A Visit With Sam Cheever

Sam Cheever is here to visit today. Sam pens the Yesterday Mysteries.

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?
SC: I’ve been a mystery reader since I was a kid. I used to love the Nancy Drew and Boxcar Children mystery books. As I got older I consumed Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes books and loved Murder She Wrote on TV and Hercule Poirot movies. So it’s a natural progression for me, as a writer, to write mysteries.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?
SC: I actually started my writing career with paranormal, adding romantic suspense to my repertoire a couple of years later, and fleshing out my resume with a few contemporary romances. I’ve only recently morphed into a cozy mystery writer.

Kathy: Tell us about your series.
SC: Yesterday’s Mysteries begin with an event in history, and are discovered and solved by a contemporary woman who deals in antiques. I thought adding a couple of ghosts as sidekicks made sense because we all know spirits are tied to things from their era. #:0) And the sexy ex-cop who works for Anna Yesterday and helps her solve her crimes is just icing on the cake!  


Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?
SC: I love Joss, the sexy cowboy ghost who sees himself as Anna’s protector. Joss haunts Yesterday’s Antiques because Anna has his gun belt and holster—dug up by workers when she was renovating the store. He has an interesting personality. He’s everything you’d expect a cowboy from the 1800s to be—gruff, opinionated, and sexy as hell. But he has a gooey center where Anna’s concerned, and he’s also the peace-keeper between Anna and her other cranky spirit, Bess. Bess was a saloon girl when she lived a couple of centuries ago, and Anna hasn’t figured out what ties her to the shop yet.

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?
SC: I’ve been an author for over a decade, with a few dozen books published in paranormal/fantasy and romantic suspense/mystery. Adding cozy mysteries to my list of published works was an easy decision. I’m very pleased to finally be doing what I’ve wanted to do for a long, long time.

Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?
SC: Agatha Christie, because I consider her a phenomenal mystery writer.
Charlaine Harris, because I’d love to ask her how having her popular Sookie Stackhouse series turned into a wildly admired television series has affected her as a writer.
Diana Gabaldon, because I’d love to talk to her about how her fiction brought America’s early years to life for me.
Edgar Allen Poe, because, I mean, who wouldn’t want a glimpse into that dude’s mind. LOL

Kathy: What are you currently reading?
SC: I am currently eyebrow-deep in historical romance novels. I’m actually judging for a contest. #:0)

Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?
SC: Absolutely! Something readers might not know about me is that I have 13 dogs. Nope, that wasn’t a typo. My husband and I rescue dogs (and sometimes just adopt them because they’re cute!) and we live on a small hobby farm so we have room to keep lots of them. Needless to say that keeps me pretty busy in my spare time.
I also have 2 horses, though I have to admit I don’t have much time to ride anymore. I have plans to change that in the near future…as soon as I get my writing projects under control. LOL
When I’m not caring for my critters I like to do power yoga, go out to dinner with my husband, and go to movies with my daughters. And of course I read whenever I have the chance.

Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.
SC: Juice. Ice cream. Chicken. Protein bars.

Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?
SC: Yes!!! I’ll keep writing Yesterday’s Mysteries as long as readers are interested in reading them. I also write a romantic suspense series about 8 brothers named Honeybun, and I always weave a mystery into those stories, along with the romance and exciting suspense! In fact, I actually weave some kind of mystery into most of my books. I just can’t seem to help myself. #:0)

Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?
SC: Control and challenge. I’m slowly putting more and more of my work and energy into creating unique works under my own imprint, Electric Prose Publications, because I like being able to manage every aspect of the books, from cover design to marketing. I enjoy making adjustments to my strategy when something doesn’t work and I’m always looking for new ways to do things. In a sea of authors and books, it’s a challenge getting your work noticed and requires constant vigilance and management to build an audience. I love that challenge.

Kathy: Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions.
SC: I’m so pleased to visit, Kathy! I love cozy mystery aficionados because we’re a delightfully thoughtful and investigative group! Thanks so much for letting me stop by.

You can find more information about Sam Cheever here:

Website
Twitter: @samcheever
Facebook

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Murder, Plain and Simple by Isabella Alan. I'll let you be envious-you can't read this book...yet. I'm reading an ARC, an Advanced Readers Copy. But believe you me, when this book is actually published at the beginning of September, you're going to want to buy a copy!

This book is the first Amish Quilt Shop Mystery. Angie Braddock, who is not Amish, has come to Holmes County, Ohio to claim her inheritance, The Running Stitch, a quilting shop her Aunt Eleanor left her. Eleanor did not grow up Amish, but was baptised into the Amish church when she fell in love and married an Amish man. All is not idyllic and peaceful in the Amish town of Rolling Brook, however. There's discord in the Amish community, tension between some Amish and English, a question of ownership of the shop, and murder!

Angie is joined by a great cast of characters including Amish friends, a good looking sheriff, and Oliver, a quirky French Bulldog who is terrified of birds!

Meet Erika Chase & the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society

I'd like to welcome Erika Chase to our blog today. Erika writes the Ashton Corners Book Club Mysteries. Read and Buried is the second book in the series following A Killer Read.

Kathy: Thanks to Molly and Nathaniel, Lizzie gets to eat some delicious goodies. I'm dying for some of those cheese straws! However, no recipes are included in the books. Is that your decision or your publishers? Can we hope for some recipes in future books?

EC: That's so nice to hear, Kathy. However, I'm the first to admit, I'm not a cook nor a baker (although I have been known to contribute the odd blog and recipe to Mystery Lovers Kitchen). But I do love food. So, I include dishes that ring true to the setting and to my characters' tastes. Including recipes was never part of the discussion I had with my editor and I think, at this stage in the series, it's not going to happen. But, that's not to say it never will.

Kathy: Lizzie enjoys her time in the choir. Do you sing?

EC: I do sing. I've sung in several choirs over the years and absolutely love it. I don't do solos nor duets but have been found in a sextet at one time. I love the music, the challenge of making it sound right, and of course, the great friendships that evolve

Kathy: I love animals and enjoy finding them in my books, whether they play a large role or not. Edam and Brie (whose names I love, by the way) are a comforting addition to Lizzie's life. How did they come to play a role in the series? Are they based on any animals you know? Do you have cats of your own, or any other pets?

EC: Edam and Brie are in real life my Siamese cats, Mojo and Keesha. I've always been a cat person, although a dog did share our house for several years, much to the chagrin of the cats. I can't imagine not have a cat or two in my life and so it seemed natural to include them in LIzzie's life, too. Everyone needs a cat to keep them in line.

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

EC: I blame it all on Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden. And years later, after attending my first Malice Domestic in 1989, I was hooked once again. I do read other types but prefer a good cozy where friendship and community are such a strong part of the novel. Also, in a cozy you know that justice will prevail and a happy ending is in store. I like my movies 'cozy' as well. I can get more than enough of the grittier stuff by reading the newspaper or watching TV news.

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

EC: No, I do not. I was a reporter at one point and I have written non-fiction, mainly magazine articles.

Kathy: Tell us about your series.

EC: The Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society was challenged right at its very first meeting with solving a murder, other than what was between the book covers. The mixture of ages and tastes in reading of the members keeps the meetings hopping, while they unite in purpose when murder happens on their doorstep.

Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

EC: I like them all but Lizzie is my favorite. She's a gal with a lot of sadness in her past -- her daddy was killed in a car accident when she was ten, her mama is now in an assisted living facility,and she has no siblings -- but she's optimistic and basically, happy with her life and her choices. She's not afraid to stand up for what she believes and she's tenacious enough to keep sleuthing to the conclusion.

Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

EC: My own book club, which remains nameless -- because after twenty years, we still don't have a name -- is a source of friendship, lively discussion, along delicious food and wine. Our number one rule is, 'there must always be chocolate'. It's this sense of community that I wanted to develop in the Ashton Corners book club and being a good basis for some cozy sleuthing.

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

EC: The guestion is really, what made me decide to write this series? The answer, because it's what my agent presented to me. It didn't take long for me to really get into the book club characters and how they interact both in their everyday encounters and in investigating murder. Coming up with the murders was easy.

Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

EC: It would be an internationl dinner party and I'd invite: Andrea Camilleri, because I love his Inspector Montalbano series and its exotic setting of Sicily; Jeffrey Siger, so that he could present a slide show of the Greek Islands where detective Kaldis does his investigating; Martin Walker, who hopefully might bring some superb French wine from his Captain's village in the Dordogne; and, Colin Cotterrill because he's certain to be as witty as his character, Dr. Siri and have some interesting tales of Laos.

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

EC: I'm reading Vicki Delany's latest Const. Molly Smith novel, A COLD WHITE SUN. It's the sixth in the series, set in small town B.C., during ski season. I'm a big fan of her police officer, with all her bravado and insecurities.

Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

EC: I'm an avid walker and like to power walk every morning at dawn...okay, a bit later in summer since dawn is so much earlier. Reading and singing, of course, take up a large chunk of my time. I'm also involved with a local magazine shop that is now stocking mysteries -- I do the ordering for them, since I once owned my own mystery bookstore. I also love to travel but you know the saying, so little time, so little money!

Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

EC: Almond butter; Almond Breeze; Cocoa Nymph Classic Dark Nymph chocolate bar; Key Lime Greek yogurt.

Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

EC: I'm working in the fourth book in the series, BOOK FAIR AND FOUL, which will be out next year and, not surprisingly, involved a book festival.

Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

EC: The writing. I love it when I'm in the zone, actually feeling a part of the action, and when everything clicks.

If you want to learn more about Erika Chase check out her website, Facebook page, and Twitter account.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Utopian Communities in America, 1680-1880 by Mark Holloway. This book is not a cozy mystery, instead it's a work of nonfiction about a unique interest of mine. Yes, I'm enthralled by Utopian societies of the mid 1800's. This book starts a bit earlier and discusses many different groups from Labadists, Ephrata, and Rappites to New Harmony, Fruitlands, and Oneida. Of course, the book talk about Mother Ann Lee and the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing...otherwise known as the Shakers. I find this topic totally fascinating and I'm excited to learn more.

I think it would be wonderful to have cozy mysteries set in these communities! I do know of one. Deborah Woodworth wrote the amazing Shaker Mysteries. The series is set in the 1930's, as the Shaker Movement was declining. It should be noted that while the movement declined dramatically there is to this day an active Shaker Community. It's located in Sabbathday Lake, Maine.

Peg Cochran - An Interview and a Recipe

I'd like to welcome Peg Cochran to Cozy Up With Kathy.  Peg writes the Gourmet De-Lite mysteries. Steamed to Death, the second in the series, was just released!

Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

PC: That’s a tough question! I’d start with Jane Austen and hope our manners were up to snuff! P.D. James is a brilliant writer and has had an interesting life that would make for good conversation. Mary Higgens Clark—we have something in common (although I don’t write best sellers)—she was also widowed and left to raise her children. We’ve both been lucky enough to remarry wonderful men. I heard her speak once, and I think she would be great fun at a dinner party. Looks like I need to throw a man in there or this is going to be a hen party! How about Stephen King? I’m not a horror fan, but he writes eloquently about the writing process, and I’d love to ask him some questions.

Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

PC: Olive oil, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, canned tuna—all of which we buy in bulk from Sam’s Club!

Kathy: What drew you to writing cozy mysteries? What inspired you to write the Gourmet De-Lite Mysteries?

Kathy: I’ve always been a big reader of cozies and traditional mysteries—starting with Agatha Christie. I knew what was expected in a cozy, and I like the fact that they are more about solving the puzzle than grossing out the reader with a lot of blood, gore and violence. And, it turned out that my “voice” is perfect for cozies. I chose to write the Gourmet De-Lite mysteries because I love to cook, and it gives me the opportunity to write about food. Most foodie cozies are about decadent foods—chocolate, cakes, pies, muffins. I wanted to do something different, something that would emphasize good quality healthy eating.

Kathy: Do you have a favorite character in your series? A character that is fun to write?

PC: I like writing about my main character, Gigi Fitzgerald. I like to think she’s a relatively ordinary person, like most of us, trying to keep it together and struggling to make ends meet. I have a new character in the third book in the series, Iced to Death, that I really enjoyed creating, but I can’t talk about that yet!

Kathy: When you're not writing cozy mysteries what do you do for fun? Any hobbies?

PC: I love to cook! (I also love to eat!) I read when I have downtime. I don’t have any hobbies other than cooking. I failed miserably at knitting and crocheting and needlework requires better eyesight than mine! I love spending time playing with my granddaughter or taking my Westie, Reg, for long walks.


Peg has graciously shared one of her recipes!


Pad Thai


Peanut Sauce


5 ounce can of evaporated milk

1/3 cup smooth peanut butter

2 TBL soy sauce

1 tsp. grated ginger (I love the stuff in jars that's already grated for you)

***

8 ounces dried, thin rice noodles (available in most ethnic sections of your local supermarket)

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup Splenda or sugar

2 TBL ketchup

1 1/2 TBL soy sauce (I prefer the low sodium kind)

1 lime wedge

1/2 tsp Sambal Oelek or Sriracha (chili paste available in the ethnic section of your grocery store or Asian markets)

2 TBL vegetable or olive oil

2 chicken breasts cut in half horizontally and then into bite-sized pieces

2 garlic cloves, minced or put through a garlic press

1 large egg, beaten

1 can bean sprouts, rinsed

1 bunch green onions, sliced

1/2 cup chopped peanuts


Place ingredients for peanut sauce in blender and blend until smooth.

Soak rice noodles according to package directions.

Combine water, Splenda, ketchup, soy sauce, juice of 1 lime wedge (or a squirt of lime juice), and chili paste in small bowl and mix. Set aside.

Heat oil in skillet and add garlic. Cook briefly until garlic begins to color slightly. Add chicken and cook, stirring, until opaque, approximately five minutes. Stir in noodles and pour ketchup mixture over noodles. Cook approximately 2 minutes until sauce is absorbed.

Push noodles to one side of skillet and add beaten egg. Stir until egg is cooked, then mix into dish. Add bean sprouts, 1/2 cup green onions and 1/4 cup chopped peanuts. Stir until mixed.

Place on serving plate and mix with peanut sauce. Sprinkle remaining green onions and peanuts on top.

Enjoy!

Winner Announced

Random.org chose Anonymous to win a copy of A Cookbook Conspiracy by Kate Carlisle; the Anonymous whose e-mail begins with cmcc78952003. I sent the winner an e-mail. cmcc78952003, please respond with your address so that we may get your prize out to you.

Congratulations and thanks to everyone for stopping by and leaving a comment. I hope you'll continue to visit Cozy Up With Kathy. Come follow me on Facebook too: https://www.facebook.com/CozyUpWithKathy.

Currently Reading...

Yesterday may have given you a big hint about what I'm currently reading. You guessed it; I'm reading A Cookbook Conspiracy by Kate Carlisle. As I mentioned previously, the Bibliophile Mysteries make my top 3 in my list of favorite current mysteries. I collect cookbooks myself, so this entry is of particular interest to me! I just started the book, but I'm loving it already, although I'm a bit aghast at Savannah's attitude towards books! If you haven't done so already, make sure you read yesterday's interview with Kate Carlisle.

I'll announce the winner of the contest later today.