A Holland Reads: Night and Day by Ann Summerville

Published: May 27, 2015

Number of pages: 172

Genre: Cozy Mysteries

Series: Pecan Valley Mystery #3

Synopsis:

Not all is what it seems in Pecan Valley and Bea can’t quite put her finger on what is wrong. She’s hoping Marge won’t become a permanent house guest and encourages her to look for a new home, but while they are scouting the neighborhood they end up looking for more than a house for Marge. What Bea wants to uncover is the unsavory dealings of a ruthless realtor and a murderer that might put Bea on the list of victims.

About the author:

Ann Summerville moved from her native England to California before arriving in the Lone Star State. Her publications can be found in Lutheran Digest, Long Story Short, The Shine Journal, Doorknobs & Bodypaint, Associated Content, Trinity Writers’ Workshop newsletters and also their collection of Christmas stories. Ann is currently working on the fifth book in the Lowenna series set in Cornwall.

Author Links:
www.cozyintexas.blogspot.com
www.annsummerville.com

Purchase Link
Amazon

Interview:

1. Who or what inspired you to start writing?
I made up stories when I was quite young and began writing them down as a teenager. It wasn't until I was in my fifties, that I actually started to take my writing seriously and after winning several online competitions for short stories, began writing cozy mysteries.

2. What do you do to help you get over writer's block?
I can't say that I've ever felt a loss for words. If I don't have inspiration for one story, I start writing another and juggle between the two.

3. Do you have scheduled writing time or a certain amount of words you write each day?
I prefer to write in the mornings before my mind gets cluttered with other things. I usually try and write 1600 words a day during National Novel Writing Month in November. The goal is to have a 50,000 word novel by the end of the month.

4. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Ideas come from difference sources. It might be an overheard conversation, a story in a newspaper or something I see. I do warn my friends that something they say and do might end up in a novel!

5. When you are not writing what do you like to do?
I like to stay busy. My latest project is making hats for newborn babies. It's called the Happy Hats project organized by a local church and the crochet hats are sent all over the world. They usually distribute over 700 a month. Some go to Operation Shower for military wives.

6. What one piece of advice would you like to give to aspiring writers?
Love what you do and write for the joy of it. If writing is your passion then never give up. There are plenty of people who are negative. Don't let them discourage you and surround yourself with positive people who encourage you. To help you learn your craft find a book you like in the same genre
that you write and study it. Do a synopsis, breakdown the chapters and make notes on how the story is developing.

7. Who is your favorite author or book that you would like to recommend to your readers?
One book that was inspirational to me is Empire Falls by Richard Russo. He is a gifted writer (Pulitzer Prize winner) and makes his characters come to life. Donna Leon is another writer I enjoy but anything about Venice is an enjoyable read for me.

8. If you could meet any famous person dead or alive who would it be and why?
I'm reading a book by Stephen King (my first) and he's an amazing writer. I'd love to talk to him, but it would have to be in the daylight hours!

9. If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you like to visit?
I love Italy and would like to spend more time exploring small towns especially the Cinque Terre

10. Five interesting facts about yourself
1. I once worked for Sotheby's in London

2. I like the concept of pay-it-forward and am always volunteering to help others in need

3. I once ran into Ringo Starr while working in London (literally) I ran around a corner and ran smack into him. He promptly climbed into a limousine before I realized who it was.

4. I don't give up easily. If someone says "no" my first question is "why not." Often there are different ways to attack a problem. For instance publishing. After having little success with traditional publishing, I studied how to self publish and it turned out to be a much better route to take (traditional publishers can remove your books from print without consulting you.)

5. I love being a grandmother. I have three grandchildren under the age of 4 and we have such fun together.

Thank you for inviting me.
Ann

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Tour participants:

September 19 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – Review

September 20 – StoreyBook Reviews – Guest Post

September 21 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too ! – Review

September 22 – Nadaness In Motion – Guest Post

September 23 – Thoughts in Progress – Review, Guest Post

September 24 – Griperang’s Bookmarks – Interview

September 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Spotlight

September 26 – deal sharing aunt – Review, Interview