Jess Montgomery's Blog
April 30, 2022
Happy Independent Bookstore Day, 2022
Happy Independent Bookstore Day, 2022!
Celebrate independent bookstores and support them by visiting in person or online! Looking for an independent bookstore near you? Check out Indiebound.org! Search for a store near you, or look up favorite authors and titles.
A special shout out to these stores which have been so supportive of my books:
The Book Loft of German Village (Columbus, Ohio)Joseph-Beth Booksellers (Norwood, Ohio)Murder by the Book (Houston, Texas)Mystery Lovers Bookshop (Oakmont, Pennsylvania)The Poisoned Pen Bookstore (Scottsdale, Arizona)Riverstone Books (McCandless, Pennsylvania)Want a signed copy? I’ve signed copies of THE ECHOES for The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, so you can order autographed copies directly from them.
Or, complete this easy-breezy form to receive autographed book stickers to place in your books, along with book marks.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes today to visit an independent bookstore, either in person or online! They make such an important, positive difference for readers, writers, and their communities.
Warmly,
April 9, 2022
Season 2, Episode 6: Chatting with Hannah Mary McKinnon, Author of “Never Coming Home”
Hannah and I chat about her delight in creating her newest thriller, “Never Coming Home,” and the process and inspiration in writing it from idea to finished project.
Learn more about Hannah at https://hannahmarymckinnon.com/
Don’t miss an episode of Tea with Jess! Subscribe via your favorite podcast App.
March 12, 2022
Season 2, Episode 5: Chatting with John Scalzi, Author of “The Kaiju Preservation Society”
In this episode of Tea with Jess, I chat with John Scalzi, a New York Times best seller in fiction. His first published series novel, “Old Man’s War,” was a Hugo Award for best novel Nominee, ranked #1 on the Locus Online reader poll, and is listed on the NPR.com reader poll of the Top 100 Science Fiction and Fantasy Book/Series.
Since then awards won include the Hugo, the Locus, the Audie, among others, and John is the recipient of the 2016 Governor’s Award for the Arts in Ohio. His works have been translated into 30+ languages.
He is also creative Consultant for the Stargate: Universe television series. Writer for the video game Midnight Star, by Industrial Toys. Former president (7/10 – 6/13) of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Executive Producer for Old Man’s War and The Collapsing Empire, both currently in development for film/TV. Writer of five short stories adapted into episodes of the Netflix series Love, Death + Robots.
John and I chat about the writing process, creative inspiration, a coin flip and a church purchase, plus more!
Learn more about John at https://whatever.scalzi.com/ Don’t miss an episode of Tea with Jess! Subscribe via your favorite podcast App.
March 3, 2022
Season 2, Episode 4: Chatting with C.L. Pauwels, Author of “Unwelcome Ties”
C.L. Pauwels (aka, my friend Cyndi) and I chat about her newest novel, “Unwelcome Ties,” what it’s like to write a “prequel,” in this case a novel that includes a character who is the main character in novels C.L. has already published (“Forty and Out” and “Burned Bridges”), staying connected and motivated as a writer in the best of times and the pandemic of times.
I first met C.L. as one of her mentors as she worked on her master’s thesis–a very early version of what has grown and developed into “Unwelcome Ties,” a thriller set in Toledo. Then, through the Antioch Writers’ Workshop, we became colleagues and friends.
This is one of the biggest joys of the creative life–meeting other creators along the way and being part of their journey!
Learn more about C.L. at https://clpauwels.com/ Don’t miss an episode of Tea with Jess! Subscribe via your favorite podcast App.
February 12, 2022
Season 2, Episode 3: Chatting with Meredith Doench, Author of “Whereabouts Unknown”
In this episode, I take a tea break to chat with author Meredith Doench about her newest book, “Whereabouts Unknown.” It’s also her first standalone thriller, so we talk about making the transition from series books to a standalone, her inspiration for the novel, how she does research and selects themes, and more.
I first met Meredith through the Dayton, Ohio writing community and now serve with her on the board of the Midwest Chapter of Mystery Writers of America (MWA). She’s always interesting to talk with, and I know you’ll discover that too as you listen in on our chat!
Meredith is the author of the Luce Hansen Thriller Series from Bold Strokes Books. Crossed, the first in the series, was published in August of 2015 and was the runner-up for the 2015 IndieFab Awards in the Mystery Genre. The next two in the series are Forsaken Trust and Deadeye, both of which were mystery/thriller Goldie Award finalists in their respective years from Golden Crown Literary Society. Whereabouts Unknown, Doench’s fourth thriller and stand alone novel, will release in March 1 2022 available from publisher Bold Strokes Books and becomes available March 15 from all retailers.
In addition to her work on the MWA Midwest chapter board, Meredith is a member of Golden Crown Literary Society and Sisters in Crime. Meredith lives in Dayton, Ohio where she is a senior lecturer of creative writing, literature, and composition at the University of Dayton.
Learn more about Meredith at https://www.meredithdoench.com/ Don’t miss an episode of Tea with Jess! Subscribe via your favorite podcast App.
January 22, 2022
Season 2, Episode 2: Chatting with Christina Consolino, Author of “Rewrite the Stars”
Christina Consolino is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in multiple online and print outlets. Her debut novel, Rewrite the Stars, was named one of ten finalists for the Ohio Writers’ Association Great Novel Contest 2020.
I first met Christina through the Antioch Writers’ Workshop, where she served as a member of the Board of Directors, and I served as Director of the workshop. I quickly came to appreciate Christina as a kind and generous human, with a great passion for writing and helping other writers. And I greatly enjoyed reading her debut novel, “Rewrite the Stars.” So it was particularly enjoyable to chat with her about her experiences as a debut novelist.
Listeners, I think you’ll find a lot of inspiration in our chat and Christina’s insights!
Learn more about Christina at https://christinaconsolino.com/Don’t miss an episode of Tea with Jess! Subscribe via your favorite podcast App.
January 8, 2022
Season 2, Episode 1: Chatting with Katrina Kittle, Author of “Kindness of Strangers”
Looking for inspiration, encouragement and grace as you contemplate creative projects in the new year–whether as a writer, or in another art or craft? This is the Tea with Jess episode for you! Katrina Kittle is a pro at providing inspiration and encouragement to creators. Not only that, but she “walks the walk” as an award-winning author. This motivational mentor knows what she’s talking about–because she lives it!
Katrina Kittle is the author of four books for adults—Traveling Light, Two Truths and a Lie, The Kindness of Strangers, and The Blessings of the Animals— and one novel for tweens, Reasons to Be Happy. The Kindness of Strangers was the winner of the 2006 Great Lakes Book Award for Fiction. Katrina teaches creative writing workshops for all ages, focusing on craft and motivation (and is especially good at jumpstarting stalled writers). She teaches online and in the Dayton-Cincinnati-Columbus area through Word’s Worth Writing Connections, and is a Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Dayton. She is a public speaker, most often leading her “Leap and the Net Will Appear” and “Happy Class” workshops, and she has been a Dayton TedX speaker.
Learn more about Katrina, her books and her classes at www.katrinakittle.com
Don’t miss an episode of Tea with Jess! Subscribe via your favorite podcast App.
December 25, 2021
Dear Reader: Christmas Pageant Brings Joy After All
Note: This is a “throw-back” column to my years as humor columnist (“Sanity Check”) for the Dayton Daily News. I wrote it 20 years ago (!!!) but it is still, I believe, relevant today. I read this on my weekly “Tea with Jess,” which I host every Monday at 3 p.m. on my Jess Montgomery Author Facebook page, and thought I’d share it here, too. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate, and Happy Holiday season to one and all!
My nine-year-old daughter wants to wear her oversized snake t-shirt from the natural history museum as her costume in the Christmas Pageant. She’s part of the ensemble that’s to open the pageant: girls at a slumber party introducing the Christmas story to a girl who hasn’t heard it.
My eight-year-old daughter, a.k.a. Shepherd Number Four, keeps saying her two lines as one long word. With her eyes squeezed tightly shut.
I try explaining to my nine-year-old why a snake t-shirt as a pajama top is fine at home but probably not the best costume choice for a Christmas pageant.
“Remember the snake’s role in the story of Adam and Eve?” I say. “We’ll just go shopping and get you a nice pajama set, maybe something pink, silky…”
“But, mo-o-o-o-m,” she wails, “I HAVE to wear this t-shirt because it’s my ONLY COMFORTABLE night clothes and I won’t be able to act if I’m not comfortable…”
I turn my attention back to my eight-year-old. “Dear, you might try saying each word one at a time. And opening your eyes while you speak.”
“But, mo-o-o-o-m,” she wails, “I can SEE my lines with my eyes closed, so it’s more like reading…”
It’s easy for parents to miss the point of the annual Christmas pageant. After all, the story is so well known that it’s easier to focus on more immediate concerns–the creative, new ways in which ones children can be embarrassing.
Finally, it’s time for the Christmas pageant. And I realize I’m not the only parent just a wee bit nervous. I know this, because along with our holiday outfits, we’re all wearing smiles stretched just a bit too thin.
The story begins. Oldest daughter, as part of the slumber-party-intro-ensemble, appears wearing not new silky pajamas, but a different oversized t-shirt (this one from a summer camp) and pajama bottoms–a last minute compromise.
Mary and Joseph appear, discuss their situation with Angels #1 and #2, then take off on their trek to Bethlehem in their Reeboks and robes. After being booted out by a gleeful Innkeeper (played by a young actor who intuitively understands that the villainous roles are always the most fun), they take up residence in a stable (a.k.a. a decorated refrigerator box, held up by the Patron Saint of Christmas Pageants, who has dominion over gravity).
Shepherds one through six arrive herding two sheep, but somehow the youngest sheep makes a break for it and toddles off to find her mother. Shepherd Number Four keeps her eyes open and says her lines as if they are TWO words. I consider this success, and relax a little.
Two wise women and one wise man appear and, drawing upon their collective 12 years’ life experience, deliver their lines most sagely but are unable to offer wisdom to help the shepherds retrieve their wandering sheep (now with mom). Gifts are presented to the baby in the manger… and suddenly–too suddenly, it seems–the pageant is over.
All of us, young and old and somewhere in-between, grandparents and parents and children, sing Joy to the World. As we do, a little girl, too young to be in the pageant, breaks forth from the pews, toddles forward, and starts dancing.
No one stops her as we sing. I’m glad, and looking around, I can see the other grownups are glad, too, for her dance serves as the perfect summary of what the children’s annual reenactment of the Christmas story is really all about anyway: not perfection, but pirouettes of joy, bounds of grace, and leaps of faith.
Stay well,
December 18, 2021
Dear Reader: A Peanut Brittle Treat!
For some folks, the feeling of really being in the holiday season starts with music, or snow, or holiday cards, or spiritual services.
I enjoy all of those holiday experiences, but for me, it’s only when I start stirring up batch after batch of peanut brittle that I really feel like the holiday season is underway. I’m not sure where I found this peanut brittle recipe, or exactly when I started making it to give to friends and family at the holidays. But by now, it’s a Christmas tradition I look forward to and enjoy. Oh, I make cookies and Buckeye candies, but I really enjoy making this peanut brittle. It’s easy, and the results are addictively tasty!
Last year, I shared my one-and-only LIVE cooking video, showing how to make this tasty treat. Here it is again:
https://jessmontgomeryauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Making-Peanut-Brittle-with-Microwave.mp4
Here is the recipe, in case you’d like to give it a try.
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar1/2 cup white corn syrup1 cup roasted, salted peanutes1 teaspoon butter1 teaspoon vanilla extract or bourbon1 teaspoon baking sodaProcess:
Prepare cookie sheet by covering with aluminum foil and spraying with spray grease.Stir sugar and syrup together in 4 cup (or larger) glass (such as Pyrex) measuring cup.Microwave on high, 3 minutes.Stir in peanuts.Microwave on high, 3 minutes.Stir in butter and vanilla OR bourbon.Microwave on high 1-2 minutes. (In my microwave, I run the microwave in this step for 1 and 1/2 minutes. Shorter, and the brittle comes out gummy; longer and it comes out burned. Microwave strengths vary, so I recommend trying 1 and 1/2 minutes for your first batch, and then adjusting if needed.)Add baking soda, stir until foamy, and pour on greased sheet.Let cool and then break up candy with rolling pin.Enjoy!
Stay well,
December 11, 2021
Season 1, Episode 13: Chatting with Kimi Cunningham Grant, Author of “These Silent Woods”
I had the honor of reading Kimi Cunningham Grant’s novel, “These Silent Woods,” before its publication and blurbing it. The novel is beautifully evocative and quietly yet powerfully suspenseful.
So I was quite excited to chat with Kimi about her novel, her inspiration and her writing process. We talk about our love of nature and how we find it both restorative and empowering, the writing life, encouragement for writers, and more.
Besides “These Silent Woods,” Kimi is the author of Fallen Mountains and Silver Like Dust. She is a two-time winner of a Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Memorial Prize in Poetry and a recipient of a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts fellowship in creative nonfiction. Her poems and essays have appeared in Fathom, Literary Mama, RATTLE, Poet Lore, and Whitefish Review.
Learn more about Kimi at https://www.kimicunninghamgrant.com/
Don’t miss an episode of Tea with Jess! Subscribe via your favorite podcast App.
