The Crypto-Capers in The Case of the Missing Sock by Renee Hand

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

My love for reading and writing started when I was a child. I always had a passion for it. I remember frequently wearing out the stone steps to the local library. When in a bookstore I would sit in the middle of an aisle perusing a novel that I was eagerly going to purchase but couldn’t wait to read. Often, when I had extra time, I would write stories that would pop into my head locking myself in my room for hours. Now that I am older my love for reading and writing has not diminished. In fact, it has only become a bigger part of me. It is because of this that I chose to share my interests with other readers who love books as much as I do.My goal in writing is to entertain, but more importantly it is to build a connection with my readers. If I make another person feel some kind of emotion while they read my books, whether it be love, anger, or compassion, then I did my job as a writer and that makes me feel good about what I write about. Romance is something in all of us. It is something that brings passion to our lives and happiness to our hearts. It is the strength, courage and determination of when two souls find each other and their journey, that inspires me to write in this genre. It shows that love, of any kind, is not an easy path to take. You must fight everyday to keep it for it is never easily attained and can so easily be lost or forgotten.

Since my first novel has been published I have done over 50 events. I have been on radio, TV, and have been in over 30 newspapers. I have experience talking in classrooms about writing. I have presented at various libraries, have done several book signings and many other venues with more going on in the future. My family has encouraged my talents and creativity and I couldn’t have gotten this far without their support and love. Having Magic Hearts published really was a dream come true and I am thankful to God for all of the blessings in my life. I have also received an award for Magic Hearts for Best 2006 Fantasy Romance. I am thrilled. My second novel Seduction of the Lonely Heart has won a National Literary Award for Best Romance of 2007. I am thankful for these two awards.I have also ventured in writing other genres. I have a new children's detective series out. The first book of the series, The Crypto-Capers in the Case of the Missing Sock, is currently released. This story is filled with adventure and heart. With relatable characters and you, as the reader, a part of the story, helping the detectives solve the case. I love being an author! Thank you for all of your support.

You can visit Renée online at http://www.reneeahand.com/.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In this story siblings Max and Mia Holmes, along with their good friend Morris and their flamboyant Granny Holmes, are know as The Crypto-Capers. They are a group of detectives who unravel crimes by solving cryptograms that criminals leave behind. Mia is an expert puzzle solver. Max is great at deduction and reasoning. Morris is a computer genius, and Granny…well, Granny is the muscle of the group. Don’t let her size or age fool you—she is quite handy.The Case of the Missing Sock leads the Crypto-Capers to Florida, where they are hired by a Mr. Delacomb. The mystery leads the team to different locations. Clues flourish throughout the mystery. Suspects by the handful seem to pop up at every turn, but who committed the crime? Help the detectives solve the case by solving the cryptograms and puzzles.

Good luck!

The author was gracious enough to agree to an interview. Here are the answers:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Book one of The Crypto-Capers Series, The Case of The Missing Sock, leads the Crypto-Capers to Florida where they are hired by a man named Mr. Delacomb. In this story siblings Max and Mia Holmes, along with their good friend Morris, and their flamboyant Granny Holmes, are known as The Crypto-Capers. They are a group of detectives who unravel crimes by solving cryptograms that criminals leave behind. Mia is an expert puzzle solver. Max is great at deduction and reasoning. Morris is a computer genius, while Granny...well Granny is the muscle of the group. Don't let her size or age fool you....she is quite handy. The mystery leads the team to different locations. Clues flourish throughout the mystery. Suspects by the handful seem to pop up at every turn, but who really committed the crime? The reader must help the detectives solve the case by solving the cryptograms and puzzles.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

I wrote this series because I wanted children to be involved with what they were reading. Too many times kids will read a book and remember nothing about it. This series is fun and entertaining, always keeping the reader’s attention. It can also be used in many ways, at home or in the classroom. Not only does the series challenge the avid reader, but also keeps the reluctant reader’s attention. As soon as the reader picks up the book, they have instantly joined the team as a detective. They will see what the characters see and will do what the characters do. It is almost like the reader is involved in a game, and who doesn’t love to play games? The reader will be asked to look up different things and to participate in the story in different ways. My goal was to have kids remember what they were reading because they were learning information with value, yet having fun at the same time. Reading comprehension is very important. I found a fun way to help kids remember and understand what they were reading.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My family!

Your biggest critic?

My family!

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

With every book my writing ability improves. The more events I do and the more people I meet, the wiser and more experienced I become. I know more about writing, marketing, promotion, and people now, then I did when my first book was published four years ago.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

Yes, I take a break and read something else for a few weeks. Then I will start doing research again and begin with the next book. I always need to take some time for myself so I don’t get burnt out. When I do that I feel a renewed excitement to continue on. Everybody needs a break!
Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

My family, is of course, a big influence in my life. When my sons tell me how proud they are of me, that makes all of the difference in the world. My readers and fans are also an influence in my writing career. I say that because when I see how people react to my children’s series and romance novels, it inspires me to keep writing. When I have adults come up to me and say that I have changed their lives in some way, or when a child comes up to me and says that they love my series and can’t wait for the next book to come out, that tells me that I am doing something good and memorable. I love having a connection with my readers and when I write, I write with a lot of heart. When my readers put down my books, there not just going to say it was a good book, they are going to say that the story meant something to them in some way and that is why I am an author and do what I do.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

My family!

What are you currently working on?

I have more books in the series coming out. The Crypto-Capers is a series. Book 1 is The Case of the Missing Sock. Book 2 is out and is titled, The Case of Red Rock Canyon. Book 3 will be out in the fall with two coming out every year. I should also have a new romance novel out this year. Readers can check out my website for all upcoming books. http://www.reneeahand.com/

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

I meet a lot of writers who would like to become authors one day. The best advice that I can give them is this—no matter if you get rejected by a publisher or an agent, or if you feel like you will never get published, be determined and keep trying. Never give up on a dream, no matter what it is. However, also be realistic. Not everyone gets a huge dollar deal with a big publishing house. Keep in mind that sometimes you must start small before you go big. If that means going with a smaller publisher then that might be exactly what you need to get out there, especially if it’s your first book. Getting your foot in the door somewhere helps build your reputation as well as readership. Having a product to sell is better than having nothing in your hand other than an unpublished manuscript. The one thing I have learned over the years is that you have to get your book out into the world so people can see your talents and what you can do. Be strong and keep trying!

What are some of your long term goals?

My long term goals are to become a successful author who makes a difference in children’s lives by giving them something memorable to read and remember.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

I have learned that if you want something bad enough, you need to keep trying. You never give up no matter how bad something may seem, you just work harder to overcome it. We are not judged by how many times we fall, but how we rise after we have fallen. Many things have not turned out the way I have pictured, but with hard work and determination, I am just starting to see the rewards of my labor.

What is your favorite past-time?

I enjoy spending time with my husband and children. We do a lot of fun things together.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

My books are available at various bookstores, as well as online at Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/ and Barnes and Nobles, http://www.bn.com/. Please check out my website at http://www.reneeahand.com/ and e-mail me or visit my blog. Thank you again for having me.
The two books in the series available now are:
The Case of the Missing Sock ISBN# 978-0-87839-304-6
The Case of Red Rock Canyon ISBN# 978-0-87839-309-1