Tart Words: Writers read. Readers bake. Bakers write.

Linda Hengerer talks with Raquel Reyes about writing, Caribbean cooking, and her characters.Raquel V. Reyes is the author of Calypso, Corpses, and Cooking, the second book in the Caribbean Kitchen Mystery series and available now. Mango, Mambo, and Murder, the first book in the series featuring Cuban-American cooking show star Miriam Quiñones-Smith, has been optioned for film and is now available in paperback.Find out more about Raquel at rvreyes.com and on social media @LatinaSleuths.Get to know Raquel - the Tart Words Baker's Dozen: 1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo?  Discovery Writer2.   Tea or Coffee?  Coffee3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails?  Cocktails4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory?  Savory5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid?  Traditional6.   Strict Writing Schedule (Yes or No):  Yes7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up?  Computer8.    Daily Goal (Yes or No):  No9.    Formal Track Progress (Yes or No):  Yes10.  Special Writing Spot?  Desk11.   Writer's Block?  I don't believe in it. 12.   File of Ideas (Yes or No):  No13.   Favorite Author(s)?  My Latest Read

da Hengerer talks with Christine DeSmet about her Fudge Shop Mystery Series, Belgian chocolate, writing, and creating recipes. Christine DeSmet is the author of the Fudge Shop Mystery Series and the novella series, Mischief in Moonstone Mystery Series, both set in Wisconsin. She is a writing coach as well, and spent several years as a Distinguished Faculty Associate in writing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Continuing Studies where she created the Writers' Institute conference and the Write-by-the-Lake Writers Workshop & Retreat. Christine's shelves are now lined with the books of her adult students in her past Master Classes. Christine is also an award-winning screenwriter who has optioned material. She belongs to several professional writing groups including Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Wisconsin Writers Association, and Writers Guild of America/East.Find out more at ChristineDeSmet.com.Get to know Christing - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.    Plotter or Pantser? Combo? Combo. I'm a writing coach, so my advice to myself and others is always to do whatever moves you for that story and those characters at that time. Often, we writers are both plotters and pantsers just to get one chapter completed. I sometimes outline scenes, and sometimes I just let the imagination fly to see what comes of it.2.    Tea or Coffee? Both.3.    Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? A nice oaky chardonnay.4.    Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Not a snacker much, but when I do it's usually savory, such as a great Wisconsin cheese.5.    Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Traditionally published with all of my books, with large and small publishers.6.    Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No - Yes. 7.     Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Computer, but make hand-written quick notes all the time when an idea strikes.8.     Daily Goal: Yes or No - Yes, when writing a big project. I usually assign myself a scene or chapter a day.9.     Formal Track Progress: Yes or No - I don't formally track progress. I don't look back when on a project. I'm always looking ahead.10.  Special Writing Spot? My office. It's where I'm serious.11.  Writer's Block? Never had it. I have two degrees in journalism and that teaches you the secrets for meeting deadlines.12. File of Ideas: Yes or No - Yes, many files! I love my files. I just reviewed them about two weeks ago and found gems. Now I just have to find the time to pursue these new projects.13. Favorite Author(s)? I'm an author but also a writing coach, so my favorite author is any recent writer I worked with who finished their project in a quality way and shepherded it to publication. But when I'm reading on my own, my favorite author seems to be the last book I read, whatever that is. I read widely and enjoy all genres and age categories and love a spark of humor in whatever I'm reading.

How can television reporter Lily Atwood keep a secret private when she's in the public's eye? Find out in Her Perfect Life. Hank Phillippi Ryan speaks from personal experience as an investigative reporter about always being on when out in public, exploring standalone books versus series books, and her pandemic-inspired platform for authors, The Back Room.HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the USA Today bestselling author of 13 psychological thrillers, winning the genre's most prestigious awards: five Agathas, four Anthonys, and the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. She is also an investigative reporter for Boston's WHDH-TV, winning 37 EMMYs. Book reviewers call her “a master of suspense” and a “superb and gifted storyteller.” THE FIRST TO LIE garnered a Publishers Weekly starred review and is nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Novel and Mary Higgins Clark Award. Watch for HER PERFECT LIFE on September 14, 2021, which received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, which called it "A superlative thriller."Visit Hank at her website www.hankphillippiryan.com and at The Back Room for virtual author events.Get to know Hank - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo? Pantser yearning to be Plotter.2.  Tea or Coffee? Coffee! Until 5pm. Then tea.3.  Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? Red wine.4.  Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Savory, any day. Pizza, chips, pretzels, almonds.5.  Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Traditionally6.  Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No: Has schedule, yes. Keeps schedule, no.7.  Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Computer.8.  Daily Goal: Yes or No: Yes.9.  Formal Track Progress: Yes or No: Yes. On a pencil-lined legal pad.10. Special Writing Spot? This desk. In my study. Where I used to look out at a stand of sugar maples, but now my windows are blacked out for Zoom.11. Writer's Block? No such thing. For me, writer's block is a fancy name for fear.12. File of Ideas: Yes or No: Yes. However--it is empty.13. Favorite Author(s)? Edith Wharton. Shakespeare. Hunter S. Thompson. Tom Wolfe. Contemporary authors? WAY too hard to list.But debuts to watch? I've recently loved the first novels of Wanda Morris, Yasmin Angoe, Ashley Winstead, Vera Kurian, Amanda Jayatissa, Scott Shepherd.

How do you make a versatile filling for little rolled sandwiches, tea sandwiches, danish, or to use as a spread?

What is a set piece and where can I get one?

Linda Hengerer talks with author Barbara Barrett.To avoid a midlife crisis, Barbara Barrett wrote fiction at night while still employed in human resources for Iowa State Government. After releasing eleven full-length romance novels and two novellas, she turned to the cozy mystery genre, having discovered it years before when pregnant with her first child. She used one of her retirement pastimes, the game of mah jongg, as her inspiration. Her next book, Courtesy Call, to be released August 31, 2021, is the ninth in the Mah Jongg Mysteries series and is available now. Barbara spends her winters in Florida and summers in her home state of Iowa.Subscribe to her newsletter subscription at www.subscribepage.com/BBCozies or check out her website at www.barbarabarrettbooks.com to find out more about her books and upcoming releases.Courtesy Call - available now!Get to know Barbara - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo?  Combo2.   Tea or Coffee?  Coffee  (More like Diet Coke or Water)3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails?  Wine4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory?   Sweet5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid?  Hybrid6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No  No7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Strictly computer8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No   No9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or no  No10.  Special Writing Spot?  Yes11.   Writer's Block?  Not often12.   File of Ideas: Yes or No  Just in my head13.   Favorite Author(s)?   Lucy Lakestone, Mary Lee Ashford, Sparkle Abbey, Ellery Adams

What are the two ingredients for a tasty treat?

What do writers need to consider about Setting for their story?

What jobs has Hannah Dennison had that inspired cozy mystery series?British-born, Hannah Dennison originally moved to Los Angeles to pursue screenwriting. She has been an obituary reporter, antique dealer, private jet flight attendant, and Hollywood story analyst. Hannah has served on numerous judging committees for Mystery Writers of America and teaches mystery writing workshops for the UCLA Extension Writers' Program now on Zoom. After twenty-five years living on the West Coast, Hannah returned to the UK where she shares her life with two high-spirited Hungarian Vizslas. Hannah writes the Island Sisters Mysteries (Minotaur), the Honeychurch Hall Mysteries (Constable), and the Vicky Hill Mysteries (Constable).Visit Hannah's website www.hannahdennison.com to find out more about Hannah's books and where to buy them. You can also sign up for her very rare newsletter on her website's home page.Her latest book, Danger at the Cove: An Island Sisters Mystery (The Island Sisters Book 2) is available now and releases August 17, 2021. Listeners can buy it here for US and here for UK.Get to know Hannah - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen: 1. Plotter or Pantser? Combo? Combo - plot until the midpoint and then fly by my pants to the ending (which I know)2.   Tea or Coffee? Coffee - from my Keurig machine3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? Pinot Noir (I'm very specific!) 4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? I'm a chocoholic 5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Traditionally published by Minotaur and Constable 6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No Yes - every morning7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Computer now - my handwriting is illegible these days8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No Yes - between and 2 and 3 hours a day when not on deadline. 9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or no Yes - I keep charts!10.  Special Writing Spot? I can write anywhere - even in the departure lounge11.   Writer's Block? No - if I am stuck it means I don't know my characters well enough12.   File of Ideas: Yes or No Yes. It's huge.13.   Favorite Author(s)? M.M. Kaye (rediscovered), Mary Stewart, Anthony Horowitz, Barbara Pym, Rhys Bowen, Kate Carlisle - I could keep going. 

Sweet cherries and a cherry liqueur-infused custard make a summery dish.

What makes the eggy custard climb the sides of the baking dish? Can it be...magic?

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Amy Vansant about her two upcoming releases. Find out what "Meat Bingo" is and what it has to do with Pineapple Cruise, and how Pineapple Circus came to have a circus setting.USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Amy Vansant has written over 20 books, including the fun, thrilling Shee McQueen series, the rollicking, twisty Pineapple Port Mysteries, and the action-packed Kilty urban fantasies. Throw in a couple romances and a YA fantasy for her nieces... Amy specializes in fun, exciting reads with plenty of laughs and action -- she tried to write serious books, but they always ended up full of jokes, so she gave up.Amy lives in Jupiter, Florida with her muse/husband and a goony Bordoodle named Archer.Visit Amy at www.AmyVansant.com to sign up for her newsletter and find out more about her books.If you're a reader who loves free or discounted books or an author who wants to reach avid readers, visit www.AuthorsXP.com.Get to know Amy - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo?100% Pantser. Rarely have any idea where I'm going when I start...2.   Tea or Coffee?Coffee, but tea is a close second.3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails?Yes please. Oh, you mean which do I prefer… Wine and cocktails. Not a beer fan.4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory?If I could eat anything any time without worrying about weight or health, I would eat donuts from dawn to dusk.5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid?Indie.6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or NoI try to do it every day but nothing terribly strict about it.7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up?There are people who handwrite books?? I'm not even sure I remember how to use a pen.8.    Daily Goal: Yes or NoYes and no. I try to write one chapter and edit another, but try not to make myself miserable sticking to it.9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or noNo. The only thing formal about me was my jr. prom. I even got chickenpox for the senior one and couldn't go.10.  Special Writing Spot?My desk in front of a 65” television I use as my monitor so I don't have to wear reading glasses..11.   Writer's Block?Occasionally get stuck on a plot point or a direction to go, but a good shower will usually shake it loose.12.   File of Ideas: Yes or NoI got an iwatch to keep notes that pop into my head because I kept forgetting them. I transcribe them to Trello and paw through them when I need an idea.13.   Favorite Author(s)?It's been so long since I actually had time to read I don't even know anymore. I've gone through Vonnegut phases, Carl Hiaasen, Michael Chabon, Julie Smith, Laura Lippman, a lot of nonfiction -- I like to feel like I'm learning something or growing as a writer when I do get a chance to read. Though the last thing I read was “written” by the cartoon character “Archer” --- so maybe not trying to learn EVERY time...

Settle in for a good read, a hot cuppa, and these delicious Russian spice cookies!

In this episode of Tart Words, Linda Hengerer talks about Dick Francis's book Trial Run, and how he uses setting to emphasize the story, shows how societal expectations affect actions, and how to build characters for story.   It was first published in the United States in 1978 by Berkley Books and is now available in ebook editions.  Description from Amazon:The last place veteran horseman Randall Drew wanted to go was Moscow. But when his royal highness the prince asks a favor, one doesn't refuse.  The Royal Family is worried about the prince's brother-in-law, who aims to make the Olympics. Unfortunately a jealous Russian rider has sworn to kill him if he sets one hoof in Moscow. So Randall leaves his thoroughbred horses and loving girlfriend to investigate.  But what he finds is more than jealousy. It's a terrifying track of sabotage and murder. And now that he knows, the killer is after him…Takeaways for writers:In Trial Run, Randall Drew has time on his hands due to a recent rule saying jockeys cannot wear glasses while racing. He is asked to go to Moscow, find the mysterious Alyosha, and find out what he has to do with a Prince's brother-in-law. Randall uncovers a plot that will endanger many people at the upcoming Olympics. Exercises for writers:Secrets – Johnny Farringford tells Randall Drew an abbreviated story about his interactions with Hans Kramer. How much of a secret do you share, and how much do you hold back and reveal as the story progresses?Societal Expectations – Randall Drew is an upper-class Brit whose family has served the monarchy over the years. How does his background contribute to his finally agreeing to go to Moscow? How can you incorporate your story's societal expectations into your characters' actions?Setting – How do the descriptions of England and Moscow enhance or reinforce the story? How can you describe the setting to convey the tone of the story, and how setting impacts character?Building Characters for Story – Randall Drew wears glasses and is prohibited from racing due to a recent rule. He is in good health except for being susceptible to lung problems including asthma and bronchitis. How do each of these create problems for him as a character, and play into the story? How do you build characters whose personal flaws contribute to the story?

Join me for the first themed Tart Words podcast week. It begins Monday with an encore presentation of Emilya Naymark's episode.  Wednesday's Tart Thoughts are about Trial Run, Dick Francis's novel set mainly in Moscow. End the week on Friday with a recipe for Pryaniki, Russian spice cookies, which are easy and delicious.Emilya Naymark's debut novel is “Hide In Place” from Crooked Lane Books. Her short stories appear in the Harper Collins anthology A Stranger Comes to Town,  Secrets in the Water, After Midnight: Tales from the Graveyard Shift, River River Journal, Snowbound: Best New England Crime Stories 2017, and 1+30: THE BEST OF MYSTORY.She has a degree in fine art, and her artworks have been published in numerous magazines and books. When not writing, Emilya works as a visual artist and reads massive quantities of psychological thrillers, suspense, and crime fiction. She lives in the New York Hudson Valley with her family.Visit her website at EmilyaNaymark.com/Author/Sign up for Emilya's newsletter: EmilyaNaymark.com/author/newsletter/Facebook: facebook.com/ENaymarkTwitter: twitter.com/emilyanaymarkGet to know Emilya - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo? Plotter!2.   Tea or Coffee? Tea, rabidly3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? Beer with an occasional Cocktail. Allergic to wine. 4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Sweet tooth (alas)5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Traditionally6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No Yes7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Mix it up8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No Yes9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or no Yes, but only for first draft10.  Special Writing Spot? Nope11.   Writer's Block? Not really. 12.   File of Ideas: Yes or No No, but that's a good idea13.   Favorite Author(s)? Neil Gaiman; Susanna Clarke; Brett Easton Ellis; Donna Tartt; Tana French; Mikhail Bulgakov; Vladimir Nabokov; J.K. Rowling

Have you seen a jar of Honey for Cheese and wondered whether it would be tasty? Wonder no more.

In this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart's book The Ivy Tree and how she uses Brat Farrar, Josephine Tey's fictional take on a real-life situation, to guide the reader in one direction before taking them somewhere else.   It was first published in 1961 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.  Description from Amazon:Whitescar is a beautiful old house and farm situated in Roman Wall country. It will make a rich inheritance for its heirs, but in order to secure it, they enlist the help of a young woman named Mary who bears remarkable resemblance to missing Whitescar heiress, Annabel Winslow. Their deception will spark a powder-keg of ambition, obsession and long-dead love.  The ivy had reached for the tree and only the tree's upper branches managed to thrust the young gold leaves of early summer through the strangling curtain. Eventually the ivy would kill it . . .Mary, Queen of Plots is a blog about Mary Stewart. If you're interested in book covers and book art, take a look at this blog post about The Ivy Tree.Takeaways for writers:In The Ivy Tree, missing heiress Annabel Winslow returns to her ancestral home Whitescar – or does she? Cousin Con has a plan to ensure his inheritance, and shows flashes of why Annabel might have left. The complicated family relationships are revealed as the story progresses, and misunderstandings are resolved as secrets are revealed.Exercises for writers:Secrets – How do you set up secrets? How do you reveal secrets? Do you plot out how secrets impact a character, or do you feel it out as you write? Not all secrets have to have life-altering consequences. In The Ivy Tree, Annabel is keeping her identity secret from both Con and Adam. Try adding a small secret into your work-in-progress: set it up and pay it off. Alternatively, write a short story and include a secret, big or small.Family Dynamics – All families have undercurrents based on prior history. How do you incorporate that into your work-in-progress? How do you reveal the past without doing an “As you know, Sibling/Spouse/Parent/Cousin…” info dump? Show tension between family members in your work-in-progress without directly referring directly to why things are tense (they already know), but give context to the reader in some way to get the reader up to speed with the conflict. In The Ivy Tree, Julie has given Mary/Annabel information she didn't have before. Can you do something similar by having one character share a memory that another character didn't realize they had, and give the reader critical information for the story to make sense via that shared memory?Familial Leverage – Con thinks he has leverage over Mary/Annabel because he can reveal she's a fraud to Grandfather Winslow. Mary/Annabel knows the truth, but also knows how volatile Con is. How do you have characters in your work-in-progress use leverage to get what they want?Cat and Mouse – In The Ivy Tree, Annabel knows she's the real deal but she's trying to keep that information from Con. For anything she does or says that he thinks she shouldn't know, she finds a logical, recent explanation. In your work-in-progress, how do you show the subtext of a conversation between characters in conflict? Do you use physical moves to mask an inadvertent reaction? Do you keep in mind what information each character has that they don't want to let the other character know, or know they know? Who wants to keep their secrets private, and who has the greater motivation to do so?

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Neil Plakcy about writing, his many writing projects, and his writing process.Neil S. Plakcy is the author of over fifty gay romance, gay mystery and adventure, and cozy mystery novels. His eclectic work career includes stints in shopping mall construction, web development, and computer game producing. He grew up in suburban Pennsylvania where the golden retriever mysteries are set, and spent many childhood hours in his lakeside backyard with his dog, chasing butterflies and longing to be in the planes that flew overhead. He is a professor of English at Broward College in the Fort Lauderdale suburbs, where he lives with his husband and two rambunctious golden retrievers. Find him online:WEBSITE: www.mahubooks.com BLOG:         http://mahubooks.blogspot.com AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:   http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JP4EL6 FACEBOOK:      https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcyGOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/126217.Neil_PlakcyPINTEREST:       http://pinterest.com/neilplakcy/boards/ TWITTER:           https://twitter.com/NeilPlakcyBOOKBUB:        https://www.bookbub.com/profile/neil-s-plakcy INSTAGRAM:    https://www.instagram.com/neilplakcy/ LINKED IN:        www.linkedin.com/in/neilplakcyAmazon Author Profile: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B001JP4EL6 Quote from E.L. Doctorow: "Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way."Get to know Neil - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.  Plotter or Pantser? Combo? I'm a combo—I like to lay out the main points of the story and then let my imagination get me there.2.   Tea or Coffee? Raspberry mocha cappuccino from Starbucks. Though I have become my own barista during the pandemic and now I use either Raspberry Chocolate or Coconut Rum ground beans.3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? Given the choice, I'll order a Cosmopolitan, please, though at home I'm more likely to drink a fruity ale or a cider.4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Sweet. Entenmann's chocolate donuts or chocolate chip cookies.5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Hybrid, though leaning more toward indie. I still have contracts with one small publisher for a series of erotic anthologies that continue to sell well.6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No. Yes, in general. Since the pandemic, I've been aiming for three hours every morning, with extra bits as I can fit them in.7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Strictly computer. I can type a lot faster than I can handwrite. Though I do occasionally dictate notes into my phone if I'm driving and I get an idea.8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No. No goa

How do you make S'mores without a grill? S'mores are the iconic campfire or grilling dessert. Toasted marshmallows are sandwiched with chocolate bars between graham crackers. Does summer get any better than that?

In this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart's book Thunder on the Right and how she uses omniscient point of view, how her protagonist differs from her usual protagonist, and why we think this might have been the first book Mary Stewart wrote.It was first published in 1957 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.  Description from Amazon:High in the rugged Pyrenees lies the Valley of the Storms, where a tiny convent clings to the beautiful but lonely mountainside. Jenny Silver arrives seeking her missing cousin, and is devastated when she learns of Gillian's death following a terrible car accident. But Jenny's suspicions are aroused when she's told the blue flowers ornamenting her cousin's grave were Gillian's favourite. Jenny knows Gillian was colour-blind - and so starts her mission to uncover what really happened to her.  The growl and roar of thunder rolled an re-echoed from the mountains and the sword of the lightning stabbed down, and stabbed again, as if searching through the depths of the cringing woods for whatever sheltered there.Takeaways for writers:In Thunder on the Right, Mary Stewart uses an omniscient point of view, a departure from her more common use of first-person point of view. Jenny Silver is younger than the protagonists in most of her novels, and also more sheltered. Think about how the relative age of a character skews their perspective when they're leading the reader through a story. Written after World War II ended, think about how events, whether local or global, impact the characters and their actions.Exercises for writers:Point of View – In general, do you prefer reading first- or third-person point of view? Do you like an omniscient narrator? Do you have a preference when you're writing? Write a scene from different points of view and see which you like better. Also note which way feels most natural to you and if it fits the genre you're writing. How does using either point of view affect the reader – does first-person bring them into the story more than using third-person? How can you use either point of view to make the reader feel like they're living the story? If you write in third-person, do you go into one character's head or more than one? How does using more than one character's point of view to tell the story enhance or muddle the story?Characters – Think about your work in progress, and how the various ages of the characters play into the story. Can an older character be more naïve than a younger one? Why or why not? How do you show that?Unusual Settings – A convent isn't an intuitive setting for a mystery involving a missing woman. How does the convent play into the story? Are you writing a story that might benefit from an unusual setting? Whether your settings are unusual or not, how do you use Setting to enhance the story's narrative? Historical Time – Thunder on the Right is set shortly after the events of World War II, and the aftermath of that conflict plays into the narrative. Whether you write historical fiction or not, how do you factor in the current events of the time you're writing about? Do you ignore them, keeping your fictional world apart from actual events? 

Linda Hengerer talks with Alan Orloff, whose latest YA thriller I Play One on TV came out from Down & Out Books on July 19, 2021. Alan Orloff won an ITW Thriller Award for his novel, PRAY FOR THE INNOCENT, and he won a Derringer Award for his short story, “Dying in Dokesville.” He's also had novels shortlisted for the Agatha Award and Shamus Award, and a story selected for THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES. He loves cake and arugula, but not together. Never together. Find him at alanorloff.com.Links for organizations and conferences mentioned in the podcast: Sisters in Crime; Mystery Writers of America; Bouchercon; SleuthFest; National Novel Writing Month (NaNo)Get to know Alan - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.     Plotter or Pantser? Combo?I'm a plotter (plodder?). I think if I tried to pants, I'd find myself lost down a dark alley somewhere in Mexico City (or maybe Montreal) in short order. Having said that, my outlines are not very detailed, more like “Bill and Jane discuss how to bury the body over coffee.”2.     Tea or Coffee?And speaking of coffee, no, I don't drink it. Nor tea. In fact, and this might sound weird, I don't drink any hot beverages.3.     Beer, Wine, or Cocktails?And this may sound even weirder, but I don't drink any alcoholic beverages either. I drink mostly water. Cold water.4.     Snacks: Sweet or Savory?Sweet.5.     Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid?I guess I'm a hybrid. Although I'm not very good at marketing my indie-published titles.6.     Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or NoSometimes.7.     Strictly Computer or Mix It Up?99% computer.8.     Daily Goal: Yes or NoYes, when I'm in writing mode, I work to a quota. And I've been known to get up in the middle of a sentence once I've reached it!9.     Formal Track Progress: Yes or noI used to use spreadsheets, the whole nine yards. Now, I'm a little less formal.10.  Special Writing Spot?Not really. Usually my desk, but not always.11.  Writer's Block?Nope. BICFOK (butt in chair, fingers on keyboard)12.  File of Ideas: Yes or NoYes, but I rarely look at it!13.  Favorite Author(s)?Many! Too many to name! Too careful to start naming them and leaving someone out!

Linda Hengerer talks with Raquel V. Reyes, who writes stories with Latina characters. Her Cuban-American heritage, Miami, and the Caribbean feature prominently in her work. Raquel is a co-chair for SleuthFest. Her short stories can be found in the Malice Domestic anthology, Murder Most Theatrical and in the 2021 crime fiction anthology, Midnight Hour. Find out more about Raquel and her writing, and sign up for her newsletter, at rvreyes.com. Links to her social media are here: linktr.ee/LatinaSleuthsGet to know Raquel - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo? Plantser2.   Tea or Coffee? Coffee3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? Wine and/or Cocktails4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Savory5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Traditionally Published6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No? Yes, Daily7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Strictly Computer8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No? Flexible goal9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or no? Yes (Word Count in an excel spreadsheet)10.  Special Writing Spot? Desk11.   Writer's Block? More like Writer's Mud I get stuck in the mud and progress is slow but I'm still writing.12.   File of Ideas: Yes or No? No

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Tracee de Hahn. Tracee de Hahn is the author of classic tales of intrigue and suspense published by Minotaur Books. Swiss Vendetta was inspired by her years in Switzerland. A Well-Timed Murder probed the heart of the Swiss watch industry. She is National Membership Liaison for Sisters in Crime. Find her at TraceedeHahn.com to sign up for her newsletter and follow her on social media.Get to know Tracee - the Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo? Combo, definitely. 2.   Tea or Coffee? Tea. Twining's Lady Grey.3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? Wine and one cocktail, a perfect Manhattan4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Sweet, really chocolate5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Traditionally.6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No. No.7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Absolutely mix it up. All the time.8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No. No.9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or no. Yes.10.  Special Writing Spot? No.11.   Writer's Block? Means I'm not working hard enough. 12.   File of Ideas: Yes or No. Not a very organized one.13.   Favorite Author(s)? Too many to name. 

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Susie Black.Born in the Big Apple, Susie Black calls sunny Southern California home. Like the protagonist in her Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series, Susie is a successful apparel sales executive. Susie began telling stories as soon as she learned to talk. Now she's telling all the stories from her garment industry experiences in humorous mysteries. She reads, writes, and speaks Spanish, albeit with an accent that sounds like Mildred from Michigan went on a Mexican vacation and is trying to fit in with the locals. Since life without pizza and ice cream as her core food groups wouldn't be worth living, she's a dedicated walker to keep her girlish figure. A voracious reader, she's also an avid stamp collector. Susie lives with a highly intelligent man and has one incredibly brainy but smart-aleck adult son who inexplicably blames his sarcasm on an inherited genetic defect. Looking for more? She loves to hear from readers, who can email her at mysteries_@authorsusieblack.com. The first book in the series, and Susie's debut novel, is Death by Sample Size.I'll update with Susie's website after it goes live.Get to know Susie - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo? SUSIE: Combo. I plot the beginning and the end but let the story and the characters take me through the middle to the end. 2.   Tea or Coffee? SUSIE: Coffee, lots of it. Without me, the Columbian economy would collapse. If I'm drinking tea? Better stay clear of me as that's the first clue I am under the weather. 3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? SUSIE: Wine with dinner. Since I don't like the taste of most liquors, the only ones I drink are disguised in one of those fruity concoctions you drink at a tropical resort. 4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? SUSIE: Both. I am a non-discriminatory nosher.  5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? SUSIE: Traditionally published. 6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No: SUSIE: No. I'd never follow one so there'd be no point. 7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? SUSIE: Strictly computer. 8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No SUSIE: Nope. See question 6 for the reason. 9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or no SUSIE: No. See question 6 again. 10.  Special Writing Spot? SUSIE: Yes. Two: On the forward deck of my houseboat or in my home office facing the golf course. 11.   Writer's Block? SUSIE: So far, thank goodness, no.12.   File of Ideas: Yes or No SUSIE: Yes. I have so many I'd have to live to be 150 to write them all.13. Favorite author(s)? The late, great Joan Hess, and Carolyn Haines. 

In this episode, Linda Hengerer is talking with Connie Berry. Connie Berry is the author of the Kate Hamilton Mysteries, set in the UK and featuring an American antiques dealer with a gift for solving crimes. Like her protagonist, Connie was raised by antiques dealers who instilled in her a passion for history, fine art, and travel. During college she studied at the University of Freiburg in Germany and St. Clare's College, Oxford, where she fell under the spell of the British Isles. Besides reading and writing mysteries, Connie loves history, foreign travel, cute animals, and all things British. She lives in Ohio with her husband and adorable Shih Tzu, Emmie. Visit Connie's website for information about her books: connieberry.comBuy her new book, The Art of Betrayal, and sign up for her newsletter.Get to know Connie - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo?I'm a Plotser. I know where I'm going but not always how I'll get there.2.   Tea or Coffee?COFFEE FIRST! (Sorry--I was shouting). Then a nice cup of tea.3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails?Wine--cabernet or pinot noir. Sometimes a pretty cocktail, although they're full of calories. I'm trying to shed the COVID Ten.4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory?Savory. Salty.5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid?Traditionally published.6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or NoI wish! That's something I'd like to develop one day when I have time to think about it.7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up?Mostly computer, although I write scene ideas in pencil first.8.    Daily Goal: Yes or NoNot really. I write in scenes and try to stop for the day at the end of a scene. Doesn't always work out.9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or noYes! I've developed a complicated chart with columns for chapter, scene, date, location, characters involved, a brief synopsis, pages in scene, and pages in the whole chapter. I'm not sure I could keep track of my plot without it.10.  Special Writing Spot?I love to write while looking out over water, which usually means our cottage in northern Wisconsin. At home I write looking at a wall. I should hang one of those photo displayers on the water with photographs of water.11.   Writer's Block?No, but I often have Writer's Procrastination. Writer's Block goes away when you start writing.12.   File of Ideas: Yes or NoNot really, although when I begin a new book, I jot down all my ideas and then look for connections between them.13.   Favorite Author(s)?I'll name the ones that come to mind: Elly Griffiths, Tana French, Charles Todd, Laurie R. King, Anthony Horowitz, Jodi Taylor, Christopher Fowler, Susan Hill, all the Golden Agers--especially Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Cyril Hare. As you can see, I read mostly mysteries set in the UK, which is also what I write. As Agatha said, “There's something about an English village.”

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Emilya Naymark.Emilya Naymark's debut novel is “Hide In Place” from Crooked Lane Books. Her short stories appear in the Harper Collins anthology A Stranger Comes to Town,  Secrets in the Water, After Midnight: Tales from the Graveyard Shift, River River Journal, Snowbound: Best New England Crime Stories 2017, and 1+30: THE BEST OF MYSTORY. She has a degree in fine art, and her artworks have been published in numerous magazines and books. When not writing, Emilya works as a visual artist and reads massive quantities of psychological thrillers, suspense, and crime fiction. She lives in the New York Hudson Valley with her family.Visit her website at EmilyaNaymark.com/Author/Sign up for Emilya's newsletter: EmilyaNaymark.com/author/newsletter/Facebook: facebook.com/ENaymarkTwitter: twitter.com/emilyanaymarkGet to know Emilya - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo? Plotter!2.   Tea or Coffee? Tea, rabidly3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? Beer with an occasional Cocktail. Allergic to wine. 4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Sweet tooth (alas)5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Traditionally6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No Yes7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Mix it up8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No Yes9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or no Yes, but only for first draft10.  Special Writing Spot? Nope11.   Writer's Block? Not really. 12.   File of Ideas: Yes or No No, but that's a good idea13.   Favorite Author(s)? Neil Gaiman; Susanna Clarke; Brett Easton Ellis; Donna Tartt; Tana French; Mikhail Bulgakov; Vladimir Nabokov; J.K. Rowling

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Shawn Reilly Simmons about culinary cozy mysteries, Malice Domestic and 2021's More Than Malice, and writing. Shawn Reilly Simmons is the Agatha and Anthony Award-winning author and editor of The Red Carpet Catering Mysteries and of twenty short stories appearing in various anthologies. She serves on the Board of Malice Domestic, is an editor at Level Best Books and a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, the Crime Writers' Association, and International Thriller Writers. She lives in historic Frederick, Maryland, with her husband and son. Visit Shawn at www.shawnreillysimmons.com.Find out more about Malice Domestic and More Than Malice at www.malicedomestic.org.Podcast: Five Compelling Questions with ShawnFacebook: ShawnReillySimmonsAuthorTwitter: ShawnRSimmonsInstagram: ShawnRSimmonsGet to know Shawn - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo? I'm a pantser for sure. I'd like to be more of a plotter, but for some reason it doesn't stick with me. 2.   Tea or Coffee? Coffee in the morning, and tea later on (in colder months).3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? All of the above! I'm taking a break from wine right now, so I'm drinking more vodka and soda with my own mixers (fresh herbs and citrus). This is my usual spring/summer routine, when I'm out running more in the sun. 4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Savory. I love a good dessert, but can go months without sweets. Chips on the other hand…I'll eat the whole bag and look for more. 5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Traditionally published. 6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No. Yes. When I'm on top of my game or on deadline, I write for 2-3 hours early mornings. The rest of the day is for working on my other jobs (Malice and Level Best)7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Computer, although I always have a journal with me to jot quick notes. I also use Google Keep and Notes for random thoughts when I'm away from my desk. And Pinterest to save articles that have kernels of inspiration in them. 8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No. Yes, although I've been working on putting less pressure on myself in all areas of life. 9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or no. Yes, I use Scrivner which keeps my goals in front of me. 10.  Special Writing Spot? If it's dark out and everyone is asleep still, I'll write in bed, or on the couch under a blanket. I love my desk but spend a lot of time there on other work that I try to mix it up during my creative hours. Coffee shops are good for me too (when we can do that again!)11.   Writer's Block? This hasn't been a challenge for me (thank goodness). I have too many ideas. My challenge is managing time and accomplishing everything. 12.   File of Ideas: Yes or No Yes (see Pinterest comment above, and journal notes)13.   Favorite Author(s)? Oooh….that's a really long list, and I'll forget some folks I'm sure but off the top of my head now: Louise Penny, Ann Cleeves, Martin Edwards, Jennifer Hillier, SA Cosby, Stephen King, Megan Abbott, Sherry Harris, Bruce Coffin, Tana French, Gillian Flynn, Agatha Christie, Ruth Ware, Laura Lippman, Rachel Howzell Hall, Lori Rader-Day, Edwin Hill, Walter Mosley. 

In this episode of Tart Words, Linda Hengerer talks with Tara Lush. Tara Lush is a Rita Award finalist, an Amtrak writing fellow, and a George C. Polk Award-winning journalist. For the past decade, she's been a reporter with the Associated Press, covering crime, alligators, natural disasters, and politics. She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations. A fan of vintage pulp-fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, and 1980s fashion, she lives with her husband and two dogs on the Gulf coast.Sign up for a free cozy mystery here (email required): https://BookHip.com/ZLMSVVisit taralush.com to find out more about Tara and her latest books.Facebook: www.facebook.com/LushBooksInstagram: www.instagram.com/authortaralush/Here's a link to the coffee tour mentioned in the episode: stpetecoffeetour.com/Get to know Tara - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Plotter2.   Tea or Coffee? Coffee3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? I rarely drink, but when I do, it's champagne4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Savory5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Hybrid6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes 7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Strictly computer8.    Daily Goal: Yes 9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes 10.  Special Writing Spot? Sofa or coffee shop11.   Writer’s Block? No12.   File of Ideas: Yes 13.   Favorite Author(s)? Cleo Coyle, Carl Hiaasen, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Diane Mott Davidson

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Vincent H. O'Neil. Vincent H. O’Neil is the Malice Award-winning author of the Exile murder mysteries from St. Martin’s Press and the military science fiction Sim War series (written as Henry V. O’Neil) from HarperCollins. He has also authored several short stories in Mystery Tribune, Bourbon Penn, Mystery Weekly, Hypnos, and Lovecraftiana magazines.Visit him at www.vincenthoneil.com for links to his books and short stories, as well as helpful presentations he's delivered on a variety of writing topics at different conferences. Facebook: www.facebook.com/vincenthoneil LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/vincenthoneil/ Get to know Vincent - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo?   Combo.2.   Tea or Coffee?   Coffee.3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails?   None.4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory?   Sweet.5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid?   Hybrid.6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No   No.7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up?    Mix it up.8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No      No.9.   Formal Track Progress: Yes or no    Yes.10.  Special Writing Spot?    No.11.   Writer’s Block?    No.12.   File of Ideas: Yes or No    Yes.13.   Favorite Author(s)? William Gibson, Patricia Highsmith, H.W. Brands, Rex Stout, Mario Puzo.

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Diane A.S. Stuckart.  Diane A.S. Stuckart began her writing career in the 1990s as the critically acclaimed author of historical romance under the names Alexa Smart and Anna Gerard. She later switched to the mystery genre and is the NYT bestselling author of the Black Cat Bookshop Mysteries (written as Ali Brandon) and the award-winning Leonardo da Vinci historical mysteries. Her Tarot Cats Mystery series launched in 2018 with FOOL’S MOON. Her Georgia B&B Mystery series (also written as Anna Gerard) debuted in 2019 with PEACH CLOBBERED. Kirkus Reviews describes that book as “Filled with Southern charm and enough ditzy characters to keep readers guessing and laughing.” Book 3 in the series, PEACHES AND SCHEMES—her 17th published novel—will be on the shelves May 11, 2021.  Find Diane (aka Ali, aka Anna) at www.DianeStuckart.com.Get to know Diane - the Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo? PANTS!2.   Tea or Coffee? COFFEE3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? ALL OF THE ABOVE (IN MODERATION!)4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? SWEET5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? HYBRID6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No  NO7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? COMPUTER ONLY8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No  NOPE UNLESS ON DEADLINE9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or no  NO10.  Special Writing Spot? MY MESSY DESK11.   Writer’s Block?  HAHAHAHA!12.   File of Ideas: Yes or No  YES13.   Favorite Author(s)? TOO MANY TO LIST SO I’LL GO WITH THE CLASSICS: MARY STEWART, BARBARA MICHAELS, JANE AUSTEN, SHAKESPEARE

In this episode, Linda Hengerer talks with Mia P. Manansala about her debut novel Arsenic and Adobo, Filipino cooking - lumpia! - and how the pandemic affected her routine.Mia P. Manansala (she/her) is a writer and certified book coach from Chicago who loves books, baking, and bad-ass women. She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture. Her debut novel, ARSENIC AND ADOBO, comes out May 4, 2021, with Berkley/Penguin Random House.A lover of all things geeky, Mia spends her days procrastibaking, playing JRPGs and dating sims, reading cozy mysteries, and cuddling her dogs Gumiho, Max Power, and Bayley Banks (bonus points if you get all the references). Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @MPMtheWriterOr check out her website: www.miapmanansala.comGet to know Mia - The Tart Words Baker's Dozen:1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo? Light plotter2.   Tea or Coffee? Tea3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? Cocktails4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Both!5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Traditionally published6.   Strict Writing Schedule: No7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Computer and Alphasmart8.    Daily Goal: No, but I'm trying9.    Formal Track Progress: Sometimes10.  Special Writing Spot? I love the Winter Garden at the Harold Washington Library11.   Writer’s Block? Yes12.   File of Ideas: Yes13.   Favorite Author(s)? Currently, Sherry Thomas, Alyssa Cole, Talia Hibbert, and Kellye Garrett

Creamy, buttery, garlicky - just what you want when sweet won't cut it but a savory snack will.

In this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart’s book Airs Above the Ground and how she uses unusual settings, creates vivid animal characters, and shows relationship dynamics.   It was first published in 1965 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.  Description from Amazon:Vanessa March's husband Lewis is meant to be on a business trip in Stockholm. So why does he briefly appear in newsreel footage of a fire at a circus in Vienna, with his arm around another woman? Vanessa flies to Austria to find her husband - and inadvertently becomes involved in a mystery surrounding the famous dancing stallions of Austria's Spanish Riding School . . .Takeaways for writers:In Airs Above the Ground, Vanessa March is having lunch with her mother’s friend Carmel, whose son Tim wants to see his father in Vienna. Carmel proposes that Vanessa chaperone Tim when she travels to meet her husband Lewis. Vanessa and Lewis should have been on holiday, but an urgent work assignment came up and Lewis had to postpone the holiday; they had a blazing row that Vanessa regrets. Carmel mentions having seen Lewis in a newsreel about a circus fire near Vienna; after seeing the newsreel herself, Vanessa calls Carmel to say she’ll take Tim with her to Vienna and hand him over to his father. Vanessa and Tim forge an unlikely alliance, and both give each other the courage to continue on their respective journeys. Both Tim and Lewis have secrets that play into the story, as does Vanessa’s background as a vet and Tim’s desire to work with the Lippizaner stallions. As secrets are revealed and surprising skills unveiled, mysteries are solved and relationships are forged.Exercises for writers:Unusual Settings – The circus and the Schloss are not your usual settings; note how Mary Stewart incorporates the unique aspects of each into the story. Whether your settings are unusual or not, how do you use Setting to enhance the story’s narrative? Vivid Animal Characters – Horses play an integral part in Airs Above the Ground. If you have animal characters, either as pets or as a plot point, how do you give them a personality that makes readers believe the animal/character? Think about animals in movies or on television (Beethoven, Lassie) and how they are the focus of the story. Even if your animal character isn’t a large part of the story, what small trait can you give them that will resonate with readers?Relationship Dynamics – Vanessa meets Tim at the airport when Carmel gives him over to Vanessa. Though not far apart in age, they are in experience. How do you introduce characters and give them context for a relationship? In the beginning it doesn’t seem that Vanessa and Tim will spend a lot of time together, but they do; how do you show a growing friendship between characters who would not naturally be friends?

Linda Hengerer talks with Carrie Stuart Parks, an award-winning, internationally known forensic artist. She travels across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement professionals including the FBI, Secret Service, and RCMP, and is the largest instructor of forensic art in the world.  Her best-selling novels in the mystery/suspense/thriller genre have garnered numerous awards including several Carols and Inspys; the Christy, Golden Scroll, Kudos, Maxwell, and Wright. Her books have finaled in the Daphne du Maurier, Selah, and Cascade competitions. As a professional fine artist, she has written and illustrated best-selling art books for North Light Publishers.Visit her at CarrieStuartParks.com to find out more information about Carrie, her art, and her books, including her most recent release Relative Silence. Get to know Carrie: The Tart Words Baker's Dozen1.  Plotter or Pantser? Combo? Plotter2.  Tea or Coffee? coffee3.  Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? wine4.  Snacks: Sweet or Savory? yes5.  Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? trad mostly but training materials are indie6.  Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No yes7.  Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? mostly computer8.  Daily Goal: Yes or No:  yes9.  Formal Track Progress: Yes or no: sort of10.  Special Writing Spot? yes11.  Writer’s Block? no12.  File of Ideas: Yes or No: no, only for current book13.  Favorite Author(s)? TNTCCarrie Stuart ParksFine and Forensic ArtistShe has a pencil and she's not afraid to use it.Relative Silence, HarperCollins Christian 2020     Kudos Award Winner best FictionFragments of Fear, HarperCollins Christian 2019     Golden Scroll Winner in Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Formula of Deception, HarperCollins Christian, 2018     Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Mystery/Suspense Mainstream finalist     Cascade Award Contemporary Fiction finalistPortrait of Vengeance, HarperCollins Christian, 2017     Inspys Award winner mystery/suspense     Carol Award Winner mystery/suspense/thriller     Wright Award Winner Fiction  Maxwell Award Winner, Fiction     RT Finalist Inspirational mystery/suspense/thrillerWhen Death Draws Near, HarperCollins Christian, 2016     Christy Winner, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller     Carol Winner, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller     RT Reviewer's Choice Best Book Awards for 2016 finalist     Christian Retailing Best Finalist:mystery/suspense     Inspy Award Finalist     Idaho Author Awards: winner: mystery/suspenseThe Bones Will Speak, HarperCollins Christian, 2015     INSPY winner: mystery/suspense     Christy Award Finalist: suspense/mystery     Christian Retailing Best Finalist:mystery/suspense     Family Fiction Readers Choice 15 Best Books of 2015     Idaho Author Awards Finalist 2016: mystery/suspenseA Cry From the Dust, HarperCollins Christian, 2014     Carol Award Winner: mystery/suspense/thriller     Christy Award finalist

Cream Cheese & Olives is a family favorite, and easy to make; you'll be snacking in no time! Out of crackers? Use celery as a boat for the cream cheese and olives. 

In this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart’s book The Moon-Spinners how she uses setting, shows family love and loyalties, and how her characters answer a call to adventure. It was first published in 1962 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.  Takeaways for writers:In The Moon-Spinners, Nicola Ferris is a young English woman working at the embassy in Athens. She comes to Crete for a holiday with her cousin Frances, who owns a successful nursery in England. Gaining an extra day due to the kindness of fellow guests at her hotel, Nicola sets off with a lavish picnic lunch. She comes across two men, Lambis and Mark; Mark has a gunshot wound. Sharing her lunch with them, she sends Lambis off for supplies while she tends to Mark. The seriousness of their situation is made clear to Nicola when they tell her that Mark’s younger brother, Colin, is missing and possibly dead.After spending the night with Mark and tending his wounds, Nicola heads back to the village where she is due to meet Frances and stay at the new hotel. Stratos Alexiakis, born in the village and returned after a successful career as a London restauranteur to build a hotel, has brought Tony, a British co-worker, back with him. Stratos’s sister Sofia works at the hotel as a chambermaid and also has a windmill she tends in the field. Despite Mark’s intentions to keep Nicola out of his troubles, she discovers she is caught in the middle. Mary Stewart creates small family groups that work in different ways. Stratos, Sofia, and Sofia’s abusive husband Josef; Mark, Colin, their sisters; Nicola and Frances. Josef and the sisters don’t appear on the page, but their presence is still palpable. Nicola comes for a holiday and finds adventure and love. She is not passive when she is involved in Mark’s trouble; she actively looks for Colin and discovers that the hotel is the home of the villains.Mary Stewart has several books set in Greece and outlying islands; her love for and familiarity with the country shines through in her descriptions. Exercises for writers:Characters – How do you show characters with different family dynamics? How do you show affection between characters, even when those characters are not together on the page? How do you show tension when characters are trying to keep information from each other, using subtext and action instead of dialogue? Does your protagonist answer the Call to Adventure willingly, or are they dragged into the story kicking and screaming?Setting – Is your story or series set in a real place, a fictional place, or a fictional place based on a real place? How do you use what you know of that setting to draw the reader in and make them feel part of the story?Backstory – In a mystery, there are the events that culminate in the action of the current story. How do you introduce those prior events?  Do you work out those events before you write the story (Plotters, I’m with you); or do you see what comes up and adjust the past to fit the present (hey, Pantsers, I feel you)?Read your favorite book in the genre you’re writing in, and note the author introduces characters and the dynamics with other characters. See how they describe scenes so you feel like you’re there and it’s real. Note how they use backstory and at what points they bring it into the current story.   

Linda is talking with Suzanne Fox. Writing as Suzanne Scott, she is the author of One Hot Summer. Originally published in 1997, Harlequin re-released it as an ebook.Suzanne Fox writes fiction and nonfiction, reviews books for Publishers Weekly, edits the online journal Society 19, and works with authors to shape, publish, and market their work. Her handmade jewelry and digital art, including that used for the Tart Words Mary Stewart podcasts, is inspired by favorite books and authors. A graduate of the Columbia University MFA writing program, Suzanne now lives in North Carolina. Find out more about Suzanne at www.bookstrategy.com and www.SocietyNineteenJournal.com.  Visit her on Instagram to see digital art, her feline mistress Miss Boots, and other visual delights.Get to know Suzanne: The Tart Words Baker's Dozen1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo? Pantser2.   Tea or Coffee? Both3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? Wine4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Sweet5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Hybrid6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No Not currently7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Strictly computer8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No Yes9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or no No10.  Special Writing Spot? With cat11.   Writer’s Block? No12.   File of Ideas: Yes or No Yes13.   Favorite Author(s)? Too many to list! However, "big 4": Austen, Bronte, DuMaurier & Sayers

The classic recipe, refined. Chocolate Chip Cookies are familiar from childhood, and I've changed a few things.

In this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart’s book My Brother Michael and how she uses setting, incorporates both ancient and recent history, and how her characters answer a call to adventure. It was first published in 1959 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.  Description from Amazon:''Nothing ever happens to me...'' So begins Camilla Haven's letter home during her quiet holiday in Athens. But when a stranger begs her to drive a car to Delphi, swearing that it is a matter of life and death, Camilla impulsively takes the opportunity she's been offered. Before long she is caught up in a whirlwind of intrigue, deceit and murder as she spins along the dusty Greek roads in a race against time to solve a fourteen-year-old mystery.  The longer I waited the less possible it seemed to walk out of the café and leave everything to settle itself without me, and the more insidiously did the other possibility begin to present itself. Dry-mouthed, I pushed it aside, but there it was, a challenge, a gift, a dare from the gods . . . Takeaways for writers: In My Brother Michael, Camilla Haven has just written on a postcard that nothing ever happens when a man gives her the keys to a jeep that must be taken to Delphi for Simon. Camilla takes the opportunity to get to Delphi, thinking she’ll at least save the cost of transportation there, and pass the jeep off to Simon – whoever he is. Mary Stewart sets My Brother Michael against a backdrop of ancient history and the recently ended World War II.  She intertwines the ancient and contemporary to give the reader the feeling that the past isn’t so far gone. Ancient secrets, war secrets, and settling old scores create a recipe for adventure and romance.Camilla isn’t looking for love or romance, but she gets caught up in Simon’s quest to find out what happened to his brother – the titular Michael – and what Michael found that he referenced in his last letter home. Exercises for writers Characters – How do you introduce a character at the beginning of a story so going from “nothing ever happens” to accepting the call to adventure feels natural? How do you build a bond between characters who didn’t know each other at the beginning of the story but are a couple by the end? Do you show or tell the reader what the character is going through in a dangerous situation?Backstory – My Brother Michael deals with ancient and more recent history. Notice how she weaves both into the contemporary story. Read your work in progress from the beginning, and only leave in the relevant information about the character’s past that the reader needs to understand the story at that moment, or edit it so the relevant information is where the reader needs it for understanding the story. How do you make the information relevant to your characters? Knowing why it’s relevant will help you decide what information the character – and your reader – need now.  

Linda Hengerer is talking with Joan Lipinsky Cochran, whose Becks Ruchinsky Mysteries explore subcultures of American Judaism.Joan Lipinsky Cochran is a former journalist who has written for such publications as Family Circle, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Miami Herald, the Palm Beach Post, Florida Design and South Florida Magazine. Her food articles have also appeared in the Sun-Sentinel, Moment Magazine, and The Forward, among other publications. A graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, she received her MFA from Florida International University in 2008.Since receiving her MFA, Joan has focused on writing crime-related novels that explore subcultures of American Judaism. In The Hasidic Rebbe’s Son, the second in The Becks Ruchinsky Mystery series, the murder of an ultra-religious student seeking refuge in her home forces the investigative reporter to explore the seedy underside of South Beach’s glitzy night club scene and the insular world of Hasidic Judaism to find his killer. Along the way, Becks’ most basic beliefs — and her son’s life —are threatened.Website: JoanLipinskyCochran.comAvailable Now: The Hasidic Rebbe's SonSign up for Joan's newsletter/mailing list and get a FREE COOKBOOK of Jewish recipesGet to know Joan: The Tart Words Baker's Dozen1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo? pantser2.   Tea or Coffee? coffee3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? cocktail4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Sweet 5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? indie6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes or No yes7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Mix it up8.    Daily Goal: Yes or No no9.    Formal Track Progress: Yes or no No10.  Special Writing Spot? yes11.   Writer’s Block? No 12.   File of Ideas: Yes or No yes 13.   Favorite Author(s)? Jame Harper, Louise Penney (at least this week) 

Linda talks with Nancy J. Cohen, author of the Bad Hair Day mystery series. Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. These books have won numerous awards along with her nonfiction titles, Writing the Cozy Mystery and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook. Active in the writing community, Nancy is a past president of Florida Romance Writers and Mystery Writers of America, Florida Chapter. When not busy writing, she enjoys cooking, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World.Website – https://nancyjcohen.comSign up for Nancy's newsletter at https://nancyjcohen.com/newsletterGet to know Nancy: The Tart Words Baker's Dozen1.   Plotter or Pantser? Plotter2.   Tea or Coffee? Coffee in the morning; Tea in the afternoon3.   Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? Wine4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Savory5.   Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Hybrid6.   Strict Writing Schedule: Yes 7.    Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Desktop Computer8.    Daily Goal: Yes 9.    Formal Track Progress: No10.  Special Writing Spot? Home office11.   Writer’s Block? Sometimes12.   File of Ideas: Yes 13.   Favorite Author(s)? The authors at BookloversBench.comBlog – https://nancyjcohen.com/blogTwitter – https://www.twitter.com/nancyjcohenFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/NancyJCohenAuthorLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyjcohenGoodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/nancyjcohenPinterest – https://pinterest.com/njcohen/Instagram – https://instagram.com/nancyjcohenBookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nancy-j-cohen

I love almond butter crunch. This is similar but on a matzo or salted cracker base. Matzo Toffee Crunch is perfect for Passover, Easter, or whenever you want a sweet toffee bite.

You can read a review of This Rough Magic by Suzanne Fox on the blog Mary Stewart Reading.On this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart’s book This Rough Magic and how she uses a dolphin as both needing rescue and being the rescuer, and plays characters off each other who are at the beginning and end of their respective careers. It was first published in 1964 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.  Description from Amazon:Lucy Waring, a young, out-of-work actress from London, leaps at the chance to visit her sister for a summer on the island paradise of Corfu, and what's more, a famous but reclusive actor is staying in a villa nearby. But Lucy's hopes for rest and romance are shattered when a body washes up on the beach and she finds herself swept up in a chilling chain of events.  I shuddered, and drank my coffee, leaning back in my chair to gaze out across pine tops furry with gold towards the sparkling sea, and surrendering myself to the dreamlike feeling that marks the start of a holiday . . .Takeaways for writers:In This Rough Magic, Lucy Waring is a young actress at the beginning of her career, and renowned actor Sir Julian Gale is at the end of his career. While at different stages and with different skills, they enjoy each other’s company and catching up on the London stage scene. Mary Stewart gives the reader all the information they need to understand William  Shakespeare’s The Tempest by having Lucy and Sir Julian talk about the play; Lucy also gets information about why Sir Julian thinks Corfu was the setting for The Tempest from other characters. Lucy is in the bay with the dolphin when she realizes someone is shooting into the water. To scare the dolphin away from danger and to alert the shooter of her presence, she jumps out, splashes around, and shouts up to where she thinks the shooter is. Near the end of the book, the dolphin Lucy befriended helps get her to safety. Exercises for writers: Characters – How do you show characters at different stages in the same profession? How do you show tension when characters are trying to keep information from each other, using subtext and action instead of dialogue?Backstory – Do you drip in backstory only as the reader needs that information? Read your work in progress from the beginning, and only leave in the relevant information about the character’s past that the reader needs to understand the story at that moment.Structure – Scenes with the dolphin bookend This Rough Magic. Lucy rescues the dolphin in the beginning of the story and the dolphin rescues Lucy at the end of the story. Do you structure your plot lines to answer story questions in the reverse order that they are introduced in the story? Read your favorite book in the genre you’re writing in, and note at what point story questions are introduced and at what point, and in what order, those story questions are answered.  

Inspired by the popular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, my sister spread peanut butter on an OREO. It tasted like a crunchy peanut butter cup. Could anything be better with a glass of cold milk on a hot summer day?

In this episode of Tart Words, Suzanne Fox and Linda Hengerer are discussing Mary Stewart’s book Nine Coaches Waiting and how she develops her characters and uses genre. It was first published in 1958 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.  Description from Amazon:A thrilling, twisty tale of a dangerous romance set in the heart of mid-century Savoy, from the author of Madam, Will You Talk.Linda Martin understands what is to be lonely: her parents died when she was young, and she was raised in an orphanage. When she is hired as a governess to the orphaned young Philippe, Comte de Valmy, Linda finds a kindred spirit in the lonely little boy. But Philippe is the heir to a vast estate in Savoy, and his dangerously handsome uncle may be willing to kill to ensure that Philippe never inherits it . . .Takeaways for writers:In Nine Coaches Waiting, Linda Martin hides her early childhood in France and that she’s bi-lingual. She feels certain her being hired as governess to the young Comte de Valmy hinges on her lack of family and knowledge of French. The characters are developed for best effect, and Mary Stewart uses Leon de Valmy’s being wheelchair-bound to elicit sympathy for him. As the story develops, the reader’s sympathies shift as we see that he will do anything to keep the chateau, including murder his nine-year-old nephew, Philippe. Philippe is lonely; his Uncle Hippolyte, his guardian and with whom he was living, is off on a dig. Philippe is living with his Uncle Leon and his wife Heloise and has no children around to play with. His new governess, Linda Martin, is also an orphan. She understands how bereft Philippe feels, first by losing his parents and then by Hippolyte’s absence for work. Raoul de Valmy, Leon’s son, is an orphan in spirit although not in actual fact; his English mother died when he was a child, but his father is still alive.  These three bond together through their shared experience of loneliness.Mary Stewart uses genre to enhance the reader’s experience. The isolation of the Chateau de Valmy, Linda Martin’s lack of friends or family, and the gothic feel of the story contribute to the story’s moody feel.  Exercises for writers:Characters – In Nine Coaches Waiting, we first see Leon as the victim of an accident, but as the story progresses we see him as a determined man who won’t let circumstances stop him from getting what he wants, at any cost. Do your characters go through a transformational arc that is internal – they realize something about themselves, or external – the reader sees the character in a different way at the end of the story than they did at the beginning? How do you develop your characters to change the reader’s perception? Genre – Nine Coaches Waiting has a gothic feel, and Linda Martin is alone. She does strike up an acquaintance with an Englishman who is working in the area and with a visiting French fashion designer who speaks English. How can you use reader’s expectations of your genre to set up and payoff story arcs? tvtropes.org is a terrific resource for writers who want to see many genre-related tropes, and what the expectations for those tropes are. Put your own spin on the bare bones of a trope.

Linda talks with Annette Dashofy, author of the Zoe Chambers mystery series.Annette Dashofy is the USA Today best-selling author of the multi–Agatha Award-nominated Zoe Chambers mystery series about a paramedic and deputy coroner in rural Pennsylvania’s tight-knit Vance Township. Her latest release, a standalone, is Death by Equine, about a veterinarian at a second-rate thoroughbred racetrack seeking to find the truth about her mentor’s mysterious death. Annette is a member of Pennwriters and is the vice president of the Pittsburgh Sisters in Crime Chapter. She and her husband live on ten acres of what was her grandfather’s dairy farm in southwestern Pennsylvania with their very spoiled cat, Kensi.Visit her at www.AnnetteDashofy.com for the latest news, and to find out more about Death by Equine. Get to know Annette: The Tart Word's Baker's Dozen1.   Plotter or Pantser? Combo? I’m definitely a hybrid. And my process tends to change from book to book.2.   Tea or Coffee?Coffee3.   Beer, Wine, orCocktails? Wine4.   Snacks: Sweet or Savory?Both! Have you ever had chocolate-covered potato chips? They’re to die for!5.   Indie Published,Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Hybrid, but mostly traditional.6.   Strict WritingSchedule: Yes or No The word “strict” hangs me up. I do have a routinebut I’m not hard on myself when life gets in the way.7.    Strictly Computeror Mix It Up? I draft on the computer 100% but brainstorm with pen andpaper.8.    Daily Goal: Yesor No Yes.9.    Formal TrackProgress: Yes or no No10.  Special Writing Spot?At my desktop computer in my home office11.   Writer’s Block?No. I might get stuck, but I know how to get unstuck pretty quickly.12.   File of Ideas: Yes orNo Yes!13.   Favorite Author(s)?Julia Spencer-Fleming and Craig Johnson. 

Remember the Rice Krispie Treats from childhood? Chocolate Dulce de Leche Crispie Treats are on another level of sweet, chocolatey crunch.NOTE: To make your own dulce de leche, remove the label from a can (or several cans) of sweetened, condensed milk. In a large pot, place the cans on their sides and cover with water - at least an inch of water over the highest point of the can. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 2-3 hours, depending on how many cans are in the pot. Cans must be submerged at all times - do not let the pan go dry!Remove cans from water and set on a cooling rack. I place a towel on the counter under the rack to absorb hot water dripping off the cans. Let cool completely. Once opened, place in a glass or plastic container. Enjoy!

In this episode of Tart Words, we’re discussing Mary Stewart’s book Wildfire at Midnight and how she uses setting, genre, and plot in this story about mountain worship taken to the extreme.It was first published in 1956 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions.  Description from Amazon:The tense, twisty murder mystery which will have you on the edge of your seat, from the author of Madam, Will You Talk?  Following a heart-breaking divorce, Gianetta retreats to the Isle of Skye hoping to find tranquility in the island's savage beauty.  But shortly before her arrival a girl's body is found on the craggy slopes of the looming Blue Mountain, and with the murderer still on the loose, there's nothing to stop him from setting his sights on Gianetta next . . .Takeaway for writers:Wildfire at Midnight is set in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Gianetta Brook escapes the frenzy of London during Coronation Week and her busy life as a model in favor of the peace and quiet at a hotel on the remote Isle of Skye.  Using the bustle of London to contrast with the remote quiet of Skye, Mary Stewart infuses menace in every aspect of the unfamiliar setting for Gianetta. The Gothic aspect of romantic suspense is used to good effect to ratchet up the tension. Nicholas and Gianetta’s past relationship adds to the suspense as she wonders if he could be the killer, and if she’s safe if he is – or in more danger.The plot moves from country inn to the mountains to the river and the boggy ground nearby, all within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel provides a false sense of security against the danger inherent in the mountains, where one death has already occurred and more will follow.Exercises for writers:Setting – How does the setting enhance your story? Do you have more than one setting, and if so, how do the different settings compare to each other? Do you use one as a counterpoint to the other?Genre – How do you use reader expectations of your genre to surprise and delight your readers? After you’ve gotten the first draft complete, can you edit for maximum suspense? Plot – How have you established your plot to keep the reader from guessing who the killer is? Do you have red herrings and clues that lead your reader in one direction, while you keep the killer in front of them?  

A sweet treat in the afternoon is sometimes a necessary pick-me-up, but there are times when a savory treat hits the spot. Cheese is something I always go to, and pimento cheese takes it to another level. I share my recipe for Pimento Cheese in this episode of Tart Bites. 

In this episode of Tart Words, Linda and Suzanne are discussing Mary Stewart’s book Madam, Will You Talk?, and how she uses POV (Point of View) and Backstory in this twisted tale of murder, betrayal, and love.It was first published in 1955 by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available in ebook editions. Takeaway for writers:Madam, Will You Talk? is written in first person POV. When you read the story, do you like the immediacy that first person brings, or do you prefer books written in a different POV? Think about how different this would be in third person POV.Mary Stewart feeds the reader backstory in teaspoonfuls as the reader needs to know the information. When you read the story, do you find it easy to keep track of the characters and the story arcs?Exercises for writers:POV – If you’re feeling stuck in your story, try changing the POV for several paragraphs or a page and see if that makes a difference. You may find the story works better in a different POV.Backstory – Think about what the reader needs to know at this point in order to understand the story world. If the backstory you’ve put in isn’t needed right now, take it out; be ruthless.

Linda talks with Joan Wright Mularz, author of the E.T. Madigan YA mystery series.Joan Wright Mularz lives in Florida and summers in Maine. She is the author of the E.T. Madigan YA mystery series. The third book in the series, Maine Roots Run Deep, was a Finalist for BEST YA BOOK at the 2018 Independent Publishers of New England Book Awards. Kirkus Reviews said "Maine Roots Run Deep" was "A winsome tale of a girl whose paranormal gift is only one of the traits that makes her exceptional." Her short story, "The Souk," was awarded an Honorable Mention by the Bethlehem Writers' Roundtable, 2017. Another short story, "Barbara Screechie." was published in the anthology "Whittier Than Thou: Wit and Whimsy inspired by the Life and Works of John Greenleaf Whittier," 2019. Visit Joan’s website at www.joanwrightmularz.com to watch for the publication date for her new book Slate—A Band of Friends Mystery.Get to know Joan: The Tart Words Baker's Dozen1. Plotter or Pantser? Combo? Combo 2. Tea or Coffee? Coffee 3. Beer, Wine, or Cocktails? Wine 4. Snacks: Sweet or Savory? Savory 5. Indie Published, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid? Hybrid 6. Strict Writing Schedule: No 7. Strictly Computer or Mix It Up? Computer 8. Daily Goal: Yes  9. Formal Track Progress: Yes  10. Special Writing Spot? No 11. Writer’s Block? Sometimes 12. File of Ideas: Yes  13. Favorite Author(s)? So many, but here are a few: Tana French, Marc Levy, Mark Pryor, Martin Walker, Susan Kiernan-Lewis, Lisa Genova, Donna Leon, Viveca Sten, Jeffrey Siger, Paul Theroux