
Hi, everyone! Today’s guest is no stranger to this blog. I’ve featured C. S. Boyack and his work several times. Craig is a prolific speculative fiction author, and I enjoy his writing style and quirky characters. I’ve read his book ‘The Hat’ and enjoyed it very much. You can read my review here. His personal assistant, robot girl and spokes model, Lisa will introduce us to his latest work. Without further ado here’s Lisa Burton.
Gosh, thanks, for the invitation Vashti. It’s been so hard getting out with all the troubles going on lately. I’m here to promote Craig’s new book, The Ballad of Mrs. Molony. This is the third one in The Hat series, but don’t let that scare you off. He worked pretty hard so readers wouldn’t absolutely have to read them in order. People can start right here and have a good time.
You asked for something about Craig’s characters, and I could tell you all kinds of stories. He has a definite style. He likes to use more stoic main characters, then add color with his supporting characters. The Hat Series is a little different, because it’s a buddy series. There’s still a bit of that framework.
Lizzie St. Laurent is a struggling twenty-something working multiple jobs to keep the wolf away. She’s the more stoic one in these adventures.
The hat is a being from another dimension. He was brought here years ago by witchcraft. He’s magically bound to Lizzie’s bloodline and must always take the form of a hat. The form varies, but there are limitations. He has a few magical skills, but no form he can use to accomplish anything. He’s a little more colorful than Lizzie is, to say the least.
Together, they team up to improve their lot in life, but also to fight against monsters.
Character is a big part of these stories. Because there is a huge generation gap, and maybe some differing values, they’re at each others’ throats all the time. Craig plays this for comedy, because that’s a big part of this series. Imagine a social justice warrior trying to deal with her own grandfather and you get the idea. This geezer doesn’t really understand cell phones, the Internet or anything very high tech. It’s enough to drive a robot girl crazy, so I kind of side with Lizzie.
Craig adds some colorful characters everywhere else, too. In this book you’ll meet Kevin, who’s probably the worst vampire of all time. Can you imagine a vampire with gnarly teeth and a speech impediment? Not quite the romantic image Dracula left us with.
Craig’s known for some pretty outlandish characters. Present company excluded. This series has some of the craziest ones he’s ever come up with. That’s saying something if you consider he came up with a talking yak and the root monsters in other tales. I hope your fans will give it a chance.
Oh, I’m also supposed to tell you they’re designed to be short reads. They come in at about half the length of a novel. Makes them easy to read on a Saturday afternoon.
Now let’s get to the fun part. Part of my job is to pose for promotional posters, and I have one for you and your fans. Remember, this series is supposed to be kind of corny, so the scene I’m representing has a little humorous nod to the Spaghetti Westerns of years gone by. It occurs toward the end of the book.
It was so nice visiting with you. Now I want to check out your area. Maybe get my nails touched up. Robot girls don’t actually breathe, but I have a cute mask with bunnies on it to make others feel comfortable. Do you think one of the salons might be open?
There are plenty of beauty salons around here, Lisa, but I haven’t been to one since the pandemic began. I have no idea if they’re open. Maybe we can do each other’s nails? When you wear your mask you’re giving others a good example. Thanks!
Blurb:
Lizzie and the hat are back, and this time they’re chasing vampires across a subculture of America. A pair of rodeo cowboys are holding a woman captive to use like a milk cow since they joined the undead.
The person who put them onto the trail is also a vampire, but he has to be the worst vampire in history. Is he really that pitiful, or is he setting a trap for our heroes? Does the woman even exists? Can Lizzie and the hat find her before she also takes up blood sucking?
Follow Lizzie and the hat as they use their cover band to stalk vamps across the country music scene.
Purchase your copy here: The Ballad of Mrs. Molony
Other stories in the series:

You can contact Craig at the following locations:
Blog| My Novels| Twitter| Goodreads |Facebook| Pinterest| BookBub
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to leave Lisa some love in the comment section below. Even robot girls need love. 😉
This is a very entertaining post, Vashti. Craig’s imagination is fantastic and he writes so prolifically. Thanks for hosting.
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I’m happy you enjoyed the post, Robbie. I agree. Craig’s imagination knows no bounds. It’s my pleasure. Thanks for stopping by. 😀 xo
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So glad you enjoyed it, Robbie. Thanks for stopping by.
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Hi Craig, you have the best assistant in the whole world. Lisa did a terrific job of introducing you and your characters. Congratulations on your new book The Ballad and Mrs. Molony. Thank you, Vashti for hosting Craig! 🙂
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I’m lucky to have her, Miriam. I need to start my commute, but she’s on the job.
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Yes, you are, Craig. I know many companies reopened. The traffic is almost back to normal.
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Hi, Miriam! It’s my pleasure to host Craig and Lisa. Thanks for your visit and comment. ❤
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You’re welcome, Vashti. Have a wonderful day. ❤
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Big fan of Craig’s books, especially The Hat and Viral Blues, so I’m super excited about Molony! Great post, Vashti 😁
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Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoy the story.
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It’s a given 😁
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Craig’s going to be ecstatic about that, Jessica. Thank you! 😀
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He deserves all the congratulations 🎉
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Great post, Vashti. I love Craig’s imagination and Lisa’s sass! 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed it, Harmony.
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I’m happy you liked the post, Harmony! I feel the same about Craig and Lisa. 😀
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You can always count on Lisa to express her views with style.
Best wishes to Craig on his new release. Thanks for hosting, Vashti.
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Thanks for the well wishes. Glad you enjoyed the post.
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Hi, Staci! You’re so right about Lisa. I’m always happy to host Craig. 😀
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Thanks for sharing Craig’s newest book with us. I always like a good vampire story. Lol! 🙂
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Thanks, Yvette. There have been some pretty good vampire stories. There’s a lot to live up to.
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Me too! 😀 It’s always a pleasure. Thanks for stopping by!
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
Lisa Burton is visiting with Vashti today. She’s talking about my characters and handing out one of her posters. Stop over and check it out. While you’re there, surf around Vashti’s site. She’s a super supporter of the indie community and has a few books that might also hit your Halloween reading list.
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Thanks for the reblog, Craig! ❤
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Thanks so much for hosting Lisa today. She was pretty excited to leave the writing cabin. Hope you ladies have fun together.
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It’s been a blast hanging out with Lisa. She brings out the girlie-girl in me. I also enjoyed everything she had to say about your new book. I don’t blame her for wanting to leave the writing cabin for a while. I have a bit of cabin fever myself. 😀
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It’s been a strange year. Even our dogs have noticed it with working from home and such. I enjoy writing Lisa and should do more with her. Maybe after all this promo we can do some more blog posts about future projects.
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I love that idea, Craig. I’m in! 😀
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I’m with Jessica (always a fun place to be!). I’ve read The Hat and Viral Blues, enjoyed them very much, and am now looking forward to reading Mrs. Molony. More so, now that I’ve read this great interview. Lisa ROCKS, Craig! So much fun. Thanks for showcasing her today, Vashti, and for helping Craig get the word out about his new book! Great post!
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Thank you so much, Marsha. Hope Mrs. Molony is one you enjoy.
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That’s fabulous, Marcia! And yes, Lisa does ROCK! We’ve been having a lot of fun together. It’s always a pleasure having her over. Thank you! 😀
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I stormed through 48% of The Hat this morning, and it’s hilarious! I love the banter between The Hat and Lizzie!!! What a fun story. I’m having a great time. Thank you, Craig!
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Hi, Sue! It’s lovely to see you here. I had a blast reading The Hat too. Thank you for the visit and comment. 😀
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Looks like you made it out of comment purgatory. So glad you’re enjoying the story.
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Lisa is always entertaining, and this post is no exception. Thank you so much for spotlighting Craig’s newest release, Vashti! I look forward to reading this adventure!
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Thank you, Jan. Everyone needs a Halloween story this time of year.
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Hello, Jan! It’s been wonderful having Lisa on my blog. It’s always a pleasure to host Craig. Yay!
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A vampire with gnarly teeth and a speech impediment? Only Craig would come up with a character like that:) It’s on my TBR pile for when I want something fun and entertaining. Craig’s perfect for entertainment.
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So glad that caught your attention. Kevin is a unique character, for sure.
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Right? I completely agree, Judi. You’re right about that too. Thanks for the visit and great comment! 😀
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I’m excited to meet the “worst vampire of all time”, lol. Glad Lisa’s out helping to promote!
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Thanks, Teri. I hope you enjoy him.
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Thanks for stopping by, Teri!
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It is always good to see Lisa out and about. Congratulations to Craig and thanks to you, Vashti for hosting.
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Thanks for dropping by, John.
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Yeah that first step was a big one.
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I’m happy to do it, John. Thanks for the visit and comment. 😀
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Fun post for a fun and adventurous story. I just reviewed The Ballad of Mrs. Molony and gave it five stars. For anyone who isn’t familiar with these characters, I highly recommend meeting them in Craig’s latest offering.
Great hosting, Vashti. I love your header image for the post!
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So glad you enjoyed the story. Reviews are our lifeblood and I appreciate that more than I can say.
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Hi, Mae! I’m happy you liked the header image. I tried to find a Lisa look-alike. Thank you for stopping by! 😀
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Reblogged this on Stephen Geez Blog and commented:
Vashti is bringing us C. S. Boyak’s new vampire novel! Thanks, Vashti and Craig!
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Thanks for sharing, Stephen. That really helps.
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Thanks for the reblog, Stephen! 😀
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Great post, Vashti! I wonder if Lisa is available for hire? Congratulations to Craig!
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Thanks for stopping by and commenting today.
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Ha, ha. Nice try, Jill. I think Lisa’s got her hands full with Craig. Thank you, my friend! 😀
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Congrats, Craig! I have the book and am looking forward to the read. Thank you, Vashti, for the wonderful showcase. 😊
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It’s my pleasure, Gwen. Thank you for visiting. It’s always appreciated. 😀
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Happy reading.
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Lovely post Vashti, thanks for sharing an interesting character with us. Wishing Craig all the best.
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Hi, Balroop! I’m happy to do it. Thank you for stopping by! 😀
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Thank you for stopping by.
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All the best Craig, thanks for sharing, Vashti.
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I’m happy to, Mark! Thanks for all your support. I appreciate you. 😀 xo
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