Talkshow Thursday: Welcome back, Sami Abrams!

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome back, Sami Abrams

Linda: Welcome back to my blog, and congratulations on your upcoming debut novel, Buried Cold Case Secrets. What was your inspiration for the story? 

Sami: Buried Cold Case Secrets was born during MurderCon. Sounds menacing, doesn’t it? Lol! MurderCon is part of the Writer’s Police Academy, a conference for authors to learn from law enforcement specialists. During this conference, I went to a forensic anthropology workshop and Melanie’s character took shape. 

LM: How did the opportunity to write for Love Inspired come about? Sami: My agent Tamela Hancock Murray encouraged me to submit to Love Inspired Suspense, and I met two different editors at the ACFW conferences that asked for manuscripts. So, I decided to give it a shot and here we are. 😊 

LM: Research is an important part of writing. What sort of research did you do for Buried Cold Case Secrets? Was there any sort of “aha” tidbit you found that you knew needed to be included? 

Sami: I’m always asking my law enforcement consultant if something is plausible. So there’s that. But I

think for this one I go back to the antifreeze poisoning. I had to make sure the symptoms were correct and have a way of counteracting it. I’m not sure it was an “aha” moment, but it was definitely interesting. 

LM: What authors influenced your writing? 

 

ami: Oh my, now that’s a loaded question. Lol! I’d have to say that the two authors that most influence my writing are Virginia Vaughan and Lynette Eason. Which comes in handy since they both mentor me on different projects. Virginia with my Love Inspired Suspense, and Lynette with my Elite Guardians Collection through Sunrise Publishing. 😊 

LM: In addition to writing, you are part of the Suspense Squad, a group of authors who interview other authors and hold topical discussions. How do you juggle your many responsibilities? 

Sami: The Suspense Squad is a great group. We love to have fun and can get quite silly at times. It’s a nice break from work when we are together. As for how do I juggle all my responsibilities…I’m a planner. (You notice I didn’t say plotter. Hehe!) My husband calls my calendar “the decade at a glance.” So, as long as it’s on my calendar and I’m not overbooked, all is good. 

LM: What is one thing you wish you knew how to do? 

Sami: Oh, there are so many things I wish I could do. But, I think my top two (sorry, there’s more than one. 😊)…I wish I knew how to draw. And the other, I wish I knew how to speak different languages. 

LM: What is your next project? 

Sami: I’m currently working on revisions for my Elite Guardians Collection novel with Lynette Eason and Sunrise Publishing which should release in June 2022. In addition, I have another Love Inspired Suspense releasing September 2022. Twin Murder Mix-up, book 2 in the Deputies of Anderson County series, will go on sale August 23, 2022. 

LM: Where can folks find you on the web? 

Sami: People can find me at http://www.samiaabrams.com. I’d love for everyone to sign up for my newsletter so we can stay in touch. 

About Buried Cold Case Secrets: 

Recovering her missing memories could be the key to solving a murder Searching for her best friend’s remains could help forensic anthropologist Melanie Hutton regain her memories of when they were both kidnapped—unless the killer gets to Melanie first. For her safety, Melanie must rely on Detective Jason Cooper, who still blames her for his sister’s death. Can Jason set the past aside to solve the cold-case murder…and shield Melanie from the same fate?

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3HKRU8A

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Sami Abrams

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Sami Abrams

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. You indicate on your website that you weren’t a big reader in your teen and young adult years. During your 30s you discovered authors who could capture your attention. What made you keep looking for something to read, and was there one particular book that stands out as the one that clinched the romantic suspense genre for you?

Sami: Thanks for having me! With undiagnosed ADD, I have always struggled to enjoy reading. I couldn’t focus. What took most people five minutes to read, took me twenty or thirty. My mind would wonder and I’d have to read the same sentence over and over again. It was frustrating. It was when my husband and I had planned a trip to the beach that I decided I needed something to occupy my down time. I love TV police dramas, and mysteries, so suspense made sense. Enter Terri Blackstock, Dee Henderson, and Lynette Eason. I’m not saying it solved my focus problem, but I wanted to finish the books so I plodded through and I’m so very glad I did. But, the book that started my obsession was Terri Blackstock’s Private Justice. It had everything I was interested in: Firefighting, law enforcement, great suspense, and a message that spoke to my heart. I was hooked from that point on.

LM: What was the impetus for you to make the jump from reading romantic suspense to writing it?

Sami: Haha! I laugh because I had no intention of becoming a writer. Writing a novel was simply a bucket list item. I did it. Check the box and move on. God had other plans. I argued with Him, but He nudged me to seek out workshops and critique groups. He placed amazing people in my path that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. He’s given me encouragement through contest finals. And then, He blessed me with an AMAZING agent. I can’t wait to see what else He has planned.

LM: What do you do to prepare yourself for writing? For example do you listen to music or set up in a specific place?

Sami: I don’t really have a specific place to write. I tend to sit on the couch or at my office desk. It all depends on my mood. When I’m ready to write, the earbuds go in and I jam out to worship music. However, once the words are down and I’m in revision or editing mode, it has to be quiet.

LM: What are some of the lessons you’ve learned on the path to publication?

Sami: Where do I start? J  I have a feeling no matter who you ask in this business, everyone would put patience toward the top. I’m a goal-oriented person, so the waiting game in publishing is very difficult. I’m learning, little by little, to give it to God and let him do His thing. Learning to trust my instincts is another big lesson. At a point in the writing process, I have to consider the suggestions my critique group has made then go with my gut. It’s taken me several years to trust myself to make the decisions I feel are right for my story.

LM: You live in a beautiful area of the country, one which many people choose to visit. If money were no object, what is your idea of the ultimate vacation?

Sami: I’ve been very fortunate to have traveled extensively throughout my life and I enjoy seeing new places. But my ultimate vacation would be watching the Northern Lights from a glass igloo in Finland. (I think I might have to start leaving brochures or printouts around the house for the hubby. J )

LM: What is the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?

Sami: I made the mistake of asking my family this question. Sigh. According to them, attending MurderCon was quite bizarre. I thought it was pretty awesome. This summer I attended The Writers Police Academy’s MurderCon conference. I guess my excitement and discussions about blood evidence, arson, and decomposing bodies didn’t seem normal to them. Lol!!

LM: What are you currently working on?

Sami: I finished my first draft of a long novel a couple of weeks ago and am currently deep in revisions. I’m excited about this story since it’s a tribute to my law enforcement consultant.

Here’s a sneak peek:

Jennie Nelson trusted the wrong man and nearly paid with her life. Five years later, her daughter attracts the attention of a child predator, and Jennie’s flesh and blood nightmare returns. With the help of her new friend and protector Detective David Weston, can she shield her daughter from danger and live long enough to trust and love again?

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Sami: I’m an extrovert, so I love connecting with readers and other writers. 

You can follow my blog and sign-up for my newsletter at www.samiaabrams.com

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