Interview with Colleen Helme, Author of Crossing Danger + Giveaway

 Crossing Danger
A Shelby Nichols Adventure

Colleen Helme

Mystery
April 27, 2015

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Shelby Nichols isn’t your average soccer-mom turned private investigator. She’s more on the quirky side with a little wild thrown in. That’s because a near-fatal gunshot wound to the head left her with the ability to read minds. This lands her in all kinds of trouble, and this time is no exception. Helping a reporter, Billie Jo, get the low-down on a case is just the tip of the iceberg. When her best friend’s niece goes missing, Shelby is pulled into a conspiracy that involves the police and the leader of a violent drug ring. Add to that a stranger in town with ties to the mob-boss she works for, along with a known assassin out to kill him, and Shelby is crossing danger at every turn. Will she find the answers in time? Or will this be her last adventure?

Interview with Colleen Helme

Tell us about the main character. Who is Shelby?

Shelby is a 30-something housewife with a husband and 2 kids. She lives in the suburbs and is a member of the PTA and goes to church. She could be your neighbor... except for the fact that a freaky brush with death gave her the ability to read minds. This turns her world upside down as she tries to deal with knowing what everyone around her is thinking. It gets her into all kinds of trouble, from getting involved with a mob-boss, his handsome hitman, the police, and her beginning own consulting agency. All she really wants to do is the right thing... but that’s not always so black and white.

What’s it like to be able to read minds? Can Shelby turn the power on and off?

Can you imagine knowing what your husband really thinks about you, especially when you do something stupid... and what about your kids? How about your mom or your best friend? It’s not easy to know these things, and Shelby has to be careful that her feelings don’t get hurt all the time. She also has to work hard at answering what people say rather than what they think. Let me put it this way: I don’t think I’d want that ability! Yes, she can block thoughts, but it’s not as simple as turning it off and on. It takes a lot of effort when the norm is “on” so she’s not always successful.

What are some interesting things you learned while writing/researching Crossing Danger?

Yes, I had to ask a friend who was a policeman for 20 years some of the ins and outs of a missing child and how the police would handle that, so that was interesting.

Were there any scenes that were particularly difficult to write?

Sometimes it feels like all of them! Writing is hard work, but I had a fan who once told me that if I was ever struggling, to write a scene with Ramos in it and I’d be good to go. That actually happened in this book, so I followed her advice, and it made a huge difference!

Is there anything you’d like to tell your readers about Crossing Danger?

Yes! I don’t actually do Aikido, but my daughter and son-in-law are both second-degree black belts, so I’ve watched them both many times. They’ve even demonstrated the moves I’ve put in the book, with me and on me! So that part is totally authentic!

If you could visit anyplace in the world (cost is no object), where would you go?

PARIS! Actually Shelby is going to Paris in the next book... so I really think I should go there too, don’t you?

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

CASTLE!! It’s also Shelby’s favorite TV show (I wonder how that happened?) I actually got to have my picture taken with Nathon Fillion – so that was a dream come true!

What’s your go to comfort food?

Chocolate-covered-marshmellow bears. I adore them. After that, it’s Cheetos... I mean who can resist those?

Where can readers find you online?

I have a newsletter on my website for anyone who is interested on updates for book news!

Website:  http://www.colleenhelme.com

Blog:  http://www.shelbynicholsconsulting.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ColleenHelmeAuthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ColleenHelme

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/105805.Colleen_Helme

Book trailer:  https://youtu.be/qETTJrPxjso

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Colleen-Helme/e/B004JP9RWO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/colleen-helme

Audible: http://www.audible.com/series/ref=a_pd_Myster_c2__1_sa?asin=B00CYRDNOC

Thanks so much for hosting me today. I’ve enjoyed being here and sharing my new book release, CROSSING DANGER, with you! Colleen

About the Author

As the author of the Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, Colleen is often asked if Shelby Nichols is her alter-ego. "Definitely," she says. "Shelby is the epitome of everything I wish I dared to be." Known for her laugh since she was a kid, Colleen has always tried to find the humor in every situation and continues to enjoy writing about Shelby's adventures. "I love getting Shelby into trouble...I just don't always know how to get her out of it!" Colleen lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family. Besides writing, she loves a good book, biking, hiking, and playing board and card games with family and friends. She loves to connect with readers and admits that fans of the series keep her writing.

 Website: http://www.colleenhelme.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColleenHelmeAuthor

Twitter: @ColleenHelme

Blog: http://www.shelbynicholsconsulting.com

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