~ A Place to Write and more ~

Awesome romantic suspense author, Elizabeth John, talks about her new bridal romance series, how she found a place to write, and how she fits writing into a busy life.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Sure thing! Let’s see. Over the years, I’ve written many newspaper and magazine articles, short stories, and ceremonial resolutions for the State of New Jersey under my real name. When I became an elementary school teacher, I began writing under a pen name. Deciding on a pen name took me forever, but I finally came up with a combination of my children’s names. On weekdays, I rise at 5:00 a.m. to write. I also write on weekends. I have two rescue dogs and a parakeet, and recently found myself to be an empty nester. What else? Oh, I’ve been dabbling in my family’s ancestry. That’s been a lot of fun!

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I’ve always been obsessed with suspenseful books, TV shows, and movies. The first books I devoured in my pre-teen years were gothics. I couldn’t read them fast enough. In my opinion, they were the original romantic suspense novels. So naturally when I started writing romance, eerie events would appear on the page. Sometimes, a dead body or two. Even when I believed I was writing a traditional romance, a mystery subplot lurked. I embraced the suspense and merged romance and mystery together.

How did you come up with the title?

Since the setting in Forever Hold Your Piece is a bridal shop, the title needed a wedding theme. There’s a play on the word piece because the story is a romantic suspense. The cover artist really listened to my instructions. I wanted the cover to look bridal, but hint to the reader that danger was on the loose; hence, the appearance of a gun. Each title in the Becker Sisters Bridal Series will tie in to that theme.

What project are you working on now or what book will be next?

Right now, I’m working on the second book in the Becker Sisters Bridal Series called To Have and To Hold. The story is about the middle sister, Rose. Rose has a secret she’s kept from her family, which she is forced to reveal when a couple is killed in a car crash.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I don’t really have a favorite. With raising a family, I’ve had to be flexible and adapt to any empty square footage I could claim my own, even if it was for short bursts of time. My home ‘office’ has become a vacant spot I can find and work undisturbed. After a few years of writing, I had created a lovely writing office in a spare bedroom, which overlooked the pool and gardens in my backyard. I painted the room a calm shade of green and purchased a big desk.

My husband works from home occasionally, and I would often find him working in there. Let’s just say, he cramped my style, and he enjoyed the space too much. I let him take over the room, but insisted he move my big desk into the basement. I couldn’t get into a groove in my new space for various reasons and found myself writing at the kitchen or dining room tables. Family gatherings usually involve eating at those tables, and I had to keep moving my stuff. Now, I’m writing in the family room on an old secretary desk I inherited from my grandmother—very uncomfortable and not ergonomically correct—but I have my dogs at my feet and listen to my bird sing. If I twist my head, I can look out the window and see the pool and gardens. Hmm, the family room corner might be my favorite spot!

What do you do when you are not writing?

I love to read, walk the beach (even in the winter), binge-watch TV, and do yoga. I also like to talk on the phone with family and friends or get together in person. Although my day job is demanding, I make a point of squeezing in those activities. I think social connections are important for one’s mental and physical health. Tonight I have Book Club. The club chose Forever Hold Your Piece as the selection. I can’t wait to hear their reviews!

Thanks to Zara and all her readers for allowing me to join you today. I hope your days are filled with peace, health, and good books!

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Forever Hold Your Piece by Elizabeth John

Lily Becker believes the worst day of her life was when her fiancé stood her up at the altar. That is, until she stumbles upon his dead body in her family’s bridal shop. The shop becomes a crime scene, her business expansion plans tank, and brides demand back their deposits. Confused, scared, and certain that she is being watched, Lily struggles to keep her business and her life afloat.

PI Jake Ward, hired to find a priceless stolen painting, tracks the thief’s location to Lily’s small coastal town. As part of his cover, he leases the vacant bait and tackle shop next door to hers, unaware that she and her sisters had planned to rent the place.

The Chief of Police worries that someone close to Lily murdered her ex and he fears for her safety. The chief, a surrogate father to Lily, asks Jake to act as her bodyguard. Jake agrees and pretends to work on his business but never leaves her side. Although annoyed that Jake interfered with her family’s business plan, she admits that Jake makes her feel protected.

Jake and Lily can’t deny their attraction to one another. Lily decides to trust again as their relationship grows serious. The more time they spend together, the more they realize they are perfect for each other. Guilt eats at Jake’s conscience since he must lie about his true identity. Can he solve his case before he’s free to tell Lily the truth and she learns of his deception?

AMAZON

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Learn more about Elizabeth John

Website: www.ElizabethJohn.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/elizabethjohnauthor

Twitter: @elizabethjohn34

Instagram: elizabethjohnauthor

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Where’s Your Favorite Place to Write?

Elizabeth John is waiting to hear from you.