Interview and Excerpt: Finding Felicity by Monica Marlowe

When did you know writing was for you?
One day, in high school English class, our teacher gave us a surprise test. He set up a scene with a couple stranded in a cottage during a snowstorm and our assignment was to write about it during class. When he returned our papers at the next class, he bent down and quietly said to me, “How do you do it?”.  Without waiting for my reply, he placed my paper on my desk. It had a huge red A+ marked on the corner. I knew then that I wanted it write; it just took me another 20 years or so to get around to it.
 How would you describe your books?
Hard question.  Finding Felicity is the only book I’ve published so far, and my current project is a memoir. Once that’s done, I really want to focus on writing about spirituality and personal growth. I guess I’d have to say that I write about following your heart, whether fiction or non-fiction.
 What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Letting go of the outcome. I’m very goal-oriented and find myself asking, “What the point of writing if not for publication? If no one reads it?” I think that thinking creates writer’s block for me and I need to just trust that time spent writing for its own sake is time well spent. Anything written from the heart is worthy of reading, even if only by me.
 What are your favorite genres to read?
I love women’s fiction (think Kristin Hannah) and personal growth books (think Marianne Williamson).
 What do you want readers to take away from your story?
I think the tagline says it all: Love always finds a way.
 How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Very. Very. Very!  With increasing numbers of ebooks being sold, social media is the place where authors and readers can connect.  Electronic connections are becoming just as important as in-person connections, perhaps even more so. For instance, I’ve made some wonderful connections through social media; I found ChickLitPlus on Twitter, and here I am on a CLP blog tour! Connecting through social media with other authors is just as important as connecting with readers, too.  So should an author be on social media platforms? Yes!
 What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Keep writing! The road to writing Finding Felicity was a long one and once it was finished, I took a break from writing. Years later, when it finally was published, I don’t have very much in the pipeline. If I had kept writing, I’d have another manuscript to send to my publisher! As it is, I don’t. So keep sitting down at your desk and keep writing … every single day.
**Excerpt**
“Why are you so upset?”

Chess. I’ve had it with men who play games, she thought. Men who answer questions with questions. Who talk in riddles instead of truths. Her anger ignited into adrenaline.

She crossed the room. Wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. Pressed her lips to his. His lips opened to hers. Her tongue found his and encircled it. Slowly at first. Then more fervently. He responded and they kissed deeply. Passionately.

He pulled her to him and she felt him grow hard against her body.

Checkmate. He wants me, she thought. She knew.

They kissed long and tenderly. Reached into each other.

He pulled his face away slowly and gazed into her eyes. His look caressed her. Balmed her raw emotions. Somehow he excavated her anger, dug beneath its surface, and uncovered the love that swelled, unbidden, in her heart.

“That’s why,” she said quietly. *********************************************************************************** Author Bio:

Monica Marlowe was born in Toronto and later moved to Los Angeles. While in LA, Monica studied the craft of novel writing and participated in the Noel Hynd Workshop. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Spiritual Psychology. Now, Monica makes her home in North Carolina and divides her time between the East and West Coasts. Monica is currently writing a memoir, The Gift Horse, about acquiring her first horse and finding herself on a most unexpected path. Monica writes stories about heroes and heroines who follow their heart, wherever the path may lead, knowing that the heart has reasons of its own.  Connect With Monica! http://www.monicamarlowe.blogspot.com/p/links.html
www.monicamarlowe.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/monicamarlowe www.twitter.com/authormonica **Everyone who leaves a comment on Monica's tour pag will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! If you purchase your copy of Finding Felicity before June 18 and send your receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, you will get five bonus entries!**  ***********************************************************************************