DARK OF NIGHT - Alice K Arenz - One Free Ebook

Welcome back, Alice. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Hi, Lena, thanks for having me back on your blog.

I’m always amazed by the results of God’s leading. While I was busy thinking it would be impossible to write a short mystery/romantic suspense, He was encouraging me with bits and pieces of information that quickly hooked me. Dark of Night was a surprise from the title to the ending, and I’m truly grateful He gave me this story.

The horizon? Um, I’ve got a Christmas novella—or longer—due the first of September. God’s given me the title, Hiding From Christmas, and a few character names. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

I love it when He gives us the stories. Tell us a little about your family.

I’m married, have two grown daughters and four grandchildren—two boys, two girls. Oh, and one grand-dog—at least that’s what we call him. We love getting together to play games and visit. That usually involves eating, of course, but I like the visiting and games most.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I don’t read as much as I’d like because of chronic issues that make it difficult. I used to devour a minimum of three novels a week. I miss those times.

What are you working on right now?

As mentioned earlier, I’m working on a Christmas book—Hiding From Christmas. I don’t know for sure, but the title makes me think it will be a romantic comedy.

What outside interests do you have?

As you’ll see, most of my “outside interests” rely heavily on family. :)

My oldest granddaughter is a very talented musician and I love listening to her. Her latest interest has been in Ragtime, and it’s fascinating to watch her grow and develop as she learns more and more.

My other granddaughter is active in the children’s community theater where she lives, and it’s always a treat to go to one of her performances. Last year, her little brother was also in the play, so that was a lot of fun. Later in the year, their mom performed in the adult theater group.

Since I can’t garden anymore, watching my older daughter take care of hers has become a real joy. I love seeing the different plants and flowers she chooses grow—and how happy it makes her when they thrive.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

The settings are always fictional Missouri towns. A name will pop into my head—totally a God thing—and then my husband and I will search to make sure it doesn’t already exist. It’s usually the second thing I’m “given” in regards to the story.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

The easy answer would be Jesus—but that’s too obvious. :)  Let me see. . . the “historical” part is throwing me. Wow, Lena, this is a tough one! There are so many names swimming around in my head, but not one of them is someone I’d want to spend an entire evening with.

Ok, this is really “out there,” but I’d like to spend an evening with the original depositor(s) of the Oak Island treasure. Strange, but true. I’ve been watching The Curse of Oak Island since it began on the History Channel, and would like to know the answers to the mystery!

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

That it would involve research—which is something I’ve never enjoyed.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

To be thankful for the blessings I have in my life and not bemoan all the things I can no longer do. I start every morning with a prayer thanking God for all He’s given me and try to remember to continue to thank Him throughout the day. It’s hard sometimes—especially when I see a book I might like to read, a picture I’d like to paint, or flowers I’d like to plant for myself. I’m definitely a work in progress.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

1. Learn everything you can about writing—hone your language skills, study punctuation (I’m horrible with commas!), read everything about the art of telling/showing a story, how to research effectively, and READ across the genres to get a handle on things.

2. Learn how to market yourself and your books in today’s world.

3. If this is what you truly believe God is leading you toward, NEVER EVER GIVE UP!

Tell us about the featured book.

Dark of Night is a mystery/romantic suspense. The following tells you more about it.

One-liner:  Where Nightmares Become Reality

Back Cover Blurb:

Determined to get justice for the brutal murders of her parents twenty years ago, Kelsey Carol returns to the scene of the crime—Seaton, Missouri. But what she quickly learns is that every clue brings more questions than answers. And, nightmares really do come true.

Please give us the first page of the book.

“We’ve got to stop meeting like this, Ms. Carol.”

I followed the detective as he weaved through people representing all ages, ethnicities, and walks of life, each of whom had been caught out after curfew. A kind of “controlled” chaos accompanied the din of angry voices and myriad of smells. I preferred the smell of stale perfume and alcohol to that of unwashed bodies, but given the situation...

“Don’t you think an eleven o’clock curfew is a little early for the average person?”

“These aren’t ‘average’ circumstances.” He replied without turning. “You were informed the last time we caught you roaming about—”

“I wasn’t roaming. I was on the roof of the Historical Society—with the key Director Hanson provided for access.”

“After the city-wide curfew.”

“Adult curfews have been deemed unconstitu-”

“And I know Hanson told you,” he interrupted, ignoring me.

“Just so you know, I’d been there since a little before dusk and lost track of the time.”

Well, I for one will look forward to finding out why this person was on that roof so long. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My web site is www.akawriter.com but it’s out of date right now because I’ve lost the computer and program I used to make the site. Perhaps a better place would be to look at my Author Page on Amazon. You can get my bio as well as a complete list and description of all my books.

Thank you, Alice, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Dark of Night: Where Nightmares Become Reality  - Paperback
Dark of Night: Where Nightmares Become Reality  - Kindle

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