Interview and Excerpt: A Contented Mind by Samantha Hoffman

When did you know writing was for you?
I always knew I wanted to write, or at least I should say: starting at a very early age I knew I wanted to write. Finding the courage to do so, however, well...that’s a different story. Writing, A Contented Mind, was a pivotal moment in my life. In my own way, putting my fingers on the keyboard was much like a final throw of a life preserver. I needed something to keep my head above the water’s of depression - letting my inner voice become a storyteller provided that buoyancy. I wrote it quite fast (editing took years), so once I went back over and read my novel, I knew writing was what I wanted to do with my life - if given my choice. 

How would you describe your books?
I write both contemporary fiction and a series of children’s chapter books. That’s quite the span! But my mind has quite the span, so it’s a comfy thing. As for my adult books, all three have strong women as the protagonist. In A Contented Mind, Meg may not seem strong at first glance, but in the end (especially in the sequel), she finds more than enough strength to reshape her world. Her raw emotion and sincerity toward life and others may be seen in a passive light, but nothing could be further from the case. She offers no false pretenses or fluffed up camouflage in an intentional or unintentional attempt to cover herself. With Meg, what you see is what you get: a complex, genuine woman who has some pretty deep wounds and has accidentally fallen haphazardly in love with a man she finds almost too sexy. lol That part always makes me laugh. The novel I’m working on now, Safe People, which is referred to in A Contented Mind as the novel Meg wrote, has a very strong protagonist. But like many of us, Bertie has built an impenetrable wall around herself due to some very hard incidents that happened to her. And now, Bertie is trying to find a way to free herself from the walls she created. 
They are all about how we deal with life; the life we’ve lived through and the life we hope to experience. Finding the ability to overcome what has been, while keeping our compass set toward what is yet to be. 
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Marketing. Plain and simple. I love talking about my books. But, it is never my instinct to shout the loudest to be heard.
What are your favorite genres to read?
My favorite genre is classic literature. I often have three novels running at the same time. One in my Jeep, one on my bed...and so on. My favorite is Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The way in which he articulated the many thoughts of Rodya Raskolnikov, the mental torture Rodya went through dealing with the aftermath of his actions, endeared Dostoyevsky to me forever. But I have many other favorites. Sometimes one line, one perfectly written, all encompassing line is enough for me to cherish a book forever.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
Love yourself. Every bit. Love the darkness, love the light. If you have a black mark from your past, it doesn’t define you. You - define you. There are so many things about ourselves that we dismiss, disregard or are ashamed of, and yet all of these things, combined, make the whole and the whole is a beautifully unique individual who is capable of accomplishing great things. So never hide in the corner for fear of being less than. We’ve only got one shot at life, grab hold of it, shape it, and make it your own.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
It is incredibly important. The publishing industry seems to be teetering and trying to find its place among all of the millions of readers. Many great authors have achieved success solely through the use of social medial. And good for them. There’s a place for all of us out there. Social media makes it easier for readers to find exactly what they want. 
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Don’t give up, and don’t change your voice to sound like another. Its a temptation to which many have succumb. Sometimes literary agents or publishing companies will ask, “Who do you write like?” To which I want to reply, “Me.” But, if you write like a bestselling author they may just feel you’re a worthy risk. But who wants to sound like another? We all have, or should have, a unique voice. My style is very singular. I could try to change that, and maybe in the end become an even greater success. But I won’t pigeon hole myself. I wouldn’t recognize my voice if I did! I write with a very rhythmic, soft prose, yet my children’s books are quite different. It’s my style. And we all have one. Find yours, and be proud of it regardless of ratings or reviews.

**A Contented Mind Excerpt** 


Mama Gump was right after all: life is like a box of chocolates. But Meg’s heart-shaped box was filled with the bittersweet variety, or so she believed. Yet for the moment, while gazing at her new Southern California beachfront home, Meg savored only sweetness, even if she couldn’t ignore the bitterness that had brought her there.“This looks good,” Meg said, standing in the driveway.“Is this really what you want?” Devon asked, eyeing the two-story house skeptically.“Mandalay Bay is such a beautiful place. Smell that fresh ocean air, Dev, ” Meg said, taking a soulful breath while glancing up at Devon. “This will work out. I know. Somehow, I just know.”Turning to get a better view of her surroundings, Meg surveyed the neighborhood. The street was quiet enough, with only the occasional car passing by. Most of the traffic, from what she could gather, came from those walking their dogs. The peaceful images brought an immediate smile.She also liked the old trees bordering the street. Standing tall above everything else, their age gave them the appearance of authority and grandeur. But most of all, she loved the warm air that held the scent of desert willow and California white sage, mixed with the salt from the ocean. For a moment, Meg felt like bathing in the aroma.“Well, I for one don’t care for your being so bloody close to people, Meg,” Devon whispered. “That run-in you had on Martha’s Vineyard nearly scared the life out of me.”Devon was many things to Meg. Beyond being her publisher, he was her friend. She liked their rhythm, and they worked well together. Although Meg could easily question the sincerity of her own shadow, she never thought to question Devon’s. She never needed to.***********************************************************************************
Author Bio Samantha started writing books as a child. Although those roughly hewed works are kept under lock and key, they possess the same need to understand life as her current novels. In the past, Samantha has written numerous columns on health and spirituality for a local newspaper. Currently, she writes the popular blog: Insanity - A Writer’s Commentary On All Things, as well as two novels: A Contented Mind, it’s sequel, Chasing Nirvana, and the children’s chapter book series: Dainty Delaney. Currently she is at work on her third novel. On May 18th, 2012 Samantha will be featured in Art & Entertainment section of The Traverse City Record Eagle newspaper.Life can get rough at times, loving oneself shouldn’t be. That, in a nutshell, is the message that is imbued within the books Samantha writes.  Connect with Samantha!
www.bysamanthahoffman.com  www.bysamanthahoffman.com/buy_now/
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