Willow Wren Books

A hub for mysteries & children's books

Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

Laurel Standley: Cozy Mysteries with a Dash of Chemistry and Quirky Characters

Laurel Standley, author of the Madeline McPhee Mystery series, brings a unique blend of chemistry and whimsy to the world of cozy mysteries. Inspired by her own experiences, Standley weaves tales set in Dunnett Village, Oregon, where amateur sleuth Professor Madeline McPhee tackles mysteries with Sherlockian flair. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Standley’s cozy mysteries.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

Terri Selting David: From Animator to Empowering YA Author

Terri Selting David's journey from animator to young adult author has been fueled by a passion for storytelling and a desire to empower young readers. Her writing is a testament to resilience and creativity as she explores the emotional challenges of transitioning from childhood to adulthood, seeking to empower readers, especially girls and young women, to embrace their strengths and triumph over adversity as the while infusing her stories with humor, adventure, and hope.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

From Libraries to Laughter: An Inside Look at K.L. Montgomery's Cozy Mystery Worlds

Meet K.L. Montgomery, a cozy mystery author who traded her librarian hat for a sleuthing cap, crafting tales filled with humor, heart, and a dash of danger. Dive into her charming worlds where amateur sleuths, theater troupes, and feline detectives roam, as Montgomery shares insights into her writing journey and the art of balancing wit with mystery.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

MG Author Cathy Ringler: Where Horseback Riding Meets Imagination

Meet Cathy Ringler, a storyteller whose love for horses and storytelling inspired her to craft compelling middle grade fiction. In her soon-to-be-released "Miya’s Mountain," readers join Miya Skippingbird and her friends on a journey through the majestic Beartooth Mountains. Cathy's unique characters and captivating narratives aim to empower young readers, offering them hope and inspiration.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

Rae Knightly: Taking Middle-Grade Readers on Interstellar Adventures

Embark on thrilling cosmic adventures with Rae Knightly, the imaginative author behind captivating science fiction novels for upper middle-graders. From the acclaimed Alien Skill Series to the upcoming Lost Space Treasure saga, thebooks are filled with enthralling adventures and cosmic mysteries that keep readers glued to the pages. Join us as we explore Rae's creative process as she delves into the intricate art of character development, craft, and finding inspiration for her work.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

Victoria LK Williams: Crafting Cozy Mysteries with a Tropical Twist

Meet Victoria LK Williams, the prolific cozy mystery author whose stories transport readers to sun-soaked settings and quirky characters. With over 30 books under her belt, Victoria infuses her tales with the charm and intrigue of South and Central Florida. Join us as we delve into her latest book, where lakeside mysteries and ghostly encounters await, and discover the secrets behind her success in the cozy mystery genre.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

Introducing the Whimsical World of S.B. Goncarova

S.B. Goncarova is the imaginative author behind the "Adventures with Abba" series. In her latest middle-grade novel, "The Secret Code of the Heartbeat Drum," Goncarova captivates readers with daring rescue missions, quirky characters, and heartwarming family dynamics. Join us as she shares insights into her writing process, her passion for inspiring young readers, and the exciting projects on the horizon.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

Discover the Charming World of Dublin in Geraldine Moorkens Byrne's Cozy Mysteries

Step into the enchanting world of Dublin with author Geraldine Moorkens Byrne, as she takes readers on a journey through the streets of this historic city in her cozy mystery novels. From the quaint village-like suburbs to the bustling city center, Byrne's stories are filled with rich history, vibrant communities, and mysteries to be solved. In this interview, Byrne hares insights into her writing process and the inspiration behind her beloved series, including The Music Shop Mysteries and The Old Bat Chronicles.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

A Peek Behind the Scenes with Middle Grade Author, Rick Stevens

Get to know Rick Stevens, a psychology professor who recently discovered his passion for writing during the Covid lockdown. With a laid-back approach to storytelling and a focus on characters that resonate with his own professional experience, Rick shares insights into his two middle grade novels, "Lacy Pita.ATYPICALGIRL" and "WECU Inc." Join us for a casual and insightful discussion about his journey into writing, his unique characters, and the imaginative worlds he crafts for young readers.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

Explore the Charms of Cozy Mystery Writing with Author S.C. Merritt

Join me for a fascinating peek behind the scenes with S.C. Merritt, author of over 13 delightful cozy mysteries. From small-town southern charm to thrilling travel adventures, Merritt shares insights into her character development process, unique settings, and the perfect balance of humor and mystery in her novels.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

Exploring Nature and Adventure with Middle Grade Author, Carla Kessler

Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of middle grade fiction with Carla Kessler, a retired middle school teacher turned author. In this exclusive interview, Kessler shares insights into her latest middle grade novel, Terracolina – A Place to Belong, inspired by a deep love for nature and a profound concern for climate change. Discover how she crafts relatable characters and infuses adventure into her stories, teaching young readers to connect with the wonders of the natural world.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

The Hidden Dangers: Exploring Poisonous Plants for My Next Mystery Novel

Today, I want to take you behind the scenes of my latest cozy mystery project and share some fascinating research I've been delving into: poisonous plants. As I dig deeper into the world of toxins, I've uncovered a wealth of information about plants that masquerade as harmless edibles but can pack a deadly punch. Let's explore a few examples together

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

Cozy Mysteries with a Touch of Romance in Time for Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season of hearts than with a delightful dive into cozy mysteries that blend crime-solving with a touch of romance? As we approach Valentine's Day, I've curated a collection of heartwarming and intriguing tales where love and mystery entwine. From charming small towns to enigmatic detectives, these stories offer the perfect blend of suspense and romance to keep you turning pages. Whether you're a fan of amateur sleuths, quirky characters, or quaint settings, there's a cozy mystery here to add a dash of love to your reading list.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

January Middle Grade Find: A Five-Star Journey with 'The Secret of the Magic eyePad

The Secret of the Magic eyePad is a lot of fun! Marsha Tufft weaves a delightful tale that seamlessly blends fantasy, mystery, and STEM adventures. Putney Hicks, the socially awkward but endearing twelve-year-old, is a character middle-schoolers will be able to relate to.

The story begins when Putney stumbles upon a mysterious tablet with an artificial intelligence, sparking a journey into the world of inventions.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

Book Review: Winterling by Sarah Prineas

As the winter holidays draw near, I invite you to immerse yourself in the magical realm of "Winterling" by Sarah Prineas, a middle-grade fantasy that spins a spellbinding tale of mystery, nature, and destiny.

Meet Fer, a brave and introspective main character. She’s always sensed a deep connection to the untamed wild nature. When her grandmother drops enigmatic clues about her missing father, Fer embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery. Unraveling the secrets of her lineage, she stumbles upon a mystical reflecting pool that transports her to an enchanting yet perilous land. Here, Fer's destiny unfolds, intricately linked with confronting the deadly Mor and liberating the land from its icy captivity.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

Book Reviews: Jingle Bells, Rifle Shells by Bruce Hammock

Looking for a cozy mystery to curl up with this season? I loved "Jingle Bells, Rifle Shells". Steve Smiley, a brilliant blind private investigator, is partnered with the young and quick-witted lawyer, Heather McBlythe. The duo springs into action when a rifle shot disrupts their holiday shopping, and a famous big-game hunter meets an untimely end. He leaves behind his beautiful adopted daughter, Bella, and too many troubling questions about the manner of her adoption.

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

Behind the Scenes: Crafting Compelling Middle-Grade Narratives

Drafting a book is an intriguing process. You start with a plan, a roadmap of plot points, but as you progress, challenges arise. There's a moment when a once-beloved plot twist, a guiding force in your story, loses its charm, or you suddenly realize the idea that seemed so brilliant, in fact, doesn't work with the rest of the story or doesn't make sense. It no longer fits. This is a dilemma faced by every writer writing for adults and children alike: persist with the original idea, even if it feels awkward, or pivot and rewrite?

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Elena Jagar Elena Jagar

The Rainbow Weaver’s Apprentice

Imagine being the apprentice to the Rainbow Weaver, surrounded by magic and wonder. That's Addie's dream come true. However, when a seemingly innocent mistake plunges her village into a mysterious fog emanating from the Fairy Tunnel, Addie must undertake a perilous quest to make things right. The catch? Entering the Fairy Tunnel risks eternal imprisonment with the mischievous Fairies.

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