PINEAPPLES IN PERIL - Cheryl Linn Martin - One Free Book

When I went to the American Christian Fiction Writers national Conference in September, I kept seeing people who had little handmade pineapples attached to their name tags.  I asked one lady where she got hers, and she immediately "pineappled" me. So I'm introducing this author to you today.

Welcome, Cheryl. What has drawn you to writing for children?

I was first inspired to write as a child, reading Nancy Drew. I knew at that young age that I would one day write a mystery!

Striving to do what God has placed in front of me motivates me to keep pressing forward. Sharing wholesome mysteries filled with fun, humor, mishaps and unexpected moments for kids to enjoy also motivates me to continue this amazing journey.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I do push-ups with the Oregon Duck (the U of O mascot) whenever Oregon scores—and, yes, they’re men’s push-ups! With the way Oregon often scores, I can end up doing 240 or more push-ups during one game! I figure it’s a fun way to get a work-out!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I have always enjoyed writing, but once I started writing fiction I soon discovered that writing was much more than just a desire and some aptitude—it really is a craft that takes a lot of study, trial and error, and perseverance.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I truly love mysteries! I also enjoy suspense and recently have enjoyed branching into historical romances, although, if they have a little intrigue in them, I become even more entrenched in the story! I guess I just can’t get away from my passion—mystery!

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

There will be three books (and possibly more! I’ve written a fourth and am working on a fifth) in The Hawaiian Island Detective Club. I have another series, also for Middle Readers, but a little older age within that group—about 11-14 or so. I’ve written the first and am working on the second. It’s about a fictional detective (Detective Michael Macks from novels) who helps a 16-year-old girl solve murder mysteries—that is, unless he’s totally annoying her with his silly, quirky behavior. The series is entitled The Macks and Me Murder Mysteries.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I love to sing and participate in drama team at church. I also try to get out of the house every so often—maybe check out a garage sale with my hubby, go out for a coffee, go to the gym with my son, or go shopping! I LOVE a good sale!

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?

Being a published author! This is a dream-come-true!

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I would probably want to be a Persian cat. We have a Persian named Lilly, and she’s definitely “The Queen” around our house. Ahh, to have that status—to be served food and water everyday, to demand attention (and actually get it!) and to always have someone else cleaning up after you—what a life!

What is your favorite food?

I’ll admit it—I love cheesecake!

Is it hard to break into the children’s market?

Right now I’m hearing from parents that there just aren’t enough wholesome books available for Middle Readers. I think if you have something for that age, get it done and work toward finding an editor/publisher. Kids are hungry to read good stuff!

What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?

I think if you have something for that age, get it done, and work toward finding an editor/publisher. Kids are hungry to read good stuff! My books in this series are all around 50K words for ages 8-12. If I write 5K per week, I’m done in 10 weeks. You can have a book for Middle Readers done this month if you participate in NaNoWriMo, but if not, you could follow my routine and have one done by mid January!

One of the women in my critique group was a teacher’s aid in an elementary school. She started a writing club, and she finished a children’s fantasy novel during NaNoWriMo right along with her students. What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Besides being a fun and intriguing mystery, the story explores sibling and family issues as well as 13-year-old angst. In book one, Pineapples in Peril, Leilani learns some wonderful things about her annoying brother. But then there’s reality—Kimo will always be her pain-in-the-pants younger brother! So, every book in the series has the wonderful moments involving family and siblings, along with the frustrating times. Kind of like real life, huh?

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website address is www.cheryllinnmartin.com I also have a blog all about Hawaii at www.lifeinflip-flops.blogspot.com

You can also connect with me on my facebook author page at www.facebook.com/authorcheryllinnmartin

Twitter at http://twitter.com/clinnmartin

If “tweeters” would like to comment on The Hawaiian Island Detective Club, they can add the hashtag: #HIDC

Thank you, Cheryl, for introducing us to your detective stories. They would make good Christmas gifts. I always like to give books to children along with their other gifts.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Hawaiian Island Detective Club: Pineapples in Peril - paperback
Pineapples in Peril (The Hawaiian Island Detective Club) - Kindle


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