Uncategorized - Delightfully Booked Edits

Q&A With Author Elle Cosimano

May 26, 2022

Happy Thursday friends! Hope you’ve had a great week! I’m so excited to have Elle Cosimano with us on the blog today. I’m a huge fan! Check out our chat below 🤩.

Elle! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have you on my blog! Tell us a little bit about your background and how you got into writing.

Thank you! I guess you could say I took a circuitous route into writing. After earning a BA in psychology, somehow I ended up in selling real estate in Northern Virginia. I had a long, successful run at it but I also had two young children, and I was struggling to find balance between motherhood and my career. I was also miserable. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, only that I wasn’t doing it. As I was approaching my fortieth birthday (and likely a midlife crisis), my mother suggested I take some time off work and try writing a novel. That suggestion took me down a path I never would have envisioned for myself.

The Finlay Donovan series is one of my absolute favorites! I’m a huge Janet Evanovich fan, so when I first read Finlay Donovan is Killing It, I knew it would be a hit! What was your inspiration for this series?

I’m also a huge fan of Janet Evanovich—I adore Stephanie Plum! I never imagined I’d write a series in a similar vein (everything I’d written previously had been YA). The idea for Finlay struck me by surprise. About four years ago, I was having a working lunch with two of my beloved critique partners (Ashley Elston and Megan Miranda), brainstorming the plot of a thriller over lunch in a crowded Panera Bread, when a woman at the table beside us appeared to have misunderstood the context of our conversation. It was clear that she thought we were discussing actual murder instead of a fictional one. Someone posed the question, “wouldn’t it have been funny if she assumed you were contract killers?” That question became the inspiration for the story of a struggling romantic suspense novelist who accidentally becomes mistaken for a killer for hire.

Speaking of your YA books, tell us more about those and what made you make the jump from YA to adult fiction.

I never actually managed to get a YA series off the ground. I wrote two amateur sleuth mysteries, two paranormal mystery standalones, and a fantasy duology, but though I received plenty of acclaim and was nominated for several awards, the sales for those books were lackluster. Sales are critical to the lifeblood of a series (and an author’s career). I was at a crossroads when I came up with the idea for Finlay Donovan, uncertain if I could afford to continue writing. My critique partners encouraged me to take a chance, experimenting with something new, and I’m thrilled that the Finlay books have found such a passionate audience.

What does your day look like when you are in the middle of writing a book?

I’m homeschooling my youngest son who’s wrapping up his sophomore year of high school. (My oldest is away at college—Go Hokies!) I wear my teacher hat in the morning. My afternoons are split between making dinner, household chores, running errands, and managing the administrative side of my work as an author (coordinating events, marketing and publicity, engaging with readers, communicating with my agent and publishers, etc…) I typically write (and read) at night, generally between 7pm to 3am if I’m under deadline. I’m a silent writer (I can’t concentrate through interruptions), so I prefer writing at night when my inbox, phone, and house are quiet.

What type of research is involved when crafting a character like Finlay’s?

Most of my research for the Finlay books involves topics related to crime and law enforcement. Since I have loads of experience with parenting and publishing, I don’t have to research Finlay’s character as much as the mysteries she’s forced to solve. I’ve attended police academies for writers, done a ride-along with a deputy sheriff, toured a forensics lab, attended seminars taught by retired undercover cops, taken basic handgun classes, and interviewed attorneys . . . the list goes on. Hands on research inspires great story ideas and it breaks up the monotony of being behind a keyboard for hours.

What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t writing and on a deadline?

My hobbies are pretty quiet. I enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with my family. I would go fishing every day if I could, and I daydream about one day having a home on the water. My husband and I love doing home improvement projects and traveling together. My life isn’t nearly as exciting as Finlay’s.

Do you have a favorite moment that stands out since becoming a well-known author?

I was in the grocery store a few months ago when an email popped up on my phone. It was from a young woman I had heard from about eight years ago, shortly after my first YA novels were published. She had been in high school back then, and my Nearly Boswell mysteries had piqued her interest in forensics. Fast forward to that letter I received while I was in the grocery store. She had written to tell me that she’s working as a scientist in a DC forensics lab, after my books had inspired the trajectory of her college studies and her career. It was a powerful moment, to realize my characters and stories had made that kind of impact.

Who is your biggest cheerleader?

My husband is my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. I couldn’t imagine doing this job without his support and encouragement. But professionally, I’d say my critique partners, Ashley and Megan, are my biggest support system. We’ve been brainstorming and sharing the ups and downs of our careers since the very beginning, before any of us had any books in print. Collectively, we now have 29 books published over a period of ten years. I’m so damn proud of us for that.

What are you currently reading/watching?

On TV, I’m loving All The Murders In the Building. As far as books, I just finished a fantastic historical thriller called The Half-Life of Ruby Fielding by Lydia Kang. I had the privilege of reading an early copy of Malice House, a delicious upcoming horror by Megan Shepherd. (And if you love atmospheric scary reads as much as I do, be sure to check out Lute by Jennifer Marie Thorne, which has been one of my favorite reads of 2022!) And I’m getting ready to dive into the upcoming dark thriller The Widowmaker by Hannah Morrissey, which I have been itching to get my hands on! SO many wonderful books coming out this year.

Your a wife, mom, and author, as well as many other things I’m sure. How do you balance it all?

Do any of us, really? I’m just like most moms, struggling, trying to keep too many balls in the air. I think that’s the spirit of Finlay Donovan, acknowledging the truth that is the messiness of motherhood. We’re all just doing the best we can.

Okay, last one! Please give us ALL THE SCOOP on the next book in the series, Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun! I cannot wait!👏🏻

The third book in the series picks up right where book 2 left off, with Finlay and Vero’s latest entanglements with a hot cop, a fast car, and the Russian mob. Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun will release on January 31, 2023, and I can’t wait! The research for this book was so much fun, drawing on all those hands-on research experiences I just finished telling you about. The cover and summary are now available online, and preorder links are live everywhere books are sold.

Thank you so much for your time Elle, and for giving us a glimpse into your world! I know you have so many fans looking forward to your new release and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

To follow Elle and the Finlay Donovan series check out her Instagram!

To pre order Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun (like me) click here.

Q&A With Author Kassandra Garrison

May 19, 2022

I’m back with another fun author Q&A! I’m so happy to have Kassandra on the blog today! I recently read her YA novel, The Walls We Built, and loved it ❤️.

Hi Kassandra! I’m so excited to have you on my blog and to get to know more about you! Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into writing.

Currently, I live with my husband, one-year-old daughter, and two rescue dogs. To say they keep me busy is an understatement! I grew up in the country as the youngest of three daughters. I’ve always loved books, even intentionally misspelling words during the classroom game of Sparkle so I could sit and read. Writing has always been a part of me but it wasn’t until June 2019 that I decided I wanted it as a career and not merely a hobby. Since then, I have published three books with another releasing July 9^th, 2022 and my fifth releasing in the spring of 2023.

I recently read The Walls We Built and thought it was a fantastic YA read! What led you to writing young adult and how did this particular book come about?

First off, I’m so glad you enjoyed the book! The young adult genre has always been one that I enjoy and one that is relatable to so many people. We have all either been or are that age, trying to find ourselves and figure out this thing we call life and love. I think that’s why so many people of all ages still gravitate towards the YA genre.

The Walls We Built is a melting pot of my life, my mother (to whom the book is dedicated), and my imagination. Charlotte (the main character) and I are so much alike: a stubborn bookworm who is blunt, witty, and loves rarely but fiercely. This book holds such a special place in my heart because every page has pieces of my heart, soul, and life intertwined within the fiction of the story.

I would love to hear more about the first book, The Influencers, in your duology! I’m so intrigued by it! How do these two books differ from The Walls We Built?

While The Walls We Built is largely about family relationships, young love, and forgiveness, The Influencers and its sequel, The Legacy, is more action-packed. Along with the action of this underdog story, there is also romance, humor, and heartbreak. With any of my writing, I try to touch on every emotion. If you’re an emotional reader like me, you’ll laugh, cry, scream, and smile. Here’s the synopsis to the first book:

“Abducted from her own home, Darcy Bishop finds herself an unwilling participant in a secret society called the Influencers. Yet, this seemingly benevolent group is hiding much more than its identity. As she faces the challenges of ruthless enemies, dangerous missions, and untimely love, Darcy fights to destroy the group that could negatively impact the entire world. With the Influencers everywhere, who can Darcy trust?”

Do you have a particular character you’ve written that you find yourself more emotionally attached to?

Every character holds a special place in my heart so it’s hard to choose just one to whom I’m most attached. I love every character that I create (except the antagonists HAHA). Darcy is everything I wish I could be while Charlotte and I are so similar. When you’re an author, your characters are kind of like your kids. You can’t choose a favorite!

What are some of your favorite genres to read and who are some of your favorite authors?

My absolute favorite books to read are rom-coms! I love the balance that they have: romance, humor, and heartbreak (but not too much!). But, of course, I’m a sucker for the promise of a happy ending. Some of my favorite authors are Jane Austen, Christina Lauren, and Cassandra Clare.

I read that you have two rescue dogs. Tell us more about your fur babies and how you found them!

I have to say how much I love this question! I never get asked about my fur babies! Although I could talk about them all day, I’ll limit myself. My husband and I adopted our fur babies from the same organization in Missouri, Needy Paws. They are an amazing non-profit who we loved so much that we went back for a second dog!

Our first dog is June, a female Boxer/Pitbull mix (it’s a guess since she’s a rescue). Her fur is brindle with stripes of orangish-brown and black and a white chest. She is the biggest, sweetest BUM of a dog who loves to eat and sleep all the time. She hates rain and stepping on wet grass (water in general!).

Our second dog is Archer, a male Heeler mix. He has “ticking” along his fur which is just a fancy term for spots. He is a speckled ball of tan, black, and white fur. He is the exact opposite of June: super energetic, playful, and anxious. He hates the laundry basket and adores the water hose.

What are some hobbies you enjoy?

I love to bake! My favorite thing to bake is a braided Cinnamon Babka. Unlike Seinfeld, I do not believe it is the inferior babka. 😊 I also like taking my dogs on walks, reading (of course!), and drinking coffee (that’s a hobby, right?).

Tell us what a typical day looks like for you! Writing or otherwise!

I’m a stay-at-home mom so my day is scheduled entirely around my daughter. Most of my day is chasing after and playing with her. During nap-time and bedtime, I spend my time writing. Since she was born, I’ve written two books so I must be doing something right!

If you could pick another author’s brain, who would it be and why?

Hands down, Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book. Jane Austen’s talented writing not only paved the way for female writers but didn’t conform to others’ expectations. She wrote on the irony of women’s role in society during her time while ingeniously weaving in humor, banter, romance, and drama.

And finally, I’m so excited to see that you have a new book coming out! Distant Stars sounds amazing and I’d love for you to share the description with our readers as well as when we can expect to get our hands on it!

I’m so excited to share my next story with the world! Distant Stars is your next favorite beach read. It releases July 9^th, 2022 with preorders available May 28^th, 2022. It has a balanced blend of action, romance, humor, drama, and heartbreak like my other novels but adds another level with a Christian theme. Here is the description:

“Will Rutledge needs a fresh start. After aging out of the foster care system, he and his brother, Kane, have nothing but each other. Maybe that’s why he agreed to his brother’s insane plan to kidnap a millionaire’s daughter for ransom. With his brains and his brother’s muscle, what could go wrong?

Enter Hannah Cole. When her brother died, her family was left shattered. No amount of money could fill the hole in her home… not even if her dad has plenty of it. Hannah thought she knew darkness after a year of living with grief. That is, until she finds herself thrown into the trunk of a car and crying out to God for the first time since her brother died.

Hannah and Will soon find themselves in close quarters, fighting the feelings they are developing for one another despite both their situation and seemingly insurmountable differences. Plans start to unravel and the two risk begging the question:

Are some stars just too far apart to collide?”

Thank you so much for sharing with us today Kassandra! I loved getting your take on your books and learning more about you, your family, and your writing. Can you believe I read Pride and Prejudice only a month ago?! 🙈 I had to, because so many romance books make a reference to it. It was definitely worth it ❤️.

Friends, to keep in touch with Kassandra and her books you can follow her on IG here or check out here website here.

Stay tuned for more author Q&A’s coming up!

XOXO,

Kristyn

Q&A With Author Brooke Burroughs

March 2, 2022

You guys, I’m so happy to feature Brooke today! I love following her travel adventures on IG (she has an airstream!!)-Also, how adorable is she?!

Hey Brooke! I’ve been so excited to do a Q&A with you. I read The Marriage Code right before it came out in 2020 and fell in love with how you described Bangalore with all of its traditions, customs, and especially the food! I read in your bio that this story is based on some true events, would you share with us?

Thank you! The Marriage Code started out as a memoir of my experience moving to Bangalore, India and meeting my husband. Everyone kept saying, “Your story would make a great movie!” and because I’d always been a writer (and didn’t have the aspiration to be a Hollywood producer) I wanted to try and write about it. So there are definitely events that inspired the book—like my move to Bangalore, meeting my husband at the office, a vacation in Kerala, and the many, many drool-worthy meals! I had no idea how varied Indian cuisine is until I moved there. And of course, I included some of the challenges my husband and I faced being a couple coming from different cultures, and with his family’s wish for him to marry someone within his community. Luckily both Emma and Rishi, and my husband and I all had happy endings!

In your latest book, The Name Curse (which I adored by the way 😍), the characters are hiking an Alaskan trail. I’m sensing a travel/adventure theme in the stories you tell…are you an avid traveler? Is this what inspires your stories?

I do love travel and adventure, so I’m not surprised that’s an emerging theme. I have always wanted to write love stories featuring women who have a sense of adventure, even if they don’t know it yet (much like Bernie in The Name Curse). I’ve lived in three different countries aside from the US, and love to explore new places. During the pandemic when international travel felt a bit risky, we took a lot of road trips in our airstream and camped (well, “glamped”) around the US to appease the travel bug that kept urging us to get out of the house. I love hiking, exploring, and still hope to live outside the country again. There is so much to learn about other cultures, and in turn, learn about yourself when you’re in an unfamiliar setting.

What was the feeling like after you published your first book?

Finally getting your first book published is every writer’s dream, so the feeling was absolute elation! One thing I never anticipated was the response from readers. While I am quite familiar with the joy that sinking into a good book brings, I’ve never been one to reach out to my favorite authors and let them know how much their words affected me. But that has definitely been one of the most rewarding parts of having a book out there. Every time someone read The Marriage Code and told me that it made them cry seeing a STEM heroine, that it resonated with their own life, or that they had to order nonstop Indian takeout while reading it—that was the best feeling!

How long have you been writing?

Even when I was little I had an urge to tell stories. I remember getting a Snoopy diary for Christmas when I was in third grade and started writing in it; I still have it, and its tiny lock that keeps the trials and tribulations of a nine year old top secret! My niece has also recently unearthed an illustrated story of my family that I wrote in first or second grade on construction paper that is bound with yarn. Those were the origins of my writing, and eventually it turned into poetry and short stories in high school and college. I didn’t start anything novel length until I started drafting The Marriage Code though!

What does a day of writing look like for you?

Ah, my dream day! I still have a day job, so I usually write in the mornings on weekdays before work, and one reason I look forward to the weekends, is because I wake up and have a day of writing ahead of me. I usually go sit outside at one of my favorite coffee shops in Austin to write for several hours. Sometimes another writer friend will join me and we’ll brainstorm, or work through any story challenges we’re having. Then I’ll finish the day off by reading whatever book I have on my nightstand. Those are the best days!

Do you have a book recommendation that you think everyone should have on their TBR?

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is one of my favorite romcoms (as it probably is for everyone!). There are so many amazing books out there it’s hard to pick just one! But that one I enjoyed so much I re-read it two more times right after I finished it.

I can tell from some of your posts that you’re a dog lover 💕Tell us more about your fur babies!

I have a 5 year old Great Dane, Rani (which appropriately translates to “queen” in Sanskrit), and a 10 year old boxer, Ike. They are the best dogs, and often my writing assistants, giving me company in my office while I’m working on a book. Actually, Ike was the inspiration for Bernie’s dog in The Name Curse!

How do you enjoy spending your free time?

I spend a lot of time trying to make a dent in my TBR pile because there are so many amazing books that keep coming out, I feel like I can’t keep up! I also love traveling, whether that’s going to visit my in-laws in India, exploring a country for the first time, or camping at a state park for a weekend. I also love Bollywood dance, and am part of a group here in Austin.

Let’s do some THIS or THAT!

Mountains or beach: Ooh this is a tough one, but if I had to pick one place it would be the beach because I love the sun and the sound of the ocean.

TV or reading: Reading FTW!

Fancy or casual: Default casual, but I also love dressing up in sparkly things for weddings or dance events!

Fly or drive: Depends where I’m going, but if it’s in the US, driving can be part of the adventure!

Background noise or silence: I love the background noise of a coffee shop to write.

Dinner or dessert: Wait, isn’t dessert just the end of dinner? LOL (so, um both?)

Scary movies or funny: Funny, all the time! Scary movies give me nightmares.

Readers (me 😂) want to know if you have another book on the horizon? I have to say, I’m super excited for what you come up with next!

The project I just finished is a romcom inspired by the small town in Kentucky where I grew up. I wanted to write something about the area because it’s gone through so many changes in the past several years. Also, it was an opportunity to highlight some of my favorite parts about growing up there. This story is about a woman who always wanted to escape the place she’s from, and when she returns for her sister’s wedding, she gets roped into actually planning it with the groom’s son who happens to be her high school nemesis.

I’m so appreciative that you took the time to do this Q&A with me, I love getting to know you better! Man, I would enjoy being able to travel like that, but I’m such a homebody. So for now I’ll just live vicariously through you 😍. I’ll be anxiously waiting to hear more about your newest book! Thanks Brooke!

Friends, if you want to follow or learn more about Brooke then check out her info below 👇🏻

Website: www.brookeburroughs.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/brookeburroughswrites/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brookeburroughsauthor/

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@brookeburroughswrites

Q&A With GiGi Blume

February 23, 2022

Hi Gigi! I’m so glad to have you on my blog and to get to know you a little better! As you know, I’m a HUGE fan of romcoms. I recently read The Friend Act and fell in love with your characters! Tell us a little more about your books!

Thanks for having me. I love your blog.

I’m happy you liked The Friend Act. It’s part of my Backstage Romance series which is inspired by Jane Austen’s works. So far I’ve covered Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Mansfield Park. My next Austen-inspired book will be Northanger Abbey but I don’t have a date for that yet.

I read that you used to be a professional wedding singer! That is such an interesting job, what was it like? How did you get from that to writing books?

The singing gig was a natural progression of what I’d been doing for years, having been in bands and choirs my whole life. While I love singing, I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I remember writing the screenplay to Batman the Musical in fifth grade. Because of my desire to write for the stage and screen I joined the drama club in middle school and fell in love with theatre and by extension, musicals, singing, and playing guitar. Now it’s kind of come full circle. I didn’t so much get from singing to writing as a transition, but rather one phased out as the other moved to the forefront.

Tell us about your love of musical theater and how has that inspired your writing?

Musical theatre is such a huge part of my being, I can’t help but write about it. I think if I ever write about aliens in space, musical theatre references will still sneak in there.

I recently found out that you design book covers as well and they are beautiful! How did this get started for you?

Gosh, I’m such a Jack of all trades. (and master of none) I just love art so much and used to do chalkboard art for a local coffee house. My friend, author KG Fletcher (she’s also a singer/actress) asked me to design one of her covers a while back and I completely turned her down. I didn’t think I had it in me. But she was persistent and wouldn’t take no for an answer. So I caved and made her cover. But I told her, “Never again. That’s a one time thing.” Famous last words. I think I’ve designed five covers for her now. LOL. And in learning how to use photo editing programs and Procreate, I decided to start a cover design business for the frugal indie author. It’s fun and a good distraction when I have writer’s block.

What was the first book you published and how was your experience?

My first published book was Confessions of a Hollywood Matchmaker, the prequel novella for the Backstage Romance Series. There was a huge learning curve so overwhelming, I think I blocked the experience from my memory. When I look back to that time, I see myself as a little kid who had no clue what she was doing. It kind of makes me cringe, especially when I look at my super lame marketing from those days.

What do you do when you are in a writing slump?

I love to listen to the autumn acoustic playlist on Pandora while I take walks. The music gives me inspiration for scenes. Sometimes though, I just need to zone out to Netflix and give myself a break.

What do you want readers to know about you?

Um, I guess that even though I have a stage performing background, I’m not an extrovert. I’m one of those people who hides when someone’s at the front door. So don’t come over because I’ll pretend I’m not home. LOL

How about some favorites!

Musical? GAH don’t make me choose! Phantom Sound of the Godspell Pirates

Food? French fries

Movie? Pride and Prejudice 1995

Book? Pride and Prejudice

Author? Jane Austen (Are we seeing a pattern here?)

Show? Midsummer Night’s Dream

Scent? Almond soaps and lotions

Person? My son and daughter.

Describe your perfect day.

Sleep in. Hubby makes my favorite breakfast. Hang out with my awesome teenagers. Walk along the beach. Read a book. Finish the evening with Shakespeare in the park or some other theatrical show.

Finally, tell us more about your new romcom series coming this year!

I’m over the top excited about this series. It’s a spin-off of The Friend Act where we get to know Francesca’s six irresistible Latinx brothers. They’re hard working, fiercely loyal to family, and if they can ever slow down for romance, watch out ladies. Prepare thyself for all the juicy tropes. You’ll need to grab a fan and a tall glass of ice water because the Precio Brothers are muy picante and when it comes to love, these hotties Mexi-CAN.

*closed door PG-13

AHHH, I love this so much GiGi and I can’t wait to read your newest series! Thank you so much for telling us about yourself and what makes your books so unique in the romcom genre 💕 I absolutely love your niche and your love for Jane Austen!

Friends! If you want to keep up with GiGi and her books then go and follow her on instagram.

Check out her cover reveal for her new romcom, Messy Love below!