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WORK TITLE: One Sharp Stitch
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BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://alliepleiter.com/
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COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
LAST VOLUME: LRC Feb 2022
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PERSONAL
Born 1962, in CT; married; children: two.
EDUCATION:Northwestern University, B.S.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer, actor, and educator. Worked as an actor, theater executive, professional fundraiser, and singing telegram delivery person; workshop instructor, including at retreats, and speaker at events; writing coach.
AVOCATIONS:Knitting, needlepoint, playing harp.
WRITINGS
Contributor to parenting magazines; maintained blog DestiKNITions.
SIDELIGHTS
Allie Pleiter is a prolific author of domestic drama, light romance, inspirational women’s fiction, and cozy mystery novels in numerous series, including “Gordon Falls,” “Sweet City Hearts,” “Blue Thorn Ranch,” and “Riverbank Knitting Mystery.” She studied acting and speech at Northwestern University, began her career in the theatrical world, and has pursued an interest in knitting, which often finds its way into her fiction. Pleiter began writing after being dared by a friend and has gone on to steadily publish several novels a year, with over 1.8 million books sold worldwide. She has also written nonfiction works on parenting and on writing as involving the “Chunky Method.”
[open new]About her oeuvre and orientation toward audiences, Pletier told Kings River Life: “I like to think I’m known for the humor in my work, so I definitely write to entertain. Readers who love mystery and romance are looking for a touch of escape. Having said that, I do try to go a bit deeper, and readers have told me they like the authenticity and ‘real life’ quality of my books. I want the stories to reach readers on several levels.”[suspend new]
Making her fiction debut in 2004, Pleiter contributed to the “Life, Faith, & Getting It Right” series with Bad Heiress Day. The novel concerns Darcy Nightengale, whose father leaves her a million-dollar inheritance—with instructions to give it all away. When Darcy’s husband and children suggest they keep the money for themselves, Darcy is torn between her family’s needs and her father’s wishes. “Delightful and clever,” wrote Library Journal critic Tamara Butler.
In the standalone novel Homefront Hero, Red Cross nurse Leanne Sample is mesmerized by Captain John Gallows as she helps him recover from his injuries. She tries to keep her distance from him emotionally, knowing that he must return to the war when he is healed again. However, things change when an epidemic hits South Carolina. A contributor reviewing the novel in Dear Author remarked that “the socks and knitting stuff is fun but … the book dips into some pretty serious stuff even before the discussions on religion.” The same reviewer concluded: “When the story ends, I completely buy into John’s new found faith and the love that they finally admit they share. It’s a hard-fought battle on both sides as they initially are attracted yet feel they have no romantic future but the transition is one I believe and that I enjoyed reading.”
Pleiter initiated the “Riverbank Knitting Mystery” series in 2021 with On Skein of Death. Libby Beckett returns to her hometown of Collinstown, Maryland, and opens up a yarn shop named Y.A.R.N. Libby is excited after booking Perle Langager, a famous Norwegian knitter, for several events at her shop. This garners her new business much-needed attention and further recognition from the town government. However, when the distracted Perle is found murdered with a skein of yarn, Libby gets involved in the investigation to help find the killer.
Booklist contributor Karen Muller opined that “knitters will settle into Y.A.R.N. like it’s their own local yarn store.” A contributor to Kirkus Reviews found the novel to be “not so mysterious, but the sparkling heroine has room to grow.” Writing for Criminal Element, Janet Webb noted that “ On Skein of Death sees Libby juggling many crocheted toques … not to mention the demands of Y.A.R.N. Libby makes a likable and believable sleuth and I’m looking forward to a return visit to the charming town of Collinstown.”
In Knit or Dye Trying, Libby is embroiled in another murder mystery during the See More Than Sea Food Festival. Libby hopes to bring new customers to her yarn store by having artisan fiber dyer Julie Wilson do a few events. Local sheep farmers protest Julie’s anti-wool stance to knitting. Julie’s celebrity chef sister is also in attendance at the festival and reignites their heated sibling rivalry. When Julie is found dead at the event space, Libby realizes that there are many possible suspects. A contributor to Kirkus Reviews claimed that the novel “keeps the small-town charm of the series debut while adding more mystery.”
[resume new]The third “Riverbank Knitting Mystery” book, It Came upon a Midnight Shear, finds yet another knitting-world celebrity descending on Libby’s yarn shop: the charming, conservation-minded Vincenzo Marani, who is bringing rare vicuñas from a New England zoo for a ceremonial shearing to help raise awareness about preserving their Peruvian habitat. With a skein of vicuña yarn selling for $500, tensions rise as yarn goes missing, Libby’s two assistants get increasingly antagonistic, and worst of all, Libby’s wealthy, obnoxious ex-husband Sterling is in town looking to amend their divorce agreement. Jealousy on the part of Libby’s recent companion toward Vincenzo—known for years by Sterling—who is found murdered with vicuña shears—comes into play as Libby herself is a prime suspect. A Kirkus Reviews writer proclaimed of It Came upon a Midnight Shear, “Red herrings abound in a twisty tale of love, hate, and revenge.”
Pleiter turns from knitting to needlepoint with her “Nimble Needle Mystery” series, which opens with One Sharp Stitch. Losing her job as a graphic-design office manager, Shelby Phillips retreats to her North Carolina hometown to mind her mother’s needlework shop so her parents can take a long-awaited RV vacation. Her mother’s devoted friends, the NYAGs (Not Your Average Grannies), pitch in as a visit from renowned designer Gina “Kat” Katsaros brings a sustained bustle of activity. A former high-school classmate of Shelby’s with a geeky reputation, Kat has become famous for designing elaborate craft scissors—and her acquired ego is rubbing relations and acquaintances the wrong way. When she is found murdered with her own sharpening knife inside her covetable van, Shelby wants answers. A Kirkus Reviews writer remarked that “plenty of quirky characters lead up to a surprising denouement in this promising series kickoff.”
Mentioning to Bold Journey that she often gets asked about where she finds her inspiration, Pleiter explained: “The truth is, I don’t find that inspiration, I make that inspiration. I’ve written through good times, personal tragedies, upheaval, and the slog of everyday life. My resilience is born of knowing what needs to be done each day and setting the intention to do it. … I’m also a passionate crafter, resting my brain and refilling my well with knitting and needlepoint. I think nurturing your creative self in multiple ways helps build resilience as well.”[suspend new]
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, June 1, 2021, Karen Muller, review of On Skein of Death, p. 43.
Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2021, review of On Skein of Death; February 1, 2022, review of Knit or Dye Trying; October 1, 2022, review of It Came upon a Midnight Shear; February 15, 2025, review of One Sharp Stitch.
Library Journal, February 1, 2005, Tamara Butler, review of Bad Heiress Day, p. 64.
ONLINE
Allie Pleiter website, https://alliepleiter.com (February 21, 2022).
Bold Journey, https://boldjourney.com/ (June 18, 2024), “Meet Allie Pleiter.”
Criminal Element, https://www.criminalelement.com/ (June 8, 2021), Janet Webb, review of On Skein of Death.
Dear Author, https://dearauthor.com/ (May 9, 2012), review of Homefront Hero.
Kings River Life, https://kingsriverlife.com/ (April 12, 2025), Sandra Murphy, “One Sharp Stitch by Allie Pleiter: Review/Giveaway/Interview.”
Ruff Drafts, https://debbiedelouise.com/ (April 6, 2025), Debbie De Louise, “Author Interview of Allie Pleiter and Blog Tour for One Sharp Stitch, the First Nimble Needle Mystery.”
South Carolina Voyager, https://southcarolinavoyager.com/ (December 19, 2024), “Conversations with Allie Pleiter.”
Suspense Zone, https://www.thesuspensezone.com/ (June 7, 2021), Susan Sleeman, author interview.
Bestselling international author Allie Pleiter honed her talents in the world of popular fiction, where she still releases multiple books a year. Allie has over 60 published titles to her name, and over 1.8 million Allie Pleiter fiction and non-fiction books have been sold around the world.
Her well-known Chunky Method system trains writers at every level to formulate plans and meet deadlines in a way tailored to their unique working style. Allie runs an active coaching practice helping writers and all kinds of creative people be more productive, as well as training productive people to be more creative. Already a national speaker among writing associations, Allie now extends her reach to entrepreneurs, speakers, consultants, and anyone who needs to bolster their productivity and creativity in a demanding marketplace.
Allie is an avid knitter, confirmed coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better.” She holds a BS in Speech from Northwestern University and lives in near Charlotte with her husband and the world’s most adorable dog.
What is the Chunky Method?
The Chunky Method is my writing productivity system that I teach nationally and coach clients to use. My book The Chunky Method Handbook outlines my tactics and how to use them. I also teach live in seminars, online classes, and webinars. The unusual and memorable name comes from the truth that every writer has a “chunk”–the amount of writing someone can get done before their creativity begins to tire. Know your chunk and how to wield it, and you can make some dependable and effective plans for your work. Learn more under my Speaking and Coaching tabs.
Can you help me write my book?
I view my job as helping you write your book, so I very rarely “ghostwrite” (write your book for you). Instead, I’ll help you clarify your ideas, refine your process, and create a framework for you to get the words down. You are always the best person to tell your story, so my passion is to empower you to make that happen.
Where can I buy your books?
My fiction from Love Inspired is available wherever books are sold. My Sweet City Hearts series is only available in digital format from Amazon or iTunes. The Chunky Method Handbook and How to WRITE When Everything Goes WRONG are available in hard copy and digital formats on Amazon. You can also buy copies of these books at any of my speaking engagements.
Can I buy a Chunky Launch package as a gift for someone?
Absolutely! It makes a great retirement gift, graduation gift, birthday gift…you name it. If there’s someone in your life who has always said, “I’d like to write a book someday,” the gift of a Chunky Launch package can transform that dream into a reality. Contact me via the form on the Contact page and we’ll take it from there.
Do you do retreats and workshops?
Live teaching is one of my very favorite things to do (I wasn’t a theater major in college for nothing!). I’ve done 1-hour workshops, half-day workshops, full weekend retreats, half-day retreats, and other formats. I’m able to speak on spiritual topics for church retreats as well as creativity and productivity. The list on under Speaking will give you an idea, but sometimes the best way is for us to talk, so go ahead and contact me at allie@alliepleiter.com.
Are you really six feet tall?
Well, now, technically I am 5’11, but in most shoes I clock in over six feet. It makes me rather easy to spot in a crowd or at the airport. And popular for reaching top shelf items in the grocery store. Yes, I get asked all the time, and I’m happy to do it.
What’s your favorite dessert?
Lemon meringue pie. Always. Chocolate is wonderful, coffee is necessary, but pie makes everything better.
Are you really that big a fan of knitting?
It’s my creative passion outside of work, and you can read about many of my knitting adventures on my blog DestiKNITions. It’s been on hiatus for a while, but will be reviving soon in anticipation of my new knitting mystery series coming in 2021.
Allie Pleiter
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Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction. An avid knitter, harp player, and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools, and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in Speech from Northwestern University, and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The "dare from a friend" to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; BECOMING A CHIEF HOME OFFICER and FACING EVERY MOM'S FEARS, and now novels for Steeple Hill. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.
Genres: Inspirational, Cozy Mystery
New and upcoming books
July 2025
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A Montana-Sized Secret
(Three Sisters Rescue Farm, book 2)March 2026
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Two Purloined Pillows
(Nimble Needle Mystery, book 2)May 2026
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A Refuge in Montana
(Three Sisters Rescue Farm, book 3)
Series
Sweet City Hearts
1. Getting to Yes (2016)
2. My So-Called Love Life (2006)
3. The Perfect Blend (2007)
4. Nothing Less Than Fabulous (2017)
A Brilliant Christmas (2018)
The Way You Look At Me (2019)
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Kentucky Corners
1. Bluegrass Hero (2008)
2. Bluegrass Courtship (2009)
3. Bluegrass Blessings (2009)
4. Bluegrass Christmas (2009)
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Gordon Falls
1. Falling for the Fireman (2012)
2. The Fireman's Homecoming (2013)
3. The Firefighter's Match (2013)
4. A Heart to Heal (2014)
5. Saved by the Fireman (2014)
6. Small-Town Fireman (2014)
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Blue Thorn Ranch
1. The Texas Rancher's Return (2016)
2. Coming Home to Texas (2016)
3. The Texan's Second Chance (2016)
4. The Bull Rider's Homecoming (2017)
5. The Texas Rancher's New Family (2017)
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Matrimony Valley
1. His Surprise Son (2018)
2. Snowbound with the Best Man (2018)
3. Wander Canyon Courtship (2019)
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Wander Canyon
1. Their Wander Canyon Wish (2020)
2. Winning Back Her Heart (2020)
3. His Christmas Wish (2020)
4. A Mother's Strength (2021)
5. Secrets of their Past (2022)
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Riverbank Knitting Mystery
1. On Skein of Death (2021)
2. Knit or Dye Trying (2022)
3. It Came Upon a Midnight Shear (2022)
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True North Springs
1. A Place to Heal (2022)
2. Restoring Their Family (2022)
3. The Nurse's Homecoming (2023)
4. For the Sake of Her Sons (2023)
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Nimble Needle Mystery
1. One Sharp Stitch (2025)
2. Two Purloined Pillows (2026)
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Three Sisters Rescue Farm
1. Rescue on the Farm (2025)
2. A Montana-Sized Secret (2025)
3. A Refuge in Montana (2026)
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Novels
Masked By Moonlight (2008)
Mission of Hope (2010)
Homefront Hero (2012)
The Doctor's Undoing (2015)
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Collections
Her Unlikely Amish Protector / Restoring Their Family / Reclaiming the Rancher's Heart (2022) (with Lisa Carter and Jocelyn McClay)
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Series contributed to
Life, Faith & Getting It Right
3. Bad Heiress Day (2004)
10. Queen Esther & the Second Graders of Doom (2006)
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Alaskan Brides
1. Yukon Wedding (2011)
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Orphan Train
1. Family Lessons (2013)
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Bridegroom Brothers
3. The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart (2014)
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Lone Star Cowboy League
3. A Ranger for the Holidays (2015)
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Lone Star Cowboy League: Boys Ranch
6. The Rancher's Texas Twins (2017)
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Secrets of the Castleton Manor Library
17. A Fatal Yarn (2018)
21. Cloak and Grammar (2019)
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K-9 Companions
30. Rescue on the Farm (2025)
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Non fiction hide
Becoming a Chief Home Officer (2002)
Facing Every Mom's Fears (2004)
The Chunky Method Handbook (2016)
How to WRITE When Everything Goes WRONG (2017)
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Omnibus editions hide
Easter Promises (2010) (with Lois Richer)
Love Inspired November 2013 - Bundle 1 of 2 (2013) (with Charlotte Carter and Teri Wilson)
Love Inspired August 2014 - Bundle 1 of 2 (2014) (with Ruth Logan Herne and Jessica Keller)
Love Inspired November 2014 - Box Set 2 of 2 (2014) (with Lorraine Beatty)
Love Inspired Historical April 2015 Box Set (2015) (with others)
Harlequin Love Inspired March 2017-Box Set 1 of 2 (2017) (with Lisa Carter and Arlene James)
Harlequin Love Inspired September 2017-Box Set 2 of 2 (2017) (with Annie Hemby and Myra Johnson)
Harlequin Love Inspired June 2018 - Box Set 2 of 2 (2018) (with Rebecca Kertz and Heidi McCahan)
Harlequin Love Inspired September 2018 - Box Set 1 of 2 (2018) (with Mary Davis and Brenda Minton)
The Redemption of Jake Scully / Masked by Moonlight (2018) (with Elaine Barbieri)
Harlequin Love Inspired July 2019 - Box Set 2 of 2 (2019) (with Laurel Blount and Tracey J Lyons)
The Doctor's Newfound Family / Mission of Hope (2019) (with Valerie Hansen)
The Rancher's Texas Twins / Claiming Her Cowboy (2019) (with Tina Radcliffe)
Harlequin Love Inspired February 2020 - Box Set 2 of 2 (2020) (with Gabrielle Meyer and Marta Perry)
Harlequin Love Inspired May 2020 - Box Set 1 of 2 (2020) (with Emma Miller and Brenda Minton)
Harlequin Love Inspired November 2020 - Box Set 2 of 2 (2020) (with Jo Ann Brown and Renee Ryan)
Heartland Courtship / Homefront Hero (2021) (with Lyn Cote)
Harlequin Love Inspired September 2021 - Box Set 1 of 2 (2021) (with Carrie Lighte and Jennifer Slattery)
Love Inspired March 2022 Box Set - 2 of 2 (2022) (with Zoey Marie Jackson and Jocelyn McClay)
Love Inspired July 2022 Box Set - 2 of 2 (2022) (with Heidi McCahan and Pamela Desmond Wright)
Mistletoe Redemption (2022) (with Janet Tronstad)
Love Inspired January 2023 Box Set - 1 of 2 (2022) (with Lisa Carter and Jocelyn McClay)
Love Inspired July 2023 Box Set 1 of 2 (2023) (with Patrice Lewis and Gabrielle Meyer)
Love Inspired January 2024 Box Set - 2 of 2 (2023) (with Nicole Lam and Jocelyn McClay)
Reuniting With The Cowboy / A Montana-Sized Secret (2025) (with Julia Ruth)
Love Inspired March 2025 Box Set - 1 of 2 (2025) (with Linda Goodnight and Emma Miller)
Love Inspired August 2025 Box Set - 1 of 2 (2025) (with Belle Calhoune and Patricia Johns)
Meet Allie Pleiter
June 18, 2024
We recently connected with Allie Pleiter and have shared our conversation below.
Allie, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
As the author of over 60 books, I’m often asked “How do you write all those books? Where do you find all that inspiration?” The truth is, I don’t find that inspiration, I make that inspiration. I’ve written through good times, personal tragedies, upheaval, and the slog of everyday life.
My resilience is born of knowing what needs to be done each day and setting the intention to do it. Many people think such organization and planning doesn’t apply to creative pursuits like novels, but it absolutely does. Readers may know me for my inspirational romance and mystery novels, but writers know me for my Chunky Method. Discovering “your chunk” allows you to plan based on the amount of creativity you have each day–it’s surprisingly consistent, and the key to battling procrastination, stress, and other creative hurdles. I’m able to write through just about anything because I know the writing I ask of myself each day is squarely within my capabilities. I draw my purpose not only from that productivity, but in teaching it to others. Nothing fuels me like watching another write unlock the key to their productivity!
I’m also a passionate crafter, resting my brain and refiling my well with knitting and needlepoint. I think nurturing your creative self in multiple ways helps build resilience as well.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I wear multiple hats and enjoy a diversified career.
As an author, I’ve got over 60 titles to my name and have just celebrated reaching the mark of of 1.8 million books world-wide. I write inspirational romance for Love Inspired and craft-based murder mysteries for Berkley and Kensington.
That level of productivity gives me unique strengths as a book coach. I teach and coach writers using my highly practical Chunky Method. It is outlined in book THE CHUNKY METHOD HANDBOOK and the guidance I offer to helps writers discover their individualized writing speed and style. Once they’ve discovered their “chunk,” writers can create plans and schedules the truly work. Consistent, dependable productivity is an enormous asset in the publishing world, and I love to help writers unlock theirs. I also help non-fiction writers bring the strengths of good storytelling into their work.
Aside from writing work, I take great joy in speaking to groups and teaching classes on personal momentum and productivity. The MY DAILY MOMENTUM JOURNAL books I offer share the daily journaling practice I’ve kept for over 20 years to stay resilient, hopeful, and productive.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1) Know what makes you unique. Many people have great ideas. If you can articulate why your ideas are effective and different from all the noise out there, you set yourself apart. Keeping hold of that unique quality also helps you to hang on when things get tough.
2) Make a plan. And not just any plan, not someone else’s idea of a good plan, but one that works for you. The most important knowledge of all is knowing what to do next. Long term thinking is wise, and essential, but it won’t help you if you don’t know what needs to happen today, tomorrow, and the day after that.
3) Small steps make big changes. “All in” looks thrilling, but it’s hard to sustain. Keep your eye on the big goal, but keep your focus on the doable action right in front of you.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
As a writing productivity and book coach, my ideal client is one who is ready to share their words with a world that needs them. They’ve got the desire and drive, but need help making practical, personalized plans to get the words done. My ideal client recognizes how a book can impact their business, thought leadership, or cause in huge and lasting ways. They know that telling their story in a compelling book finds new audiences as well as lasting exposure, and are ready to invest in making it happen.
Contact Info:
Website: https://alliepleiter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliepleiterauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliepleiter
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-pleiter-6a021b139
December 19, 2024Conversations with Allie Pleiter
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Today we’d like to introduce you to Allie Pleiter
Hi Allie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began my professional life as an actor. This makes me an unusually extroverted writer, but also serves me well in the speaking and coaching I do. I’ve always been a storyteller, so my pivot into writing wasn’t entirely unexpected (but still surprising). I quickly realized, however, that my passion for organizing and developing systems for creative tasks had incredible value to others. Years as a working author give me solid insights into the challenges of the publishing world and to those fields where all the drive to create and achieve must come from within. This year I celebrated the sale of 1.8 million books sold world-wide, and I’m deeply grateful for the readers I’ve been able to touch with my stories. Enabling writers to make their own books happen just becomes a natural outcome of that. To watch someone create a writing practice that truly works for them? It’s a spectacular thing.
My work in personal momentum is just another way that passion comes to life. Creatives struggle with obstacles and challenges in different ways–the well that feeds creativity is often the same well that feeds coping and caring. The DAILY MOMENTUM JOURNALS I released guide writers–or anyone–into the simple daily journaling practice that has keep me “up and running” for the last ten years. I’m just as excited about sharing that with the world as my novels or book coaching–especially because it can apply to anyone!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Heavens, NO. Publishing is one of the most daunting, volatile fields in which to make a living. There is often little connection between worth, effort, and results. That becomes a challenge to shoulder over a long career. I’ve had beloved books meet with disappointing sales. I’ve had doors that seemed like perfect opportunities slam in my face. Granted, an acting career is a great place to learn how to cope with rejection, but that rarely dulls the sting.
HOW TO WRITE WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG, and in many ways MY DAILY MOMENTUM JOURNAL were born of the challenge to remain productive and creative during my son’s long illness as a teenager. He’s a wonderfully healthy adult now, but it was a long haul that taxed my personal and professional strengths. As I said, keeping creativity alive when “it all goes wrong” takes particular tactics I had to figure out because I was under book contracts. It seemed natural to share these coping mechanisms with others though my writing books and coaching practice. I have had several clients hire me because “I get it” regarding the struggle to stay creative in difficult times.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Naturally, I’m proud of the over 60 books I’ve published over my career. I enjoy a global readership that is a gratifying legacy. My work in creative productivity, THE CHUNKY METHOD, is perhaps what I am most known for outside of all those novels. I truly believe my ability to help writers find the unique system that enables them to consistently produce brings important and needed books into the world. As a book coach who is also a successful, prolific writer, my tactics are born of the real world and the vast experience of a career writer.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I always tell people to look for someone who has success in the area you are seeking to grow. Too many people hang their shingle out as a mentor or coach with only a small amount of experience. Publishing especially is one of those places where theory and practice can differ wildly–find someone who knows how things truly play out in the real world.
Pricing:
Chunky Mini Launch Package – $397 You want to try out coaching and the power of the Chunky Method. Includes: Access to THE CHUNKY METHOD HANDBOOK and HOW TO WRITE WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG in ebook format and two 1-hour one-on-one coaching sessions
Chunky Launch Package – $2,175 You’re ready to establish the writing practice that will enable you to meet your writing goals. Includes: One-on-one coaching sessions for six months, access to the PAGES weekly group coaching program for six months, access to THE CHUNKY METHOD HANDBOOK and HOW TO WRITE WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG in ebook format
Full comprehensive Chunky Method Coaching – $4,275 You want to go all the way to the finish line and emerge with a quality manuscript ready to show to editors, agents, and publishing partners. Includes: One-on-one coaching sessions for 1 year, access to the PAGES weekly group coaching program, access to THE CHUNKY METHOD HANDBOOK and HOW TO WRITE WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG in ebook format, access to retreats and learning events at no charge or reduced fee, guidance as you focus, structure, and outline your manuscript, and a developmental manuscript review
Contact Info:
Website: https://alliepleiter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliepleiterauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliepleiter
One Sharp Stitch By Allie Pleiter: Review/Giveaway/Interview
Apr 12, 2025 | 2025 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Sandra Murphy
by Sandra Murphy
This week we have a review of the first in a new series by Allie Pleiter along with an interesting interview with Allie. Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it from Amazon.
One Sharp Stitch by Allie Pleiter
Review by Sandra Murphy
Shelby Phillips is a graphic designer, or at least she was. There was the job and an office romance—and then there wasn’t. A call from her mom gives her a, if not graceful exit, at least a plausible one.
Her mother has owned Gwen Lake’s needlepoint shop for many years. Now her mom and dad want to travel for a month—so unheard of—and they’ve asked Shelby to take over while they’re gone. It doesn’t hurt that she can have her own space in the apartment above the shop. Talk about an easy commute!
It’s only for a month. She can decompress, adjust her attitude, and be ready for what comes next when her parents return. It’s only for a month. It helps to keep telling herself that. Her sister would be an obvious choice but of course, she’s ‘too busy.’ Right.
One little detail. Mom neglected to tell Shelby the first order of business was a trunk show. The designer is Kat Katsaros, a former classmate (the weird, nerdy, goth kid) who designs needlework scissors. Kat thinks she’d be a natural to run the shop, hopefully on a permanent basis. Shelby has mixed feelings. It’s not that she wants to do it herself, but Kat? Don’t think so.
It’s not an issue when Kat doesn’t arrive for the trunk show. Sadly, Kat’s design career is over, just like her life.
It looks like an accident but then again, maybe that’s just how it was supposed to look—to cover up a murder. With the support of the needlepoint regulars, her busy sister, and a new friend, she’s sure she can untangle the clues and find the killer. After all, she’s only here for a month, right?
Pleiter is a prolific writer, publishing multiple books a year, for a total that’s surpassing 50 titles so far. She’s included a needlepoint pattern for 4X4 monogrammed coasters at the back of the book.
Sandra Murphy lives in the shadow of the Arch in St. Louis Missouri. She’s the editor for the upcoming Yeet Me in St Louis, an anthology with stories from twelve St. Louis writers. Her own short stories have appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Mystery Magazine, and anthologies such as The Perp Wore Pumpkin and I (Almost) Died in Your Arms. ‘Lucy’s Tree’, published in The Eyes of Texas, won a Derringer Award from the Short Mystery Fiction Society. She lives in St. Louis with Ozzie the Westie Impersonator and his sidekick in crime, Louie the Cat.
Interview with Allie Pleiter:
KRL: How long have you been writing?
Allie: I began writing in 1996, working in the dual genres of nonfiction parenting books and romance. I’ve always worked in more than one genre, as I am happiest juggling multiple projects. My first book was published in 2001, so this marks my 24th year as an author.
KRL: Congrats! When did your first novel come out, what was it called, and would you tell us a little about it?
Allie: The first Allie Pleiter novel was an inspirational women’s fiction entitled Bad Heiress Day. It’s still a personal favorite. The story follows a “sandwich generation” mother who inherits unexpected money from her father with the requirement that she give it away. While dealing with all the challenges of family life, she discovers her own style of philanthropy and the impact she can have on others in caregiving roles.
Allie Pleiter
KRL: Have you always written mysteries/suspense and if not, what else have you written?
Allie: As I said, I enjoy having a multi-genre career. Now it’s primarily cozy mystery and romance, but I also have several books for writers because I do so much book coaching and speaking. I think I’d go crazy focusing all my efforts in just one area—I crave lots of variety.
KRL: What brought you to choose the setting and characters in your latest book/series? Why needlepoint?
Allie: I’ve always been drawn to needlecraft! I’m an avid knitter, and have a series called The Riverbank Knitting Mysteries that deals with that craft. When the opportunity came to do a needlepoint series, it was an easy shift. Now I enjoy both crafts equally—and so many of my readers are fans of knitting, needlepoint, embroidery, weaving, and all sorts of fiber arts. The setting was born of my recent move to the Carolinas. It gave me a chance to dig deeper into the world of my new home.
KRL: Do you write to entertain or is there something more you want the readers to experience from your work?
Allie: I like to think I’m known for the humor in my work, so I definitely write to entertain. Readers who love mystery and romance are looking for a touch of escape. Having said that, I do try to go a bit deeper, and readers have told me they like the authenticity and “real life” quality of my books. I want the stories to reach readers on several levels.
KRL: Do you have a schedule for your writing or just work whenever you can?
Allie: Oh, I’m very disciplined. I have a productivity system for writing called The Chunky Method that I frequently teach and coach writers to use. Simply put, every writer has what I call a “chunk”—or how much writing they can do in a sitting. Once you identify that creative capacity, you can do a lot to schedule yourself in smart ways. For me, it is 1,200 words a day five days a week. That’s how I produce four books a year on average.
KRL: What is your ideal time to write?
Allie: People are often surprised that I don’t have an ideal time. I work with a list every day, and I put that list in order first thing in the morning, but what order writing falls on that list can vary. I’m thankful that my muse is that flexible—it makes a lot of travel and speaking possible.
KRL: Do you outline? If not, do you have some other interesting way that you keep track of what’s going on, or what needs to happen in your book when you are writing it?
Allie: I don’t outline in the traditional sense, but there are things I need to know before starting a manuscript. For mysteries, I always need to know who dies and how, and at least three people who could have done it and why. Then I let the characters take over and unroll the story from there.
KRL: Did you find it difficult to get published in the beginning?
Allie: I had a most unusual launch into publishing. Originally, I was going to be an actor. I’m a raging extrovert (rare in the writing world, I know). One day a friend dared me to try writing when I was complaining about a bad day at my day job. She saw a storytelling talent in me I didn’t realize was there. That book became my first published novel. Some dares are definitely worth taking!
KRL: Most interesting book signing story-in a bookstore or other venue?
Allie: I often do signings in settings related to my books. I like to be creative. I’ve had signings in yarn shops, needlepoint shops, coffee shops, all sorts of places. For me the real fun comes in research visits. I love in-person research, and I’ve done wild things for book info—visiting bison ranches, learning how to crack a bull whip, meeting a world-class barista and working the most expensive espresso machine made, learning to walk a tight-rope—I’ve had wonderful adventures in the name of research.
KRL: What are your future writing goals?
Allie: To keep going! After 70 published books, I might slow down a bit in the coming years, but I’m still having a lot of fun. I hope the Nimble Needle Mysteries gets a good, long run!
KRL: Who are your writing heroes?
Allie: I love Diana Gabaldon’s sweeping epic romances and the depth of her characterization. I’m also a huge fan of Alexander McCall Smith’s witty stories.
KRL: What kind of research do you do?
Allie: The most adventurous kind—see above…
KRL: What do you like to read?
Allie: I read very widely. Nonfiction works on productivity and any number of issues, some of the amazing new young adult and romantasy works that are popular now, historical, contemporary, anything. I just don’t read in the genre I’m currently writing. Acting training has given me a strong sense of mimic, and I never want an echo of what I’m reading to show up in my writing.
KRL: What are your favorite TV shows or movies?
Allie: I am a huge Dr. Who and James Bond fan. I also really enjoyed Ted Lasso—that show had some of the best writing I’ve seen in years.
KRL: Have you any advice for aspiring or beginning writers?
Allie: JUST WRITE! Seriously. Nothing makes you a better writer than writing. But I do get asked this a lot, and I would say lately that it’s essential you learn the basics of marketing. Writers are much more like small businesses than artists these days.
KRL: What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Allie: One of my jobs out of college was delivering singing telegrams. Then again, maybe that doesn’t surprise people.
KRL: Do you have any pets?
Allie: My Lhasse-poo, Paisley, is the world’s most adorable dog. I dare you to say otherwise.
KRL: Where can our readers find you online?
Allie: Website: alliepleiter.com
Instagram: instagram.com/alliepleiterauthor
Facebook Page: facebook.com/alliepleiter
Facebook group (books): facebook.com/groups/firesidewithallie
Author Interview of Allie Pleiter and Blog Tour for One Sharp Stitch, the first Nimble Needle Mystery
Posted on April 6, 2025
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
There’s a reason I often teach writing productivity. I have a very specific system, called The Chunky Method, that allows me to calculate my writing speed with accuracy. A murder mystery takes me about 14 weeks while a romance takes me about 10 weeks. I usually write between three and four books a year.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
None, unless you count the one I am currently working on. My most recent release, ONE SHARP STITCH, is my 70th published book.
Do you write under a pseudonym? If not, have you ever considered it?
I did once, for two books. I didn’t care for it. If I have my way, all my books will be under my real name. It’s a point of pride for me, I suppose.
What comes first for you, the plot or characters?
Usually characters for the romances and plot for the mysteries. That makes sense, because romances are very much character-driven stories, and mysteries depend much more heavily on plot.
How do you select the names of your characters?
Other than keeping an alphabetical chart so I don’t have too many characters whose name start with the same letter, I don’t have much of a system. They usually just come to me. In ONE SHARP STITCH, I needed a name for a cat. I was wandering the needlepoint shop and saw a tool called a “Snag-Nabbit.” I thought Nabbit would make a great name for a cat, and used it. That’s probably the most unusual name source I’ve used.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
I have often referred to myself as “a tortoise on the run.” That speaks to me of a consistent, methodical journey towards a goal.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
Scrivener. My go-to word processing software. And it’s not an expensive product—just a very good one.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Knitting and needlepoint! Which is why it is no surprise that ONE SHARP STITCH is a needlepoint-themed mystery. My series before that was the Riverbank Knitting Mysteries. So I guess you could say it’s what I do when I’m writing, too.
What is your favorite childhood book(s)?
I have always loved The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I have a granddaughter coming soon, and I’ve already bought her a copy.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my next romance in my Three Sisters Farm series from Love Inspired as well as the next Nimble Needle mystery, TWO PURLOINED PILLOWS.
Pleiter, Allie ONE SHARP STITCH Kensington (Fiction None) $27.00 3, 25 ISBN: 9781496752000
Babysitting her mother's needlework shop plunges a young woman into a morass of murder.
Now that Shelby Phillips has lost her job as office manager for a graphic design firm, she agrees to manage Nina's Nimble Needle while her parents leave North Carolina for their dream RV trip. Shelby is sure that Jessica, her perfect older sister, could do it better, but her mom insists she's the one for the job. Her mom's friends, known as the NYAGs (for "Not Your Average Grannies"), are eager to help, especially with a trunk show featuring the work of Gina "Kat" Katsaros, a geeky type Shelby knew in high school, who now makes beautiful needlework designs and craft scissors that are "closer to silverware or jewelry than to standard scissors, fashioned as birds or flowers or delicate, ornate shapes." The new Kat is totally different than she was in school, driving a wildly decorated van, sporting a purple streak in her hair, and giving off a vibe that unsettles Shelby, who's been told by her mother that Kat would like to take over the Nimble Needle someday. On the morning of the trunk show, Kat is late, and when Shelby goes looking for her, she finds her dead in the van she uses for sharpening knives, an expensive one in her chest. The police seem to think she had an accident while she was sharpening it, but Shelby has her doubts, especially since the prickly Kat had quite a few enemies, even among her own family members. Kat's brother has always wanted her van and is happy to have Shelby sell his sister's valuable designs and scissors so he can score some cash. With help from old and new friends and even her sister, whose perfect life is spiraling out of control, Shelby searches for answers to her many questions about Kat's death.
Plenty of quirky characters lead up to a surprising denouement in this promising series kickoff.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Pleiter, Allie: ONE SHARP STITCH." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Feb. 2025. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A827101109/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=fb8a3271. Accessed 25 Sept. 2025.
Pleiter, Allie IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT SHEAR Berkley (Fiction None) $8.99 11, 1 ISBN: 978-0-593-2018-24
Christmas cheer and murder don't mix--or do they?
Yarn shop owner Libby Beckett has pulled off a near miracle by getting charismatic Vincenzo Marani to bring a few rare vicuñas from a New England zoo to be shorn in public at her shop. Vincenzo, who comes from a wealthy Italian family of textile makers, has made it his mission to protect the animals and their native Peruvian habitat. A skein of their yarn sells for $500, but touching it is heaven to knitters. Libby's bliss is shattered by the arrival of her wealthy, aggravating ex-husband, Sterling Jefferson, who wants her to amend their divorce agreement. To top it off, both his haughty mother and flighty sister are also in town. So many people overhear the nasty argument between the ex-spouses that even though she's helped the authorities with other murders, police chief Frank Reynolds still considers her a suspect when Sterling is found stabbed to death by the shears used on the vicuñas. In addition, somebody's stolen some vicuña yarn, Libby's two assistants at the shop are at daggers drawn, and the man she's slowly rebuilding a relationship with is wildly jealous of Vincenzo--who turns out to be a longtime friend of Sterling's. An autopsy reveals several unusual drugs in Sterling's system, a discovery that opens up a whole new line of investigation at his family pharmaceutical business. Whatever the story behind Sterling's death, Libby needs to find the killer fast before she ends up in jail.
Red herrings abound in a twisty tale of love, hate, and revenge.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Pleiter, Allie: IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT SHEAR." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Oct. 2022. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A719983073/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=4eccbc15. Accessed 25 Sept. 2025.