Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Who Killed My Husband? By Michelle Stimpson. Virtual Book Tour.
July 17-28, 2017.
July 17-28, 2017.
Genre: Short Story/Mystery
ASIN: B071743ZLP
Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994. She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults. In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Falling Into Grace. She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company, Right Track Academic Support Services, at www.wegottaread.com. Michelle serves in women’s ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, in Dallas, TX. She regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored by churches, schools, book clubs and other positive organizations, and she has taught writing classes at the University of Texas at Arlington. Michelle lives near Dallas with her husband, their two teenage children, and one crazy dog.
Ashley Crandall finally convinced her husband, Allan, to attend the Christian men’s retreat...but he ends up dead there. What happened to him on the campgrounds? Who would want to kill Allan? And why are the detectives pointing fingers at Ashley? In her quest to solve the mystery and clear her name, Ashley will learn something about her husband that she didn’t want to know and something about her Christian faith that shifts her life.
This short work by national bestselling, multi-published author Michelle Stimpson is packed with emotion, suspense, and a her signature way of weaving hope into a story – always a hit with readers who enjoy faith-based reads.
In Conversation with
Michelle Stimpson
Q: This is a different kind of book for you. What made you venture a little with this title?
A: After writing 40+ books, an author can get kinds stagnant. I have recently started reading clean mysteries, and I found that I actually enjoy them. They keep me up late at night because I truly want to find out whodunit and why. I’m hoping my readers will enjoy a different pace, too. I think they’ll be glad to know it’s possible to change things up and still keep the message of the book strong.
Q: What is the message of the book?
A: The main character, Ashley, is struggling to make sense of things as they relate to her. She has suffered much loss in her life already. But she’s going to have to understand that God doesn’t make His plans around Her. She may be the apple of His eye, but she is not the center of the universe. His promise to be there always will have to sufficient for some of us until we reach the other side.
Q: Wow! That title really caught me. How did you come up with the idea for this book?
A: You know what, I wish I could remember. Thankfully, I have not experience much death around me, but I know that the longer I live, the more loved ones will pass away. Death is a part of life. I don’t kill off a lot of characters in my books, but there was just something about this couple that struck my imagination and I knew they needed a book. Quickly!
Q: How quick?
A: About 10 days from outline to finished first draft.
Q: Seriously?
A: Yes, but keep in mind: This is a shorter work of fiction.
Q: Why did you choose to write a shorter piece?
A: I actually got my start with fiction as a short-story writer. I love shorter reads because I can finish them quickly. My schedule is often irregular, so it’s hard for me to get into longer books during hectic weeks. When I sit down for a few hours with a short read, I already know I’m going to have the satisfaction of finishing it. I usually save longer reads for holidays/vacations.
Q: What else is going on with you outside of the writing world?
A: Glad you asked! I am now the grandmother of a wonderful baby girl. Bless God! I am spending a ridiculous amount of time just staring at her and nibbling on her juicy cheeks.
Q: What’s your next release?
A: I’ve got a non-fiction book coming out entitled Change Your Mind, Transform Your Life: 21 Truths to Renew Your Mind in Christ. I am always sooo excited about edifying believers. Non-fiction is not my first genre, but it is definitely one of the most fulfilling to me.
Q: Do you have advice for aspiring authors?
A: I have more than advice—I have help! They can visit www.PublishMyBookAlready.com to take classes and learn more about publishing, marketing, etc.
Q: How Can Readers Connect with You?
A: The best way to keep in touch is through my email list. I send out notice of new books and keep people posted on all kinds of things from events to what’s happening with their favorite characters to upcoming releases.
Click here to join
Excerpt
Chapter 1
“Thank you for doing this, Allan.” I kept my eyes steady on
the unfamiliar, winding road sprawling before me. Already, I had braked three
times for sharp turns and a pothole.
Allan, ears covered by headphones, bobbed as though he
didn’t hear my compliment. His baby smooth skin, dimples, and semi-mohawk
haircut made him look much younger than thirty-two. So young, in fact, that a
few times, twenty-something chicks at his DJing events had mistaken me as his
older sister or his manager, even though I was only thirty. Allan thought that
was funny. “It’s good for business,” he’d say, flashing his boyish grin.
I was tired of him acting like a boy. A guy. A dude. A bro.
I needed him to grow up and be a man. Start thinking about things that
mattered, namely his eternity. Since Allan had agreed to attend this
non-church-affiliated men’s retreat, I thought my prayers were finally being
answered. I had gone all out to take off work early so I could take him to
Peaceful Days. Even dusted on some makeup and flat-ironed my wavy mane so he’d
have this awesome picture of me in the back of his mind all weekend.
I tapped him on the shoulder and mouthed again, “Thank you
for doing this.”
I knew better than to expect a “Sure thing, Ashley,” or
“It’s my pleasure to go,” from him. He was either ignoring me or caught up in
his music. No matter, I was used to being blocked out of his life by music,
working at KRBF FM radio Dallas. His side gigs. His friends. His lifestyle.
Still, my eyes watered for a moment. The rejection stung
worse than a bee. At least when a bee stung, it was defending its own
territory. Allan and I were supposed to be one in God’s sight. Why he chose to
turn on me—his wife of six years—and treat me like the enemy was unreasonable.
We were on the same team.
At least we were until Corey died.
2 comments:
Thanks for the post, Paulette!
My pleasure.
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