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Sarah Louise Smith

July 15, 2013

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About author, Sarah Louise Smith:  Sarah Louise Smith lives in Milton Keynes, UK, with her husband, two cute cats and a loopy golden retriever. She has an extremely lovely step-daughter and spends most of her free time writing, reading, cooking, and taking long walks.

She’s the author of two chick-lit novels: Amy & Zach and Izzy’s Cold Feet, both published by Crooked Cat. Read Sarah’s blog at: www.sarahlouisesmith.com.

INTERVIEW

Welcome back, Sarah!  What have you been up to since our first interview?  Thank you, it’s lovely to be back! I’ve been very busy promoting my first novel, and also finishing and editing my second. It’s been hard work but a lot of fun!

Congratulations on your upcoming book, “Izzy’s Cold Feet”!  How excited are you?  Thank you so much … Very excited! It was a dream come true to have one book published so it’s a real pleasure to have a second.

What is the book about?  Izzy is about to get married, but she’s not sure her fiancé is the man she wants. She takes the reader on a journey through her past, recounting the stories of her past loves, and comparing each one. As each of her ex-boyfriends turn up unexpectedly in the week before her wedding, her feet grow ever colder… then there’s the added complication that her sister has been missing since Izzy was 12.

How long did it take you to write this one?  It’s hard to say, I started it before I was offered a contract for Amy & Zach, so then it went on hold while I went through the editing process, then I came back to it. But I’d say in total probably about six months.

How does “Izzy’s Cold Feet” compare to your other book, “Amy & Zach”?  There are similarities in my style of writing but it’s obviously a very different story. I feel this has a little more depth perhaps… Two characters from Amy & Zach do make a cameo appearance though!

What made you want to write this story?  The story is an amalgamation of ideas that came to me, like several separate love stories, merged into one. So Izzy has four different boyfriends (and therefore love stories) over a time span of about ten years.

Is anything in your new book based on reality?  No, but I’m sure some of my past relationships and experiences are in there somehow if you look closely enough! 🙂

What do you and Izzy have in common?  We both love to cook. And, I think, we both over-analyze and take a while to figure out what we want.

People would be surprised to know that you:  Changed the ending of this book… I actually had a different plan in mind when I set out to write the book but Izzy didn’t like it, and changed it to suit her!

What advice can you give to someone who’s writing their second book and feel under pressure to make it as good as their first?  Only that I really do believe that each sentence you write is better than the last. All the time you’re learning and improving, whether it be as you write or as you absorb feedback from readers. Having said that, although I do feel ICF is better than A&Z myself, I’m very nervous that readers will not agree!

How do you plan to celebrate the release of “Izzy’s Cold Feet”?  There’s an online launch party on Facebook on the day, and then a few weeks later I’m going out for a meal and drinks with some close family and friends.

What are you working on now?  My third novel is in note-form and hasn’t really got a full developed plot yet, but I’m working on it.

Izzy'sColdFeetCoverPic**Blurb of “Izzy’s Cold Feet”:

One bride to be. Three ex-boyfriends.

Izzy is engaged to Greg, who is everything a girl could want.

The trouble is – all she can think about is the men she loved before she met him: sexy Ewan, the first love of her life; dependable Jason, who loved her more than she deserved; and irresistible Dexter, who broke her heart…

Then there’s the fact that her sister has been missing since Izzy was twelve. After such a traumatic childhood all Izzy wants is a normal, happy, settled life, but love is never simple.

In the week leading up to her wedding day, Izzy is forced to ask herself who she loves the most. And, given the choice, who would she want to spend her life with?

**Contact Sarah:

Website   Facebook   Twitter

**Buy “Izzy’s Cold Feet”:

Amazon – US   Amazon – UK

**Buy Sarah’s first book, “Amy & Zach”:

Amazon – US   Amazon – UK

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Filed Under: Sarah Louise Smith Tagged: Books, Chick-Lit, Guest Author, Izzy's Cold Feet, Sarah Louise Smith

Emma Bennet

July 3, 2013

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“The Green Hills of Home” by Emma Bennet

Guest Post

My Perfect Hero. By Emma Bennet, Author of ‘The Green Hills of Home

One of the absolute non-negotiables for me when I began writing my romance ‘The Green Hills of Home’ was that my hero be totally irresistible – the sort of hero its not just the heroine who falls in love with, the reader should feel an attraction to him too. I hope that’s what I’ve achieved with John Thatcher, the frankly delicious publishing editor male lead in my novel. But what magic formula did I use to create such a fine specimen of manhood?

To begin with, a romantic hero should be strong, both physically and mentally – he needs to be able to literally carry that heroine wherever she needs to go! He also needs to be able to handle difficult situations, and support his woman when she needs it, but definitely without taking over and bossing her around. Boy, it’s a complicated business being a hero isn’t it?

Next up is kindness – John may come across as a little unsympathetic when Gwen first meets him, but he soon proves himself in his acts, both big and small – whether it’s giving the heroine a lift in his car or rescuing a beloved pet, a great hero must be thoughtful and compassionate – in a terribly manly way of course!

Well now, what about looks? Of course, being handsome isn’t everything, but, for me, it was absolutely essential that my heroine, Gwen, be physically attracted to John – she had to really want him! And so John, is deliciously tall, dark and handsome, and definitely manly enough to make Gwen feel like a real woman.

As for finances…. that’s a little bit of a tricky subject isn’t it? Obviously I didn’t want my leading lady falling in love with someone because of his money, but, on the other hand, John couldn’t be a bum! He needed to be hard-working and intelligent, and definitely earn enough to provide well for himself. Interestingly, although John has more money than Gwen, it isn’t anything physical he gives her that means the most to her, it’s the little kindnesses he bestows. And, from John’s side, an inexpensive birthday present Gwen gives him is so thoughtful, that he values it far more than expensive gifts he’s been bought in the past.

Right, where are we? Our hero is strong, both in body and mind; he’s good-looking; he’s kind, and he’s got a bit of cash. The final touch I added was a drop of mystery – my story wouldn’t be much fun if everything was all plain-sailing would it? John has a secret which means a great deal to him, and which is leading towards something very important. In fact, it had completely taken over his life before meeting Gwen. During the novel he has to decide just what he values most: his plans or his woman. But I guess you’ll just have to read the book to discover his choice!

INTERVIEW

What does being an author mean to you?  I love stories and the escapism of a good tale. I read a huge amount – I’m a little renowned in fact for how absorbed I become in a gripping book. In a way, I guess it was almost inevitable that I’d write ‘properly’ at some point! To me, being an author means – hopefully – being able to give something of that joy back – to give others the thrill of a good plot, to weave my own tales and invoke in my readers the happiness of a character you adore finding their true love. Actually having my book out and becoming a ‘real’ author is like a dream come true!

You like Cary Grant, what is your favorite movie he’s in?  Oh the choices, the choices! Probably ‘To Catch A Thief’, Cary Grant and Grace Kelly make a great team, and the whole film is gloriously glamorous and beautifully shot. It’s classic, timeless and hopelessly romantic – a story of love that transcends circumstances.

Describe your writing/editing/publishing process:  I do try to carefully plan my writing. However, things generally go a bit array when I get carried away and write my favourite scenes all at once and then sort of fill in the blanks! Unfortunately this means that the editing process is long and laborous – a labour of love as it were, but more than worth it when everything all comes together!

As for publishing: emotional and exciting!

Are you (or anyone you know) like your characters?  My heroine, Gwen, is kind and loyal, if a little hotheaded at times! In fact, it’s her intense loyalty to her family which could mean her losing John, the man she’s in love with. I like to think I have at least some of Gwen’s good qualities!

On the other hand, Bronwyn and Brian, my tearoom owners, are most definitely, and very lovingly, based on real people – but I’m not revealing who!

How did you come up with the title of your book?  The setting of the novel plays a huge part in the story and I wanted something that would encapsulate it. The rugged landscape around the Welsh town I live is truly inspiring, and I think anyone who is lucky enough to be surrounded by such beauty will understand Gwen’s attachment.

Hard/paperbacks or eBooks?  As long as its a captivating yarn, the format doesn’t matter.

Where is your favorite place to write?  Anywhere quiet and ideally without an internet connection! We have a study at the top of the house which is generally pretty free from mayhem. A cup of tea, a proper fountain pen and some pretty paper and I’m away.

What are five things that people would be surprised to know about you?  I’ve performed on stage at the Royal Albert Hall – though only for about 5 minutes. I have video evidence. I’m pretty tiny, 4’10”and a quarter. You can imagine the quarter REALLY matters in my case. I was once shushed by George Lucas. I have an awesome double backhand. After failing miserably with my ginger cake in this year’s WI competition, I’m already planning my preserve comeback!

How did you celebrate when “The Green Hills of Home” was published?  Flowers, champagne and a candlelit dinner.

What is your favorite word?  Definitely rhubarb – it’s just trips off the tongue in such a delicious way!

Who is your favorite author and what have you learned from them?  That’s an impossible question to answer! There are just so many wonderful storytellers with so many marvellous stories, though Jane Austen stands out for me (and not just because it’s her bicentenary). She was a woman both of her time and before it.

There’s such a lot that can be learnt from all our any fantastic authors, both old and new, but perhaps the most important lesson of all is that a good love story is a good love story.

What are you working on now?  I’m finishing off my next novel, ‘The Spaniard’s Secret Daughter’, which should be out later this year. Not quite as sweet as ‘The Green Hills of Home’, but just as romantic, and still a ‘traditional’ romance. It’s a tale of passion and jealousy, with a frankly fabulous male lead!

**About author, Emma Bennet:  Emma grew up and lived in London, before falling in love and moving to Wales to marry her own hero. Emma now lives with her husband, children, and many animals in a small Welsh market town, fitting in her writing around the many demands of little people and cats.The beautiful landscape around her home gave her the inspiration for ‘The Green Hills of Home’.

Her second novel, ‘The Spaniard’s Secret Daughter’, will be available late 2013.

Emma likes (in no particular order): cake, books, Cary Grant films, prosecco, chocolate, guinea pigs, knitting, quilting and happily ever afters!

**Contact Emma:  Email: emma@emma-bennet.co.uk   Website   Facebook   Twitter

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Filed Under: Emma Bennet Tagged: Books, Chick-Lit, Emma Bennet, Guest Author, The Green Hills of Home

Cari Kamm

February 25, 2013

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About author, Cari Kamm:  Cari Kamm has worked in the beauty industry for over a decade, building brands, working behind the scenes, and even selling her own skin care line. She has a master’s in clinical nutrition from New York University. Kamm currently works in corporate social media management with clients in the beauty, fashion, and restaurant industries. Living in New York City with her mutt Schmutz, Kamm loves finding inspiration in the most unexpected places, being a novelist, and convincing her fiancé that ordering takeout and making dinner reservations are equal to cooking.

**Contact Cari:  Cari Kamm  Facebook  Twitter

GUEST POST

“Cari’s Writing Life: The Past, Present, and Future”

I connected with writing in my late twenties. I’ve always been a storyteller or that person that loved to entertain and make my friends and family laugh. It’s a characteristic I get from my father. In my early twenties, I started keeping travel journals. I moved to New York City at the age of twenty-two to attend NYU for graduate school with a goal to take advantage of JFK International airport. Growing up in a small town in West Virginia, I was eager to explore the world and wanted to document it all.

I decided to write professionally when I was twenty-eight and craving inspiration at a specific point in my life. Here I was in such an electric city, living and loving everything, even a shadow. However, there was still something missing in my life. There was a void. So… I researched new hobbies from cooking (high burn risk), painting (too messy), volunteer opportunities, and new career paths. I ended up taking a creative writing class with Mediabistro and it changed my life. I quickly learned that the void was passion . . . to write stories. The class challenged me, made me insecure, and sparked my spirit. The workshop assignments got me writing in class and at home. Sometimes, I would come home from a late dinner or having cocktails with friends and find myself writing until 3:00 a.m. Eight months later, I had a manuscript, my first novel–Fake Perfect Me.

Writing isn’t a job. It’s a habit. I begin first thing in the morning. Before anything can shift my mood or motivation, I make coffee and hit the keys. Writing is my morning stretch. I write from anywhere, anytime, and on anything. A notebook, a cocktail napkin, or even taking a photo of a person, place or thing that inspired me. I love being surrounded by music, strangers, voices… simply just life. When a theme moves me, I sketch out an outline breaking down Act I, II & III and write up descriptions of the characters I have in mind. Then, I just write. I don’t look back. I don’t reread. I would say it’s a crappy first draft and then I spend months on revising – editing – revising – editing.

My favorite part of the writing process is creating the outline of the story I have in mind. Then several months down the road realizing where the characters actually took me while reading the story they created. For the past two years, I’ve done just that. My second novel, For Internal Use Only, was released on February 14, 2013. Completing the book was the best birthday gift I could have given myself.

In November 2012, I had participated in National Novel Writing month and completed my third book. It’s my first romance novel! My 80-year-old Italian grandma will be thrilled. I always caught her reading books with Fabio decorated covers. I hope to release this novel later this year.

Writing has taught me one of the most important lessons. If I could go back in time and tell my younger self one thing, it would be that . . . ‘You grow more from criticism than you do from compliments.’

ForInternalUseOnlyCoverPic**Click HERE to see the trailer of “For Internal Use Only!”

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Filed Under: Cari Kamm Tagged: Books, Cari Kamm, For Internal Use Only, Guest Author, Guest Post, Writing

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