Cindy Sample's Blog

When I discovered Nancy Drew at an early age, I not only fell in love with reading mysteries, but also became addicted to watching them on TV. Some early favorites were 77 Sunset Strip, Hawaiian Eye, Honey West, and The Avengers.

Yes, I am really dating myself here. But I picked up some excellent karate moves from Emma Peel!

In writing my newest mystery, BIRTHDAYS ARE MURDER, there’s a moment when Sierra Sullivan, my protagonist, is about to be interviewed by the police. She tries to buck up her flagging spirits by pretending she’s playing the role of her favorite on-screen kick-ass detective. 

When I tried to type the name into my manuscript, I realized I had so many favorites that I simply could not choose.

Since I love hearing from mystery readers, I decided it would be fun to find out who your favorite female TV/movie detectives are.

Everyone who leaves a comment by January 10th will be entered in a giveaway to receive a signed edition of BIRTHDAYS ARE MURDER and an acknowledgement in the book.

Thanks so much for the help!

The post WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE DETECTIVE? appeared first on Cindy Sample.

Nothing defines a book more than its cover. In fact, fifty percent of readers purchase books based on the cover art. As a humorous mystery author, I not only want to create an enticing cover, but I also need to find a way to combine humor with homicide.

Now that can be a challenge!

My amazing cover artist, Karen Phillips, has come up with two concepts for BIRTHDAYS ARE MURDER, the first book in my new Spindrift Cove Mystery series set in the Puget Sound area of Washington State. The series features Sierra Sullivan, a former cruise ship director, and the cousin of Laurel McKay. You first met her in DYING FOR A DIAMOND.

As you will note, the covers are similar but differ in title font, lighthouse shape, whimsical tree vs. regular tree, butterfly vs. seagull, and a table full of gifts vs. a tasty cake. Feel free to vote on the individual elements of the covers. They can be mixed and matched.

And yes, that foot is attached to a dead body!

As always, feel free to come up with your own recommendations. It’s fun for me to read your suggestions. If you leave a comment on this post by March 5, you’ll be entered in a giveaway for one of two $25 gift cards to the retailer of your choice.

So have at it!

The post DYING FOR A COVER appeared first on Cindy Sample.

As the coronavirus has roared throughout the world, infecting more and more U.S. citizens, many of us, especially seniors, have had to contend with new restrictions regarding our daily movements.

But there is one situation that has particularly impacted my daily movement more than any other.

No toilet paper!

I’m supposed to be sheltering in place, but basic needs must be met. After discovering that Amazon was out of TP, I tried ordering it through Safeway.com. They had no problem accepting my toilet paper order, although it was delayed for five days due to heavy volume from other seniors also sheltering in place.

The delivery man finally knocked on my front door. I greeted him from ten feet away with bated breath. When I realized he was only holding two small bags, I almost cried. No TP for me.

COVID-19 is a dreadful and formidable disease. But as far as I know, toilet paper will not keep you from getting it!

My mother used to tell me about life during the depression when the Sears catalogue served multiple purposes, including as a bathroom tool. Those catalogues no longer exist, but I do own several thousand books. Was it time to start removing pages from my favorite mystery authors? The Classics? Mark Twain would get a kick out of my predicament. I could also destroy one of my own books. How desperate was I?

Then I realized those pages might clog up the toilet. What if I couldn’t get a plumber to come out!

With too much time on my hands, I decided to clean my garage. I gathered some Christmas lights strewn here and there and opened the door to one of my 9-foot-tall garage cabinets. As I shoved the items into a half empty shelf, I looked up. Way up. And I discovered treasure!

Twenty years ago, my teenage son purchased 30 rolls of super cheap toilet paper in order to complete the dastardly deed of decorating someone’s house with it. I found out and stopped him. The TP was subsequently stored on the top shelf, never to be thought of again. Until today.

Now if I could only find a stepladder—or a tall neighbor!

We can all use a dose of humor during this perilous period. I’d love to hear from all of you. What you’re having to deal with during this crisis and how you’re handling it. If you leave a comment by April 1, you’ll be entered into a drawing. Three people will win either a $15 Amazon gift card or a six pack of toilet paper! Your choice.

The post DYING FOR SOME TOILET PAPER appeared first on Cindy Sample.

I’m sure everyone has a favorite movie or television chase scene permanently embedded in their memory. Right? My childhood was spent glued to the television, mesmerized by the chase scenes taking place on our tiny black and white screen. Back then the action consisted of heroic cowboys riding after villainous bandits or stone-cold killers. You could identify the bad guys by their black hats and masks, although occasionally a TV writer would go crazy and cover the hero’s face as well.   

Yep, that’s me with Hopalong Cassidy. Anyone remember him? But Zorro was my favorite fictional hero. You can’t beat the combination of a dude wearing a mask, a cape AND a sword. To this day, I’m still enthralled with chase scenes. Not to mention cowboys. And dudes. Okay, getting a little off topic here.

As I matured, so did the film industry. And the chase scenes kept getting better and better. James Bond, dressed in a designer tux could take out a team of villains while driving a sports car, a boat,  a plane or even on skis. Moonshine truckers outraced local cops. And there’s my personal favorite—the chaotic Mini Cooper getaway in The Italian Job.

I was determined to write a truly unique chase in Dying for a Date, the first book in my Laurel McKay Mysteries. Unless some other author has written a scene consisting of dueling backhoes, I think I succeeded. Slowest chase scene ever, but it will make you giggle.

My first chase was so widely applauded I decided to expand on the theme. If Stephanie Plum could experience exploding cars in every book, certainly Laurel McKay could devise creative ways to catch a killer. 

Dying for a Dance upped the suspense when I created a snowmobile chase on the shores of Lake Tahoe.  Then things really heated up in Dying for a Daiquiri when the action moved to balmy Hawaii, and Laurel ends up being chased by a crazed killer on a zip line. Laurel declared it so harrowing her screams could be heard 2,500 miles away in Sacramento.

In Dying for a Dude I finally wrote a chase scene worthy of those fine cowboys I’d idolized for years. The action takes place during the annual Wagon Train Parade in Placerville  and features what one reviewer claims is the funniest chase scene ever. Picture a stagecoach, a runaway surrey with the fringe on top, a motorcycle and a horse that can evidently leap over small cars!  

I won’t spend time here sharing the details of the chase scenes in Dying for a Donut and Dying for a Diamond. You’ll just have to read them yourself. But I do need your help crafting my latest chase scene in Dying for a Deal.

Much of the action takes place in the Lake Tahoe area, but this time during the summer. There are so many options to choose from. Paddle-boards, jet skis, year-round gondolas or an old fashioned sternwheeler. Help me choose or come up with an original idea of your own.

If I use your suggestion, you will receive a signed copy of Dying for a Deal and also be featured in the acknowledgements. And one lucky person who comments on this blog by July 20th will receive a $20 Amazon gift card.

The post HELP ME CHOOSE A CHASE SCENE appeared first on Cindy Sample.

There are many dangerous professions in the world. But did you know that one of the most perilous occupations is that of the author?

Carpal tunnel, arthritis, bulging discs and my most recent injury––a torn meniscus from pulling a suitcase full of books out of my car. Not to mention the most dreaded medical condition of all––writer’s butt!  

In my effort to ensure that everyone in the Sacramento/El Dorado County area has heard about my Laurel McKay mystery series, I’ve spoken at or attended over 350 events in the past six years, including some really fun launch parties! 

These appearances have been the high point of my new career. And my life.  I love meeting readers and aspiring writers, as well as other authors. Sharing stories about plotting, our characters and the fun research we get to do, is a real kick.

Although occasionally I get overly zealous about acquiring new fans!

Those readers who take the time to contact an author are truly a high point. It’s not always easy to create another world, and those emails and comments keep us motivated. Although I’ve received some incredibly generous emails, I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you.

Really, truly, and absolutely love your books about the apple farm and the families. They are almost as nutty as my family. Most comforting.

You made the main character so real and likable. The way you write made me feel like I was in the story and I want her as my friend!

Hope you’re having as much fun writing the books as I did reading them!!  Look forward to more Laurel escapades!!!

I never want your books to end.

And the most touching of all––

This has been a rough year for me since my husband died. I can laugh and appreciate all of Laurel’s dilemmas. My daughter gave me a gift card for Christmas and I bought Dying for a Date. Now I am hooked. It gave me some laughs over a sad Christmas. My dogs and I had our dinner. Then I settled down with the e-book. Things looked a lot brighter.

Talk about motivating. That comment brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes!

Whether you are an author or a reader, I’d love to hear from you. What keeps you motivated to pursue your dreams? If you leave a comment by midnight December 16th, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a $20 Amazon gift card. We can all use that!

For an opportunity to win 32 cozy mysteries, check out this incredible drawing.  https://authorsxp.com/giveaway

I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.

The post AN ODE TO READERS appeared first on Cindy Sample.

Have you ever wondered how much research goes into writing a mystery? In this day and age, it’s easy enough to Google just about anything. So how important is it for an author to be on location in order to produce an accurate scene? One that will please the reader as well as a Jeopardy champion know-it-all.

Although my books are cozy mysteries, Laurel McKay, my protagonist, has ended up in a number of dangerous situations. For authenticity, I decided that I should experience the same situations that she encounters, but without the perils. Mostly. So I’ve learned how to drive a backhoe, danced in a ballroom competition, discovered the joys of ATV riding and zip-lining in Hawaii, and drunk copious cups of Kona coffee as well as numerous pitchers of daiquiris in search of the perfect one (Lilikoi). 

I’ve also climbed inside a wine crusher (terrifying), ridden in a stagecoach and sampled donuts across the country. That donut research was definitely the most dangerous! To my waistline! 

My current WIP, Dying for a Diamond, takes place on a Caribbean cruise. Now you probably think I picked that location to give me an excuse to take a cruise. And you would be completely right.

Two years ago, while on a Dancing with the Stars cruise, I bumped into a fan of cozy mysteries. Liz Davies and I became online friends and we decided book six needed to take place on a cruise ship. She assembled a wonderful group of ladies and gents from all over the country, and together we combed the ship for potential scenes of the crime.

We did discover that not all passengers were as enthralled as we were with finding the best place to stuff a stiff, so we discreetly formed the DB (dead body) club. The crew, the dance cast, a security officer, and ship photographer were also more than happy to help us find places to hide my poor victim.

Or victims. Occasionally I get carried away and this ship certainly had enough excellent hiding places. One of the members of the DB Club even acted out a scene we called DYING FOR A DISCO!

But just because we researched the ship from one end to the other, it doesn’t mean I’ve made my final decision just yet. I want to hear from my creative readers. For those of you have taken a cruise, tell me some likely hiding places. And if you haven’t been on a cruise, let your imagination go wild. Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered in a drawing to win a $25 gift card of your choice.

If your suggestion ends up being the actual crime scene, you will be acknowledged in the book. And I may even throw in a fake diamond! Leave a comment by midnight on March 2, to be entered in the drawing.

The post THE SCENE OF THE CRIME appeared first on Cindy Sample.

IAs autumn approaches, what do you most look forward to? The beauty of the fall colors? Cooler nights with a fire roaring in your fireplace, a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other? A mad scrimmage on the ten yard line?

For our family, nothing says fall like a tangy bite of a caramel apple, the sweet taste of a cinnamon-apple donut or the scent of fresh-baked apple pie. Autumn means visits to the farms located in the area known as Apple Hill, where we can view miles of scenic vistas and miles of savory pastries.

Last Thanksgiving, my daughter flew home from Seattle. She’d barely walked down the airport escalator when she told me she was literally “dying for a donut.” We drove directly from the Sacramento Airport to Apple Hill where we satisfied that pressing need with a dozen of High Hill Ranch’s finest.

It probably comes as no surprise that the next book in the Laurel McKay Mysteries is Dying for a Donut, to be released November 15. Laurel stumbles into a mystery involving her daughter’s employer, the owner of Apple Tree Farm. Although Laurel thinks detecting among donuts should be a piece of cake, she soon discovers first-hand that sugar can kill you.

Researching Dying for a Donut was definitely MY most dangerous research yet!

I’d love to learn about your favorite fall experiences so feel free to share them with us. I’m also betting that readers will be dying for some tasty snacks once they’ve finished Dying for a Donut. For those of you who love to bake, or those of you who love to eat and have friends who love to bake, please share your favorite apple, pear or pumpkin-based recipe. Ten entries will be randomly chosen and included in the back of the book.

The winners will be acknowledged in Dying for a Donut and will also receive a free copy of the book . Entries must be received by midnight October 5, 2015. You can leave the recipe on this blog or email it to me at cindy@cindysamplebooks.com

The post DYING FOR A RECIPE appeared first on Cindy Sample.

What makes you drool over a book? Is it the title?  If so, how could you resist a book called Dying for a Donut? A lip smacking mystery. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)

Or is it the cover that first catches your eye?

COVER 1

We’ve all heard that phrase, “a picture is worth a 1,000 words,” supposedly coined by Fred R. Barnard in 1921 when he promoted images in advertisements first appearing on the sides of streetcars. Others believe it’s an old Chinese proverb. Or a Japanese proverb. Who knows? What I do know is that I truly want my book covers to hint at the magic that occurs on the pages of my books.

COVER 2   

So how does an author find a way to combine humor, homicide and romance all in one tasty cover? There are so many elements to convey in a mystery. Do we display the victim who was powder-sugared to death? Is the killer a man or a woman?  I didn’t even know whodunit until 175 pages into the story. I will say one thing–– this story is definitely a doozy!

COVER 3  

My wonderful cover artist, Karen Phillips, has designed three different covers. Let me know your thoughts. Pick one of the three covers or combine elements from several of them. I would love to see your creative ideas so feel free to share suggestions of your own. If you leave a comment by July 17th, you’ll be entered in a drawing to win the first signed copy of Dying for a Donut plus a $10 gift certificate to your favorite donut hangout.

The post DYING FOR A DONUT appeared first on Cindy Sample.

ROAD TRIP! Do those two words bring back visions of the crazy days of our youth? Mustang convertibles and VW bugs.  Beach Boys and the Beatles. Tossing beer cans out of windows and mooning travelers in passing cars. Some of you may remember those days. Others prefer to block those memories. But if I had to guess, I would imagine that most people do not have the wild memories that I have––taken with my favorite traveling companion of all time.  My mother.

Mom, brother Jeff and me not smiling as usual – 1956 Atlantic City.

While no one has ever confused us with Thelma and Louise, we’ve had our share of adventures. Mom and I attempted to eat our way through New Orleans and even lifted our shirts on Bourbon Street. I still don’t know why no one tossed us any beads.

Maybe you’re supposed to lift them above your waist!

We’ve line danced at country bars, attempted the hula in Hawaii and briefly contemplated belly dancing at one restaurant. We wisely chose to fill our bellies instead.

On a European adventure, we dined at the Eiffel Tower, cruised the Seine, visited Marie Antoinette’s vacation palace and narrowly escaped bombings at subway stations. Twice! Switzerland was a nice respite after our Parisian adventures. We climbed the Matterhorn, sampled cheese fondues, drank from beer steins bigger than we were and did the Swiss version of a conga line. Everyone’s favorite – the chicken dance!

Lake Como cruise

Despite Mom’s confused versions of thank you––merci in Germany and danke in France, she was unilaterally loved across the European continent. Especially by the street vendors.

In recent years, our vacations have become shorter. Cruises are on Lake Tahoe instead of the Caribbean. Sometimes we’ll drive forty-five minutes then take a twenty minute pit stop. Other times it’s the reverse. We’ve both become more forgetful. I once left her walker behind.

She once forgot her teeth!

Last February, I flew to Chicago to help celebrate her 89th birthday and pack for her move to an assisted living facility.  Her eyesight and hearing aren’t what they used to be. But her sly sense of humor hasn’t dimmed a whit. When Mom discovered her new residence didn’t offer weekly card games, she began teaching pinochle and bridge to both the residents and the staff. Since she can no longer read, she now listens to audio books. Naturally, she started an audio book club. Now that spring has finally hit the Midwest, I expect she’ll be organizing forays all over town.

Although our future road trips will undoubtedly be far shorter, I know every minute of the time I spend with my mother will provide memories to be treasured forever.

Now it’s your turn.   I would LOVE to read about your stories, funny or poignant. One lucky commenter will win a paperback copy of Cozy Food, 128 Cozy Mystery Writers share their Recipes and a copy of Dying for a Daiquiri because, who isn’t? The winner will be chosen at midnight on May 15th.  Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers out there!

The post TRAVELS WITH MOM appeared first on Cindy Sample.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I am once again pondering the subject of romance. I’m also pondering how much post Valentine’s clearance chocolate I can consume without breaking the zipper on my black jeans. Someone may be Dying for a Diet in the near future.  

Everyone has a different definition of what constitutes romance. Romance readers, who represent 40% of overall readership, have preferences for love stories that range from sweet to steamy to erotic, (the latter a rising niche if you get my drift) as proven by the sales of over 100 million copies of Fifty Shades of Grey and an upcoming movie release.

I tend to favor the sweet side of the romance curve myself, although I probably wouldn’t complain if someone tied me to the bedpost using a chain of milk duds. And then had the good grace to leave me alone.

I also firmly believe that romance, along with beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Women love to be wooed, but your partner’s idea of a heavenly gift could be your idea of hell.

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, some women are happiest when their suitors or significant others send them flowers.

Other women are drawn to sparkly tokens of affection. Didn’t Marilyn Monroe once say, “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Or maybe it was Kim Kardashian.

Ever hopeful spouses frequently buy naughty nighties and sexy undies for their wives. Honestly, you guys would be better off delivering a gift-wrapped faucet for that dripping bathroom sink.

So what is your preference? A candlelit dinner for two at an expensive restaurant? Spending a day at the spa? A dozen red roses? My own favorite, and that of my chocoholic protagonist Laurel McKay, is dark chocolate in any shape and poundage! 

I would love to hear your stories. Leave a comment by midnight February 18th about a memorable Valentine’s present or event, and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a $20 gift card to the chocolaterie of your choice (or anywhere else you choose). Also for everyone who comments, I’ll donate a $1 to the American Heart Association. Let’s all help make it a heart-happy month!

In honor of Valentine’s Day, DYING FOR A DATE, the first book in the Laurel McKay Mysteries has been reduced to only 99 cents through February 24th. Now that IS a perfect Valentine’s gift! 

AMAZON

http://tinyurl.com/DyingforaDateKindle

NOOK

http://tinyurl.com/DyingforaDateNook 

iBOOKS   

http://tinyurl.com/DyingForADateiBooks

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