Giveaway – Win a Copy of the Mystery Novel Bears With Us

Our guest author is Marilyn Meredith, author of Bears With Us, a mystery novel . Hollywood Daze will be giving away a copy of her book at the end of the month. The winner will be picked on Oct 28. 

To become eligible to win, all you have to do is leave a comment between now and the end of the month.  One lucky reader who comments with their email address is put in a pot to win the book. 

To recap:

·     Leave a comment between today and Oct 28. 

·     Leave your email address 

·     Optional to subscribe for email updates

·     A winner will be picked on October 28, and be notified by email

·     The winner of the contest will be announced on this blog

·     You will receive a copy of Bears With Us 1-2 weeks after the winner is announced

·     Visit Bears With Us Tour Page at Pump Up Your Book

About Bears With Us 

A burglar turns out to be a bear and Deputy Tempe Crabtree and her pastor husband, Hutch, chase the bear out of the house. This is their first encounter with a bear and the occupants of the home, an elderly couple and their daughter—and it isn’t the last.

A bear turns up at the school, at a restaurant, an apple orchard and two more homes. That is only part of what Tempe is called to handle. A teenager’s suicide, a mother who doesn’t like her daughter’s boyfriend, a wandering senior with a strange form of Alzheimer’s, and a long ago love affair keep Tempe hopping.

Read an excerpt!

The highway twisted more and more the higher into the mountains they drove. Tempe slowed to turn onto one of the few roads that left the highway. Also two lane and much narrower, it wound around even more. “Watch for the mailbox with their name on it. I think it’s a shaped like a house with a shingle roof.”

“I will…”

Tempe switched off the emergency lights. No need in alerting a burglar of her approach.

“There it is,” Hutch said.

She pulled into the lane, pine trees bracketing either side. The lane climbed a bit before widening into a flat spot. A silver Scion sat off to the side of a three car garage. A wide porch ran around the front and sides of the two-story cedar structure. All the windows were dark.

Tempe grabbed the shotgun from its holder under the dash. “Don’t shut the doors. Be as quiet as possible.”

Chimney smoke scented the pine and cedar laden fall air. Holding her flashlight in her other hand, she kept the beam low as they climbed the three steps leading to the front door. It stood open. Unfortunately, many people living in the mountains didn’t think it necessary to lock doors.

The minute Tempe stepped inside, she knew what was happening.

The tell-tale snorts and slurping sounds told the tale. It was no longer necessary to be quiet. “Bear.” Bears had gotten smart over the years, learning how to open trash cans and open doors. Sometimes just leaning their heavy bodies on the barrier popped the latch. If a window was left open, a screen never stopped a bear.

Hutch grimaced and peered toward the area where the noise came from. “Are you sure?”

“Positive. Run upstairs and let the residents know what’s going on. Ask to use their phone and call Fish and Game. I know my cell won’t work up here. We might need some help. Then come back down and help me chase it or them out.”

Available directly from the publisher as a trade paperback and all forms of e-books

http://mundania.com/book.php?title=Bears+With+Us/

Also available from Amazon and all the usual places.

The Real Hollywood Reviews No Sanctuary by Author F.M. Meredith

F.M. Meredith’s novel reads like a “who done it” Agatha Christie novel with murder, mystery, intrigue and plenty of suspects. The small town of Rocky Bluff has a hard time coming to grips with the murder of the local pastor’s wife. It registers a shock for all townspeople and even more baffling for the Rocky Bluff Police Department who can’t seem to come up with any leads even though there are a lot of suspects. Secondary to the main story is a second crime taking place that the main character Officer Stacy Wilbur must handle delicately for all those involved. As a police officer, she often has to make quick decisions—usually they are the right ones, but sometimes she finds herself in a situation that will take all of her abilities to figure out an escape route.

As Officer Stacy Wilbur does her best to balance life between her son and work she has a hard time dealing with her apparent interest in Detective Doug Milligan, of which she vowed she would not let happen. In the end she makes a decision that is better for the benefit of her son and herself.

Apart from the fact that No Sanctuary involves a murder, a suicide and cheating spouses it deserves a PG 13 rating. It’s refreshing to read a book that can illustrate police work without gruesome violence, annoying car chases and snappy, clichéd comments.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Under the name of F.M. Meredith, Marilyn Meredith writes the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, the latest is No Sanctuary from Oak Tree Press. She is also the author of the award-winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series as well as over twenty published novels. The latest is, Kindred Spirits, from Mundania Press.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, EPIC and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. She was an instructor for Writer’s Digest School for ten years, served as an instructor at the Maui Writer’s Retreat and many other writer’s conferences. She makes her home in Springville, much like Bear Creek where Deputy Tempe Crabtree lives.

Visit Marilyn online at http://fictionforyou.com

Hollywood Trivia Interview with F.M. Meredith, author of No Sanctuary

How would you convince seven shipwrecked individuals on a deserted island to buy your book? If Rhett Butler, one of the characters from Gone With the Wind were to change his famous line from “Frankly, My Dear I don’t give a damn” to Frankly, My Dear I think you should read this paragraph from this bestselling novelist. What paragraph do you think he is referring to? Find out all this and more today when The Real Hollywood Book Chat welcomes author F.M. Meredith, author of No Sanctuary, a murder mystery novel.




ABOUT THE BOOK
First on the scene of a traffic accident that turns out to be murder, Officer Stacey Wilbur calls Detective Doug Milligan. Despite her former vow to never date anyone on the Rocky Bluff P.D., she and Milligan are romantically involved. Finding time to be alone together isn’t easy.

The murder victim is the wife of a popular Rocky Bluff minister, and several suspects immediately come to the forefront, the minister himself, his nosy secretary, the choir director, and a nerdy stalker. Stacey helps Doug with the murder investigation, but the Chief asks her to go undercover as a prostitute to expose a pedophile which leads to a surprising job offer.

Stacey must make two major decisions that will change her life forever, and a third that nearly causes her to lose her life.

INTERVIEW

Welcome to The Real Hollywood Book Chat Marilyn,

I can tell right away this is going to be an exciting game of Hollywood Trivia. Let's get started with question number one.

1. Gilligan’s Island Trivia – Taking a three hour boat tour, you find yourself shipwrecked on this tiny little remote island where 7 people were also shipwrecked. How would you convince this varied audience to read your book? Remember on this island besides The Skipper, his little buddy Gilligan and MaryAnn, is the smart Professor, the rich Mr.& Mrs. Howell who have the money to make your book into a movie and Ginger the movie star who might have a starring role.


F.M: Despite the fact that this is a beautiful tropical island, Skipper, aren’t you getting just a wee bit bored? I happen to have just the thing to give you a few hours of entertainment, my crime novel, No Sanctuary. You’ll meet the men and one woman who serve on the Rocky Bluff Police Department and their families and see how the job affects the family and what’s going on with the family affects the job.

Rocky Bluff is a small beach community which you might want to compare with your own beach. Mary Ann, you might be particularly interested in the interplay between the characters and most especially Officer Stacey Wilbur and Detective Doug Milligan. Gilligan, I suspect you might relate to the well-meaning but bumbling Gordon Butler.
Mr. and Mrs. Howell, should you ever get off this island perhaps you’d consider financing a movie based on this book. Police procedurals and mysteries are popular and No Sanctuary has a different slant on this genre. Lastly, Ginger, since you have acting ability, you might enjoy using your talents to play Officer Stacey Wilbur who must make several decisions, one which might cost her life.

2. Wheel of Fortune – you have been asked by the Wheel of Fortune writers to create a word puzzle spelling one of the books characters his/her name. Which character name would you want on the Wheel of Fortune puzzle board and why?

F.M.: Officer Stacey Wilbur since she is the most pivotal character in No Sanctuary.

3. Gone With the Wind – If Rhett Butler were to change his famous line from “Frankly, My Dear I don’t give a damn” to Frankly, My Dear I think you should read this paragraph from this bestselling novelist. What paragraph is Rhett referring to? Tell us how it fits into the novel?

F.M.: It never failed. No sooner had he put his head down on the pillow when the phone rang summoning him to a suspicious death. No one ever seemed to die under questionable circumstances in the day time. Rather than an annoyance, the call charged his adrenalin--and since it came from Stacey, he was eager to go.

This is in the beginning of the novel, and Officer Stacey Wilbur called Detective Doug Milligan to report a suspicious death. Though Stacey had a rule to never date anyone who worked on the Rocky Bluff P.D., the mutual attraction between her and Doug caused her to forget her vow.


4. Hollywood Book Walk of Fame – A bookstore in Hollywood, California had decided that books should have their own walk of fame. So they have lined the sidewalk in front of their store with book molds in the sidewalk. Your name is to appear on one of these book molds. You give an acceptance speech at the ceremony. What would you say and who would you thank?

F.M.: I am thrilled that you’ve chosen No Sanctuary as one of the books to appear on the walk of fame. I want to thank you for this wonderful honor.

I’d also like to thank my son-in-law, Officer Mike Cole, who is no longer with us. If it hadn’t been for him I would never have begun my fascination with law enforcement. He took me on my first ride-along and spent many hours telling me about his adventures as an Oxnard police officer. I’d also like to thank the other law enforcement officers who let me ride along and watch them work. And of course, I must thank everyone who has read books in my Rocky Bluff P.D. series and enjoyed them. Most of all, I must thank my husband who allows me to spend so much time with the people who live and work in Rocky Bluff.

Thank you, F. M. Meredith a.k.a. Marilyn Meredith, for stopping by The Real Hollywood blog today. I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion and who knows your book might just make it to the silver screen.

Kindred Spirits - Author Interview - Marilyn Meredith

Today’s interview at The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat is with Marilyn Meredith, author of the mystery novel, Kindred Spirits. Yesterday, Marilyn provided us with a chance to read her book with chapter one excerpt. If you missed reading it I highly recommend reading it, but be sure to click back here and read some of the funny antics in Marilyn’s hobby of collecting celebrity autographs.

While Marilyn is on her virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion a special promotion is being offered to all authors and commenters. Leave a comment and win A FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. The winner(s) will be announced on our main blog at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.wordpress.com on October 30!

About The Book
Trouble in Deputy Crabtree’s marriage is soon forgotten when the body of a murder victim is found in the wake of a forest fire. Sent to Crescent City in search of information introduces Tempe to the victim’s Tolowa relatives and friends–along with two stalkers and Big Foot.

Upon her return home, a pig’s heart on Tempe’s front porch serves as a warning. Detective Morrison becomes an unusual ally, and the victim’s spirit visits Tempe in the night. She and husband Hutch set off for Santa Barbara in an effort to flush out the murderer and once again she finds her own life threatened.

About The Author
Marilyn Meredith is the author of award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series as well as over twenty published novels. The latest is, Kindred Spirits, from Mundania Press. Under the name of F. M. Meredith she writes the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, the latest, Smell of Death, from Tigress Press.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, EPIC and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. She was an instructor for Writer’s Digest School for ten years, served as an instructor at the Maui Writer’s Retreat and many other writer’s conferences. She makes her home in Springville, much like Bear Creek where Deputy Tempe Crabtree lives. Visit her at www.fictionforyou.com.







Hi, Marilyn Meredith,

Welcome to The Real Hollywood Blog,

MM Thank you for having me, this should be interesting.

RH: If your book were sold for movie rights which actor/actress would you want to play the main character?

MM: Since Deputy Tempe Crabtree is Native American, the actress would have to be Native American. Katreri Walker would be my first choice as she is close to the right age and looks enough like my descriptions of Tempe. A second choice would be Irene Bedara. She might be a bit too young, though. There aren’t a lot of Indian actresses to choose from. If there were a Tule River Indian who was an actress, she would be my first choice—but I don’t know of any. I do know some women of Native American heritage who would fit the part, but unfortunately they aren’t actresses.

RH: Who would you want to play the supporting characters?

MM: Tempe’s husband is auburn haired and I don’t know of any actor who would fit. Judge Reinhold would have been perfect—and still might. Her son, Blair, is blond and in his twenties—probably any young man of this description would fit. Adam Beach could easily play the part of Nick Two John.

RH: If your book was already sold for movie rights tell how it felt to be approached by Hollywood and what the journey has been like.

MM: I’ve not been fortunate enough to have that experience—darn.

RH: Who is your favorite actor and/or actress?

MM: I love movies. My husband and I got to the movies often and watch DVD’s at home. I have lots of actors and actresses that I enjoy. I especially like those who are able to really change with the part and not just play themselves in every movie. When I was a kid, I collected movie star autographs. Once I chased an actor’s car (Van Johnson) on foot and caught him at a stop light and got his autograph.

RH: Is there a movie you could watch over and over again?

MM: The one movie I did watch over and over was Gone With the Wind—and I’ll probably watch it again. When it first came out I was a kid and my mother and I went to see it five times. I grew up in Los Angeles, my dad worked for Paramount Studios, and our family went to the movies every Friday night, so I’ve always been a movie fan.

RH: Who is your favorite author? What books have you read by this author?

MM: One of my favorite authors is William Kent Krueger and I’ve read all of this books, but particularly like the Cork O’Conner series—and I suppose it’s because of the Native American elements in the books.

RH: What is next on the horizon for you?

I’ll be spending the next few months promoting Kindred Spirits, the latest in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series. The next one will come out next fall, Dispel the Mist, and I’m working on the one that comes out after that.

RH: Where can my readers find your website?

MM: http://fictionforyou.com and I also have a blog http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/


I thank you being sharing your book with The Real Hollywood Blog and I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour.

MM: And thank you for inviting me to visit your blog, it’s been fun.

KINDRED SPIRITS VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR '08 officially begin on October 1 and will end on October 30. You can visit Marilyn's blog stops at www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.wordpress.com in October to find out more about her new book!

Mystery Novel Kindred Spirits Chapter one excerpt

Continuing our Halloween Theme this month is an excerpt of Chapter One from the mystery novel, Kindred Spirits written by Marilyn Meredith. Join us tomorrow as The Real Hollywood features the Marilyn Meredith interview and see which Hollywood actor or actress she would pick to play the leading role in her novel. Leave a comment and WIN A GIFT CERTIFICATE

As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available. The winner(s) will be announced on our main blog at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.wordpress.com on October 30!

Kindred Spirits

Trouble in Deputy Crabtree’s marriage is soon forgotten when the body of a murder victim is found in the wake of a forest fire. Sent to Crescent City in search of information introduces Tempe to the victim’s Tolowa relatives and friends–and two stalkers. Upon her return home, a pig’s heart on Tempe’s front porch serves as a warning. Detective Morrison becomes an unusual ally, and the victim’s spirit visits Tempe in the night. She and husband Hutch set off for Santa Barbara in an effort to flush out the murderer and once again finds her own life threatened.



Chapter One


Before Deputy Tempe Crabtree could see evidence of the forest fire, she could smell it.
Smoke was heavy in the air and got thicker as she drove up the highway into the mountains. Monday was one of her days off, but when something happened in her jurisdiction she was often the first responder. Her instructions from the sheriff’s sub-station in Dennison were to make sure everyone who lived in the path of the fire started in the higher elevations of Bear Creek canyon had obeyed evacuation orders.
As resident deputy of the large but sparsely populated area around the mountain community of Bear Creek, Tempe’s job usually consisted of making traffic stops, arresting drunk drivers, solving problems among neighbors, and looking for lost children or cattle. Along with the highway patrol, Tempe was the law in the community located in the southern Sierra where the foothills turned into mountains.
The last estimate Tempe had heard about the fast moving fire in rugged country was that it covered more than 1100 acres. She was stopped at the staging area by a highway patrolman she knew by sight though couldn’t remember his name.
Though his uniform still had sharp creases, large circles of dampness crept from his underarms. Opaque sunglasses covered his eyes. He put both hands on the open window of her Blazer as he bent down to speak to her. “Where’re you headed, Deputy?”
“My orders are to check out some of the houses in the path of the fire. Make sure everyone’s out.”
“Be careful you don’t put yourself in danger. It’s one fast-moving fire. It’s in a rough area where they haven’t been able to get in any personnel yet. They’re doing lots of water drops. All the roads are closed from here on up.”
“Thanks for the warning. I know some of the folks who might not have received the word yet.”
Tempe drove by the private airstrip that had been taken over as the fire command post. Men and equipment, fire engines, water tenders and bulldozers were being dispatched from there as well as truckloads of hand crews.
Leaving her window down, Tempe drove around the traffic cones that temporarily blocked access to the road. She planned to stop at the Donaldsons’, but they were loading horses into a trailer, obviously on their way out.
The higher she drove on the winding road, the darker the sky, the thicker the smoke, the harder it was to breathe. Ashes showered on her white Blazer. She passed fire trucks and men heading upward to fight the fire. In her heart she was thankful her son, Blair, was already back on the coast for his last year in college or he’d be on the fire lines. Fighting fire had been his first love since the age of sixteen when he began hanging around Bear Creek’s fire station.
Tempe stopped at several homes hidden down winding trails or perched on hilltops, surrounded by pine and cedar trees and underbrush. Most homes were deserted with signs of hurried evacuation.
Loaded pick-up trucks drove down the hill, some pulling horse or cattle trailers, not getting out any too soon from the looks of the black sky and the large amount of falling ash.
She had one more place she wanted to check. A beautiful home and separate studio built of sugar pine stood atop a knoll surrounded by Chaparral, and a thick pine forest. Tempe had been there once on a domestic abuse call. The owner, a well-known artist, Vanessa Ainsworth, now lived alone since her boy-friend had been served with a restraining order. If Vanessa wasn’t gone already, Tempe hoped to help her collect her animals and paintings and carry some of them out for her.
When Tempe made the last turn before Vanessa’s she was halted by a horrifying sight.

Searchable Whereabouts - Author Interview

Mystery novelist Tinisha Nicole Johnson joins here at Valley Girl Musings to talk about her debut novel and her journey to publication.

Searchable Whereabouts Synopsis:


Searchable Whereabouts is the story of woman - Rahkel Williams, who's trying to unravel the mysterious death of her beloved uncle. However, after finding clues into his life, she wonders if he was really the man she knew. She requests the services of private investigator, Darrin Miller and it's not long before things get personal between the two. Soon, strange things begin to happen, including people of interest in the case who turn up murdered. Rahkel doesn't know who to trust, and the truth of who murdered her uncle could either save her or kill her. But at all costs, she must find the truth.


Hi Tinisha,

When did you know that you wanted to write a book?

In my late teens. Searchable Whereabouts is actually my third book, but first to be published. I finished writing my first book by age of 23.

Had you done any other writings before your beginning your book, short stories or contests? If yes, what were they and list any awards won.

Yes. My first passion was poetry. I wrote a lot of poems. And a lot of my poetry is published on various online sites. Shortly after, I started writing short stores. My short story entitled, “Mother and Son Moment” was published in the Chicken Soup for the African American Soul in 2004. I also collaborated with some other poets, in a poetry anthology entitled, Step Up To The Mic: A Poetic Explosion. That book was released September 2007.

Why did you decide to write a mystery, was it what you like to watch on TV or read as a child?

I’ve always been a fan of watching mystery shows and movies. The problem solving, clues and guessing whodunit is what I liked the most. So I took up the challenge and decided to write a mystery novel.

Did you read mystery books as a kid, any Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys mysteries or other mystery books?

As a kid I really didn’t read much mystery. I did read one book by Nancy Drew. But as a kid I was really into Judy Blume books.

Was it hard to write a mystery?

It was at first, but I was determined to write one. So I just kept watching mysteries and reading other mystery authors books and the inspiration finally came for me to finish my novel, Searchable Whereabouts.

What method did you use to keep track of all the angles and characters in the novel?
I had notes that I jotted down about each character or locations.

Do you have plans to write another book?

Yes I do. The first book I ever wrote is a contemporary /mainstream novel about the fictional biography of a young woman and the challenges in her life. It was never published so, I’m bringing it back to life and currently updating and editing it. It will be released in early 2009.

Will it be another mystery or will you concentrate on another genre?

No, it’s contemporary/mainstream. However, I am also working on another book, which I’m halfway through and that book will definitely be a Thriller/Suspense novel.

How long did it take to write this book?

It took me about 3 years to write my mystery novel, Searchable Whereabouts. Mostly due to procrastination more than anything.

How many revisions did you have to go through on the road to publication?

I’d say two.

What insight have you gained from having your book published that will make it easier the second time?

The fact that I will definitely take advantage of using a more structured outline.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Join writers groups and set aside a schedule for your writing. Also read a lot. For me personally, since I’ve been reading more, I’ve also been writing more as well. Reading for me provides me with more creativity.

Where can we get a copy of your book?

Searchable Whereabouts can be purchased on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com and it can be ordered at any book store.

Do you have a website for readers to go to?

Yes, my website is: www.TinishaNicoleJohnson.com

Tinisha, thank you for stopping by Valley Girl Musings and I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour and the sales of your novel.

Thank you,


SEARCHABLE WHEREABOUTS VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '08 will officially begin on March 1, 2008 and continue all month. If you would like to follow Tinisha's tour, visit http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in March. Leave a comment on her blog stops and become eligible to win a free copy at the end of her tour! One lucky winner will be announced on this blog on March 31!