Fossend Publishing

Fossend Publishing

Tuesday 25 October 2016

Overcast Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery


Book Description
Brynn Bancroft’s enjoyment at running her former husband’s winery is overcast by a rash of troubling burglaries and her inability to reconnect with her ex. When she receives an urgent phone call from an old college friend, she welcomes the interruption. Unfortunately, her friend’s business activities intrude on her routine. Then her ex-husband threatens her marriage hopes when he considers selling the winery. When the burglaries escalate, a sense of foreboding plagues her, hinting at trouble to come.

Q: Welcome back to the Fossend Publishing blog Joyce.  Can you give the readers a brief overview of your book, Overcast Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery.
A: Overcast Sunset is the third Brynn Bancroft mystery—a standalone with repeat characters. Brynn has left her job as chief financial officer of a Silicon Valley biotech firm to run her ex-husband’s winery. Unfortunately her enjoyment of her new life is overcast by a series of burglaries and her inability to reconnect with her ex-husband. When she receives an urgent phone call from a college friend, she welcomes the interruption. However, the burglaries escalate and her ex-husband threatens her marriage hopes when he considers selling the winery. 

Overcast Sunset will be released November 10, 2016.

Q: Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, and when your interest in writing began.
A: I headed corporate communications at several biotech and high-tech companies in California's Silicon Valley for more than 25 years—a career that required a considerable amount of writing marketing materials, including by-lined articles. I became interested in writing fiction following a layoff in 2008. My late husband remarked that I should write mysteries—since I read enough of them. It seemed like a good idea, especially when I encountered the ease of publishing offered by e-books and Amazon.

I uncovered an interesting murder mystery in the news on which to base my first mystery and have turned to real crimes to plot all of my historical and current mysteries – although they are definitely fictionalized. 

Today I live with my cat and collection of cow statuary in Southern California, and enjoy exploring and writing about the growing wine region in the Ramona Valley near San Diego, in addition to writing mysteries.

Q: Overcast Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery, is the third book in The Brynn Bancroft Mystery series. What is it about Brynn as a character that made you want to write more than one book about her?
A: Brynn started out as an unlikeable character but because of her association with my initial heroine she participated in the early mysteries as a sub-character. The more I got to know her, the more interested I became in following her progress toward becoming an engaging character interested in more than making money. So when I finished the three Jillian Hillcrest mysteries, I turned to Brynn with enthusiasm. She developed into an able sleuth and an engrossing character—someone we can root for. 

Q: Did you face any challenges when writing Overcast Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery?  
A: Crimes in wine country tend to be complex, such as, ponzi schemes of selling off high-end bottles multiple times; or investment in futures that never happen. To turn them into suspenseful mysteries was challenging. But the thriller occurs with the actions of the villains as the sleuth/hero tries to solve the crime. I enjoyed creating my villains and they helped make their crimes compelling.

Q: I have enjoyed reading about Brynn Bancroft and Jillian Hillcrest in their respective series.  Are you planning any more series that will feature these characters?
A: Although Jillian and Brynn might pop up in future books, they will not be featured sleuths. I plan to move on to a new location with a character that I will spin out of the Brynn Bancroft books – Emily Lazzaro. She is the daughter of the winemaker at Brynn’s winery and lives in the wine country in Ramona, Calif, near San Diego. Therefore we will continue to see wine as a part of the next mysteries, but we will move to southern California to explore a new setting.

Q: Do you have any specific writing routines?  
A: When I am writing, as opposed to researching or marketing, I set a goal of 3,000 to 6,000 words a day and do not stop until I’ve reached a first draft or rewritten the second, third, or fourth. I typically set aside writing time and do not allow interruptions – smile! Sometimes it even works. I write the 3,000 to 6,000 words even if the writing is bad. Occasionally, my rewriting of poorly-written first drafts turns into my best prose. 

Q: As an author, what is the best thing about writing?
A: I love writing. It’s fulfilling to create a sentence, paragraph, page and turn it into a story. I enjoy exploring how my villain can best tantalize my heroine; and I like creating those flaws in my heroes that allow the villain to exploit them. And as a lover of mysteries I am enthusiastic about figuring out the puzzle and dropping little hints to lead and red herrings to mislead the reader. I even have fun rewriting the story to address my editors’ red pen markings.

Q: As an author, what is worst thing about writing?
A: As a writer of mysteries, I find endings the most challenging. I tend to want to wrap everything up in Agatha Christie style, with Hercule Poirot gathering everyone in the conservatory and explaining who did it and how. I have explored various ways to pull the strings of a mystery together and most recently solve it a clue at a time, some of the solving leading to other puzzles, so that over a few chapters we know the solution.

Q: Writing can be hard work, what do you do to relax, or when you need to step away from the computer for a bit? 
A: I am fortunate in that I’m retired and have the days to write. Therefore, I usually stop writing between 5:00 and 6:00 o’clock and enjoy reading, watching TV, or going out to dinner or a play. The break helps me prepare for the next day’s writing. If I do need to work at night due to a deadline, I take a break of at least a half hour of exercise. It really helps stimulate me if I get away from writing if only for a half hour.

Q: Do you do a lot of research for your books?  If so, how important is research for you?
A: I research both my current and historical mysteries. For my current-day mysteries, I search for information about the crime on which I’m basing my plot; police procedural and jurisdictions; background information, such as winemaking; setting; and information on relevant criminals

My historical mysteries require much more in-depth research. In current-day mysteries I know how my protagonist communicates by cell phone, travels to her nearby town, and conducts queries on the internet. In my historical mysteries, I have to learn all of the background information, such as the existence and use of telephones; travel by trolley or horse and buggy; and pouring through newspaper archives to uncover information. The historical setting frequently plays a role in creating the mystery.

I love doing research, particularly historical research. Figuring out how people lived in a different time adds another dimension to my writing pleasure.

Q: What type of writer are you. Are you a plotter or Pantser? Do you work in a dedicated space? Do you need silence or listen to music?
A: First, I am one of those people who needs silence when I write. When music is playing, I want to listen to it and it slows me down. 
I do tend to work in the same place – on my favorite chair with my laptop. Sometimes moving to a different place will help me move on. 

For my current mysteries, I choose the crime around which I build the plot. Then I create biographies for the main characters, followed by a clear beginning and ending concept. Then I start to write and let the ideas come to my fingers.

For my historical mysteries, I’m inclined to do much more of an outline due to the need to understand the background of the time period in which the book is based. 

Q:  What’s next for Joyce Strand?
A: My next book will promote Emily Lazzaro to head sleuth. She will uncover a mystery in the town of Ramona, Calif. in the Ramona Valley wine country near San Diego. I plan to publish the book in November 2017.


Quick fire round
Sweet or savoury - Savoury, but I do enjoy sweet almost as much.
Beach or countryside - Beach.
EBook or paperback - I love the convenience and ease of purchase of e-books.
Classic or modern - Definitely modern.
Sun or Snow - How about cloudy!


About the author


Joyce T. Strand is the author of who-done-it contemporary and historical mysteries set in California. All of her published seven novels are inspired by actual events and/or real people, although they are definitely fictionalized.

Strand headed corporate communications at several biotech and high-tech companies in California's Silicon Valley for more than 25 years. Unlike her protagonist Jillian Hillcrest, however, she did not encounter murder in her career. Strand lives with her cat and collection of cow statuary in Southern California, and enjoys exploring and writing about the growing wine region in the Ramona Valley near San Diego. 

To learn more about Joyce T. Strand go to her website or follow her on Facebook, Twitter or Goodreads 

Wednesday 12 October 2016

Dee Palmer
2016 Summer Indie Book Award Winner



Q: Welcome to the Fossend Publishing blog Dee, and congratulations on your recent award wins in the Erotica category in the Summer Indie Book Awards. Second and third place, you must be so happy! 
A:Thank you...I am over the moon. I was more than a little blown away by how my readers embraced the competition and really seemed to push my books. 

Q: Can you give the readers a brief overview of the books that were nominated. 

A: This is the first book but can be read as a standalone. It’s a sexy story with a super hot rich alpha and a strong yet skeptical female that is just trying to get by...there is a good deal of suspense, and of course smoking hot sex scenes. 

A:The characters in this story first appear in The Choices Trilogy but here Sam and Jason have their very own tale. This is a little darker and dirtier and is edge of the seat suspense thrown in. 

Q: What inspired you to write Erotica? 
A: Well, firstly I think mine is vanilla with spice...contemporary romance but because of the graphic scenes they do come under the erotica category and I’m ok with that. I read this genre mostly and I love writing it. I write about real relationships and sex is very much central to many relationships...if only it played out like some of the scenes ... sigh ;) 

Q: Do you face any challenges when writing in this genre? 
A: Mostly just promotion...with the over 18 nature of content advertising and visibility is hard. Also people assume its just porn...which oh my god...I can’t even go there...shakes head and walks away. 

Q: Knowing that this particular genre can sometimes be a sensitive subject, what would you say to someone who has never read it before? 
A: I will say its a romance but I’m not going to lie it has filthy sex scenes in it...simple. 

Q: What do you like the most about being a writer? 
A: That this is something for me...just me. It’s flexible and I’ve made some amazing friends through it. 

Q: What do you like the least about being a writer? 
A: Crippling insecurity. 

Q: If you couldn’t write what else would you do? 
A: Paint...I used to love art but writing is less messy. 

Q: Do you read? If so what type of books do you read? 
A: I read all the time, mostly dark erotic romance, erotic romance maybe some paranormal 

Q: Do you have a favourite author? If so, who and why? 
A: Tiffany Reisz because her Original Sinners series rocked my world. 

Q: What’s next for Dee Palmer? Will you be writing more books, and if so can you give us an idea of what they will be about? 
A: I have Disgraceful Book2 in the Disgrace Trilogy coming out in November, Grace the 3rd book in January and a standalone...oh my word this book will knock your socks off it’s so hot...in March..title still in progress but I’m super excited about it :)

Quick fire round
Sweet or savoury - sweet
Beach or countryside - countryside
Ebook or paperback - ebook
Cream tea or fish and chips - both
Classic or modern - modern
Sun or snow - snow 


About the Author

















Dee Palmer hates talking about herself in the third person so I won't. My husband had my iPod engraved one Christmas with 'sing like no-one's listening' and I know my family actually wish they weren't listening because I am, in fact, tone deaf but it doesn't stop me and this gentle support has enabled me to fullfill a dream. This has been a truly brilliant experience. It has undoubtedly been made possible by my incredibly supportive family. I know this is very much another acknowledgment bit but I know I wouldn't be writing even this single paragraph if it wasn't for them so this is about who I am, I am because they let me be.

To learn more about Dee Palmer visit her website, where you can also sign up to her newsletter. Or you can follow her on facebook or twitter.


Thursday 6 October 2016

Puddles of Love by Netty Morgan


Q: Welcome to the Fossend Publishing blog Netty.  Can you give the readers a brief overview of your book, Puddles of Love.
A: Madeline Kalvos was much loved, respected and admired on the island of Zakynthos. When she died and left her estate to a long lost niece, everyone was aghast. Helen Hardy, recently widowed, is shocked to discover the truth about her long, forgotten Aunt Maddie. A bizarre and watertight clause in the will instructs Helen to spend thirty days on Zakynthos. Join Helen and her ditzy friend Dotty as they land on the beautiful Ionian island and immerse themselves in the wonderful and often eccentric world of the Zakynthian animal lovers. Helen has just thirty days to make the most important decision of her life, with a few individuals determined to chase her off the island, it certainly won’t be all wine and roses. 

Q: What inspired you to write Puddles of Love?
A: In October last year, I took my granddaughter over to Zakynthos to attend the annual ZAWF dog show. Idly chatting to a friend, I was gazing around at the busy scene, and a minor disturbance caught my eye. A tiny woman was being dragged through the crowds by a large, over-excited St Bernard. It really was a “light bulb” moment. The book that I’d always wanted to write was there in front of me. 

Q: Why was it important for you to write Puddles of Love?  
A: Puddles is real; he lives with my daughter and son-in-law. Sadly he is not as intelligent as Helen’s Puddles, but he is safe, happy and very much loved. The plight of the dogs and cats on the island is also very real, and I wanted to raise awareness of the incredible work the volunteers do throughout the year. I also wanted to let the tourists know how simple the process of adoption is. From a personal point of view, I have wanted to write a book for over thirty years, for no other reason than to prove to myself I could do it and tick off another item on my bucket list.

Q: Did writing Puddles of Love involve any research?
A: Oh gosh, yes. Having adopted two dogs and a cat from the island I knew the process well, and visiting Zakynthos so many times meant I could describe the place well. That’s where my knowledge ended, and every day, as I wrote, I would be checking things. From the correct spelling of towns to the medical details of animal illnesses, and everything in between, involved a lot of research. I have so much respect for authors of bygone years. I was able to send an email, message a friend or trawl through the internet to gather my research very quickly. Past authors must have spent months, even years visiting people, places, and libraries to enable them to write.



Q: Why did you choose to write a book set on Zakynthos?
A: I love reading books set in places I know. It was, therefore, an obvious choice for me to write about a place I know and love so well. Zakynthos has an aura that draws visitors back again and again. Often when I first meet other tourists, the first thing asked is “Have you been here before?” and always the answer is “Yes, many times.” I find it quite difficult to put into words that feeling of “coming home” when you first step off the plane. It’s a feeling that so many others understand, though, they feel it too!

Q: What’s the best memory you have from your time on Zakynthos? 
A: Oh, there are so many special memories. Two of my children have chosen to get married in Zakynthos. Both weddings were vastly different but both so very special. There was a moment on the day of my son's wedding in 2009 that sticks in my mind. We chose to spend the day by the pool as a family and as I watched my four children, granddaughter, and husband having so much fun I realised how very blessed I was to be surrounded by so much love and laughter.
An overwhelming memory, which will never leave me is the day we drove away from the hotel towards the airport. That was the holiday that Puddles found us. He had followed us for a week, sleeping every night on our balcony. As we drove away, I glanced behind, and he was chasing the car up the road, barking furiously. I can’t recall ever being so heartbroken as I was at that moment. Luckily that story had a great happy ending!

Q: The book shows how much you know and love Zakynthos, what makes the island so special? 
A: That is such a difficult question and one that I guess many would answer in different ways. For me, it's not about the green mountains or golden beaches or even the glorious Ionian sea. It’s also not about the friendliness of the locals or the mouth-watering food. For me, it's all about that perfect moment when I step off the plane and Zakynthos wraps it’s arms around me in a warm embrace and whispers “Welcome home.”

Q: Do you read?  If so what type of books do you read? 
A: Yes. I am a prolific reader and cannot fall asleep unless I am reading. Apparently, I learnt to read aged 4, and I will be forever grateful to my mum for showering me with books and encouraging me to read. I don’t have a favourite genre when it comes to reading. I love romance, mystery, intrigue, historical, detective and autobiographies, in fact, as long as a book grips me in the first chapter, I will read it to the end. I do enjoy books that are part of a series. When a book ends, I want to know what happened next? What became of a particular character?  

Q: Do you have a favourite author?  If so, who and why?
A: I have a few favourite authors. Patricia Cornwell, John Grisham, Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Nicci French to name a few. Since the onset of the self-publishing world, I have discovered many less well-known authors. Jana Deleon’s books have me in stitches, well worth a read. My guilty pleasure though is Dick Francis novels. My mum used to get the Readers Digest Condensed books, and that’s where I discovered the famous ex-jockey. I was deeply saddened when he died but his son Felix is continuing to write in the same style as his famous father. I have the whole collection of his books and especially love delving into a Dick Francis when I’m travelling. 

Q: What’s next for Netty Morgan?  Will you be writing more books and if so, can you give us an idea of what they will be about?
A: I am currently working on the sequel to Puddles of Love, “One Step Forward.” The book will continue Helen’s story but also introduce a couple of new characters including her twins James and Annabelle. The opening prologue describes the moment a body is found! As to who’s body? and how they died? Well, I’m afraid, that’s all your getting; my lips are sealed.

It took me four months to write Puddles; the process took over my whole life and every waking moment was focused on telling Helen’s story. I learnt a valuable lesson from this, and I am taking my time writing the sequel. Life is very busy at the moment. My eldest daughter gets married in three weeks time, and I have been working hard on my allotment all summer. I have also recently taken on my perfect part time job managing our local community centre. All these things though are fueling my imagination for future novels. 


Quick fire round

Sweet or savory - Sweet

Beach or countryside – Beach but I do love the countryside

EBook or paperback – Both but always a paperback on the beach.

Cream tea or Fish and Chips – Cream tea

Classic or modern - Modern

Sun or Snow - Sun


About the Author


Netty Morgan is a happily married Mum to four wonderful grown-up children and “Nanny” to three gorgeous Grandchildren. Netty lives in Berkshire with her husband, cats, and dogs. Taking early retirement from a career in teaching Netty finally had the time to fulfill her lifelong wish to write a novel.
Two of Netty’s biggest passions are the beautiful Greek island of Zakynthos and the stray dogs and cats that relentlessly roam the streets. Going through the process of adopting two dogs and a kitten Netty has made many special friends who live on Zakynthos and devote themselves to rescuing, fostering and rehoming the strays.

To learn more about Netty, friend her on Facebook
You an also learn more about the book on facebook or on Netty's website.