Thanks for hosting me today as I celebrate the release of Framed and Frosted, the third book in the Cupcake Catering Mystery series! Even as this book comes out, I’m already looking ahead to drafting the next book in this series. And, as usual, I’m filled with self-doubts. Can I create a story that’s fresh and captures readers’ attention? Can I remember all the long-running threads of my protagonist and core characters’ lives? Can I even remember the eye color of some of the peripheral characters? To be honest, I’m in awe of those authors who not only have a long-running series, but manage to juggle two or even three series at once!
I’m not sure how they do it, but with my fourth book (three cozies and one standalone suspense) I’m hoping that with each subsequent book, I’ll find methods to keep me on track. One of the ways that helped me in this third book is my spreadsheet of characters from the second book, Cake Popped Off, whether they be the protagonist, core characters, or one-time characters. I note names, physical characteristics, and, if the characters are long-running, their birthdates, cars they drive, and any other information I think I might need in the future. I’ll admit that when I get immersed in writing, I don’t stop to fill in the spreadsheet. Sometimes I wait as long as the first rewrite to keep track of new characters, then perform a “find” function on the draft to make sure the characters are consistent. Hopefully! Embarrassingly, my editor has found I’ve spelled a person’s name two different ways… oops!
A binder with photos of random people who I envision my characters to look like, along with brochures and photos of my settings has become necessary. And my favorite research of all is deciding what theme I’ll feature and what types of décor and food fit that theme. My binder is filled with all sorts of recipe ideas and the hardest part is narrowing it down to a manageable number. Then I hit the kitchen and start experimenting, often before I’ve even written a word of the book! But my family doesn’t mind in the least since they are my chief taste testers.
I also keep the Word document from my previous book open while I write, so I can easily go back and search for information that might be necessary for a new book. With Framed and Frosted, I did jot down a few notes that needed to be addressed or remarked upon in the future book, but it’s the first time I’ve done so. See? I’m always experimenting on ways to make the next book a bit easier to write!
Thanks for visiting with me today!
Cupcake Catering Mystery: Book 3
Publication Date: June 22, 2021
Framed and Frosted, the third book in the Cupcake Catering Mystery series, finds cupcake caterer, Emory Martinez, working at a Laguna Beach society Fourth of July soiree, with her sister and their new employee, Sal. With a host that seems intent on accosting both catering employees and guests alike, things go from bad to worse when he accuses Sal of murdering his long-dead son.
As the crescendo of exploding fireworks overhead becomes the backdrop for cupcakes and champagne, a deadly murder occurs. Can Sal and Emory explain why the cupcake the host ate, after shoving a trayful of buttercream frosted cupcakes onto Sal, resulted in his death? Or will the guests and detective alike believe that Sal is a murderer? Emory and her octogenarian employer, Tillie, whip into action to find out who framed Sal after being frosted by the victim.
Includes recipes!
Kim Davis lives in Southern California with her husband. When she’s not spending time with her granddaughters she can be found either writing stories or working on her blog, Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder or in the kitchen baking up yummy treats. She has published the suspense novel, A GAME OF DECEIT, and cozy mystery, SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION and CAKE POPPED OFF. She also has had several children’s articles published in Cricket, Nature Friend, Skipping Stones, and the Seed of Truth magazines. Kim Davis is a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
June 21 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST
June 21 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT
June 21 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
June 22 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 22 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW
June 22 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
June 23 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
June 23 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
June 23 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
June 24 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 24 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
June 24 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 25 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 25 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT
June 25 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 26 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW
June 26 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW
June 27 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 27 – Diane Reviews Books – SPOTLIGHT
June 28 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
June 28 – Carstairs Considers – REVIEW
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June 29 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
June 30 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
June 30 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT
Thanks so much for hosting me today, Dayna! I appreciate the opportunity to celebrate my new release with your readers!
You are most welcome, and congrats on your new release!
So happy for you Kim. I haven’t been in touch like before but life has been throwing curveballs but I’m still planning on getting your book in CD format if that is available or the paperback if not! You are amazing with all you do! ❤️Cynthia
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Cynthia! I hope life turns around for you soon and good luck in the contest! Unfortunately, I don’t have plans on releasing in audio anytime soon. Just ebook and print are available.
Great cover Nd can’t wait to read!!!!!
Thank you for being part of the book tour for “Framed and Frosted”.
Really enjoyed learning more about Kim and her writing process. All I know is whatever she’s doing, she needs to keep doing it because I love her books.
Awww, thanks so much Kay! And thank you for dropping by with your words of encouragement and support!
Thank you for the chance, the cover is amazing. Can’t wait to read it. It is interesting to read how you keep track of your characters and everything about them! I enjoy having older characters like Tillie
Thanks for coming by, Donamae! Tillie has definitely become one of my favorite characters too – she always surprises me with the antics she gets into as I write 🙂
CAn’t wait to read framed and Frosted!
Thanks and good luck, Kathleen!
Thank you!
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