Misty Simon, one of the authors included in Holidays and Homicides, a short story collection, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today.

Welcome, Misty.

Tell us about the book.

This is a wonderful collection of holiday stories brought to you by several awesome authors at Gemma Halliday Publishing! We got together and all took a swing at bringing you some holiday cheer spiced with mirthful mysteries and clever criminals!

Where did the idea for the book come from?

Gemma put a call out a few months ago asking who would be interested in this delightful idea, and we took off from there.

Is there a theme or subject that underlies the story? If so, what prompted you to write about it?

It’s all about the holiday cheer! We have many holidays represented (including Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day). These were so much fun to write, and we look forward to giving you a snicker with your snickerdoodles (a fabulous cookie if you haven’t heard of them before).

How do you create your characters? Do you have favourite ones? If so, why are you partial to them?

I create my characters usually by starting with someone I know and then expanding them and their flaws and strengths to the comic degree. I love all of my characters in one way or another, so choosing would be like asking if you have a favorite kid. You might, but you’re probably not going to admit it.

How do you bring to life the place you are writing about?

I try to put myself in the din of the diner, or the quiet of a funeral parlor, or the coziness of a bed and breakfast, and then write the details that will bring you right on into that atmosphere with me.

What research do you do to provide background information to help you write the story?

For this one, I used to work at a diner a long time ago, so I have some firsthand experience. But I also talked to many people who are currently running your food out with precision to get the gist of what it’s like today. Plus, I get to eat awesome food while taking one for the team on that “research.” 😊

Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers about the book?

I hope these short stories will be the perfect snack-size delight while you’re wrapping presents, hopping between parties, lighting your decorations, and enjoying the upcoming season!

Thank you for answering my questions, Misty, and good luck with Holidays and Homicides, a short story collection.

Readers can learn more about Misty Simon by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Instagram (@mistysimonwrites) and TikTok (@mistysimonwrites) pages.

The book is available at the following online retailers:

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Apple – Kobo – Smashwords

About Misty Simon: Misty Simon always wanted to be a storyteller…preferably behind a Muppet. Animal was number one, followed closely by Sherlock Hemlock… Since that dream didn’t come true, she began writing stories to share her world with readers, one laugh at a time.

Touching people’s hearts and funny bones are two of her favorite things, and she hopes everyone at least snickers in the right places when reading her books. She lives with her husband in Central Pennsylvania, where she is hard at work on her next novel or three.

About Holidays and Homicides: From twelve USA Today bestselling and award winning authors, comes a short story collection stuffed full of mirthful mysteries, clever criminals, and holiday cheer! These short holiday bites are perfect for enjoying between rounds of wrapping or binge-reading over a cup of cocoa!

Stories include:

A Hometown Christmas Caper (Hometown Mysteries)
by Rosalie Spielman

Gossip, Guilt & Gingerbread (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries)
by Lena Gregory

Larceny & Twinkle Lights (Jamie Winters Mysteries)
by Kelly Rey

Holidays & Heists (Aloha Lagoon Mysteries)
by Anne Marie Stoddard

Ornaments, Surprise & Dead Guys (Gianna Mancini Mysteries)
by Jennifer Fischetto

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Mischief (Northwoods Mysteries)
by Annie McEwen

You Can’t see the Forest for the Christmas Trees (Modern Midwife Mysteries)
by Christine Knapp

Jingle Bell Rocker (Sunny Side Up Mysteries)
by Misty Simon

Holly, Handcuffs, and Hearsay (Camelot Flowers Mysteries)
by Erica Wynters

Search for the Silent Santa (Ghost Town Mysteries)
by Jamie L. Adams

Nothing But Truffle (Cookies & Chance Mysteries)
by Catherine Bruns

A Heartland Homicide (Bourbon B&B Mysteries)
by Gin Jones