SRP Interview: Angel Delaight from #A SmallTownCanBe #Murder

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

You have all heard the story: big-city girl moves to small town and lives happily ever after. That’s not the forever-after Angel Delaight found when she moved to Whistle Stop,
Minnesota. First, her realtor is found dead in her new house, which is also rumored to be
haunted. Then homeless animals began showing up at her door, along with a bevy of
townspeople who seem to know what she is doing at all times. Not to mention a secret
journal turning up during a renovation, revealing more secrets hidden in this small community.

Will those secrets from the past put Angel’s life and those of her friends and family in
danger? When the big-city girl meets a small town, it can be murder.

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

It wasn’t a decision I made when I moved from Chicago to small-town Whistle Stop,
MN. It was made for me when a dead body ended up in the house I bought to
renovate.

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

No, absolutely not. I moved from Chicago to a small town for peace and tranquility and
to figure out the rest of my life.

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

I am a carpenter by trade. I know it is an unusual career for a young woman, but I
followed in my dad’s footsteps. I decided to take a break from the work world when my
dad sold his construction company, and though I could have worked for the new owners
or taken over the helm, I felt the need for something different. Who knew I would be
solving mysteries involving the history of a small town in Minnesota. I was least pleased
by dead bodies. That wasn’t in my old job description.

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

I am a strong woman. I am good at problem-solving and I found I have creativity in my
head. I have a soft heart and my patience at times runs a little thin, especially when my
privacy seems to be invaded.

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

I used to think being a self-rescue princess meant being able to solve anything on your
own, not dwelling on the problem but taking action to solve it. I turned down proposals because my fiances wanted me to change who I am, meaning my career. I believe a strong woman is confident in who they are. You have to learn to be alone with you and like spending time with the authentic you. Moving to Whistle Stop I learned that letting others help you is also a sign of strength and not a weakness because by accepting their offer you also help them because they feel valued.

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

Take the time to figure out who you are. Don’t make decisions out of fear because you
doubt your value.

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

Eating chocolate and drinking wine helps.

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

It’s A Wonderful World.

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

I am not quitting. I still have some mysteries to solve and I have learned small towns hold secrets and they come out when you least expect them. The Whistle Stop sage will continue.

SRP Heroine Interview: Carrie Singleton from Read and Gone

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

Recently, my life has been just about perfect. I love being the Clover Ridge Library’s head of programs and events. I have a great boyfriend and wonderful friends. And then my father, whom I haven’t seen in years and happens to be a thief, shows up at my cottage wanting me to help him get his half of a heist of gems from his crooked partner. As if I would ever do anything like that!

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

When my father’s partner-in-crime is found murdered, my father becomes suspect number one. Now crooked as his is, my father is no murderer and I feel obliged to clear his name. I must find those gems before my father or any of the several people searching for them finds them.

Did you ever imagine yourself being involved in fighting crime?

Yes, actually, since I helped solve a cold case and a recent murder in my community a few months ago.

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

I’d say Lieutenant John Mathers, the police chief of Clover Ridge Police Department, would rather I didn’t get involved in his cases. John is a good friend of my Uncle Bosco and he worries about my safety.

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

Some of us have grown up in a dysfunctional family as I did, but that’s no reason to let it interfere with having a wonderful, worthwhile rest of your life. Try not to be bitter; allow yourself to have loving, caring relationships. Unless it would be toxic to let a family member back into your life, be willing to give this person another chance if he/she has changed.

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

I realized how much I love my father. Growing up, I was very hurt because he was never around, even when he wasn’t in jail. Spending time with him as an adult, I saw that he loves me and shows it as best he can. Much as I’d like it, I cannot expect him to behave like a typical father.

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

You Can’t Choose the Members of Your Family

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

I intend to continue sleuthing when the need arises. To be perfectly honest, I LOVE sleuthing. It’s challenging and exciting!

 

 

 

 

SRP Heroine Interview: Anne Fremont from Chicken Culprit

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for joining us today, Anne, please tell us a little bit about what is currently going on in your life? 

I’ve moved from the East Coast to a quaint little town in the Colorado mountains. I intend to fix up an old Victorian I’ve bought.

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

I think that every woman has a time in her life when she feels the need for something new. For me, the idea of moving to a new place and starting over couldn’t have come at a better time in my life.

Did you ever imagine yourself being involved in fighting crime?

I still can’t believe my next door neighbor was killed. I can’t imagine getting involved but Kandi has begged me to help her so I can’t do nothing. It has made my big house a bit scarier at night to be sure.

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

You know I’m a smart woman. I’ve had a successful career as a writer and I think you can’t help but think about all the possibilities of what could or did happen. Carson wants me to butt out but I have got to help that sweet kid. No way did Kandi kill Ralph and I’m sticking to my gut. Although it did let me down before …

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

I’m a strong woman. I’m a strong woman. Yep, both a strength and weakness. I refuse to back down and I hate depending on others. But I have to say the people in this town are so nice. I know more people here than I did the entire time I lived in the city.

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

I had to rescue myself from allowing others to treat me badly. I realize now that I allowed my ex to treat me badly and that will never, ever happen again. It’s made me stronger though and I’ve finally seen that I can stand on my own two feet. I feel confident and excited about my new life as an independent, strong woman.

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

Don’t put off your dreams in your efforts to please others. Parents, partners, friends or family may be well-meaning, but you’ve got this one life to live. So live it! If you’d rather travel the world versus settle down into a career, then do it. Be the boss of you.

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

I learned how strong I am. Even through my fear I’ve been forced to move out of my comfort zone to help someone I care about. I do worry about my safety and I’m don’t take stupid risks—okay that one night notwithstanding—I’m determined to find out what happened.

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

Wow. That’s a toughie. Hmmmm. I know that some of the things I’ve experienced should have made me bitter. But I chose to be better and use them as a learning experience.  So since I’ve moved to Colorado I’ll have to go with Rocky Mountain High by John Denver. I came home to a place I’d never been before.

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

Well, Sheriff Carson has made it clear I need to stop sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong but you know, he does call me Nancy Drew, so he must see that I’m a good at sleuthing. You know that Kandi, Faith and I have talked about starting a bed and breakfast. We’ll have lots of folks visit from all over and learn different things. The first class will be about tinctures and cordials and who knows, a killing may occur.

 

 

 

SRP Heroine Interview: Paisley Sutton from Engaged in Trouble

I’d like to thank my readers for stopping by today. We have Paisley Sutton visiting with us.

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

I shot to stardom as a teenage rock sensation, but ten years later, let me tell you, that star has fizzled out, just like my bank account. When I unexpectedly inherit my aunt’s wedding planning business, I leave the glamor of Los Angeles for a charming small town in Arkansas. Thinking I’ll arrive in Sugar Creek and liquidate the moldly property, I’m shocked to find Enchanted Events has experienced a major makeover and is now the place for brides. I’ve got two months to keep Enchanted Events afloat if I want to sell and rekindle my music career with the profits.

I’m tossed into a world of vows and venues, but my most difficult challenge comes in the form of one demanding bride. When this Bridezilla’s found facedown in her cake, all fingers point to me as the prime murder suspect. And I do not look good in prison orange.

This former pop princess will need the help of my gun-toting, ex-CIA grandmother and my handsome neighbor, Beau Hudson, to unravel the mystery and clear my good name. As me and my unruly posse dig into Bridezilla’s life, I’ll discover the woman had a long list of enemies. The closer I get to the truth, the more my own life is in danger.

Love is in the air this wedding season, but before I can help the ladies of Sugar Creek say, “I do,” I’ve got to unveil a killer. Or find myself the next target.

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

Desperate things happen when you hit rock bottom and go totally broke. My pop career’s in the toilet, and it’s gonna take money to get back in and reinvent myself. It was a total surprise when I learned I’d inherited my great-aunt’s weird little wedding planning business, but now that this Arkansas small town has reinvented itself, downtown properties bring in some serious cash. So my plan was to run the business long enough to fulfill the will demands, then sell and get back to Los Angeles as quickly as possible. What could possibly go wrong?

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

Never! But I also never imagined myself the prime suspect in a murder. If these are typical happenings at rock bottom, I’m totally ready to climb back up. I’ll do anything to clear my name, so I’m lucky I have my grandmother and her sidekick on my team, who ladies who are newly retired CIA and bored enough to cause some serious trouble.

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

My parents are these Tony Robbins motivational-type speakers who travel the world. My two siblings are total brainiacs. And then there’s me—the artist, the mess-up, the one who just can’t compete. Or can I? My parents are definitely not on board with my new career choice of event planner or my attempt to Jessica Fletcher my way out of a murder conviction, but I’ve got just enough of my grandma’s wild streak in me to see this through and prove my innocence.

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

Look, I can’t go to prison. I look terrible in stripes. A bridezilla dropped dead while in my care at Enchanted Events, and everyone assumes I did it. Yes, she might’ve been engaged to my former fiancé, a man who left me at the altar once upon a time. And yes, I might’ve threatened him when I came back to town. But I wouldn’t kill anyone. (Though she was obnoxious and has a lot of enemies.)  With a CIA hero of a grandma, I’ve been raised to be independent and resourceful. Plus desperation makes me scrappy. It might be all I need to solve this case.

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

Don’t threaten ex-fiancés. At least not in public. With witnesses. One minute I’m shooting my mouth off, and the next I’m trapped in a bad Lifetime movie.

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

That I’m tougher than I thought. After losing my pop career and all my money, I kind of went in a spiral of depression. Coming home to Sugar Creek was the last thing I wanted to do, but it was exactly what I needed. I needed the support of my family and to reground myself in my roots. I also learned the boys you couldn’t stand as a kid might grow up to be hunky men who help you out when you need it most.

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

My band the Electric Femmes had a number one hit with songs like “Tutti, Fruity— My Boo’s Got a Fine Bootie,” but that’s never seemed very relevant to any life moment I’ve ever encountered. I guess I’d say “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. Being accused of murder has made a fighter out of me for sure. And it’s time to take back my life and not be a “Where Are They Now” type of pop star. No more washed up rock princess for me.

This is my fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I’m alright song
My power’s turned on
Starting right now I’ll be strong
I’ll play my fight song
And I don’t really care if nobody else believes
‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me

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

I sure didn’t expect to put on my Sherlock Holmes hat again, but in book two of the Enchanted Events series, Royally in Trouble, my good friend, war hero, and resident hottie Beau Hudson finds himself under suspicion when his estranged uncle comes to town with the Renaissance faire and turns up dead. I can’t let all my new found sleuthing skills go to waste, can I? Royally in Trouble will be out in mid-August, and it’s a lot of medieval, Southern fun.

 

 

 

SRP Heroine Interview: Emma Cassidy from Pushed to the Limit

The Self-Rescue Princess is thrilled to have Emma Cassidy stopping by to chat with us today. Thanks for coming, Emma. I’ll go ahead and get started with my questions as I know you’re quite a busy woman.

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

Hi, great to be here! I’m an event planner, and I’ve recently had to move back to my home town and start from scratch after my career went down the tubes in New York (through no fault of mine). In this business word of mouth is everything, so I wasn’t too happy when Faye Seymour, the town’s reigning gossip queen, spread some nasty rumors about me that resulted in me losing a valuable client. I wasn’t her only victim. Faye enjoyed digging up secrets, spreading malicious gossip, and making people’s lives miserable. But then someone finally snapped and pushed the old woman down the stairs. I happened to stumble upon her, and she accused me of trying to kill her before passing out! Fortunately, when she came around, she didn’t remember what she’d said. But now I have to find out who the real culprit is before she regains her ‘memory’ and starts accusing me again. Only problem is, Faye has made a lot of enemies.

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

I don’t want to be falsely accused. Plus, I’m convinced someone tried to kill Faye, and as much as she exasperates me, I wouldn’t like her to be bumped off.

Did you ever imagine yourself being involved in fighting crime?

No, never in my wildest dreams! It’s ironic that I lived in New York for years and never had a problem with crime, yet now that I’m back in my sleepy hometown I’m seeing potential murderers everywhere!

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

That would have to be Owen Fletcher, my high school boyfriend. Once upon a time we were inseparable, but we each had very different visions of our future, so we broke up just before graduation. Now, I’m back, and I have to confess I’ve entertained the odd daydream about getting back together with Owen, but so far he hasn’t given me any signs of encouragement. Owen is a deputy with the sheriff’s department, and he hates my amateur sleuthing with a passion. He thinks I’m too reckless for my own good, but I don’t agree.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

I think my strengths are resilience and self-reliance. Losing a business and a boyfriend at the same time has taught me how to recover from setbacks.

My weaknesses? Sometimes I can’t say no to people, like Faye, for example. Even though she lost me an important client and treats me with little respect, I’ve agreed to look after her pet parrot while she’s in hospital.

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

It means knowing that I am responsible for myself, and that no one owes me anything. It also means I recognize when something is too big for me to handle and that I’m not too proud to ask for help.

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

I’d like to quote Eleanor Roosevelt: No one came make you feel inferior without your consent.

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

I’m lucky to have my family and friends around me.

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

Let It Be, by the Beatles.

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

Well, funny you should ask that! I don’t plan to dabble, but it seems like I’ve found myself embroiled in another murder mystery. I can’t give too much away because I’m still assembling the suspects, but hopefully all will be revealed soon.

 

National Craft Month: Cropped to Death Excerpt

I had hoped to have a crafting blog post ready for today but it’s been hectic at the office this week and my hours work hours needing shifting around, so I didn’t have time to finish making my project. This month, I’ve celebrating National Craft Month by alternating between different hobbies: scrapbooking, crocheting, and coloring. I had thought about chatting about my experience with making a photo book through Shutterfly, but as we don’t have the book yet (and I did a scrapbooking post last week) I thought it better to wait.

Since Cropped to Death is currently on sale for 99 cents for the Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and iBooks, I thought I’d share an excerpt of Faith preparing for a beginning scrapbooking class–and she gets interrupted.

Excerpt: 

I headed into the paper racks, weaving through the reds and yellows to reach the browns. The hues ranged from sand to a brown so dark it could pass for black. What shade and texture should I use tonight?

A smoother paper worked better for beginners, as it was easier for tearing and for making other embellishments, but I had no idea the skill level of the women signed up for the contest class and mini crop. A texture cardstock added an extra dimension to the work and gave the beginning layout a little edge. If using it for a border, tearing the texture paper added a nice jagged effect with feathering detail.

Maybe a sheet of both styles using a monochromatic scheme. That worked. A deeper beige mixed with a sand almost white shade. Neutrals worked well with any photos. I’d take a look at the students’ pictures when they arrived and pull complementary colors showcased in the photos.

Time to pick embellishments. I gathered up sheets of letter stickers in a variety of fonts and colors for the layout titles. I stopped in front of the clear stamps and picked out an alphabet set. I’d buy the stamps and share them tonight with the class. Hopefully, they’d love them so much, the two attendees would want a set for themselves. To save some money, I’d go with standard neutral paint colors. If the croppers wanted a hue with a little more pop, they could purchase it.

The bell above the door jangled. I took the items out of the basket and arranged them in piles on the tables. Before the crop started, I wanted to check on the amount of choices offered for the class participants. I snapped my fingers. Items for the prize basket.

A shadow fell over me. I jerked upright, and the wind whooshed in my ears even though I was inside. This fear issue was getting annoying. I hated feeling vulnerable. Taking in a deep breath, my heart rate slowed to normal as I realized a new customer, not a stalker, entered into the store.

A dark-haired woman in her late teens hovered behind me. Two splotches of red bloomed on her cheeks and she stammered. “I was wondering if. Well, if you could…would you mind…”

I smiled and waved my hand over the products on the table. “It’s not too late to sign up for the crop tonight.”

She pushed a piece of paper toward me. “I was wondering if…”

I held my pleasant smile and waited.

“If I could… like… get…”

The smile strained my cheeks.

“Your autograph.”

“My what?” I kept my reaction in check, uncertain if amusement or anger was more appropriate.

“Aren’t you the owners’ granddaughter? The one mentioned in the paper?”

I went with anger. Before the scolding exploded from my mouth, the young woman turned and fled out the door. Why couldn’t the store reach celebrity status because of our awesome customer service rather than because of murder?

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend, and is able to enjoy their families and their hobbies.

 

SRP Heroine Interview: Jax O’Connell from A Bead in the Hand

I’d like to give a warm welcome to Jax O’Connell. She’s stopping by The Self-Rescue Princess today to tell us a little bit about her adventure at a bead bazaar.

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

A bead bazaar turns bizarre when I discover a dead body beneath my sales table. Suspected of murder, my friend Tessa and I scramble to find the killer among the fanatic shoppers and eccentric vendors. We have our hands full dealing with a scumbag show promoter, hipsters in love, and a security guard who wants to do more than protect me from harm. Adding to the chaos, my quirky neighbor Val arrives unexpectedly with trouble in tow. I hope I can untangle the clues before I’m arrested for murder!

Did you ever imagine yourself being involved in fighting crime?

No! I’m an artist—a jewelry designer and glass beadmaker. The last thing I thought I’d be doing is discovering who murdered the woman I found beneath my sales table at the bead show in Portland.  And this is not the first time I’ve had to use my sleuthing skills.  A few months back I had to uncover a murderer after a young woman was killed in an alley behind a bead shop in Seattle.

What one piece of advice/wisdom would you like to pass onto young women?

My advice is that you don’t have to settle in life.  If you don’t like how things are going for you, you have the power to change them. Me? I lived in Miami, had a boring job, and a boyfriend that more or less ignored me, that is, when he wasn’t out drinking with his pals.  I found a way out of that unfulfilling situation and moved to Seattle. Now I’m pursuing my dream of living a life full of creativity with people who love and inspire me.  Since I’ve moved, I have had some of the best years of my life. Yes, it was scary, but if I hadn’t stretched and stepped outside my comfort zone, I’d still be in Miami wondering to myself if I could have had more, if I could have been happy, had I been brave.

Who would you say is the least pleased about your additional career choice of amateur sleuthing?

My friend Tessa is always trying to convince me to step back and try not to save everyone all the time, until she’s the one that needs help.  I don’t really consider what I do to be a career choice, since my career is actually something more fun than solving murders.  I’m a glass beadmaker, which means I’m used to wielding a 2,000 degree torch to melt glass that I sculpt into multicolored glass beads. Working with molten glass has made me fearless, well not exactly fearless, but to have some fierceness. It means I stand up and fight for what is right, and that I’m not afraid to find the truth so that justice can prevail.

Describe what being a self-rescue princess means to you.

To me, being a self-rescue princess means that you can’t wait around for problems to be solved by someone else. That someone is you.  Being a self-rescue princess means that you can’t stand idly by while others take actions and make decisions on your behalf.  You must be responsible for your own destiny, rather than hope that someone—a knight in shining armor, perhaps—will come your way at just the right moment. I think the rest of being a self-rescue princess has to do with making sure that the other women around you know that they have the power to take care of themselves, too. When you and your friends support each other, together you can fight the harshest foes.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Can we start with my weaknesses?  I’m addicted to coffee.  It’s pretty bad, I seriously can’t make it through the day without at least four cups. The worst thing is, I’ve also turned my cat into an addict, but not coffee, which I think may be deadly for our feline friends.  My cat, Gumdrop, is addicted to catnip. It can be quite embarrassing when he needs a fix.  Another thing: I’m a really bad cook, and my housekeeping skills are questionable.  But seriously, those things don’t matter that much in the big picture. And that’s probably my biggest strength—the big picture. When I’ve been in situations when there is a problem to solve, or a crime for that matter, I try to look at all the pieces and how they hang together.  Then I try and figure out which pieces are missing and which are out of place.  It’s kind of like designing a necklace—I can tell when everything works, when all the pieces work in harmony.  I think that’s what has helped me be a good sleuth. I can see where there’s a mismatch in the events that have led to a murder—that’s where I need to look to solve the mystery and bring everything into perfect balance.

If you’d like to get to know Jax, take note that High Strung, the first book in the Glass Bead Mystery Series, will be 99 cents from Feb 7th through 11th and $1.99 from Feb 12th through 15th.  Be Still My Beading Heart, A Glass Bead Mini-Mystery short story is free on Amazon and iTunes. A Bead in the Hand is available for the discounted price of $2.99 through February 15th.

 

 

 

Excerpt from Death Vetoes a Chairman by Teresa Watson

Today, I’m posting an excerpt from Death Vetoes a Chairman. In this book, Lizzie Crenshaw is used to being in the middle of murder in Brookdale. After attending a fundraiser with her friend, Jake Mathias, she embarks on the biggest emotional and physical journey of her life, leaving some of the residents of Brookdale reeling from the effects. And before it is all over, it could cost them someone they love…

Excerpt:

The front door opened, and a bouquet of flowers preceded Nicole into the newsroom. She stopped in front of me. “You’re getting to be a regular customer, Lizzie,” she said, handing me the clipboard. I handed it over to Jake, who signed it and gave it back to Nicole. “You must have a very wealthy secret admirer. How does T.J. feel about that?”

“He doesn’t have a jealous bone in his body,” I assured her.

“You’re a lucky woman.”

As she left, I pulled the card out and read it. “Better luck next time. Ethan.” I gave the card to Jake. “What does that mean?”

T.J. and Steve came through the front door as I asked that. The looks on their faces told me they did not have good news. “We need to talk in your office.”

Frankly, I didn’t want to go back in there, not after listening to Jake recount the details to Dale. “Let’s go outside,” I replied.

The five of us – myself, T.J., Steve, Dale and Jake – trooped outside and stood on the right side of the building near the parking lot. “I honestly don’t know how to tell you this, Lizzie,” Steve said.

“Tell me what?”

“Winthrop’s lawyer has friends in high and low places. He drove down here, talked to a couple of people, made a few calls, and got the TRO cancelled.”

“What do you mean, he got it cancelled?”

“The clerk called to tell me. It was thrown out because of lack of evidence.”

“Lack of evidence?” I snapped. “How much more evidence do they need? My dead body?”

“Lizzie,” T.J. said, trying to wrap his arm around my waist. I stepped away from him, and he let his arm drop.

“His lawyer called another judge, who listened to the recording. She said that Winthrop clearly requested that you stop recording, and therefore you violated his right to privacy by refusing to stop it.”

“How could I? He had me pinned to the wall,” I retorted as I felt a tear roll down my cheek. I angrily wiped it away. “So what you’re saying is I’m basically screwed.”

“I didn’t say that,” Steve hastily replied. “But we’re going to have to come up with more proof.”

“Forget it,” I said. “Just let it go.”

“You can’t do that, Lizzie,” Jake said.

“Yes, I can, and I am. It’s easy for you to say ‘don’t quit’. You’re not the one who has to deal with telling the story over and over. No wonder so many women don’t report the harassment and the assaults. Who wants to keep living it over and over? I certainly don’t.”

“If you give up, then he wins,” T.J. said. “What about the next woman he goes after?”

“Don’t lay that on me, Thomas Jefferson Roosevelt. Don’t you dare lay that guilt trip on me. I’m responsible for one person, and that’s myself. And even that is too much to handle right now. If he wants to win so bad, let him. If you want to fight him, go right ahead. Leave me out of it. I’m done.” I turned and walked back into the building. The flowers were on the desk when I went into the office. I stared at them for a minute, awkwardly picked them up and threw them at the wall. The sound of shattering glass echoed off the walls. I shoved a bunch of papers into my bag and left.

SRP Heroine Interview: Aggie Mundeen from Smart, But Dead

Today on the Self-Rescue Princess, I’m chatting with Aggie Mundeen about her latest case, and the woman who is helping Aggie tell the world all about her adventures.

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

Pushing forty and appalled at the prospect of descending into middle-age decrepitude, I blasted off to the local university to study the genetics of aging. I’d find youthful hints for readers of my column, “Stay Young with Aggie,” and I’d learn how to stay young myself.

Despite conflicts with my professor, I was fascinated learning about  human genome projects and  DNA. Then I stumbled upon a dead academic. Detective Sam Vanderhoven, San Antonio PD,  reminded me to avoid the investigation. But dangerously curious and programmed to prod, I  was compelled to find the killer. I wound up the prime suspect and was on target to become next campus corpse.

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

Nancy G. West, who tells my stories, heard that genes affect aging and wanted to know more about it. That’s what usually gets me into trouble. As a business and English literature major, she didn’t know squat about genetics. Her last science course was college biology. So she had to rely on scientists to explain genetics. Unfortunately, they speak their own language. She had to decipher what they told her and then put it into language she and I could understand.

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

Never. While working my way up to vice-president in a Chicago bank, like a squirrel counting nuts, I did think I should be enjoying a more exciting existence. When I had an unexpected windfall, I fled from the brutal winters and moved to Texas.

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

Detective Sam is appalled when I assist in his investigations. But it’s extremely satisfying to solve crimes and restore justice. He believes that, too, and I like being around him. He’ll just have to get used to me.

For Nancy:

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Weakness: I prefer writing scenes with Aggie and Sam before I’ve completed the research needed for the plot.

Strength: I love writing dialogue scenes with Aggie and Sam.

Strange isn’t it, how our greatest strength can also be our greatest weakness?

6. Describe what being a self-rescue princess means to you.

I’d rather die than become a clinging vine. But I’m not ashamed to ask for help when I need it.

7. What one bit of advice/wisdom would you like to pass on to young women?

Take time to find out who you are before you go looking for somebody you think will make you complete.

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

Determination and perseverance wins. Even if the goal changes or moves farther away (or you’re arrested and somebody wants you dead), you’ve won the prize of being able to persevere.

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

Since we’re all multifaceted, our lives have many themes. I guess my song  would be “I Did It My Way”,— with help, compassion and the grace of God.

10. Do you plan on dabbling in amateur sleuthing in the future, or have you hung up your detective hat? (another book featuring this heroine)

If Aggie and Sam manage to get out of the mess in Smart, But Dead without killing each other, there will undoubtedly be another situation where  I’ll feel obligated to use my sleuthing skills.

Nancy has offered to giveaway an autographed Advanced Reader Copy to one lucky commenter on this post. Let us know about something you’d like to learn more about, and please leave an email so Nancy can contact the winner. The winner will be drawn August 30.

If you like to learn more about Aggie and Nancy, Aggie reveals more at Talk to Aggie on Nancy’s website:

www.nancygwest.com

facebook.com/authorNancyG.West

Twitter: @NancyGWest_

SRP Heroine Interview: Ivy Meadows from The Sound of Murder

Welcome to the Self- Rescue Princess, Ivy, please tell us a little bit about what is currently going on in your life? 

Though I’ve been pursuing my acting and P.I. careers, it’s been a little crazy since my apartment caught on fire (did you know that firefighters won’t let you back in your apartment to get your clothes? Not even your undies?) But things are looking up: I met the nicest fireman, got a great housesitting gig, and landed my first P.I. case, a suicide in the retirement community where I’m housesitting. My acting career is really taking off, too. A big New York producer is coming to Arizona to see me in the world premiere of The Sound of Cabaret (singing nuns AND Berlin burlesque).

Now if I could just get over my little fear of singing in public. And stop worrying about my cast mate, Marge, who seems awfully forgetful lately. And fix my car, which seems to be catching on fire even more than usual. And ditch the posse member who’s following me. Then I have just one more thing to do–figure out why all of this seems to be connected to that one simple suicide case…

Did you ever imagine yourself being involved in fighting crime?

No. But when my friend and fellow actor, Simon Black died of an apparent alcohol overdose during a production of Macbeth, I knew something wicked this way came. After all, Simon had turned his life around. I knew he wasn’t drinking any more, no matter the evidence. My Uncle Bob—a P.I., my part-time employer, and the nicest guy in the world—agreed to investigate. But after someone poisoned my uncle’s Big Gulp, it was up to me to find the killer (you can read about the case in a book called Macdeath).

During that adventure, I discovered a taste for detecting. And though I’m still mostly on admin duty at Uncle Bob’s P.I. firm, I’m really excited to work my first case. I know I’m going to be a great detective. After all, it’s in the genes.

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

I love that term—a self-rescue princess. I was always annoyed at those fairytale characters who waited for something to happen to them. “Go out and make it happen!” I wanted to shout. I made my life’s dream come true. When I decided to make theater my profession, my parents weren’t exactly thrilled (my parents aren’t thrilled with me in general, but that’s another story). There was no money and no support. But I made my way. Sure, I’m still driving old cars and eating lots of beans, but I am an actress!

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

Channel one of my heroes, Helen Keller, who said, “Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” Be daring.

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

“I Have Confidence” from The Sound of Music. Julie Andrews/Maria may skip and swing her guitar case, but she’s singing to give herself confidence before a big adventure. That’s me—a little scared of leaping into the breach, but confident that things will somehow turn out all right (you can see why my #2 theme song is “Cockeyed Optimist”)

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

Funny you should ask. My uncle just got a call from Get Lit!, a book-themed cruise line (they’re the ones who had the husky incident on the S.S. Jack London). Seems there’s a theft ring onboard the ships, and they’d like the pair of us to go undercover on their Charles Dickens-themed boat. My uncle will pose as a wealthy guest, while I’ll work as an actress, playing Nancy in Get Lit’s version of Oliver Twist. It’ll be like a paid vacation with my favorite person in the world, plus a lead role, AND a $10,000 bonus if we crack the case. And we’re just talking about theft, so the job shouldn’t be dangerous…right?

If you’d like to read Ivy’s adventure, you can pre-order The Sound of Murder at these places (release date is Oct 6, 2015):

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1eJbMu3

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1JWrYmG

iTunes: http://apple.co/1Rm90wD

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1LYt2K0

And if you’d like to read Ivy’s previous adventure, you can get Macdeath at the following places:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

Kobo