Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours–Glitter, Glam And Contraband

I’m so excited to be a stop on the blog tour for author Heather Weidner and her new book Glitter, Glam and Contraband. This is the third book in her A Delanie Fitzgerald Mystery series.

Glitter, Glam, and Contraband: A Delanie Fitzgerald Mystery
Traditional Mystery/Female Sleuth/Humorous Mystery
3rd in Series
Publisher: Sandpiper Productions (November 19, 2019)
Paperback: 240 pages
ISBN-10: 099945983X
ISBN-13: 978-0999459836
ASIN: B081PGYR7T

Purchase Links – Amazon – Apple Books – Barnes and Noble – BookBub – Kobo – Scribd

Private investigator, Delanie Fitzgerald, and her computer hacker partner, Duncan Reynolds, are back for more sleuthing in Glitter, Glam and Contraband. In this fast-paced mystery, the Falcon Investigations team is hired to find out who is stealing from the talent at a local drag show. Delanie gets more than she bargains for and a few makeup tips in the process. Meanwhile, a mysterious sound in the ceiling of her office vexes Delanie. She uses her sleuthing skills to track down the source and uncover a creepy contraband operation.

Glitter, Glam, and Contraband features a strong female sleuth with a knack for getting herself in and out of humorous situations like helping sleezy strip club owner, Chaz Smith on his quest to become Richmond’s next mayor, tracking down missing reptiles, and uncovering hidden valuables from a 100-year-old crime with a Poe connection.

Glitter, Glam, and Contraband is Heather Weidner’s third novel in the Delanie Fitzgerald series. Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, and Deadly Southern Charm. Her novellas appear in The Mutt Mysteries series. She is a member of Sisters in Crime – Central Virginia, Guppies, International Thriller Writers, and James River Writers.

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers.

Heather earned her BA in English from Virginia Wesleyan University and her MA in American literature from the University of Richmond. Through the years, she has been a technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager.

Author Links

Website and Blog: http://www.heatherweidner.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherWeidner1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherWeidnerAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather_mystery_writer/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8121854.Heather_Weidner

Amazon Authors: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00HOYR0MQ

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HeatherBWeidner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-weidner-0064b233?trk=hp-identity-name

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-weidner-d6430278-c5c9-4b10-b911-340828fc7003

AllAuthor: https://allauthor.com/profile/heatherweidner/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyBjyB0zz-M1DaM-rU1bXGA?view_as=subscriber

When did you know that you wanted to be an author? What things, if any, influenced that decision?

I have always loved reading and writing. I wrote stories, a lot of bad poetry, and one teen romance in high school. I started writing mysteries as an adult, and my first was published in 2014. I have loved mysteries since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. Literary, movie, and TV sleuths have been a big influence over the years.

Image result for scooby doo clipart

With so many cozies being written today, what makes your books stand out from the crowd?

While the Delanie Fitzgerald mysteries are quite a cozy because she’s a private investigator, they are lighter and humorous. Delanie has a knack for getting herself in and out of humorous situations. I’m an 80s girl who was influenced by a lot of pop culture, and it appears in my books. In the series, Delanie has experiences with a comicon, larping (live action role playing), roller derby, and a drag show.

Do you work from an outline or plot or do you just see where the characters take you?

I start with an outline. I color-code it to show where the elements of suspense, romance, and humor are. I also highlight key clues. Then I start writing, and the story tends to go where it wants to.

Do you read your reviews? Do you respond to them, good or bad? Do you do anything special to get those reviews?

I do read them, but I don’t respond on review sites. I believe these are generally for other readers and folks who are shopping for books. You can always learn from comments. (The funniest review I received was with an anthology mystery project. The book was made up of short stories, all mysteries from about seventeen authors. “Mystery” was in the title, all the blurbs, and promo material. One reviewer gave us a one star because he felt the book didn’t contain enough horror.)

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Keep writing. Don’t give up. Writing is a business. You need to look for opportunities to hone your craft.

Image result for "keep writing" clipart

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in someone buying your book(s)? Who designs your book covers?

I think covers are important. It draws readers into your work. It needs to set the mood or tone for the work. Fiona Jayde Designs did the covers for the last two Delanie Fitzgerald mysteries.

Please give us an insight into your main characters. What do you think makes them special?

Delanie Fitzgerald is a sassy private investigator from Richmond, Virginia. She often gets herself in and out of humorous situations. Her partner is Duncan Reynolds, a computer hacker, and his sidekick is Margaret, the Wonder Dog. Delanie is smart and feisty, and she often knows no fear in her quest to find information for her clients.

What have you learned about yourselves since becoming an author?

I have always loved to write. I learned early on in my career that if you want to be published, you need to put in the work. It is a business, and you need to treat it like one. You need to find ways to learn about writing and to hone your craft. I think writing groups, critique groups, and beta readers are great ways to get feedback.

Image result for critique groups clipart

Do you write full-time or part-time?

Part-time. I’m a Quality Assurance/Governance Manager in IT by day, and that means I have to make time for writing. I usually get up between 4:30 and 5:00 AM to get some writing in before the day gig. I also often write during my lunch hour.

What do your plans for future projects include?

Right now, I’m working on a cozy series set near Charlottesville, Virginia. I also write novellas for the dog-themed, Mutt Mysteries. My latest one, “The Fast and the Furriest,” comes out in March 2020.

What do you think the hardest part of writing is? What is the easiest?

The easiest part of writing for me is plotting, planning, researching, and writing. I love the creative part. The hardest part for me is the editing and revising, even though that is the most important part.

Related image

What type of books do you like to read? Who are some of your favorite authors?

I love mysteries, thrillers, and biographies. There are so many favorite authors. I enjoy reading Lee Child, John Grisham, Steve Berry, Lisa Scottoline, Janet Evanovich, Agatha Christie, Louise Penny, Sherry Harris, Maya Corrigan, K.L. Murphy, and Amy Reade.

What is the one thing you would like your readers to know about you?

I’m a CK (Cop’s Kid). My dad retired after 46 years on the Virginia Beach police force, and he’s my best crime resource. There are just somethings you don’t want to Google as an author.

Do you have anything specific you would like to say to your readers?

I am so grateful for all my readers who follow Delanie, Duncan, and Margaret’s adventures, and I’m excited about Glitter, Glam, and Contraband.

Related image