​Jackie, I’m so glad you could join us today to talk about your new book and your writing journey. First, can you tell us a bit about your book and what inspired you to write this story?

Laurie, thanks for hosting me. I’ve always loved the coast, and it was easy to pick my setting as a beach in the Low Country of South Carolina.
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Andi Grace Scott is a dog walker and has lived in the fictional town of Heyward Beach her entire life. One morning she goes to take care of her mentor’s puppy. The puppy is upset, and her friend is dead. When the sheriff is suspicious of her, Andi Grace decides to find the killer herself. When her parents were killed by a hit-and-run driver who was never caught, she learned the bad guys don’t always get caught.

And is this the first book you have published?

This is my first full length book.

How long has it taken you to get published?

I started writing about ten years ago, and it took me a while to find the courage to query an agent. Dawn Dowdle signed me, and she’s been a true blessing.

What draws you to writing cozy mysteries as opposed to straight up romance or romantic comedies?

I’ve always enjoyed mysteries, and cozies with interesting characters and a touch of romance is what I love most.
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Are there any authors who’ve influenced you in your writing? Do you have any favourite authors?

My critique group has stuck with me as I transitioned from writing romantic suspense to cozies, and I appreciate all of them.

What advice would you give to other writers trying to break into the Christian market?

Pray, pray, pray. If you feel like God is calling you to write, surround yourself with Christian writers who understand the struggle and can pray you on to victory.

What hobbies do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Walking on the beach with my dog is my favorite hobby. Now that I live on the coast, I don’t collect shells like when I vacationed. I take in the beauty of my surroundings. Every day is different on the beach. Photography is another hobby, and of course I love to read.

Do you have any quirky, must-have rituals before you get to writing9? (candle burning, café latte, coffee shop only, etc.)

I have music playing softly in the background, and I always have coffee or tea at my side.

Anything else you’d like our readers to know about you and your work?

My oldest granddaughter, Brooke, helped me name the dogs in Bite the Dust. My other granddaughter, Allie, loves dogs and recently planned a birthday party for her dog, Chewie.

If you could have dinner with three famous authors, alive or dead, who would they be?

Agatha Christie, John Grisham, and Diane Mott Davidson.

Where can your readers find you on social media?

https://jackielaytoncozyauthor.com/
http://jackiesbackporch.blogspot.com
Twitter: @Joyfuljel
https://www.facebook.com/JackieLaytonAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/Joyfuljel
https://www.pinterest.com/jackielaytonauthor/
https://www.instagram.com/jackielaytonauthor
https://www.amazon.com/Jackie-Layton/e/B01N9882VJ%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15930746.Jackie_Layton

And finally, how long do we have to wait for your next book?

Dog-Gone Dead is the second book in A Low Country Dog Walker series. I’m in the editing phase and it should come out later this year.

Laurie, thanks so much for having me here, it’s been a pleasure.

It’s been wonderful to learn more about you, Jackie! Readers, this is the link to buy on Amazon…amzn.to/2uUVSuP

And this is Barnes & Noble…bit.ly/2ToLBjQ

But wait, there’s a giveaway below! 🙂

Secrets can be deadly.

One steamy South Carolina morning, Low Country dog walker Andi Grace Scott discovers a client’s dead body. Police quickly decide she’s the prime suspect. Horrified, she knows she’ll have to turn detective if she’s going to convince them they’re barking up the wrong tree.

Proving her innocence could be a tall order. The local police never solved the hit-and-run that killed her parents; Andi Grace isn’t sure they’ll solve this crime either…not when they have a convenient suspect—one caught with the possible murder weapon in her hand. She’ll have to follow every clue and call in every favor, even if that puts her in danger.

If you love strong heroines, coastal small-town life, and dogs, you’ll love Bite the Dust.

READERS: Jackie is giving away an E-book copy of BITE THE DUST today to one lucky person! You can leave her a question or comment below and Jackie will be checking in throughout the day to chat with you. Thank you, Jackie for your generosity.