Interview with Sandra Orchard

 by Patricia Bradley

Hi everyone! Today I'm talking to Sandra Orchard. I've known Sandra for at least eight years, roomed with her once at the Writer's Police Academy where we had a ball! Oh, and she's giving away a copy of one of her previous 24 books!

A little bit about Sandra:

She writes fast-paced, laugh-out-loud whodunits and romantic suspense. Awards for her novels include: a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, a Daphne DuMaurier Award of Excellence, a Holt Medallion Award of Merit, a National Readers’ Choice Award, and several Canadian Christian writing awards. 

When not writing, Sandra hones her imagination by playing make-believe with her young grandchildren. She also enjoys gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and woodworking. 

I asked Sandra a few questios:

Patricia: You’ve been published for several years now. What has being published taught you?

Sandra: Yes, with Boughs of Folly’s release, I’m celebrating the publication of my 25th novel. Writing that many books (and several more besides still in the publishing que) has taught me there is always more to learn, that a story can always be improved, but sometimes you just have to let your baby go. 

Patricia: How well I've learned that one! What is your favorite part about writing. Least favorite.

Sandra: Brainstorming the plot is my favorite part because a realm of possibilities lies open before me free of the dissenting voice that comes later, when making that cool idea work with the rest of the story seems impossible. 

Writing a short synopsis of the story is my least favorite part. 

Patricia: Oohh! I'm with you on both of those! Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Sandra: Both. When the words are flowing, it’s incredibly energizing. Unfortunately, some days getting the story onto the page is akin to pulling teeth and just as painful.

Patricia: You've described it perfectly! :-) You do a lot of research. Where is your favorite place to research?

Sandra: On location! There is nothing like immersing oneself in a setting or shadowing someone in their workplace to gain valuable insights to add depth to a story. Sadly, the pandemic travel restrictions prevented me from traveling to sunny Georgia to research the setting for Boughs of Folly.

Patricia:  I know! This pandemic has been terrible! What would you like readers to know about your story/characters?

Sandra: Boughs of Folly is part of a three-book Jingle Bells Mysteries set, in time to celebrate Christmas in July or to stock up for early Christmas gifts. :-) These are cozy mysteries with a dash of romance written from a Christian worldview. The characters and setting are from the realm of Annie’s Fiction’s popular Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries. They’re a fun revisit with old friends for readers of that series, but each book stands alone. 

Patricia: I love Annie's Fiction! And Boughs of Folly sounds like a great book! What’s next from you?

Sandra: First, I’d like to mention that Boughs of Folly is my 25th book, and I’m celebrating this milestone by giving away 25 books!!! 

Please visit my blog for all the details, but don’t delay, because the rafflecopter giveaway for 10 copies of Boughs of Folly ends on Father’s Day. Other books will be given away throughout the month to newsletter and Facebook followers and on my blog.

Looking ahead, I have two, yet-to-be-titled romantic suspense releasing in 2023 as part of a new Hearts in Peril series from Annie’s Fiction. Each is a stand-alone novel, and I’m super excited to be writing edge-of-your-seat suspense again, with characters who will find their happily-ever-after in a single book.

Patricia: I'm super excited about that as well! I love your romantic suspense stories!! Thank you so much for being here today!

Readers, you can connect with Sandra Orchard here:

Website: www.SandraOrchard.com 

Link to book:  https://sandraorchard.com/books/1-jingle-bell-mysteries/ 

Social media links: www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard https://www.pinterest.ca/AuthorSOrchard/ https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sandra-orchard

You can enter the Rafflecopter for a chance at one of 10 copies of Boughs of Folly!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ad4cf14d11/

AND, Sandra is giving away a  copy of one of her previous books, and if you leave a comment that will enter you in the drawing. Be sure to leave your contact info! (like: pat at  ptbradley dot com)

This Christmas Cozy Mystery

Releases June 25, 2022 as part of a three-book set called Jingle Bells Mysteries (with Klaus for Suspicion and Deck the Hearse)

After spending two decades of Christmas seasons in California, Jillian Green celebrates returning to her family’s antebellum mansion in Georgia by joyfully decking the halls for the upcoming Moss Hollow Merry Mansions Tour. However, Jillian’s holiday cheer takes a nosedive when she discovers her great aunt’s new friend Herbert dead at the base of a tree while he’s helping them string lights.

Although his death appears to be a tragic accident, her great aunt insistently blames foul play, and handsome local coroner Hunter Greyson confirms her suspicions. Needled into action by her aunt, Jillian quickly realizes this case is more tangled than a strand of twinkle lights, and lead after lead winds up in a dead end.

Stressed out by exploring limbs of the victim’s family tree, helping a Chocolate Shoppe Bakery customer track down his high school sweetheart, and worrying about her grandmother’s odd behavior, Jillian feels her holiday spirit slipping away. However, she knows the best way to restore her festive mood is to uncover the killer before someone else in Moss Hollow gets hurt—if she doesn’t, Herbert’s night might not be the only one silenced this Christmas.