Sharon's INSPIRATIONAL Short stories of Faith and Romance can be found HERE or visit her
Facebook Page, which also has the links in the comments.)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Wednesday Spotlight with Miss Mae


Miss Mae, the Pure Southern Genteel author, currently has two best selling romantic mysteries published with The Wild Rose Press. “See No Evil, My Pretty Lady” earned highly acclaimed reviews and won the Find A Great Romance ‘Reader’s Pick of the Month’ award. MyShelf.com listed it as one of their Top Ten Reads of 2008. “Said the Spider to the Fly” is receiving excellent reviews in its own right, and has currently won the esteemed title of Best Book of the Week for The Long and the Short of It Reviews
and The Romance Studio. Now in print, it can be bought at both Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. Her new historical mystery, “It’s Elementary, My Dear Winifred” from Class Act Books is available as ebook and print at their storefront of Lulu. “When the Bough Breaks” from Whimsical Publications, a young adult coming-of-age, is for release on Oct. 12, 2009. She also enjoys writing humor and non-fiction articles. Besides her monthly contributions to the ezine American Chronicle, some of her publications can be found in The Front Porch Magazine, Good Old Days, and
WritersWeekly.
*********************
And the blurb to "It's Elementary, My Dear Winifred"...
Schoolmarm Winifred Merryweather guards her identity as the daughter of one of London's
most notorious villains. To separate her life from his, she spends her lonely existence
with her cat, Theodore, and meets twice monthly at the estate of Lord Nelson Chatham.
Losing herself in the pages of a mystery story shivers Winifred's spine -- until
the day that she’s forced to live through one.

Kidnapped and thrown together into a chaotic adventure, newspaper reporter Remington
Hawthorne’s flirtatious charm thaws Winifred’s icy reserve. But can they uncover
the meaning of the clues, and survive, before the tale reaches the page that reads,
The End?"It's Elementary, My Dear Winifred" from Class Act Books.

Excerpt:
Winifred picked up a clean cloth and the bowl and carried them back to her spot at
his stool. “Will you eat this time?”

He rested his head against the chair back. “When our abductor has gone to so much
trouble, dare I continue to refuse?”

Slowly, she worked his ripped boot off his foot and carefully pulled down his thick
sock. She tried not to start when a tangle of curly black hair sprang into view.

Remington murmured, “Have you never seen a man’s bare leg?”

She tried to think of a clever retort. When one escaped her, she merely said, “I’ll
clean this and bandage it. Hopefully, that will contain the bleeding.”

“Don’t be afraid to do whatever you think necessary. I won’t break.”

For the next several minutes, neither spoke. Remington stared into the glowing light
burning in the fireplace, the smoky-sweet scent of the peat bricks infusing the air
like fragrant incense. Winifred concentrated on her work and after scissoring the
tattered length of his trouser above the height of the freshly wrapped linen, she
gathered up the bowl and rags, moving to the table where she poured fresh water into
another pot. Dumping his bloody sock in the basin, she scrubbed vigorously at the
stains.

“I’ll drape this on the mantel to dry so it’ll be clean when you put it back on.
How is the wound feeling?” She glanced at him over her shoulder.

His aqua colored eyes met hers and he allowed his gaze to linger. Mesmerized, Winifred
couldn’t look away. A delicious sort of warmth spread throughout her limbs and she
found it difficult to breathe.

“You surprise me.” Remington’s voice deepened, weakening her already quivering knees.
“You seem so expert at this sort of thing, I wonder if you’re a doctor’s daughter.”

She cleared her throat with an effort and managed to find strength to lower her lashes.
“Nothing like that.” Mentally commanding her pulses to abort their chaotic skipping,
she dried her hands and walked to the other chair where a pile of quilts lay. She
removed the top one and went to Remington, placing it over him. When she tried to
tuck it around his chest, he snatched her wrist and raised it to his mouth.

“Who is this soft, caring woman before me?” His warm lips traced the contours of
her fingers, his husky whisper caressing like a silky feather drawn across her skin.
“Where has the prim, poker-spined maiden disappeared to?”

It’d be dangerous to fall for his charm.

The lantern’s flame hissed and died with a sputter, plunging the room into immediate
darkness. Winifred jerked away. “The—the lamp,” she stammered. “It’s gone out.”
**************************************
Sharon: Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! Today’s special guest is friend and fellow Wild Rose author, our very own Southern Genteel author Miss Mae! Miss Mae----come on out, girlfriend!

Thunderous applause explodes as Miss Mae struts out in her pretty dress, gloves and sun bonnet, looking for all the world like a sweet Southern Belle. Miss Mae waves madly and blows kisses to her fans before finally giving her hostess a cyber hug.

Sharon: Well, Miss Mae, any time you’re through batting your long eyelashes at the audience, you can grab a seat and I’ll pour you a glass of sweet tea. Ah….or did you bring your own special blend of lemonade, is it? And for your enjoyment, we also have enough chocolate to put you in a coma. We have chocolate cappuccino, double fudge brownies, chocolate cupcakes with chocolate icing, chocolate dipped strawberries and peanut butter cups. And my dear Miss Mae, I do so hope you take note of the extra pretties on my table. That cut glass candy dish with all the candies in it is a family heirloom handed down from my great Aunt Tillie, a priceless Waterford dish. And aren’t the pink and green wrappers hugging the chocolates pretty? Miss Mae? Should you really be digging into those chocolate treats with your gloves still on? Oh dear, would you look at those stains. Allow me to call the butler. Oh, Oliver, quick. We need some Shout it Out! Miss Mae?

MM: Hmm? (gulping quickly, snatches delicate hanky to mouth to cover a loud cough) Oh, yes. (sniffle) You were saying? (clears throat)

Sharon: Whew…all right then. Now, let’s get in a few questions before our time is up, shall we? Any time you’re through chewing, Miss Mae…can you tell us a bit about the setting of It’s Elementary, My Dear Winifred?

MM: (clapping hands together) I’d certainly love to, but I’m afraid it’s cloaked in mystery. I can’t give anything away, only to say if you love puzzles, mazes, spooky old spider-webbed booby-trapped castles…Well, there. I’ve already said too much!

Sharon: And I do so adore a good mystery and you have me totally intrigued. How about it, folks? Now as authors, we all have to carve our own unique way in the world of writing. And I must say, there is something so wonderfully intriguing about your tag line, “Want to read about love? Want to read about suspense? Get caught in the ‘web’ of
Miss Mae’s books!”

See what I mean, folks? There’s an aura of suspense around those words that make me wanna make a bee-line to the nearest book store. I love a good mystery, a good who done it. Can you share with us why this genre is one you love to write in?

MM: I’ve asked myself that question a thousand times! The only answer I can come up with is that such a plot keeps my mind active. I don’t like going to sleep during a dull movie, or boring book. I want both to keep me guessing and to wonder what’s around the next scene, or the next page. I try to write that way too, in hopes of engrossing the reader from, hopefully, page one.

Sharon: Now let’s talk a bit about reviews, shall we? You have received so many outstanding and awesome reviews for your work, but one statement stands out in my head, something I remember reading before I had the pleasure of making your acquaintance. These words stuck, “Miss Mae has woven a mystery reminiscent of Agatha Christie…”

Now Miss Mae, that is an awesome compliment, I’d say. Congratulations. And my hat, aw…my bonnet…is truly off to you. Can you tell me how such a statement makes you feel?

MM: A mixture of emotions. As you say, it’s an awesome compliment, and I’m terribly flattered, and humbled. I know I’m not an Agatha Christie, I don’t have her skills by any stretch of the imagination. Still, to be grouped with her name…(Miss Mae shakes her head with wonder)

Sharon: Grins broadly and holds up Miss Mae’s latest review for It’s Elementary My Dear Winifred. Coffee Time Romance has given it a 5 cup rating. And I’ve just read it and once more, my bonnet is off to you. Here is part of the review, followed by the link. Congratulations, Miss Mae!

First off, I really enjoyed It’s Elementary, My Dear Winifred. Second, there is no
sex at all in the book—just want to get that out of the way. The book is a clever
take on the Holmes/Adler style of mystery. It has ‘who dunnits’, tricky clues, characters
that rival the best of the genre. Our heroine, Winifred, is clever and interesting,
but not infallible, while Remington is charming and provides the strength for Winifred.
The villains, once found, should almost have ‘bad guy’ music playing in the back
ground, as they are wonderfully melodramatic. Background scenery is perfectly creepy
for a Victorian mystery with appropriate dialogue—historical without being distracting.

And to read the full review, link here:
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/

Sharon: Where do you suppose you get your ideas for creating such intriguing mysteries?

MM: Shew, that’s a toughie. Mostly, I suppose, by lying down when I should be napping. But instead of dozing, my mind is working with various plot ideas, asking questions, inventing characters, and asking “why?” (she scratches her head). Does that make sense?

Sharon: Have you ever written anything outside the genre of mystery and suspense?

MM: Can I say, “sort of/maybe”? See, I’ll have a YA released October 12, 2009, from Whimsical Publications. It is classed a Young Adult, and it deals with the heroine, Darlene, and her relationship with a young man named Parker Shane. The story starts when Darlene is sixteen-years-old, and continues on until she’s twenty. And while the whole book reads as if it’s dealing with Darlene’s teen-age angst of having her first crush, wearing her first miniskirt (yes, it’s set in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s), preparing for her first date…this is all leading up to a climatic revelation by story’s end.

Sharon: What inspires you to spin these tales of suspense? A creative muse you depend on? A pet cat or a piece of jewelry for luck? The reason I’m asking…and not that this is a reflection on you in any way…but many authors are shall we say…eccentric. Miss Mae? Is there a reason why you’re clutching your brooche clip for dear life?

MM: Well, of course there is! Oliver is eyeing it very greedily! I suppose he can see it’s a family heirloom, and…what was the question? Oh! Yes! Hmph, where was I? What inspires me? Why, I want to surprise the world. Everyone thinks Miss Mae is just this genteel, and downright BORING fluff of southern female gal. Huh! Miss Mae has a wee bit of smarts tucked inside the depths of these gorgeous curls, let me tell you. (smacks Oliver as he attempts to touch said curls)

Sharon: Indeed you do, my friend. Now, when you aren’t busy writing, you love to read. What type of books do you read and why?

MM: I love romance, of course, but I don’t care for anything sensual. I love the chase between the hero and heroine, I love the smoldering looks they exchange, the simple fact of HOW they strive to get together. I don’t want to know anything beyond a couple of very sweet, tender embraces. And good mysteries, though no horror, no supernatural or paranormal. I also delight in science fiction fantasies. I love the idea of space travel and exploring other, unknown worlds.

Miss Mae reaches into her bag and uncaps the lid of a flask, pours a generous splash into the pitcher of lemonaide and pours herself a glass. Smacking her lips, she indulges in a few more hearty slugs…straight from the flask.

Sharon: Ahhh…Miss Mae? As we were saying. Ahhh…yes. Back to your books. Is there one that stands out in your mind, one you particularly enjoyed writing? And if so, can you tell us what it was about that book that is near and dear to your heart?

MM: Well..hiccup…”See No Evil, My Pretty Lady” is special because it was my first release. “Said the Spider to the Fly” is close to my heart because it’s won so many awards. And my forthcoming “When the Bough Breaks”, the YA I spoke earlier about, is extremely special because I’m soooo in love with Parker. (grins sheepishly). But the one I truly ENJOYED writing was “It’s Elementary, My Dear Winifred”. It’s such fun. I put Winifred, and all the characters, through some terribly exciting trials. And I love who she is. What I mean by that is…wait until you learn her identity!

Sharon: Let’s talk about music. Why do you suppose the golden oldies of the fifties and sixties appeal to you more than today’s selection. What is it about that era that you so love?

MM: I suppose as one grows older (the audience gasps, and Miss Mae hastily turns to reassure them), though I am NOT old, by any means, it was just a general sentiment. Well, one’s childhood days, back when all you thought about was lazing away the summertime in an inner tube on a cold creek, or playing “tag” with your friends, or catching June bugs…whatever the tunes were that you caught on the radio, those are the ones you remember most fondly. They bring back the good memories, and they never fail to put a smile on your face.

Sharon hits a cyber button and Peggy Sue blasts loudly. Miss Mae leaps up, loses her bonnet and begins to do the twist, the flask still in hand.

Sharon: LOL Well there you have it folks…an up close and personal of our dear Southern Belle. Thunderous applause explodes as Sharon joins the fun.

MM: They asked me to appear on “Dancing with the Stars”, but due to conflicting schedules, I regretfully had to decline. (Miss Mae was enroute to share her family lemonade receipe..you’ll just have to guess where!)

Sharon: Hand me the flask. Wheww…that was fun… But I must be a bit out of shape. I’m sweating up a blue streak. Miss Mae? Miss Mae is still going strong, shimmying down to her…

Sharon: Oh, that was fun. Now Miss Mae, just a few more questions. Do you have any pets and if so, do they inspire your writing in any way?

MM: Yes, right now, we have three female dogs. Each was a throw away. One, Lovey, we came upon just as the car that dropped her off accelerated up the road. She was running behind them, and I couldn’t just leave her there. After three years, we decided she needed a companion, so we went to the local humane society and got Dolly. Last year, a little puppy scratched at our gates to get in. How could we turn her away? We adore them. While they certainly inspire ME, I can’t say they inspire my writing. J

Sharon: So what’s next for Miss Mae? Are you hard at work on your next best seller?

MM: I’m trying! LOL It’s titled, “Catch Me If You Can.” I really hope to have it finished by year’s end.

Sharon: And finally, Miss Mae, my three trivia questions. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why? If you could star in any literary fiction, which would it be and why? And finally who would you want playing your romantic hero?

MM: I’ve never been much of a traveler, I’m a home body, really. (wouldn’t you be on a thousand acre plantation??). So I suppose I’ll answer the first question by saying I’ll just stay right where I am. J And the second question…I’d love to play alongside Sherlock Holmes. Instead of Watson, he could partner with Miss Mae! And for the third…(furrows smooth brow in concentration) Hmm, I’m afraid I don’t keep up with today’s television/movie “hunkies”, so I’m going to go with one that still gives me goose bumps today, although you need to recall him in his younger version, naturally! (sighs wistfully) That’d be Sean Connery.

Sharon: Well, Miss Mae, it’s been a pleasure, my dear friend. Miss Mae leaps up, grabs the butler and shimmies down, her arms wildly flapping. Miss Mae…watch the Waterford dish, my priceless family heirloom!

MM: Tell Oliver to keep his hands away from my chocolate!

Miss Mae does one final twist and the candy dish crashes to the floor…

MM: Oops.

Sharon: Oh dear, so much for Aunt Tillie’s antique candy dish. But as they say, It’s …ah…Elementary, My Dear Miss Mae.

MM: Have a swallow of my rootin’ tootin’ lemonade, dearie. It’ll cheer you up!

Sharon: Hand it over, girlfriend. Sharon slugs some family recipe back and toasts one up to dear Aunt Tillie. And finally, Miss Mae, where can readers find your books and get in touch with you:

MM: There’s my website, at http://www.missmaesite.com, my blog: http://missmaesite.blogspot.com, I have two MySpaces: http://www.myspace/missmaeauthor, and http://www.myspace.com/monamurphy. Drop by and see me, y’all!
And It’s Elementary My Dear Winifred
Available at:
Class Act Books

82 comments:

Sharon Donovan said...

Welcome Miss Mae! Come on over here girl and give me a big hug! Now we have coffee and tea and chocolate chocolate chocolate everywhere. What's that? It's up to you, dearie, but it's a wee bit early for the recipe, don'tcha thing? Wicked grin!!

Sharon

Hywela Lyn said...

Hello Sharon and Miss Mae - did someone mention chocolate? wow, I'm the first to arrive, that must be a 'first' (Hugs Sharon and MM) Makes a change from always being lasr! Now I'll just sit over her and sip some of Miss Mae's special spiked -er I mean - delicious lemonade. Now where was I?

Ah yes, Miss Mae, dear friend and valued crit partner, you know how much I admire you and your writing. Every story I read by you is different from the last and just as amazing and brilliantly intricate. I have to agree that 'It's Elementary My Dear Winifred' is definitely up there with my favourites, but I'm so looking forward to the release of 'When The Bough Breaks' too. It's different to the others in many ways,but there is still this wonderul thread of mystery and intrigue running all the way through! (Lyn raises her glass to Miss Mae in tribute)

Anonymous said...

Never too early for the recipe! You can see Oliver is carting in a barrel full because I expect ALL to enjoy a more than a mere thimble full!

Shew! *sits down, stretches, and wiggles toes*...My, what a night of dancing, eh Sharon? Although you twirled twenty-three straight songs with John (but Miss Mae would NEVER count!), thank you for allowing me two of them. But button-high shoes are not the most comfortable to wear to a disco, I'm learning...*ouch*!

Anonymous said...

Oh hi, Lyn!

I see that glass is empty, fill up on the recipe, sweet Welsh lass!

Aw, thanks so much for your swell words, Lyn. Where would I be without your invaluable input when it comes to my writing about anything that's English? It's your brilliance that adds the spark to all my stories. :)

Sharon Donovan said...

Welcome, Lyn! Are we indulging so early? Oh, what the heck. Miss Mae's in the house. Oh Oliver, do you have something in your eye or are you winking at my guests? Sharon raises her cup of coffee and sips cautiously after a loud wicked snort from MM. Hmmmm. Dare I drink this, dearie? And about that dancing with the tightly strung boots, whip them off and have some fun! We'll all be dancing with Johnny before the night's through. Lyn do you have on your dancing shoes? Ooops, here's Johnny!!

Unknown said...

Dang Ladies, it's only 9:15 in the morning, you're hitting that flask pretty hard don't you think? (In a sing songy voice) Me thinks, someone has a problem! anyway, loved the interview Sharon and Miss Mae! Elementary, My Dear Winifred was an outstanding read. You are a very talented author and wonderful friend. I am catching up on reviews right now so it shouldn't be too long before I get to read your other book, Said the Spider to the Fly.

Hugs ladies! - taking out my own pink flask - here's to great friendships and fun times!

Val

Anonymous said...

Oooh, Wal, I mean Sal...um..hiccup..VAL!! Oh my, maybe I've had a wee bit too much chocolate this morning...you think? *looks longingly at that piece of glossy, extra rich, super dark, triple-layered FUDGE brownie*...

Nawww, one can never have too much chocolate!!

Welcome, Val! But you gotta leave Johnny alone, can't he hear he's snoring off last night's twinkle-toes contest?

Unknown said...

LOL - No wonder Miss Mae doesn't like to travel, she's probably scared she would lose herself. You need to build up that alcoholic tolerance Miss Mae! See, watch me, this is how it's done ..... gulp gulp gulp ..... Seezz, jussssss like at!

Sharon Donovan said...

Do tell, Lyn. Have some more of that recipe...I mean Earl Gray tea and sit right over here and tell me about the cowboys. Miss Mae, Johnny...or should I say Twinkle Toes promised me the first dance when he comes to. Miss Mae, stop tickling his bare feet with that blade of grass. Hey Val, welcome! Join the fun and grab some fudge brownies and a glass or cup of you know, the good stuff. LOL

Sharon

Sharon Donovan said...

Who can't hold their liquer? Here's how it's done from an Irish lass. Cheers, Val. Lyn show us how a Welsh lass does it. Miss Mae, if you can stop tickling Twinkle Toes feet for a second, bring the recipe over here and give us a Southern toast, how bout it?

Anonymous said...

A Southern toast? All righty, how's this?

"Oh, fiddly-dee, and hush my mouth! On second thought, don't hush my mouth..."

Gimme that flask, Val, you ain't holding it right! You must extend your pinkie just so in the genteel way and...Oopsie!

Quick, Oliver, yank up that crocheted doily and dab it at Val's dress. This recipe can eat through cotton faster than a termite buzzing through a rotten log!

E.A. West said...

Great interview, ladies! And passing that flask around before noon? Tsk, tsk. What would your mothers say? Now, if you'd like to pass some of that chocolate my way... LOL :)

Sharon Donovan said...

LOL Miss Mae, good one. Oh, Woliver...ah...I mean hiccup...Oliver. Best keep the Sprout it Out...mean Shout it Out close by. We chickidees might just get a wee bit tipsy on the recipe, right gals?

Sharon Donovan said...

Hey hey E. A.! Welcome and come over here for a nice little toast, how bout it girl? And dig in with both hands to that chocolate! pssst. Gotta watch out for my butler, Oliver though. He has a roving eye. And just wait til John Travolta comes out of his coma. We'll be doing the Smaturday...I mean Saturday Night Fever, and dancing on the ceiling! Woaaaa Daddy!!

Anonymous said...

*holding out coffee mug*

Got anything suitable for coffee? *yawn!*

Couldn't help but drop over to say good morning. Lovely fun you all are having today!

Curious - how did you an Lyn meet? Was that through TWRP?

Have a wonderful day! I'll pop in later after I get the munchkins their breakfast.

((hugs))

Ash

Hywela Lyn said...

Hi folks, I'm still here *hic* ! Hi Val, Hi E.A. 'Course what you ladies fergit is I have the advantage of you 'cause it's quite late in the afternoon here, and just right for a nice draft of er-um Earl Grey.

Oh thanks Sharon sweetie, yes, I certainly wouldn't mind a refill. Gosh my feet are killing me. Cowboy boots are great for riding but they just wren't made for dancin'. Oh I'm tellin' you folks those cowboys are somethin' else!

Hee hee Miss Mae, look *Hic* I natcherly hold my lil' pinkie out too, it's an old Welsh custom you know!

(Oh you must let me have your recipe sometime!)

Anonymous said...

Lyn, my buddy, along with Valve an' Sherone an' EAps an' Ash...

*ladies all wrap arms around each other, mostly for support* and begins a throaty chant...

"We is all woe-mance ritin' fillies an' we luves..hiccup...we luves..."

plunk, all crash to the ground with six pair of dainty feet kicking wildly in the air...

Sharon Donovan said...

Hiccup...dainty belch escapes lips. Oops...Sharon holds her hand to her mouth to suppress a giggle. Ash, welcome! What kind of an Irish lass would I be if I didn't have a wee bit o Bailey's in the house for your coffee. This way dearie. And BTW Lyn, the way great Aunt Sillie...I mean Aunt Tillie told it, holdin' the pinky out is an Irish custom. Cheers!

Sharon Donovan said...

Where's Johnny? Johnny? Come dance with me, do the Hussle! Whewwww hoooo Mountain Dew!!!!

Unknown said...

Why can I not stop thinking of the Golden Girls? And why does the word Welsh just sound like you're drunk even when you're not?

These are just some of the things running through my head while I am semi-comatose lying here on the floor staring at the ceiling.

Unknown said...

And while I'm down here, let me sing you a song by a little group called El Debarge .... close friends of mine

"Who's Johnny?" she said
And smiled in her special way
"Johnny" she said
"You know I love you"
"Who's Johnny?" she said
And tried to look the other way
Her eyes gave her away

Anonymous said...

you wanna know what's runnin' through my mind as I lay here comfortably relaxed with chocolate smeared fingers...

Well, it's why is that spider up there perched in its cobweb grinning at me with a wicked gleam in its beady eyes...all 8 of them!!!

Anne Patrick said...

Hello ladies! Wonderful interview—I was laughing so much my boss thought I was hitting the flask. I can’t wait to read Elementary, My Dear Winifred. Perfect choice on the leading man, I’m a huge Sean Connery fan. Like fine wine, he’s gotten better with age. Oh my, did I just say that? (picks up drink and sniffs) Hmm maybe the boss was right after all. Have a fantastic day ladies!!!

Anonymous said...

Annie, bless you fer comin' over an' havin' a snort wit' us! hee hee

Oh yes, I agree about Sean. He has matured handsomely! I think he was the best 007 too, I could BELIEVE he was the spy-hunk!

Have a great day, Anne, and hide that flask beneath your desk. After all, "Every Breath Tells a Story"! *grin*

Hywela Lyn said...

*Hic* *Chuckle* Hello, Ash is that your ankles I see peeking out form under the table? Er would someone mind giving me a hand, we sort of went atishoo, atishoo and we all fell down and I sorta can't get up again. *hic* giggle!

Val, what a pretty little song, does Welsh reallhy sound drunk? Yeah, I reckon it does actually. I think I'll just stay here with Miss Mae and watch her spider. Does she have a name MM?

Sharon Donovan said...

Welcome Anne! I'm sure the party will still be going on strong when you get back from work, so stop on by. Val, stop singing, you're hurting my poor little eardrums! Oh Oliver, bring a boom for the spider webs Miss Mae seems to be hallucinating. And in the unlikely event you do find a trace of one, knockin it down in her face for insulting my nice queen..hic...I mean clean house. Lyn, Val, Anne, E.A., Ash... do you see any of MM's spider webs on my ceiling?

Unknown said...

The name of MM's spider is ITSY BITSY!

Sharon Donovan said...

Hey Val...I love the Golden Girls and think we could do them proud. Viva Hollywood, girls? Where's the cheesecake and coffee? Isn't that how they solved every major crisis? Hey, who wants to play Blanche? LOL
Hey Lyn can you say Welsh witch three times fast? Gotcha girl. LOL And you Miss Mae? Or are you still all mesmerized with those spiders you think you see?

Unknown said...

throwing my hands up in the air - sheesh, I'll be Blanche!

Anonymous said...

Tried saying welsh five times fast and wound up in giggling fit. And me, with a meeting to go to in ten minutes.

MUST contain myself!!

Need coffee sans-Bailey's. Will return on break. Must go pretend to be professional woman.

*ahem*
*checks hair in mirror*

How do I look?

Anonymous said...

*Miss Mae sobs piteously*...Itsy Bitsy is sticking its ooey gooey tongue out at me!

Lyn, whistle for your steed! I must escape before Itsy Bitsy makes like a fireman and slides down a silken thread!

Wait! What's he doing? He's sipping the recipe!

Anonymous said...

Ash, girlfiend, you look like you've been to a wild party! hee hee hee

Larry Hammersley said...

Sharon and Miss Mae: I enjoyed the interview and can't say enough nice things about Miss Mae and you Sharon for interviewing her. I hope to dig into more of your books as I've only read Spider. Keep the pen to the paper, Miss Mae. Larry

Anonymous said...

Oh, mercy!

*whips out can of hairspray*

There. *applies lipstick*

Wish me luck!

Save me something from the flask!

Sharon Donovan said...

All right, Val, but you gotta dye your hair blonde and come on to all the boys. Leave Johnny alone. Oops, I do believe he's coming around. Sober up girls and when I say three, let's all try and stand up. Read...set...go! They tumble down and knock over what's left of Aunt Tillie's china. Oops! Sorry Aunt Tillie! But you always did tell me to live and let live, remember? And you also said to marry a rich one. Oh Johnny! Miss Mae, stop that. Why don't you dance with Oliver or Glen?

Anonymous said...

who says sweet romantics don't know how to party?!

LOL

Hywela Lyn said...

Ooh some more guests. Hi Larry!
Wesh Wilch, Wesh Wish, Witch hic!

Shee I'se not ineb, enebri, en - tipsy!

Oh, mush behave, I forgot, we have a gentleman present.

Hold on Miss Mae, hop on ol' Harry ere, he'll carry you to safety while T'pau distracts Inzy Winy, I mean Itty Bitty.

Unknown said...

Ladies, I think I'm good down here on the floor! Just don't let anyone step on me please! Wow Ash, those are some seriously gorgeous pumps you have on there!

Anonymous said...

Okay, serious moment here...

Honestly, tears sprouted from my eyes when I read Val's last post...

I could just imagine it! LOLOL

Val, you are hilarious!!

Somewhere I get the sneaking suspicion Tami is hiding behind a tree, ready to pounce!

Anonymous said...

Larry, thank you so much for your kind words, and for stopping by.

When you get a chance to read "Winifred", I think--and hope--you'll enjoy it. :)

Unknown said...

Tami doesn't even know I'm here! chuckle! I do need to go find her. She will be so mad when she finds out how much fun I am having without her. (flopping over on my belling and scooching towards the door.)

Arghhhhhh - someone throw me some aspirin down here.

Anonymous said...

Oh goody fo' old 'arry 'ere...or is that giddy fo' old 'arry?

Either way, thanking ya kindly for the loan of your steed, faithful Walshish fiend...I mean, friend..hic..

Ash, we're all so woe-mantic 'ere, it ain't even funny...well, maybe it is at that!

Heave ho, girls, let's put some muscle to it! We can make it...puff, puff...

Sharon Donovan said...

Sharon stands up and brushes spider webs from jeans. Welcome Ash and Larry! It'sall Miss Mae's fault, doncha know. It's all elementary, my dearies. Hiccup!! Ash, quick, give me that hair spray and lipstick so I can look all glamerous for Donnie...I mean Johnny! I best practice my Saturday Night Moves. Been a while since my dico days. Oops, best not be giving my age away. PARTY!!! Here come the Village People Sharon leaps high in the air and knocks over a cut glass vase. Claps loudly and screams. Y-- M-- C--A!

Unknown said...

Ok, people are starting to look at me wierd for laughing so hard! I can just picture you do the YMCA! I gotta take a break in real life. My stomach is hurting from laughing.

Mary Ricksen said...

Great post ladies!

Hywela Lyn said...

Hiya Mary

Come down an' join us. Ooh, perhaps I shouldn't have said that! I mean, do join the festivities if you so desire, you don't have to roll around under the table if you don't want to - we were just looking for MM's pet spider!

Ooh MM what would Winifred say if she could see us lying here in an undignified heap on the floor? *Grin* Send for Remington!

Sharon Donovan said...

Welcome, Mary! Come join the fun. Do ya like disco? John Travolta's graced us with his presence. Make yourself to home. Val, go get Tami. Pass the jug...all winded from doin the YMCA. Not as young as I was when disco ruled. Shhhh....don't tell Johnny. Hiccup giggle...but neither is he. heee Heee Now where did I put my pretty little four inch black and blue stilleto heels that glowed in the dark beneath the rotating disco ball? Oh, well. Ash let me borrow yours. What size are they?

Tami Winbush said...

Hey y'all I'm here! I've had some of that wicked punch you guys are drinkin' and I have vowed to stay away from it. Though I did bring some rum balls.

Now these were left by my door in an alarmingly large number and they are a *hic* bit strong. I've tried one *hic* or two and they seem to be good.

Val, what the hell are you doing on the floor looking at Ash's heels?

Get up here and eat balls with me.....hold on, that didn't come out right....hold on, neither did that.....let me stop while I'm ahead. **pops another rum ball**

Here's the rest for anyone who wants them. Rum balls for all

Anonymous said...

Hmm, I think Tami's shoelace isn't the only thing untied...sounds like her tongue is loose too!

*Miss Mae appears with a string to genteely tie Tami's tongue up proper*...Now she's all tongue-tied!

Unknown said...

LOL - I was just chilling out lying on the floor and Ash was on her way out the door to go back to work so I commented on her very pretty shoes! Tami I went all the way to your house to get you and you were gone! Then I came here to tell everyone you weren't home and you're here! Shew I am so tired now. My head is swimming.

Tami Winbush said...

OMG, that's it! Swimming!

*grabs some punch, or is it elmonade, I mean lemonade*

Let's go swimming! Do you got a pull, I mean a pool?

*grabs some balls, I mean a ball*

Do you have a river, or apond, I mean a pond?

Sharon Donovan said...

Hey hey it's Tami! Get over here girl. Did you bring your disco shoes? We're doing the hussle and..hic.. another slight belch...you missed it. Me and the Village Boys...I mean People were leaping and clapping while shouting. Y-- M C A!!!
Got a request Tami girl?

Unknown said...

what if I drown? Who will review all the books then? LOL

Sharon Donovan said...

Do I have a pool? Course I do girl, don't be rediculous. Nice Irish lass like myself goes swimmin in the Sannon..hic...I mean Shannon River! Ooops... that was me dear Aunt Tillie, my dearly departed Irish aauntie. I live in Pittsburgh and don't have one. He heee. But my neighbor does and he's out of town. Let's rumbo!!! Bring the recipe and the rum runners! LOL

Diane Craver said...

Miss Mae and Sharon,

Enjoyed the interview! You two gals are having too much fun though!

I had to laugh when I read your music preference, Miss Mae. My husband loves the oldies, too. I like music from the 90s and present. It drives me nuts that he has to listen to oldies all the time and sings along and still doesn't know all the words. LOL

Great excerpt - I hope to read this one of your wonderful reads soon!

Tami Winbush said...

I wanna have a Twist, I mean do the *hic* Twist.

Com, Come on baby, let's do the twist.

I won't let ya drown baby. I haven't read all of Ms. Mae's babys, I mean boks, books yet. **balls rum in mouth, no rum balls in mouth** So you can read them to me, and you can review too! OK Val!

*lemhonaidey isipy*

Hywela Lyn said...

Less twiss again, like we did lasht shummer
#
Ooops *hic* I'm showing my age - well I remember Sharon;'s old grannie, or was it aunty telling me all about it.

Rum balls, ooh I love rum balls, it's the chocolate you know.
Hey, this twistin' music has more twists and turns than one of Miss Mae's novels!

Tami Winbush said...

OMG, OMG, OMG

I wanna do the Time Warmmmfp agaon, agin, again!

Do you think Frankie will let me? He sooshoooooo cute in those gold drawers of his...

Mmmm, rummy balls and lemony aidy with men in glody shortsys doing the timey warps! Whoot hoow!

Anonymous said...

*yawn*...*stretch*...Miss Mae blinks sleepily...

Oh that bit of a cat-nap was just what I needed, though my head feels an odd bit heavy. I can't imagine why!

What's that tune Oliver's trying to sing? "They're Coming To Take Me Away"?????

Anonymous said...

Hi Diane!

So glad you stopped by, my friend! Wow, you like the 90's? That's 1990's, right? *tee hee*...

Well, I'd have to agree with your hubby, those oldie-moldie's are just the ticket for me! :)

Can't wait until you can read "Winifred", Diane. I'd dying to get your response! :)

Rebecca J Vickery said...

HI Everyone,

Sorry I'm late but been a bit under the weather. Think a hit of what's in the flask will cure my ills??? I'm sure willing to try it.

That was a great interview, MM and wonderful questions, Sharon. I know I have Winifred on my to be read list...now, if I could just find my list.

You folks sure know how to throw a great interview.
Best wishes all!!!

Laurean Brooks said...

Ha-ha ha-ha-ha ha-ha ha-haa! Great interview, Sharon and Miss Mae! I can't stop laughing. You girls are crazy! And was that my birthday party and I was not invited? My birthday was Monday, you know.

Well I just might forgive you if you pass me that little flask and put Wipe Out on the phonograph. What? The flask is empty? Then I'm outta here! Who drank it all? Surely not Oliver!

Hugs!
Laurie

Anonymous said...

Hey Becca and Laurie!

You two have gotta stay! See? I'm putting Wipe Out on the record player and we've got Twister on the floor. We're gonna have "fun, fun, fun, until Daddy takes the T-bird awaaaay"...

Sharon Donovan said...

Welcome to the blast from the past Diane, Rebecca and Laurie! Hey Laurie, look what Oliver's wheelin out just for you girlfriend, a big ol chocolate cake with your name on it and sixteen candles. Gather round the pool everyone and let's sing a chorus or two of Happy Birthday to our Sweet sixteen party girl. Here's a nice strong nip for ya, too. Come on let's do the twist. Oooops. Splash! Sharon falls in, Johnny taking the plunge to rescue her. Sharon belts it out, Let's hear it for the Boy!!! as they emerge doing the twist!!!

Hywela Lyn said...

Lyn emerges from underneath the table.

Chocolate? Did someone mention chocolate?

She was only sixteen, only sixteen - oops, sorry, wrong song!

Hywela Lyn said...

Ooh I've just remembered - it's OK folks, a side effect of Miss Mae's wonderful concoction is to slow down time (well that's my excuse) or do I mean speed up time? Anyway I may have a bad case of 'dealayed reaction' but I seem to remember Ashley asking how Sharon and I met.

Well, she is a fellow WRP author but I think I first 'met' her on someone's blog and was so moved by her story that I commented, and she very kindly emailed back and I replied and we sort of kept on going.

Of course the way I met Miss Mae was quite different. As I recall, she was lost - I know, hard to believe isn't it!

Anonymous said...

Ha ha, I'll never forget how I met you, Lyn! Can you really remember? (or is your mind in an Earl Grey fog?) hee hee

I remember how I met Miss Mae too...oh, wait a minute. I AM Miss Mae! Oops..*blush*

Sharon Donovan said...

Hey Lyn, get up from under the table and quit being such a Welsh lush. Come on girl, let's do the twist! Can't ya'll hold your wicker...I mean liquor?

Hywela Lyn said...

*giggle* Hic!*

Corsh I remember MM. You were all alone on the WRP forum wondering where everyone had gone, and I heard your cries for help and managed to lead you out of the maze to the new loop. (Good job I carry a compass!)

Sharon - course I can hold my *hic* liquor. It's only tea you know! *silly grin*.

Let's twist again, like we did last summer...let's twist again-

Anonymous said...

Lyn, you DO remember! (I think there's a bit of Winifred in you! *wink* )

Sharon, I've danced myself into a perspiration and sweet genteel ladies should NEVER perspire! Excuse me while I cool myself off in that cement pond, won't you?

And tell Oliver not to follow like a puppy dog!

Unknown said...

You guys are too funny! I want to see some drunken scenes in your new books! Like maybe the mom is a crazy woman and drinks all the time or grandmother or great grandmother. OMGosh, that would be too funny! For a bunch of sweet writers, you sure do know how to write the drunk scenes! Tsk tsk Ok, who stole the pink flask that was sitting right here on the table?

Anonymous said...

Sharon and Miss Mae, this is hilarious! The most creative interview I've ever read -- or maybe it's the "lemonade" I've imbibed in??

I'm reading Said The Spider to the Fly now, and loving it! Can't wait to read the others.

Linda Banche said...

Sharon and Miss Mae, you two should write comedy. What a great interview. Bottle this interview and save it! (Or is that your lemondade?)

Sharon Donovan said...

Hi Sandra. Thanks for dropping in to chat with us. They are completely out of control and...where are they? They left me with this big mess to clean up and this is my neighbor's pool? Girls? Girls? Oh, dear! They're all over there passed out, mouths agape catching flies. Oliver come quick with the smelling salts and strong black coffee!!!

Sharon Donovan said...

Well folks, there you have it. Another Wednesday spotlight. Thank you Miss Mae for being a delightful and fun guest. It was a real pleasure and I hope you readers all enjoyed it. Come back next week, July 29th for another Wednesday Spotlight. My featured guest is the talented Hywela Lyn to tell us all about her new release, Children of the Mist. Y'all come back now, hear?

Sharon

Pamela S Thibodeaux said...

Lovely interview Miss Mae, sorry I didn't make it over here yesterday.

Blessings to you ALL!
PamT

Sharon Donovan said...

Hi Linda and Pam. Thanks so much for dropping in to chat with Miss Mae. She would be very flattered and would love to greet more of her fans. Maybe if you go dump a bucket of ice water on her it might bring her around?
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Classic, ladies. Classic. AND I learned that Tami and I were more than likely watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the same time...

Love it.

Sharon, lady - you do throw a wonderful party. ((hugs)) and sorry I missed the end.

Miss Mae -- here's to hoping everyone goes out and buys Winifred. Right away! ;)

Ash

Hywela Lyn said...

Whew - what a fantastic party!

OK Sharon, I just popped in to help you clear up - oh, I see you'ew already half done - ah well, the thought was there, I'll just clear away these - Oh crumbs, it isn't - is it - it is it's John Travolta fast asleep in the corner!

As I said it was a fantastic party, Sharon and Miss Mae - we'll have to do it all again next week - drinks will be on me!

Chiron said...

"What a delightful interview!" she says, while sneaking the last brownie off the table. "Really. Loved every bit... Oooh, are those strawberries dipped in chocolate?"

*grin*

As always, Miss Mae, I must bow to you and Ms. Donovan. Truly, you've set a scene here.

Wishing you even MORE success! *laughs* You certainly deserve it.

Smiles,
Chiron O'Keefe
The Write Soul: www.chironokeefe.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

You mean it's OVER!!!

*Miss Mae sleepily rubs her eyes and smacks her lips, grimacing at the less-than-minty taste*

Oh my, my clock does say it's the very NEXT DAY!!

Sharon, WHAT did you put in that chocolate???

Sharon Donovan said...

Hi Chiron. Thanks so much for dropping by to chat with Miss Mae and me. And thank you for the lovely compliments on the interview. It was fun and we all adore our Miss Mae. Cheers!

Sharon