We’re having lovely fall weather and are still able to use the deck. We’re gathered around with drinks in hand to welcome guest author Julie Bates and her featured historical mystery, A TASTE OF BETRAYAL (A Faith Clarke Mystery).
Welcome, Julie! How do you take your coffee?
JW: I love a big cup of coffee with one Splenda and two teaspoons of half and half or cream. I cannot stand powdered creamer. I get it first thing in the morning (5:30) when the alarm goes off and so do my 4 dogs (3 huskies and one we have no idea)
Ally: We don’t have the dogs for you to drink with, but we do have readers. Why don’t you tell them something about yourself, while I pour the coffee?
Julie Bates enjoys reading and writing in a variety of genres. After spending a few years writing freelance articles, her first novel Cry of the Innocent, premiered in June 2021. The Eight book series follows the timeline of the American Revolutionary War. In addition, she has blogged for Killer Nashville and the educational website Read.Learn.Write. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Southeastern Mystery Writers of America (SEMWA) and The Historical Novel Society as well as Sisters in Crime. When not busy plotting her next story, she enjoy doing crafts and spending time with her husband and son, as well as a number of dogs and cats who have shown up on her doorstep and never left.
Something unique/unusual that isn’t in your regular bio. “I love ghost stories. I recently began working with the producers of our local fall ghost walk to add some new stories about local figures who died by nefarious and tragic means.”
Author Contacts:
Website https://juliebates.weebly.com/
Bookbub @julibates1
Twitter @JulieLBates03
Facebook Julie L. Bates author
Ally: Why did you choose writing as a career? Is it your only career, or do you have a “day” job?
JB: I have always written. I’ve dreamed of being an author since I was 13. My day job is public school teacher for special needs students. They are very special people.
Ally: What book/author has influenced your writing the most?
JB: Probably Anne Perry. When I read her books I realized I could combine my love of history with a really good story.
Ally: Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision?
JB: I am traditionally published through Level Best Books. I felt more comfortable working with people with loads of experience in the business. I learn as I go.
Ally: What is the easiest—or the hardest—part of writing for you? Explain.
JB: I have loads of ideas and imagination. The hard part is sitting down every day and writing whether I feel like it or not. Writing takes commitment.
Ally: Do you use critique groups or beta readers? Do you find them valuable?
JB: I love feedback. It is very helpful in designing stories. I believe both help make me a better writer. My goal is to get better with every book, so I value those who take the time to read them and comment.
Ally: Do you write from an outline?
JB: Yes. I use a loose outline to make sure I incorporate historic events correctly and also to make sure I follow my story arc. My character do evolve as I write them and tell me things I did not know and that can cause minor changes but that it part of the process.
Ally: How many books do you read in a month? Which genre(s)? Favorite authors?
JB: 2-3 now that I am writing and working. I love reading C.S. Harris, Ashley Gardner, Rhys Bowen and Anna Lee Huber, but I’m eclectic. I enjoy trying new authors all the time.
Ally: Where do you go to find a new book to read?
JB: I have browsed brick and motors and libraries. I believe in supporting local book stores when possible. I browse Bookbub and Amazon First Reads, I also enjoy browsing at Book Conventions.
Ally: Do you read reviews of your own books? Do you respond to them? Are you affected by them?
JB: I read reviews. I appreciate that someone took the time. I ignore negative ones unless it’s a repeated theme, then I study to see if there is something I could improve.
Ally: Do you buy ads to sell your books? Where? Have they been profitable?
JB: I have collaborated with Level Best on group ads with Mystery Scene and for events. I am still figuring out how to make a profit in this business.
Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
JB: I am currently writing Book 3 in my Faith Clarke series. Titled Rise to Rebellion, it takes place in Philadelphia in 1776. Someone is trying to kill Benjamin Franklin and it is up to my characters to prevent it and find who and what are behind it. It releases in late May 2023.
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you select?
JB:
- Book you’re currently reading: Clarke & Division, a historical mystery where the protagonist is a young woman just released from Manzanar. It is moving without sentimental and very evocative of the time.
- An author you’d love to chat with. Either C.S. Harris or Jennifer Ashley. I suspect we would enjoy a coffee together.
- An item on your bucket list: I would love to visit Alaska.
- Most watched tv show: Murdoch Mysteries
- Favorite quote: Robert Kennedy “Some people see things as they are and ask why. I dream thinks that never were and ask why not?”
- Your pets: 3 huskies (Kody, Teddi & Kanna) Luna is our big black dog of unknown ancestry. 4 cats (Leo, Tyger, Sherlock and Mei)
- Favorite type of supernatural characters: Werewolves. This is probably because I own 3 huskies. It gets pretty wolfie here sometimes.
Ally: A pleasure to chat with you, Julie. Before we finish, please tell us about your featured book.
A TASTE OF BETRAYAL (A Faith Clarke Mystery)
Genre: historical mystery
April 1775. Unrest grows in the colonial capital of Williamsburg, VA. Opinions turn ugly when the city’s armory is seized in the middle of the night by the British. Faith prepares to be a bystander as her father-in-law Ezra takes the lead in responding to the governor. Events take a personal turn when Ezra collapses and begs her to find who poisoned him. Faith tackles the job, aided by Patriot spy Jeremy Butler, but the suspects are many, from Royal Governor Dunmore to members of Ezra’s own family who hunger for his wealth. Suspicion falls on Eugenia Moore, his opinionated wife, who is hauled off to the gaol after arsenic is found in her room.
Nothing makes sense to either Faith or Jeremy as they struggle to find answers amidst the increasing chaos. Ezra’s death brings family animosities to a boil, unleashing anger and accusations as the number of those afflicted increases. As Jeremy follows leads among Ezra’s rivals and opponents, Faith looks at the family, trying to decide who would benefit from administering a taste of betrayal.
Buy Link:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Taste-Betrayal-Faith-Clarke-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0B5YF1ZYN
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-taste-of-betrayal-julie-bates/1141739661?ean=9781685121402
AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-taste-of-betrayal/id6443137823
BookShop: https://bookshop.org/books/a-taste-of-betrayal-a-faith-clarke-mystery/9781685121402