Authors on the Bench
This month, our authors are revealing where they get their ideas for their stories. From personal experiences to what’s going on in the world, ti’s all fair game. Check out this month’s postto get the whole story.
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This month, our authors are revealing where they get their ideas for their stories. From personal experiences to what’s going on in the world, ti’s all fair game. Check out this month’s postto get the whole story.
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Lights, Camera, Chaos!
Ever wonder what happens when fictional characters start casting their own movies? Spoiler alert: things get *deliciously* complicated.
We’ve got aspiring feline actresses demanding top billing, rom-com hopefuls, and sleuths protagonists who know exactly which snarky A-lister has the chops to nail their signature eye-roll.
Ready for the ultimate fantasy casting session? Head to this month’s Characters on the Bench and discover which stars our characters have picked for their close-ups. Trust us—their choices might surprise you!
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For this month’s question, our authors reminisce about the things that make them happy. From pleasant walks to family and friends, and some good old-fashioned time to write, our authors have a lot of things that make them happy. Check out our list in this month’s Authors on the Bench.
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From a personal concierge to special vacations to mementos, our characters are telling their Christmas wishes.Join us to find out what they’d like. Happy Holidays!
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This month, our authors are revealing their favorite color choices. From clothes to interior decorating, we cover the choices. See what your favorite author is sporting and why!
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Our characters are weighing in on whether they like the beach or the mountains today. Find out what they like in this month’s Characters on the Bench!
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From a license plate to Robin Williams, our authors have gotten advice from many sources. Whether it’s how to deal with failure to embracing life’s forks in the road to refusing to not sweating the small stuff, our authors have gotten some very good advice. Learn more about the advice that transformed our authors’ lives in this month’s Authors on the Bench.
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Mystery sleuths dream big! From fantasy realms to romance, our beloved characters reveal their secret genre desires. Discover which sleuth yearns to be a dragon-slaying princess and who’s itching to write cookbooks. Click to uncover their surprising literary fantasies!
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From heartwarming rom-coms to thrilling suspense, our authors dish on their favorite films of the year. Discover why ‘Wicked’ is stealing hearts and which classic thriller still holds up. Click to explore diverse movie picks that will inspire your next watch!
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If one of our characters won the lottery, what would they buy? From moonshine distilleries and ice cream shops to bigger houses (and maybe just a new scratching post for RahRah the Siamese cat!), our authors and their characters are dreaming big! Click through to see what they’d splurge on first – and tell us, what would you buy if you hit the jackpot?
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Dive into a magical literary journey where our authors reveal the transformative books that shaped their dreams, careers, and worldviews. From Bradbury’s science fiction to Alcott’s timeless classic, discover how a single book ignited lifelong passions, inspired career, and opened their eyes to new possibilities.
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Ever dreamed of swapping lives with a cartoon character? From Moana’s fearless adventures to Wonder Woman’s Amazonian strength, our authors and their characters share who they’d love to be—and why! Dive into the fun and tell us who you’d choose!
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Looking for your next great read? Our latest post has it all—crime in paradise, a duke with irresistible charm, a snarky MurderBot, and even a deep dive into Jane Austen’s cozy corners. Curious? Click through to see what’s been keeping us up past bedtime!
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Ever wondered which fictional world your favorite characters would love to live in? In our latest post, six beloved sleuths and storytellers reveal the bookish lives they’d trade their own for—from solving mysteries in Santa Teresa to dancing the night away at a Jane Austen ball. Dive in to discover their picks and imagine where you might fit in the pages of another story!
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Discover what sparks the imaginations of our authors as we share our favorite genres to read beyond our own writing. From historical fiction to science fiction, biographies, and more, our choices reveal diverse tastes and intriguing inspirations. Curious about our unique perspectives? Explore the full post and join the discussion—what are your favorite genres?
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Ever wonder where your favorite fictional characters would choose to travel if their adventures came with a side of mystery? We’ve asked them to spill the beans! From tropical escapes to bucket-list destinations, their picks come with plenty of twists, turns, and trouble. Get ready to explore their dream getaways and guess what kind of trouble they’ll stumble into next!
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Discover the stories behind the stories! From chance encounters to unforgettable travels, explore how unique moments and places have inspired our authors’ books. What sparks your imagination?
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What does May bring for your favorite fictional sleuths? From prepping for hurricane season to savoring beachside sunsets, each character has a unique story to tell. Curious about their adventures, challenges, and moments of reflection this month? Dive into their May musings and see what surprises await. Click to read more!
This month, we decided to put our characters to the test with a question about the changing of the seasons. Since they’re from all different parts of the country, you might imagine they’ve got some different ways of handling this. […]
Our authors share their unique approaches to writing during the summer, from staying focused on their WIP and meeting deadlines to carving out time for relaxation, exploration, and reading for fun. How does summer influence your creative routines?
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Step into the worlds of your favorite mystery series as their characters reveal the scents that remind them of home. From fresh-baked cookies to crisp ocean breezes (and even some laugh-out-loud surprises), these heartfelt and humorous responses will make you think about the scents that define your own cherished memories. Curious? Click through to read what brings these characters “home”!
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This month, our seven authors share their expertise, creativity, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of storytelling. Curious about the best writing books for beginners? Don’t miss our latest post, where each author recommends a must-read book to inspire and guide aspiring writers. Whether you’re a budding writer or a devoted book lover, we think you’ll find this post very interesting!
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Everyone’s got a bad habit—or two—that they’re working on. Even your favorite mystery characters aren’t immune! From impulsive decisions to overthinking, they’re sharing their hilarious and heartwarming struggles. Curious to see if you can relate? Click through and join the fun (and commiseration)!
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Have you ever read a mystery series so clever, so perfectly written, that you found yourself thinking, “Why didn’t I come up with that?” You’re not alone. Even accomplished authors have those moments of envy and admiration when they stumble across a series that feels like pure gold. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain to share what our writers wish they had thought of first. From culinary cozies and quirky amateur sleuths to iconic PIs and inventive plots, this list is bound to stir up some inspiration—and maybe a touch of wistfulness. Grab a cup of tea (or your beverage of choice), and get ready to explore what makes these series so enviable. Who knows—your next favorite mystery might just be on this list!
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Ever wondered who fictional characters rely on when faced with tough decisions? In this week’s blog post, our authors’ characters reveal their go-to sources for advice—from supportive family members and quirky pets to protective siblings and even their own authors! Join us for these heartfelt and sometimes humorous insights!
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Ever wondered what really happens behind the tables at book signings? From snowstorms and forgotten books to heartwarming connections and unexpected hilarity, our authors share their most memorable moments. These stories offer a glimpse into the highs and lows of life as a writer—a mix of humor, resilience, and unforgettable encounters. Click through to discover their stories about their favorite book signing memories!
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It’s that time again when everyone is talking about New Year’s resolutions. Should we make them? Should we not? Do we ever really keep them? Find out what our amateur sleuths have to say about them in this month’s Characters on the Bench.
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Writers often find inspiration in the words of those who’ve walked the path before them. From mastering the craft to trusting your gut, the advice shared by these celebrated authors offers something for every stage of the writing process. In this month’s Authors On the Bench, we all reveal what quotes spark our creativity.
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How do you celebrate the winter holidays? From lighting menorahs to decorating Christmas trees, our sleuths share their cherished traditions. Peek into their festive celebrations and share your own holiday customs with us!
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What childhood flavors bring back the magic of the holidays? Our authors share heartwarming memories of festive dishes and drinks they miss, from grandmother’s seven-layer spice cake to an unforgettable eggnog. Take a stroll down memory lane with us—and don’t forget to share your own nostalgic holiday favorites!
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Our characters are giving the Thanksgiving Day Parade their all. They’ve got ideas for new balloons we think you’ll love. Why not check out the post and see what they have to say?
Float into Creativity with Us! What if YOU could design a balloon for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? We asked some of our favorite characters to dream up their perfect parade balloons—think whimsical jesters, heartfelt peace symbols, and even a puppy-inspired masterpiece! […]
For this month’s Authors on the Bench post, we asked our writers what they’re thankful for during this Thanksgiving holiday season.
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Fall is closing in, and our characters are looking for to the new season. Read on to find out what they love most about fall.
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This month’s post dives into the scary world of Halloween. We’re answering the question of what our favorite Halloween book or story is. Join us for some surprising answers.
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Join us as our fictional characters reveal their educational journeys and ponder returning to school. Dive into their stories and discover who’s considering a new academic adventure. Curious? Click to learn more about their intriguing paths!
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Discover the early writing adventures of our authors as they recount their earliest writing journeys. Learn about their creative sparks and storytelling beginnings. Dive into their journeys and explore what ignited their passion for writing. Read more!
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This month, for our Characters on the Bench segment, we’re putting our characters on the spot and asking them if solving mysteries changed them as a person. We’re also asking them if there any lessons they’ve learned along the way.
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Authors often face the challenge of keeping their books fresh and exciting for readers. It’s about balancing their unique voice with new ideas and storytelling techniques. As trends and reader preferences shift, writers need to adapt without losing what makes their work special. For this month’s Authors on the Bench post, we’re tackling this subject.
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We’ve all heard the expression, some people never learn. Well, we decided to pose that question to our characters this month. Our authors talked to their characters and this is what they said when they answered the question, “Looking back on your adventures, is there anything you wish you had done differently in any of your cases?”
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This month On the Bench, we’re talking about the age-old question of writing technique. There’s no right and there’s no wrong, but there is different. And we’ve got that covered. Check out this month’s On the Bench interviews with our authors.
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We’ve got our characters On the Bench this month with a very interesting question—who do they turn to when they need help? After all, unless you’re a superhero, everybody needs a little support. Join us as our characters take their spots On the Bench.
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Cozy mysteries are known for their lack of graphic violence and explicit content. In this month’s Authors on the Bench post, our authors weigh in on how we keep the stakes high and the story engaging without relying on these elements.
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Not everyone has a knack for sleuthing. And some of us would run screaming if we ever stumbled over a dead body. That’s what we decided to ask our characters what they have to say about their first dead body. Don’t worry, they won’t gross you out, but they may surprise you!
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In this month’s edition of Authors on the. Bench, we’re diving deep into the crazy world of developing fictional characters. You might be surprised by some of our authors answers to the questions of how we develop our characters and if they’re drawn from people we know and whether they are entirely fictional.
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It’s time to talk to our characters again, so we turned Benchie loose on them with the question of who is the most unsettling criminal you’ve ever been up against, and why? You might be surprised by their answers!
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This month’s Authors on the Bench question is about real-life amateur sleuthing. We’re all weighing in on the question—given that you’ve spent years writing about amateurs solving crimes, how do you think you’d do investigating a murder…or would you leave that to the pros?
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We’re talking about gifts with our characters today On the Bench. And so, Benchie asked all of them, what is the best gift you’ve received (on the page or off)…and what is the worst?
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This month on the bench, we’re talking character envy. That’s right, we’re revealing what special skill or characteristic our sleuths have that we wish we did, too. Find out in this month’s Authors on the Bench post!
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Sometimes even the best amateur sleuth needs help solving a crime. Is there a mystery character that you would love to team up with on a case?
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Cozy mysteries are a popular subgenre, and readers have more of a choice than ever when it comes to buying books. What do you think makes your cozy mystery series unique and appealing to readers?
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For this month’s On the Bench question, we turned to the question of sidekicks. Our characters are all answering the question, who is your closest ally in your sleuthing adventures…and who do you wish would keep their nose out of the investigation?
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Our question of the month has to do with feedback from readers and how we incorporate that into our writing. We’re all aware that cozy mystery fans are often very engaged with the genre, so this month, we’re all answering that big question, how do we incorporate reader feedback?
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Whether you’re a reader or a writer, you’re probably influenced by TV shows or movies and the soundtrack that goes with it. Of course, once there is a movie, there’s no question about a character’s theme song. But today, we’re all weighing in on what the theme song would be for our characters.
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This month, our characters are describing their relationships with law enforcement. Prickly, fun, romantic, we’ve got them all! Read on and then let us know about your favorite amateur sleuth!
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Humor is often an essential element in cozy mysteries. This time, on the bench, we’re talking about that elusive subject of how to make readers laugh at just the right moment. So, the question of the day is, how do we infuse humor into our writing without detracting from the suspense?
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We asked our characters, what food item are you best known for eating, and what snack or meal would you never touch with a ten-foot pole? You might be surprised at the answers we got!
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As authors we’re pretty much forced into a high-tech existence, what with computers and email and Zoom presentations and so on. When you need an escape, what low-tech games or activities do you and your family enjoy?
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We all fantasize about our life story being turned into a movie or Broadway show. If it happened to you, who would play your character and why?
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Let’s face it, we’ve all had that fan girl or fan boy moment. Who is the famous person (literary figure or other) that you were excited to finally meet in person, and how did it go for you?
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For this month’s On the Bench post, our authors asked their characters to reveal their most embarrassing moments from their lives—either on or off the page. Look out, because these characters have had some cringe-worthy moments.
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Writing is like any other activity…everyone has an opinion on how best to do it. What is the most valuable piece of writing advice you’ve been given over the years?
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What trait did your author give you that you feel really fits you…or what trait would you change if you could?
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Which fictional setting from one of your books or short stories would you love to step into, yourself, and why?
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When it comes to braving puddles from April showers, rain boots or bare feet? And if the former, what color are they and what drew you to them?
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You’ve heard the old adage, March comes in like a lion, and out like a lamb. What’s your favorite saying that involves the weather, and do you find it true or not?
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A new year can mean a fresh start. What fresh start has your protagonist had to make…or what changes are they thinking of making?
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At some point, almost every writer has held a job outside the publishing industry…some fulfilling, and others not so much. What’s the worst non-writing job you’ve ever had?
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It’s the holiday season again! What is your protagonist’s favorite holiday movie…and what is yours? And do you watch it any other time than in December?
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Everyone knows that Thanksgiving means leftovers! What is your favorite leftover (or created from leftovers) post-Turkey Day dish?
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October means that Trick or Treat time is almost here. What is your protagonist’s go-to Halloween costume, and what is their favorite Halloween candy?
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It’s September, the traditional beginning of a new school year. Do you have a grade school memory that still lingers with you after all this time?
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Characters are their own people, and sometimes they respond to situations differently from their authors. How would your protagonist react if someone threw them a surprise party?
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It’s deadline time, it’s midnight, and your stomach is growling. What snack do you eat when you need a bit of energy to power on through, especially when you know no one is watching?
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This month, we all weigh in on which character from a book by any other author, living or dead, would we secretly like to “steal” and put into our own books…and why? You might be surprised by the answers!
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You must be made of stern stuff not to get a bit misty-eyed at some of the heart-tugging commercials on TV these days. What past or recent commercial (happy or sad) is guaranteed to “get you in the feels” every time it comes on?
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Oh, those character names! Are they good? Not? Will readers like them. The author’s dilemma is a huge one because the right name can make—or break—a character. Or will it? Our authors weigh in and ask for your ideas, too!
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Even we authors are guilty sometimes of being cliché in our everyday dialogue with friends and family. What expressions do you habitually use that make everyone roll their eyes and say, yep, that’s him/her?
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Secondary characters can sometimes steal the show. For this month’s Characters on the Bench post, we all weigh in on the question of which character from any of our books do we think deserves their own novel or series…and why? The answers may surprise you…
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It’s happened to us all. We try to do someone a favor, and it backfires (sometimes spectacularly). What good turn have you done for a person (or has someone done for you) that didn’t work out quite as planned? Find out what our authors have to say as they weigh in this month on the issue of favors.
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On a trip, I need bathroom breaks. That usually equates to a stop at a Starbucks for coffee. While my wife doesn’t mind a stop at Starbies, she usually draws the line at places with porta-potties. Her usual comment is, “That’s easy for you.” Hey, I get it. Biology is biology. There are no two ways around that!
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December’s Question Any traveling “detours” that drive your companions crazy? Do they ever end up in your books? Diane A.S. Stuckart: I much prefer to travel by car than any other way, and I love those ubiquitous roadside markers that commemorate births and deaths and battles and so on. If it were up to me, […]
Holiday Cheer from All of Us We’re delighted you enjoy visiting with the authors of Booklover’s Bench. Nancy J. Cohen, Maggie Toussaint, Diane A.S Stuckart, Cheryl Hollon, Debra H. Goldstein, Terry Ambrose, and Lois Winston wish everyone a joyful holiday season. This year we’re each sharing our favorite holiday beverage. Cheers to all! Let’s hear […]
November’s Question Fancy footwork: what shoes would we find on you/your protagonist’s feet, and what footwear would you/they never be caught dead wearing? Maggie Toussaint: While my catering sleuth tends toward practicality in her everyday footwear, River Holloway Merrick loves black stilettos. I’ve never been able to successfully walk in high heels of any height, […]
October’s Question What’s the best place to eavesdrop on conversations, and have you used this in one of your books? Cheryl Hollon: When I was working on a long-term contract in England, my husband and I frequently took the train for a weekend getaway. The conversations were fascinating, especially if they were on a cell […]
September’s Question Seeing what animal/landmark/famous person was a memorable first in your life? Debra H. Goldstein: I had three memorable “first” famous person sightings. When I was five, I saw Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bob at a charity show and excitedly managed to get my not-so-excited dad picked to be part of a skit with […]
AUGUST’S QUESTION What mystery-based TV show(s) do you enjoy, and why? Nancy J. Cohen: I love the Hallmark Movie & Mystery Channel because their cozy mysteries are the type I enjoy. These are mostly lighthearted and fun with a dash of romance. I also am a fan of The Brokenwood Mysteries on the Acorn Channel. […]
July’s Question What outrageous character names tickle your fancy? Terry Ambrose: I’m terrible with outrageous character names! However, I’ll give this a go. How about a femme fatale named Scarlett Ribbons? Or a boss who was called Malum Dictatum? The psycho could be Doozy McCoozy. And a stalking ex could be Folle McVey. Nancy J. […]