Terri L. Austin, Author of Diners, Dives & Dead Ends, Talks Writing & Offers #Givaway

My guest today is Terri L. Austin. When not writing, Terri enjoys eating breakfast at her local diner, watching really bad movies and hanging out with her kids when they’re home from college. She lives in Missouri with her funny, handsome husband and her high-maintenance peekapoo.

Terri - First of all, thanks for having me on your blog, Anne! And hello to all your readers.

Anne – It’s always wonderful to chat with a fellow mystery author! What one line sums me up as an author?

Terri - Throw me some chocolate, leave me alone with my characters and nobody will get hurt.

Anne – LOL! My sentiments exactly! Tell us about your latest release.

Terri - In Diners, Dives and Dead Ends, a struggling waitress and part-time college student, Rose Strickland’s life is stalled in the slow lane. But when her close friend, Axton, disappears, Rose suddenly finds herself serving up more than hot coffee and flapjacks. Now she’s hashing it out with sexy bad guys and scrambling to find clues in a race to save Axton before his time runs out.

With her anime-loving bestie, her septuagenarian boss, and pair of IT wise men along for the ride, Rose discovers political corruption, illegal gambling, and shady corporations. She’s gone from zero to sixty and quickly learns when you’re speeding down the fast lane, it’s easy to crash and burn.

Warning: This traditional mystery contains quirky humor, off-the-wall characters, and a dash of spicy language. Be prepared for fun read.

Anne – I’m ready! Would you share an excerpt of Diners, Dives and Dead Ends with us?

Terri – Certainly!

Mondays were known for two things at Ma’s Diner: we poured lots of extra coffee and the tips sucked. After my last customer left, I counted out my money. Twenty-three dollars and sixteen cents. Hmm, food or gas? 

I walked behind the counter and had just started to refill ketchup bottles when my friend, Ax, walked in. The bright afternoon sunshine flashed on his wallet chain as it slapped against his thigh.

Axton Graystone—his real name, I swear to God—was usually cheerful, goofy, and extremely mellow due to his natural disposition and the boatloads of pot he ingested. But when he stopped by the empty diner that afternoon, he was twitchy and nervous.

He plopped onto a stool in front of me and swung his overstuffed backpack onto another. His knee bounced up and down like a toddler on a sugar binge and he tapped his fingernails on the counter. “Rose, I need you to do something for me.”

“I’m not giving you my pee.” Axton had a couple of possession misdemeanors. Now the administration at the college where he worked made him take a urine test once a month. 

The keys in his pocket jangled with every bob of his knee. “No, not that. I need a favor.”

Anne - I have no idea what that favor might be, but I imagine it won't be good for Rose! What one how-to write book is a must on your bookshelf? Why? 

Terri - GMC by Debra Dixon. You have to have goals, motivation, and conflict to make a story. It’s a classic for a reason.

Anne – Agreed. It’s a keeper for me as well. Describe your home office as appears right now. Is this a good or bad thing?!

Terri - My home office is also my bedroom and that’s a bad thing! I have story boards pinned up on all the walls and doors and my desk chair blocks just about everything. But my husband is very patient with it all. And the kids just moved out of the house. So I’m looking at paint swatches and claiming one of the bedrooms for myself.

Anne - Do you belong to writer organizations, critique groups, or depend on beta readers?

Terri - All three. I belong to my local RWA chapter, MRW. I have great critique partners who tell it like it is—the good and the bad. And once I’ve revised and polished, I use beta readers to tell me what works and what doesn’t.

Anne - Outside of writing, what accomplishment are you most proud?

Terri - Raising two great kids. Both are in college, work, and are doing well. I’m really proud of them.

Anne - Where can readers find you online?

Terri – At my website, on Facebook, Twitter, and at Goodreads. 

Also, I’m having a drawing at the end of my blog tour. Leave a comment with your email address along the way, and I’ll enter you to win one of three copies of Diners, Dives and Dead Ends. (Continental US only.)

Thanks again, Anne!

Anne – I had a blast, Terri. Diners, Dives and Dead Ends has been added to my TBR list. 

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