Kathy: In A Different Kind of Reunion guilt over a student's death leads Gilda Greco to participate in a séance. Have you ever participated in a séance? Or had a reading by a psychic or medium?
JG: I’ve had several readings by psychics. Each time, I was able to excavate at least one kernel of advice or insight. Did the readings have a significant effect on my life choices? Not really, but I did take time to pause and reflect after each encounter. I’ve also Googled each psychic and incorporated several of their characteristics into my novels.
Kathy: Do you believe that some people have psychic gifts and/or the ability to speak with the dead?
JG: I believe that some people have heightened intuitive abilities. That gift enables them to see people and circumstances more clearly. As for speaking with the dead, I’ve met several mediums who claim to have that ability. I’m not entirely convinced, but then I’ve never participated in a séance.
Kathy: Old grudges and rivalries emerge among fellow students reunited for the séance. Do you still have similar feelings to your own former classmates?
JG: I don’t recall too many grudges. As for rivalries, there were a few. Today, I’m more likely to be curious than envious about the life journeys of my former classmates.
Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?
JG: A fantasy element exists in all cozy mysteries: the sleuth always solves the case, justice is served, and all loose ends are tied. During my cancer journey, I needed and wanted a tidy ending, so I found myself devouring two to three cozies a week. Partway through chemotherapy, ideas started to percolate for my own cozy.
Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?
JG: I also write paranormal romances about middle-aged ex-mermaids.
Kathy: Tell us about your series.
JG: There are three books in the Gilda Greco Mystery Series: A Season for Killing Blondes, Too Many Women in the Room, and A Different Kind of Reunion. Based in Northern Ontario, these novels feature a fifty-something Italian woman, her meddling relatives, deserving and undeserving men, food, and murder.
There are two books in the Mediterranean Trilogy: Between Land and Sea and The Coming of Arabella. This series focuses on the reinvention of a middle-aged ex-mermaid who was aged, weathered, and abandoned on the fog-drenched shores of southwest England.
Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?
JG: I identify strongly with Gilda Greco, the protagonist of the series. Gilda is 70 percent of me. As to how I came up with that particular number, let’s just say my well-honed left brain did all the work. Our similarities...Italian Canadian, born and raised in Sudbury, relocated to Southern Ontario, mathematics teachers, career development practitioners, non-foodies, yoga enthusiasts.
One significant difference - Gilda won a $19 million lottery. I’m hoping that writing in the first-person will help me manifest my own win.
Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?
JG: At first, I was content to write for myself. But as essays, articles, and short stories gave way to novels, I started to think about sharing my work with others. I was thrilled when Debby Gilbert of Soul Mate Publishing offered me a contract for Between Land and Sea in 2013. Two years, Johanna Melaragno of The Wild Rose Press offered me a contract for A Season for Killing Blondes.
Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?
JG: I would invite Louise Penny, Joanne Trollope, Anna Quindlen, and Maeve Binchy.
Kathy: What are you currently reading?
JG: I have eclectic tastes and love to curl up with women’s fiction, historical fiction, cozy mysteries, memoirs, psychological thrillers, and self-help books. I’ve just finished reading and highly recommend Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand.
Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?
JG: While writing occupies the lion’s share of my time, I also enjoy reading, yoga, scrapbooking, blogging, movies, artist dates, and meeting friends for leisurely brunches and lunches.
Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.
JG: Each day, I look forward to my morning smoothie. I always have the following items on hand: Sun Warrior Protein Powder, blueberries, spinach, and cinnamon.
Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?
JG: While I could end the Gilda Greco Mystery Series with A Different Kind of Reunion, I might consider adding a fourth book at some time in the future. Right now, I have a cancer memoir, Book 3 of the Mediterranean Trilogy, and one stand-alone novel on the back burner.
Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?
JG: I look forward to writing the first chapter and giving life to the characters. That initial spark of an idea may percolate for several days (sometimes weeks), but the real thrill occurs when I sit at my computer and start writing.
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A Different Kind of Reunion (A Gilda Greco Mystery) by Joanne Guidoccio
About the Book
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
The Wild Rose Press, Inc (April 23, 2018)
Paperback: 236 pages
While not usually a big deal, one overlooked email would haunt teacher Gilda Greco. Had she read it, former student Sarah McHenry might still be alive.
Suspecting foul play, Constable Leo Mulligan plays on Gilda’s guilt and persuades her to participate in a séance facilitated by one of Canada’s best-known psychics. Six former students also agree to participate. At first cooperative and willing, their camaraderie is short-lived as old grudges and rivalries emerge. The séance is a bust.
Determined to solve Sarah’s murder, Gilda launches her own investigation and uncovers shocking revelations that could put several lives—including her own—in danger. Can Gilda and the psychic solve this case before the killer strikes again?
About the Author
In 2008, Joanne Guidoccio took advantage of early retirement and decided to launch a second career that would tap into her creative side and utilize her well-honed organizational skills. Slowly, a writing practice emerged. Her articles and book reviews have been published in newspapers, magazines, and online. When she tried her hand at fiction, she made reinvention a recurring theme in her novels and short stories. A member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of America, Joanne writes cozy mysteries, paranormal romance, and inspirational literature from her home base of Guelph, Ontario.
Where to find Joanne... Website: http://joanneguidoccio.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joanneguidoccio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanneguidoccio
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanneguidoccio
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jguidoccio/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7277706.Joanne_Guidoccio
Buy links: Amazon (Canada) Amazon (United States) Kobo Indigo Barnes & Noble iTunes The Wild Rose Press
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Thanks for hosting me :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteThank you for the interview with Joanne Guidoccio and for being part of the book tour. Enjoyed reading about her similarities with Gilda. I can't wait for the opportunity to read "A Different Kind of Reunion".
ReplyDelete2clowns at arkansas dot net
Hi Kay, I appreciate your support throughout the tour. Happy reading!:)
DeleteI enjoyed the interview, thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Rita :)
DeleteYour creativity is always so fresh and intriguing! Eishing you strong sales and reviews. --kate
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely compliment, Kate. :)
DeleteThe excerpt is intriguing. Thanks for this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Nancy. Good luck with the giveaway. :)
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