We have the pleasure of meeting Sneaky, a character from The Cobble Cove Mystery Series.
We'll get a chance to talk to the author, Debbie De Louise, in a bit, but now we have on the stage...Sneaky!
Interview
Marie Lavender: Hello, Sneaky. Please have a seat.
Character Sneaky: Hi, Marie.
Marie: Awesome to have you here! We're going to start out with some simple questions, okay?
Sneaky: All right.
Marie: So, what is your occupation? Are you any good at it? Do you like it?
Sneaky: Occupation? I’m a cat. A library cat and also the star of a mystery series. My human and dog co-stars might argue that fact, but I know the Cobble Cove mysteries would be nothing without me. Of course, I like what I do. Everyone knows if a cat doesn’t like something, they don’t do it. Unlike stupid humans who are so easily talked into things they hate doing.
Marie: (Laughs.) Too right!
So, tell us...what is your family like?
Sneaky: If you’re asking about my cat family, I have no idea. I left them very young. My memory is hazy up until I arrived at the Cobble Cove Library and was taken in.
If you’d like to know about my human
family, a young librarian named Tina was the first to care for me at the
library. She turned out to be a bit of an oddball. You’ll see what I mean when
you read our first book, A Stone’s Throw.
Sheila, the director, was there for the start, too. She wasn’t too thrilled
with me at first, but I grew on her. The old man, Mac, was the first one to
change my litter box, but I taught him a lesson when he started putting off
that duty. You can also read about that in our first book.
I like John, Mac’s son, who is one
of the main characters of our mysteries, but he spends too much time with his
dog, Fido. When I met Alicia, I sensed a kindred soul. Besides me, she’s the
most important character in our books. Laura, the new children’s librarian,
showed up later in our second book. As an owner of several cats herself and a
person who works with animal rescue, she knows how to handle me in the manner
in which I am accustomed. You’ll see what I mean in Between a Rock and a Hard Place, when she conducts a story time with
me for the kiddies at the library.
Marie: Interesting!
Ah...let's try something else.
What did your
childhood home look like?Sneaky: Again, I can’t recall. My first memory of a home was that of the Cobble Cove Library. Mac had placed a cat bed for me in the back by the local history collection. I also spent time in the apartment upstairs where I liked to use a box like a scratching post. That’s actually how I helped Alicia uncover a clue. When the library was expanded in our second book, I got my own room outside the new staff lounge with a scratching post, litter box, and other cat supplies. Best of all, I was able to sneak crumbs left by the messy employees after their coffee breaks. I also got my own window seat in the Children’s Room where I enjoy sun bathing on sunny days.
Marie: Nice! You have quite the cat life.
So, do you have any
hobbies? What do you enjoy doing?
Sneaky: Why do you ask such silly questions? I’m a cat. I like to eat, sleep, poop, and play when I’m in the mood. I do, however, like to observe my human co-stars and occasionally help Alicia discover clues that are right in front of her face but that she’d miss without my keen feline direction.
Marie: That makes sense. And you'll have to forgive me. I don't have very many feline characters here on Writing in the Modern Age.
Sneaky: To have my own Sneaky Cat series
but, for now, I’m content with my brief but essential parts in the Cobble Cove
books.
Marie: That sounds like a great plan!
Let's try a different question.
What kind of person do you wish you could be? What is stopping you?
Sneaky: I don’t want to be a person. I’m very happy being a cat, even better a cat character.
Marie: (Giggles.) Can't blame you there!
So...if it's not too painful or personal, can you tell us one thing? Who was your first love?
Sneaky: I love Debbie because she made me up, and I love all my character co-stars except maybe Donald, who teases me, and Fido, who wants to steal the show because he’s a dog.
Marie: Aww...
Now, what's the most terrible thing that ever happened to you, Sneaky?
Sneaky: I guess it was being lost and alone on the streets of Cobble Cove before I found my home at the Cobble Cove library. I know many real life strays are in the same dire situation, and my kitty heart goes out to them.
Marie: Me too! That's tough for a kitty. :(
(Pauses.)
Let's try another question, shall we?
(Sneaky nods.)
What was your dream growing up? Did you achieve that dream? If so, in what ways was it not what you expected? If you never achieved that dream, why not?
Sneaky: All I wanted was a warm, cozy home and some scenes that challenged my acting ability. I think I achieved both when I was taken in as the Cobble Cove library’s library cat and given a regular role in the Cobble Cove mystery series.
Marie: True.
I want to ask you something else...
Who is your role model, Sneaky?
Sneaky: Since I am based on Debbie’s real life Siamese cat, Oliver, I guess he’s my role model.
But in fictional mystery
land, I also admire Midnight Louie, Joe Grey, Koko, and Familiar, the Black Cat
Detective. In fact, Familiar’s son, Trouble, may make a cameo appearance in one
of my upcoming books.
Marie: Sounds cool!
So, is there someone you pretend to like but really dislike?
Sneaky: Cats don’t pretend. If we like you, you know it. If we don’t, watch out.
Marie: (Smiles.) Well, I appreciate your candor. And you're likely right about that. I have a few cats of my own (I am their human slave), and I know how it is.
Let's try another question.
What is your deepest desire?
Sneaky: For Debbie to keep writing the Cobble Cove mystery series and include me in bigger and bigger parts.
Marie: Great plan!
And what is your greatest fear, Sneaky?
Sneaky: That Debbie will move on and feature new cats in other books (she’s actually already done that with many of her short stories).
Marie: Oh, no! I hope that doesn't come to pass. But I doubt it, considering you're such a big part of her writing life. ;)
Well, it looks like we're running out of time, Sneaky. Thank you for visiting us today.
Sneaky: Thanks
for having me, but I’d like to add one last thing. Your readers might be
interested in reading my blog where I interview cat characters and authors’
cats. They can check it out at https://sneakylibrarycat.wordpress.com.
Marie: Awesome!
It
was so interesting getting to know you. (Waves at her guest as he heads
off the stage.) Now, let's shift over and get the author's perspective. We have Debbie De Louise on the stage today!
Hi, Debbie!
Author Debbie De Louise: Hello! Glad to be here!
Marie: (Smiles.)
Welcome to Writing in the Modern Age!
So,
we just got to talk to a male character from your story...Sneaky. Quite
an interesting character. Can you tell us a little about him?
Debbie: Sneaky is the library cat at the Cobble Cove library. He’s Siamese. He doesn’t talk except for normal cat sounds, but he has some interesting parts in all three books of the series.
Marie: Nice!
Let's
try a different question.
What
are your character's greatest strengths?
Debbie: He is well-known in the town as the library cat. The children love him because he participates in story times and spends a lot of time in the Children’s room (after it opens in Book 2).
Marie: Okay!
So, what are his greatest weaknesses?
Debbie: His
greatest weakness is sometimes being underfoot as most cats can sometimes be.
He’s also too smart or too curious for his own good, but that can be a strength
when he helps my main characters find clues or solve mysteries.
Marie: Mmm-hmm. I think cats do that on purpose at times.
But, he sounds like an interesting character.
Debbie: Tuna,
cat food, cat treats, all the normal cat delicacies.
Marie: Great!
What's a positive quality that your character is unaware he or she has?
Debbie: He is
adept at uncovering clues or leading people in the direction of a mystery.
Marie: That's a cool trait! So, will readers like or dislike this character, and why?
Debbie: I think
readers will love him. Who doesn’t like a cute cat?
Marie: Exactly!
Well, now that we have a real taste of Sneaky, we have a few questions
for you as well as the author.
What first gave you the idea for A Stone's Throw?
Debbie: That was
the first book in my series. I wanted to create a character who was a
librarian like myself, and the rest of the plot came to me gradually as I began
to write it.
Marie: Nice!
Isn't it interesting how the muse works? ;)
So, what is your writing style like, Debbie?
Debbie: I’m a pantster, but I do some
advanced planning and keep a character list/description sheet handy. However, I
also allow the story to flow in the direction it (and the characters) takes me.
Marie: Great!
Well, I'm throwing this one in for our aspiring writers.
Did
you come across any specific challenges in writing A Stone's Throw, or
getting it published? What would you do differently next time?
Debbie: I actually
had an offer for this book after participating in a Twitter event known as
Pit2Pub. For those who aren’t aware, this book was originally published by
another publisher. I republished it with my current publisher who I also found
through Pit2Pub. I had written the second in the series by then, and it wasn’t
easy to find a publisher who would publish a second book when the rights for
the first were with someone else. I eventually got my rights back, but I would
advise new writers not to jump at the first offer. While I’m happy I had the
experience with my first publisher, not everyone is as lucky. I also did not
plan on writing a series to begin with, and I had no knowledge of the publishing
field. It takes time to learn this profession, and it’s ongoing. Networking
with other authors is a must.
Marie: True!
It
was such a pleasure having you on Writing in the Modern Age, Debbie. We
hope you can come back sometime soon!
Debbie: Thanks so
much for having Sneaky and me on your blog, Marie. I am adding my links below.
Sneaky already gave the link to his blog. We also have a Facebook group that is
hosted by one of the characters each month who answer questions about
themselves and our series, feature excerpts from their scenes, and sponsor a
contest for a prize. Sneaky has been a host twice, and he is currently the September
host. For those who might want to join, the link to that group is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/748912598599469/
Marie: Wow! That's great! :)
Lovely to have you here!
Readers,
here are the blurbs for The Cobble Cove Mystery Series.
Book one - A Stone's Throw
Widowed librarian Alicia Fairmont needs answers…
After her husband is killed in a hit and run accident, Alicia travels upstate to his hometown of Cobble Cove, New York. She hopes to locate his estranged family and shed light on his mysterious past. Anticipating staying only a weekend, her visit is extended when she accepts a job at the town’s library.
Secrets stretch decades into the past…
Assisted by handsome newspaper publisher and aspiring novelist, John McKinney, Alicia discovers a connection between her absent in-laws and a secret John’s father has kept for over sixty years. Her investigation is interrupted when she receives word her house has burned and arson is suspected, sending her rushing back to Long Island, accompanied by John.
Back in Cobble Cove, cryptic clues are uncovered…
When Alicia returns, she finds a strange diary, confiscated letters, and a digital audio device containing a recording made the day her husband was killed. Anonymous notes warn Alicia to leave town, but she can’t turn her back on the mystery—or her attraction to John. As the pieces fall into place, evidence points to John’s involvement in her husband’s accident. The past and present threaten to collide, and Alicia confronts her fears…
Has she fallen in love with her husband’s killer?
After her husband is killed in a hit and run accident, Alicia travels upstate to his hometown of Cobble Cove, New York. She hopes to locate his estranged family and shed light on his mysterious past. Anticipating staying only a weekend, her visit is extended when she accepts a job at the town’s library.
Secrets stretch decades into the past…
Assisted by handsome newspaper publisher and aspiring novelist, John McKinney, Alicia discovers a connection between her absent in-laws and a secret John’s father has kept for over sixty years. Her investigation is interrupted when she receives word her house has burned and arson is suspected, sending her rushing back to Long Island, accompanied by John.
Back in Cobble Cove, cryptic clues are uncovered…
When Alicia returns, she finds a strange diary, confiscated letters, and a digital audio device containing a recording made the day her husband was killed. Anonymous notes warn Alicia to leave town, but she can’t turn her back on the mystery—or her attraction to John. As the pieces fall into place, evidence points to John’s involvement in her husband’s accident. The past and present threaten to collide, and Alicia confronts her fears…
Has she fallen in love with her husband’s killer?
Book two - Between A Rock and a Hard Place
Librarian Alicia McKinney has put the past behind her…
Two years ago, Alicia discovered both a terrible truth and lasting love with John McKinney in the small town of Cobble Cove, New York. Now a busy mother of twin babies and co-author of a mystery series, Alicia couldn’t be happier.
Alicia’s contentment and safety are challenged…
Walking home alone from the library, Alicia senses someone following her, and on more than one occasion, she believes she is being watched. Does she have a stalker? When the local gift shop is burglarized, the troubling event causes unrest among Alicia and the residents of the quiet town.
John and Alicia receive an offer they can’t refuse…
When John’s sister offers to babysit while she and John take a much-needed vacation in New York City, Alicia is reluctant to leave her children because of the disturbances in Cobble Cove. John assures her the town is safe in the hands of Sheriff-elect Ramsay. Although Alicia’s experience with and dislike of the former Long Island detective don’t alleviate her concern, she and John take their trip.
Alicia faces her worst nightmare…
The McKinneys’ vacation is cut short when they learn their babies have been kidnapped and John’s sister shot. Alicia and John’s situation puts them between a rock and a hard place when the main suspect is found dead before the ransom is paid. In order to save their children, the McKinneys race against the clock to solve a mystery more puzzling than those found in their own books. Can they do it before time runs out?
Two years ago, Alicia discovered both a terrible truth and lasting love with John McKinney in the small town of Cobble Cove, New York. Now a busy mother of twin babies and co-author of a mystery series, Alicia couldn’t be happier.
Alicia’s contentment and safety are challenged…
Walking home alone from the library, Alicia senses someone following her, and on more than one occasion, she believes she is being watched. Does she have a stalker? When the local gift shop is burglarized, the troubling event causes unrest among Alicia and the residents of the quiet town.
John and Alicia receive an offer they can’t refuse…
When John’s sister offers to babysit while she and John take a much-needed vacation in New York City, Alicia is reluctant to leave her children because of the disturbances in Cobble Cove. John assures her the town is safe in the hands of Sheriff-elect Ramsay. Although Alicia’s experience with and dislike of the former Long Island detective don’t alleviate her concern, she and John take their trip.
Alicia faces her worst nightmare…
The McKinneys’ vacation is cut short when they learn their babies have been kidnapped and John’s sister shot. Alicia and John’s situation puts them between a rock and a hard place when the main suspect is found dead before the ransom is paid. In order to save their children, the McKinneys race against the clock to solve a mystery more puzzling than those found in their own books. Can they do it before time runs out?
Book three - Written in Stone
Alicia McKinney is confused . . . .
Was the strange email her husband received from the fictional detective in their mystery series a threat? Did the killer mistake the woman shot in the library for Alicia or the victim's twin sister?
Purchase
Links:
Amazon
Universal link: https://bookgoodies.com/a/B06XGNXQCS
Books-A-Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Stones-Throw/Debbie-De-Louise/9781625265463?id=6842447479054 CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/6991286 Publisher: http://solsticepublishing.com/a-stones-throw/
What People Are Saying About Cobble Cove:
"A wonderfully written cozy murder mystery! I was completely enraptured from the first page and found myself quite unable to put it down! The storyline was masterfully crafted and flowed smoothly, unveiling more and more secrets and tidbits as it progressed and kept me completely hooked the entire time. There were no dull moments, the events were fast paced and captivating, with tons of mystery and intrigue, family secrets, and even a dash of clean romance."
-
These books sounds great! Readers, don't forget to pick up copies of Debbie De Louise's awesome cozy mystery series! :)
About Debbie De Louise:
Debbie De Louise is an
award-winning author and a reference librarian at a public library on Long
Island. She is a member of Long Island Authors Group, Sisters-in-Crime,
International Thriller Writers, and the Cat Writer’s Association.
Debbie has a BA in English
and an MLS in Library Science from Long Island University. Her Cobble Cove
mystery series published by Solstice Publishing includes A Stone's Throw,
Between a Rock and a Hard Place, and Written in Stone.
Debbie has also written
articles and short stories for several anthologies of various genres and a
romantic comedy novella, When Jack Trumps Ace. She lives on Long Island with
her husband, daughter, and two cats.
Author Links:
Website/Blog: https://debbiedelouise.com/ https://sneakylibrarycat.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Deblibrarian
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2bIHdaQ
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2750133.Debbie_De_Louise
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DebbieDeLouise
Publisher: http://solsticepublishing.com/debbie-delouise/
Debbie's Books:
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