Redoing a Scrapbook Album

Not me. Ever. That was the statement I always made to myself when I read about scrapbookers redoing albums. Wasn’t the way I made layouts when I first started as much part of the “history” as the photos and journaling on the page. It showed how I progressed in the hobby and what was hot and trendy … or at least what I thought was awesome … back in the day. Besides, if I redid albums every time my scrapping style changed, I’d be documenting the same pictures over and over again. And there is the likelihood that, like clothing fashion, what was once trendy and is now mocked will become trendy again and the pages will once again look like they did.

To me, it was like rewriting a book after it’s been published. The project is “done” so no use going back and tweaking something that has left the to-do pile. My style has changed since my first book was published in 2002. One did not rewrite a book once it was published so it seemed “wrong” to redo an album, or even a layout, once it was placed into a scrapbook. Not to mention, all those other lonely photo longing for a page/layout of their own.

And then I did the unthinkable–I rewrote a book that had gone out of print. I still loved the characters and most of the plot, but there was one part I didn’t like and cringed at years later. I decided it rewrite that part and also have it edited before I republished it on my own. There were two other novels that were out of print but I wasn’t interested in redoing them. I like those stories and felt they were told the way they needed to be told. And, I’m at a different place with my writing and am content with “letting them go”.

Along came the Project Life way of scrapbooking, or at least it finally got on my radar a few months ago, and I knew it would work perfectly for doing my children’s baby/personal albums. I always wanted to do a scrapbook for each of them separately but have spent my scrapping time working on yearly and event (vacation) albums. I had also started the albums in the 8 1/2 x 11 size and never liked the limited amount of space. My thoughts were always since I started it in that size, I needed to stay in that format.

I kept putting those albums off to the side and decided to go with my heart and redo the albums. One thing I am doing, is keeping as much of the original embellishments from the page that I can. I don’t want to alter the style completely of the pages I did ten years ago, but I want to change the structure to that of the pocket scrapbooking (as I’ve heard it called also). It has “breathed new life” into the project for me. On days that I am really tired, I find that pocket scrapbooking lets me enjoy my hobby as focusing on the smaller spaces is relaxing and manageable while a larger canvas just seems impossible.

Heroine Interview: Katie James from the novel To Katie With Love

1. Please tell us a little bit about what is currently going on in your life? (book blurb)

Banker by day, romance novel addict by night…that’s me. I’d almost rather settle for a fictional boyfriend than risk my heart on a flesh-and-blood man. Besides, the only real guy I’m remotely interested in is my rich, unattainable client, the mysterious Cooper Maxwell.

Looking less like the ultra-conservative man I know and more like a drop-dead sexy character from one of my books, Cooper crashes my 29th birthday party. But one too many drinks lands me in uncharted territory… Cooper’s bedroom!

Drunk on love, I dive headfirst into the relationship only to discover Cooper is keeping secrets… dangerous ones. As if things couldn’t get worse, my meddling mother makes a surprise visit, digging up a whole new set of problems.

Who would have guessed having an assassin for a boyfriend would be the least of my worries?

2. What made you want your story to be told? (theme of your book if there is one)

Well, my story is a cautionary tale of sorts. Books are great until you start living vicariously through them to the point where you’re ignoring everything else. Silvia said I needed to share my story to the world so girls everywhere would realize we have to find balance in all things. And having a hot guy around doesn’t hurt either. 

3. What lead you to make the changes you did in your life?

My life was on the brink of imploding before the story even started. I mean, how long can a girl go on living without having a life? Woman cannot survive on fiction (or chocolate) alone, right? That’s not to say we’re defined by men…but we shouldn’t be defined by what we read either. I was hiding behind books to avoid the realities of life. That needed to change. And I guess I needed a nudge…or two.

4. In your life, what has empowered you?

I found strength within myself the minute I stopped worrying what everyone else thought. You can’t live your life by someone else’s rules. You can’t let your mother, or your friends, or even your boyfriend tell you what’s right for you. You have to find your own way…even if you have to be a little sneaky about it.

5. What are strengths and weaknesses?

I’ve discovered I’m a terrible spy. I gave it my all, but being a detective is NOT in the cards for me. However, I have discovered I have a sexy inner-strength I had no idea existed.

6. Describe what being a self-rescue princess (a strong, confident woman) means to you.

Being a self-rescue princess means I can take care of myself while at the same time acknowledging it’s nice to have someone else take care of me once in a while. I’m not a doormat. I have a backbone and I’m not afraid to use it!

7. What one advice/wisdom would you like to pass onto young women?

You can’t be in a successful relationship until you have faith in yourself. You’ll second guess everything until you find your own inner-strength and trust your instincts. And remember…a good book beats a bad boyfriend, every day of the week.

8. Favorite quote or Bible verse.

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.
- Charles M. Schulz -

9.  If your story had a theme song, what would it be?

Hey Katie, by Josh Kelley. That is most definitely the theme song.

10. Will you be continuing your journey in written form?

There is a distinct possibility for more. In fact, I’m sure of it. But giving away too much would spoil the surprise.

11. Is there anyone in your life (friend, family member) who will be sharing their life?

I have no doubt Vicky would like a story all her own, but whether or not she’ll get one is entirely up to her. She is pretty pushy though…so I wouldn’t put it past her.

If you’re interested in reading Katie’s story, you can find the book at the following places:

Book Links:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/To-Katie-With-Love-ebook/dp/B00CIY2A40/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1366926213&sr=1-1&keywords=to+katie+with+love

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-katie-with-love-erica-lucke-dean/1115197331?ean=2940016551333&isbn=2940016551333

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/To-Katie-With-Love/book-wUbrooAwekOfeY94zoeWRQ/page1.html?s=wsX4qAW9FkahVq9wc5TLPw&r=1

If you’d like to know more about the author of To Katie With Love, you can find her at:

Website: http://ericaluckedean.com/

Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/ericaluckedean

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13410825-erica-lucke-dean

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ericaluckedean

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Long Gone, New Beginnings Book 4, Now Out

Long Gone has been the toughest of this series to write as I wanted to fight the book every step of the way. There were two elements of the plot that needed to be in the book but I was uncertain of how readers would react to them … and frankly I was scared to write them as I didn’t know if I could do the issue/situation justice. I am very proud of this book (not that I’m not proud of the others). I know I stretched myself in this book and conquered so my fears and insecurities in doing so. Long Gone, more than the other books I wrote in this series, developed naturally on its own. I had to be willing to pull back from controlling the story and allow it to come as it needed to. This book ended up being what writers term “a book of the heart” when it was completed. I had no idea the impact it would have on me or the emotions it would bring up until I was done writing it.

I went into writing this book “knowing” the story. I knew the hero, heroine, the plot and the main conflict between them … until the story twisted in a way I hadn’t planned on and really hadn’t wanted. But, I did what the story needed and discovered I didn’t  know the real story needing to be told, the heart of this book, until the very end.

Blurb:

Eve Darling won’t allow a repeat of the past. Eight years ago, her boyfriend convinced her to place their baby for adoption with his older brother. Once the adoption was finalized, the ‘love of her life’ abandoned her. When the brother announces his intent to run for governor…and adopt a new child…Eve decides to reveal the man behind the public facade. When no one believes the story, Eve turns to skip-tracer Alexander Stratford to unearth the truth, and stop another woman from being used by the Fallows.

Alex is stunned when Eve Darling shows up and requests help. The woman who once accused him of murder now accuses another man. Alex refuses to be used to damage another person. When Eve is attacked, Alex rushes to her aid– and a quick decision alters lives forever. Can anyone ever truly love him…when he can’t like the man he’s become?

Excerpt:

“You’re a menace.” He lifted up the visor and glared at her.

She shot one right back. “I wanted to talk to you. It wasn’t my fault you were speeding.”

“I wasn’t–” Forget it. If one thing he knew about Eve Darling it was no person on the face of the Earth could talk sense into the woman. She lived in a world where only her goals and herself matter. Heck with everyone else. “Go about your business. I’m fine.”

Alex limped toward his motorcycle. Pain arced up his leg with each step. He should stop but didn’t want to show weakness in front of anyone — especially Eve. The woman had set out to destroy him once and her reappearance in his life meant she was gearing up for round two.

Eve placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Are you sure you should?”

“Ignore you? Yes.”

“Move. You look kind of rough.” Eve pointed at his arm then his legs.

A tear ran down the length of the arm of his leather jacket. At least it protected his hide for the most part. Patches of skin were torn off his legs, the left leg bearing the worst injury. Blood ran down his knee, staining his jeans and his running shoes.

“Let me help.”

“You’ve helped enough.” Alex struggled to get the Night Rod righted as pain coursed down his arm.

“Please, I need to talk to you.” Eve sighed and fixed her deep brown eyes on him, sadness mixed with a little excitement lurked in the depths.

Alex wanted no knowledge of the thoughts running through her conniving mind. “I’d rather you didn’t.”

“I need your help, Alex.” She glanced over her shoulder then stepped closer to him. Her lilac perfume weaved around him. The delicate scent was such a strong contrast to the abrasive woman. Alex felt a little tug in his heart. The same twinge he always got when he allowed the protective urge to override common sense. Not this time.

“No way.” Alex stepped away from her and the enticing scent.

“I’m serious. There’s a woman in trouble. A lot of trouble and she needs help.”

“Go to the police.”

“I tried. They don’t believe me.”

After what happened — what she did — when they first met, she expected him to help her? Was Eve Darling out of her mind or think he was a total idiot? Or a glutton for pain and punishment. Okay, he already knew the answer to the first question. The woman expected him to help her after she caused a wreck, and had accused him of being a murderer a little over a year ago. Not a chance. He wasn’t as stupid as she thought.

SRP Heroine Interview: Margarita from From to Find

1. Please tell us a little bit about what is currently going on in your life?

Margarita: Not too much, at first. I had a nice routine, you know? I have my day job and I teach jujitsu to teen girls in the evenings, and I geocache whenever I get the chance—geocaching is basically using a GPS unit or smartphone app to look for treasure others have hidden for you, all around the world. Best hobby ever. But recently I had this mysterious online secret admirer who placed a new geocache as a tribute to all the puzzle-based geocaches I’ve been making for others. When I went out to find it in the park across the street from my house, I stumbled on the body of a geocaching friend. Someone had attacked him and left him to die! Not cool at all. His widow doesn’t like his hobby, but she trusted me, so she asked me to look into things. I did, and boy did I get more than I bargained for! I was jumping fences, breaking and entering, and  trying to piece together clues that no one wanted to give to me. Talk about a puzzle! And that battle on the cliff? Well, let’s just say I won’t forget that anytime soon.

2. What made you decide to take on such a risky endeavor?

Margarita: I have a secret I don’t talk about. Ten years ago, I lost someone I loved very much. I never even found out what exactly happened to him. One day he was with me, and the next he was gone. So when Ruby asked me to find out exactly what had happened to her husband in the woods, I knew exactly how she felt. I’d been begging the world for answers for a decade, and I never got them. I didn’t want her to feel like I felt. I just couldn’t walk away.

3. Did you ever imagine yourself being involved in fighting crime?

Margarita: No, not really—

Bindi: Oi, you get an interview, and I’m dangling my heels in the hallway? I don’t think so, love. Budge up there. I’d like a go as well.

Margarita: Sorry, this is my roommate, Bindi. She’s from Australia.

Bindi: Fresh off the plane from Melbourne, dumped even before I got to the altar, that’s me. You think this complexion is meant to wear all this black?

Margarita: Bindi alters vintage clothing and sells it. Kind of a retro steampunk thing. And, back on topic, she’s a rabid fan of that detective show, Monk. Being inordinately curious is pretty much the core of her being.

Bindi: Too right it is.  But I never really thought I’d be good at detecting anything but overpowering smells. With this nose, I can’t even get close to certain odors. They make me do a chunder. What a mess! Beer’s the worst of all. What dinkum Aussie can’t even handle the smell of our national beverage? Lucky for me, Margarita understands. She’s a good roomie.

4. Who would you say is the least pleased about your additional career choice of amateur sleuthing? Or is detective work your only career?

Margarita: That would be Acting Chief of Police Connor. He thinks he’s a huge professional, but he’s pretty uptight, and that can get in the way of him doing his job.

Bindi: A little? Are we talking about the same man? The bloke’s a right nightmare. Surprised he didn’t arrest you.

Margarita: Ha! I’d like to see him try.

5.  What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Bindi: Oi, I’ll get this one. I’m the Nose, right? I can literally smell trouble. But Margarita, she’s the brains of our little operation. She makes these puzzles for fun, like all the bloody time. Carries a notebook with her and everything. So whenever she tries to figure something out, she looks for clues and pieces them together in her head like a jigsaw.

Margarita: I have my blind spots, though. CoughDrewcough!

Bindi: Bless you. Yeah, that Drew thing was a bit of a bingle, wasn’t it? But no worries, it’s not like you killed him or anything. And I’m the one who attempted fashion suicide because I couldn’t cope with my great stupid abandonment issues.

Margarita: No, that was your coping. And so stylish, too!

Bindi: Bloody flatterer.

Margarita: But you love my flattery.

Bindi: Too right I do.

 6. Describe what being a self-rescue princess (a strong, confident woman) means to you.

Margarita: I’m centered. It’s a jujitsu term with many applications. There’s the physical meaning, where you take a wide stance and keep your center of balance low and close. It can also mean the attitude you adopt, where you’re ready for surprises but not overly anticipating one or another in particular, not leaning too far toward or away from a possible future. I can definitely defend myself physically, but it also takes a lot of mental focus and stability to handle days and days of chaos, murder, uncertainty in who to trust, and running around gathering clues. Solving this mystery definitely kept me in good shape, body and mind.

Bindi: Oi, how do I top that, then?

Margarita: Well, you topped a pizza with egg once, remember? Your taste in food is so backwards.

Bindi: Not backwards. Upside down. Does no one listen to me when I say I’m from Down Under? Honestly.

7. What one advice/wisdom would you like to pass onto young women?

Bindi: Never solve crime without being yourself. I wasn’t myself when this whole mess started up, and it could have cost me my life. Know yourself, know your limits, let your clothes reflect who you are inside, and never eat spicy burritos before going to a microbrewery. Just saying.

Margarita: *laughing helplessly* It’s true! It’s so, so true.

8. What was one lesson you learned during this challenging time in your life?

Bindi: Fear is a healthy thing. It tells you when you might be pushing things a bit too far, and it lets you know you’re alive and want to stay that way. I wasn’t sure who I was without the bloke who dumped me, until everything I had was in danger. Then I found out how much awesome I’m made of.

Margarita: That’s hilarious. I was gonna say the exact opposite! My fears kept me from being able to piece together a certain handsome man’s motives until it was nearly too late. That situation could have gone very differently, and so much worse than it did. I nearly screwed everything up because I was too afraid to let love back into my life.

 9.  If your story or life had a theme song, what would it be?

Bindi: Not sure, love, but it’d have the proximity beep alarm from my GPS unit in there somewhere.  Oh, wait! That Regurgitator song, “I Like Your Old Remix.” It’s hard to adapt sometimes, you know? But sometimes we don’t have a choice. Life drags us off into the bush, and we find out we’re bloody invincible. Plus, the music video makes me laugh.

Margarita: Does anyone outside Australia know who Regurgitator is?

Bindi: They bloody well should!

Margarita: This is kind of an American interview.

Bindi: And? Australians are the most amazing people on the planet, forged in an environment that tries to kill us at every bloody opportunity. Our music is a product of the fittest musically-inclined survivors. You should bloody listen to it. Could save your life or something. Ignorant Seppos.

Margarita: Hey, no insults.

 Bindi: I call you an ignorant Seppo. Like, all the bloody time.

Margarita: Because. I. Let. You.

Bindi: Oh. Right. Sorry. Americans are really very nice, and I’m not being fair. After the disaster my life became in Australia, I really am thrilled to be living here in Oregon with Margarita. So don’t mind my rampant nationalism. I mean every bloody word of it, but only in a nice way. Promise.

10. Do you plan on dabbling in amateur sleuthing in the future, or have you hung up your detective hat?

Margarita: Well, a certain handsome someone has made reservations for three at a historic hotel out in Shady Bend for the weekend before Valentine’s Day. He’s kindly letting Bindi come along because there’s a weekend-long geocaching event going on. It has a costume ball and everything! I’m totally excited. I can’t wait!

Bindi: Oi, right, because surely nothing bad could happen at a love-themed costume ball where everyone’s dying to get in.

If you’d like to know more about Margarita or Bindi, you can find their story at these places:

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V4LABY

Amazon Paper: http://www.amazon.com/First-Find-Book-One-Caching/dp/1480022039

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-to-find-morgan-c-talbot/1113580913?ean=2940015535471

OmniLit: https://www.omnilit.com/product-firsttofind-980821-243.html

SRP Heroine Interview: Carrie from Oracle of Philadelphia

1. Please tell us a little bit about what is currently going on in your life?

I have this talent to see into the hearts and minds of people I meet. I’ve had it my whole life—approximately 8,000 years. The elders of my village sacrificed their souls, and the souls of some the townsfolk, in exchange for my immortal life.

Nowadays I run a diner in Philadelphia, and one day a young man walked in who I knew instantly was one of the kindest, most generous, and all-around best people I had ever met. But he had sold his soul to the archdemon Azrael in exchange for his sister’s life. I couldn’t stand the idea of such a noble person spending an eternity in Hell, so I decided I had to travel down there myself and get Azrael to negate the contract.

2. What made you want your story to be told?

Honestly, I didn’t want anyone telling my story, because I don’t really want people to know about my existence. Could you imagine my life if word got out there was an all-powerful Oracle living in downtown Philly? But I have been assured my story will be presented as fiction, so I should be relatively safe.

I guess I want my story to be told because I think real, every day people deserve to know what the world is really like. Demons are out there every day, bidding for our souls and tempting us to do evil. And angels aren’t the heroes we need them to be nearly often enough. So sometimes the only thing to do is to take a stand for what is right yourself.

3. What lead you to make the changes you did in your life?

Changes? I so rarely make changes in my life. Eight thousand years, and I keep settling into the same pattern. I almost always work in the food service industry, offering advice to people who come by. I’ve been at this same diner for years, and I don’t think that’s likely to change any time in the near future.

4. In your life, what has empowered you?

I suppose I’m most empowered by my special gift. I’m told it’s much easier to navigate social vagaries when you know what everyone around you is thinking. I also have two close friends, Gabriel and Bedlam, whom I can count on to stand by me through just about anything.

5. What are strengths and weaknesses?

Strengths? I would say that I have the sort of wisdom that comes from living a long life and being able to see into the people around me. I have the ability to take things in stride and realize that most things don’t last forever.

As for weaknesses… I get stuck in places, in life. I have this whole long life where I can see history pass. I can see into other people and understand them on a level no one else can. And yet I don’t contribute to the world. I sit by and do nothing. And I don’t quite know how to change, or even if I could.

6. Describe what being a self-rescue princess (a strong, confident woman) means to you.

I’ve lived through many different time periods, during many of which women have been treated as less than equal to men. But in every era I can think of examples of women with great strength. Sometimes they were famous or did things that no woman ever had before, and sometimes they were just ordinary girls who bore with all the terrible things that life brought upon them. I like to think that I have that kind of strength in me as well, but sometimes I am not sure.

7. What one advice/wisdom would you like to pass onto young women?

Appreciate every good moment that you have, because you never know when they might be taken away from you. And in your darkest times, remember that the light will come again.

8. Favorite quote or Bible verse.

“For fools rush in, where angels fear to tread.” – Alexander Pope. Of course, in my experience, there are a lot of places angels are afraid of, and often times someone needs to go in. And if that’s me, well, I guess I’m a fool.

9.  If your story had a theme song, what would it be?

I let Bedlam pick the music, and he says it’s “Hero” by Chad Kroger. I guess that’s fair. I’m not really one to sit around waiting for a  hero.

10. Will you be continuing your journey in written form?

Sort of. The next book in the series will be a little bit about me and what’s going on with my life, but it will mostly be about my friend Bedlam.

If you’d like to know more about Carrie, you can find her store here:

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Oracle-Philadelphia-Earthbound-Angels-ebook/dp/B00BYH680O/

Barnes & Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oracle-of-philadelphia-elizabeth-corrigan/1114884700?ean=2940016360195&isbn=2940016360195

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Oracle-of-Philadelphia/book-H01IZC3k40SH-kjHsEkc8A/page1.html?s=Ktykqz33FkSUR4NzDZBQJg&r=1

Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Oracle-Philadelphia-Book-Earthbound-Angels/dp/1482692473/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364162353&sr=1-2&keywords=oracle+of+philadelphia

Book Trailer:

If you’d like to be entered to win an Amazon Gift Certificates and fun book-related merchandise please check out the contest sponsored by Red Adept Publishing below.

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The Evolution of the Photo Blocks

I wanted to create something for an auction and saw some cute photo blocks in a magazine. I thought they were perfect, bringing together my love of scrapbooking, photography and writing … the writing in that I intend to take them to a convention to place in the silent auction.

Since Henery Press has a cute chick as their logo, I wanted to incorporate chicks on the photo block. My first version had these little guys standing at attention on the sides. Well, after a day of these little bright-colored chicks sitting on my desk and staring at me, I knew I needed a different plan. These chicks were making me a little nervous with their little round eyes on me. All the time.

I also wanted a little more decorating. First step was removing the chicks and returning them to their box where the rest of the gang of chicks resided. (Now I have to figure out what to do with the gang.) I pulled out ribbon and other embellishments and experimented.

I liked how a ribbon border on the top gave the project a more finished look so I added it. Of course, I had to try out about six different ribbons before I found the one that worked for each block. Because as crafters know, being the perfect ribbon for one block doesn’t make “you/ribbon” perfect for the next block. The papers and the color of the top of the block were different combinations so each block had to have a little fashion show done. After taking a look at some other blocks, I knew I also needed an embellishment on the front. The blocks just looked a little too “naked” for me.

I pulled out my jar of fabric flowers, layered a few pieces and attached them with a brad. After that, I glued the flower onto the block. The top still needed something (and not the wide-eyed chicks). Fortunately, I couldn’t make up my mind when shopping so I bought another style of birds. After taking a poll on Facebook, I decided on adding ribbons and charms to the wire photo holder.

SRP Heroine Interview: Liz Talbot from Lowcountry Boil

I’m so excited to be talking with Liz Talbot today. I watched her from afar during her adventure in Lowcountry Boil and loved getting to chat with her in person.

1. Please tell us a little bit about what is currently going on in your life?

Well, as you know, I’m a private investigator. For the past six years, my partner, Nate, and I have sold information by way of confidential investigation in Greenville, SC. Greenville is in the Upstate—near the Blue Ridge Mountains. I was born and raised on Stella Maris—that’s a sea island near Charleston.

Anyway, things were going real smooth until some no good scoundrel murdered my Gram. As soon as my brother, Blake, called me, I put my golden retriever, Rhett, in the car and high-tailed it right home. I was fit to be tied when Blake—did I mention he’s the police chief?—shut me out of the investigation altogether. Fine, if that’s the way he wants to be. I just opened my own.

As if I didn’t have enough to deal with, my best friend Colleen popped in to offer me advice. I haven’t seen that girl since her funeral fourteen years ago. It’s going to take more than wits and charm to keep my family safe, chase down clues from the hereafter, and catch a psychopath before he catches me. It’s a good thing I have my Sig 9 tucked inside my Kate Spade handbag.

2. What made you decide to take on such a risky endeavor?

Well, it’s my job. People pay me to investigate crimes every day. It’s just so hard that my client in this case is my Gram.

3. Did you ever imagine yourself being involved in fighting crime?

Not while I was growing up. I wanted to be an actress. Then, when I had to pick a college major, I decided on English. I thought maybe I could teach at the high school level and manage the drama program. That all changed when I took a course in criminal behavior as an elective. For a while I thought I might go into police work, maybe even the FBI. But all that structure seemed a bit confining—and don’t get me started on the outfits. Private investigation was a better career fit for me.

4. Who would you say is the least pleased about your career choice?

That would have to be Mamma. She has a hard time explaining my profession to her friends—it’s unsuitable, she says. She wishes I’d picked something more ladylike. And she’d sure rather I didn’t carry a gun.

5.  What are your strengths and weaknesses?

I guess one strength would be that I’m good at puzzles. That comes in handy for a PI. I’m loyal, maybe to a fault. I tried to help my cousin Marci the Schemer on account of her unfortunate childhood. I invited her up to visit me at college, introduced her to all my friends. I thought maybe she’d see how college might be a good thing for her. What she thought might be a good thing for her was my boyfriend Michael. She tricked him into a train-wreck of a marriage.

Which brings me to my biggest weakness: Michael Devlin. I can’t seem to get around him marrying Marci. Thinking about him with her makes me a little crazy.

6. Describe what being a self-rescue princess (a strong, confident woman) means to you.

Solving my own problems—not depending on anyone else to fix things for me.

7. What one advice/wisdom would you like to pass onto young women?

Don’t let anyone else define you. Believe in yourself, and be your best self. And for heaven’s sake, trust your instincts. If I’d trusted mine, my scheming cousin would never have gotten close to my boyfriend.

8. What was one lesson you learned during this challenging time in your life?

You may think you have things all planned out, but we’re all just one phone call away from having our lives turned completely upside down. When that happens, you have to be strong and get through it the best way you can.

9.  If your story or life had a theme song, what would it be?

Hmm…maybe Fighter by Christina Aguilera, because it speaks to how trials and tribulations only make us stronger. Or, I’m Alive by Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews. I can really connect to the idea that everyone has problems, everyone’s been hurt, but sometimes we should just live in the moment and be thankful for right now.

10. Do you plan on continuing your career as a private investigator?

Absolutely. As soon as I solve this case and put whoever is responsible for my Gram’s death in prison, I’ll be taking clients from throughout the greater Charleston area. If y’all are from around here, and are in need of my services, check out my website.

You can hear about Liz’s next adventure in Lowcountry Bombshell which releases September 17, 2013.

If you’d like to learn more about the author, Susan M. Boyer, you can find her at:

Website: www.susanmboyerbooks.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/susanmboyer

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/susanmboyerbooks