Whistlecreig, Shakespeare, and Bludgeoning

I love you so much, I wish this for you.

Yesterday was Sunday, and thus a terribly busy day for me. As you know, I've gone down to North Carolina to stay with my brother's fiance till the wedding on Saturday. Since getting down here yesterday afternoon, I have had all sorts of excitement:
I stopped in Wake Forest and got coffee and explored artists' lofts. Then my phone died so I had to run on a wing and a prayer and hope I remembered the way I'd wended so I could get back to the house at which I had dropped off Mama for an event. Nothing like exercising one's brain. When I finally got to my STBSIL's house (Soon-to-be-sister-in-law), we found out her brother had caught a bobcat in a trap--the gorgeous creature had eaten twenty chickens over the past six months. This meant I tramped out several times to the back pasture (in the dark with a rake over my shoulder, or in the daylight to avoid cow pies) to see it. The brother decided not to shoot it because it was so pitifully not in the act of catching a hen, so he called an old wildlife rehabilitation fella to come get it. The man came and took the yowling, hissing, clawing bobcat in the cage without using so much as a pair of gloves and hefted the cage into the back of his pick-up beside two road-killed deer he meant to feed his wolves and his bald eagle, and took it to a distant river to have a new purchase on life. That cat was so angry. And she was not a bit like a house-cat...far more like a pint-sized lion. That roar!

Isn't she a beauty?

Anyway. Between church and bobcats and scouting for greenery for wedding decor and doing exercises to insure the bridesmaid's dress fits and all that sort of business, there was no time to sit down and write a blog post. Thus, I'm giving you yesterday's links with today's and hope you will enjoy all of them. :)

I sit down for an Interview at Whistlecreig with Esther Smith at The Pen of a Ready Writer.

Then I go bludgeon some inspiration at The Destiny of One.

Next, I get to talk Shakespeare with Elizabeth Rose on Literary Lane, about which I am super excited.

Fourth, trot over to Fullness of Joy for the first half of an interview which will continue here on the Inkpen Authoress tomorrow.

And fifth of all, the author of My Lady Bibliophile weighs in on some of her favorite aspects of Anon, Sir, Anon. She got to be an advance-reader so you ought to hear some...interesting things. ;)

Thanks so much for reading! I know your lives are busy and I treasure your time. (Psssst. Only a couple more days till we discover who wins the awesome Cozy Quagmire Party Pack.) If you don't win, don't worry! You can always purchase your own copy here. As usual, keep your heads high, your hats clean, and an umbrella under you arm so you can rescue someone in a distress during a rain-shower. Hey, it worked for Psmith--why not the rest of us?

Day Four: Geckos and Mysteries and a Hoar-Frost

Dear Folk:
    Saturday in my corner of Southern Virginia has dawned brighter than bright with a deal of sunlight and a hard hard frost. So festive it seems with the silver filigree of a hoar-frost that I have almost forgotten the dubious fact that I am to wear a sleeveless chiffon dress in an outdoor wedding a week from today. Frost, on such occasions, is a dreadful event. I should very much like to not be freezing up there in the bridesmaid line. We shall see. For today, I am wonderfully glad for the cheery morning and the prospect of a week spent down North Carolina-way as I stay with my almost new-sister-in-law. Nothing--absolutely nothing--like weddings to get one "brisked round and brisked about." I will be able to continue this lovely blog party, which you have been so good as to join me in, from there.

I finally got my copy of Plenilune yesterday. It's massive.

Today, Ness Kingsley--my British contact, who critiqued Anon, Sir, Anon from the British-y standpoint--interviews me about plotting, geckos, and writers block. Not necessarily in that order. If you'd like to read this conversation with my favorite Brit besides Tom Hiddleston, you ought to head thisaway.
Later, I shall be dropping by Charity Klicka's blog to discuss the alchemy of words. Things like this:

Words give birth to communities. I can take your heart and make it mine with a clever rearrangement of a few meager words. You never know what I’ll say, but I’ll mean every syllable, for I’ll have arranged every syllable. It is craftsmanship that must be learned. Everyone uses words; everyday; everywhere. Words aren’t special in the way most people mean special. Words are…common. But their very normalcy makes them the perfect in-road to the element of surprise. If you know how.

 If you want to read up on such things, head thataway.

And, as usual, please don't forget to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a lot of prizes and Anon, Sir, Anon! The prize is totally worth the little while it takes to enter, and if I wasn't the author and organizer of said book and giveaway, I would most definitely be entering. But I am, and I have to fit into this bridesmaid's dress so sourdough toast is a little out of the question at present. Better luck for you lot. I hope you have a bright and beautiful day, and that if you find yourself in need of a cozy read for a nippy November day, you might choose to spend it with Vivi & Farnham.

Day Three: My Orchid Gets a Name And I Talk Golden-Era Detectives

Good Morning, all of you!

First of all, I would like to point out that The Inkpen Authoress now has 222 followers. I dare one of you to break that amazingly round and scrumptious number and set me racing for a new, equally symmetrical goal. I also have another announcement that will make those of you who have already entered the giveaway squiggle with joy: in the rush of my wedding-befogged brain, I forgot one of the prizes in the giveaway. The winner of the Cozy Quagmire Party Pack will also receive five handmade bookmarks from Infinity Designs. Each bookmark will have a quote from Anon, Sir, Anon hand selected by its authoress to give you a one-of-a-kind gift. So yes, Virginia, you ought to enter the giveaway.

The fun and games continues today with a swing by Elizabeth Ender's blog (author of Ransomed) where I talk about the frightening days you find yourself wordless, and then I head over to Vintage Novels to talk smack with Suzannah Rowntree. Kidding, kidding. I'm actually talking about particular tactics I've learned from my favorite Golden Era mystery authors. Want to know why I have a bone to pick with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle? The answer's over there. Later on this morning, I'll talk about making the reader laugh with Sarah Scheele. It's rather a humorous post, so you might like to pop over for a merry visit. I promise you won't find it dull. :)

I have decided to name my orchid Veronica-Millicent-Agnes-and-Jane. Can anyone tell me that reference? Yes? No? (Very good, Dicky!) I am pleased with this name. I just thought of it and it fits the plant. I hope it eats its ice cubes like a good child and isn't a picky eater. I don't know what else it could eat if it was. Has anyone here bought Anon, Sir, Anon yet? If you have, would you mind doing something for me? Go to Goodreads and shelf it under "cozy mystery," "mystery," or "historical?" I recently learned that the book will show up closer and closer to the top of each category the more readers shelf the book there.

Thanks a mil! Work calls. Again.

Day Two: 10 Things Non-Writers Misunderstand About Us

    When outside and away from the crush at last, Allen put up a modest black umbrella. He hovered on the slick curb and waited. Presently, a bespectacled man who looked about as fond of rain as a rheumatic feline hitched up beside him and glared for a taxi.
    "Messy day," Allen offered.
    "Never wuss," the man croaked. "Shoes wet. Socks too."

-Anon, Sir, Anon

It is a messy day here as it was in Allen's London. November. I give a shrug. Anon, Sir, Anon is safely released into the real world, many of you have entered the giveaway, and today the games continue. I am so thankful for all of you who have spread the word in all the various ways that this mystery is alive and kicking. Thanks a mil! I know we've gone over (multiple times) how much this helps things. At the party today, I'm talking about Ten Things Non-Writers Misunderstand with author Jack Lewis Baillot. Ever been misunderstood by a non-writer and labeled things that you don't think are true at all? Than this post is one for you. I laughed the whole time I was writing it, and I hope you will too. ;)

For those of you who want to know what readers think of Anon, Sir, Anon, there are three fresh opinions on the book! Readers are saying this:

"It is a mystery of the kind that makes you think of words like "Cubbins" and "tea-time" and "bash it" or if you are Farnham "bang it." ...

-Anne Girl of Scribblings of My Pen And Tappings Of My Keyboard.

"Rachel Heffington is back with another unique take on historical fiction! This time, the story is heavier on the mystery, lighter on the romance, and all shades of interesting with the colorful characters."

-Amber Stokes of Seasons of Humility

If you’re searching for a fresh take on the quiet, quaint and cozy mystery genre, then Anon, Sir, Anon is one for you to add to your shelves. - See more at: http://scribblesscriptsandsuch.blogspot.com/2014/11/anon-sir-anon-by-rachel-heffington.html#sthash.XE1Xf1dR.dpuf

 "If you're searching for a fresh take on the quiet, quaint, and cozy mystery genre, then Anon, Sir, Anon is one for you to add to your shelves."

If you’re searching for a fresh take on the quiet, quaint and cozy mystery genre, then Anon, Sir, Anon is one for you to add to your shelves. - See more at: http://scribblesscriptsandsuch.blogspot.com/2014/11/anon-sir-anon-by-rachel-heffington.html#sthash.XE1Xf1dR.dpuf

If you’re searching for a fresh take on the quiet, quaint and cozy mystery genre, then Anon, Sir, Anon is one for you to add to your shelves. - See more at: http://scribblesscriptsandsuch.blogspot.com/2014/11/anon-sir-anon-by-rachel-heffington.html#sthash.XE1Xf1dR.dpuf

-Rissi of Dreaming Under the Same Moon

I think one of my favorite parts of releasing a new book is reading the new reactions each day. Reviews are pretty much what authors live on. We like to know people are reading our books, even if they don't absolutely adore them. And if they do? Well, we suddenly have a great new friend.
Yesterday was terribly busy in real-life just as it was busy in writing-life, but at the end of the day, my mother brought home mini-scones from Panera and we had scones and tea. She also brought me a live orchid! It's one of those things I never knew I'd always wanted until someone gave me one! I am thrilled to death with the idea of feeding it three ice-cubes a week...I mean...isn't that adorable? It eats ice-cubes. This makes me terribly happy. I feel that she needs a name, however, if she's going to be living in my room for the next couple of months. Any suggestions?

I think it needs to be something stately and regal...it is, after all, an orchid. Did I ever tell you that I went to the National Botanical Gardens in DC and saw an orchid named Shelob? It looked exactly like a spider. It made me wish all orchids were named. As much as I'd rather stay and chat, work calls and I must leave. I'll only say one final thing: don't forget to purchase your copy of Anon, Sir, Anon. I know places all over the country are getting snow. This book is the perfect read for a wintry afternoon. Believe the readers. They know what they're saying. You can purchase it in paperback here or Kindle version here. Guys, the Kindle version costs less than that latte you're sipping. You can afford it. :)

Anon, Sir, Anon: Release Day & A "Velly British" Giveaway

My dear chaps and chappesses. Today marks an epoch in my life. I have gone from a published writer of comical, cozy romance (Fly Away Home, Five Glass Slippers) to a published writer of comical, cozy mystery. Or something like that. I am absolutely thrilled to share this book with you. I think it is my best work to-date, and that is a nice thought to have. One likes to know one's writing improves each time. I know so many of you have been watching this book's progress from the start, and now it is time: you can have it in spades. Or at least in print and e-book formats. Links and so forth to where you might purchase such things are as follows:

And then we come to the giveaway. Because obviously it's a lame thing to have a party without presents, and never let a blight be put upon the head of Rachel Heffington for forgetting presents at a party. Etiquette must be observed, precedents have been set, etc. Thus, I give you the Quagmire Party Pack. This delightful little prize includes

One $5 Panera-bread gift-card for bread to toast

One box P.G. Tips black tea (only the best can be paired with sourdough toast)

One small Yankee candle for atmosphere

One matchbook

One copy Anon, Sir, Anon to be read at said cozy party

Win this prize, and you'll be able to host an evening worthy of Vivi, Farnham, and Dr. Breen.
 So waste no time and go ahead and enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Each day this week I will be appearing at various places around the blogosphere to chat about the book, answer questions, write on various topics, and spill my guts to the public (kidding about that last bit). The schedule today is:

 An Interview at Tea & Bree

"Triumph: Follow Your Gut" a conversation at Rachel Rossano's Words

Cheers, darlings!

One More Dawn, One More Day...

ONE DAY MORE...
ANOTHER BOOK, ANOTHER MYSTERY,
I SEE YOU LOOKING AT IT WISTFULLY...
THESE PEOPLE WHO HAVE AM'ZON PRIME
WILL GET IT THEN IN RECORD TIME
ONE DAY MORE-OR....

HOW WILL I EVER LIVE TODAY?
I NEED THIS BOOK ON KINDLE NO-OW.
ONE DAY MORE.
TOMORROW I CAN FINALLY PAY
AND WIPE THE SWEAT FROM NERVOUS BROW.
ONE MORE DAY ON MY iPHONE
(WILL IT EVER CHARGE AGAIN?)
ONE MORE DAY TILL GOODREADS SHARING
WHAT REVIEWS I MIGHT HAVE STREWN,
IF SHE'D LET ME BETA-READ...EAD..EAD...EAD...EAD...EAD!!!!!!

(cut it out already!)
That's right, ducklings!
Tomorrow AM it will be public knowledge that you can purchase Anon, Sir, Anon for your very own! For now, if you plan on getting the book on Kindle, pre-orders are open here! I sent a proof copy of the book to a friend in Romania because I have not yet ordered my own copies, so if someday someone is looking for a rare edition, you might try Romania's used book-shops. Tomorrow begins your chance to win a fabulous giveaway, read interviews, guest posts, and start haunting your mailbox for your copy of Anon, Sir, Anon. For today: don't forget to vote (polls are open from 7 AM to 7 PM) and add the book on Goodreads!

Happy Birthday, Corral Nocturne!

If you are a fan of fairy tales, if you are a fan of Westerns, if you are a fan of Elisabeth G. Foley, then you will be wanting to read Corral Nocturne. Earlier this autumn, I was given the privilege of reading and reviewing this charming novella. My review was posted on The Inkpen Authoress and stated that Foley is nothing but consistent. She knows her stuff and does it well. Today is the day Corral Nocturne becomes available for purchase. Buy it, read it, love it. After all, it's the perfect cozy-day read. :)

Life on her brother’s ranch is lonely for Ellie Strickland. Ed’s ungracious manners and tight-fisted habits keep visitors away and his mother and sister close to home. But when Cole Newcomb, son of the wealthiest rancher in the county, meets Ellie by chance, he is struck by an unexpected impulse to rescue her from her solitude—and Ellie’s lonely summer is transformed.

When Cole asks her to go with him to the Fourth of July dance, Ellie is determined that nothing, from an old dress to Ed’s sour temper, will stand in her way. By the time the Fourth of July fireworks go off at midnight, will they herald only more heartache, or maybe—just maybe—a dream come true?

Novella, approximately 21,000 words

Author bio:

Elisabeth Grace Foley is a historical fiction author, avid reader and lifelong history buff. Her first published story, "Disturbing the Peace," was an honorable mention in the first annual Rope and Wire Western short story competition, and is now collected with six others in her debut short story collection, The Ranch Next Door and Other Stories. Her other works include a series of short historical mysteries, the Mrs. Meade Mysteries; and short fiction set during the American Civil War and the Great Depression. A homeschool graduate, she chose not to attend college in order to pursue self-education and her writing career.

Links

Blog: http://www.thesecondsentence.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ElisabethGFoley

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5266694.Elisabeth_Grace_Foley

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/elisabethgfoley

And if that weren't enough, ducks, she's giving away a prairie-themed Cinderella package which includes the ebook of Corral Nocturne, an mp3 of "After the Ball," a pink cameo ring in the style of the cameo in the book, and a custom-made bookmark. You'll want to enter this one. :) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Tra-la! Four days till Anon, Sir, Anon. And guys, by tonight you will be able to pre-order the e-book on Amazon. It's coming. The pre-orders would have been open last night but I stupidly uploaded the watermarked version of the cover. Snap-crackle-pop and so forth.