By JT Ellison

Chris Goff has a delicious new thriller out—DARK WATERS—that I think you will love. I sure did! The setting, Israel, completely drew me in; the story clips along; the characters are fascinating, and Raisa Jordan kicks serious ass. It’s a wonderfully crafted book, not a surprise to anyone who’s read Chris in the past; her Birdwatcher mystery series is highly acclaimed. And, she’s from Colorado, which should say more than anything I ever could. I know you’re going to love her.

Welcome, Chris!

_________

Set your music to shuffle and hit play. What’s the first song that comes up?

Tracy Byrd’s “Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo”

Now that we’ve set the mood, what are you working on today?

RED SKY, the sequel to my first thriller, DARK WATERS. It’s a book set in Ukraine, and with the changing landscape there, I might really need the Cuervo.

What’s your latest book about?

DARK WATERS is a thriller set in Israel. It introduces Raisa Jordan, a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent. She is the new ARSO in Tel Avi, when a shooting happens in Dizengoff Square, killing a Palestinian with ties to the Palestine Liberation Committee and her predecessor at DSS. She is sent to investigate and to protect a federal judge and his daughter who were caught in the crossfire. During the course of her investigation, she uncovers a plot years in the making—one that leaves millions of lives hanging in the balance.

Where do you write, and what tools do you use?

I have a great little office with an eight-foot picnic table as a desk and a view of the backyard and the tomato plants. I love pens and pencils. I use a fountain pen, lots of markers, a dry erase board, a large foam board for plotting and my trusty PC.

What was your favorite book as a child?

SILVER PENNIES. It’s a collection of Modern Poems for Boys and Girls published in 1925 by Blanche Jennings Thompson. My favorite poem was one about a little doormouse who takes refuge under a mushroom during a rainstorm – “and that’s how umbrellas first were invented.”

What’s your secret talent?

I knit. I love to knit, especially baby sweaters. I think my favorite to date was one I made for my niece, Evelyn. My family name is McKinlay (Scottish) and I took the family tartan, graphed it for a sweater and knit it as a baby shower gift.

What book are you reading now?

CRASH AND BURN by Lisa Gardner

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

It sounds cliché, but I made the decision in third grade after writing a “book” as a school assignment, and my grandmother told me I should be a writer. The book was entitled “The Haunted Mansion,” and it was about these kids who discovered a haunted house. They would wait for the witch to go out at night and fly on her broom, and then they would sneak inside and play with her Eye of Newt. That is, until one night when the witch came home early and . . .

Who is your writing idol? Have you met him/her? If so, did you completely nerd out or keep your cool?

I have a lot of writing idols, and I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot of them. But the first big name writer I ever met was Mary Higgins Clark. I had read her first suspense novel, Where are the Children, my first year in college and loved it. I remember being really inspired by her personal story, too. Years later, I met her at my first Malice Domestic conference. Of course, I had every intention of playing it cool, but I’ll admit it—I went totally fan girl.

What’s your favorite bit of writing advice?

A workshop instructor once said, “Never forget that your villains are the heroes of their own story.” It stuck. It helps me keep my villains real. While I may not like what they do, my villains aren’t just evil. They have strong motivations for what they do.

What do you do if the words aren’t flowing?

Not writing isn’t an option, not when you’re on deadline. So, I usually go back a few pages, maybe a chapter, and work through the pages until I’m back into the story and can move forward. Usually if I’m stuck it’s because something is wrong with how I’m laying the story out on the pages. If I can just figure that out . . .

Are you creatively satisfied?

Yes. There have been times in the past when I would have said no, but right now I’m writing what I want to write, and I have a publisher who’s publishing my books. It doesn’t get much better.

What would you like to be remembered for?

Professionally? For telling a great story. Personally? For being a great mom. I have one son and five daughters. I hope I’ve taught them by example to follow their dreams and to know they can be anything and everything they want to be.

Alright, now for the really important questions:

• Beach or mountains? Beach, though I’ve lived in the mountains all my life.
• Coffee or tea? Coffee
• Skydive or bungee jump? Neither. I’m terrified of heights. If you made me pick, skydive. Death would be less immediate.
• Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate
• Winter or summer? Summer, though I love to ski.
• Cake or pie? Cake
• Cats or dogs? Dogs
• Pens or pencils? Pens
• Truth or dare? Dare
• Print or ebook? Print

_________

Chris Goff is an award-winning author of international thrillers and the Birdwatcher’s Mystery series. She began her career as a newspaper columnist, and has written for local, regional and national publications. She has edited rock and ice-climbing guides for Chockstone Press, worked in graphic production for a division of The Morehouse Publishing Group, taught writing workshops and served on the board of Mystery Writers of America. She lives in Colorado. DARK WATERS is her first thriller.

You find out more about Chris at ChristineGoff.com.

And here’s a little more about DARK WATERS!

Raisa ”Rae” Jordan, an agent for the United States Diplomatic Security Service, isn’t in Israel for more than a day before her predecessor is gunned down in a Tel Aviv square by a sniper. Assigned to investigate the assassination of one of her own, she must also protect Judge Ben Taylor and his teenage daughter. A desperate cadre of terrorists has their sights set on the secretary of state’s upcoming visit. But is an attack on the secretary of state just the beginning?

With millions of lives hanging in the balance, Dark Waters, Chris Goff’s explosive new thriller, is a series debut that mirrors the headlines around the globe and will have readers frantically turning pages.

And you can pick up a book and meet Chris at these signings:

September 24, 7:00 p.m.
Tattered Cover Bookstore
2526 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO

October 8-11
Bouchercon
Raleigh, NC

October 21, 7:00 p.m.
Author’s Night at the Douglas County Parker Library
10851 S. Crossroads Dr.
Parker, CO

November 18, 12:00 Noon
Moby Dickens Bookshop Book Club
124A Bent St.
Taos, NM

Via: JT Ellison

By JT Ellison

There’s nothing more exciting than a book’s birthday — and today, we welcome THE END GAME into the world. The latest Nicholas Drummond and Mike Caine thriller is as topical as you can get, and a fun, fast ride that I know you’re going to love. Here’s some supporting material — y’all grab it today!

Print

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound

e-book

Kindle | Nook | iBooks | Kobo

FBI agent Nicholas Drummond and his partner, Mike Caine, are deep into an investigation of COE—Celebrants of the Earth—a violent group known for widespread bombings of power grids and oil refineries across the country. While investigating a tip from a civilian who’s overheard about a possible bombing plot, the Bayway Refinery in New Jersey explodes. Nicholas and Mike race to the scene and barely escape being killed by a secondary device.

Returning to the civilian’s home to continue their interrogation, they discover the tipster—and the FBI team left to guard him—dead. While Nicholas calls in the assassinations, COE strikes again, this time launching a cyber-attack on several major oil companies and draining their financial and intellectual assets.

But COE has been infiltrated by a deep-cover counterterrorism agent named Vanessa Grace. A bomb-making expert, Vanessa must leave COE and join forces with Nicholas and Mike to stop the organization’s devious plan to assassinate the President. But there’s an assassin on the loose who could tip the scales in COE’s favor, and no one knows his ultimate target, or who has contracted his services.

Working with the CIA, the Secret Service, Mossad, MI-5, and even Savich and Sherlock, Nicholas and his team put their lives on the line to prevent another conflagration—and save the President.

Publisher’s Weekly ★

“Intense, captivating…Nicholas and Mike work in perfect sync, never missing a beat…Their relationship leaves much room for developments in future installments of this excellent suspense series.”

Booklist ★

“In nonstop action covering less than a week, Caine and Drummond are challenged as never before, taking both their personal and professional relationships to new levels. This third in the series is an adrenaline-fueled caper that’s hard to put down. Another hit for the team of Coulter and Ellison”

RT Book Reviews – Top Pick!

“Suspense lovers can rejoice at the third fantastic installment of the A Brit in the FBI series…incredibly complex, filled with layered characters and heart-stopping suspense.”

Kirkus Reviews

“The third in the series featuring the brilliant Brit adds scary technology to physical action to produce a tip-top thriller.”

Via: JT Ellison

By JT Ellison

Hi there! Assistant Amy here once again, filling in for JT as she (tearfully, I’m sure) bids goodbye to Europe.

How was your week? Is it cooling off in your neck of the woods. I think fall is peeking around the corner here in Nashville–the high was a glorious 69 yesterday. I can feel the crisp breezes, boots, and warm mugs of tea calling my name!

I found a bunch of fun bookish (and not-so-bookish) things this week that I think you might like:

Of course, we first have to talk about JT (hey, boss, your ears burnin’ yet?). I am having all kinds of food envy while she’s in Italy, and have been coveting everything on her Instagram feed. If any part of your soul loves pizza, avert your eyes, lest you be consumed with jealousy.

Nerd alert: Game of Thrones fans, we may be in luck! The next installment of A Song of Ice and Fire, THE WINDS OF WINTER, may be due out next year—barring a meteorite crash. Sidenote: is George R. R. Martin’s brain insured by Lloyd’s of London? Because it should be.

The Morris Book Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, has combined two of my favorite things—books and food—into one delightful experience: The Pen to Plate Dinner! Chefs cook bookshop patrons a dinner based on a book. Heaven. You should check it out if you’re closeby.

In more book news, Barnes & Noble has just released a new Samsung Galaxy Nook. Do you think this will help Nook sales? I’m skeptical. But it’s pretty, though.

In the midst of a crazy work/life day, how many times have you thought I’m just going to move to an island and be done with it? This guy actually did it.

I am a sucker for a good cartoon, and Kate Beaton’s wit in Hark! A Vagrant strips have made me laugh for years. Beaton’s got a knack for satirizing your favorite characters from history and literature, and she’s dipped her toe into children’s books for the first time. I really enjoyed her Q&A with Publisher’s Weekly.

Who loves to ask their friends what they’re reading? *raises hand* This map takes that question to a nationwide level—and shows the most popular library books by state.

Why do humans do the things they do? My favorite weekly segment on NPR, Hidden Brain, explores why we make the choices we do, and the consequences of individual actions on larger society. You can imagine my excitement when I learned Hidden Brain is becoming a podcast! Like the Serial and Invisibilia podcasts before it, it’s sure not to disappoint.

That’s all I’ve got this week, folks. JT will (finally) be back next Sunday, so I’m sure she’ll regale you on all her European-filled activities. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you.

I leave you with this Faulkner quote, which I’m making my creativity mantra for life.

See you soon!
Assistant Amy

Via: JT Ellison

By JT Ellison

Hi there! Assistant Amy here, filling in once again for my fearless leader while she’s busily researching and writing the next Nicholas Drummond novel.

Did you guys have a good week? I think Fall Fever officially struck me–the leaves are ever-so-slightly turning here in Nashville, which doesn’t coincide at all with the soaring 90+ temperatures. But the heat doesn’t negate the fact that I want everything to be apple, pumpkin, cinnamon and clove. Oh well. Soon enough!

Let’s jump in, shall we?

First of all, let’s talk about my boss’s writing perch in the Piazzo San Marco in Venice. Man. Poor, J.T. I hope she gets a better view soon.

I’m guessing most, if not all, of you are voracious readers. How much is that is due to your parents’ influence? My reading gene comes from my mother, who devours at least three or four novels a week to this day. Ever since I can remember, Mom filled my world with books: reading with me every day until I could do it on my own, taking me to the library every Friday growing up and getting a Wendy’s Frosty afterward, always getting me books as gifts. I can’t thank her enough—which is why this article on 12 Ways Your Parents Turned You Into a Book Lover hits so close to home.

Along with the autumn spices, fall also means breaking out belly-warming soups! You can imagine my quandary when Saveur posted this delicious Mexican Tortilla Soup this week. I don’t care if it’s 94 degrees outside. I want that soup!

Have you guys seen the trailer for the new Macbeth movie starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard?! This. Looks. Epic.

And the Internet basically exploded this week upon the official notice of Albus Severus Potter’s first day and sorting at Hogwarts on September 1.

And speaking of more Harry Potter (it’s always relevant), this amazing teacher turned her classroom into the stuff of my childhood dreams. Ten points for Ravenclaw! (with that creativity, she’d have to be a Ravenclaw, right?)

And to bring it closer to home, a new month means a new contest on JTEllison.com! Enter for your chance to win a trio of paperbacks from legal thriller author Joseph Teller. You won’t be disappointed.

Oh, and some great news: you guys made The Lost Key paperback jump to #6 on the New York Times Best Seller List! Thanks for reading and making that happen!!

Until next week, lovely people. Your comments have made me feel so welcome, and I’ve so enjoyed interacting with all of you! Have a great week, and dream of sweater weather.

Via: JT Ellison

By JT Ellison

Hi there! Amy here, J.T.’s trusty assistant (and lover of books, Mexican food, and nice dogs). While J.T.’s making her way around Europe researching the next Nicholas Dummond novel, I’m at the communications helm leading the literary dialogue. So nice to meet you!

Here are a few things J.T. and I found buzzworthy around the internets this week:

Did you hear there’s a new Alzheimer’s treatment that’s fully restoring memory function? Perhaps there’s real hope for those stricken with this insidious disease.

With our busy lives and hectic schedules, sometimes it hardly seems possible to survive, let alone thrive and create amidst it all. Author and blogger Dani Shapiro hits the nail on the head with this post that will hit home for artists: On Protecting Your Instrument.

I read Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander (mostly because J.T. couldn’t stop talking about it since she’s read it 9 times), and it turned out to be a FANTASTIC book. My boss might know what she’s talking about when it comes to books. Being the Outlander nerds we are, we couldn’t help but chuckle at Outlander‘s TV composer Bear McCreary and his ode to one of the best instruments of all time: the bagpipe. Trust me: it’s worth a watch, even if you’ve never seen the show. (Zombie lovers: McCreary is the mastermind behind the creeptastic music in The Walking Dead!)

My reaction to Buzzfeed’s 26 literary characters who stole your heart? Yes, yes, 1000 times yes! (Except for you, Draco Malfoy. I have no time for Slytherins.)

And speaking of Malfoy, here’s some more Buzzfeed gold: Hilarious Harry Potter Comics Show How Irresponsible Dumbledore Was. But seriously, guys. It’ll make you do a double-take on your blind love for the old wizard!

Ok, I have a really important question for you: do you remember McPizza?!? I certainly don’t, which is why this Mental Floss article weirdly fascinated me: The short, strange life of McDonald’s Pizza.

And on the Tao, we dually celebrated the imminent arrival of the latest Nicholas Drummond book, THE END GAME, and the paperback release of its predecessor, THE LOST KEY!

Alright, everybody, that’s about all we’ve got for the week. I’ll see you soon! (And seriously, tell me if you’ve ever had McPizza. I’m ridiculously curious.)

Via: JT Ellison

By JT Ellison

One of the most devastating parts of summer is, bar none, the TV hiatus.

Oh sure. As an artist, I understand the benefits of taking time away from your craft to recharge your batteries. Heck, when I’m under deadline, I read like the dickens to refill my well, so I can keep my creative juices flowing. You guys know this.

But selfishly . . . I want all the TV. All the time.

And when it’s finally time to sit down and watch my favorite show (RIP, Mad Men), for the life of me, if there isn’t a “Previously on Mad Men!” highlight reel at the beginning, I’m slightly lost. And a little confused. And a little ashamed, because how could I be a true fan if I forget those nitty-gritty details?!

The same holds true with books. I can’t tell how how many times I’ve skimmed the previous book in a series to refresh my brain on storylines, so I can nerd out in the best way possible when I get my hands on the coveted new addition to the series!

TV. Books. A nerd in one arena, and chances are, you’ll be a nerd in (several) others.

And so, my chickens and Nicholas Drummond fans, THE LOST KEY goes on sale in paperback today for only $9.99 (and cheaper, at some retailers!). It’s a fantastic way for you to catch up on all the action before the next book in the A Brit in the FBI series, THE END GAME, releases September 15. Pre-order your copy of THE END GAME now, so you can start on the fun as soon as retailers put it on the shelves.

Because being a nerd is hard work, y’all.

Via: JT Ellison

By JT Ellison

Hello, lovelies! How are you? I came home this week after an extended work/play trip—and boy, were my kitties glad to see me (and me, them!). My first morning back, I don’t think they budged for an hour, preferring to perch on top of Mama instead of beg for breakfast. Hey, there are worse things.

Here are some things that piqued my interest this week:

First of all, did you hear about the first two women who graduated from Army Ranger School?! Tough. As. Nails. Xander would be proud.

You want to know about the She Reads Triangle. Combine equal parts food, friends, authors, and book discussions, and you’re going to have yourself one grand bookish weekend in North Carolina!

One of my favorite writing bloggers, Steven Pressfield, always hits it out of the park. But the advice he gave this week was so simple, yet so difficult for some to swallow: the artist’s most important skill. This one I actually do know, and follow.

An artist always needs the right tools to get the job done. WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE?!

And contests still abound, folks. Don’t forget about my publisher MIRA’s Bookclubbish Summer Reading Sweepstakes! And, of course, don’t forget about my August contest!

That’s all I’ve got, folks. Have a great final week of August!

Via: JT Ellison

By JT Ellison

Hello, darlings! How’s your week been? Is back-to-school time kickstarting your routine again? Or are you still in the throes of summer? For me, it’s completely the latter, and will be for quite some time.

I’ve spent this week with the lovely Catherine Coulter in Sausalito, dreaming up new adventures for Nicholas Drummond and Mike Caine all while basking in the gorgeous views San Francisco Bay views from her house. Seriously, I could really get used to having that vantage point (especially with the fog! #pluviophile).

With my head in Book Land, I didn’t spend as much time on the Internets as usual this week. But I did manage to unearth some interesting tidbits:

Those of you with an eye toward reaching an audience might find this article from Buffer on why you should try to keep your existing customers quite interesting.

Hey wordsmiths, listen up: the incomparable Jane Friedman had a very insightful guest post on “3 Qualities of Masterful Word Choice” from author Barbara Baig’s new book, Spellbinding Sentences. Some really good nuggets in this one.

In book news, the reviews have started rolling in for THE END GAME, and I’m so pleased by the positive feedback! Particularly, the fine people at Publisher’s Weekly had some nice things to say in their starred review.

And on the home front, InD’tale publisher T.J. Mackay stopped by for a 7 Minutes chat, and she was just awesome. Smart, savvy, and so much fun!

Oh, and don’t forget about my August contest, still ripe for entering! Free books, people!

And here’s a little carpe diem for your week: “Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” –Farrah Gray (which is my philosophy on life—that and, you know, “It’s never too late!”)

Via: JT Ellison

By JT Ellison

So WHAT LIES BEHIND has been out since just before Memorial Day, right when spring was on the cusp of becoming summer. Lots of people have said lots of nice things about this book, and in the dual interests of posterity and housekeeping, I’ve gathered them together in one, convenient place. It’s my media scrapbook, of sorts. Forgive the delay on the post, but if you haven’t read Sam’s latest adventure yet, this should tip you right on over the edge. Happy Friday!

Reviews

I’m always grateful to get a good review from the fine people at Publisher’s Weekly.

Bestseller Ellison’s captivating fourth Samantha Owens novel (after 2014’s When Shadows Fall) finds the former Washington, D.C., medical examiner working as a consultant for the FBI. When a woman is found dead and a man near death in a house in Sam’s Georgetown neighborhood, the bloody crime scene suggests that the man stabbed the woman, then himself, in a fit of passion. Sam’s police detective friend, Darren Fletcher, who was recently promoted to homicide lieutenant, consults with Sam on the case. When the U.S. State Department asks them to keep the investigation under wraps, Sam and Fletch become increasingly suspicious that the crime wasn’t a simple murder-suicide. Meanwhile, Sam’s boyfriend, bodyguard Xander Whitfield, takes on the job of protecting James Denon, a wealthy British industrialist, while he’s visiting his business interests in the States. As Sam and Xander’s missions converge, they discover evidence of a serious bioterrorist threat. The cliffhanger conclusion will leave fans of romantic suspense eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Romantic Times deemed WHAT LIES BEHIND a June Top Pick!

Ellison just keeps getting better and better! This new addition to her Dr. Samantha Owens series further develops the ensemble of complex characters who play off each other nicely. This would make a fine beach read, except with the fast pace and thrills — the action all takes place in about 24 hours — you might never make it into the water. Minor plot threads and a brief appearance by Taylor Jackson (another Ellison protagonist) hint at more good stories to come.

Loved this quotable quote from Library Journal:

“Verdict: The fourth Samantha Owens novel moves from forensics to international bioterrorism, and the results are breathtaking! Thriller fanatics craving an action-packed novel of intrigue will be abundantly rewarded.”

Idgie over at Dew on the Kudzu has some lovely things to say as well (thank you, Idgie!).

Samantha has an interesting case on her hands . . . This novel involves spies, double spies, sociopath spies, mama spies and apparently a slightly slutty spy. Finally, throw some bioterrorism in there and you get really nervous while reading.

Shout-out to the incomparable Margaret Renkl of Chapter 16, and thank you for a stellar review (Speaking of, did you see Margaret’s op-ed in last Sunday’s New York Times on caregiving? Beautifully written, that).

Fans of Patricia Cornwell will appreciate Ellison’s brand of high intrigue paired with a medical-examiner slant . . . What Lies Behind is a straightforward and multilayered thriller with a dynamic cast of characters and an intricate web of conspiracy and backstory. Nashville-based Ellison, whose national reputation has been growing for years, is sure to win more new fans and critical acclaim with her latest thriller.

Working Mother Magazine has some kind things to say as well.

“What Lies Behind has an explosive storyline that is all too realistic. The plot is a compelling mystery with a lot of action and terror.”

MilitaryPress.com. called WHAT LIES BEHIND a “realistic, frightening novel.” You know, they’d probably know . . .

Blackfive.net seemed to dig the plot:

“Because the plot takes place in one harrowing day the action never seems to stop. It can be seen as a warning for a terrorist threat that seems to have fallen under the radar.”

I so enjoyed chatting with Debbie Haupt, mastermind behind The Reading Frenzy, who was ridiculously kind in her assessment of the novel!

“Where do I start telling how wonderful this was, do I start by giving it the 6 out of 5 stars it deserves? Do I start by saying what an adrenalin rush this nail biting, page-turning, one-sitting tale is so that by the end readers will need to breathe into a brown paper bad to stop hyperventilating?”

Universal Creativity, Inc. Magazine was so gracious with their comments in the May issue.

A highly thrilling and fact-paced novel that readers will come to love. The suspense hangs high in the air on every page.

Guest Posts & Chats

Suite T, Southern Writers Magazine’s blog, invited me over for a guest post!

And many thanks to Crimespree Magazine for hosting such a fun chat.

Interviews & Features

Amazon featured WHAT LIES BEHIND in crime newsletter and on Kindle Post blog!

I was honored that Bookpage invited me to be one of their “Meet the Author” segments in June. That was pretty cool.

A kind literary blogger from Bulgaria, Ognian Georgiev of LandofBooks.com interviewed me too.

Anthony Franze of Suspense Magazine portrays me more charmingly than I deserve. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation on writing, and giving you, gentle readers, a few of my secrets.

I had so much fun with Josie Brown of The Big Thrill. She asked me a delightful mixture of insightful yet fun questions!

Signings

I also had a few signings, where I had the good fortune to meet some of you lovelies. Many thanks to each of these venues for hosting me!

• FoxTale Book Shoppe: Atlanta, GA
• Parnassus Books: Nashville, TN
• Reading Rock Books: Dickson, TN
• Books-A-Million: Nashville, TN
• The Friends of the Decatur Public Library: Decatur, AL
• Publix Highway 100: Nashville, TN

And most of all, thanks to you, gentle reader, for your kind words and support. You mean more to me than you’ll ever know! Xoxo

Via: JT Ellison

By JT Ellison

TJ McKay is irrepressible. I saw this from first-hand experience, having done an interview with her for InD’tale Magazine. The bubbly blonde and I hit it off immediately (I know y’all are shocked that two blondes might bond, so hush). We talked ourselves into a frenzy about stories, cops, love and friendship, and, of course, books! I was blown away by her fantastic, positive, can-do-anything attitude, and knew I wanted to introduce you to her. Here she is!

_________

Set your music to Shuffle and hit play. What’s the first song that comes up?

Hah! If you could see the size of my music list, you’d see what a gamble I take! “Change the World” the Babyface arrangement.

Now that we’ve set the mood, what are you working on today?

As a publisher of a worldwide monthly magazine, there are always deadlines, content, and formatting to do. Plus, we are sponsoring the InD’Scribe Author/Reader Convention in September that has more things to stay on top of than my brain can cover some days. And I think everyone can relate to the mountain of email that is always waiting. So that’s what I’m working on today! (Hey, you asked!)

What’s in your latest issue?

Our latest issue features a 7-page, in-depth (and very rare) interview with the husband and wife writing team, Ilona Andrews. (And JT is an up-coming feature, so stay tuned for that!!) This issue also has a secondary interview with Christine Brae, the worldwide top executive who is now writing romance! And there are some great articles on archetyping personality traits, learning about deep point of view, and a whole bunch more. We just started a new serial mystery this month, AND we ALWAYS have more than 100 professional reviews of the latest Indie and small published books with both content and steam ratings to help readers find the perfect book. Whew! Now you understand the depth of the “What are you working on today” answer!

Where do you write, and what tools do you use?

I have a home office that is decked out to my taste and needs: a big Mac computer (heh, heh, sounds like a burger), large desk and comfy chair, a tablet sitting beside me, a cell phone in easy reach and a great music system to keep me calm and happy.

What was your favorite book as a child?

When you say child, just how young do you mean? I have always been a voracious reader and can remember as far back as three or four years old having Buster’s Busy Day read to me!

What’s your secret talent?

I dance! In the dark when no one is watching, I put on that massive playlist and dance and dance and dance! I did it professionally in my younger years, but it has slowly become a very well-kept secret to anyone other than my closest friends . . . and now YOU!

What book are you reading now?

I actually have three I am reading at the moment. Because of my profession I read a massive amount. There is rarely a day that I don’t end with a few hours of reading. Right now I am reading one book for InD’tale to help a reviewer out. I’m reading the Significant series by YA author Shelly Crane in preparation for an interview with her, and I am plowing through the addicting historical monster that is THE RISE OF THE DEFENDER by Kathryn LeVeque.

When did you know you wanted to publish your own magazine?

It happened when I was working as the Special Features editor of another industry magazine. It was right at the time Amazon, Kindle, and e-book publishing were just exploding. I was receiving so many personal requests from up-and-coming authors asking if I could help them find a platform where they could be seen. Many of these new authors were incredibly talented but just weren’t fitting into the traditional pigeonholes. Thus, the idea of starting a magazine for Indie and small published authors and readers was planted, and InD’tale magazine was born. That was a little over three years ago, and we are now the #1 Indie and small published magazine in the world!

Who is your writing idol? Have you met him/her? If so, did you completely nerd out or keep your cool?

Oh my goodness, I am SUCH a fan-girl! Because I read so much, I have many writing idols—most of whom I have had the wonderful opportunity to not only meet but interview, as well. However, the first two idols I got to interview are Charlaine Harris and Julie Garwood. With both I was so nervous I could hardly stand it! Charlaine has such a sweet, southern mom personality. The minute I met her, she gave me a big hug and asked how I was doing in that slow drawl that put me instantly at ease. With Julie, I was so nervous I couldn’t open the door! The key wouldn’t work, I fumbled, turned red and made a joke of it, to which she started telling me the most hilarious story of an instance when she embarrassed herself. I immediately lost the nerves and ended up laughing more than I ever have in an interview (she is truly hilarious to visit with)!

What’s your favorite bit of writing advice?

Edit, edit, EDIT!!! Have someone edit for mistakes, someone else edit for flow, content, etc. Then take the results, fix them, and repeat the process. And, please not just with family members or friends who love you and never want to hurt you. Use people who are not afraid of telling you the brutal truth. That is the only way you will stand a chance of success in this very competitive publishing world.

Are you creatively satisfied?

Absolutely!

What would you like to be remembered for?

For being someone who truly loved others and succeeded in helping talented authors grow and find success, happiness, and joy in this amazing journey!

Alright, now for the really important questions:

• Beach or mountains? Beach!
• Coffee or tea? Blech! Coffee is nasty crap, and tea has a horrible after-taste. Give me a Dr. Pepper any day. 🙂
• Skydive or bungee jump? Skydive. Hey, if I’m gonna commit just as well commit all the way. 🙂
• Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate (no-brainer)
• Winter or summer? Gosh, that’s hard, I love them both for different reasons. Winter because of all the smells, warm, fuzzy clothes, crackling fires and food, and summer because of the easy, slower pace, the sunshine, and long days.
• Cake or pie? Love both, but pie—IF it’s homemade!
• Cats or dogs? Again, love both.
• Pens or pencils? Pens, definitely.
• Truth or dare? Truth, always—although dares don’t scare me.
• Print or ebook? Ebook for ease, print for reference.

_________

Here’s a little more about TJ in her own words!

With more than 2,000 professional book reviews under my belt and rising weekly, I’m not sure where to begin. Obviously, I love to read! I juggled a double major in both English Education and Dance in college (English Ed. to land a job, Dance for the pure joy of it!) From there, I’ve worked in both fields consistently to the present.

While working in this industry I’ve had the wonderful opportunity of meeting and interviewing some of publishing’s most famous (and fun) authors and celebrities. Since the biggest complaint people had about me while growing up was that I ask way too many questions, this career has been the perfect fit. I LOVE people (one has to work very hard for me not to like them!). The past few years, however, I have become increasingly aware that many talented authors are not afforded media exposure simply because they choose to self or small publish, rather than accept the strictures of mainstream publishing. Thus, the idea of InD’tale Magazine was born!

Through more hard work than I thought possible and more love and support than I thought imaginable, InD’tale is quickly becoming the magazine of choice by thousands of people who want to learn, be entertained, and discover new and interesting books in the indie and self published field.

Along with making InD’tale the very best magazine of its kind, I still take time to teach private music lessons. Music (all kinds) is a passion I will always indulge in, no matter where life takes me. I am also passionate about traveling, learning, and enjoying new experiences. I’m continuing an on-going bucket list of visiting a new and interesting place in the world at least once a year.

Wow, isn’t she great? TJ’s passion for her work is so infectious! It was such a pleasure to introduce her to you.

And, gentle readers, don’t forget to check out InD’tale Magazine for the latest on Indie and small press publishing. You may just find your new favorite author or series, and help a new publishing career take off!

Via: JT Ellison