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Interview with Sahar Abdulaziz
Today we have an opportunity to speak with Shaggy Dog author Sahar Abdulaziz, who writes in a wide variety of genres. I would say from dark psychological thrillers to warm-hearted satire covers quite a range! Sahar, I’ve read many of your excellent books and enjoyed them immensely. Most recently, the third volume in your Abernathy and Crane series. SMJ: One thing I appreciate about your books in any genre is how alive your characters become to your readers. Since I mentioned the series, where did Irwin Abernathy come from? He’s truly an unforgettable character! SA: Thank you. My stories are all character-driven, for sure. If I can make them…
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The Origins of The Case Of The Missing Monarch
Life became pretty lonely when the pandemic lockdown began in March 2020. But the birds began arriving a few weeks later, and escape to the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge became my sanctuary and link to the outside world. I teamed up with a fellow birder who remained as diligent as I about masking and social distancing. The Case of the Missing Monarch started out as a serial sent to a select two to lift all our spirits, and document some of our nature adventures at the Refuge. I added a murder mystery plot and a couple of interesting leading characters who go to a lot of trouble to find…
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Writing Blocks
Like most writers, I enjoy talking about my craft. Much of my process is patched together with tips from friends, writers’ blogs, workshops, and books. So, it’s my hope, when I post an article like this, that my tips will help someone else refine their process—or at least give them something new to try. This post is about what I call Writing Blocks. When I first added the topic to my list, I tried to think of a clever way to tie my title into what is often considered a writer’s greatest nemesis, the dreaded block. Perhaps you’ve landed here thinking just that! If so, this post might help, because—for me—the easiest…
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Interview with MA Moore
Today we’re talking with Shaggy Dog author M.A. Moore, whose most recently released book is The Case of the Missing Monarch. SMJ: You’re a lady of many interests and many talents. I believe you started your professional life as a violinist and later became a professor of science and astronomy, is that correct? Which explains the background for the novel I just finished reading and enjoyed immensely, The Stars to Guide Them. Can you tell us a little more about your background? MAA: I actually spent the first ten years of my adult life as a professional violinist. At one time I played in three orchestras, started a Suzuki…
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Update From Kelly Jensen-Newly Available Paperbacks, German Translations and More!
Shaggy Dog Books asked me for a long overdue update on which books I have in Kindle Unlimited and which are now available wide. The Let’s Connect series has left Kindle Unlimited and is now available through a variety of retailers. I have also submitted the books to Overdrive and other library services, so get your requests in! LET’S CONNECT | LET’S GO OUT The Let’s Connect series is now also available in paperback! These editions are gorgeous. I always choose glossy covers for my independently published books and the artwork really stands out in this format. Both editions include all the extras (epilogues, art, and recipes) and Let’s Connect features the first chapter…
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Interview with Belinda M Gordon
For this third installment in our series about Shaggy Dog’s Lady Writers, we feature Belinda Gordon, the founder and director of our publishing cooperative. Belinda is a lady of many talents, and we learned more during a recent conversation with this dynamic entrepreneur. SMJ: I just read and thoroughly enjoyed your award-winning book, The Good Pharmacist’s Deadly Secrets—a Finalist in the 2020 AIN Book of the Year Award. I see it’s listed as book one in a new series, following your 4-book series “The King’s Jewel.” All of these include mythical creatures from a world very different from our own. Do you consider these works urban fantasy, and what…
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Use Bookmarks to Market Your Books
Bookmarks are an easy and inexpensive addition to an author’s marketing arsenal. They are far less expensive than handing out copies of your book, and yet they are great representations of your book or brand. People like to collect them as souvenirs and keepsakes, and it’s something readers can actually use. What should be on your bookmark? Book cover and ISBN Book title and author name Your website and social media links Your email and logo or tagline Eye-catching colors and graphics that match your brand What else can you add? Release date if the book is not yet available Review quote Short story blurb or concept Author photo and/or…
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Interview with Evelyn Infante
How exciting for all of us Lady Writers at Shaggy Dog Productions to celebrate the release of Evelyn Infante’s new book, Simply Gregg, on Amazon on March 11! We sat down with Evelyn for an interview shortly before the book became available to the public and asked her to share some thoughts. SMJ: I’m excited to read your new book, Simply Gregg, which is about to be released. I know it’s a mystery. Can you tell us a little more about it? EI: Simply Gregg is not so much a mystery as it is a detective story. You know who the killer is soon after the homicide. The story…
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Evelyn Infante Releases Debut Novel
Shaggy Dog Productions is proud to announce the release of author Evelyn Infante’s debut novel Simply Gregg-A Detective Story. The book introduces Infante’s Detective Howard Pierce, faced with one last troublesome case before he retires. Simply Gregg AVAILABLE NOW FOR PURCHASE To Solve The Mystery, Start With The Victim It isn’t unusual for the Pocono Mountain, Pennsylvania winters to turn severe, but this season has been particularly severe. The frozen landscape looked picturesque calm. But on one terrible night, harsh winter winds whipped up a blizzard. The sky turned eerily dark and ominous, leaving the vacant streets buried under mounds of snow, the perfect cover for a killer determined…
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“Author, Author!”
Meet the Lady Writers of Shaggy Dog Productions Susan Moore Jordan After many years in the music world, as student, teacher, performer, stage musical director, I wrote my first book in 2013 at the age of 75. Once I had written it, I wanted to hold a copy in my hands and decided to publish it. I opted to “self-publish,” partly because at the time there were fewer choices than there are today. I honestly thought my book would be “one and done,” but hadn’t realized I had been bitten by the bug. From that first book came others, historical novels all set in the twentieth century, and all including…
