Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.
I suppose there's something of myself in all of my heroines.
They're all fairly plucky and I've been told that I'm pretty feisty. I try to
write strong female characters, not only the main characters but also secondary
ones. When I wrote my debut novel BURNING HEARTS, I didn't realize until final
edits that my heroine's mother was quite like my Czechoslovakian maternal
grandmother, who had quite a backbone, by the way. This character cooked and baked
the same dishes my grandmother did. And she had quite a boisterous sense of
humor, just like my grandmother.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
Wow! I've done so many quirky things. One thing I'm known
for that's sure to make my 14-year-old daughter roll her eyes is singing as if
I'm in a 1940s musical. And I'll rewrite the lyrics to fit whatever current
domestic situation is going on in our house. I tap dance right into the living
room and sing my heart out. I've also been known to snap my fingers in time to
the musak in supermarkets and boogie-along right down the aisle. At that point,
my daughter hurries away having said, "So long, mom. You're now on your
own here."
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
I penned my first book when I was just a girl about my love
of horses. Actually, it was written in Crayola. In my pre-teen and teen years,
I wrote poetry with the requisite angst. About six years ago I got really
serious about writing for publication. I still keep my first manuscript around
just for laughs. It was that bad.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I read mostly crime fiction. I'm a loyal fan of detective
novel series and police procedurals. I read general market mysteries and
Christian thrillers. I'll also occasionally read a good historical romance or a
nonfiction history title.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
I'm not sure I'd claim to be sane. But I keep stress levels
down with what I've been told is a whopping good sense of humor. A good laugh
can release emotional pressure that's building up. If I want to get away from
it all for a little while, I'll pour through my cookbooks or recipes to find
something delicious to cook. I might turn on the Food Network and watch a
cooking show. I'm a foodie. I'm also a firm believer in the restorative powers
of a short nap.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
In addition to being a zany character in my own right, I'm
also a highly disciplined writer. I keep detailed character name files, both
first names and last names. I file them according to ethnicity and even
religion. I also regularly check the top names in the year my character was
born.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I'm most proud of my nearly 27 year marriage. Joseph and I
adopted our 14-year-old daughter when she was six and she had quite a few
remedial issues. Right away, we took her out of public school and enrolled her
in Christian school. When that school closed due to financial reasons, I
homeschooled her for two years. She will be entering high school next year and
has auditioned for three of NYC's top public art and design high schools. Going
along with her other strong interest, she's also applied to one of the city's
oceanographic high schools. We'll be happy with whichever school accepts her.
She's come a long way baby!!!
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
Back in the day, I was an animal rescuer. I rescued and
found homes for nearly 40 dogs and cats, not to mention the occasional baby
squirrel that fell out of a tree, which was later released. I'm partial to
North American mammals. I guess I'd have to pick one of my first loves, the
cougar, also known as the puma. They are handsome, shy cats, who will slip away
rather than attack, but corner them or threaten their young and watch out.
What is your favorite
food?
A whole lobster. I'd like to have my lobster dinner complete
with an ear of corn, clarified butter, cornbread, and coleslaw at a rustic
seaside restaurant on a pier or the beach overlooking the ocean. If I had any
room for dessert, which would be doubtful, I'd ask for Key Lime pie or lemon meringue
pie.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
The research was the most time consuming. For my romantic
historical thriller series I spent hours researching WWII, immigration, Ellis Island , the idiom of the time as well as the
popular culture of the era. I have a great interest in that time period and as I stated, I'm a disciplined writer, so I just do
it. At the moment, I'm working on a contemporary thriller and have put in
hours researching NYPD regulations and procedures.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Goodbye Noel: Genre: Historical Romantic Thriller
The first body is found under a trimmed Christmas
tree, the second as they ring in the New Year (1947), the third goes headlong
out a window. Will
a young pediatric nurse determined to make it on her own be able to care for an
infant whose mother was murdered and escape the killer who has struck again?
Can she trust the stalwart village detective with her life and her heart as he
works to catch this killer before somebody else dies?
Pediatric nurse, Katrina Lenart, grew up strong willed
and independent minded, while sharing her mother's flair for high fashion. When
the police chief gives her an orphaned baby to care for, her maternal instincts
take over and she's willing to fight anyone who might not have the infant's best
interests at heart, even the man she's growing to love. After an attempt is
made to kidnap the baby, she and the resolute village detective team up and do
some sleuthing, undercover at a cult as well as at a fancy ball.
Detective Ian Daltry is a widower with a child and is
not interested in a new love. Hunting a killer who stops at nothing has placed
him in the position where he must protect a beautiful young woman he's drawn
to. Is there's something he's overlooked in analyzing the case? Will he find out
what that is before this ruthless murderer kills someone he loves?
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Chapter One
December
1946
Katrina
Lenart nodded toward a break in the leafless
maples and snow-covered pines lining Hill
Street then pointed with her black cable knit
glove. A fat blue jay sat on the tip of a pine branch and quirked his head at
her, almost mocking. The sun, more the color of wheat than yellow, floated in
the pale, cloudless, winter sky, surrendering little heat.
"It
might seem like we're almost there to you, but we still have to climb that
hill." It wasn't high, but steep, as if a pitiless hand had gouged earth
from its side. She turned her head back and squinted against the glare off the
snow, adjusting her black velvet earmuffs, stitched into a floret on one side,
all the rage since the war.
"Said
just like a female." Willie Brogna grinned, pulling the toboggan behind
him, his rubber boots stomping deep impressions in the fresh fallen snow.
Pivoting, he gave her a wide smile. "I know you're just being nice,
helping me try out my favorite Christmas present. With my sister on her
honeymoon and all, I don't have anyone to be my guinea pig." He resumed
his climb, out-pacing her, and chuckled under his breath.
Determined
to put her best friend's teenage brother in his place, Katrina lengthened her
strides and arrived at the top of the incline breathing hard. "People
often comment on how nice I am... and courteous. Willing to help those in
need." She tossed off a teasing smile.
The tall,
lanky teen snorted then tugged on his hand-knit gloves, securing them, and
flexed his fingers.
Shading her
eyes with a glove, she gazed south, unable to see the village
of Sanctuary Point or the Great South Bay through the trees. Though she knew icy
wind whipped them both. The weather forecast said a storm was headed their way.
Directly below, the ground dropped away into an empty lot. Beyond that, Hill Street and the
tiny Bauer cottage.
"Are
you ready? I'll steer and you take the rumble seat." Willie knelt and
positioned the toboggan for the first run down the steep hill. "Don't
forget to hang on tight, I'm gonna let 'er rip, if that won't bruise the dignity
of Memorial's most promising nurse."
Katrina
gave him a playful smack on the arm. "How you do go on. Just watch out for
that huge bump down there."
"Aw, that's not even a blip on the
radar."
She
hunkered down behind him and clasped her arms around his waist. The toboggan
sped down the hill, her hair airborne behind her. Icy snow crystals flew into
her face. They hit the bump and went aloft. "Willieee," she shrieked.
They landed so hard her teeth clattered.
When they
came to a stop, Willie jumped off. "While we were in the air, I saw
something near Mrs. Bauer's cottage. Does she have a pet? A cat, maybe? It
looked like a hurt animal... something bloody."
He trotted
across the street. "It's not in the yard. It's away from the house. Closer
and to the side of the road." He hastened down Hill Street , slipping and sliding, to the
edge of the Bauer property.
Katrina
hurried down the sloping street after him, her arms stretched out for balance.
If this were his idea of a practical joke, she'd let him have it.
Willie bent
over the object on the ground. Rising, he twisted toward her. "Well, it's
not an animal. It's a piece of soiled cloth."
Rushing to
his side, she tried to catch her breath. "That's blood on a kitchen towel.
Not a lot, but sufficient to warrant concern." Please, Lord, let
everything be all right in the Bauer house.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Nike Chillemi ~ Crime Fictionista blog. http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/
Nike Chillemi Author Page/Desert Breeze Publishing.
Nike Chillemi is also on Facebook, Twitter, and
Google+Thank you, Nike, for spending this time with us.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Sanctuary Point Book Two: Goodbye Noel - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
25 comments:
Oh my, you have me in stitches. Fictionista--LOL!!! And, by the way, I tell my 14yo that it is my job as a parent to embarrass him. I'll often ask if I'm doing a good job--that's about the time he will flee from me, too.
Can't wait to read your book. Sounds like a page-turner.
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
Well, as long as your daughter just leaves instead of telling people she doesn't know you and is not connected to you. i admire you so much for accepting her. i realize that the blessings go both ways.
Thanks for the opportunity to win, Lena and Nike
Marianne from Arizona
mitzi[underscore]wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com
Oh this looks like an absolutely amazing book. I would love to win this. Thanks for the chance.
I am from Oklahoma.
I live in a household filled with sarcasm and men so laughter is a common way of life for me. And I agree nothing like a yummy lobster!
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com
love to be added to this book giveaway thanks for chance to win.
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Love the cover, prettiest one I've seen all year. Will be reading this novel soon. It's on my to read list :) Really enjoyed Burning Hearts, the first novel. Blessings, BJ
Nike, I enjoyed getting to know more about you and your writing. You drink life in with gusto! Goodbye Noel sounds like a book I'd enjoy. Thanks, Lena, to you too.
This sounds like a fantastic book. I really want to read it and sounds like another one to be put on my TBR list. Please enter me.
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
You're funny...love it! Your book sounds fascinating...I love it that it's a Historical Romance Thriller:) Would love to be entered for a chance to win!
Lorna from Alberta
lornafaith at gmail dot com
So enjoyed your interview! I loved Burning Hearts and I can't wait to read Goodbye Noel! Hugs!
FUN interview! And Nike, I can just picture you tap-dancing to a 40's musical and making up new words. And the thought of you singing in the supermarket and embarrassing your daughter is a hilarious image. It must never be boring at your house! LOL
Don't include me in the giveaway as I have already had the wonderful treat of reading "Goodbye Noel." It was one of my first purchases on my new kindle. :-)
Robyn -- Glad you like the moniker "Fictionista". About teenagers...my DD asked me yesterday sorta snarky/sorta sweet, "Why did God invent parents anyway?" I answered, "To annoy teenagers." LOL
Marianne -- DD is a funny kid. And to be honest, having a mother who's into doing on the spot comedy routines can be embarrassing to a teen. But that's half the funof it. LOL
Rebecca - Thx for the kind words.
Scotsgal -- A house full of laughter and joking is never dull and a great place to be. Yep, I'm with you, nothing beats a lobster dinner.
Apple Blossom -- Best wishes.
BJ -- Thx for the kind words on BURNING HEARTS. I really enjoyed your novel too, LAST RESORT, a wonderful romantic suspense novel.
Hey Jude -- sounds like a Beatles song. You, me, and BJ are fellow authors at Desert Breeze.
Jo -- Glad you're putting GOODBYE NOEL on your TRL. You know I was an author quite some time before I knew that "TRL" meant to read list. I asked a few non-author friends online and they didn't have a clue. Then someone, I think on Goodreads told me. LOL
Lorna Faith -- Yep, that's what I write, historical romantic thrillers. I find the 1940s era lends itself to this type of genre. The detectives of that time had panache.
Rita -- Rita, you're a true supporter of my work. And a friend too.
Elaine Marie -- I love humor. Right after prayer, it's my best defense against all the little and big disappointments in life.
thanks for the chance to read this ebook...
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
...from PA
Nike, you are such an example of what one person can do by living full-throttle heart and soul. Goodbye Noel looks great!
Great article and looks like a great book! Angie in Illinois.. angadair@nwcable.net
looks interesting. to bad its a e-book.
Wow! Nike sure sounds organized! I'm impressed. I'm a librarian and love research but my organizational skills leave a lot to be desired. I love a good romance. I used to read true crime (even at age 12, much to the dismay of the local librarian) but now I'm hooked on mostly inspirational and women's fiction. So this seems like a good blend. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book it sounds like a great story! Thanks and God bless.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
Would love to read this - Christian thrillers with romance, especially historical, is a great combination. You must have had a great time researching it! I live in Phoenix.
Oh this sounds like a good book to curl up with in front of the fireplace and watch it snow.
I love mystery and suspense, Goodbye Noel sounds fascinating with the 40's era as a setting. Please include me in the drawing, thanks.
Merry in TX
Please enter me - thanks!
from Iowa
Karen K -- Best wishes. :)
Sibella -- Thx for the kind words. Coming from you, one of my all time fav authors, it means a lot.
Angie -- Doesn't Lena ask the best questions?
Kristie -- LOL, you sound like you were a library troller from an early age. So was I. I loved to spend time in the library. Still do. We have such a lovely local branch in the NYC public library system in Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn. You can actually sit in a cushioned window seat w/a book and look out over a small canal. You can also see tall reeds, a bit of the waterway and the Atlantic from it's front window tables. Of course, that beach is exactly where they find the body in the contemporary I'll be releasing soon.
Sharon -- Best wishes.
Mamma Cat -- I did enjoy researching this novel and the others in the series. I love the 1940s time period.
Jean -- It's snowing in Gotham (NYC) today. A good time to curl up with a novel...a historical romantic thriller, of course. And maybe hot chocolate. :)
Merry -- The 1940s is a wonderful time period to set a romantic thriller. Detectives were in trench coats and fedora. Quite the picture.
Ruby'n Reba - Best wishes.
Seems really interesting! Please enter me!
I live in New York
Aizess - Thank you for your kind words.
Post a Comment