Interview with JOSI KILPACK Part two

I know, it's been a long month to wait for the second half, but here it is (and two days early at that!)
Josi, tell me about your dream of becoming a writer.


I didn’t dream of being a writer for long—not as a child, teenager or young adult. The dream never really started for me until I finished my first book—something I thought would be a short story but turned into a novel length women’s fiction novel. I’d enjoyed writing assignments in high-school and loved my college writing classes, but being an author was about as realistic as becoming a brain surgeon and I spent the same amount of time thinking about both possibilities (i.e. no time at all) When I did finish that first book and got feedback from friends I thought I was about the coolest thing since individual cheese slices. I dreamed, then, that my first royalties check would take me and my entire family on an Alaskan cruise before buying me a writing cabin in the woods.

Nice dream, so when did you decide you wanted to write, for real? I mean did that one novel serve as your catalyst?

I was on bed rest with my third pregnancy and in the middle of a two-a-day habit of books my sister picked up from the library for me. I got this idea for a short story and started writing it. Six months later I submitted it to publishers, a year after that I held the finished book in my hand. The feedback I started getting was that though they liked the story, the editing was awful. My first royalty check was for $154.00 dollars. I was embarrassed and decided I needed to do more than just write a good story—I had to learn more about the structure of a novel and the mechanics of fiction. And so I did. My second book came out three years later and it was a story I could be truly proud of. I was later able to go back and revise that first book, which was a blessing.

What does it feel like when you write?

Sometimes it feels like I’m going in circles and trying to distract myself from less desirable chores around the house. Other moments feel like work—simply completing a task. (I'm nodding since I feel the same way at times.) Now and then, however, it feels as comfortable as an old pair of sweats and I get this sensation that writing is one of the reasons I was sent here and that God is pleased with the fact that I have taken this gift and, with His help, turned it into a talent and ability I can be proud of and humbled by. In those moments, I get completely carried away in the world I’m creating—that’s the moments I write for and I hold on to the memory with both hands when it happens.

Wow, either I’m a sucker or that really touch my heart strings. How is that you decided that mystery—cozy mysteries at that, are what IMHO you do best?

I started the first culinary mystery, Lemon Tart, in order to enter a contest a friend was doing (Jeffery S. Savage). He’d asked for a mystery that involved food and so I wrote that one chapter with very little thought about chapter two. It was something totally new to me, as everything else I had written was LDS based, and although I didn’t win the contest (I took 2nd place, though :-) I really enjoyed the story. Over the next two years I worked on it here and there as I continued my LDS market books and had a good time with the challenge of taking on something different. It was my publisher (Deseret Book) who suggested adding recipes and making it an actual culinary mystery. I suggested a series and they agreed to three...and then five...and then eight...and right now it’s open ended so we’ll see where it takes us.

And they are yummy recipes! Where do you find these recipes and have you made most or all of them in your kitchen?

Several of the recipes are ones I’ve made, and pretty much everything that appears in the book has been cooked in my kitchen. I also have a test kitchen who has given me many wonderful recipes and who cook everything and help me get it just right. I could never do this without them!

A recipe expert, huh? And with your very own testing kitchen, wow. Is there a secret recipe to writing a good mystery?

Mysteries have long been known as a very ‘recipe’ driven genre. You have a dead person, a sleuth, some red herrings, a little foreshadowing, unsuspected bad guy, and then you tell the story by working backward from the discovery of the crime until you get back to the moment of ‘impact’ which was actually the inciting incident of the story. It’s all a little bizarre, really, and yet readers of a mystery have very specific expectations when they pick up your book. The challenge is to stick to the recipe but still make it your own; add a little extra kick here and blend the flavor differently there but still present the expected dish to your readers. I’ve really enjoyed writing in this genre and learning all the little tricks to make it work.

Josi, you write so well. thank you for spending this time with us.
Here's a reminder of Josi's published work. (I just finished Key Lime Pie and can't wait to try some of the recipes!)
Earning Eternity (CFI 2000)
Surrounded By Strangers (CFI 2003)
Tempest Tossed (CFI 2004)
Star Struck (CFI 2005)
To Have or to Hold (CFI 2005)
Unsung Lullaby (Deseret Book 2006)
Sheep’s Clothing (Deseret Book 2007)
Her Good Name (Deseret Book 2008)
Lemon Tart (Deseret Book 2009)
English Trifle (Deseret Book 2009)
Devil’s Food Cake (Deseret Book 2010)
Key Lime Pie (Deseret book 2010)
Blackberry Crumble (Deseret Book 2011).
Coming soon:
Pumpkin Roll (Fall 2011)
Banana Split (Spring 2012)

Book Review: Awakening Avery

book review by Valerie J. Steimle


For those who love a good story woven around a widow losing and finding love then Awakening Avery by Laurie Lewis is the book for you.  Though you might not be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) the story rings true for any widow of Christian or Jewish faith.

I am a widow. Avery’s a widow. My husband died at 50. Avery’s husband died in his 50’s. I have nine children. Avery has 3 children. I am of the LDS faith. Avery is of the LDS faith. I have a lot in common with Avery. Laurie Lewis’s new book called Awakening Avery could have been my journal entry for the first year I lost my husband. There are many similarities and it is incredible to see how this story unfolds for Avery and her family.

This is an amazing story of one woman’s journey for peace after losing her husband too early. Avery has to deal with her life post husband’s death and then pick up the pieces of her children’s life with the grief of their father. I laughed and I cried. 
Laurie Lewis wrote about an incredible journey of healing and love. Take a break from your life for 344 pages of travel from Utah, to Baltimore, Maryland to Sarasota, Florida and follow the adventures Avery experiences in learning to love again.

You will find Awakening Avery here: 

http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Avery-Laurie-Lewis/dp/1935217615/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1300842743&sr=8-1

Hope you enjoy the read.

JULIET by Anne Fortier

Review written by Amy Wheelwright


I loved this book! This book has adventure, a little romance, and a historical story of Romeo and Juliet. The text alternates between Julie's modern day adventures, discoveries in Italy, and the historical background of the story of Romeo and Juliet. As you get into the story and start each chapter, you have to really watch the dates at the beginning of each to keep track of what you're reading about - the present or the past.

Julie learns that she is a distant relative of the famous “Juliet". She and her twin sister, Janis, were raised by their Aunt in the US. When their Aunt dies, everything is left to Janis, and Julie is sent on an adventure to Italy to find a “treasure” that their mother left.

This book kept me very involved and I didn’t want to put it down.

GARDEN SPELLS by Sarah Addison Allen

I love Sarah's writing style and yet I must caution the more conservative reader. (Sexual and Homosexual content, some harsh language.)
I love the beautiful garden at the center of this tale, with its unexpected secrets. Even the house held a mystery that I couldn't pull myself away from, at least not for very long. If you enjoy the enchantment of the South, as I do after calling it home for a time, you just might enjoy this novel with its spells, secrets, and legacies engrained deep in southern families and communities. You might even find yourself wishing you and yours protected a legacy similiar to that of the Waverley family.

THE STAR PROPHECY by Joan Sowards

written by Ranee S. Clark

My husband thinks it’s absolutely hilarious that I don’t like studying American west history or Wyoming history. I mean, I have a degree in history from the University of Wyoming. I live in the American west. But I can’t help that I just like European history and World War Two.

What does any of that have to do with reviewing The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards? Well, when I read, I have the same problem. I’m LDS, but I hardly ever read LDS fiction. (I’m sort of stuck in a fantasy-adventure-I’ll-probably-have-to-stay-up-all-night-to-finish-this-book rut…) I’ll tell you the truth. I sort of shy away from it, and I don’t know why. But The Star Prophecy is a book I’m glad I snuck out of the box to read.

Set only months before the birth of the Messiah, The Star Prophecy takes place in several settings—mostly-wicked Zarahemla, the boat Jerusha Rebekah, and Jerusalem. It tells the story of a young man, Enoch, who dreams of finding the baby Jesus by sailing west across the ocean. He takes with him a crew of friends—some welcome, some not quite so. By relying on their faith, the crew sails month after month, from one adventure to the next in search of the prophesied Messiah.

I received The Star Prophecy at the perfect time. About a week before Christmas. I dove in the same day I got it, eager to get into the Christmas spirit by reading a Nephite Christmas story. Right out of the gate, I realized I’d probably really enjoy it! It combined so many elements that I’ve come to need in a good book—Adventure, some romance, good character development—and some things that I should seek more of—spiritually uplifting with lessons about faith and obedience.

I have lots of good things to say about the ideas and plot development of The Star Prophecy. Liz Adair (author of Counting the Cost) wrote about The Star Prophecy, “[Joan Sowards] begins this adventurous tale with ‘what if?’ and tells it so well that the reader closes the book thinking ‘why not?’” Liz had it right on. With every sentence into the book, I nodded my head to myself and said, “Yeah, that could’ve happened.” Every aspect is imaginative, yet thoroughly researched, making the plot believable. I once heard a writer compare a good plot and characters with the first stages of romance—when you walk away from a kiss or a date and that person stays on your mind. Even when I tore myself away from The Star Prophecy, I thought about Enoch and his friends. What will happen next? Will they make it to Jerusalem? The plot captures you inside and holds you there! The idea is so unique as well. My only critique of the plot development is that sometimes I felt a little gypped by how quickly some elements move along. There are moments in the story that I wanted to savor, to grow along with the character, but they happen too fast, and we move on to the next thing before I can linger.

Joan Sowards writes an excellent narrative. Another confession: my biggest pet peeve in writing is poorly done voice. That is—too many voices, jarring movements between voices, inaccurate jargon, etc. (If I’ve critiqued your work, you’ve probably noticed, hehehe J) The Star Prophecy has no problem with this. Enoch’s voice is believable, and consistent (only slipping up and using modern phrases a time or two). Though written in third person, Sowards stays with Enoch’s viewpoint throughout the novel, making it even easier to connect with him and the other characters. The narrative also flows well from idea to idea. The characters are lovable (and hate-able at times!). I enjoyed learning about each of them and coming to care for them. Their problems are easy to identify with, even though their trials took place hundreds of years ago.

Through Enoch, and all his friends, I’m sure you’ll love this imaginative tale about a boy with a dream and the lengths—and the places—he’ll go to see it through.

*Read more from aspiring author Ranee` S. Clark at raneesclark.blogspot.com.

Joan is the author of "We Seek After These Things" and other music as well.
Another book by Joan Sowards

Have you read Chocolate Roses? Leave a comment or review!

(We'd love to hear from you!)

THE GAZEBO

The Gazebo by Emily Grayson is Women’s Fiction.

I strongly suggest that a concerned parent preview the book before sharing it with a younger reader. Although the sex is not graphic, it is inferred throughout much of the book.

James Dashner's ==Journal of Secrets==

For those wishing to have a review of James Dashner’s work from a young readers perspective, I thought I would share this letter.

Dear James Dashner,
I’m 10 years old and in Miss John’s class. My mom got your book (The 13th Reality). Just to let you know, fantasy fiction isn’t my type of genre . . . until I read your books.

I didn’t really like your book at first, until I got to when Tick teleports to where Master George is. You know where. I liked how you described Sofia and the other characters. You captured my interest in the book because I have never felt so interested in a book like that before. Like I said you captured my imagination.

One question I would like to ask is: Where did you think of these characters and stuff?

I would recommend this book for someone else to read. Yes, I will admit it is boring at first but later it’s awesome. Trust me on this one.

Sincerely,
S.L.G.

Book Tour Stop on January 13, 2011

She paced the small confines of her bathroom as she waited the obligatory two minutes for the result. Yet, part of her sensed the truth. Not only did Austin take her self-esteem and plans for happiness, but he also took her get-out-of-this-marriage-free card.

The plus sign glared at Meg from the white plastic frame of the pregnancy test. The test fell from her hands and clattered into the bathtub as Meg’s back slid against the wall until she reached the floor.

“I’m pregnant,” she said into the quiet.

Meg never imagined she'd end up like this. With nowhere else to turn, she's forced to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and an unexpected friendship to help her find her forgotten melody. Meanwhile Matt is still mourning the loss of his wife. But determined to keep things together for his daughter's sake, he decides starting over in a new place might be just what his family needs.

This touching story combines romance with redemption and real conflict to remind you it's never too late to find joy. Kaylee Baldwin's capable hand renders a sincere, heartfelt story of rediscovery and hope. Perfect for romantics of all ages, this book will captivate your heart and rekindle your belief in the magic of music.



Kaylee Baldwin grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English literature.

She currently lives in southern Arizona with her husband, Jeremy, and their three children. When she is not writing, Kaylee enjoys reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with her family.

Kaylee is running a contest! Whoever comments a the review post on any of the blogs in the tour, will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Meg's Melody.

Contest is now closed. Thanks for entering.

Meg’s Melody deserves five (5) STARS.

One STAR for writing a novel dealing with pregnancy that I can comfortably share with my teenage daughter. Unlike many novels on the bookstore shelves, Kaylee keeps it clean even when involving the gynecologist.

One STAR for reminding me of the bitter-sweet memories of my pregnancies. From the positive pregnancy test---to the morning sickness---to the weight loss and gain---to the Braxton Hicks and the exhaustion of labor. Even the “new mother syndrome” of not putting the precious new arrival down.

One STAR for sharing gospel principles as they related to her characters.

One STAR for sharing real relationships, not the sugar coated ones that are too good to be true. She introduces us to the people in Meg’s life, each one with his or her strengths and faults, inviting us to read on to learn of their influence for good or ill.

And one really big STAR for reminding me of how important music has been in my life over the years.