Interview with M.B. Feeney, Author of "Just Like in the Movies"

M.B. Feeney's new release, "Just Like in the Movies," is part of the Summer Heat Anthology, Book One of the Summer Beach Reads from Renaissance Romance Publishing. I recently got the chance to interview her about the book and learn a little more about it.


Q: Tell us a little bit about how the idea for this story got started.

A: I had just sat and watched Letters to Juliet and got to thinking about how many romance films and books follow certain formulas. Guy meets girl, girl hates guy (or vice versa), then they spend time away which makes them realise they actually love each other and bada boom. (Obviously, this is the reader’s Digest version of one formula). I wanted to know if I could follow that formula in a story. Tada.
Q: Your main character goes through a lot of life changes in this story. What do you feel is the biggest lesson she learned from these experiences?
A: Ava fundamentally is unhappy in the book, but hides it behind a mask of contentment and habit. I think this causes her to learn that not everything is black and white in life and that risks need to be taken in order to find out the life that she didn’t know she wanted until she’d experienced it was the right one for her (I think I kind of lost my way with that sentence) 
Q: You portray a close relationship between your main character and her friend. What insight can you give readers into the dynamics of that relationship? Why are these women such good friends? What elements do they bring to each other’s lives that might otherwise be lacking?
A: I loved writing the interaction between Ava and her friend Erica because they remind me so much of myself and my BFF. I think they complement each other with not only their differences, but their similarities. Ava’s the sensible one where as you never know what Erica will do next (like sleep with a toyboy surfer), but Ava isn’t boring or weak. She gives as good as she gets and is able to stand up for herself if and when she needs to. 
I think that is why they have been friends for so long. They support each other yet know when to back off without being asked (such as Erica does whilst they re in the Isle of Wight). As for the elements they bring to the other’s lives, they are simply the best friend either woman has had, and they need each other.
Q: The settings in the story are a central aspect of the plot. What real life locations did you draw from to describe the areas your character visits over the course of the story?
A: I spent my formative years living in London, so that is one of the min settings, but I tried to keep it fairly vague as to exactly what part so reader’s couldn’t tell me I’d gotten details wrong – I’m a lazy researcher.
I chose the Isle of Wight because My parents had friends who lived in Cowes (I believe) and from photos, I know it’s a gorgeous place. Plus, I didn’t want my characters to go abroad, otherwise the character of Morgan may have been a very different character.
Q: What is the significance of the title? What prompted you to choose it?
A: Again, I drew upon the whole romance movie thing for the title. Ava daydreams of being swept off her feet like heroines in films and about living a life that’s “Just Like in the Movies”.
Q: What element of the romantic relationship between your main characters did you enjoy bringing to life most?
A: The initial meetings between them was fun because I actually spoke the words aloud as I wrote them to ensure they came across right. I wanted there to be a hint of rudeness, caused by a defense mechanism, but overall, I wanted to show Ava as someone that won’t let anyone walk all over her. Also, I just like having characters that are able to bounce off each other and bring sarcasm to the surface (or at least I try to). I feel there should be more sarcastic characters in books.
Q: Which secondary character was the most fun to write?
A: Liam, the toyboy surfer. When we first see him, he’s cheeky without being annoying, but it shows off his confidence due to his age and good looks, but in the end, turns into a really nice guy. 
Q: For each of your primary characters, which Doctor from the modern series would be their favorite? From the classic series?
A: Ava – Christopher Eccleston because of the hint of seriousness he brings and his dark humour/Tom Baker cause he’s Tom Baker Erica – David Tenant because she’s shallow and would think he’s pretty/Peter Davidson for the same reason Morgan – David Tenant because of the emotion and humanity he brings to the role/No idea about classic, he’d be a newbie whovian 

Q: Would you consider rewriting the story to make it take place in Broadchurch so that David Tennant could be paired up with one of your characters? Which character would make a good love interest for him? Or would you just write me into the story and let me take it from there?
A: I’d be scared to set the story in Broadchurch, simply because people die… but I think Ava would be able to handle his character as a love interest because she wouldn’t take his temper tantrums. And yes, you could take over my story and ravage him.
Q: What is your next planned project? What can you tell us about it? 
A: I am working on an anthology called ‘Honour’, comprising of 5 short stories that are in some way military themed. I’m considering self publishing it as the idea originally started with just one short story that no publisher would consider because of the length, but I felt it wasn’t enough on its own. I’m really nervous about it, but excited at the same time. I’m aiming for a November release to coincide with Remembrance Sunday here in the UK. 
Thanks to M.B. Feeney for stopping by and indulging my love of Doctor Who! Be sure to check out "Just Like in the Movies," which is on sale now!
Summary  Ava Jones has settled for a life that she’s not sure she wants anymore, but won’t admit it. Her best friend, Erica Davidson talks her into taking a break on the Isle of Wight. Her days on the island are spent thinking things through, and arguing with Morgan whom she hates on principal.
Is it so wrong for her to want a life that follows the script of a honest to God romance film?

  Author Bio
M. B. Feeney is an army brat who finally settled down in Birmingham, UK with her other half, 2 kids and a dog.  She's also a student teacher, a doodler and a chocoholic.  Writing has been her one true love since she could spell, and publishing is the culmination of her hard work and ambition. 
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