Author Interview: Laura Best – “A Sure Cure for Witchcraft”

My guest today is Nova Scotia author Laura Best. Her latest novel, A Sure Cure for Witchcraft, was published by Nimbus Publishing Limited in August of 2021.

1. In a few sentences, tell us what A Sure Cure for Witchcraft is about.

It’s the story of two soul friends who become separated through time and their journey back to one another in present day. It is the story of hope and healing and a world filled with superstitions.

2. Every novel written involves a little research by the author. However, while reading A Sure Cure for Witchcraft, I was constantly thinking of the amount of research that must have gone into this story. While some authors might try to make up a lot with regard to the plants and their medicinal properties because most readers won’t know the difference between mugwort and feverfew, there are other readers like me who do know and who will search their herb books to see how accurate the information is, and, in some cases, add the herb to our garden for the sole purpose of using it medicinally.

Having studied herbs and medicinal remedies for some time, I have to ask: How much research did you do on plants and their medicinal properties for the book? Was it just enough for the story? Or did you get lost for hours discovering the wonderful things a plant can do?

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Author Interview: Sandy Totten

April 10, 2022April 7, 2022 Diane Author Interview author interview, Sandy Totten, The One We Forgot to Love

During the process of publishing The One We Forgot to Love, I interviewed Sandy Totten about her first novel. Here’s what she had to say.

1. What inspired you to write The One We Forgot to Love?

I have always wanted to write a novel, and I find my best writing comes from personal stories and emotions I have felt in my lifetime. The family in the story mirrors my family in some ways, and I wanted to share a story with others that lets people know they are never truly alone in their struggles.

2. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to understand?

I think there are different messages throughout the story that readers will relate to. One message I really wanted to convey is that you are never truly alone despite how you may feel. There is always someone who cares for you and is willing to help you. There is no shame in needing help.

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Diane McGyver interviewed at South Branch Scribbler

January 9, 2021 Diane Author Interview Allan Hudson, author interview, Diane McGyver, Northern Survival, South Branch Scribbler

In October 2020, Allan Hudson reviewed Northern Survival and at that time, he asked for an interview for his South Branch Scribbler website. I agreed, and the interview went live today. In it, I talk about what inspired me to write Northern Survival and my fantasy novels. I also share a memory from my childhood when my family used to camp in my uncle’s old shed where my father was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.

You can read it here: Author Diane McGyver of Nova Scotia, Canada.

Allan is from South Branch, Kent County, New Brunswick, Canada. He’s the author of several books, including The Alexanders Vol. 1 1911 – 1920.

Description of The Alexanders Vol. 1 1911 – 1920

In the turbulent waters off Saltcoats, Scotland, Danny Alexander dies in a boating accident. He leaves behind a wife, seven children and no hope. Dominic is the middle child. With a broken heart, his mother is forced to leave him with his bachelor uncle, Duff. None of them are happy with the decision.

Eleven-year-old Dominic Alexander must earn his keep. There are no free rides. Yet despite the difficulties, he finds his place in the structured world of his uncle and overcomes his loneliness.

Fortune and misfortune follow the young man until adversity forces him to make a decision that will affect the rest of his life. Is emigrating to Canada the answer?

Happy Saturday and remember: be kind to your future self.

Wednesday’s Word: Diane McGyver presents “the Salvation of Mary Lola Barnes”

December 2, 2020November 17, 2020 Diane Author Interview, Wednesday's Word author interview, Diane McGyver, laced with romance, mid-life, small town romance, The Salvation of Mary Lola Barnes, Wednesday’s Word, women’s fiction

Introducing author Diane McGyver. Her first book, Shadows in the Stone, was released in 2012. Since then, she’s written seven books, including four more fantasy novels and two stand-alone books for her Romance Collection. In this interview, she shares a little about her most recent book, the Salvation of Mary Lola Barnes.

1) What is the title of your most recent book? Is it a series, what genre is it and is it suitable for all ages?

The title is the Salvation of Mary Lola Barnes. It’s a stand-alone book, and I’ve no intentions of writing a sequel. It fits squarely in women’s fiction but overlaps into small town romance and inspiration. The content and story is geared towards those over 16 years old. If I had to narrow the age group down to the ones who’d enjoy it most, it would be women between 45 and 65.

2) In a few short sentences, tell us about the book. Give us a glimpse of the plot without giving away any spoilers.

The book opens with Mary considering the last piece cake that celebrated her 50th birthday. She’s looking back on life and thinking about the future now that her kids have grown and are creating lives of their own. After almost 25 years of marriage, mostly dedicated to keeping house and raising kids, she wants to take advantage of life’s opportunities and rekindle the relationship with her husband.

When she starts to make subtle changes, she runs into opposition from her husband and friends. Once she sets change in motion though, her life transforms in areas she hadn’t expected or wanted, and it won’t stop even when she wishes it would.

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Wednesday’s Word: L. P. Suzanne Atkinson presents “Didn’t Stand A Chance”

November 25, 2020November 12, 2020 Diane Author Interview, Wednesday's Word author interview, Didn’t Stand a Chance, L. P. Suzanne Atkinson, mystery novels, Wednesday's Word

Introducing author L. P. Suzanne Atkinson. Her first book, Emily’s Will Be Done, was released in 2016. The first book in the Stella Kirk Mysteries, No Visible Means, was released in 2019. The second book was launched this spring. In this interview, she shares a little about her most recent book, Didn’t Stand a Chance.

1) Is Didn’t Stand a Chance a series? What genre is it? What age group is it geared towards?

Didn’t Stand a Chance: A Stella Kirk Mystery # 2 is the second book in the series. The Stella Kirk Mysteries are traditional cozy mysteries. My audience tends to be women aged 30 years and up, but I get a remarkable amount of feedback and comments from men, as well.

2) In a few short sentences, tell us about Didn’t Stand a Chance. Give us a glimpse of the plot without giving away any spoilers.

The assumed accidental death of a young bride leads Detective Aiden North and Stella Kirk, the owner of Shale Cliffs RV Park, into an investigation fraught with sibling secrets, revealing choices, and unforgivable misunderstandings. Which family member holds the ultimate power of influence? Will Lucy Painter’s murder be confirmed? Will the perpetrator be exposed or will family ties be unbreakable until the end? This mystery illustrates how perceived sacrifice and devotion can be twisted into horrible results for a family.

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Wednesday’s Word: Sophia Minetos presents “Graves for Drifters and Thieves”

November 18, 2020November 17, 2020 Diane Author Interview, Wednesday's Word author interview, fantasy, Graves for Drifters and Thieves, Sophia Minetos, Wednesday’s Word, western novel, young adult series

Introducing author Sophia Minetos. In this interview, she shares a little about her first book scheduled for release on December 15th, Graves for Drifters and Thieves.

1) What is the title of your most recent book? Is it a series, what genre is it and is it suitable for all ages?

Graves for Drifters and Thieves is a YA fantasy-Western. It is suitable for ages 12 and up, and it is the first installment in a series.

2) In a few short sentences, tell us about the book. Give us a glimpse of the plot without giving away any spoilers.

Jae Oldridge is a seventeen-year-old bounty hunter working in the Hespyrian West. When a twist of fate brings her to the enigmatic Harney brothers and their gang, she finds herself ensnared in a conflict involving their boss, warlocks, monsters, and a mystery surrounding the brothers themselves.

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Wednesday’s Word: Laura Churchill Duke presents “Two Crows Sorrow”

November 11, 2020October 18, 2020 Diane Author Interview, Wednesday's Word 5-Question Interview, author interview, Laura Churchill Duke, Two Crows Sorrow, Wednesday's Word

Introducing author Laura Churchill Duke. She is a freelance journalist, and recently her first book, Two Crows Sorrow, was published by Moose House Publications. In this interview, she shares a little about the book.

1) What is the title of your recent book? Is it a series, what genre is it and is it suitable for all ages?

Two Crows Sorrow published by Moose House Publications.

This is a creative non-fiction adult novel. This means that everything that happens in the novel is true, but it is woven together creatively so it reads like a novel, rather than an actual historical account.

2) In a few sentences, tell us a little about the book. Give us a glimpse of the plot without giving away any spoilers.

Two Crows Sorrow is about the life of Theresa McAuley Robinson, a woman who lived on Nova Scotia’s North Mountain at the turn of the century. This is the true story of Theresa’s love and devotion to her children and her farmland, which ultimately led to her demise. In May 1904, Theresa was found murdered and her farm burnt to the ground. Her second husband William Robinson was accused of the murder. Two Crows Sorrow follows Theresa’s life to her death, then William’s court trial to its dramatic conclusion.

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Wednesday’s Word: Alice Walsh presents “Last Lullaby”

November 4, 2020November 2, 2020 Diane Author Interview, Wednesday's Word 5-Question Interview, Alice Walsh, author interview, Murder on Darby’s Island, Wednesday’s Word

Introducing author Alice Walsh who writes fiction and non-fiction for children and adults. The first story I’d read by Alice was Uncle Farley’s False Teeth, a picture book I’d read to my kid many times when they were younger.

This was back when I didn’t take note of author names and who wrote what. I never thought I’d meet this author one day many years in the future, and that she’d be a member of our writers’ group. But here we are.

Alice has written many books for various publishers. Many of her stories take place in Newfoundland because that’s where’s she’s from. Her latest book, Last Lullaby, is no exception. Today, she shares a little about the book with us.

1) What is the title of your most recent book? Is it a series, what genre is it and is it suitable for all ages?

My latest book, Last Lullaby, is a mystery for adults. It has been described as “Equal part police procedure and dinner gossip.”

2) In a few short sentences, tell us about the book. Give us a glimpse of the plot without giving away any spoilers.

Claire and Bram’s only child, Ariel, dies from what they believe is a clear case of SIDS. However, after autopsy reports reveal the baby was murdered, Claire becomes the number one suspect. In addition to her anguish and despair, she finds herself on trial for murder. The deck is stacked against her: She was alone with Ariel in a locked house when she died. Claire’s only hope is that her friend, Lauren, will solve the case before it goes to trial.

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Appearances on Two Websites: Judy Penz Sheluk and Rita Lee Chapman

November 2, 2020November 2, 2020 Diane Author Interview, Book Launch, Guest Hosting Blogs Judy Penz Sheluk, New Release Mondays, Northern Survival, Rita Lee Chapman

Today, I share the news of two websites I’m appearing on.

ONE

Several weeks ago, Judy Penz Sheluk, mystery author of Where There’s a Will, offered a spot in her New Release Mondays to announce the release of Northern Survival. I accepted, and today that post appeared. You can read the post here: New Release Mondays: Northern Survival by Diane McGyver.

Judy’s book is scheduled for release on November 10th and is available for pre-order. If you love mysteries, check it out.

TWO

Also several weeks ago, Rita Lee Chapman offered an interview for her blog. I answered several questions, including which of my characters is my favourite and which book did I enjoy writing the most. I also shared an amusing story about the guinea fowl I once owned. They are peculiar birds.

The interview appeared on Sunday (Australian time) and Saturday evening (Nova Scotia time). Rita is the author of The Poinciana Tree, and I interviewed her on this blog for Wednesday’s Word.

You can read my interview by Rita here: Author Guest: Diane McGyver.

Rita’s book is also a mystery, so if you love mysteries, it’s your day.

Have a wonderful Monday, and happy reading. And, of course, happy writing.

Wednesday’s Word: Rita Lee Chapman presents “The Poinciana Tree”

October 28, 2020October 18, 2020 Diane Author Interview, Wednesday's Word 5-Question Interview, author interview, Rita Lee Chapman, The Poinciana Tree, Wednesday's Word

Introducing author Rita Lee Chapman whose first book Missing in Egypt kicked off her Anna Davies Mystery Series. The series continues with Missing at Sea and Missing in London. Her book, Winston – a Horse’s Tale is a story for horse lovers. The Poinciana Tree, a crime mystery, is her most recent release. She shared a little about this book in Wednesday’s Word.

1) What is the title of your most recent book? Is it a series, what genre is it and is it suitable for all ages?

The Poinciana Tree is my latest book and it is a crime mystery – a book for adults.

2) In a few short sentences, tell us about the book. Give us a glimpse of the plot without giving away any spoilers.

This story is set around the beautiful Poinciana tree, with its amazing red flowers.

Suzanne Matthews arrives home from work to find the kitchen in disarray and her daughter missing. After searching the house, her eyes turn towards the garden, drawn to the Poinciana tree. Underneath its canopy she sees her daughter, slumped against its trunk.

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Wednesday’s Word: David A. Wimsett presents “Half Awakened Dreams”

October 21, 2020October 18, 2020 Diane Author Interview, Wednesday's Word 5-Question Interview, author interview, David A. Wimsett, Half-Awakened Dreams, Wednesday's Word

Author David A. Wimsett’s latest novel, Half Awakened Dreams: Volume I of the Carandir Saga, is an epic fantasy set in a world of gender equality where women and men have the same rights, opportunities and authority. It is the sequel to volume I, Dragons Unremembered.

Description

Wounded, an evil dragon escapes. Together as equals, the monarchs of Carandir, Queen Mirjel and King Ryckair, must subdue him with a magical crown.

Ryckair is captured by a former lover who reveals the son he unknowingly fathered, the heir to the monarchy who vows to kill the king.

Mirjel must rule alone and rescue the king so they can complete the spell before the dragon fully rises.

In the queen’s absence, former nobles, who were exiled because they sided with the dragon, return and seize their lands. They declare that Carandir is only for pure Canadians and stir hatred among the masses. Mobs kill minorities and immigrants and drive others out as refugees.

There is magic, action, battles and political intrigue, as well as diverse cultures, languages, legends and poetry. Mr. Wimsett composed songs specifically for the book. Portions of the words are in the text and complete musical scores with lyrics are in an appendix.

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Wednesday’s Word: Darlene Foster presents Amanda in Holland

October 14, 2020October 18, 2020 Diane Author Interview, Wednesday's Word 5-Question Interview, Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action, author interview, Darlene Foster, Wednesday's Word

Introducing children’s author Darlene Foster. She has several books in the Amanda series: Amanda in New Mexico, Amanda in Danube, Amanda in Alberta, Amanda in England, Amanda in Spain and Amanda in Arabia. Her Most recent book, Amanda in Holland – Missing in Acton, was released in September 2019. In this interview, she shares a little about it.

1) What is the title of your recent book? Is it a series, what genre is it and is it suitable for all ages?

My most recent book is Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action, book number seven in the Amanda Travels series featuring a young girl who has an exciting adventure wherever she travels. Although this a series, each book can be read as a stand-alone and does not have to be read in any order. The books are written for children between the ages of 7 to 12 although many adults enjoy them as well, especially if they enjoy learning about other countries. One adult reader recently said, “I love how you mix creativity, imagination and cultural appreciation in your writing – for minds of all ages!”

2) In a few sentences, tell us a little about the book. Give us a glimpse of the plot without giving away any spoilers.

In this adventure, Amanda is in Holland where she searches for a missing gardener, special tulip bulbs, a home for an abandoned puppy, and clues as to why her great-uncle didn’t return from the Second World War. She is there with her best friend Leah, and together they visit the amazing Keukenhof Gardens, the heart-breaking Anne Frank House, interesting windmills and a fun wooden shoe factory. But things are missing in the delightful country of Holland and intrepid traveller, Amanda Ross, is determined to find them, often putting herself in danger.

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Today I’m a Guest at D. G. Kaye, Writer

October 9, 2020October 18, 2020 Diane Author Interview, Book Launch author interview, D. G. Kaye, guest appearance, writers

Today, my interview with D. G. Kaye appears on her website, D. G. Kaye, Writer.

Debby is the author of several wonderful memoirs, including Conflicted Hearts: A Daughter’s Quest for Solace from Emotional Guilt and Twenty Years: After “I Do”: Reflections on Love and Changes Through Aging. She’s a fellow Canadian, an amazing writer and a lovely person.

When Debby asked if I wanted to be a guest on her website, I jumped at the chance. As Diane McGyver, I talk about my most recent release, Northern Survival. I also share a little advice for writers.

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Wednesday’s Word: C. A. MacKenzie Presents “Wolves Don’t Knock”

October 7, 2020September 20, 2020 Diane Author Interview, Wednesday's Word 5-Question Interview, author interview, C. A. MacKenzie, Wednesday's Word, Wolves Don’t Knock

Introducing Nova Scotia author C. A. MacKenzie. Cathy enjoys writing poems, short stories and essays, many of which appear online and in various print anthologies and other publications. Her first novel, Wolves Don’t Knock, was published July 2018. In this interview, she shares a little about it.

1) What is the title of your recent book? Is it a series, what genre is it and is it suitable for all ages?

My recent novel is Wolves Don’t Knock. It’s evolved into a series, with the next two titled Mister Wolfe and My Brother, The Wolf. Mister Wolfe will be published within the next several weeks, with the last to be released in 2021.

Wolves Don’t Knock is a psychological drama. My granddaughter (12 at the time) read the book, but I’m not sure she understood everything that went on! I’d recommend 16+.

2) In a few sentences, tell us a little about the book. Give us a glimpse of the plot without giving away any spoilers.

Miranda is a sixteen-year-old, who had just given birth to a baby boy. She leaves the hospital to go for a walk and is kidnapped. She’s held for six years. The book is mainly about her readjustment to life with her mother and her son after being in captivity. The kidnapper, though, is not far away.

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