SEELIE KAY: Postcards from The Ledge: This week in The Loft: Fellow eXtasy Author Carol A. Guy!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Carol A. Guy. Carol writes romantic suspense, paranormal mysteries, and true crime. After many years of working full-time jobs--one as a newspaper reporter--and authoring books in her spare time, she is now retired and writing full time. Carol's two children, David and Sarah, are grown with families of their own. She is a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Carol resides in Florida, with two very inquisitive cats, Sherlock and Charlie.

Author Carol A. Guy

S: Good morning, Carol! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me today.

Has romance changed in your lifetime?

C: I’m not sure true romance has changed that much, but society’s concept of what’s taboo, certainly has. It seems like, these days, the words romance and sex are synonymous in a lot of people’s minds. Not in mine, however. Although sex is usually, and naturally, part of a romantic relationship, to me romance is more than that. It’s believing in the other person and wanting what’s best for him or her. It’s cherishing the relationship and not doing anything to jeopardize what you’ve built together. It’s being totally honest about your feelings. And, it’s offering words of encouragement when your significant other is at a low point in his or her life.

S: I totally agree with you. The sexual norms have really changed and as an older single person, it makes me uncomfortable.

What do you appreciate more brains or brawn/beauty?

C: If I must choose one, give me brains. But I’d also like him to be kind, considerate and brave enough to express his true feelings.

S: Good qualities for a partner to possess. What's the best advice you’ve ever been given?

C: When I was authoring my true crime book, I wrote it in a “just the facts, ma’am” style. I sent a few chapters to a publisher who specialized in that genre. I received a reply from the acquisition’s editor stating that the story seemed to be a good one, but the format was all wrong. He offered this advice: “Even though it’s true crime, the reader still wants to be entertained. Rewrite it like a novel.” He agreed to take another look if I did that. Well, I took his advice to heart, and resubmitted it to that editor as well as another publishing house. He didn’t make an offer, but the other publisher did. And the rest, as they say, is history.

S: I can really identify with that advice. I have been working on a true crime book and it's tough to leave the "just the facts" mentality. As a former journalist, that conflicts with everything I was taught.

What inspires your stories?

C: I’ve been a mystery novel fan since I was a teenager. It’s natural I would want to write in that genre. I grew up in a small town much like Crescent Falls, which is why I use that as the backdrop for my series. Adding the romance element, I feel, gives the stories more depth. Inspiration for my stories comes from many sources: The news, experiences I’ve had or heard about from friends or relatives, and, of course, my imagination.

S: What do people get wrong about publishing a book?

C: Many people labor under the impression that as soon as a book gets published, the money starts rolling in. For most authors this is not the case. Competition is tough. You need to implement a well thought out marketing plan of your own, whether you have a publisher or are self-published.

S: I read somewhere that more than a million books are published each year. That makes it really hard to get information about your books heard. You're right. Competition is fierce.

What inspired "The Silent Victims?"

C: It’s the fifth in the Crescent Falls series, so I’m trying not only to continue the development of the characters but create the suspense/romance element. In "The Silent Victims," I reveal a deadly secret involving a main character and tie up a loose end from the previous book. I also felt it was time to bring back a character to create romantic conflict between two lovers.

S: Is there anything special you would like people to know about "The Silent Victims?"

C: If you enjoy a mystery novel laced with romantic entanglements, lots of plot twists, and a surprise ending, you should give "The Silent Victims" a try. In fact, the same can be said for all the books in the series.

Here's the blurb--

A dead hooker, a missing minister, a skeleton unearthed in the mayor’s back yard, and an attack on the town librarian…once again Crescent Falls is besieged by murder and mayhem.

It’s July Fourth and the citizens of Crescent Falls are ready to celebrate the occasion. The public park has been transformed into festival central with food tents sponsored by local churches, music provided by the high school band, and a carnival midway with games and a dunking machine.

Amateur sleuth Adelaide McBride and her fiancé Vernon Dexter are ready to work a shift at the ice cream tent, sponsored by their church. The newly formed Crescent Falls Auxiliary Police Force, made up of volunteers, will be keeping the peace. But when a murder victim is found in the woods adjacent to the park, the celebration comes to an abrupt halt.

Chief of Police Daniel McBride already has a missing person’s case on his hands. Reverend James Preston mysteriously disappeared a week ago and all efforts to find him have failed. Now, Daniel is faced with the brutal murder of a woman he recognizes as Felitia Mason, an out-of-town escort, employed by Lillian Hayes, someone Daniel became infatuated with during a past investigation. Will his continued fascination with the intriguing escort service owner endanger his relationship with Officer Judy Hess, the woman he claims to love?

To make matters worse, days later a skeleton is unearthed in the mayor’s back yard and many dark secrets from the past bubble to the surface.

When the town librarian is attacked in the same manner as the escort, Daniel realizes some of his cases could be connected.

With his mother, Adelaide, lending a hand, Daniel hopes to unravel both twisted cases and find justice for the victims. But little does he realize the price some of those involved will have to pay.