Sharla Lovelace's Blog, page 8
November 14, 2012
Off The Beaten Path with Cynthia Ellingsen
Here we are again at Off The Beaten Path! A once-a-month opportunity to get to know a very special romance or women’s fiction author, in a fun and hopefully interactive way. We all like to get to know our favorite authors a little better, and I want to make that fun for everyone.
This month, I’m so excited to have the fabulous Cynthia Ellingsen here!!
*cue applause*
Cynthia and I met at this past summer’s RWA National Conference, where our mutual editor introduced us at the Berkley cocktail party. We were fast friends! What fun we had out on the patio (waiting for the heater) brainstorming promo ideas and people watching. 
Cynthia is hysterically funny, witty, gorgeous, fearless, and one of those rare people that look you in the eye with so much intensity and genuine interest in what you’re saying, that it blows you away. She’s a gem, this one! And a very talented author as well! Her first book, THE WHOLE PACKAGE, came out last year, and it’s a hoot! If you love stories about best friends and the crazy antics they can get into, this one’s for you! And she’s got another winner on the way with MARRIAGE MATTERS in March! (available for preorder!)
But I’m going to let Cynthia talk now… so…
* * * *
Me: Hey Cynthia!! *waving from Texas* First question…Top ingredients on any food product are the primary make up of that food. What top three words would you use to describe yourself? And you can’t use “writer”, because that’s too easy.
Cynthia: *waves from Kentucky* 1) Funny, 2) friendly, 3) Aries.
Me: I love candles and burn them year round, and my family knows my preferences when it comes to scents. What are yours? If not candles, maybe lotion or cologne?
Cynthia: Vanilla! I love the smell of a vanilla candle or a pumpkin spice candle. And I wish they could create a candle called “fireplace”, because I absolutely love that smell.
Me: Oh…I would love a “fireplace” one too. Okay, next question… I cry at sad movies…especially animal ones. What type of movies take you down?
Cynthia: Dead Poet’s Society. It’s so good, so inspirational. I think I’ve cried every single time I’ve seen it.
Me: If you could go back and tell your younger self one important thing, what would it be?
Cynthia: To buy stock in Apple! And Starbucks! And Apple! (Oh, dear. Was this answer supposed to be something uplifting? Fail.)
Me: (laughing) Starbucks is like the mother ship to me, as well as a tall glass of sweet tea. What is your favorite beverage?
Cynthia: I really love a hearty smoothie with blueberries and whatever else. A café by my house sells one with peanut butter and blueberries. So good – like drinking a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Me: Okay now I want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich…sigh. If you could pick a dream vacation where money was no object, what would it be?
Cynthia: Ooh, a Four Seasons getaway in Maui and Kauai with my husband. Hawaii’s so beautiful – we love it. When are you sending the tickets again? I’ve already got my lei on!
Me: Sure!!! Tickets are on their way, via carrier pigeon! LOL! Okay… If you could go back and revisit another day at any point in your life, what would it be?
Cynthia: Aww, how fun would that be?! I vote for any holiday with my whole family. Such good memories.
Me: I know you and I already did this together over Karen White, but is there anyone else you would be a total crazy fan girl over if you met them in person?
Cynthia: Ha! Yes, I’m sure Karen White was like, “Whoa. Who are these two crazy girls?” But she was so awesome. If given the opportunity to flip out again, I think I’d probably get gaga over any author I read all the time when I was young. Judy Blume, obviously. Beverly Cleary, for sure. Ann M. Martin, no question. And if we want to stroll away from literary and on over to the favorite band category, I would light up like a Christmas tree if I bumped into Coldplay on the street. And in this scenario, they’d certainly be singing.
Me: What is your favorite curl-up-on-the-couch-and-hibernate comfort food?
Cynthia: Anything salty. I went through a big Cheetos phase. It’s probably for the best that’s over.
Me: Don’t even get me started on Cheetos. O.o So… what is your favorite all time movie that you could watch over and over?
Cynthia: Since we’re approaching the holiday season, I’m gonna go with a whole series: A Christmas Story, Rudolph and Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation. Snuggled up with the hubs, a big fuzzy blanket and some snacks, this sounds like a perfect scenario.
Absolutely amazing to have Cynthia here with us today, and now she’s graciously giving away a signed copy of her book, THE WHOLE PACKAGE! I’m telling you, you don’t want to miss this! Leave a comment for Cynthia below, and a random winner will be chosen tonight to win!
So jump in there and enter!! Good luck!
Cynthia is an author and screenwriter who lives in Lexington, KY with her husband. THE WHOLE PACKAGE is her debut novel, and her second novel, MARRIAGE MATTERS, will be out in March 2013.
Tagged: cynthia ellingsen, marriage matters, off the beaten path, romance, sharla lovelace, the whole package, womens fiction
November 12, 2012
My squee moments…
I mentioned that I was signing at the John Cooper School Signature Author Series last Friday…
Did I mention that I was going to meet Kathryn Stockett?
Well I did! I mean, not like hey we’re bff’s and dishing about lotion scents and recipes, but I did get my picture taken with her and Tate Taylor, who did the movie version of THE HELP.
Yeah, I was excited. AND if you didn’t see me squeeing all over Facebook, I had a childhood fangirl moment with the oldest Hardy Boy, when he was there with two other authors as the cover artist. He does photography now. AND he gushed over my cover. And told me how clever my chapter booklets were. AND I got a picture with him too!
(me and Parker Stevenson)
Yay!
So…now back to reality, but during that reality, today I’m at The Book Pushers, talking about the hugest theme in BEFORE AND EVER SINCE, which is the power of secrets. Stop by for a chance at a giveaway!
Y’all have a great day!
Tagged: before and ever since, book launch, events, john cooper school, kathryn stockett, parker stevenson, romance, secrets, sharla lovelace, tate taylor, the book pusher, the help, virtual tour, womens fiction
November 9, 2012
Today’s just a Friday… :)
What? No life lesson? No hot guys? What’s with that?
Well, Emily told us all she’s going to, now it’s up to readers to soak up the whole story. And the hot guys? Reading about Ben will take care of that for you.
What I can give you is the link for where I am visiting today on my virtual tour. I’ll being interviewed at Romantic Book Affairs today, with a giveaway of swag, and a tour-wide e-basket giveaway of each of my books. Worth stopping in to say hello!!
Physically, as in the real world I walk around in, today kicks off a three day event frenzy.
Yep…pretty much that!
Today: 10am – 2pm Signing at the John Cooper School Signature Author Series, featuring Kathryn Stockett of the THE HELP. I’m one of ten visiting authors signing today at The Woodlands Marriott Convention Center in The Woodlands, TX. Click on the link to see more!
Saturday: 4pm – 7pm Meet The Author social event at the Crescent Moon Wine Bar and Restaurant in Spring, TX. I’m hanging out with everyone and giving away books as doorprizes at the top of each hour! If you are in the area, come hang out with us! There will be great food and great wine!
Sunday: 2pm – 4pm Signing at The Woodlands Barnes & Noble (Woodlands Mall) in The Woodlands, TX. I’ll be signing BEFORE AND EVER SINCE and having a drawing for a giveaway of JUST ONE DAY! Again, if you are in the area, come by!
Whew!! Are you tired?
I’m excited! Let’s do it!
Tagged: barnes & noble, before and ever since, book launch, crescent moon wine bar, john cooper school, sharla lovelace, signings, virtual tour
November 8, 2012
Hot Tool Guy of the Day #9
And last but not least…
Tagged: before and ever since, book launch, hot tool guys, romance, sharla lovelace
Life Lesson #8 from savvy Emily Lockwood
BEFORE AND EVER SINCE is now available! I get lots of questions asking me what it’s about.
Basically, the main character, Emily Lockwood has alot on her plate. She is successful in her own right, with a solid real estate career, but has a headstrong daughter, a mother who marches to her own drummer, and an ex-husband who needs sex therapy. Enter into this picture a house with an agenda, and the return of her first love, rocking a tool belt and a paintbrush and dark eyes full of secrets, and Emily just flat out has things to get through and get over. I call them the “Emily Lockwood Life Lessons”.
We can all learn things from Emily. And this is the last one she has to share. I’ve so enjoyed sharing Emily and her life lessons with you! I hope you’ve enjoyed it too.
Life Lesson #8 from Emily in BEFORE AND EVER SINCE…
MOTHERS KNOW EVERYTHING, NO MATTER HOW OLD YOU GET.
…an excerpt from the book…
I rounded a corner of the wall and leaned my back against it, breathing in the cold air fast to stop the burn from coming back up.
But it wasn’t to be stopped. Everything stung on its way out. My skin felt hot, my eyes burned, my stomach threatened to upheave the nachos. My chest felt as if it would cave in from the lack of oxygen, as my sobs took over and beat the crap out of me. I slid down the rough brick wall till I was half sitting, half squatting on the ground.
Why the hell did he have to come back? If he didn’t want me then, fine. So why was he back now, acting as if he did? Holding me like that. Looking at me like that. Stirring up old shit.
“Emily!”
I jumped half out of my skin at the sound of my mother’s voice, and I scrambled unsuccessfully to get to my feet.
“Jesus, just—stay where you are, I’ll come to you,” she said, slowly getting to the ground. “Just takes me a minute.”
“I—just needed some air, Mom, I’m—”
“Oh yeah, I can see you’re the picture of wonderful,” she said. “Everyone has meltdowns behind buildings when things are going well.”
“I know,” I croaked. “I must look like a lunatic.”
“Luckily I speak the language.” My mom took one of my hands. “You’re in love with that man.”
New tears. New burn. “Well, that made me feel better, thanks.” The hiccupping sobs returned. It was all kinds of fabulous that other people could see what I was killing myself to keep hidden. Of course, the latest floorshow probably hadn’t left much to the imagination. We danced like people in love.
“Damn him,” I hissed.
* * *
Available at all retail stores and online locations
Books-a-Million Book Depository
Tagged: before and ever since, book launch, emily lockwood life lessons, romance, sharla lovelace
November 7, 2012
Hot Tool Guy of the Day #8
This one’s so sweet…
Tagged: before and ever since, book launch, hot tool guys, romance, sharla lovelace
Life Lesson #7 from savvy Emily Lockwood
IT’S HERE!!
BEFORE AND EVER SINCE is now available! I get lots of questions asking me what it’s about.
Basically, the main character, Emily Lockwood has alot on her plate. She is successful in her own right, with a solid real estate career, but has a headstrong daughter, a mother who marches to her own drummer, and an ex-husband who needs sex therapy. Enter into this picture a house with an agenda, and the return of her first love, rocking a tool belt and a paintbrush and dark eyes full of secrets, and Emily just flat out has things to get through and get over. I call them the “Emily Lockwood Life Lessons”.
We can all learn things from Emily.
Life Lesson #7 from Emily in BEFORE AND EVER SINCE…
THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS AN INNOCENT KISS WHEN IT’S WITH A NOT-SO-INNOCENT MAN.
…an excerpt from the book…
Ben took a deep breath and rubbed his face and then his hair, making it stick up in little spikes. “Me and you? I have no desire to go backwards and reopen old wounds. I’d rather focus on now.”
I was about to ask what old wounds he had to draw on regarding me, when he lifted my chin and kissed my lips. Even through my shock, I felt the energy ripple between us, and his breathing quicken.
“Starting with there.”
He turned and walked out, leaving me to stand there like a goon, just as Bernie and my mother walked in. My mom turned to glance behind her after she looked at me—probably because I looked like I’d been shot and dragged through the mud with all my crying.
“You okay?” she asked.
“He really just did that,” I mumbled.
“Just did what?” Aunt Bernie asked as she came in and looked around. “Girl, you still have a lot to do in here.”
“Yeah,” I said, annoyed that they had horned in on my moment. I shook my head free of the fog that accompanied Ben’s lips, and then got annoyed again that there was even fog. Or a moment. “Um—yeah,” I repeated, looking around. “Still a lot to do.”
I grabbed a box from the closet and left the room, leaving them behind me. I’d just start loading up my car with crap and then I wouldn’t have to come back every day. Although that was a joke since I knew I would.
I got increasingly irate at his audacity as I lugged an unfortunately heavy box down the stairs. I put it down to open the door, and then cursed my remote for not opening my trunk.
“Need some help?” Ben called from the garage.
I pinned the box against the car with my body and ignored him as I opened it with the key.
“Hey,” he said, walking up, a folded sheet of plastic under his arm.
“I’ve got it,” I said.
“Oh, I see that,” he said, laughter in his voice.
I got the box in the trunk and whirled around. “Where do you get off just kissing me like that?”
His eyes widened in humorous surprise. “Was it hideous?”
He knew it wasn’t. He knew it had curled my toes. “You don’t want to face anything heavy, answer any tough questions, just skip off into the future—”
“I’m pretty sure I never mentioned skipping.”
“Like I’m supposed to trust you now,” I continued, ignoring him. “And then you lay that kiss on me.”
He laughed, which just lit me up more. “I didn’t tackle you, Em.”
“How would you feel if I just walked up and—did this.” Before I knew it, I had his face in my hands and my mouth was on his. What was intended to be aggressive immediately turned soft. Searching.
Shaking, I let go and stepped back, not knowing what the hell I was doing. His eyes were heavy and his breathing was fast.
“How would you—what would you do?” I asked weakly, though I managed to keep my head up as I turned to walk away.
I felt his hand on my arm as he spun me back around and backed me against the car. His hands came up to my face and his mouth and body landed against mine at the same time. All the air left me as I expected something fiery and got soft and deliciously slow instead. When he dove deeper, I defied all my own defenses and pulled him in, winding my arms around him. Just when I began to lose myself in his kiss, he stopped and backed away slowly.
His fingers trailed down my cheeks as he met my eyes with an expression so full of heat it could have self-ignited.
“Probably something like that,” he breathed, sounding a little ragged.
“Okay then,” I croaked. “Glad we’re clear.”
“Your move?”
I held up a finger, pretty impressed that I could. “I’m good,” I said, sliding sideways around him.
I headed straight back into the house and up the stairs, not missing a beat. “Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god.”
I was on fire. I went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face, then groaned at the sight of myself. I glowed, I was so red. And I still had paint globs sticking out of my hat and puffy eyes from crying.
“What the hell am I doing?” I said, running the icy water over my wrists to cool off. “This isn’t a game. You aren’t fifteen.”
“Why are you talking to yourself?” my mother said from behind me, making me jump.
I blew out a breath and grabbed a nearby towel, I pressed my face into it and wished for that one second that I could stay in there.
“Because I’m losing my mind,” I said into the towel.
* * *
Available at all retail stores and online locations
Books-a-Million Book Depository
Tagged: before and ever since, book launch, emily lockwood life lessons, sharla lovelace
November 6, 2012
Hot Tool Guy of the Day #7
In honor of release day, this is my inspiration for Ben. He holds no tools. He’s resting.
Tagged: before and ever since, book launch, hot tool guys, romance, sharla lovelace
Life Lesson #6 from savvy Emily Lockwood
IT’S HERE!!
BEFORE AND EVER SINCE is out today! I get lots of questions asking me what it’s about.
Basically, the main character, Emily Lockwood has alot on her plate. She is successful in her own right, with a solid real estate career, but has a headstrong daughter, a mother who marches to her own drummer, and an ex-husband who needs sex therapy. Enter into this picture a house with an agenda, and the return of her first love, rocking a tool belt and a paintbrush and dark eyes full of secrets, and Emily just flat out has things to get through and get over. I call them the “Emily Lockwood Life Lessons”.
We can all learn things from Emily.
Life Lesson #6 from Emily in BEFORE AND EVER SINCE…
PAINT IS HOT.
…an excerpt from the book…
I went out through the garage, where Ben was leaned over a five gallon bucket of paint, stirring it with a flat piece of wood. Next to him on a makeshift table, were two other small cans of paint with little wooden stir sticks poking out.
“Why do you do that?” I asked.
“What?” he responded, not looking up.
“Bait him like that,” I said, picking my way carefully around the random tools and pieces of discarded wood on the floor. “Is it on purpose, or does he just bring out the twelve year old in you?”
I felt, rather than saw the smile. “Little of both, probably.”
“Why?” I repeated as I got closer, my three-inch heels playing hell with all the power cords.
“Because he’s the same condescending asshole now that he was then.”
“And–”
I was about to tell him that I agreed with him and he didn’t need to bait Kevin anymore. But then I remembered that there wouldn’t be a reason anyway since he’d left me and made all those petty arguments between them go away. The thoughts jumped over each other, distracting me long enough to step on a block of wood that turned under my foot.
“Oh–shi–” I exclaimed as I lurched sideways and the spike of my heel snapped off.
My left hand flailed out for support, met with one of the little stir sticks instead, and flipped it out of the can and across Ben’s face. The paint splattered across his left cheek and nose, and slung streaks into my hair as I continued my sideways direction right into his arms.
“Whoa!” he said, as I landed hard against him. “Are you okay?”
I gasped and then looked up just inches from his face, suddenly recalling the last time I was held so tightly against his body. I even was acutely aware of where his hands were and one of them was fairly south. Not that that had been by his choice. But then the sight of the paint across his face and in his eyebrows broke the moment and I clamped my lips shut as the laughter shook me.
“I’m–” I laughed again, trying to stop. “I’m so sorry.”
He let go with one hand to wipe a blob off his nose, and while I tried to stem the funny that just kept bubbling up in me, he smeared it along my cheek.
“Oh!” I said laughing. “Not cool!”
I looked down at my clothes as he set me back on my feet, but he didn’t back up for more space. Instead he picked a dripping clump of paint from my hair and smiled slowly, while we were still so close I could feel him breathe. His expression was playful and achingly reminiscent of the old days.
“Now you look really good,” he said, slowly backing up. He pushed a piece of hair from my face, the unexpected brush of his fingers against my temple causing me to catch my breath. His eyes met mine as I did that, and showed a flicker of something old.
“You were about to get paint in your eyes,” he said softly.
* * *
Available at all retail stores and online locations
Books-a-Million Book Depository
Tagged: before and ever since, book launch, emily lockwood life lessons, romance, sharla lovelace
November 5, 2012
Hot Tool Guy of the Day #6
Inspiration to us all… build me something!
Tagged: before and ever since, book launch, hot tool guys, romance, sharla lovelace
