January 2007

Since this book has elements of each, would you shelve this book under mystery, suspense, romance, or humor? Why?  

Ghost of a Chance is written in first person from the viewpoint of the protagonist, Samantha Shade. How would it have differed if written in third person? If narrated by another central character? In general, do you prefer books written in first or third person? Why? 

Both books in the Nightshade series contain crossword puzzles. Other popular mystery series feature recipes, cleaning tips, etc. Do you like this extra effort on the part of authors? Why or why not? 

Did the characters seem real and believable despite their outlandish situations? Could you relate to their personalities and predicaments? To what extent do their strengths and weaknesses remind you of yourself or people you know?  

Referencing desperately poor Latino immigrants, Thom quotes Emerson, saying, "There is no great and no small to the Soul that maketh all: and where it cometh, all things are; and it cometh everywhere." What does Thom mean? Is Emerson's statement true? 

Samantha says that true love is like a ghost - many people believe in both, but few find either. Is that entirely true? Half true? Which half do you believe? Explain!  

Consider Samantha, Thom, and Carlos. What do they believe in? What are they willing to fight for? In what ways are their beliefs the same? Different?  

What is the significance in the novel -- actual and symbolic -- of St. Dymphna, St. Jude, and St. Anthony? (Bonus tidbit: Though it's not mentioned in the book, San Rafael, also known as the angel of love and joy, is the patron saint of young people and travelers. How is it significant that the fictional mission is named for him?)

Q:      How long have you been writing?
A:      Ever since I learned to spell "dog" and a verb or two to go with it! By 6th grade I was writing plays that all the kids in our neighborhood got together to perform. (We won first place in a city-wide talent show, so I guess that makes me an award-winning playwright, right?) Still, I didn't write a novel until I reached (passed?) middle age. I woke up (actually and metaphorically) on my 40th brthday and remembered that I'd always meant to be a writer when I grew up. Since forty is pretty grown up by anybody's standards, I got to work and my first book was published about a year later.

Q:      What do you like most about being an author?
A:      Meeting people! Some of my best friends are other writers and/or readers I've met at book signings and through correspondence. After that, I'd have to say that going to work in one's pajamas is a definite perk. How many people can do that?         

Q:      What prompts you to include humor in your books when most mystery writers stick to suspense? 
A:      I created Nightshade so I'd have a world of funny, quirky, loveable people to visit when I turned off CNN. When I wrote the first book in the series, my youngest son (a Marine) was on a team that disabled roadside bombs in Iraq - he goes back there next month. In times like these you have to laugh to keep from crying. Writing in Samantha's voice for a few hours every day is easier than yoga, healthier than anxiety medication, and cheaper than professional counseling. 

Q:      There's a character in your book who suffers from xeroderma pigmentosum. Was using that character just a literary device or did you have other motives for including him?

A:      Including Arjay was a gift of love. XP is a rare genetic condition in which the body is unable to repair damage caused by ultraviolet light. Thus, XP kids live their lives in semi-darkness and often do not live to adulthood. By fashioning the character after a little boy I knew, I hoped to raise awareness of this rare, debilitating condition. I donate a portion of my royalties to the cause and offer a thank-you gift to anybody who donates to Camp Sundown at my book signings. You can find out how to help me help kids with XP on my website.

Bread so good you understand why the dead might come back for it!

In a saucepan over medium flame, heat ½ cup butter, ½ cup milk and ½ cup water until very warm.

Meanwhile, measure out 1-1/2 cups flour and combine with 2 packages dry yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon anise seed and ½ cup sugar.

Beat in the warm liquid until well combined. Add 4 eggs and beat in another cup of flour.

Continue adding flour until dough is soft but not sticky. Knead on lightly floured board until smooth and elastic. (About 10 minutes.)  

Lightly grease a bowl and place dough in it, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 hours.  Punch the dough down and shape into loaves resembling skulls, skeletons or round loaves with "bones" placed ornamentally around the top. Let rise for 1 hour more. Bake in a preheated 350 F degree oven for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and paint on glaze.  

Glaze: ½ cup sugar; 1/3 cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons grated orange zest. Boil for 2 minutes and apply with pastry brush. Sprinkle with colored sugar while glaze is damp.