Hi there, guys and dolls! Well, there goes April.  My goodness, that went lickety split. It does however, mean it’s time for my favorite blog post, Take 5. This time it’s with the lovely and talented Jennifer Vido, who’s had a very exciting month indeed. She’s just released her third novel in the Piper O’Donnell Mystery Series, MURDER BY THE MINUTES. I love Jennifer’s books and the lady herself is so delightful and entertaining. Set yourself down and join us for a fantabulous confab!

1. So tell me a little about your series and main characters.

The Piper O’Donnell Social Lite Mystery series takes place in the fictional town of Woodlawn, Ohio. It centers on Piper, a transplanted New York socialite, who is intent on making her mark on the local social scene. After the demise of her wealthy older husband Charles, she becomes involved with Rusty O’Brien, a handsome eligible bachelor. Naturally, Rusty becomes smitten with the bubbly blonde who has a penchant for fashion, especially all things Lilly Pulitzer.

2. What is your writing process like? Do you thrive on routine or work spontaneously as the whim takes you?

As a book blogger, my main focus is to promote other authors’ books. Finding time to write my own became a bit of a challenge for me this go-around with MURDER BY THE MINUTES. I had to learn to make my writing career a priority. I discovered that if I committed to writing daily, my story took on a life of its own. I don’t have a set number of words or pages in mind when I sit down with my laptop. Rather, I tend to write best if I set aside a block of time, preferably in the evening hours, when the house is quiet.

3. What exciting moment or moments have made you realize that you were really an “author”?

The realization that I had truly become an author happened when I found my book prominently on display in my local library. Something about seeing it shelved among famous authors’ books brought tears to my eyes. Every time I visit, I check to see if my books are in circulation. I have always had a fondness for libraries.

4. What do you do to spark up your creativity when you feel the well of inspiration is running dry?

I often grab my yoga mat and stretch to spark my creativity when the well of inspiration runs dry. Exercise is the best way for me to center my thoughts. I am able to shut out the noise in my busy life by focusing on what truly matters, my health and wellness. Afterwards, I feel refreshed and energized. My thoughts magically begin to flow, or so I hope!

5. Who are some of your favorite authors and how do you feel they have influenced your desire to write?

My list of favorite authors is long for I often discover new ones through my work as the book editor at Momtrends.com. I’d say my go-to favorites are Karen White, Elaine Viets, Kristin Hannah, Jane Cleland, and Sarah Jio. I’m also a sucker for anything written in the lowcountry, especially Charleston, SC. My entrée into the publishing business stems from my desire to emulate the careers of this talented group of women.

And here’s what yours truly had to say about her fine work — A toast of the bubbly to Jennifer Vido for her Piper O’Donnell Social Lite Mystery Series! There’s enough swanky shindigs, secret liaisons, cocktails, canapes, danger, and dishy gossip to keep you pool-side until you’ve read the last page. Be sure to pick up MURDER BY THE MINUTES on your Kindle and visit her webpage (Jennifer Vido.com), follow her on Twitter,  and Facebook, too.

Toodles,

Barbara Jean

PS — got oodles and oodles of news coming up soon! Stay tuned, darlings.