Maria Romana, on her Romance "Little Miss Straight Lace"

What is the setting for your book?

Little Miss Straight Lace takes place in the present day in the Research Triangle Park region of North Carolina. It's a hotbed of medical and technological research that is outlined by three major research universities: Duke, NCSU, and UNC.

What character features prominently in your book?

The story follows Josie Natale, a researcher who learns too much about an experimental drug and is drawn into a web of corporate deceit.  Horrors from her own past blend into the mix, making for a complex mystery with a dramatic conclusion.

What drew you to this genre? Any specific author that inspires you?

Nora Roberts' J.D. Robb incarnation is a favorite of mine, because she so skilfully blends drama and romance with bits of humor.  It is that combination of genres that I was going for.

Which character do you most closely identify with?

The character of Josie is closest to my heart.  She is a mixture of strength and vulnerability, who is forced to face down her demons as the book progresses.

Does this book draw on your real-life experiences?

Yes, to a great extent.  I worked in the same field as Josie for many years, so the details about medical research and procedures are true-to-life.  I also volunteered in a women's center in my town, which helped to shape the character development that underlies the primary storyline.

Quote us a short passage to give us a feel for the storyline.

"Nic beckoned and yelled down to her again, “Josie! Sweetheart. Come on!” Josie’s gaze drifted over to Nic for a moment. She looked a little pale. Then suddenly, she spun around and headed back the way she’d come, breaking into a run. “JOSIE! Wait! Come back!" He muttered to himself, "What the hell is she doing?”

“Maybe she left something on the boat?” offered Nina.

Nic started across the balcony. “I’m going after her.”

“Just wait a minute, Nic. I’m sure she’ll be right back."

But Nic was already at the French doors. “Uh-uh. It is getting dark.” Then he stopped and stepped back to the umbrella table. He snatched his cell phone off it and added, “Something is not right.”

Any plans for your next work?

I have another book partly finished in a similar genre - romantic suspense with scientific underpinnings - and plans for a series that is a little more mystery-based than romance.

Check out Maria Romana's Little Miss Straight Lace on Amazon.

Linda L. Barton, on her Mystery "Next Move, You're Dead"

What is the setting for your book?

Next Move, You're Dead takes place in Philadelphia, current time period.  Homicide Detective John Cooper finds himself involved in a game with a mysterious caller who starts to make him question everything he's always believed in himself as a detective, but most importantly everything in his personal life. John knows the current cases he's involved with are solved without question, but with each new one; John finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into a world of which he may never escape.

Interesting. Can you share a passage with us?

As they finished their meals and were drinking the rest of the wine with dessert, the Maitre D’ walked up to John telling him that he had a phone call at the front. How strange that someone would call him on the restaurant phone and not on his cell phone, John mused. He excused himself and followed the Maitre D’ to the front desk.

There were several people gathered around the desk, so John stood out of the way while the Maitre D' handed him the receiver. “Hello, this is John Cooper,” he said.

“Good evening John. I hope you’ve enjoyed the wine. It has always been a favorite of mine”, the voice on the phone said playfully.

“Who is this? John asked as he didn't recognize the voice.

“I wanted to introduce myself to you John and let you know that you have been chosen.” The voice was now low and precise.

“Chosen? Chosen, for what? Who is this?” The anger clearly appearing in his voice.

“You have been chosen to be the next tracker in the game, John. It’s quite an honor to be chosen as only a certain few have what it takes. I’m so thrilled to have come across you. It’s quite a rarity to find someone of your caliber; you’re just the type of person I look for as an opponent. But first, enjoy the remaining wine and the rest of your anniversary with your beautiful wife Kathy. Keep your eyes and mind open as the game begins tomorrow and do remember that things aren’t always as they appear. Good night John, we will talk again soon.”

The phone went dead.

What drew you to the mystery genre? Any specific author that inspired you?

I've always enjoyed a good mystery that keeps me guessing until the very end. I can't compare my work to anyone else, as I tried to create my own style.  I'll leave the comparing to the readers, as they know best.

Any plans for your next work?

I'm currently working on my second novel title Pure Justice.  It's nothing like my first, but I'm having just as much fun writing it.

Check out Next Move, You're Dead by Linda L. Barton on Amazon.

Pamela M. Richter, Author of "The Necromancer"

The Necromancer by Pamela M. Richter is available on Amazon.com.

Tell us about the name of your book.

The definition of a Necromancer is a person who communicates with the dead. In this novel, the character known as The Necromancer, is also the head of many Wiccan (or witch) covens. He may or may not have supernatural powers.

What is the setting for your book?

The Necromancer is set in Oahu, Hawaii. Many of the most beautiful parts of the island are mentioned, like Hanama Beach, with the famous blow hole, Waikiki beach, and Three Tables beach on the north side of the island. The Necromancer also takes us to Kauai, one of the smallest of the island chain, which had the first pineapple plantation, and is the wettest spot on earth in it's winter season.

The Necromancer gives a taste of the Hawaiian culture, particularly their favorite foods, the flower leis, and the famed Aloha hospitality."

What character features prominently in your book?

The focus is on the character Michelle. She was brutially attacked while on a business trip, and has to overcome panic attacks when she's alone with a man. She decides that an affair with Omar, The Necromancer, might cure her because he's older and seems nice. He is also extremely handsome and she's attracted to him."

What drew you to this genre? Any specific author that inspires you?

The Necromancer is a paranormal novel. There are so many good authors, but the one who stands out for me, as for so many others, is Stephen King. I read his novels for years and loved the long ones best.

Quote us a short passage to give us a sense for the story.

"It was just past twilight, almost time for the Crystal Prophesies. Omar leaned his elbows on the penthouse balcony, enjoying the moment. This was a magical time of day and he was a magician. He preferred calling himself a Necromancer to the common titles: warlock, conjuror, magus, seer or wizard. There were subtle variations, but he fancied 'romancer' in his title. Necromancer. It described him. He romanced his way into hearts and minds. With the help of a little magic."

Does this book draw on your real-life experiences?

I lived in Hawaii for several years. I did the body surfing I describe near the end of the novel, when Michelle has to go through huge waves to reach the Kawaii beach.

The novels also explains about the history of the Wiccan Religion. I don't have any direct experience - I just did a lot of research."

Which character of your book do you most closely identify with?

Since I have a degree in Psychology, I think I could closely identify with Michelle. She has gone through a tramatic, life altering esperience. It has unexpected consequences, and she has to learn to trust again.

Any plans for your next work?

Oh yes! I'm just finishing a novel, and I have two others available for the Kindle, titled The Living Image and Midnight Reflections.

The Necromancer by Pamela M. Richter is available on Amazon.com.

Tell your story on Kinderati

One of the best ways to provoke interest in your book is to tell readers a bit about yourself, what your book is about, and your motivation for writing it.

So we developed this interview format to let you tell your story: the story behind your book. The Kinderati blog will reach thousands of Kindle users on Kinstant.com - so they can read it right on their Kindles.

Answer each question as best you can. No specific boundaries, though answers of 50-100 words seem to work well. The first eight questions are required, and cover the essentials. There are five optional questions as well - answer as many or few of these as you like. We'll apply some light editing, and contact you for a follow-up before posting.

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