The Last Drive Tour with Staci Troilo

January 18, 2023January 17, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

Today I’m with Staci Troilo, who has graciously given me the opportunity to talk about my latest book, The Last Drive. You can visit her post HERE.

I have known Staci to be an excellent blogger and author. She is also a member of Story Empire, and that association gave me insight into Staci’s big-heartedness and sense of humor, as well as her desire to help her fellow authors. I understand she calls on her Italian heritage to produce killer recipes.

Here is her bio in her own words.

I grew up in Western Pennsylvania, writing stories and poetry in my free time, so no one was surprised when I became a writing major in college. After receiving creative and professional writing degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, I went on to get my Master’s Degree in Professional Writing, and I worked in corporate communications until I had my children. Now I’m a freelance writer and editor and spend many of my days happily immersed in fictional worlds.

Staci is also a prolific novelist who has 23 titles to her credit. You can see them all on her Amazon Page

Thank you, Staci, for having me today.

I have closed the comments so that all your words will be conserved for Staci’s post.

Guest – Staci Troilo Discusses The Haunting of Chatham Hollow #newbook

September 21, 2022September 13, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 101 Comments

I am so pleased to be hosting a fellow Story Empire author today. Staci is here to talk about the book she and Mae Clair have collaborated on that I’m sure you will enjoy. I’m certain of this because Staci and Mae are two of the most talented writers around. So Staci welcome to Fiction Favorites.

Ciao, amici! John, thanks for hosting me today. I’m so happy to be here and so excited to tell you and your readers about The Haunting of Chatham Hollow, a dual-timeline novel I co-wrote with talented author, Story Empire colleague, and long-time friend Mae Clair. This was the first either of us attempted a collaboration, and I have to say, it went beautifully. So well, in fact, I think both of us would be up for a second project sometime in the future.

But now isn’t the time to look forward. It’s time to look into the past. More specifically, 1793 and 1888, the historical periods in the novel. And to the present, where the rest of the mystery unfolds. This story encompasses ghosts, curses, missing treasure, arson, and murder, with a cast of characters whose descendants cross paths continuously throughout the ages. Our short tour will introduce you to a few of the major players via a discussion between one of them and a medium.

Today’s post takes place in the present. The psychic is Julia Hale, a resident of Chatham Hollow and a descendant of famous spiritualist Victor Rowe. The character she’ll be speaking with is Rebekah Fetzinger, founder of the RebelZ fashion label, owner of The Chic Boutique, and head of Chatham Hollow’s Chamber of Commerce.

Without further ado…

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•◊♦◊•·

Julia: (knocking on office door) Hello? Ms. Fetzinger? Your assistant said you were expecting me.

Rebekah: Ten minutes ago. Come in. Close the door behind you.

Julia: (approaching the desk) I was surprised you wanted to meet. And a little put out that you couldn’t come to my house.

Rebekah: I’m a busy woman, Julia.

Julia: As am I.

Rebekah: (scowling) Maybe this was a bad idea.

Julia: (dropping into a chair across from Rebekah) I’m here now. What can I do for you?

Rebekah: What can you tell me about the upcoming séance reenactment?

Julia: Nothing more than I’ve already told the town council. You were there.

Rebekah: (drumming her nails on her desk) Yes, I know I was there, and I know what you said. What I want to know is what you didn’t say.

Julia: Is there something specific you’re fishing for? I believe my comments to the council were thorough.

Rebekah: Are you really able to make contact with Ward Chatham?

Julia: (pauses, considers, sighs) There will be a lot of power in the circle that night. I believe we have a better than average chance of breaching the Veil.

Rebekah: You choose your words carefully. Why?

Julia: You ask a lot of questions. Why?

Rebekah: (sighs) And now you’re being evasive. Very well. I can respect both tactics. Tell me, will we learn where the treasure is?

Julia: I couldn’t begin to guess. I can’t even guarantee we’ll reach Ward Chatham. Or any other spirit.

Rebekah: So, we might connect with someone else?

Julia: It’s possible.

Rebekah: Would… thinking about someone bring them forth?

Julia: Spirit circles aren’t to be trifled with, Ms. Fetzinger. I must ask you to follow my instructions to the letter at the séance. If there’s someone else you’d like to reach, I’ll conduct a private sitting with you.

Rebekah: (stops drumming her nails; leans across desk) So, Aiden has been digging into my past. What has he told you?

Julia: About what?

Rebekah: Why are you being so difficult, Julia?

Julia: Me?

Rebekah: (points at the door while looking at her desk) I have work to do. Just go.

Julia: Do you want me to ask Aiden about—

Rebekah: No! Get out!

Julia: (rises; walks toward door) With pleasure.

•◊♦◊•·

Blurb:

One founding father.
One deathbed curse.
A town haunted for generations.

Ward Chatham, founder of Chatham Hollow, is infamous for two things—hidden treasure and a curse upon anyone bold enough to seek it. Since his passing in 1793, no one has discovered his riches, though his legend has only grown stronger.

In 1888, charlatan Benedict Fletcher holds a séance to determine the location of Chatham’s fortune. It’s all a hoax so he can search for the gold, but he doesn’t count on two things—Victor Rowe, a true spiritualist who sees through his ruse, and Chatham’s ghost wreaking havoc on the town.

More than a century later, the citizens of the Hollow gather for the annual Founder’s Day celebration. A paranormal research team intends to film a special at Chatham Manor, where the original séance will be reenacted. Reporter and skeptic Aiden Hale resents being assigned the story, but even he can’t deny the sudden outbreak of strange happenings. When he sets out to discover who or what is threatening the Hollow—supernatural or not— his investigation uncovers decades-old conflicts, bitter rivalries, and ruthless murders.

This time, solving the mystery isn’t about meeting his deadline. It’s about not ending up dead.

PURCHASE LINK

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Thanks again, John, for hosting me today. I hope this little exchange gives you and your followers a bit more insight into Rebekah Fetzinger, successful business owner with a… let’s call it a colorful reputation. I hope you’ll all consider reading the story to uncover her secrets. The answer to her mystery, and many more, can be found in The Haunting of Chatham Hollow. Mae and I truly appreciate your support. Grazie!

•◊♦◊•·

Connect with Staci:

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#Newbook – No Such Luck by Staci Troilo – Romance Novella 99¢

November 10, 2021November 1, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

I am very excited to have Staci Troilo visit Fiction Favorites today. She is a Story Empire fellow team member, a very talented editor, and a best-selling author. She is here to talk about her new book. So, without delay here is Staci.

Thanks for having me here today, John. Hi, everyone. I appreciate you taking a few minutes to chat with me about my new release, No Such Luck. It’s a quick and clean romance just in time for Christmas.

Piper Seidel’s life-long best friend is Jack Rhodes. She’s relied on him for so long, she’s begun to take him for granted. While he’s never let that bother him before, it seems he’s reached his limit. This excerpt shows when he hit his breaking point. It’s a bit shorter than the already short excerpts I’ve been sharing, but I don’t want to give anything away.

As she went in search of her father to tell him where she was going, she bumped into Jack in the hallway.

“Jack. I didn’t know you were here.”

“Just checking on progress.” His jaw ticked. “I try to make the rounds on all my jobs at least once a day.”

“I hadn’t realized this was one of yours.”

“Obviously.”

“Um, well. I—”

“Tell your father I’ll settle with him in the morning. Good night, Piper.”

“Jack!”

Too late. He was already gone.

She didn’t know why she felt guilty, but their exchange gnawed at her gut.

Dad and Pam rounded the corner.

“We heard everything, honey,” Pam said. “You okay?”

“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be fine?”

“That conversation seemed a bit tense,” Dad said.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I see.”

Piper is a bit dense. Even her father knew what was going on before she did. The only question is whether she figures everything out in time.

I hope you enjoyed that quick sneak peek. No Such Luck, the first installment of the Keystone Couples series, is available now on Amazon.

Blurb:

Seeds of luck usually wither. The rare one grows and blooms.

Piper Seidel has one thing going for her—a red carnation given to her by Tommy Burnett in the tenth grade. It might have dried over the years, but it’s still her good luck charm. Losing it sets her life in a downward spiral, forcing her to return to her hometown where she comes face to face with her high school crush.

The years have been kind to Tommy, who looks better than ever. Unfortunately, Piper is at her worst, continually embarrassing herself whenever he’s around. The only plus? Her long-time friend, Jack Rhodes, still lives in town. Since she last saw him, his legs have grown longer, his biceps thicker, and his shoulders broader. He was always the brother she never had, but now she can’t help noticing him in an unsisterly way. Jack is every bit as caring as he’s ever been—until her bad luck drives him away, maybe forever.

Piper needs a new good luck charm, and fast, before she loses her final chance at happiness.

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09J31935Z?

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Welcome Staci Troilo as D.L.Cross and The Astral Conspiracy Series.

October 13, 2020September 22, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

I am so pleased to have Staci Troilo on Fiction Favorites today. Stacie has a five-book launch going right now and I’m proud to have her with me today. Staci is also a member of Story Empire. Staci the post is yours. Ciao, John. Many thanks for inviting me here today. I’m super excited to be here. And hello to all your visitors!

I’m here today to talk about my Astral Conspiracy series. It’s technically science fiction, as it’s part of the acclaimed Platt and Truant Invasion Universe, but my saga is as much thriller as it is sci-fi, so I thought I’d have a little fun with my marketing and include pages from the top-secret government files on my main characters. Today, I’m sharing info on Nixon Beck.

DOSSIER Name: Nixon Beck Occupation: Director, US Government AATIP (Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program) Of Note: No information found TRANSCRIPT OF INTERVIEW BETWEEN AUTHOR (Staci Troilo a.k.a. D.L. Cross) AND CHARACTER (AATIP Director Nixon Beck) ON ASTRAL DAY (the day the world is alerted to the approach of alien ships) via video conference. (Video is eyes-only, file #4261918-V, director’s approval required.) Subject photo available, file #4261918-G Staci: Hello, Director. Thank you for taking a minute to speak with me. Beck: You have literally one minute. Go. Staci: Oh. Okay. Well. Can you tell me what AATIP is planning to do when the aliens get here? Beck: No. Staci: (blinks a few times) No, you can’t tell me because AATIP doesn’t have a plan? Or, no, you can’t tell me because I don’t have clearance? Because I do have clearance. Beck: (glances at watch then back into the camera; says nothing) Staci: Okay. Well, I understand this isn’t the first time aliens have come to Earth. In fact, I have it on good authority that the US government has at least one in custody and has for a long time. Beck: (stares into camera; says nothing) Staci: Can you confirm that? Beck: No. Staci: No, you can’t confirm that? Or no, you don’t intend to because I don’t have clearance? Because, as I said earlier— Beck: You do have clearance. Staci: Yes. I can offer you proof, if you require it. Beck: Do you honestly think you know something I don’t? I agreed to talk to you because you have clearance. Staci: But you aren’t talking to me. Beck: Because I know you’re recording this video interview, and I don’t know who you plan on sharing it with. Let me explain something to you, Ms. Troilo. You may have been cleared to talk to me, and I may have been asked to talk to you, but your audience has zero clearance. So, you’re lucky I said as much as I did. Staci: But you haven’t said anything. Beck: (more blinking) Staci: Okay. Well, can you tell me what your roll is at AATIP, precisely? Beck: That’s redacted. And your minute is up. Staci: Director— (but his screen was already dark)

Beck makes his debut in the Astral Conspiracy series in book one, The Gate. You can read a brief synopsis of all five books below, and each one has links to its product page and a purchase link.

The Gate: When the hypotheses of disgraced ancient alien theorist Landon Thorne prove to be true, he travels across the globe in search of a way to communicate with—and perhaps stop—the approaching alien armada. Full Blurb | Purchase Link The Stones: The invasion couldn’t be prevented, but there is a chance the Astrals can be driven away… if Landon Thorne can reach the Georgia Guidestones, unearth its secrets, and decode the mystery before the aliens stop him. Full Blurb | Purchase Link The Nine: Landon Thorne and his team of resistance fighters seek a cipher to decode the message accompanying a cache of alien artifacts they’ve unearthed, but the government, a clandestine cabal, and the Astrals themselves stand in their way and might not only put an end to their plans—they might put an end to their lives. Full Blurb | Purchase Link The Twins: When all factions converge for a human-versus-alien showdown, resistance fighter Reverie Sterling gets help from the least likely source. But even then, it may be too late for everyone she loves to make it out alive. Full Blurb | Purchase Link The Lab: In the final showdown between Earthlings and Astrals, twins Asha and Vonn insist their long-lost grandfather has a plan to save humanity. It’s a long-shot, but the resistance takes it—and no one is prepared for the consequences. Full Blurb | Purchase Link About Staci Troilo/D.L. Cross

D.L. Cross has loved science fiction ever since she was a young girl and fell for Major Don West on television’s Lost in Space. To this day, she still quotes the show, though her favorite lines were spoken by the robot and the antagonist. Parallel universes or alternate realities, aliens or dinosaurs, superpowers or super viruses, time travel or AI… no sci-fi theme is off limits and all of them fascinate her. D.L. Cross also writes other genre fiction under the name Staci Troilo, and you can find more information about all her identities and all her work at her website: https://stacitroilo.com. Connect online: Website | Blog | Troilo Amazon | Cross Amazon Troilo BookBub | Cross BookBub | Troilo Goodreads | Cross Goodreads Social Media

Thanks again for hosting me today, John. And thanks to all of your fans for welcoming me. This post was as fun to write as the stories were, and I appreciate you taking the time to read it. Grazie!

Today I’m with Staci Troilo

September 22, 2020September 22, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Today I’m with Staci Troilo on her blog. We have another excerpt from Eternal Road – The final stop. Come on over. Here’s the link

https://stacitroilo.wordpress.com/2020/09/22/eternal-road/

A little about Staci in her own words

“I grew up in Western Pennsylvania writing stories and poetry in my free time, so no one was surprised when I became a writing major in college. After receiving creative and professional writing degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, I went on to get my Master’s Degree in Professional Writing, and I worked in corporate communications until I had my children. Now I’m a freelance writer and editor and even work under a pen name or two.

Bonus! Ten (Little Known?) Facts About Me

In addition to being an award-winning author, I’m an award-winning recipe developer. I think I got that skill from my grandmother. We both love cooking and baking, especially for family.
When I had my wisdom teeth removed, the surgeon insisted I’d feel like my cheeks were sewn to my gums but assured me they wouldn’t be and the feeling would pass. My parents grew increasingly frustrated with me over the week I was recovering because I couldn’t open my mouth. They thought I was “being overly dramatic” and I should just deal with the pain and use my mouth. Guess what… my cheeks were in fact sewn to my gums. It’s unheard of, but if it could happen to anyone, it would happen to me.
Speaking of teeth…I’ve never had a cavity. Ever. Baby teeth or permanent teeth.
I adore my pets. I know; most pet owners do. But it might interest you to know I never had a pet until we got first Casey, then Max, and finally Lucky. I had a pet-free childhood. Not even a goldfish.
I can still do a split. Enough said.
I play the clarinet, although I’m pretty rusty right now. (Use it or lose it, and I haven’t been using it lately.)
I taught myself how to type. You can’t really be a writer hunting-and-pecking the keys.
While most of my work is inspired by my Italian heritage, I’m also part Irish, Scottish, German, and Swedish. (All from Dad’s side. Mom is full-blooded Italian.) I’m working on integrating more of my dad’s side into my work. (My serial Laci and Del series focuses on the Irish heritage, but I haven’t explored those roots too much yet.)
I could spell “Valentine” by the time I was three.
The first time I earned four-figures from freelancing, it was actually a ghost-writing job, so my name isn’t even on the project.”

Her Books:

A Little Personal – Tortured Soul by Staci Troilo – Book Launch

August 30, 2018August 29, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

Normally we would have a little story about Bailey, Lucy, and Twiggy but as you know it is hard for me to get photos and do PT at the same time. I am so pleased to have Staci Troilo as a guest to give you some more information about her new book Tortured Soul. Thank you, Staci for appearing on Fiction Favories.

Hi, John. Thank you for offering to host me here today. I know you write thrillers, so I thought your readers might be interested in one of the many action-packed scenes in my latest release, Tortured Soul, the fourth and final book of the Medici Protectorate series. And here it is:

Coz gave Toni’s hand a reassuring squeeze, promised he’d hurry back, then joined his brothers to do a sweep of the property. He took one last glance up the hill toward the villa they’d just vacated. Their group had more than doubled since they’d arrived in Italy, yet that compound had housed them all comfortably. Hopefully, the next place would be as accommodating.

As he was about to look away, the sky glowed orange. A loud boom echoed in the valley. The air around him reverberated with it. A cloud of smoke billowed to the heavens from where their compound stood.

Probably more accurate to say from where their compound once stood. By the size of the explosion, it had likely been reduced to rubble.

Teresa dashed from the convent, and the Notaro women leapt from their cars. Carmen and his men sprinted over to them.

“Was that—?” Toni’s eyes were wide, her face pale, noticeable even in the darkness.

“The compound,” Coz confirmed. He didn’t understand how the blast had happened. They’d only just left. Surely they would have seen approaching traffic on the road or a drone overhead.

“Oh, my God.” Teresa made the sign of the cross.

“Mike. And Rico.” Toni grabbed Coz’s arm. “Do you think they got out?”

What could he possibly say to reassure her? The odds of Mike and Rico fighting off an attack on their own and escaping unscathed were slim.

He didn’t want to think about it.

By the strangled sound Toni made, she’d arrived at the same conclusion.

There you have it. The story pretty much starts with a literal bang and the action only ramps up from there. I put all these characters through hell before the end… and I can’t guarantee everyone makes it out alive.

Blurb:

Protection is safety. Until it stifles.

After months of clandestine battles, the Brothers of the Medici Protectorate finally know who is responsible for the assassination attempts on the Notaro family, the secret descendants of the Medici line. And they’ve never faced such a formidable foe.

Roberto Cozza–Coz–faces this new reality with surprising pragmatism. His powers may make the difference in winning their covert war–if only he can master them in time. It would just be so much easier if he could get his emotions under control, but neither his Brothers nor their charges are making things easy on him.

Toni Notaro appreciates the security provided by the Brothers, but she knows she has her own role to play–and it terrifies her. She is the missing link in Coz mastering his emerging abilities, yet she struggles to bridge the gap between what he needs and what she can offer.

As the Brotherhood hurtles inexorably toward the climactic final showdown, Coz and Toni must find the strength within themselves and each other to master the secrets of his powers, or risk death and defeat for all they hold dear.

Universal Purchase Link

Author Bio and Links:

Staci Troilo writes because she has hundreds of stories in her head. She publishes because people told her she should share them. She’s a multi-genre author whose love for writing is only surpassed by her love for family and friends, and that relationship-centric focus is featured in her work.