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Guest Interview

Samantha Tonge

December 3, 2013 1 Comment

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About author, Samantha Tonge: Samantha Tonge lives in Cheshire, England with her lovely family and two cats who think they are dogs. She spends her days writing, willing cakes to rise and avoiding housework. She has sold over 80 short stories to mainstream women’s magazines. Doubting Abbey is her debut romantic comedy novel, out now from digital-first CarinaUK Harlequin.

INTERVIEW

Describe your writing style in five words: fun, accessible, fast-paced, readable, punchy

What do you love most about writing? The thrill of making a sentence sound just right and the buzz from getting reader-feedback.

Who or what inspires you? For short stories, everyday life and the tabloids inspires me – just tales of ordinary life that have an unexpected twist to them. For novels, it tends to be bigger issues like society’s obsession with celebrity and looks, or why a show like Downton Abbey has become so popular.

What is your writing/editing/publishing process like? I usually need six months, all-in, to write the first draft and then go over it several times looking at different aspects to improve on, and continuity. I enjoy both processes. My first drafts aren’t really rough, but always need a good polishing.

If you could meet another author, who would it be? Jane Austen – I would love to tell her how much her books still mean to women, all these decades on.

Where did you get the idea for your book, “Doubting Abbey?” The public’s obsession with a period drama, the series Downton Abbey, really intrigued me – it has become massive on both sides of the pond. This made me wonder how a thoroughly modern girl, like my main character Gemma, would cope with suddenly being thrust into a stuffy, aristocratic atmosphere where she would have to reign in her care-free behaviour and emotions…

Hard/paperback or eBooks? E-books – I love my Kindle. The books are cheaper and it is brill being able to read with just one hand and snack with the other! Plus there are some great bargains to be had on e-readers, with free books and heavily reduced ones – at the moment, Doubting Abbey is only 79p/$1.28!

What was the most difficult part to write? The detail of the setting – I wanted to get it just right so did a lot of online research into stately homes and visited one.

What are you reading right now? Mad about the Boy by Helen Fielding – it is brilliant!

What time of day to do you seem to work best? Morning, definitely – if I can keep away from social media!

Every writer must have a…: an online group of fellow writers they can turn to when they need support, eg after getting rejections. I wouldn’t still be writing nowadays, if it wasn’t for my writer friends who’ve picked me up and brushed  me down!

Can you tell us about any of your upcoming projects? I have just started a sequel to Doubting Abbey! I can’t say much but in this one Gemma is more bonkers than ever!

DoubtingAbbeyCoverPic“Doubting Abbey” by Samantha Tonge

Blurb of “Doubting Abbey”:

Swapping downstairs for upstairs… How hard can it be!?

Look up the phrase ordinary girl and you’ll see a picture of me, Gemma Goodwin – I only look half-decent after applying the entire contents of my make-up bag, and my dating track-record includes a man who treated me to dinner…at a kebab shop. No joke!

The only extraordinary thing about me is that I look EXACTLY like my BFF, Abbey Croxley. Oh, and that for reasons I can’t explain, I’ve agreed to swap identities and pretend be her to star in the TV show about her aristocratic family’s country estate, Million Dollar Mansion.

So now it’s not just my tan I’m faking – it’s Kate Middleton style demure hemlines and lady-like manners too. And amongst the hundreds of fusty etiquette rules I’m trying to cram into my head, there are two I really must remember; 1) No-one can ever find out that I’m just Gemma, who’d be more at home in the servants quarters. And 2) There can be absolutely no flirting with Abbey’s dishy but buttoned-up cousin, Lord Edward.

Aaargh, this is going to be harder than I thought…

**Contact Samantha: Website   Doubting Abbey blog   Facebook   Twitter

**Buy “Doubting Abbey”: Amazon – US   Amazon – UK

Filed Under: Samantha Tonge Tagged With: Book feature, Books, Chick-Lit, Doubting Abbey, Guest Interview, Samantha Tonge, Women's Fiction

Aven Ellis

November 23, 2013 3 Comments

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About author, Aven Ellis: Aven Ellis has been writing fiction since she was sixteen. She studied communications at a large Midwestern university, and after graduation, Aven worked as a reporter for a community newspaper, followed by a stint at a public relations agency.

But writing about city council meetings and restaurant franchises was not as much fun as writing for young women trying to figure out their careers and potential boyfriends. So Aven got herself a job in television that allowed her to write at night.  Connectivity is Aven’s debut novel; Waiting For Prince Harry and Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista (New Adult romantic comedy) will be published next year.

Aven lives in Dallas with her family. When she is not writing, Aven enjoys shopping, cooking, connecting with friends on social media, and watching any show that features Gordon Ramsay.

INTERVIEW

Describe yourself in five words: Talkative, Funny, Neurotic, Shopaholic, Loving

What does being a writer mean to you? To me, it means being able to bring people to life with words.

Tell us about your book, “Connectivity”: Connectivity is the story of a young career woman, Mary-Kate (MK) Grant who is working her way up the ladder in television. She has no time or desire for romance in her life.  Enter William Cumberland, a British social media mogul, who purchases the place where she works. William upends her life in more ways than one, and MK finds herself questioning everything she wants as a result.

What was your writing/editing/publishing process like? Connectivity poured out of me. I wrote the manuscript in six months (finishing last December) and it was purchased by Soul Mate Publishing the following spring. Editing was a good process–it is amazing what changes an editor can suggest to make a manuscript really shine.

Hard/paperbacks or eBooks? ALL!

How did you celebrate when “Connectivity” was published? I had a night out with a close group of friends to celebrate. Red wine was involved, LOL.

Which other authors inspire you? Sophie Kinsella is very, very funny. I love anyone who can make me laugh when reading!

Describe what would be your ideal day: Ideal day would be getting up early in the morning (I’m a morning person) and workout. Then have a smoothie and cup of coffee and write for several hours.

As an author, what is the best advice you’ve been given? Write your brains out, then write some more, and don’t let anyone tell you no.

What is your favorite writing quote? See above. 🙂

Every writer must have a…: A notepad and pen. Sometimes you just need to kick it old school and scribble ideas.

Can you tell us about any of your upcoming projects? I have two more releases next year with Soul Mate Publishing: Waiting For Prince Harry and Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista. I’m working on the companion book to Fashionista now.

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Blurb of “Connectivity” by Aven Ellis:

Overachiever Mary-Kate Grant (who is indeed named after an Olsen Twin) has followed every rule to the letter to pursue her dream of working in TV programming.  Ripping a page from the “hard work pays off” playbook, she takes an assistant level job at a Chicago sports network to break into the industry.

MK has no time or desire for a relationship right now—she is totally focused on her career and being independent, unlike the other women in her family.

But MK’s plans are run through the shredder when she finds herself working for William Cumberland, a British media mogul who made his fortune with Connectivity, a social media site. William blows into Chicago just like the winds off Lake Michigan and purchases the group of networks MK works for—and makes her his personal assistant in the process.

Suddenly MK finds her career plans in jeopardy. William makes her question everything she has ever thought and has the uncanny ability to see right through her. And for the first time in her life, MK finds herself not only questioning what she wants for her career but for her personal life as well…

**Contact Aven: Website   Facebook   Goodreads   Pinterest   Twitter

Filed Under: Aven Ellis Tagged With: Aven Ellis, Books, Chick-Lit, Connectivity, Contemporary Romance, Guest Interview

An Interview with Mary Kay Andrews & a Giveaway!

November 8, 2013 3 Comments

With great pleasure, I’m thrilled to have interviewed one of my favorite authors. She’s funny, inspiring, and her books are a true joy to read. Without further ado, here’s New York Times Bestselling Author, Mary Kay Andrews!BlackMKAAuthor, Mary Kay Andrews

INTERVIEW

Have you always loved to write? Yes! On the first day of first grade our teacher asked us to draw a picture of what we wanted to be when we grew up. While the other kids drew firemen and nurses and teachers and cowboys, I drew a picture of a lady sitting at a tall table in front of a wall of books—my six-year-old image of what a writer looked like.

How did you celebrate when you first book was published? With a party! My friends threw me a party at the house that inspired the setting for my first book, EVERY CROOKED NANNY.

Where is your ideal place to write? I like to write with the sunshine streaming in on me—at our vacation house on Tybee Island, or in the sun room of our restored Craftsman bungalow in Atlanta.

How has social media changed your career? Social media has connected me with so many fans and given me instant feedback on what my readers like and dislike. They enjoy being part of a community, and I enjoy hearing from them. That said, I spend a tremendous amount of time and energy staying connected with them.

What is the best advice you can give to a new author? Don’t fixate on writing that first “perfect chapter.” Just get on with the story—and finish it. You can go back and revise and hone and polish after you get the story down in black and white.

Who or what inspires you to write? Envy—when I read a great novel or chapter, I want to try to create something just as moving.

What is your favorite word? Vintage!

Every writer must have a…: Fine-point black felt tip pen.

What time of day do you seem to work best? Mornings when I wake up with an idea bubbling up from my self-consciousness, I reach for my laptop, prop myself up in bed and write like a woman possessed.

If you’re not writing, you’re probably: junking

What are you reading right now? Lee Smith’s Guests on Earth.

Are you a panster or planner? Mostly a pantser, although I’m always trying to plot and plan.

Do you have a motto? You can’t fix what you ain’t wrote.

Where is your favorite vacation place? Tuscany. Would love to go back someday soon.

Do you and your family have any Christmas traditions? If so, what are they? Children’s mass Christmas Eve, baking cookies together, Christmas stockings opened first thing Christmas morning, burning all the dried-out greenery in the fireplace Christmas night.

SantaMKA

**GIVEAWAY**

 **U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY, PLEASE**

ChristmasBlissGiveaway

If you’re in the Christmas spirit as much as I’m beginning to be, then you must enter to win the prizes in the picture seen to the left. I’m currently reading “Christmas Bliss” and am loving it, and I know you will, too!

How to enter: 

Step 1) Write a comment below telling me about your favorite Christmas tradition.

Step 2) Do NOT forget to leave your email address! (This is so I can contact you to let you know you’ve won). **If you do not follow this step, I have no way of contacting you.

Picking a winner:

1) I will draw a winner out of a hat on Friday, November 22nd!

Filed Under: Christmas Bliss, Mary Kay Andrews Tagged With: Chick-Lit, Christmas, Christmas Bliss, Christmas Books, Giveaway, Guest Interview, Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times Bestselling Author, Romance

Anita Kushwaha

October 31, 2013 2 Comments

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About author, Anita Kushwaha: I was born on Spring Equinox, on the cusp of Aries and Pisces. I’m also a Monkey. (According to the Chinese Zodiac.)

I love the creative process in its various manifestations. I enjoy spending my time writing and teaching yoga. I’ve usually got a couple of books on the go. Baking gets me out of my head. (My remedy for writer’s block.) I’m also a loving wife, devoted auntie and proud cat mom. (My cat’s name is Noodles. He looks a bit like Garfield.)

I love trees, whales and elephants. My favorite color is green. I eat plants. I have no desire to travel to space. But a trip around the world ranks high on my bucket list. Writing has been my chosen method of self-expression from a young age. Last but not least, I bleed red and white, as any proud Canuck.

INTERVIEW

Describe your writing style in five words: Personal. Reflective. Witty. Touching. Memorable.

What made you want to be a writer? Writing has always been my chosen mode of self-expression from a young age. I started out with journaling and poetry—I have drawers full of notebooks—but then branched out to short stories and novels. For me, writing is more of a compulsion. It’s a drive that I can’t deny.

What was your writing/editing/publishing process like for your first book? The writing process FOR THE LOVE OF CUPCAKES was very enjoyable. I had a lot of fun writing it. I think it was that sense of joyfulness which made its way into the book and is part of the reason why it’s such a light-hearted read. The editing process was an interesting process. I’m always focused on making the manuscript as good as it can be. In other words, I take my ego out of the equation and take any constructive criticism that helps to refine the manuscript. It’s always interesting to see how it grows and charges with every iteration. I found the publishing process quite nerve-racking. It’s difficult to put yourself out there and see how others respond you your work. But, I’m pleased that the feedback I’ve received about the book has been positive.

Hard/paperbacks or eBooks? I happen to love all three for different reasons. When a book really speaks to me, I love to get it in hardcover and let it shine on my bookshelf. Paperbacks are probably my favorite because of the way they feel. And ebooks are great because they are so convenient.

What inspired you to write “For the Love of Cupcakes”? Seeds of inspiration for the story came from my own experiences working at a bakery for a couple of months—although my experiences were nothing like the ones Priya faces in the book. As a self-taught baker, I’d always imagined that working in a bakery would be the ideal job. So, when I was experiencing some ambivalence about graduate school, I took on a part-time job at a bakery. But, it was nothing like I had imagined it would be. Shortly after I had left the position, the idea for the book popped into my head. I scribbled down my ideas and didn’t do anything with them for about a year. Later, when I was waiting to hear about my doctoral dissertation revisions, I found myself with some time on my hands and lots of nervous energy to contend with. Feeling the need for some light-heartedness and fun in my own life, I picked up my old writing notes and started the book. When I started, I wanted to be entertained and so I set out to write a story that was entertaining.

What are you reading right now? ORYX AND CRAKE by Margaret Atwood.

How did you celebrate your book being published? I went out for dinner with my husband and ordered a glass of champagne. He has always been my greatest supporter, so it felt right to have an intimate celebration with just the two of us.

When writing, do you listen to music or watch TV? I always envy people who can listen to music or have the television on in the background while they write. In order for me to be able to concentrate, however, silence must prevail! Music, film and of course writing inspire me before and after I sit down at my computer.

What do you want your readers to take away from your books? Through my writing I hope to share stories that inspire and resonate with readers. With FOR THE LOVE OF CUPCAKES, I hope readers are inspired by the protagonist, Priya Patel, to dream, to act, and to persevere.

If you could meet any author, who would it be? That’s such a tough question! If I had to choose one, however, it would be Margaret Atwood. She’s a formidable Canadian writer whom I admire and who has had a great influence on me. So far the closest I’ve gotten is sitting in the front row when she was a speaker at a local book festival. Needless to say, I was awestruck.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given? The best advice I’ve ever been given with regards to writing is to read A LOT, and to learn how to read like a writer. Other pieces of advice that have helped me are: to write what you know, to keep writing (also known as the ass in chair method), and to approach writing with discipline like any other job.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects? I’ve recently completed a novel that merges my love of writing and yoga entitled, FINDING OM. My current project is a collection of short stories that deal with the themes of tradition, belonging and identity.

GUEST POST

Your National Novel Writing Month Survival Guide

By Anita Kushwaha, Author of FOR THE LOVE OF CUPCAKES

So, you’ve decided this is the year that you’re finally going to get the novel that’s been kicking around your head onto paper. You’ve committed to National Novel Writing Month (i.e. NaNoWriMo). First of all, good for you! It’s a courageous step with the potential for a big payoff—your novel out in the world! In this guest post, I’ve provided some helpful tips to keep you motivated and on track.

  1. Outline: Having a clear idea of what you want to write about will certainly help you get started at the initial stages of your project. Get back to basics and ask yourself: Who am I writing about? What is the main story arch or conflict about? Where is the story taking place? Why is this story compelling? How does the protagonist resolve the conflict, if at all? You might toss out your outline later. But at least you won’t start off with the nail-biting, sweat-inducing question: What am I going to write about?
  2. Daily Word Count: Have an idea of how long you want your manuscript to be and set a daily word goal. Are you planning on writing a novella of 20,000 words? Or a 100,000 behemoth? While it’s hard to predict exactly, having a general idea will help to guide your daily progress.
  3. Edit later: The goal for such an endeavor isn’t to produce a perfect manuscript at your first try. (Although, that would be nice, wouldn’t it? Sadly, it doesn’t exist.) Your task is to type your words out as efficiently as possible. Worry about the grammar and punctuation later.
  4. Ass in Chair: In order to achieve your goal, it’s important to stay motivated and get the work done. That’s right, writing is work. And writing a novel in a month is grueling work. So get to it!
  5. Reward yourself: While you want to stay on track and achieve your goal, you also don’t want to suffer a burnout along the way. So, find ways of rewarding yourself. For instance, if and when you reach your daily writing goal, treat yourself to a walk around the block. (Physical activity can do wonders for creativity.)
  6. Find Support: Writing is a solitary process. And chances are that those around you won’t understand why the heck you are doing this to yourself! But there are writers out there who understand you. The National Novel Writing Month website (http://nanowrimo.org/) is a wonderful resource and has links to help you find a community of like-minded word warriors.
  7. Celebrate: Give yourself time to enjoy your achievement. It’s always a good idea to let your manuscript sit in the drawer or on your USB drive for a couple of weeks before revisiting it for revisions. Enjoy rejoining the land of the living and then come back to your manuscript with fresh eyes.

BOOK FEATURE

ForTheLoveOfCupcakes

“For the Love of Cupcakes” by Anita Kushwaha

Blurb of “For the Love of Cupcakes”:

Priya Patel has wanted to become a baker since the first time she saw the light of her Easy Bake Oven. However, working as an assistant baker at Sugarplum Fairy Cakes isn’t the glamorous life she dreamed about. Priya tries to impress her boss, Helen Bouffant, with creative twists on traditional recipes but her culinary skills are completely ignored as she is forced to scrub toilets and clean up everyone else’s mess. After Priya is blamed for a major screw up at Sugarplum Fairy Cakes, she decides to throw in her apron. With the support of her husband, Arj, and a kick in the pants from her best friend, Mae, she decides to start her own cupcakery.

Just when Priya thinks she’s washed her hands of Helen once and for all, they both enter a charity bake off with a grand prize of $10,000. Priya will have to cook the most creative, delicious cupcakes of her life and defend herself against Helen, who will stop at nothing to see Priya and her cupcakery fail. The competition gets heated but there is one thing that will keep Priya going- the love of cupcakes. Does she have what it takes to win the bake-off? Whose talent will prevail?

**Click HERE to download the first two chapters**

**Contact Anita:

Email: kushwaha.anita21@gmail.com   Website   Amazon   Facebook   Twitter   Take Two Publishing

Filed Under: Anita Kushwaha Tagged With: Anita Kushwaha, Blurb, Books, Chick-Lit, For the Love of Cupcakes, Guest Interview, Guest Post

Georgina Troy

October 24, 2013 3 Comments

About author, Georgina Troy: Georgina Troy lives in Jersey near the sea – well, most people do in an island only 9 miles x 5 miles – she’s always wanted to write and being an impossible romantic is always falling in love with heroes both real (hopefully), in fiction (definitely) and those of her own creation (absolutely).

A Jersey Kiss is the first in a series of stand-alone romances based in Jersey, which Georgina hopes you’ll read, enjoy and maybe tell your friends all about.

INTERVIEW

Describe yourself in five words: Happy, diligent, generous, honest and fun.

When did you know you were a writer? When I received a typewriter from Father Christmas/Santa when I was seven-years-old.

Tell us about your book, “Jersey Kiss”: A Jersey kiss is about a newly-separated thirty-year-old who is recovering from her god-mother’s unexpected death. As well as being left her aunt’s run-down house, which she’s attempting to renovate with the help of a gorgeous, but difficult builder, she’s also trying to find a mysterious legacy. Unfortunately her aunt hasn’t left any clues as to what ‘A Jersey Kiss’ actually is…

What was your writing/editing/publishing process like? I initially wrote A Jersey Kiss without plotting or planning very much, but have since rewritten it, developing it and changing it quite a lot. My book has been professionally edited and I was very lucky with the cover, which is gorgeous. I admire anyone who formats their own books because I don’t think I’d ever have the patience, or know-how to do it myself. It was nerve-wracking when A Jersey Kiss was initially published, yet great fun, and knowing I’ve actually got a book published that others have read and thankfully enjoyed is awesome!

If you could meet another author, who would it be? Ooh, there are so many, but if I had to choose it would be Jane Austen. I love her books and have read most of them many times, especially Pride and Prejudice.

Where do you get your ideas for you books? From so many places, but it could be a comment I’ve heard, a piece I’ve read in a newspaper, or even a picture.

What inspires you? All the above, and emotions that I might feel from watching a film, or listening to a piece of music.

Where is your favorite place to write? I love writing outside whenever the weather is good, but especially in a beautiful hillside park in St Brelade Bay overlooking the beach.

Hard/paperbacks or e-Books? Paperbacks and e-books! I love both.

Every writer must have a…: a good proofreader!

What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Write, rewrite, edit, then proofread several times.

Can you tell us about any of your upcoming projects? Happily. My second stand-alone book in the Jersey Romance Series, A Jersey Affair, is due out in e-book and paperback in January 2014 and that will be followed by a third book in Autumn 2014.

GUEST POST

Thanks for inviting me onto your fantastic site, Isabella. I have to say that before I became involved in the world of social networking although I assumed I would ‘meet’ up with other like-minded writers, it never occurred to me how incredibly supportive and generous with their time other authors would be.

Writing is usually a solitary job and although I love getting lost in a fictional world and developing the characters, plotlines and feel of my novels, it’s also fun to break away from the work in progress occasionally and mingle, albeit online with other writers. I’ve learnt so much from my online friends, from the best way of developing the structure of my books, making my characters more three dimensional and working through plot holes, to formatting, publishing and other technical advice. There is so much to learn and always, it seems someone kind enough to help with any advice.

I hadn’t come across any chick lit set in Jersey and it’s such a beautiful island with so much character and history that I thought it would be fun to write a series of romances based here. It has been great fun setting scenes in places that are so familiar to me and others who live or have visited here. I’ve had so much positive feedback from people who have enjoyed visiting Jersey through the story, either for the first time, or revisiting places that they already know. I always love hearing from readers about their own memories of trips to the places where scenes from A Jersey Kiss are carried out.

I initially wrote A Jersey Kiss with a vague idea, the name of my two main characters and a lot of enthusiasm. It has undergone several drafts and each time I rewrite or edit the book I make improvements. I’ve enjoyed developing the layers and structure of my book and working on giving the characters, plot and subplots a lot of thought. In fact, I’m not sure what aspect of writing I like best – I love writing the first draft and also enjoy returning to the work in progress and developing it further still.

For the next book in the standalone series, A Jersey Affair, I’ve still got to work through edits and ensure that the layers of the story are interwoven so that I engage my readers as much as possible. Strange though it may seem, it doesn’t matter how many times I return to A Jersey Kiss, I still love Luke, and in A Jersey Affair, my hero, Sebastian is a character that I hope others will also enjoy getting to know.

A Jersey Kiss is the first in a series of stand-alone romances based in Jersey, which I hope people will read, enjoy and maybe tell their friends about. It’s out now in Kindle and will be out soon in paperback. A Jersey Affair will follow in e-book format and in paperback in Spring 2014.

AJerseyKissCoverPic

Blurb of “A Jersey Kiss”:

‘Living in the ‘sunny isle’ it’s hard not to fall in love and even though Bea Philips is still reeling from a nasty divorce, the loss of her beloved god-mother and inheriting a legacy that includes something mysterious no one seems able to locate, she still has to find a way to fight a court case that threatens to take away everything she owns. The last thing Bea needs is a distraction in the form of surly builder Luke, or old flame Tom.

Will Bea find a way to keep her dream home and maybe fall in love? And what exactly is, A Jersey Kiss?

Teaser — Chapter 1

June – Blowing Dandelion Clocks

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Bea shouted breathlessly, stepping out of the shower and almost losing her balance as she slipped on the mat. She grabbed hold of the shower curtain, in an attempt to stay upright, snapping it from its rings in the process before wrapping the nearest towel she could reach around her dripping body and running down the stairs.

“Bloody builders,” she cursed stubbing her toe on the oak banister. Why did they choose today to arrive early, the one time she was running late? She pulled open the heavy front door.

“Sorry, love,” a man in paint-spattered overalls said, his eyes widening as he took in her lack of clothing. “We, um, seem to have caught you on the ’op.”

“Yes, well, I’m in a bit of a rush.” She held the door open for the builder and his apprentice to enter the hallway. Making sure she held on tightly to the front of her towel with one hand, Bea pushed back a stray lock of her blonde hair with the other. “I’ll take you up to my bedroom.” The spotty-faced boy stifled a giggle, raising a pierced eyebrow at his boss until he was nudged sharply in the ribs. Bea cleared her throat. Realising what she’d just said, she added, “So that I can show you the work I need you to quote for.”

“Right you are, love.”

She could hear the builder grumbling under his breath to his apprentice and led the two men up the carved oak staircase trying not to think about how little her towel was covering and hoping they couldn’t see her bottom. “My bathroom is en-suite, or at least I hope it soon will be,” she explained, her face hot and cheeks pink at the thought of what she’d just said. “So I thought the best place to start would be my room.”

“Righty oh.”

“I’ll need the wall from this room knocked through, and a doorway put in down that end.” She pointed across the room, noticing her knickers and bra had dropped off the chair and onto the floor. Kicking them under the bed, she took a breath to continue.

“Can’t be done,” said a gruff voice from the hallway.

She took a backwards step out of her room to see who was talking. “Why not?” she asked, her intended rant immediately catching in her throat when she came face-to-face with the owner of a pair of the most piercing blue eyes she’d ever seen. Bea was sure he must be handsome under all that facial hair and despite her annoyance with him couldn’t help staring.

“This is a very old house, and that, young lady, is a load bearing wall,” he said, his perfect lips drawing back into a slight smile she instinctively knew was more amusement than appreciation of her appearance. He cleared his throat before tapping the wall for emphasis. “I wouldn’t advise you to knock through it.”

Young lady? He couldn’t be much older than her, she mused. Then again, thought Bea, he could almost be any age under all those whiskers. “But I’d planned to,” Bea argued, not liking his condescending manner or his amused gaze. He may be used to women being stunned into submission by his overpowering presence, but she had just got rid of a bullying husband and wasn’t about to replace him with a bossy builder.

“And you are?” she asked, wishing she wasn’t in such a compromising position. Being late was one thing, but not being dressed in front of this scowling builder was another entirely.

“Luke Thornton,” he said studying the wall. “I was a bit delayed so I asked Bill to come ahead.” He motioned for Bea to follow him and walked down the hallway to another bedroom the other side of hers. “This would be a better option.” He narrowed his eyes, contemplating the wall in front of him. “This box room would make a perfect en-suite.” He peered out of the window. “Imagine soaking in your bath and staring across the fields at that view of Corbiére lighthouse.” He stepped back making room for Bea to have a look. She leant forward and gazed at the uninterrupted view across the fields to the white tower perched at the edge of the sea. He was right. She always enjoyed looking at this majestic building on the rocks at one end of St Ouen’s Bay.

“Pretty spectacular, don’t you think?” he said, coming to stand behind her.

Bea gripped her towel wishing she’d at least taken the time to put on her underwear and nodded. He was right of course.

“Then,” he continued without waiting for her to answer, “you could keep the other as the house bathroom. It’s bigger, after all, and closer to the rest of the bedrooms.”

She thought through his suggestion for a moment. “I see what you’re saying, but I’d got the whole set up planned out in detail,” she said, not wishing to give in to him too readily, but desperate to put on some clothes. “It doesn’t sound like I have much of a choice really, so I suppose I’ll have to go with your suggestion.”

Luke shrugged. “You can do as you like, it’s your house.” He studied the clipboard Bill handed to him. “According to my secretary, apart from replacing the house bathroom and creating an en-suite, you also need the downstairs cloakroom to be refitted, some plastering in the hall, and a bit of painting and decorating throughout the rest of the house.”

Bea nodded silently. It sounded as if this was going to be mammoth when he listed everything like that. Luke withdrew a biro from the top of the clipboard and began making notes. “You two can get going if you like, I’ll catch up with you later.” He walked slowly down the stairs, his hand grazing paint surfaces as he passed the walls.

“Don’t mind him, love,” whispered Bill from behind her. “He doesn’t mean to be so abrasive, it’s just his manner.”

“He’s had a lot goin’ on,” the apprentice added, before receiving another nudge in his bruised ribs. “Ouch, what was that one for?”

“You can get in the van.” The builder shook his head and frowned. “Bloody kid is too ready to give his opinion when it’s not needed.” He tilted his head in Luke’s direction. “He’s a grand chap though.”

Bea glanced at Luke’s broad back as he stepped into the downstairs cloakroom. “He hides it well, doesn’t he?” she murmured before hurrying to her bedroom to dress. Once clothed, she slipped on her shoes and went to wait for him in the kitchen at the back of the house. What was his problem with her anyway? He made her earlier moodiness seem positively chirpy.

Bea checked the time and wished he would hurry up. She didn’t have long and it would take at least fifteen minutes to get to her appointment, even if she took the open road all the way along St Ouen’s Bay past the sand dunes and over by the Golf Course to St Brelade’s Bay. She took out a small mirror from her handbag and re-applied her cherry lip-gloss. Butterflies imitated kanga-hammers in her stomach; she wasn’t looking forward to this meeting. Business associates were one thing, but dealing with the spoilt wife of her biggest client was another entirely.

“Wow, this room’s a shrine to orange Formica,” Luke announced from the doorway.

Bea frowned. He was right, but there was no need to be rude. “It is a bit, but I can’t afford to do everything I want with the house, unfortunately. It’s functional, even if it is a little, um, orange, so it’ll have to wait until I can find enough money to fit in a new one.”

Luke raked a hand through his messy brown fringe. “It’s not too bad.”

She noticed the glint of merriment in his eyes. “I think that’s a matter of opinion.” Bea raised her eyebrows, unable to help glancing up at the kitchen clock and checking the time once again.

“Right,” he said, smiling down at her. “You obviously have to be somewhere and I’ve made all the notes I should need. I’ll pass this on to my secretary in the morning, and she’ll post a quote on to you.”

Bea couldn’t help noticing how his smile seemed to light up his entire face, or what she could see of it through his stubble. Her stomach did an involuntary flip when his dark blue eyes gave away his amusement, and looking away from him, she pushed her hand deep into her bag. She wished her aunt was still with her; they’d have laughed about his stunned expression on seeing the kitchen for the first time. “I can never find anything in here,” she said, aware of him watching her as she rummaged around trying to locate her car keys.

“I know better than to comment on women’s handbags.” He shrugged. “Was there anything else you need me to add to this list before I go?”

Flea jumped out of his basket and started barking. He trotted over to the French doors and tapped the glass with his paw, frantic to be let out. “Stop it,” Bea snapped, knowing the aging Miniature Schnauzer her aunt had adored wasn’t listening to her.

“What’s wrong with him? Did he see something do you think?” He squinted out of the window in the same direction as the dog.

Bea bent to pick Flea up and put him down in his basket. “Stay there. You know you can’t catch the birds.” She looked over at Luke. “He goes mad if a bird comes into the garden. He also does the same in the autumn if a leaf dares to blow past the window. It can get a little exhausting at times.”

Luke shook his head and smiled. “Silly boy.” He stroked Flea’s soft fur. “He’s a character though, I’ll bet?”

Bea nodded. “He can also be a pain in the bum, but I love him to bits.” She remembered the time and tried not to panic. “Right, about that work?” Bea mulled over what she’d asked Luke to price for, and picking up her suit jacket from the back of her chair, she hesitated for a moment. “This is a bit awkward,” she said. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to afford to have all the work done at once.” She chewed her lower lip. “When I spoke to my sister about contacting you I’d hoped to be able to take out a loan for the work.”

His expression softened. “Yes, I was sorry to hear about your aunt. I heard she was a remarkable lady.”

Bea swallowed. It was too soon to hope to be brave when talking about Aunt Annabel, but she needed to at least try. “She was.” She cleared her throat determined to draw her mind away from her heartache. She couldn’t afford to mess up her mascara now; she didn’t have time to fix her face before leaving. “If you wouldn’t mind only quoting for the bathrooms and plastering for now, I’ll probably have to do the rest myself.”

Luke nodded and scribbled something in his notebook. “Not a problem. Give me a call if you’re happy with the quote. The guys should be able to start early next week.”

Bea was surprised they would be beginning the work so soon, but didn’t like to say so. “Okay, thank you.” She walked through to the front door with him. He’d seemed so gentle then for a moment. “Sorry to rush you, but I’m a little late for an appointment and need to get a move on.”

She waited for him to go out and step into his blue pickup truck and watched in silence as he disappeared down her long gravel driveway in a cloud of dust. It was like blowing a dandelion clock, she mused, you never knew where the seeds would end up. She sighed heavily. This was no time to start panicking about the massive responsibility she was taking on. How many people would swap places with her in a second if they could own a house and garden as grand as The Brae, she wondered. Bea glanced around the large panelled hallway. This house should be enjoyed by a family though, not a solitary, newly separated, grieving thirty-year-old. Was she mad to try so hard to keep this place?

She walked back to the kitchen to check Flea was calmer and still in his bed. “Good boy,” she soothed. “I won’t be long.”

As she walked through the hallway to the front door, Bea looked up at the assortment of paintings hanging from the panelling. “Are any of you A Jersey Kiss?” she asked, doubting it very much. None of them looked like they could be. What was A Jersey Kiss anyway and why hadn’t her aunt left some sort of clue in her will?

Buy “A Jersey Kiss”:

Amazon – US   Amazon – UK

Contact Georgina Troy:

Email: troygeorgina@gmail.com   Website   Facebook   Twitter

Filed Under: Georgina Troy Tagged With: A Jersey Kiss, Authors, Books, Chick-Lit, Georgina Troy, Guest Interview, Guest Post

Caroline Fardig

October 22, 2013 1 Comment

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About author, Caroline Fardig: CAROLINE FARDIG was born and raised in a small town in Indiana. Her working career has been rather eclectic thus far, with occupations including schoolteacher, church organist, insurance agent, funeral parlor associate, and stay-at-home mom. Finally realizing that she wants to be a writer when she grows up, Caroline has released her debut novel, IT’S JUST A LITTLE CRUSH, now a #1 Bestseller. She is currently hard at work churning out a second novel in the LIZZIE HART MYSTERIES series. She still lives in that same small town with an understanding husband, two sweet kids, two energetic dogs, and one malevolent cat.

INTERVIEW

Describe your writing style in five words: Smart, sexy, funny, sarcastic, fun.

When did you know you were a writer? It was after people I didn’t know started buying my book!

Salty or sweet? Sweet.

Where did you get the idea for “It’s Just a Little Crush”? A few of the young teens at my church were always “crushing” on book characters—Twilight, Mortal Instruments, etc.—so I thought the idea of a “crush” would make a good love story.  And because I wanted to keep things interesting, I threw in a little murder, too.

Hard/paperback or eBooks? eBooks.  I love my Nook, and it’s so much easier to carry around than an actual book.  However, holding MY book in my hands for the first time was a real rush.

What was the writing/editing/publishing process like for you? The writing part was great, because I love to watch my ideas grow and change and ultimately make a story.  Editing is tedious at best, but I have a great team of proofreaders who make my life a lot easier.  Publishing was difficult, because of course I neglected to read the formatting instructions before I started writing the book.  Going back and manually taking out tabs was a nightmare.  Other than formatting issues, the publishing process was great.  I love that epublishing gives you so much control over your work.

Every writer must have a…: Great deal of quiet time.  If I don’t have quiet time, nothing gets done.

Who is your favorite author? Kristan Higgins.  I love her tone.

How has the social media helped your career? I really would be nowhere without it.  Twitter, Facebook, and blogging have really done wonders to get my name out there.

What do you want your readers to take away from your books? I want them to laugh and have fun.  Some people like for books to change them or make them more thoughtful people.  Not me.  Books are an escape, and I want to go on an adventure, fall in love, and laugh while I’m doing it.  I want to give that feeling to my readers.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Develop a thick skin, and never give up.  When you and your work are out in the public eye, you set yourself up for criticism.  Whether it be from random people on the Internet, reviewers, agents, publishers, or whomever, don’t take it personally.  If you truly believe in your work, then put it out there and be proud of it.  Don’t ever give up on your dreams of making it in publishing—so many famous authors were once where you are right now.

Can you tell us about any of your upcoming projects? I have books 2 and 3 of the Lizzie Hart Mysteries series written, and right now I’m working on a chick-lit romance that’s not part of the series.

**Additional comments by the Caroline: It’s Just a Little Crush was a Semifinalist in The Kindle Book Review’s 2013 Best Indie Book Awards. It’s Just a Little Crush by Caroline Fardig is a #1 Bestseller on Barnes & Noble’s Humor and Women Detectives lists!

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Blurb of “It’s Just a Little Crush” by Caroline Fardig:

The sleepy town of Liberty hasn’t seen murder in…well…ever. Residents are stunned when the body of a young woman is found strangled, and reporters at the Liberty Chronicle are thrilled, rather disturbingly, over the biggest news story to hit town this century.

Lizzie Hart has even bigger problems. Lately, she can’t seem to concentrate on her job as copy editor at the Chronicle with the new hunky investigative reporter, Blake Morgan, swaggering around the office. How can a girl work when she’s using all of her energy combating Blake-induced hot flashes and struggling to repress the giggly inner schoolgirl that’s constantly rearing her dorky head? It’s a good thing that Blake barely knows Lizzie exists.

After an odd string of events, however, Lizzie begins to wonder if Blake is really as fabulous as she has fantasized. When Lizzie and Blake find a co-worker dead, Blake’s personality changes completely—and not in a good way. Even though the police rule the death as an accident, Lizzie immediately suspects foul play and senses a connection to the recent murder. She is determined to bring the killer to justice, but is having some trouble getting her Nancy Drew on thanks to the pesky stalker she’s picked up—Blake Morgan. Wait, didn’t she want him to follow her around and pay attention to her? Not like this. Blake has turned from cool and smooth to cold and downright scary, making Lizzie wonder if he should be next on her suspect list.

Chapter 1 tease

It’s time.  9:07 AM.  Against my better judgment, I allow myself to steal a quick glance at the door.  The sight of a shadow hovering outside throws my stomach into a spasm, clenching, twisting, and tossing my breakfast mercilessly, the wave of nausea leaving me a little light-headed.  My heart is banging against my ribcage so hard it may just crack a rib.  I should breathe.  In, out, in, out.  Great, that didn’t help.  Now I think I may be hyperventilating.  Maybe I should hold my breath.  Ooh, now I’m dizzy.  I nervously wipe a shaking hand across my forehead, and it comes back soaked with sweat.  Gross.  As the doorknob turns, a shot of pure adrenaline courses through my veins, causing random body parts to twitch and quiver completely beyond my control.  In short, I am a hot mess.

You’d think some earth-shattering event is going on or something.  Well, it’s not.  I’m   not in the middle of diffusing a bomb or running from the mob, or anything cool like that.  No, I’m just sitting here at my desk waiting for HIM to walk through the door.  Know what’s really lame?  I’m not even sure that he knows I exist.  I can count on one hand the number of conversations I’ve had with him, most of them monosyllabic on my part, because I can’t seem to form a complete sentence in his presence.  You have to understand, I’m really not a loser.  Really, I’m not.

The door swings open, and I inadvertently let a little giggle escape.  What am I, back in junior high?  This is getting embarrassing.  Am I, Lizzie Hart, a grown woman of twenty-six years, seriously going to let a man I barely know get me this excited?  Yes, yes I am.  Before I can compose myself, a figure steps through the doorway, and there HE is…Blake Morgan.  Right on time—well, so to speak.  Why he is exactly seven minutes late every day, I don’t know.  Maybe he just wants to make an entrance—and does he ever!  Wait.  Oh, it’s happening again.  Why has the room suddenly screeched into slow motion as he struts his sexy self past me?  Where is the fan that is breezily blowing his shiny brown hair, only to have it fall perfectly into place by the time he reaches his desk?  And where is that pulsating music coming from?  I glance around.  Everyone else seems to be doing their normal work thing, oblivious to the shift in the space-time continuum that’s going on here.  Am I to believe that I’m the only person in this office affected this way?  As I hang my head in shame I realize that yes, yes I am.

It always takes a few minutes for my eyes to adjust back into focus after my daily Blake-vision episode.  A little too late, I notice some movement out of the corner of my eye and realize in horror that Blake himself is walking straight toward my desk.  Get a grip, Lizzie!  Oh, crap.  Here comes the blushing.  Every time I am the least bit embarrassed or caught off guard I turn ten kinds of red, and I’m powerless to stop it.  Breathe, girl!  It’s your only hope!  Don’t panic—he’s probably only going to ask you a simple work question.  Everyone knows he’s seeing someone, although no one seems to know who, so surely he can’t be thinking about me romantically or sizing me up in any way.  Chill out!  I scramble to appear busy and important as he walks…past my desk and starts talking to another co-worker about some game from last night.  Oh.  I really hoped he was going to stop by because he needed me.

**”IT’S JUST A LITTLE CRUSH will be on sale for $0.99 through October 24th!

**Buy the book now**

Amazon   Barnes & Noble

**Contact Caroline:

Website   Blog   Facebook   Twitter   Media Inquiries

Filed Under: Caroline Fardig Tagged With: Blurb, Books, Caroline Fardig, Chick-Lit, Guest Interview, It's Just A Little Crush

Jamie Farrell

October 18, 2013 Leave a Comment

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About author, Jamie Farrell: Jamie Farrell writes humorous contemporary romance. She believes love and laughter are two of the most powerful forces in the universe. A native Midwesterner, Jamie has lived in the South the majority of her adult life. When she’s not writing, she and her military hero husband are busy raising three hilariously unpredictable children.

INTERVIEW

Describe yourself in five words: SuperMom in a broken SuperSuit

What is the writing/editing/publishing like for you? I write a dirty first draft, then spend a lot of time coaxing the story into layers that hopefully meld together. My two critique partners, Kelsey Browning and Maria Geraci, are fabulous at helping me smooth out the rough parts. Some books are easier than others. Southern Fried Blues was one of those stories that just flowed, and I loved every minute of writing it.

I love the publishing aspects of my writer life, too, because the publishing side of things lets me tap into my dormant geeky engineer personality, with tracking and formatting and analyzing opportunities. Overall, the whole writing-to-publishing process is a lot of fun.

Salty or sweet? Salted caramel.

How did you celebrate when your first book was published? The hubby took me out on a dinner date without the kids. He read Southern Fried Blues for the first time the day it was published, so we gossiped a lot about the book. It felt like he’d finally met my coworkers after listening to me tell stories about them forever.

What is your favorite word? Discombobulated. It’s so much fun to say!

How do you come up with the titles of your books? I think about the themes in the story, then play with the key words that stand out. If a title makes me giggle too hard, I know it’s probably not marketable (although I still hope to one day revisit an old manuscript that I call Stealing Gran’s Booty), but if it’s too generic for the story, I keep trying until I find something that fits. It usually comes to me either while I’m walking or while I’m in the shower. I love the tingly, oooh! feeling that comes when the right title clicks.

The best part about being a writer is…: Knowing that 95% of the characters in my head think I’m a goddess, and I can write the other 5% out of my stories if they misbehave.

Every writer must have a…: An anchor. Writing can be a lonely profession, so having someone who gets it and is supportive is so important.

How has the social media helped your career? Social media has introduced me to some of the smartest, savviest people in the writing business. It has also introduced me to some of the most generous people on earth. In fact, I wouldn’t be here today if not for social media. 🙂

Who or what inspires your writing? Life’s funny moments inspire me. I love the unusual and unexpected parts of every day life, and so having three kids under six provides me with plenty of opportunity to look at life sideways.

What’s the best advice for a new writer? No one else’s right way will be your right way. Don’t settle for someone else’s dream. Go after yours, and own it. Decide what you want from your writing, and then work hard to make it happen. Study your craft, seek feedback from people whose opinions you trust, but most of all, put your fingers to the keyboard and write, write, write.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects? I’m working on a new contemporary romance series set in a cute little place that calls itself the most married-est town on Earth. The first book, The Husband Games, is about a divorced single mother and a military widower and their unexpected roles in the town’s annual Knot Festival. I am super excited about this series—there’s something about quirky, small-town America that just makes me happy.

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BOOK BLURB

A Yankee Lady Stuck in the South

Divorced wasn’t a label Anna Martin ever wanted.  Now she’s a thousand miles from home, underemployed, and lonely, but she’s squeezing this lemon life gave her and turning it into lemon meringue pie. Never again will she let any man—especially another military man—get in the way of her career.

A Southern Gentleman Military Officer

Jackson Davis believes in family, football, and Uncle Sam. He treats ladies right, takes his uniform seriously, and he loves his dog, but he doesn’t reckon he’s built for true love. After all, if a man good as his daddy couldn’t do it right, what chance does Jackson have?

One Undeniable Attraction


These two vulnerable souls are as different as cornbread and ketchup, but they fit together like sweet butter on hot biscuits. Short-term, they’re exactly what the other needs. But when their hearts get involved, they’re both gonna end up with a big ol’ case of Southern Fried Blues.

CHAPTER 1 TEASE

Chapter One

She was lovable in her own way, which sometimes meant she was not loved at all.

—The Temptress of Pecan Lane, by Mae Daniels

THE ONLY THING better than watching a handsome man in uniform was taking him home at the end of the night to strip him out of it. With his fresh haircut and tailored Air Force mess dress, Anna Martin’s husband complemented the elegant southern grandiosity of The Harrington’s ballroom better than the faux marble floor and the towering magnolia arrangements.

This wedding reception couldn’t end soon enough.

Anna slid up beside Neil at the open bar and nudged him with her hip. “I always feel bad for the bride at these things.”

 “Why?” Neil took two beers from the bartender. He tucked a few dollars into the tip jar.

“Because you’re already taken so they had to settle for second best.”

His face twisted into the same pained expression he’d worn the last half-dozen times she’d used that line, but she gave him a you-know-you-love-me grin anyway.

Because he’d still been happy to let her take him home and strip him out of his uniform after the last half-dozen weddings.

She shoved the gift she’d snuck from the pile at the bride’s request at him. “Oh, wait.” His National Defense Service Medal was crooked.

Before she could straighten it, he handed the gift back. “It’s fine, Anna. C’mon.”

He strode past tables of wedding guests finishing their chicken and cheese grits. Anna tagged along, enjoying the view from behind.

“Jules mention what’s in that?” Neil asked over his shoulder, his gaze shifting to the present.

“She said it’s from Rodney and they want to open it in private. So probably something with fur and spikes.”

**Contact Jamie:

Email: jamie@jamiefarrellbooks.com   Website   Facebook   Twitter

Filed Under: Jamie Farrell Tagged With: Books, Chapter 1 tease, Chick-Lit, Guest Interview, Jamie Farrell, Romance, Southern Fried Blues

Sarah Belle

October 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

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About author, Sarah Belle: Sarah Belle started her professional life in the hospitality industry, working in some of the roughest hotels in Melbourne in the late Eighties, surrounded by drug dealers, prostitutes, pimps, and undercover police. Tiring of the inherent dangers of her working environment, Sarah completed a business degree and went on to work in the recruitment industry and the Department of Defense, where she met and married the man of her dreams: a dashing, Army Blackhawk pilot. They have four young sons and live on the beautiful Queensland coast, where Sarah’s days are spent being a frazzled mum, writer, Bikram Yoga devotee and the only woman in a house of five males.

INTERVIEW

Describe your writing style in five words: Humorous, heartwarming, romagic, chick lit. (Romagic is my new buzz word that is taking off – it’s romantic comedy with a dash of magic – spells, time travel, wishes, etc, but not enough to be classed as Paranormal or Fantasy)

If you weren’t a writer, you’d be a: deluded, insane mother of four boys!

Tell us about your book, “Hindsight”: Humour, wit, and just a touch of humility: the swinging 60s as you’ve never seen them before!

The universe has sent Juliette a sign. She wishes it had been an email instead…

Juliette’s career is on fire, her marriage and family are in melt-down, and a red-hot goddess wants her husband. But those are the least of her worries when she wakes up on her lounge room floor in the year 1961.

Without any of her modern conveniences — nanny, housekeeper, surgically attached mobile phone, designer wardrobe, and intravenous lattes — Juliette is just over fifty years out of her comfort zone. But as she takes on the role of a 1961 housewife, with gritted liberated teeth, she discovers an unexpected truth: slower doesn’t mean boring, at home doesn’t mean dull, and priorities don’t mean sacrifices.

As she finds unexpected friendships, a resuscitated love life, tragedy and triumph, Juliette begins to wonder if she really wants to return home after all.

Hardback/paperbacks or eBooks? It’s available as an Ebook from Escape Publishing.

What was the writing/editing/publishing process like? A huge learning curve! But now I am a little wiser so next time I won’t be so overwhelmed. During all my years as a reader, I am ashamed to say that I never gave any thought to how hard authors work to write their stories, publish and promote them.

What is your favorite word? Romagic comedy!

How did you celebrate when your book was published? I had a blog launch, where I chatted with my friends, and a little glass of bubbles!

What is the best part about being an author? Making friends with other writers – we can chat about books all day and no one’s eyes glaze over in boredom! It’s a real community.

Where is your favorite place to write? I have now pinched my 10 year old son’s homework desk in his room. He is a very chilled kid and the room has a great energy about it.

Career wise, where do you expect to be in five years? Still writing, but doing it smarter.  I don’t want to churn the books out, for the sake of it, but I would like future books to take much less than the 2 years Hindsight took me!

What is the best advice to someone who wants to be a writer? Learn the craft and never give up. Join writing groups – such as the amazing Chick Lit Goddesses- because no one will understand the hurdles you face better than another writer. By the way, thank you Isabella for creating CLG! You have literally bought a world of writers together.

Can you tell us about any of your upcoming projects? I’ve got a 60K novel about a woman who casts a spell that destroys her current life, a novella with an imaginary friend wandering around in it, and am plotting another novel where the protagonist has to deal with, and outsmart, a very sexy devil!

HindsightCoverPic**Contact Sarah Belle:

Website   Blog   Facebook   Goodreads   Twitter

**Buy “Hindsight” by Sarah Belle:

Escape Publishing: Hindsight

Filed Under: Sarah Belle Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Guest Interview, Hindsight, Romance, Sarah Belle

Lydia Laceby

October 15, 2013 4 Comments

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About author, Lydia Laceby: Lydia Laceby is the co-founder of Novel Escapes, a chick lit and contemporary women’s fiction review website. Since 2009, she has read and reviewed as much women’s fiction as humanly possible while designing, organizing and expanding the website from two reviewers to seven.

In her spare time, she knits cute baby hats, would pick cheese over chocolate–if she had to choose–and regularly cheats on her allergy free diet.

Lydia has always wanted to write and began her career writing a soap opera at the tender age of thirteen. It never aired. Redesigning Rose is her first novel.

INTERVIEW

Describe yourself in five words: Perfectionistic. Daydreamer. Punctual (ridiculously so). Impatient.  Creative.

What would your perfect day involve? Coffee, writing, reading, tea, abstinence from checking my sales numbers, and dinner with my husband and the family we hope to one day have followed by a decadent desert that has no calories and a good night’s sleep.

Tell us about your book, “Redesigning Rose”: Rose Parker thinks she has it all. But what she really has is an immaculate house that is empty and hollow, friends who have vanished, and a lying snake of a husband. When she uncovers her husband’s dirty little secrets, Rose walks out on her shell of a life and when she gradually rebuilds she realizes she had absolutely nothing at all.

Hard/paperbacks or eBooks? I’ve been converted to eBooks! I love having the choice of what to start reading next if I’m out somewhere and finish my book. I also love that when the novel I’m reading (or the odd character on the subway that distracts me from it) sparks an idea, I can flip to my notepad app on my iPad and jot it down.

What was the writing/editing/publishing process like for you? Torture. Fantastic. Time consuming. All consuming. Empowering. Slow. Steady. Energy boosting. Wonderful. A test of my patience. And the patience of everyone around me. The most perfect thing in the world for me. I notice you didn’t ask about the marketing. And for that I am eternally grateful as you probably shouldn’t post the words I’d use.

What are you reading right now? Dangerous Curves Ahead. This is such a cute little book, and I’m loving it. Every woman that has ever been put down by a man should read this, whether it is for her weight or her intelligence, or the plethora of other reasons some very silly men get into their heads to put a woman down, either outright or in the stealthy things they do and say.

Where did you get the idea for “Redesigning Rose”? See the previous question. Seriously though, it spawned from the many lies I’ve been told in my past and morphed into a beautiful and inspiring story about overcoming obstacles, particularly the ones we erect ourselves. Because I don’t plot much, preferring to wing it and see where my characters take me, the only idea I had was one of a woman who needed to learn how to trust again, how to live again, and the rest blossomed from that.

If you could meet another author, who would it be? Jennifer Weiner. Her debut novel, Good in Bed, changed my life. It reignited my long dormant desire to write, and I wouldn’t be here, being interviewed as an author without it. It also caused me to break up with a very bad man who didn’t want me to buy it because I was broke. He never understood my passion for books. So, you see, I owe her a lot and would like to say thank you.

Tell us about your website, “Novel Escapes”: Novel Escapes is a contemporary women’s fiction and chick lit book blog and was born when my sister-in-law/BFF and I decided to bring our constant reading and book discussions to others to help guide their reading choices.

How has social media helped your career? I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. I’ve learned tips and tricks about writing and marketing and publicity. I’ve made connections. I’m even planning a book event in my hometown of Toronto with nine other wonderful authors in November, Book Buzz Toronto! None of this would have been possible without it social media. **Blogger note: Check out Book Buzz Toronto, HERE!

Every writer must have a…: Good pair of walking shoes, a plethora of post it notes and highlighters, and Scrivener.

Can you tell us about any of your upcoming projects? I’m working on another contemporary women’s fiction novel with a heroine who has an unusual way of dealing with conflict. It’s a ticking time bomb that ends up detonating and sending shrapnel flying through her already complicated life.

RedesigningRoseCoverPic**”Redesigning Rose” will be on sale thru October 17th, so be sure to get your copy on Amazon.com or Kobo.com, today!

**Contact Lydia:

Email: lydia.laceby@yahoo.com   Blog   Facebook   Goodreads   Twitter

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