All That Shines (Glitter Bay Mysteries)
by Diane Bator
I am so happy to welcome Diane Bator to Escape With Dollycas today!
Hi Diane,
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a writer, playwright, and mom who works in theatre by day and writes every chance I get. I have four mystery series I’m currently working on: Wild Blue Mysteries, Gilda Wright Mysteries, Glitter Bay Mysteries, and Sugarwood Mysteries.
What are three things most people don’t know about you?
I am a mom to three young men and two cats.
I’ve written one play and am working on a second one.
I have also written a couple of fantasy novels that I have yet to publish.
What is the first book you remember reading?
I remember having lots of Little Golden books as a kid. Aside from every Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew mystery I could get my hands on, I read a Sidney Sheldon novel, I think it was The Other Side of Midnight, that I was totally absorbed in until the ending. Someone had torn out the last few pages and I was livid!!
What are you reading now?
Kenora Reinvented
What books have most inspired you?
I grew up on the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, but I’ve read so many books that I’ve thought “I could do this!” such as Lillian Braun Jackson
What made you decide you wanted to write mysteries?
I’ve always loved to read them but never actually thought about writing them until I took part in a contest called Mystery in Ink put on by a small publisher in North Bay, Ontario. We had to use a murder mystery party game and write 10 chapters, each from the perspective of a different character. I loved it! And I won! My very first published book was that little novella called Murder on Manitou, which I plan to re-release one day soon. I was hooked!
Do you have a special place you like to write?
I used to love to write in a local coffee shop but I have written practically everywhere! Trying to write with three kids around, I learned to summon the muse wherever I stopped for a minute. Even while I was cooking dinner!
Where do the ideas for your books come from?
Anywhere and everywhere. I’ve had ideas come from dreams, from conversations, from seeing photographs or memes, you name it. My latest play idea hit me while I walked from my office ten feet down the hall to my living room. I had it outlined fifteen minutes later. It doesn’t always happen that fast, but when inspiration hits it can be like a runaway train!
Is there anything about writing you find most challenging?
I’m great with getting the story going but sometimes figuring out whodunit can be a bit tricky. Other times, I’ll know the ending and have to work backward. For me, there is no formula. The story comes as it comes. I think my biggest challenge is in the details of bringing the setting to life. I enjoy writing dialogue which makes playwriting so much fun for me as well.
What do you think makes a good story?
To me what makes a good story are strong characters, a few great plot twists, and that the story is believable. I once read a book where the bad guy had his leg nearly bitten off by an alligator, yet he got back up and chased after the hero. A good story should draw a reader in and not let them go until the end.
Which, of all your characters, do you think is the most like you?
I know it’s cliché, but there’s always a bit of the author in every character, especially our protagonists. I most relate to two of my main characters: Gilda in my Gilda Wright Mysteries and Sage Miller in the Glitter Bay series. Both have had heartbreak and struggles, yet they don’t roll over and give up. In each book, Gilda finds a little more of the inner strength she needs to recreate her life, which is something I’ve had to do over the past few years.
Meanwhile in All That Shines, Sage is slowly discovering that she has a lot more to offer the world than she knows. Thanks to her sister and her new best friend, she’s becoming more confident and empowered. As for me, I’m becoming more confident in my books and my writing ability and trusting in my dreams.
What’s next on the horizon for you?
The great thing about writing is that there is always another book! I’m currently editing a whole new mystery for a whole new series. I’ve also written my first play. Since I work in a professional theatre, there’s a good chance I’ll be able to have it workshopped and possibly even performed. Fingers crossed!
Thank you, Diane, for visiting today.
Keep reading to find out all about Diane’s new book.
About All That Shines
All That Shines (Glitter Bay Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc. (March 1, 2021)
Print Length: 250 pages
Digital ASIN: B08W2J3LBQ
When Sage Miller’s sister Laken decides to host a fashion show as a grand opening for the new location of Vintage Sage, she’s not amused. Even less so when she discovers her sister hired a Hollywood fashion designer to help. Not only does the designer show up in the middle of renovations, but he drags along his protégé.
Then she finds Sebastian Hayward III, dead in her store.
Suddenly it seems half of Los Angeles—all unwelcome guests from Laken’s past—appear in Vintage Sage seeking something Sebastian had in his possession. Sage has to deal with renovations, a fashion show, and a murder before she and Laken come unglued.
More About Diane Bator
Diane Bator is the author of several mystery novels—and series. She’s a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime Toronto, International Thriller Writers and the Writers Union of Canada. When she’s not writing, she works in a small, professional theatre which will one day be subjected to immortality in a whole new series.
Author Links
Website Blog Twitter Facebook Goodreads Linkedin Smashwords
BWL Publishing Inc Amazon Author Page
Fresh Fiction BookBub Pinterest Instagram
Purchase Links ‘
Amazon – B&N – Kobo
Also by this Author
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. I also spent a lot of childhood hours devouring the 
series.
by Jodi Picoult, 
by Terri-Lynne DeFino, and 
by Susan Strasser.
was probably my biggest inspiration. I completely identified with Jo March. Another great favorite is 
by Charlotte Bronte. I have always loved 19th-century classics.
Is there anything about writing you find most challenging?
