Get Cozy with Kate Damon

I’m happy to welcome Wild Rose Press author Kate Damon. Today, Kate shares her creative journey and new release, Jury Duty is Murder.

Here’s Kate!

What was your inspiration for this book?

I’m the kind of person who goes away for a week and comes home three weeks behind. So, I’ve always wondered how jury members maintained their lives when sequestered for weeks or even months. That was the question that put my creative juices to work.

The four jurors from the book return home after the trial, only to discover that their lives have been completely disrupted. Their relationships and jobs have all suffered due to their prolonged absence. As if this situation weren’t dire enough, they learn that other members of the jury have died under suspicious circumstances.

Now, finding the murderer takes priority over trying to restore their own lives. The challenge is that these four individuals did not get along during their time on the jury, and their feelings haven’t changed since then. However, they are left with no choice but to work together in order to catch the killer before they become the next victims.

What is the best part of being an author? The worst?

The best part is when a reader tells me how something I wrote touched them or made them laugh. The worst part is having to promote the book. Ugh.

Describe your writing space.

It’s a mess. LOL. Organizing my office was a New Year’s resolution like five years ago. The best part is I have a great view of my pool and the mountains. When my writing brain refuses to cooperate; I can always stare out the window. I also like that the walls are painted Monet purple, a color that is supposed to be good for creativity.

Which authors have inspired you?

Oh, my, there are so many. But the first one that comes to mind is Louis L’Amour. I met him in person when he gave a talk at a local college. I had yet to be published at the time, and he was so encouraging to me.

His advice was to write, write, write. He also said that water does not flow until it’s turned on. I’m happy to say I took his advice, and Jury Duty is Murder is published book #51 (counting fiction and nonfiction books).

What is your favorite quote?

I came across this quote years ago and it touched me so much, it’s been hanging over my desk ever since. “We’re all just walking each other home” by Ram Dass. It’s a simple quote but, oh, so powerful.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

I think Louis L’Amour said it all. Turn on that faucet and write, write, write! The only thing I would add to stay in constant touch with your characters. That means checking in with them every day.

Blurb

The verdict is in; a famed athlete is headed for prison. The jurors have done their job and are free to go back to their lives. But after being sequestered for four months, life as some knew it no longer exists.

HAROLD ASHMAN’s house is almost destroyed by a careless driver. Exotic dancer, CEECEE LAINE, discovers that her boyfriend is two-timing her, and she no longer has a job. Actor ALEX MANNING learns his career is down the tubes, and 72-year-old, HELEN RYDER, discovers her family is plotting to put her in an old folks home.

Then things take a turn for the worse. When former jurors start dropping like flies, CeeCee, Helen, Harold and Alex are convinced there’s a killer on the loose. Now the feuding foursome must find him before he kills them—or before they save him the trouble by killing each other.

Excerpt

The ringing telephone woke me up. Without opening my eyes, I felt around until I touched the nightstand and finally, my phone. “Hello.”

“Wake up.”

I groaned. “Alex, what do you want?”

“I need you to wake up.”

I forced myself to sit up. The clock on the radio said it was after ten. “This better be important.”

“Something is terribly wrong,” Alex said. “It’s the thirtieth and nobody’s dead.”

“Hallelujah.” I hung up and dived back into my pillow. The phone rang again, and I groaned. Only Alex would think that no dead bodies meant something was wrong. I rolled over and grabbed the phone. “Now what?”

“No one’s dead.”

– Excerpted from Jury Duty is Murder by Kate Damon, Wild Rose Press, 2025. Reprinted with permission.

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About Kate

When Kate Damon is not writing, she and her husband enjoy spending time with family and friends, raising Monarch butterflies, and playing a wicked game of bridge.

Writing as Margaret Brownley, she has published more than 46 novels and is a New York Times bestselling author. Known for her memorable characters and humor, she is a two-time Romance Writers of America Rita finalist.

Not counting the book, she wrote in sixth grade, and the puzzle of the missing socks, this is her first mystery.

Where to find Kate/Margaret

Facebook (Margaret Brownley) | Goodreads (Margaret Brownley)

Book Trailer

Giveaway

Kate Damon is giving away one $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.
• This giveaway starts May 5 and ends July 31.
• Winner will be contacted via email on July 31.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

Enter to win here.