June 28 – My Reading Journeys – CHARACTER GUEST POST
The Trials and Tribulations of an Amateur Sleuth
By Anastasia Pollack
The problem with being a fictional character is that you have little to no control over your own life. Take me, for example. My name is Anastasia Pollack. I was a happily married middle-class suburban wife and mother who worked as the crafts editor for a women’s magazine. But that all changed the day author Lois Winston plucked me—kicking and screaming—out of my happy existence to become the protagonist of her cozy mystery series.
Suddenly, I discovered my loving husband loved Lady Luck more than his wife and kids. Before the first page of the first book, he’d dropped dead at a casino in Las Vegas, leaving me with debt up the wazoo, his communist mother, and his loan shark. Then the bodies started dropping. Dead bodies that didn’t die from natural causes.
And that was just in Assault with a Deadly Glue Gun, the first book in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries. There have been twelve books and three novellas to date, and the murders and mayhem just keep coming.
Rumor has it Lois Winston, my author, began her writing career penning romance and romantic suspense novels. I often wonder how different my life would have been had she chosen me as one of her early heroines. I would have had a happily-ever-after at the end of the book and not felt like I was trapped in an updated version of Groundhog Day where only the victims, the killers, and the modes of murder change from book to book.
Okay, the plots are also quite different in each book, but still, they’re murder mysteries. People continue to die, and with Lois having chosen me as her sleuth, I never know if I’ll survive to the next book. That’s why I consider myself a reluctant amateur sleuth. Extremely reluctant. I’m not one of those nosy elderly (or not so elderly) ladies you find in many cozy mystery series. Given my druthers, I’d rather be doing anything other than trying to figure out whodunit.
I’ve been told I needn’t worry about my imminent demise because I’m the star of the series. However, when someone is pulling your strings, do you really have an ironclad guarantee that person won’t get tired of you at some point and snip those strings? Then what? What happens to characters who are no longer wanted or needed by their authors? I’m not sure I want to find out. What if it’s worse than contending with all those dead bodies?
At least, after turning my world upside-down in the first book, Lois graciously wrote in a budding romance for me, one that recently resulted in a wedding between photojournalist (and possible spy?) Zack Barnes and me. In A Crafty Collage of Crime, we’re on our honeymoon. Does Lois at least leave us alone long enough to enjoy the honeymoon? Of course not. Within hours of the plane touching down, I stumble upon yet another dead body.
Sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteVirginia’s natural beauty makes it an ideal setting for a custom-built home. From rolling hills and scenic mountains to riverside retreats, you have the freedom to choose a location that matches your vision. When you choose to Build Your Own Home Virginia, you can take advantage of the state’s diverse topography to create a home that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. Whether it’s floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains or a spacious deck by the Chesapeake Bay, your home becomes part of the landscape.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most stressful parts of rate shopping is the uncertainty about how inquiries impact your credit. With Soft Credit Pull Rate Comparison VA, you can avoid that problem entirely. It enables you to compare various options from trusted providers without adding hard inquiries to your credit report. This safe, secure, and consumer-friendly approach is perfect for anyone who wants to analyze multiple offers while preserving their score. It’s the smarter way to explore competitive rates across Virginia without risking long-term credit consequences.
ReplyDeleteStaying relevant in a rapidly changing landscape requires constant innovation and updated strategies. The Mortgage Mastermind platform connects you with forward-thinking professionals who are redefining the way business is done. Through deep discussions, live sessions, and real-world case studies, you learn cutting-edge tactics that help you adapt faster than the competition. Whether it’s marketing breakthroughs, client acquisition methods, or automation tools, every session is designed to equip you with actionable strategies that deliver measurable results.
ReplyDeleteUnderstanding your financial obligations is crucial when purchasing property, and the Mortgage Calculator Virginia simplifies this process. By entering details like home price, down payment, and interest rate, you get instant insights into your expected monthly payments. This helps you plan your budget effectively and ensures you don’t overstretch your finances. It’s an essential tool for anyone looking to make informed home-buying decisions.
ReplyDeleteWhen searching for ways to reduce overall expenses during refinancing, many homeowners explore options to find lowest closing cost refinance Virginia. Choosing the right lender can make a significant difference in how much you save both upfront and over time. Closing costs vary widely depending on the provider, so doing detailed comparisons is essential. Virginia offers competitive refinance solutions, but some lenders include hidden charges that inflate costs. By researching all available options carefully, you can identify lenders offering streamlined packages and fewer third-party fees. Understanding appraisal charges, origination fees, and title costs can help you avoid surprises. Being proactive ensures your refinance works to your advantage, saving you thousands while still achieving your financial goals.
ReplyDeleteFinding the most competitive lending rates can be overwhelming without the right tools, especially when multiple financial institutions offer different packages across Virginia. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you gain access to real-time insights that simplify decision-making and ensure you make smarter financial choices. Platforms like Compare Ai Mortgage Rates Virginia help analyze vast amounts of data instantly, showing you the most suitable options based on your profile. With AI-driven comparisons, you save both time and money while avoiding manual research. It’s a seamless, data-driven approach that ensures transparency and personalized recommendations tailored to your needs.
ReplyDeleteFinding the right financing option in Virginia becomes much easier when you rely on Daily Updated Va Home Loan Rates Virginia. By checking real-time updates, you can ensure you’re always working with the most accurate figures available. This information allows you to plan your home purchase or refinancing strategy with confidence, knowing you’re basing decisions on current data rather than outdated estimates. Staying informed about daily changes can help you identify trends, lock in competitive rates, and potentially save thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
ReplyDeleteChoosing an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Virginia can open up opportunities for homebuyers looking to balance flexibility and affordability. With this option, borrowers often start with a lower initial interest rate compared to traditional fixed-rate plans, making it appealing for those planning to move or refinance within a few years. In Virginia’s competitive housing market, this flexibility allows homeowners to secure a better home at a lower starting cost while anticipating potential income growth over time. By leveraging lower upfront payments, many buyers find it easier to manage expenses, invest elsewhere, or build savings during the initial years of their loan term.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to financing your dream home in Virginia, transparency is everything. Many lenders advertise attractive rates but later surprise you with unexpected charges. Choosing a lender that offers a No Hidden Fees Mortgage Virginia ensures complete clarity from start to finish. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for, from the initial application through closing, with no last-minute surprises. This approach builds trust and gives you the confidence to move forward without worrying about hidden costs creeping up later in the process.
ReplyDeleteWhen exploring financing options in Virginia, many people hesitate because they’re worried about damaging their credit score during the early stages of qualification. The great news is that you can now Prequalify Without Credit Impact Virginia, giving you the freedom to understand your potential eligibility without any hard inquiries. This approach lets you explore different plans and evaluate your options confidently, knowing your credit remains fully protected. For individuals planning ahead, it’s a stress-free way to gain insights before making any commitments. By removing the fear of lowering your score, this method empowers you to make informed financial decisions at your own pace.
ReplyDeleteRefinancing your mortgage in Virginia doesn’t have to mean risking your credit score. Many lenders now offer soft credit pull options, allowing homeowners to explore lower interest rates and new terms without the fear of a credit ding. This zero-credit-hit approach makes it easier to shop around, compare offers, and decide if refinancing truly fits your financial goals—all while protecting your credit profile. For more visit Refinance Mortgage Virginia Zero Credit Hit
ReplyDeleteVirginia homeowners now have the opportunity to refinance their mortgages without risking their credit scores. No-credit-hit refinancing allows lenders to review your profile through soft inquiries, which don’t affect your credit history. This makes it easier than ever to shop around for better mortgage terms with complete confidence. For more visit Refinance Virginia with No Credit Hit
ReplyDeleteRefinancing in Virginia has become more accessible with the advent of soft pull credit checks. A soft pull allows lenders to evaluate your creditworthiness without impacting your credit score. This is particularly beneficial for homeowners who are exploring their refinancing options but aren’t yet ready to commit. In Virginia, many lenders now offer this as a first step in the mortgage refinancing process, providing peace of mind and flexibility. For more visit Refinance Virginia Soft Pull Credit Check
ReplyDeleteBuying a home in Virginia has never been easier thanks to a variety of online tools designed to streamline the process. From virtual tours to digital mortgage applications, homebuyers can now explore, finance, and even close on a property without ever stepping foot outside. These tools not only save time but also reduce the stress traditionally associated with purchasing a home. For more visit Home Buying Made Easy Virginia Online Tools
ReplyDeleteHi, A personalized mortgage advisor in Glen Allen, VA can make the refinance process seamless. By getting to know your financial situation, they can design a custom strategy—whether you want to lower your monthly payment, shorten your loan term, or access your home equity. For more visit Refinance Glen Allen Va with Personalized Advisor
ReplyDeleteVirginia homeowners can now shop for refinance options safely with soft pull credit checks. This approach lets lenders assess your financial picture without a hard inquiry showing on your report. It’s a smart, low-risk way to see if refinancing could save you money. For more visit Refinance in Virginia with Soft Pull Credit
ReplyDeleteRichmond investors are turning to DSCR loans for refinancing because they streamline the approval process. Instead of reviewing personal tax returns or pay stubs, lenders evaluate your property’s debt service coverage ratio, allowing you to refinance based on cash flow alone. For more visit Refinance with Dscr Loan in Richmond Va
ReplyDeleteA mortgage broker in Richmond, VA acts as your personal guide through the home loan process. They have access to a wide network of lenders, allowing them to match you with mortgage products tailored to your financial situation, whether you’re a first-time buyer or refinancing. For more visit Mortgage Broker Richmond Virginia
ReplyDeleteWorking with a mortgage broker in Richmond, VA gives you access to a wide range of lending options. Instead of being limited to one bank’s products, a broker shops various lenders to secure competitive interest rates and flexible terms on your behalf. For more visit Mortgage Broker Richmond Virginia
ReplyDeleteFirst-time homebuyers in Virginia can benefit from programs offered by the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA), now known simply as Virginia Housing. These programs are tailored to help new buyers with limited savings secure competitive mortgage options. For more visit Mortgage Programs Virginia First-Time Homebuyers
ReplyDelete