Samantha March's Blog, page 9
June 24, 2014
CLP Blog Tours Interview and Excerpt: The Right Design by Isabella Louise Anderson
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you? In some way, I’ve always known. I have folders upon folders of short stories and uncompleted manuscripts. In March of 2010, and after a few medical setbacks, I started taking an online writing course at Gotham Writers’ Workshop. I loved the Creative Writing class, and decided that it was time to start taking my writing seriously. Since then, I haven’t looked back.
Why was The Right Design a book you wanted to write? My intention of writing “The Right Design” was because I wanted to participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). It would be my first, so I was really looking forward to it. So on November 1st of 2012, and I sat down to write and didn’t stop. Now, I’m not saying it wasn’t difficult, but writing became easier as days passed. I’m proud to say that NaNoWriMo help me succeed into authorhood.
You are also a book blogger at Chick Lit Goddess. Why did you start your blog and what impact did it have on your writing career? I started Chick Lit Goddess as a way to get my name out there. While I wasn’t a writer yet (I was still taking GWW classes), I wanted to start sharing my love for books, particularly in the chick lit/contemporary romance genre. I have had a chance to meet and interview so many wonderful people (from self-published authors to New York Times Bestselling authors) who have encouraged me to keep writing—even when times get hard. To this day, I’m grateful for the support and love the Chick Lit Goddess has received.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you? Definitely the beginning! From the first chapter to the last, drawing the reader in is very important. You want them hooked right away, so making the first few chapters stand out is always my biggest challenge.
What are your favorite genres to read? Chick lit/contemporary romances! On occasion, biographies, too.
What do you want readers to take away from your story? What I want readers to take away from “The Right Design” is that just because your life might not go as expected or how you envisioned it, things will work out in the end, just like they did for Carrie.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days? Huge! We live in a social media world, so a great way to get your name and your books out there is use social media—Facebook, Twitter, newsletters, book blog tours (like this one), etc.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers? Write, write, write! I know this is easier said than done, but it’s true. As long as you get that first draft written, you have what it means to move to the next step, and continue on until you’re a published author.
**Excerpt**
CHAPTER TWO
Once she was out the door, Carrie gave herself permission to cry. How could he do this to me, to us? Tears fell down her cheeks as she sat in the car and stared at the door, waiting for Roger to run out of the house, take her in his arms, and tell her that it was just a bad dream and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. That didn’t happen.
With a large sigh, she looked down at her clothing. This isn’t who I am, she thought. She sobbed more, harder this time, embarrassed at how she must’ve looked, and it was all Roger’s fault. She wondered if he’d even noticed his fantasy had come to life, though he seemed to be too distracted by other activities.
She started the car, slowly pulled out of the driveway and began to drive, with no destination in mind. Memories of the night they met, their first kiss, the first time they slept together, and this morning when he gave her the diamond earrings—they all blurred together.
“What went wrong?” she mumbled out loud, stopping at a red light. Until now, Carrie thought that things had been going well.
In the beginning of their relationship, Roger had been everything she’d looked for in a companion and she thought that he felt the same about her. He treated her with kindness, respect, and a gentleness she’d never known. While she’d dated several guys she liked, there was no comparison between them and Roger. He had been there for her when her cat went missing, and even helped put up missing posters around the neighborhood. Roger made it a point to spend time with her, leaving his guy friends behind, and he didn’t care what they said about him being whipped. The truth was, he wasn’t; he just cared about and wanted to be with Carrie. No other man had been as into her as Roger. Though, the past couple of years, they’d had their ups and downs, all of their issues had resolved—Roger’s spending habits and Carrie’s jealousy. During and for a while after Roger’s cancer scare, his desire for her had faded. As patient as she’d tried to be with him, she’d missed the intimacy they had, and often went to sleep faced away from him as tears ran down her cheeks. Finally, all the tests came back, and Roger was found to be cancer free. Over time, they had worked on their sex life, vowing to try to be more attentive to the other’s needs, wants, and limits—no matter what.
Just last month, they’d started making plans for the future, which included vacations to Ireland and the Cayman Islands. They’d even been discussing marriage.
Tears poured down her face again, and she felt one drop between her breasts. She opened her console to grab a tissue and then dabbed her eyes.
Moments later when her cell phone rang, she declined Roger’s call and then decided to call her sister. Older by three years, Sara had ways of making anything better. They’d always been open and honest with each other, sharing everything, and there wasn’t much they didn’t know about the other. In high school, Carrie had been nervous about fitting in as a freshman, so Sara introduced her to all of her own friends, some of whom the two still kept in touch with. Thanks to Sara, Carrie fit in. Sara always told her, “We Newman sisters have to stick together!”
“Hey, Care Bear,” Sara said in a cheerful tone when she picked up. “How are you?”
“Not good. Are you home or are you at your store?” Carrie sniffed.
“I’m working from home today,” she said. “You’d think flipping through magazine after magazine for possible products to sell would be fun, but—”
“I need to see you. Can I come over?” she asked, interrupting.
“Of course. I’ll be waiting.”
When Carrie arrived, Sara was outside, dressed in her favorite gray cashmere lounge pants, matching jacket, and white T-shirt, holding two coffee mugs. Her dyed light-brown hair was in a ponytail and pulled to the side, and she wore no make-up. Compared to Carrie’s natural brunette hair, which she’d been meaning to have highlighted but with her work schedule hadn’t found the time, wearing clothes she wanted to burn, and bloodshot eyes that spilled black mascara over her heart-shaped face, it would be hard for anyone to believe they were sisters.
After grabbing the clothes she’d worn to work, Carrie walked up the steps to Sara’s large two-story home that she shared with her husband, Sean.
“Hi,” Carrie managed to say.
Sara handed her a coffee mug. Observing her sister’s wardrobe, she asked, “What’s wrong, sweetie?”
Carrie didn’t hold back. “Roger and I are over. He cheated on me.” She took a fairly large sip of her drink, but before Sara could respond, Carrie choked and spit it back in the cup. “Ugh. Sara, what’s in this?”
Sara stood still, blinking at her sister as if she hadn’t heard her correctly. She finally managed to speak. “Apple cider with a shot of whiskey.” Still in shock at Carrie’s revelation, she spoke slowly. “Let’s get you inside before you catch a cold.”
Carrie nodded and took another sip of her drink, this time prepared for the strong taste of whiskey.
Sara led Carrie into her living room, which she had painted a light shade of brown with framed scenes of various landscapes hanging from the walls. The matching couch and sofa were tan with an array of colors and shapes and intricate threaded throw pillows added for color and decoration. Like Carrie, design came naturally to Sara, although she hired a local professional interior designer because she claimed she didn’t have the time and didn’t want to put extra work on Carrie.
After they both sat down, Sara waited until Carrie wanted to talk and didn’t try pushing her.
“He cheated on me.” She looked at her sister as tears welled up in her eyes. “I found them on our kitchen counter going at it.” The same counter that I had custom ordered and had shipped from Paris—for us!
“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.” She hugged Carrie, allowing her to weep, as she stroked her head. “That’s it,” Sara whispered. “Cry it out.”
“Today’s our sixth anniversary. I came home to surprise him, and that’s when I saw them together.” Carrie paused for a moment as she replayed every gory detail in her head. Damn them both, Carrie thought. “I tried to create his favorite erotic fantasy.” She looked down at her clothing, adding, “That’s why I’m dressed like this.” She reached for a tissue from a box that sat on the coffee table in front of them and wiped the corners of her eyes. Blowing out a heavy breath, she continued, “Everything had been going great, but I should’ve known he and I were too good to be true. I wasted six years of my life with him, and this is the thanks I get. I loved him, Sara.”
“Oh, honey, I know you did.” She squeezed Carrie’s hand and gave her a weak smile. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks. But hey, if Kristen Stewart can cheat on hot vampire Rob, then I guess anything’s possible, right?” she said with a half-smile. Shaking her head with a sigh, she knew her attempt at a joke had failed. “Would it be okay if…” she began, but paused when they heard the kitchen door open and close, and Carrie widened her eyes at Sara.
Sara read Carrie’s mind. “You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like.” She stood up, reaching for their coffee mugs. “I’ll be right back,” she said, and then left the room.
When Sara came back in the room, her husband Sean followed, holding a can of Tecate beer. “Hey, kid,” he said to Carrie, sitting down next to her and draping an arm over her shoulders. “Sara told me what happened. Can I do anything for you?”
Carrie nodded and tried to smile the best she could. “You’re sweet, Sean, but I’ll be okay.” Carrie had always liked her brother-in-law, and they had a close brother-sister type relationship. She knew how much Sean loved Sara, especially when Sean asked for Carrie’s help when he’d planned on proposing, just over ten years ago.
Sean had the body of an NFL wide receiver, tall and athletic, and in some ways, he resembled George Clooney with his graying hair and sun-kissed tan.
“If there is anything we can do for you, all you have to do is ask, okay?”
“Thanks, Sean.” Carrie hugged herself through her trench coat. Suddenly feeling shy, she looked up at her sister. “Would you mind if I borrow some clothes? All I have are my work clothes, and I want to get this thing off of me as fast as I can.” They hadn’t exchanged clothes in years, and Carrie was eager to see what Sara had added to her ever-growing wardrobe.
Sara extended her hand. “Of course. Come with me.”
Carrie began following Sara to the landing of the stairs, but before Carrie passed Sean, she paused in front of him. “I hate to ask this of you, but would you mind going to my, er, I mean to Roger’s house and picking up some of my clothes?”
“No problem at all. And just remember, I’m on your side.”
“Thanks.” She nodded. “I really appreciate it.”
When Roger had met Sean just over six years ago, Carrie and Sara had both been happy when the men in their lives had gotten along. They hunted, fished, and even threw guys-only Super Bowl parties every year. They had become more than friends, more like brothers. Though, that had been when life had been perfect.
“How about we go out to dinner afterward?” Sean asked.
All Carrie could do was nod at Sara.
“Sure, babe. That sounds great.” Sara gave him a love tap on his bottom and made her way up the stairs.
“Thanks, Sean. You’re the best.” Carrie quickly followed Sara’s lead up the rounding staircase. Once they were in Sara’s closet, Carrie held her sister’s size-four jeans out at arm’s length and shook her head. “Geez, Sara, you’re so little.”
Sara laughed as she slid on another pair of jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt. “That’s my trainer’s fault. He kicks my ass. Do those pants work for you?”
Carrie nodded and slipped on a bra, a little surprised that her breasts filled the large C-cup, and then a sweater. She admired herself in Sara’s full-length mirror, liking what she saw until she noticed the diamonds attached to her earlobes. “I know I don’t want these anymore.” She quickly took them off, and then handed them to Sara.
“He gave these to you, didn’t he?”
Looking down at her feet, Carrie said, “Yes,” barely audible.
“I’ll get rid of them for you. Now, it’s time to put that jerk out of your mind.” Sara gave Carrie a hopeful smile. “Let’s go downstairs and wait for Sean.”
Close to an hour later, Sean returned with a box of Carrie’s belongings. “How did things go?” Carrie asked.
He took a deep breath. “Well, he and I had a talk. Roger wants you back. He lost his job today and went to a bar, got drunk, and—”
“Brought that tart home,” Carrie interrupted in a bitter tone.
Roger sat down on the sofa across from Carrie and Sara. “Anyway, he feels very bad about what he did and is sorry.”
Sara gaped at her husband. “Now you’re on his side?” She glared at him, took a deep breath, and crossed her arms.
“No, Sara, I’m not on his side.” He handed Carrie an envelope, then added, “Roger asked me to give you this letter.”
Hesitantly, she took it but didn’t open it. “How do you expect me to believe any of that?” She eyed Sean and Sara for answers, though knew they couldn’t give her any.
All three of them sat there, saying nothing, until Sara broke the silence. “Well, shall we go to dinner?”
“Yeah, let’s go,” Carrie nodded doing her best to smile, but she couldn’t. He cheated on me because he’d been drinking?
“We can stay in if you’d prefer,” her sister offered.
Waving her hand, Carrie shook her head and stood up, shoving the letter into her purse. “I’m fine, really.”
“Okay, well let’s go,” said Sean, standing.
Carrie walked out of the room first but heard Sean whisper to Sara, “Is she going to be okay?”
“I hope so.”
**Everyone who leaves a comment below will be entered to win a The Right Design prize pack! Prizes include an eBook of The Right Design, plus a mug and pen! Please note this is open to US/CA residents only!**
Author Bio:
Isabella grew up with a book in her hand, and to this day nothing has changed. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and has been featured on several blogs. While Isabella doesn’t blog a lot, she focuses her time on featuring other writers, along with writing and editing. Isabella Louise Anderson created Chick Lit Goddess to share the love of the following genres: Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Romance, and Romantic Comedies! She loves featuring authors and their books. She lives in Dallas with her husband and cat. She enjoys spicy Mexican food and drinking margaritas, and can be found spending time with family and friends, cheering on the Texas Rangers, and reading. Isabella’s short story, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, was featured in Simon & Fig’s Christmas anthology, Merry & Bright, in November 2013. The Right Design is her first novel.
Author Links:
Author Website: http://www.isabellalouiseanderson.com
Author Facebook “Like” page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Isabella-Louise-Anderson-Author/253277964716883
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7382151.Isabella_Louise_Anderson
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/chicklitgoddess/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ILA121209
Chick Lit Goddess Links:
Website: http://chicklitgoddess.com
Chick Lit Goddess “Like” page: https://www.facebook.com/chicklitgoddess
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChickLitGoddess
**Get THE RIGHT DESIGN for just 99 cents during the tour!**
Purchase links:
Amazon (Kindle and paperback): http://www.amazon.com/Right-Design-Isabella-Louise-Anderson-ebook/dp/B00IW8UFTS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1401508824
Amazon – Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/Right-Design-Isabella-Louise-Anderson-ebook/dp/B00IW8UFTS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1401508868&sr=8-2&keywords=the+right+design
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-right-design-isabella-louise-anderson/1118887877?ean=2940149305407
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-right-design
June 20, 2014
Week 1 of Full-Time Books: It’s a Wrap!
Today is Friday, and my first week of self-employment is coming to an end. How did it go? Busy. My timing was fairly impeccable, because this week I’ve worked on two proofreading projects, one editing project, put one book into the final stages of publication for my 
position with BookTrope and another BookTrope author published her debut novel under my watch. Oh – and then I wrote 10K for my own book, managed blog tours, balanced my other BookTrope authors and their work, and read books for review on CLP. And had a life. Ish. That may sound like a busy schedule, but I was happy as a clam the entire week. Even when the pressure got to me on Tuesday and I felt like I couldn’t possible read over 300,000 words in a week. Even when I didn’t go to bed at a normal time with my husband like I thought I might be able to do once leaving my full-time job. Even when Friday has come and I realize I haven’t showered since Monday…TMI? This week has been intense, I’ve been focused, I’ve worked late nights…and I feel like I haven’t worked at all. Honestly.
Sunday night, I set my alarm for 7:30, the time I would normally get up during the week to work. I thought 7:30 seemed fair, but if I felt I needed more sleep, I’d hit snooze for an hour. I woke up at 6:45 Monday morning and was so excited and antsy to get to work, I was in my computer chair by seven ready to roll. When an author I work with had an event going on at 7AM on Tuesday morning, I was up and happy at 6:30 ready for the virtual event to begin. The past few nights I haven’t gone to bed until well after midnight, but each morning I’m ready to start my work day no later than eight. I’m excited to work. I’m eager to open my emails, to check my calendar and see what is scheduled for the day. I’m doing what I love, and the saying that if you do what you love you’ll never feel like you’re working is totally, totally for real. I’m once again counting my blessings that I’m able to make my dream become a reality. I could write on this subject for another three paragraphs, minimum, but …I have to get back to work! 
June 19, 2014
CLP Blog Tours Interview and Excerpt: Chez Stinky by Susan C Daffron
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I’ve been a writer for most of my professional life, so there really hasn’t been a time that I haven’t been writing. Like the main character in my novel Chez Stinky, I was a technical writer and I worked at magazines. Then I did editorial work, freelance writing, marketing writing and graphic design for years. I also wrote a couple of nonfiction books for big publishers and then transitioned my business into a publishing company. We published 12 nonfiction books of mine. More recently, in 2013, I decided to try my hand at writing novels after my company published my husband’s first novel. I figured if he could do it, I could do it 
Why was Chez Stinky a book you wanted to write?
You’ve probably heard the often cited writing advice that you should “write the book you want to read.” I like light romance, humor, and books that have funny animal stories. Chez Stinky has all of those.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
I’m a die-hard plotter, so mapping out the story can be a challenge. There’s a point where I look at the beginnings of the outline and it feels like every idea I have is just stupid. Usually that means I haven’t developed the characters enough yet. Eventually I get over myself, discover what my characters are like, and the plot starts to reveal itself.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I enjoy well-written romance and have read a whole lot of mainstream romance novels by authors like Nora Roberts and Susan Wiggs. I also love Janet Evanovitch’s books because they are so funny. On a vacation with my family, I remember sitting in the living room reading with my mom, my husband, my sister. We were all reading Janet’s early “numbers” books and one or the other of us would burst out laughing. Very, very few books have ever made me laugh out loud. But the scenes with Stephanie Plum and Bob the gastrointestinally challenged dog absolutely crack me up.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
That sometimes what seem like awful changes in your life can end up turning into something great.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
I think social media is less important than writing. If you “don’t have time” to write your book because you’re spending too much time on Twitter, you’ll never finish or publish anything. I see this type of thing happen a lot, unfortunately. Many writers spend a lot of time talking about writing, instead of actually writing.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
It sounds completely obvious, but if you want to be a professional writer, you need to actually write something. Sometimes that means you have to write when you don’t feel like it. Writing is work and sometimes it’s no fun at all. But if you wait until the mythical “muse” strikes you to write something, it’s unlikely you’ll end up with many words on the page. Keep track of your word counts and pay attention to the times you write the best. Maybe it’s in the morning. Maybe it’s at night. But you won’t know if you never just sit down and write something first.
**Excerpt**
This is part of the scene where the main character, Kat, is at work in her office and gets a phone call letting her know she has inherited a house in the small town of Alpine Grove.
~~~
“My name is Larry Lowell and I’m a lawyer in the town of Alpine Grove. I’m afraid I have some bad news.”
Kat nodded. How could this day possibly get any worse? “What news?”
“Your great-aunt Abigail has died. I’m very sorry for your loss.”
“Aunt Abigail? Really?” Kat flashed on a memory of a thin white-haired woman wearing a floppy peasant skirt. “Wow, I haven’t seen her in years and I think my mother lost track of her. What happened?”
Larry cleared his throat and said quietly, “I’m not entirely sure of the precise details, but I know she was ill. She was an ‘unusual’ person, but smart and funny, even right before she passed away. I talked to her just a few weeks ago. She came into my office to talk about her estate.”
Kat raised her eyebrows, “Her estate?”
“Yes, you are named the principal beneficiary of her estate. You have inherited all of her assets up here in Alpine Grove.”
“Assets? What exactly do you mean by assets?”
Larry cleared his throat again. “She has a home up here, but it’s not in the greatest shape at the moment. With a little TLC, you could fix it up. However, there are a few stipulations, as well.”
What was this? Twenty Questions? Getting information out of this guy could take a while. Fortunately, as a technical writer, Kat had years of practice extracting information from recalcitrant people.
“Mr. Lowell, what exactly do you mean by ‘stipulations’?”
“It seems, Ms. Stevens, that there are some animals residing on the property. Abigail loved her babies, as she called them, and she wanted to make sure that they would be well taken care of after she was gone. She remembered that you love animals, and that’s why she wanted you to be their new mom as she would say.”
Their mom? This guy had to be kidding. Maternal she definitely was not. “So Mr. Lowell, what type of animals are we talking about here? I mean, I don’t know anything about cows or chickens or ducks or anything. I have one cat and I live in a 950-square-foot apartment.”
“Please call me Larry. We’ll probably be talking to each other a lot over the next few weeks. It would be best if we could meet in person. Would you like to set up a time to talk about this matter and go over the details?”
“Okay Larry. You can call me Kat. So how many animals are we talking about?”
“Abigail had four dogs and a number of cats. When I went to the property, I don’t think I actually saw them all, so I’m not entirely sure. But we think at least five cats. Abigail left detailed descriptions of the animals, but people had a habit of dumping stray cats out at her place when they no longer could take care of them, so I may have missed some outside barn cats.”
Once he finally spit it out, Larry could share some serious facts. After digesting the lawyer’s information dump for a moment, finally Kat said, “I think you’re right. We should talk about this in person. Could you give me directions?”
Larry related how to get to his office in Alpine Grove and agreed to meet Kat on Saturday afternoon. They would then drive out to the property. He promised to explain the rest of the details when they met.
Kat hung up the phone and stared blankly at her Half Dome poster again. Her quiet and slightly boring life was about to get a lot more complicated.
BIO
Susan Daffron is the author of one novel and 14 nonfiction books, including several about pet care and animal rescue. She lives in a small town in northernIdaho and shares her life with her husband, two dogs and a cat–the last three, all “rescues.” Her latest book, Chez Stinky (www.ChezStinky.com) is the first of a series of romantic comedy novels that will feature the small town of Alpine Grove.
When she’s not writing novels, Susan works as the president of Logical Expressions, Inc., a book and software publishing based company in Sandpoint,Idaho. You can read more about her at her websiteSusanDaffron.com.
Social Media Links:
Website/Blog - http://www.SusanDaffron.com
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/susandaffron
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/susandaffron
LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/susandaffron
Google+ - https://plus.google.com/106375199403630520853
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/218594.Susan_C_Daffron
Book Links
Here are all the links to sites where the book is available:
Amazon Links:
* Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/Chez-Stinky-ebook/dp/B00E40H4JC/
* Paperback - http://www.amazon.com/Chez-Stinky-Susan-C-Daffron/dp/1610380193/
Barnes & Noble Links:
* Paperback - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chez-stinky-susan-c-daffron/1116176389?ean=9781610380195
Publisher link:
https://shop.logicalexpressions.com/Store.shtml#!/~/product/category=3551356&id=26244526
Website about the book:
June 12, 2014
I Admit: I Love My Dog
I’ve always been a dog lover. We had a loveable Yorkshire Terrier named Dusty when I 
was growing up and who can resist a sweet puppy face? Luckily my husband is a dog-person as well, and we were anxious to move from our townhome with no yard to a house so we could really get down to business for finding our new family member.
In May of last year we closed on our home and after we married in September, starting seriously looking into dogs and breeders around our town. In November, we took home Aries, a Vizsla. I expected to love my dog. I expected her to bring me happiness (and frustration, sure!) and I expected her to become my sidekick. I can honestly say that I did not expect her to become my best friend, that I would fall so hard for a dog and truly think of her as family. Sure I had a dog as a young kid and I’ve heard over and over that dogs are another family member, but I admit – I kinda thought those people were crazy and overboard. Well, I’m here to eat those words because I am exactly the same. Our lives changed when we got her. My husband and I have fairly active social lives, but we find ourselves wanting to stay in more 
because we want to hang out with her and don’t want to lock her in her kennel for hours at a time. We love to bring her places with us, even just for car rides or out to slowpitch games. She’s also brought me and my husband closer, because instead of going our busy and separate ways once we are home from work, we want the three of us be together, whether it’s taking her on walk, to the dog park, or to the river. Or just simply playing in the living room together. Being around her makes me happy – not when she’s eating my shoes or the deck, no – but she truly brings happiness to me. And puppy snuggles – let’s not even get me started. I honestly can’t get over the fact that I turned into one of “those” people, who constantly talk about their dog or always upload pictures of the puppy doing silly things or simply looking cute. But I embrace it. Aries Janning is our family. Not too long ago, my husband turned to me and said, “I knew having a dog would make me happy, but I had no idea she would make me this happy.” And I 100% agree.
June 10, 2014
CLP Blog Tours Interview and Excerpt: Sophie King Box Collection
**Interview**
WHEN DID YOU KNOW WRITING WAS FOR YOU?
I always knew it because even as a child, I would squirrel myself away and write little stories. But when I got older, I got terribly upset at a school careers talk and a teacher told me that it was ‘very difficult’ to make a living out of writing. I was awfully scared I’d have to do a boring job instead. In the event, I became a journalist, which was very exciting at times. Then I got my first book deal. Even after several more novels, I still have to pinch myself.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF THE WRITING PROCESS FOR YOU?
The final revisions. The best part is writing the first draft. The story flows out and you lose yourself in characters and plot. Delicious! But when it’s finished, you have to make sure the plot is hole-proof; that the characters are realistic and consistent; that the dialogue pushes the plot along; and that the setting is vivid. And that’s just for starters. I usually do about five lots of revisions to make sure I’ve got it as right as possible. This can be very draining and dull.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE GENRES TO READ?
I’m like one of those people who pop into different supermarkets. I like to read a very wide mix of books. At the moment, I’ve just started an historical saga which is really gripping. But the book before that was a light-ish contemporary women’s fiction book. I think it’s dangerous to stick to one genre or you might miss out. Having said that, I don’t like sci-fi or anything very violent.
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR READERS TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR STORY?
Surprise and loss. I want to have surprised them with some twists that they weren’t expecting. But I also want them to go back and see where I’ve placed the clues. On top of that, I want them to miss the characters and to feel that they’ve lost some best friends. That’s why I sometimes use the same characters in my books, in more major or minor roles. It’s partly for me as I miss them too! I remember Mary Wesley doing that in her books – I found it very moving.
HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU THINK SOCIAL MEDIA IS FOR AUTHORS NOWADAYS?
Crucial. In many ways, we’re taking over the role of a very knowledgeable book assistant. We’re acting as both sales person and craftsman. I spend a lot of time Twittering, blogging and Facebooking. However, I do think we have to be careful or there won’t be any time left for writing!
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO ASPIRING WRITERS?
Write about something YOU want to write about. But avoid obvious topics like school reunions. Write every day so you keep the flow going. Make sure that you have something big happening in every chapter to keep the pace going. Use magazine pictures to help you visualise characters and show what they are like through their actions and speech rather than just telling the reader. Read it out loud when you’ve finished. It helps you to check the rhythm and sentence structure.
**Excerpt**
The School Run by Sophie King
Harriet is seeing a therapist about her marriage difficulties …
‘Let me ask you another question. What kind of practical things have you learned since Charlie went?’
‘Well, I’ve sorted out the bills. I’ve changed most of them to direct debit, which is much easier.’
‘Anything else?’
‘It’s not been as lonely, somehow, as I thought it would be. When the kids have gone to bed, it’s rather nice to be able to sit down with a book and a snack on my knee instead of having to cook a proper dinner for Charlie and listen to his day, even though he never bothers to ask about mine.’
Monica smiled. ‘You see? You’ve just told yourself something you hadn’t realised. If you did find yourself on your own, you’d manage better than you think.’
‘But I don’t want him to go.’ Harriet’s eyes filled with tears again. ‘We’ve been together too long. I always thought we’d get old together.’
Monica stopped smiling. ‘Longevity, Harriet, is no reason for continuing a marriage. You’re not going to get a long-service award for hanging on to a relationship that’s past its sell-by date. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not telling you to leave him or ask him to go. You have to make up your own mind on that. I’m simply pointing out the options.’
She glanced at the clock that stood on the table between them. This always happened, thought Harriet, frantically. They’d reached a crucial point just as their session was ending. ‘I’ve got this horrible feeling that even if he says he wants to go, I’m going to beg him to stay,’ she said softly.
‘I can understand that. But supposing he did and then he agreed to stay, how would you feel?’
‘That he stayed because of the children and not because he loved me.’
‘I can understand that too. Harriet, I’m sorry but our time is up. You know, don’t you, that this is our last session? I hope you feel it’s been helpful.’
No, Harriet wanted to yell. No, I want you to come with me and hold my hand when Charlie gets back. ‘Yes, thank you.’
‘If you want another series of sessions, you’ll have to ask the doctor to refer you again.’ Monica handed over a sheet of paper. ‘In the meantime, I wonder if you’d mind filling in this survey. It’s entirely confidential but it will help us work out whether you found the counselling useful and how we can improve it in any way.’
Harriet took it wordlessly. Somehow it had reduced all Monica’s wise words to a mundane commercial level. How could you ascertain how successful or helpful a counsellor had been until you had put your experience into action?
She thanked Monica again (should she have brought her a present?) and went down the stairs into the street, hoping, as she always did, that no one would see her. If by some bad luck they did, they would perhaps assume that she was a volunteer for the counselling service rather than a client. Women like her were usually on the other side of the table, weren’t they?
About The School Run
‘The School Run’ is when, during morning rush hour, parents drive their children to the school gates. Sophie King’s much loved novel has been a bestseller twice, first in print and then digitally. It was chosen as one of Chick Lit Central’s favourite novels of 2012.
Meet Harriet, Pippa, Evie, Nick, Kitty and Martine as they battle the daily school run. Share their ups and downs during one life-changing week, as they face relationship dilemmas, family dramas, secrets and lies … all leading to surprise events which cause their lives to collide.
Harriet doesn’t know whether she’ll still have a marriage by the end of the week. But as she waits for her husband’s decision about their relationship, does Harriet have more choices of her own than she realised?
Pippa is waiting too ? for the results of medical tests that could bring devastating news about her health and future. But could it be Pippa’s own actions that threaten all she holds dear?
Evie is struggling with her high-pressure job on a magazine and dealing with two step-daughters who hate her. But when her husband disappears can she rise to her biggest challenge yet?
Widower Nick worries about his teenage daughter, Julie, as they approach the anniversary of her mother’s death. Can Nick keep his guilty secret about how she died?
School teacher Kitty needs a man. At least that’s what her friend Mandy tells her. Can she win Mandy’s bet to find one by the end of the week?
Martine is unhappy as the au pair for a famous TV couple. Will she find her escape with a married man?
Meanwhile, Betty watches on, determined to find the hit and run driver who killed her young son …
Seven people living different lives, but their paths are destined to cross in ways they could never have imagined.
www.twitter.com/sophiek_writer
Love is a Secret by Sophie King
Susan’s ex-husband has turned up with his new wife, and wants to get to know Tabitha, the disabled daughter he abandoned years earlier…
Josh was crouching by Tabitha’s chair, holding her hand. Helooked up expectantly like a small boy. ‘Would it be all right if we took her out for a walk? I’d love some time with her. And we’ll be careful, honestly.’
‘No. I’m sorry. There’s more traffic since you were here last.And there aren’t enough ramps. You won’t know the way to thepark any more and —’
Susan stopped. The tears were coming as fast as she was runningout of excuses.
‘Sue?’ Steff touched her arm gently. ‘Sue, I understand. But doyou mind if we have a little word on our own? In the kitchen?’
Too scared to speak in case she blubbed out loud, Susan allowedherself to be steered out of the room. Steff sat down at the table. She nodded at the seat opposite.
‘Please.’
Reluctantly, Susan obeyed, hoping the other woman wouldn’tnotice the marmalade smears that were still there from breakfast.
Steff leaned across the table and took Susan’s hand briefly. Her hands were soft and her nails immaculate. ‘Sue, this is so important to Josh. He’s told me all about it. Everything. He feels terribly guilty and he knows he shouldn’t have walked out on you.’
‘Too bloody true,’ said Susan.
‘But he’s older now. He’s learned his lesson, just like we alldo.’ Steff squeezed her hand but Susan pulled it away. Steff’s eyes watered as though she was the one who was entitled to be hurt. ‘He’s clean too. Honestly. I know about his history and I also know he doesn’t take anything any more. All he wants is a more active role in caring for Tabitha. We’re not going to try to take over, but when we move to Bedford we’ll be that much nearer.’
She was horrified. ‘You’re moving to Bedford?’ It was only tenmiles away! They’d be here all the time.
‘But we won’t get in the way. Promise. We’ll only come whenyou say. Just give Josh a chance. That’s all I ask. And let us start by taking Tabitha for a little walk now so she can have some time with her father. Every daughter ought to have that.’
Susan wanted to refuse, but her body felt as though it belongedto someone else. Everything that Steff had said made sense. If she was honest, she’d made life so unbearable for Josh, after that MMR decision, that she wasn’t surprised he’d walked. Yes, ofcourse he should have seen more of them afterwards, but she couldn’t shut out that picture of the joy in Tabitha’s face at seeing her dad. What right did she have to deprive her poor daughter of that? She’d often seen Tabitha’s jealous looks when other dads arrived at the centre. ‘You’ll be careful with her?’ she said at last.
‘As careful as we would with a newborn baby.’
Susan shuddered, remembering what a perfect baby Tabitha had seemed.
About Love is a Secret
Love is a Secret: Sophie King brings us another heart-warming and witty romance. Four very different people meet online through What Mums Know, a new website for mothers. But none of them is quite who they seem. Little do they realise that when they start to share relationship and parenting secrets, their lives will never be the same again.
Caroline is finding it difficult to trust her husband Roger. Can a marriage really survive an affair? Then a chance meeting makes her wonder if it’s time for a fresh start …
Susan is struggling to bring up her disabled daughter Tabitha on her own, and dreams of a better life for them both. But just when it seems things can’t get any worse, a knock at the door changes everything.
Mark is learning how to be a single dad while his wife Hilary is away. But as he wrestles with the secrets he is keeping from his family, he’s blissfully unaware of the secrets they’re keeping from him.
Lisa is looking forward to the birth of her child. Will a new baby help her get over the past? Whatever that is …
Sometimes you have to keep a secret from the one you love – and sometimes you have to keep the one you love a secret.
www.twitter.com/sophiek_writer
Second Time Lucky by Sophie King
When her husband leaves her for a younger woman, Louise has to say goodbye to her comfortable lifestyle and get practical. Here she is visiting an employment agency for the first time …
‘So you read English at university and trained as a journalist.’
The woman sounded surprised.
Louise nodded.
‘But you gave up to have a career break after your second child was born?’
She nodded again.
‘So when exactly was that?’
Louise reddened. ‘About sixteen years ago. It was difficult with three children. And when I was married, I didn’t really need to . . . But I have done the odd bit of freelance work for the magazine I used to be on. Just a few articles, over the years.’
‘And have you tried finding work as a journalist?’
Louise smiled ruefully. ‘It’s not the kind of career that lends itself to taking breaks. Once you’re out, it’s hard to get back in. Most of my contacts have moved on and either become freelance like me or become editors. I did email someone I knew who is now editing a big glossy monthly but she hasn’t even bothered to come back to me.’
‘Are you qualified for anything else?’
‘Not really. But a lot of journalists go into public relations so I wondered about that.’
The woman shook her head. ‘We don’t have anything like that on our books. What about computer skills?’
‘Well, I can type, of course, and I’m familiar with Word.’
‘Spreadsheets? PowerPoint?’
Louise shook her head. ‘Sorry.’
‘Are you willing to go on a refresher course?’
‘Provided it doesn’t take too long. As I explained, I’m a single mother now. I need to earn money.’
‘But you also need more qualifications.’ The woman was flicking through a thin pile of papers on her desk. ‘Would you say you were good with people?’
Louise thought of the blazing row she’d just had with Justine over her DT coursework that morning. She was meant to have handed it in by last week and it still wasn’t finished. ‘Yes. You have to be, as a journalist. And I don’t think you lose that skill unless, of course, you’re related to people. I certainly seem to manage to rub my own children up the wrong way.’
The woman’s lips moved slightly into something that might or might not resemble a smile.
‘I think we all feel like that.’ She picked out a sheet of paper and handed it over. ‘This might suit you. The Crystal Alternative Health Centre needs a receptionist. Unlike most of the PA jobs we handle, it doesn’t actually need a wide knowledge of computer skills. It’s mainly dealing with clients and making appointments. Doesn’t start until next month but they’re interviewing now.’
Louise felt a weight in the pit of her stomach. If someone had told her, in the heady days of Charisma magazine, that in twenty-odd years time she’d be doing the kind of job that was less skilled than that of her own secretary, she would have been appalled.
‘How much does it pay?’
The woman named a rate that would scarcely have paid her weekly supermarket bill in the days when she had considered herself happily married.
‘I’m not sure.’
The woman’s eyes narrowed. ‘Don’t dismiss it. I don’t have anything else that you’re qualified for, but you’ll be lucky to get this, if I’m honest. I’ve already sent five applicants down and none of them were thought suitable.’
Louise swallowed. ‘All right. I’ll apply.’
The woman picked up the phone. ‘Good. I’ll see if I can arrange an interview.’
About Second Time Lucky
Another engaging tale of love and life from Sophie King. Meet the residents of Bridgewater House, once a grand stately home, but now converted into apartments which house a host of colourful characters, each with their own desires and secrets.
Louise thought she had everything, then suddenly finds herself as a single mum with an uncertain future. Can she build a new life for her and her children? And has real happiness been right under her nose all along?
Roddy was once the heir to Bridgewater House, but now he’s a drunken lord who’s fallen on hard times. Can he prove to his ex-wife that he has cleaned up his act, or is he about to risk everything in a desperate scheme to prove how much he loves his kids?
Molly is a famous actress, coming to terms with retirement and the recent death of her actor husband Gideon. But dare she tell anyone that Gideon still comes to visit her? And how will she react to some unexpected messages from beyond the grave?
American Marcie always fantasised about marrying an English gentleman, just like one of her Jane Austen heroines. But will two resentful stepchildren, and failed attempts to have a baby of her own, get in the way of her dream happy ending? And what would her husband David make of her secret shame from the past?
As each of these neighbours faces their own challenges, their lives are about to become entwined in ways they never could have expected.
Second Time Lucky – doesn’t everyone deserve a second chance?
Author Bio:
Sophie King is the author of six novels and a collection of short stories about families, friends and lovers. Her first novel, The School Run, was a bestseller when first published in 2005, and it was a bestseller for the second time when republished by Corazon Books in 2012. Sophie also supports new romance writing through her annual writing competition The Sophie King Prize.
In between novels, Sophie writes short stories and has had hundreds published in magazines. She also gives regular talks/workshops at bookshops and literary festivals. For three years, she was writer in residence at HMP Grendon, a high-security male prison. Sophie lives by the sea, in Devon, England. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association; Women in Journalism; the Society of Women Writers and Journalists and the National Union of Journalists.
Connect with Sophie!
www.sophieking.info
www.thesophiekingprize.com
@sophiek_writer
Buy the Books!
The School Run: www.amazon.com/The-School-Run-Sophie-King-ebook/dp/B0090R7NUY/
Falling in Love Again: www.amazon.com/Falling-previously-published-Divorce-Beginners-ebook/dp/B00AR1EIYG/
Love is a Secret: www.amazon.com/Love-Secret-previously-published-Mums-ebook/dp/B00CNTMIR4/
Second Time Lucky: www.amazon.com/Second-Time-Lucky-Sophie-King-ebook/dp/B00FI33CR2/
Box Collection: amzn.to/1kPTF0S
June 3, 2014
BookBuzz 2014: Hello NYC!
Most of you have probably seen that I was in New York City last week, for the fabulous BookBuzz event. I think I am correct in saying this is the third BookBuzz, one was in May last year, one was in Toronto in November, and then again in NYC. I attended the Toronto event, and had such an incredible time that I knew there was no way I could miss the NYC event. And again – what an amazing night! To be able to meet with authors and 
bloggers face to face is such an experience. I was there for over four hours, and it felt like it had been twenty minutes. It makes me to so insanely happy to be a party of the wonderful community, and a big special thank you to Francine LaSala, Samantha Stroh Bailey and Meredith Schorr, who put together these events and make them run so smoothly. Some of my highlights were: getting to see Cat Lavoie again (Go Marching Ink!), meeting the super adorable Brenda Janowitz, meeting new authors and bloggers such as Glynis Astie, Sheryn MacMunn, Julie Valerie, Melissa Amster, Francine LaSala and Marlene Engel, finding two random men to buy my books, being praised for wearing flip-flips versus heels (dressy ones, of course!) and catching up with those I met in Toronto such as Heather Wardell, Lydia Laceby, Samantha Stroh Bailey, Chantel Guertin and Meredith Schorr. Oh – and seeing blow dryers in the women’s bathroom. That was a first! All in all, such a successful and fun night with so many memories made. I can’t wait for the next BookBuzz!
My husband accompanied me to New York, and the following day we took the subway to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The Memorial is really quite powerful, overwhelming honestly, but I was sad that we didn’t actually get to go into the museum. A tip for if you plan to visit – buy your tickets ahead of time if you can, and note that they say it takes an average of two hours to get through it all. We were there at 1:00 and the next tickets were for 4:00, and we had tickets to a Yankees game at 7:05, so the timing didn’t work out for us, unfortunately. We ended our quick trip at Yankee Stadium (selfie to the left), to catch a game versus the Minnesota Twins. We are both Chicago fans (Cubs and White Sox – house divided!) but it was awesome to see the stadium, watch Derek Jeter, and see three home runs – can’t complain about that!
I’m not sure where the next bookish event will take me, but I eagerly look forward to it!
May 23, 2014
Big Changes Are Coming!
So I know I’ve been a tease that last few days about some exciting news, and I’m finally getting a moment to write this post to share my big change! Drumroll….as of June 13 I will be full-time books! My last day with my full-time job (at a hospital) will be June 13 and after that it’s all about books. Writing books, publishing books, editing books, marketing books – you name it. I’m so thrilled, excited, lucky, and grateful for this new chapter in my life. I can honestly say when starting a little blog in 2009 I never imagined that it would become a career for me, especially since this is something I have aspired to do since I was a little girl. It really showed me that putting your heart and soul into something and always working hard will pay off. I also can’t forget the support of not only friends, family and all of your supporters, but especially to my husband. He’s always cheering me on and believing me, giving me the confidence I need to keep working at my goals, and I couldn’t be taking this step without him by my side. A big thank you to everyone who has dropped by my blog, bought one of my books, or used my services – I couldn’t be doing this without you. I’m also excited to work more with BookTrope Publishing. With my schedule opening up I can take on more amazing authors and help them get their book published and in front of readers. It feels exhilarating, truly, to announce this news. Just look at my face in this picture for proof!
May 22, 2014
CLP Blog Tours Interview and Giveaway : Unwell by Marie Chow
When did you know writing was for you?
I’ve actually tried to quit writing several times now. I’m not one of those people who always knew they wanted to write. I told myself that writing was one of those things you had to have some deep all-knowing/always-known passions for, and so I kept thinking I could talk myself out of it.
I told myself to try something else. Anything else. Along the way, I had some very interesting careers and side trips.
But, like any addict, I would stop-writing for not just days and weeks, but sometimes months at a time. At some point, I realized that trying to quit was a bit futile. It was something I was going to keep coming back to, and keep trying. So… I might as well give it an honest full-time shot, which is how my year-off-writing started (four months in and counting:)).
Why was Unwell a book you wanted to write?
I had a moment of panic when I was pregnant with my first child. I wasn’t sure I was ready, I wasn’t sure I was prepared. I wasn’t sure I could go through with it. Options and thoughts that I had never once considered started to float through my head.
My moment of panic eventually subsided, and I am now the proud (and long-suffering) mother of two very spirited… toddlers. But the idea of being trapped by motherhood, of being unwilling to give up the part of your identity that does seem to get inevitably subsumed by being a parent, was an idea that stayed with me. Eventually, after marinating for long enough, it became this book.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Knowing when the editing process was finished. I got into a bit of a sinuous loop, where I would change A to B, B to C, and then C… back to A. At some point I had to recognize that I’d taken it as far as I could, and that part was both terrifying and liberating!
What are your favorite genres to read?
Young Adult, Literary, Children’s, Contemporary, Regency Romance, Nonfiction
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
The idea of both a failed life and… the ability to escape it.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Too important. It’s a weakness of mine, and something I’m trying to be better at, but it’s just not something that comes naturally.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Quit if you can, commit if you can’t.
Author Bio:
Marie is a former teacher, education evaluator, and engineer. A lifelong student, she has degrees in degrees in chemical engineering, teaching, an MFA in writing, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Her writing focuses on bilingual and English-only children’s books that feature mixed families, as well as literary and contemporary fiction focused on Asian and Asian American characters.
Connect with Marie!
Buy the Book!
http://www.amazon.com/Unwell-Marie-Chow-ebook/dp/B00HQSO5SW
http://www.amazon.com/Unwell-Marie-Chow/dp/1494941201/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 20, 2014
CLP Blog Tours Interview and Excerpt: Finding Home by Tammy L Grace
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I discovered the joy of writing in middle school. My English teacher stressed creative writing and with his help I started writing for our local newspaper. I continued writing a column about school and student topics through junior high school. I never thought about it for a career and ended up working in government, getting my MBA, and eventually retiring in late 2012. I had always wanted to write a novel and retirement brought the luxury of free time, allowing me to pursue my dream.
Why was Finding Home a book you wanted to write?
Finding Home was inspired by a couple of trips to the San Juan Islands. I enjoy watching people and wondering about their stories as I watch them. This story came to me when I was on a ferry and noticed a woman with her dog. I had been thinking about the story in my head for a few years and wanted to develop a cast of characters that would draw the reader into the story.
It is the first book in the Hometown Harbor Series and the second book, Home Blooms continues the story, but focuses on a different set of characters. Home Blooms just came out in April and is also available on Amazon.com.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
The most difficult part of the entire process is the marketing aspect. As a self-published author, I have all the responsibility of marketing and letting potential readers know about my books. I enjoy the actual writing process much more than what comes after the novel is finished. I tend to want to just write because it’s so much more fun.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I love to read thrillers and suspense novels. My favorite authors include Lee Child, John Sanford, and David Baldacci. I also enjoy women’s fiction and some contemporary romance novels.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
I want readers to feel a part of the story and a member of the community of Friday Harbor. I would like them to become invested in the characters and feel their emotions. I enjoy reading for an escape and hope my readers feel transported to Friday Harbor and relate to the characters. There are some deeper messages in the book of second chances, forgiveness, and trust, which I hope stick with the reader.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Social media is an important communication tool for authors. I find it to be overwhelming, but understand the necessity of being able to interact with readers through a variety of different media options. It can be difficult to keep up with, especially when my focus is on writing.
**Excerpt**
“How long were you married?”
“Twenty-five years, last summer. We were married after graduation. He finished law school and I got my MBA and ran the company. We lived in my parents’ home.”
“I hope he didn’t take advantage of you in the divorce, with him being a lawyer. I don’t trust lawyers much,” said the woman, with distaste.
“No. Actually, when we were married Marty made sure the company and the house would always be mine. He wanted my grandparents to know he wasn’t looking for money. My parents were very successful.” She paused. “I still can’t believe I’m here now. I thought things were fine, but I found out he’d been cheating on me…for years. I’m just glad my grandparents are gone, so they didn’t have to witness Marty’s betrayal. They would have been devastated.”
The woman’s eyes widened, “That’s a dreadful surprise.”
“Yes, it was. I’ve always been a workaholic and had worked to expand the company, opening offices around the world. I received an offer for it, and after talking with Marty, decided to sell. He seemed so excited about the prospect of an early retirement. We were both approaching fifty and would have the means to work less and play more,” smiled Sam.
The woman smiled back. “I think you’re a strong and capable woman. You can still have fun and start your new adventure.”
“That’s what I finally decided. I need to get away from the constant reminders and start fresh. I spent summers here as a child and since I have a lovely home here, it made sense.”
The woman rubbed her hands together and pulled her coat closer. “I wish you the best and I hope you find everything you’re looking for. I’m afraid I’ve got to move inside out of the cold.” She stopped to pet Zoe and turned to go through the deck doors.
“Have a wonderful visit with your family. Thanks for chatting with me.” Sam waved as the woman toddled away.
Sam laughed to herself. She hadn’t wanted to engage in conversation, but in truth it had helped her to talk about it. The smooth motion of the ferry was soothing and the slowness generated more memories. She smiled thinking of the family house with its Italian inspired villa-like architecture. Her mother and father had purchased it after their business success and it had been a substitute for them after they died.
She felt herself growing weepy thinking she was leaving the only home she had known. Lately though, it hadn’t seemed like home and wasn’t offering her the comfort it once had, which was why Sam found herself on a ferry today, resolved to start a new life. Sam didn’t sell the house in Shoreline; she wanted to have the security of being able to go back to it. But for now, the pain of realizing her family home had been a love nest for Marty’s trysts left her hurt and angry.
The sun was still peeking through the clouds as the ferry crawled towards Friday Harbor. She gave Zoe a drink from a bottle of water, dug a treat from her pocket, and the dog settled in to nap for the rest of the ride. Sam mulled over the past, not believing her life could be so different than she had planned.
Sam had traveled the world for business, without Marty. She was the consummate professional, accomplished and capable. She never relied on him, but as she inched toward the island it all seemed overwhelming and she thought she might have made a huge mistake. She knew she could never forget his infidelities, but maybe she should have stayed in her own house and made the best of it. It was all too confusing and Sam had never been so unsure. Her usual confidence and self-esteem had been eaten away during the past year. The absence of her parents had left a deep scar in Sam’s heart and she missed them more than ever today. She longed to hear her mom reassure her and feel her dad’s strong hug.
European river cruises, white sand beaches, Australian adventures, and castles of Ireland that once beckoned from the brochures on her nightstand, were now only dreams that had been torn apart by the man she had loved and trusted. Instead of exotic travel, her future held a quaint island where she hoped the fond recollections of the past would wrap around her like a cozy blanket.
For almost a year she had been suffering and plunging deeper into her own dark thoughts. She had lost over twenty pounds and forced herself to eat, when she remembered. She knew she needed something fresh to focus on and the prospect of a new business venture and warm memories drew her to Friday Harbor.
Her musings were interrupted when the ferry captain made the announcement to instruct passengers to report back to their vehicles for arrival in Friday Harbor. “That’s us, Zoe. Let’s go,” Sam said, as she took hold of Zoe’s leash and headed downstairs.
As she guided Zoe between the narrow vehicle paths, she spotted the vivid green sticker proclaiming her golden retriever was smarter than any fifth grader. She reached the SUV, loaded Zoe, and after squeezing through the sliver of space the door allowed without smacking the car next to her, rested in the driver’s seat. Cars around her were starting and her lane began to creep forward, exiting the ferry.
As the metal planks of the ferry apron thumped under the weight of her car, she admired the charming shops and buildings neighboring the harbor, looking as if washed in colors from a box of artist pastels. She glanced up at a sign posted on the corner. It read, Welcome to Friday Harbor—Your Hometown Harbor. She could only hope it would prove true. “Well, girl, here we go. Let’s go see our new house and get settled,” Sam said, as she drove off the landing onto Front Street, determined not to let the weight of lost dreams crush her.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
If you enjoy writing and it adds to your happiness, then write. If being published is a dream, learn all you can about the process and business of writing. Today there are many options for writers, so don’t limit yourself. Choose the path that fits you best and then put all your efforts into achieving your goal.
**Everyone who leaves a comment on the tour page will be entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases a copy of Finding Home by May 26 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus.com will receive 10 bonus entries!**
Author Bio:
Born and raised in Nevada, Tammy L. Grace loved reading at a young age. With the help of her middle school teacher, she discovered the joy of writing. After spending a career in local and state government service, she retired and finally has the time to dedicate to writing.
When Tammy isn’t working on ideas for a novel, she’s spending time with family and friends or supporting her addiction to books and chocolate. She and her husband have one grown son and a spoiled golden retriever.
Connect with Tammy!
Website: http://www.tammylgrace.com/
Blog: http://www.tammylgrace.com/blog.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tammylgrace.books
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7799289.Tammy_L_Grace
Twitter: @TammyLGrace
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tammylgrace
Buy the Book!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hfyOU9
May 15, 2014
CLP Blog Tours Interview and Excerpt: Long Shadows by Cecilia Dominic
Thanks to Cecilia Dominic for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Long Shadows. Please visit CLP Blog Tours for more information and a giveaway!
**Interview**
Can you describe Long Shadows in a tweet (140 characters or less)?
The wolf’s voice in her head is real, the wizard in her life is hot, and the men chasing her want to destroy her. I tried it out and even had room for #lycanthropyfiles and #longshadows hashtags.
Why was Long Shadows a book you wanted to write?
I knew at the end of The Mountain’s Shadow that Lonna needed to have her own story. I didn’t exactly leave her hanging, but I did leave her with some problems to sort out including “that little werewolf problem,” as she puts it. My parents have a place in North Georgia, so I knew I wanted to have it partially set there. There’s also a section in the Caribbean, mostly because I was writing it last summer and really wanted to go to the beach.
What are you currently reading?
As of this writing, I have just started Jaye Wells’ Red-Headed Stepchild. After this, my May reading list is heavy on Urban Fantasy and Steampunk.
Do you experience writers block? Any tips on overcoming it?
I get writer’s block when when I’m really emotionally stressed, although not necessarily work stressed. My most recent bout of it occurred when my grandmother died in February. Grief is really not conducive to writing, and I had to put down the third Lycanthropy Files for two weeks. I allowed myself time to take care of myself, tried not to put pressure on myself, and fed my muse by doing things like reading and taking advantage of an opportunity to go somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit – Salem, Massachusetts.
Where do you complete most of your writing? Any certain time of day that you prefer?
Wherever I can! Parts of this interview were written in my day job office, in my home office, on the loveseat in the living room, and at a picnic table on the square in Decatur, the part of Atlanta I live in. Oh, and currently in the car on the way to a wine event. Don’t worry, Hubby is driving.
I prefer to write in the morning when my inner editor is still mostly asleep. That’s when I feel most creative. Annoyingly, I’m not a morning person, so I often end up writing in the evenings and on weekends.
Are you currently working on another novel?
I am on the cusp of turning in the third Lycanthropy Files book, Blood’s Shadow. I cannot wait to do the cover reveal for that one. I won’t give you any spoilers, just tell you it brings back a character who disappeared at the end of the first book and continues the story of my werewolves from the point of view of someone who was born with it.
After I turn that book in, I’m going to take a break from drafting and continue working on a proposal for a contemporary romance. My next project in the speculative world may be a steampunk novel because I love the genre and just sold a steampunk short story to Abyss & Apex online ‘zine. I also have a half-finished romantic suspense that is calling to me.
**Excerpt**
I arrived at the doctor’s office and took a seat just before my appointment time. It was crowded with people with the ends of that winter’s illnesses, and although they had been given masks to cover up their coughs and sneezes, I touched as few surfaces as possible. It had been a rough year, and I groaned inwardly—stressful job plus powerful viruses equaled lots of people out at the office, which meant more work for me. That was another mixed side benefit of my lycanthropy: a heightened immune system.
A nurse brought me back to the phlebotomy station, and I caught a glimpse of a new doctor. He ran his hand through wavy reddish-gold hair as he talked to a young mother holding a baby, and his green-blue eyes the color of the ocean in my dream sparkled. He had a tan, too dark to have been hanging around Little Rock recently, and in his words, I heard hints of the islands. The faint smell of fuchsia made my heartbeat accelerate.
“Your blood pressure’s up, Miss Marconi,” the young nurse said with concern in her tone.
“Rough morning,” I said. “It’s what happens when I don’t get my coffee.”
She smiled, her teeth bright white against her dark skin. “I understand that. We’ll get this done quickly so you can get you some.” She tied the rubber strap around my arm and poked around for a vein. I looked away so I’d only feel what she was doing, not see it.
“Thank you. New doctor?”
She followed my gaze. “That’s Doctor Fortuna,” she said with a dreamy little sigh. “He’s filling in for Doctor Kasdon while she’s on temporary bed rest. They went to school together.”
“Where is he from?”
“Somewhere in the Caribbean.” She wrinkled her nose. “I know he’s told me, but I can’t remember exactly where. He did his schooling here in the States, though, so don’t worry, when you see him next week, he’ll know what he’s doing. Now,” she said, and gave me a stern look, “your chart says you haven’t had the flu shot. It’s still going around, so it’s not too late.”
“I’ll pass,” I told her, a little shot of adrenaline making my heart skip. Although the current vaccines wouldn’t be contaminated, I’d never trust them again. Not that they could do anything to me that hadn’t already been done by other means, but it was an instinctive response.
“Are you sure?” She put a cotton ball over the hole in my arm and taped it in place. “Keep that there for a little while.”
“Positive. I’ll talk to Doctor Fortuna about it next week.”
That dreamy expression returned. “He’s a good doctor,” she said and packed up her kit.
Her spacey confidence didn’t make me feel any better, and my inner wolf wanted to run around him and sniff him and figure him out. I was relieved to get back to my car and then to my windowless office, where the files I had taken home to catch up on had been replaced by a whole new set. I looked through them and was listing phone calls I’d have to make when Paul walked by and gave me a wave, a grin on his rat face. When he had just passed my door, he turned around and poked his head in.
“Are you free for lunch today?”
I arched an eyebrow. “I believe the correct greeting in our culture is ‘good morning.’”
“Good morning, then.” He stood, hands in his pockets. “Now aren’t you supposed to reply?”
“Touché, and good morning. What’s got you in such a good mood?”
He shrugged. “There’s just something in the air these days. Haven’t you felt it? Spring is my favorite season.”
He had something between his teeth, but I elected not to point it out to him. Honestly, his cheerfulness freaked me out. “It’s not spring yet. And no, I’m not free for lunch.” I gestured to the pile of files and list of phone calls I needed to make.
“I hope you’re not saying that because of our conversation yesterday.” His false concern made me want to strangle him.
“No, I always put my work first, whether you believe it or not. Guess what I was doing last night?”
The look on his face made me immediately regret the question. “Clubbing?” Dear gods, he sounded hopeful.
“No, my boyfriend canceled out on me, so I stayed home and caught up on some reports.”
He sniffed. “Keeping everything secure, I hope?”
“Yes, Paul.” Mostly. “Unless they changed the rules on us again.”
He laughed, and it came out with a wheeze. “You never know, do you?” He continued chuckling as he walked around the corner. “You really never know.”
“Okay…” I shook my head. Maybe he finally lost it.
A file that should have gone somewhere else caught my attention, and I jumped up to catch up with Paul. He had disappeared, so I went to his office. I paused just outside the door, hearing his voice. His words chilled me.
“Are you sure?” He spoke with the phone cradled to his ear. “She seems so normal. No, I couldn’t get her to come out for lunch. Yes, she leaves at around five o’clock, and she’s always parked near me. Uh huh, a green Jeep Cherokee, license plate…”
**Everyone who leaves a comment on the tour page will be entered to win 1 eBook copy of Long Shadows and 1 Long Shadows T-shirt (pictured above). Sizes are L or XL and will be available to US residents only!**
Author Bio:Cecilia Dominic wrote her first story when she was two years old and has always had a much more interesting life inside her head than outside of it. She became a clinical psychologist because she’s fascinated by people and their stories, but she couldn’t stop writing fiction. The first draft of her dissertation, while not fiction, was still criticized by her major professor for being written in too entertaining a style. She made it through graduate school and got her PhD, started her own practice, and by day, she helps people cure their insomnia without using medication. By night, she blogs about wine and writes fiction she hopes will keep her readers turning the pages all night. Yes, she recognizes the conflict of interest between her two careers, so she writes and blogs under a pen name. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with one husband and two cats, which, she’s been told, is a good number of each.
You can find her at:
Web page: www.ceciliadominic.com
Wine blog: www.randomoenophile.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CeciliaDominicAuthor
Twitter: @RandomOenophile
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ceciliadominic/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/cecilia_dominic
Buy links:
From Samhain Publishing (all ebook formats available): http://store.samhainpublishing.com/long-shadows-p-73287.html
From Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ht14Tf
From Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/long-shadows-cecilia-dominic/1117685729?ean=9781619220140
Also available anywhere else ebooks are sold.
To read the first chapter, visit: http://www.ceciliadominic.blogspot.com/2014/02/long-shadows-excerpt.html
