Going Through The Notions Blog Tour and Giveaway

I have the fabulous Cate Price here today to talk about her new book, Going Through The Notions.

1. Tell me about your new release Going Through The Notions.

Daisy Buchanan is a former history teacher who took early retirement and moved with her husband, Joe, from New York to the quaint village of Millbury, PA.  While Joe settled happily into country life, Daisy was somewhat restless, until one night she bid on a steamer trunk at a local auction.  It turned out to be stuffed with exquisite antique linens and sewing notions, and was the inspiration for her store, Sometimes a Great Notion.

The story opens when Daisy Buchanan sees her best friend, Angus the auctioneer, arrested and charged with murder.  One of the auction regulars was bashed in the head with a barn beam, and a collection of valuable fountain pens is also missing. Daisy is sure Angus didn’t do it, but as the evidence mounts against him, his state of mind becomes increasingly fragile.  Everyone in town seems convinced of his guilt, and when Daisy discovers that the detective on the case holds a bitter grudge against Angus, she feels as though she’s the only one who can save him.

2. Where did you come up with the idea?

An editor at Berkley Prime Crime came up with the idea for a series based on a vintage sewing notions store.  My agent thought that my writing style would be a good fit and recommended me for the job.  I was given the guidelines and wrote a proposal consisting of the first three chapters and a synopsis.  The editor loved it, I signed a three-book deal, and I was off and running!

3. Did you have to do a lot of research for this book?

I did quite a bit of research on fountain pens, vintage sewing notions, quilts, auction procedures, and Bucks County, PA, where the series is based.

4. Are your characters based on people that you know or did you envision certain actors as you were writing?

I don’t really picture actual people when I write and the characters aren’t based on anyone specific.  There are probably traits and quirks from many people I’ve known.  Luckily for me, I know some funny characters!

5. What are you working on now?

I’m working on Book Three in the series, which will focus on antique needlework samplers.  (Book Two is turned in and awaiting copy edits).

6. Any advice for aspiring writers?

I was fortunate enough to join Romance Writers of America when I first decided to get serious about finishing a book about ten years ago.  The local chapters all run writing contests and I received some great feedback which helped improve my work.  I also found my first critique partner at a monthly meeting.  I belong to Sisters in Crime now too, and I think getting together with other writers can be very inspirational and educational.

I’d also recommend getting into the habit of writing every day, even if you can only spare a few minutes.  I used to have the mindset that I couldn’t write unless I had a big block of free time (which didn’t often present itself), but it’s important not to let your story “get cold.” If you touch it every day, it’s so much easier to pick up where you left off.

And of course, read as much as you can. That’s the best teacher of all!

About the Author:

Cate Price was born in England and came to the U.S. when she was sixteen. She is a regular sight on the streets of her home town walking her two amazing rescue dogs, and enjoys gardening, yard sales, and cooking with friends. Her previous (unpublished) books span the genres of romantic comedy, romantic suspense and murder mysteries, and have finaled in numerous contests, including the prestigious Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America.

Writing the first book in the Deadly Notions mystery series proved to be rather an expensive project, because while researching auction houses, she also became addicted to bidding on box lots. She is currently hard at work on the next book in the series, A DOLLHOUSE TO DIE FOR.

Website/ Goodreads / Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Going Through The Notions

TITLE: Going Through The Notions

SERIES #: A Deadly Notions Mystery

CHARACTERS: Daisy Buchanan, Joe and Sarah

AUTHOR:  Cate Price

PUBLICATION DATE:  09/03/13

ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

 BOOK SYNOPSIS: A retired schoolteacher–and yes, daughter of a Fitzgerald fan–Daisy Buchanan has found her calling in the village of Millbury, Pennsylvania.  While her husband endlessly renovates their old house, Daisy happily presides over Sometimes a Great Notion, a quirky shop that sells sewing bits and bobs, antiques and jewelry.

Daisy has her eye on an antique dollhouse and a classic Singer Featherweight at the local auction–until her friend and mentor, auctioneer Angus Backstead, is led away in handcuffs.  It appears he bashed in the head of a drinking buddy who stole a set of fancy fountain pens.  Daisy’s sure the sprightly old-timer couldn’t have done it.  But if she can’t stitch together the bidder truth–and soon–Angus will be going once, going twice…gone forever.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer           NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars

REVIEW:  I really enjoyed this mystery involving a quirky cast of characters and which gave me more insight about the world of collectibles.  Daisy Buchanan is a retired schoolteacher who has opened up her own business selling antiques and collectibles.  She enjoys attending auctions so when she finds out that her good friend is arrested for murder at a local auction, Daisy makes it her mission to find out who the real killer is.  Daisy was a fun character because she just seemed so genuine and went out of her way to help people. I also liked the fact that Daisy was married and in a loving relationship compared to other heroines in mystery novels.  This small-town mystery was entertaining and I’m looking forward to reading more from Cate Price.

Giveaway

There are two giveaways with this tour, one that is tour-wide and one with each tour stop. I’m excited to give away a copy of Going Through The Notions. This giveaway is for US Residents only.  To be entered in the drawing by September 16th, answer me this question in the comments:

Do you collect anything and if so, what?

and to enter the tour-wide giveaway enter the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway