This week’s topic from the Marketing for Romance Authors 52-week blog challenge is the difference between collecting and hoarding. This is a blog hop, so pop over to the MFRW website and check out the other entries. https://mfrw52week.blogspot.com/

I’m a weeder, not a collector. While Marie Kondo and other proponents of minimalism/voluntary simplicity are enjoying their turn in the spotlight, it’s not a new idea. In fact, I was greatly influenced by Elaine St. James’ Simplify Your Life series, published in 1994. Clutter bugs me, and I try not to attach too much sentiment to physical objects. At least twice a year I go through my wardrobe, drawers, and closets and discard/donate items I haven’t used in a while. Even my bookshelves get a regular weeding.

Speaking of bookshelves, today it’s my privilege and delight to introduce Julie Howard, a fellow author from The Wild Rose Press. Her newest title, Spirited Quest, is the latest in the Deerbourne Inn series, set in Willow Springs, Vermont. And what’s a picturesque New England town without a few ghosts?

She’s chasing a ghost, but who is chasing her?

Paige Norman believes in a tangible, explainable world. When her ghost-hunting niece comes for a visit, she tries not to scoff. But someone, or something, is stirring up trouble at the Deerbourne Inn and her niece, Jillian, is at the center of the mystery.

Paige is certain the handsome Aussie photographer is behind the unexplained disturbances, and she warns her niece to stay clear. Meanwhile, Jillian gets to know the otherworldly Lady of the Deerbourne, who foretells an encounter with “two men.” Then the pranks turn dangerous. Has her niece attracted a stalker or has she conjured an evil presence? Can the culprit be the man who has captured her heart? 

Let’s take a peek inside.

He nodded a friendly greeting to her, his gaze grazing past to include others on the porch. “G’day, ma’am. G’day all.”

An Australian. Her heart skipped a beat. Oh, to be twenty-five, even thirty-five, again. His gaze settled on her niece, and as always happened to men where this girl was concerned, his jaw slackened, then tightened.

Next to her, Jillian grew still, lifting wide blue eyes to the newcomer. The moment passed. He was through the front door and into the lobby, and the door closed behind him.

“You’re in for some nice company this week,” Paige commented with a smile.

A frown flickered across her niece’s face. “I’ve seen him before.”

“You’ve met?”

“Not exactly. He appeared to me in a dream.” Jillian’s blue eyes were troubled as she gazed at the Inn’s front door. She lifted one hand and rubbed the back of her head, then gave a shiver. “There was blood and I was afraid.”

Get your copy here:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2U1Q61b

IBooks: https://apple.co/2FPadg1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spirited-quest-julie-howard/1130412180?ean=2940161285923

Let’s meet the author!

Julie Howard is the author of “Crime and Paradise” and “Crime Times Two.” She is a former journalist and editor who has covered topics ranging from crime to cowboy poetry. Learn more at juliemhoward.com.

Tell us about your inspiration for this story.

The Deerbourne Inn series was created by my publisher, The Wild Rose Press. Each story is set in the same fictional town of Willow Springs, Vermont, and some of the details of the town were described by the publisher in advance. One of the details that caught my attention was the fact there was a ghost at the Deerbourne Inn. I immediately knew the ghost would play a role in my story and I had an outline for Spirited Quest within a couple more hours. I had so much fun writing a mystery with a paranormal twist that I’m not developing a series along the same line!

Do you write in other genres?

I’ve written a number of short stories for literary journals in genres from literary fiction to science fiction. The story typically comes to me first and the genre is more-or-less a byproduct – usually, it’s just about whichever type of genre will best tell the story. To stretch myself one time, I joined a well-known flash fiction competition called NYCMidnight. Contestants have 48 hours to produce a story from three provided prompts: genre, object and location. I had no idea in advance what kind of genre I would be assigned. On the first round, I was given horror, and initially froze before knowing what I would write. But apparently, I did very well with my story because I made it to the next round, and then the next. I loved the competition because you naturally use a different set of vocabulary and descriptions in different genres. It was a nice brain exercise.

What’s your favorite part of the writing life?

There’s a moment when I’m writing that I forget everything around me and I hear nothing except my characters talking in my head. My story moves forward and suddenly I look up and a couple of hours have gone by. It’s like waking out of a dream. When I have a writing session like that, I know my story is going well.

What do you do for fun when you’re not writing?

 I love to travel and do it as often as I can. I just returned from Australia and New Zealand, which was wonderful as it was their summer and provided a lovely escape from the Idaho snow. My favorite places are those which teach me something about people, culture, foods, religion – and I find, of course, that anyplace I go provides that type of experience. Both my kids also have the travel bug and I’m tickled they love to explore the world too. We often share tips with each other about travel logistics and places on our dream list.

Authors always seem to have a teetering To Be Read pile. What’s in yours?

Does anyone else get stressed about all the wonderful books there are to read and not having enough time to read them all? I have stacks of books all over my house and they grow faster than I can get to them. Right now, I’m reading “The Gown” by Jennifer Robson, and “The Island of Sea Woman by Lisa See.” Also, because I always have five or six books going at any one time, I’m also currently reading “Passage to Juneau” by Jonathan Raban, “New York 2140” by Kim Stanley Robinson and “The Good Women of China” by Xinran.

Which authors have inspired you?

John Steinbeck, Lisa See, James Michener, Amy Tan and David Mitchell. So many, many more. I feel like I’m choosing a favorite child here. Every book I read informs my writing in some manner.

Visit Julie Howard here:

Website: http://juliemhoward.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/juliemhowardauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18116047.Julie_Howard

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07D6CS4NQ