you not to come.”
Seth snorted. “Since when has that worked? I’m here and you’re stuck with me until I book a return flight. Now, how’s it feel to be the attorney general for Indiana?”
“I’m the interim AG, and it’s fine.” Jakob slid his hip onto the corner of his desk. “When did you get in? How was your flight?” The conversation drifted into the usual commentary on air travel and Indianapolis traffic. When it came to accommodations, there was no discussion. “You’re staying with us. We have plenty of room. Let me call Courtney and tell her you’re here.”
“I have a better idea.” Seth’s grin became mischievous. “We’ll trade clothes.”
“It’s not going to work. We’ve been trying to pull off a switch since Courtney and I dated at Indiana University. We’re 0 for, like, twenty. She won’t fall for it. She never does.”
“She doesn’t know I’m here,” Seth argued. “I’m darker, but as long as your olive ass isn’t next to me, she won’t notice the difference.”
Jakob shook his head. “She’s smarter than both of us.”
“I’m not denying it, but she can’t always win.” He studied his twin, head to toe. “Why did you cut your hair so short? I hate our hair short. We look like a lawyer.”
“I am a lawyer. Why is yours so long? We look derelict. You working vice or something?”
“Something.” Seth ran a hand through the thick, wavy black hair their father passed on to them. Their build and features came from their father’s Mediterranean ancestry, with one notable exception—their eyes. They both had their mother’s Scottish misty gray eyes.
Seth hadn’t answered the question, but Jakob let it go. For now. “I’ll bet you a dollar Courtney knows it’s you in under a minute.”
“A minute? Done.”
His cell phone rang. His friend the prosecutor was calling back. Good news didn’t happen that quickly in Jakob’s experience. He looked to his brother.
Seth popped to his feet. “Come find me when you’re done. I’ll be wherever Lisa says you’re buying me lunch.”
***
Excerpt from Murder on Site by TG Wolff. Copyright 2026 by TG Wolff. Reproduced with permission from TG Wolff. All rights reserved.
Author Bio:
TG Wolff has never been able resist a good puzzle. With an engineer’s mind for logic and a lifelong love of mysteries, she crafts whodunnit stories that challenge readers to outsmart her detective. Her books are filled with quirky characters, red herrings, and—because she firmly believes solving (fictional) murders should be fun—a healthy dose of humor.
TG earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in civil engineering, learning early to see every problem as a mystery and each solution as the answer the result of asking the right questions. That same curiosity drives her fiction, where nothing is ever accidental and every detail counts.
When she’s not plotting fictional crimes, TG is a mystery reader and reviewer, and the co-creator / co-host of the whodunnit mystery podcast Mysteries to Die For. A Cleveland, Ohio native, she now lives in northeast Indiana with her husband and two sons, where dogs and mysteries are always welcome.
Interview:
1. What is the first book that made you cry?
Lol, I’m a marshmallow. It would be a shorter list to ask me what books have NOT make me try. I am a character driven reader and writer - I tend to feel what characters feel. Hence, tears falling are not a notable event.
2. Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Writing is the gateway to my imagination and the place I like most to retreat to when life is too busy. Writing re-energizes me and hopefully my stories do the same for readers - giving them a port to harbor a storm and then re-enter life rested and restored.
3. Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
My first books were written under the pseudonym Anita DeVito. Anita is Tina backwards and DeVito is a tribute to my Italian heritage. I used the name to create separation between my romantic suspense stories and my day job as a Civil Engineer. As my writing has become solidly mystery, I now use my initials - TG Wolff.
4. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better
Writer?
My son and I host a podcast, Mysteries to Die For, where we feature original short stories alternated with book reviews. Through this, I’ve met some absolutely wonderful writers. Erica Obey constantly challenges my vocabulary (Erica has a PhD). Karina Bartow is my hero for her wit and determination (Karina has Cerebral Palsey). Kyra Jacobs writes small towns like the best of them. So many others have sharpened my storytelling by example.
5. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of
work with connections between each book? I tend to write series. I fall in love with the characters I’ve created and the world they live in and just can’t let it rest after one!
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I began writing for my own entertainment for many years before I considered publishing. I have about six stories that will forever be in the “first draft complete” status. Sometimes I re-read them as a mental reset. I still like the stories and, who knows, maybe one will find the light of day. Or not.
7. What did you edit out of this book?
Alas, I did run out of word count. The few whole scenes that were cut were largely comedy relief, fun without have an impact on the story. The editor’s pen was wielded like a scalpel on the remaining scenes, trimming strategically to keep the heart of each scene. It was a painstaking process but well worth the effort.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I do hide little treats that are put it to coax a smile for a small few. In books that are tied to dates, I will have a character wish my brothers a happy birthday if a scene occurs on their birthday.
Recently, I received a fun text from a writer friend who was surprised to see her most recent book on the bedside table of the dearly departed.
Welcome to Osage Springs, where small-town charm meets big trouble.
When Claire O’Keefe’s father suffers a stroke, she puts her plans to teach overseas on hold and returns home to Osage Springs, Arkansas. Between caring for her parents and reconnecting with her roots, she expects a quiet few months—until a chance encounter at the grocery store changes everything.
An old high school classmate, now an English teacher at Lakeside High, asks Claire to fill in during her maternity leave. It sounds simple enough—grading essays, managing teenagers, and maybe sneaking in a lakeside walk or two. But when a fellow teacher is found dead in Beaver Lake, the sleepy Ozark town turns tense, and Claire once again finds herself drawn into a mystery she can’t ignore.
This time, the sheriff’s department is asking for volunteers to aid the search, and Claire can’t resist lending a hand. But as secrets rise to the surface, she begins to wonder if the lake is hiding more than just one deadly truth.
Can Claire help solve the case before the next body surfaces… or will she be the one caught beneath the calm, cold water?
About Cindy Quayle
Cindy Quayle is the author of the Claire O’Keefe Mystery series, cozy whodunits set in a variety of scuba diving destinations. After years of teaching students, Cindy took the plunge into fiction with her debut novel, Death on Cozumel Island, inspired by a family scuba diving vacation to Cozumel.
When she is not writing, Cindy teaches ESL part-time and draws inspiration from her love of travel and the underwater world. An avid scuba diver, she enjoys exploring new dive sites and weaving the sights, culture, and atmosphere of each location into her stories. Cindy enjoys connecting with readers and is active on social media, where she shares updates on her writing life, travel adventures, and upcoming Claire O’Keefe mysteries.
INTERVIEW
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I have always loved
stories, but I truly realized I wanted to be a writer during the pandemic. Like
many people, I found myself with more quiet time, and I finally decided to turn
the stories in my head into something real.
2. How long does it take you to write a book?
It usually takes me a
year from the first idea to the final draft. Some days the words flow easily,
and other days I stare at the screen and wonder why I thought this was a good
idea. Both are part of the process.
3. What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
I fit writing around my schedule
as a mom and a teacher, so it ispretty flexible.
4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I often reread what I
wrote the day before before starting something new. It helps me get back into
the story and reminds me where my characters left off.
5. How do books get published?
I chose to publish
independently because I like to choose the editors and designers.
Unfortunately, this means I have to handle the entire publishing process
myself. But it gives me creative freedom and lets me connect closely with
readers.
6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My ideas come from
everyday life, travel experiences, small-town stories, and lots of people
watching. Sometimes one overheard conversation or a beautiful setting can spark
an entire mystery.
7. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first book in
my late forties after years of thinking about it. It took courage to finally
begin, but once I did, I wished I had started sooner.
8. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I love reading,
traveling, scuba diving, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family
and friends. All of those things refill my creative energy.
9. What does your family think of your writing?
My family is incredibly
supportive. They are my biggest cheerleaders and my most honest readers. I am
lucky to have them in my corner.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in
creating your books?
I was surprised by how
attached I became to my characters. They feel like old friends now, and
sometimes they surprise me with their choices.
11. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written four books
in the Claire O’Keefe series, and each one feels special to me. Choosing a
favorite is like choosing a favorite child, so I usually say the newest one.
12. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer?
Read often, write
regularly, and be kind to yourself. Every writer starts somewhere. The most
important thing is to keep going, even on days when it feels hard.
13. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do
they say?
Yes, and I treasure
every message. Readers often tell me that my books feel comforting, relaxing,
and fun. Hearing that my stories bring people joy is the best reward.
14. Do you like to create books for adults?
I do. I love writing cozy
mysteries for adults because they offer suspense, humor, and heart without
being too dark. They are perfect for relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea.
15. What do you think makes a good story?
A good story has
relatable characters, a strong sense of place, and a mystery that keeps you
turning pages. Most of all, it should make readers feel something.
16. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I went through many
phases, but I always loved reading and learning. Looking back, it makes sense
that I ended up teaching and writing.
17. What would you like my readers to know?
I am deeply grateful for
every reader who gives my books a chance. Your support means more than you
know. I hope my stories bring you comfort, smiles, and a little mystery whenever
you need an escape.
