A Slice of Cake With... JR Lancaster

Today I am delighted to have a slice of cake with JR Lancaster. 

JR says "My love of books came in large part from my mother who made every attempt to keep books in mine and my brothers hands. After she began homeschooling us, my grandmother would make routine trips to our house with a bag filled with goodies she picked up from her local library.

And we would fly through them one by one. As I grew up, my tastes in genre began to change and expand my every growing “To Be Read” piles. Until at last landing on fantasy and becoming wrapped up in the Harry Potter series sweeping the nation. I loved the series so much that the Christmas the second novel was released, my grandfather picked my gifts. I would later find out just how big of deal this was when my grandmother would reveal that he always shopped for the boys and she shopped for the girls. Even with their own children.

Anyway, that year I couldn’t open my gifts fast enough. Each one revealing another Harry Potter themed present until I came upon the second novel. I jumped up and hugged my grandfather so hard while he whispered in my ear that he purchase the book for himself as well so he would read it with me. As each of the movies came out he would take my brother and myself to see them but only if we got through the book, of course. Book five was when the cancer took him from me. My brother, husband and I braved the movies in honor of him, all the way to the finale and spinoffs alone knowing full well we will get to tell him about them one day. He gave me the best gift ever, an experience that I will never forget.

It is my greatest desire to give that special gift to someone else through reading or writing. I want to foster connections with my readers, the writing community and the friends I meet along the way. I hope this will be the place to do that but don’t stop here… Come find me on social media!

All of this has brought me to where I am today, a reporter, editor, freelance writer and author. I have published more than 100 articles in our local paper, the Parke County Sentinel of both personal interest pieces and breaking news. In the midst of writing my first novel, I am serving my faithful client base through Musings & Company. I guess you could say that reading and writing consume me. In fact, you will never find me without a book or two at any moment. I tend to read three books at a time and hope to never tire of traveling somewhere new."

What kind of books do you write?

I write books with twists and intrigue led by a cast of characters that are compelling, witty and lovable. My plots are designed to sweep you off your feet and carry away to somewhere new. If you like page-turning mysteries with heart, then my books are for you!

Can you describe your writing why?

My why is simple, I have an overactive imagination and love to think through the “What-if’s” in life. Writing gives me a constructive space to explore. And, thankfully, I have a super supportive family that gives me the time to do it. 

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

“We looked to see a man approaching us with a line of cats in tow. Dressed in house slippers and a robe tied over his stained undershirt and boxers, he looked as if he hadn’t been out of bed long. No matter if it was in the evening. His appearance was topped off with a coffee cup in one hand and hair that stood on its own.”

This paragraph happened to come when I was introducing a character that was never actually planned for the novel! But, I immediately knew he needed a place in the story. 

Tell us about your latest project

Right now, I am launching my debut full-length novel, Someone's Always Watching. Here is the synopsis: 

Someone's Always Watching follows Basil Billinsgly, a quirky horticulturist who became a recluse following his implication in the unsolved murder of his mother. After spending ten years in solitude with no one to keep him company but his mother’s best friend, Mrs. Greene, Basil is about to get thrust into the thick of a murder investigation he wanted no part of.

What began as a quiet morning in his conservatory turned deadly in the little village of Badgers Hollow. Detective Chief Inspector Dowden Thornhill turns up on Basil’s doorstep prepared to get answers to his questions from the only man on the street that never leaves. After realizing the murder of a young mother looks too similar to that of his own mother's, Basil becomesdetermined to help these children not suffer from the same fate.

Together they team with the assertive Barmaid, Poppy Pembrook, to sift through clues and secrets that could lead them into the hands of the killer. As they get closer to the truth, Mrs. Greene and Poppy go missing. Forcing Basil to face the demons of his past on his own. Will he fight for them or for isolation?

What is your favourite cake?

Pineapple Upside Down Cake for the win! I’m an August baby, so pineapple was never in short supply. The delicate texture mixed with the sweet flavors are a perfect combination!

You can connect with JR on Facebook as J.R. Lancaster Author, Instagram as @authorj.r.lancaster and Twitter under @jrlauthor. As always, her website is a perfect place to connect, www.jrlancaster.com.

Join me next week when I will be having a slice of cake with Kate Darroch. 

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please get in touch. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake at Kofi - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.