Five Questions With Kaira Rouda, author of "Here, Home, Hope"

Today I'm so pleased to host author Kaira Rouda.  Her novel, "Here, Home, Hope," was released today, and promises to be one of the favorite reads of the summer!

Kaira was gracious enough to spend some time answering questions about her writing and upcoming projects.

1. At what age did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

Hi Sharon, thanks for having me!

I remember when my family lived in Lincoln, MA, outside of Boston and I became infatuated with Robert McCloskey’s books.  Make Way for Ducklings and Blueberries for Sal were my favorites. In third grade, I decided I wanted to be an author, like him and I wrote a letter to him at his publisher. He wrote back – and I still have the note somewhere – that he wasn’t really a writer but an illustrator, but that I should keep writing. It was amazing. My first brush with a celebrity and he was an author.

2. At what point in your career did it finally sink in – “hey, I’m famous,” and did it make a difference in your writing?

Hey, guess what? I’m NOT famous and that’s alright with me. The best part about being an author, in my opinion, is being a behind the scenes type person. Sure, I found out quickly after publishing my first book – REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs (2008) – that if you would like anyone to buy your book, you must learn to speak in public. After countless hours with a speaking coach, I can do it. But I’d rather, much rather, be behind the screen. I have two acting kids, however, so someone got the “I’m famous” genes. Not me.

3. Who are some of your favorite authors? Who inspires you?

I love authors – really.  I know that sounds strange or cliché, but it is a community I treasure being a part of and participating in. The common bond – especially I’ve found – with fiction writers, with women fiction writers has been amazingly rewarding. I cannot wait to meet some of my favorites in person. I have met Jacquelyn Mitchard – at the Maui Writers Conference. I’d love to meet: Susan Isaacs, Claire Cook, Beth Hoffman, Jenna Blum, Eleanor Brown, Caroline Leavitt, Sarah Pekannen, Robyn Harding and Amy Hatvany. I met Katrina Kittle way back, at the Antioch Writer’s Workshop, in the late 1990s. I’d love to see her again, too. Oh, and I could go on…

blue hydrangeas figure prominently in Kaira's novel!

4. What do you have coming up in the future?

I’m excited to present my first short story, coming out this month, too. I had a story in my head, just waiting to be shared. I hope readers enjoy it. It will be released by my publisher as an eBook on all formats. The title: A Mother’s Day.

My next novel is set in Grandville, the same setting as HERE, HOME, HOPE and the short story. It is in the throes of revision, but should be ready soon.

5. What advice would you have for anyone wanting to break into the writing biz today?

Do it. There are so many different options today. The publishing industry is eerily similar to the real estate industry 10 years ago, strangely enough. Publishing is becoming disintermediated by technology, but the major players will survive as long as they change. As a writer, it’s very important to take control of your career. To pursue your dreams in whatever way it feels right for you. The options are growing every day – while the traditional path still holds the cache. Believe in your dreams. Don’t give up.

My thanks to Kaira for her time, and to the publicists at Booksparks PR for the review copy of "Here, Home, Hope."

For more information on Kaira, check out her website at http://www.kairarouda.com/

Be sure to come back Friday for my review of "Here, Home, Hope."

Five Questions with Rebecca Rasmusssen, author of "The Bird Sisters"

 Today, I'm so pleased to present to you debut author Rebecca Rasmussen, the author of the much-anticipated and highly delightful "The Bird Sisters."

Rebecca was sweet enough to spend a little time to answer some questions about her writing and upcoming projects!

1.  At what age did you know that you wanted to be a writer? 

Rebecca:  I didn’t know I wanted to be a writer until I got to college. Before that my primary interest was running track and cross country, and hanging out with my friends. I was not a particularly dedicated student in high school, and my teachers would often scold me for daydreaming in class. I suppose that should have been a clue that perhaps I was meant for a different vocation than my friends, who listened attentively and went on to schools such as Harvard and Yale. My mother was a writer, and it turns out I am more like her than I used to think. She taught me to pay attention to the small gestures that people make, and for a long time she was my first reader. College opened up my eyes to the great world of literature, and from then on I knew I wanted to be a writer. Getting there was the hard part.

2.  At what point in your career did it finally sink in – “hey, I’m famous,” and did it make a difference in your writing?

Rebecca:  I don’t think I am at that point quite yet, so this question makes me smile a bit. I think people have this perception that writers who have books are doing better than they are. I am still struggling to pay the heating bill, the air conditioning bill, and the telephone bill. But it is all worth it because I love the written word so much, and I can’t imagine doing anything else with my time on this great earth. I teach at a local university here in St. Louis, and it’s quite refreshing that my students only know me as their teacher of composition and literature. I love challenging them and making them smile, too. As for the focus in my writing, somehow I am able to block out all the voices except for the voices of my characters when I sit down to write. They are the people who save me…well, from me.

3. Who are some of your favorite authors? Who inspires you?

Rebecca:  I have been greatly inspired by Alice Munro, Carol Shields, and Marilynne Robinson. They are my holy trinity in the book world. But I also have some wonderful friends writing wonderful books, too. I adore Siobhan Fallon’s collection of stories You Know When the Men Are Gone, as well as Alan Heathcock’s collection Volt. Another wonderful writer is Susan Henderson and her lovely novel Up From the Blue. Claire Cook, Melissa Senate, and Beth Hoffman have been hugely important to me, too. I could write for pages about all of these people and their work. They are also kind and generous human beings, which matters greatly to me.

4. What do you have coming up in the future?

Rebecca:  I just finished my second novel, which is set in the wild and remote landscape of northern Minnesota in a fictional place called Partway. It begins with a pioneering woman named Eveline in the 1930s and ends with her son Hux’s story in the 1970s. This book was a pleasure to write, and I am quite sad to be finished with it. But I’m pressing forward with the third, which is about a small town doctor, his wife May, and a little girl named Lizzie Ogden who drowns in a river on a cool fall morning, mere steps from her back porch.

5. What advice would you have for anyone wanting to break into the writing biz today?

Rebecca:  Keep knocking on doors until one opens for you. The Bird Sisters had a long road to publication – it was rejected my many editors before it was finally accepted by the lovely Kate Kennedy at Crown. The whole time, I had to have faith, which was so hard in the midst of all of that rejection. My best advice is to pick yourself up and keep going. Have faith. If you don’t nobody else will. And hug yourself. A lot. It’s okay to cry, as long as you send out another query when you’re done. Seriously, though, it is so hard to break into the market and I feel for anyone who is in the middle of this process. You need to keep believing that dreams really do come true.

Thank you, Rebecca, for taking time to visit with our readers!  Best of luck on the release of your wonderful book!

"The Bird Sisters" is officially released today! 

Five Questions with Elizabeth Lynn Casey, author of "Deadly Notions: A Southern Sewing Circle Mystery" Plus A Giveaway!!!

Today is release day for my good friend Elizabeth Lynn Casey (aka Laura Bradford)'s latest Southern Sewing Circle Mystery, "Deadly Notions."

Elizabeth took time to answer a few questions about her writing and upcoming projects!

Sharon:  At what age did you know that you wanted to be a writer? 

Elizabeth:  I was ten years old when I first knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I fell in love with writing stories while making picture books at a friend's house. It was love at first sight.

 

Sharon:  At what point in your career did it finally sink in – “hey, I’m famous,” and did it make a difference in your writing?

Elizabeth:  I'll let you know. I have to get there, first. :)

Sharon:  Who are some of your favorite authors? Who inspires you?

 

Elizabeth:  Suspense/mystery:  Mary Higgins Clark, Harlan Coben.  Women's fiction: Emily Giffin.    As for who inspires me? That would be my kids. I want to show them what it means to grab for a dream and never give up.

 

 

Sharon:  What do you have coming up in the future?

Elizabeth:  Next up after DEADLY NOTIONS, will be DANGEROUS ALTERATIONS (book 5) in November.  Then (at least) two more will follow...including a holiday book in November 2012.   Outside the sewing circle series, I have proposals out for a few other projects but nothing to report at this time.

 

Sharon:  What advice would you have for anyone wanting to break into the writing biz today?

 

Elizabeth:  Write. Read. And never, ever give up.

My thanks to Elizabeth for her time sharing her thoughts!  I wish her the best of luck for this new book, which I personally think is one of her best of this series.  Here's a little more about the book!

About The Book:

Librarian Tori Sinclair would do anything for her new circle of friends-including throw a birthday bash for a fellow sewer's daughter. While the party is a hit, self-important pageant mom Ashley Lawson leaves the ladies wanting to permanently shut her high maintenance mouth. But when Ashley turns up dead, Tori and the girls need to figure out who really murdered the monster mom, before the finger-pointing causes their friendship to unravel.

Those lively ladies of the Sweet Briar Ladies Society Sewing Circle are back again, and as usual there is never a dull moment around these gals!

When the local "mean girl" Ashley Lawson turns up strangled in her car, there isn't a woman in town that doesn't immediately become a suspect, because everyboday at one time or another had been fed-up with the prima donna's antics. But when the police cheif begins to narrow the suspects down to the Sewing Circle ladies, Tori Sinclair jumps into sleuthing mode to figure out who did the crime so her friends won't do the time!

On top of the investigation into Ashley's death, Tori is desperately trying to save her relationship with her sweet boyfriend Milo. His old girlfriend has come to town and is determined to pick up their "friendship" where she and Milo left off, and Tori is just as determined to not give up on her love for Milo herself!

  Told ya!  Never a dull moment in Sweet Briar, South Carolina!

Elizabeth Lynn Casey once again brings her readers a charming, fun-filled tale that combines a little mystery, a little romance, and a whole lot of friendship. The combination guarantees an absolutely pleasurable read! Grab a tall glass of sweet tea, a cookie or two and enjoy a trip to the South with "Deadly Notions," where the ladies are feisty and the murders are spine-tingling! 

Check out Elizabeth's first three books in this series for another dose or two of Southern charm and fun!

GIVEAWAY!

I have a copy of Elizabeth's book, "Deadly Notions" to giveaway to one lucky commentor! 

Just leave a comment here on this post, with your name and email address, and tell me about your favorite sewing or crafting project!

I'll draw a winner on Sunday, April 10th!   Good Luck!



My thanks to the publisher for the review copy of Deadly Notions. I was not compensated for my opinion.

Five Questions With ... Susan Mallery, author of "Already Home"

Today, I am privileged to present an interview with author Susan Mallery. Her latest book, "Already Home," was released yesterday (March 29) and she took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions about her writing life and upcoming projects!

At what age did you know that you wanted to be a writer? 

Susan: I was about 21. I probably would’ve wanted to be a writer sooner if I’d had any concept that it was even a possibility. I thought writers were exotic and sophisticated, and I was just a girl from L.A. But I took an evening course on writing while I was in college, and that was it for me.

At what point in your career did it finally sink in – “hey, I’m famous,” and did it make a difference in your writing?

Susan:  I’m only slightly famous in certain circles. I don’t feel very famous when I’m cleaning up after my dog or waiting in line at the grocery store. Whether or not people know my name doesn’t have any impact on my writing, but I do feel that I have become a better writer over the years because I practice my craft. I work hard to write books that readers will love, and I’m truly honored by the response.

Who are some of your favorite authors? Who inspires you?

Susan:  I find Debbie Macomber to be very inspiring, and she’s also one of my favorites. I’m thrilled to be sharing cover space with her this month on THE KNITTING DIARIES. (My story in THE KNITTING DIARIES is loosely linked to ALREADY HOME, and both books were released on March 29.) Debbie doesn’t chase after trends. She writes books from the heart. They move her, and they move her readers. I try to do the same.

What do you have coming up in the future?

Susan:  After ALREADY HOME, my next books will be the second trilogy in the Fool’s Gold series. The Hendrix triplets will fall in love in August, September, and October. Boom, boom, boom, one right after the other. I’m having so much fun with the town of Fool’s Gold. They’re coming to grips with the man shortage in a fabulous way.

What advice would you have for anyone wanting to break into the writing biz today?

Susan:  Write what you love to read. Write a story that moves you – makes you laugh, makes you cry, scares your pants off. And read, read, read, read. The more you read, the more you’ll understand storytelling, and the more you’ll understand what kinds of stories are marketable today.

I so appreciate Susan's time to talk about her profession!

Susan's new book, "Already Home," is destined to be the favorite book of the spring/summer reading season! 

About The Book:

After nearly a decade as a sous-chef in a trendy eatery, Jenna is desperate for a change. She's supported her ex-husband's dreams for so long that she can't even remember her own. Until she sees a for-lease sign near her parents' home and envisions her very own cooking store.

Her crash course in business is aided by a streetwise store manager and Jenna's adoptive mother. But just as she's gaining a foothold in her new life, in walk her birth parents—aging hippies on a quest to reconnect with their firstborn.

Now Jenna must figure out how to reconcile the free-spirited Serenity and Tom with her traditional parents, deal with her feelings for a new love interest and decide what to do about her ex's latest outrageous request. In the end, Jenna will find that there is no perfect family, only the people we love.


My Thoughts:

Set in Georgetown, Texas (a charming town near Austin), "Already Home" is the story of coming home in more ways than one.

Susan's character, Jenna Stevens, has come back home, licking her wounds, so to speak. Her self-confidence has been stolen by her ex-husband, and it's time for Jenna to learn how to be her own woman again. She has a strong family support system with her adoptive parents, and thankfully, meets Violet, who's business sense and abilities help her store become a huge success. But when her birth parents show up, their sudden presence gives Jenna a whole new dimension of her life to consider!

I loved how Susan handled the wide variety of sensitive subjects with this book - adoption, birth parents, spousal abuse, even relationship abuse - while keeping the storyline light and fast-paced! Plus she has the delightful town of Georgetown portrayed to a T!

Readers will find this tale hearwarming, as well as heart-wrenching at times, but I guarantee - it will be a story that is remembered long after the final page is turned.


About the Author:

Susan Mallery is the New York Times bestselling author of over one hundred romances and women’s fiction novels, and she has yet to run out of ideas! Her funny and sexy family stories consistently appear on the USA Today bestseller list and have landed as high as #5 on the New York Times list. She has won many awards, including the prestigious National Reader’s Choice Award. Her books have been named to the Top 10 Romance Novels lists of 2007, 2008, and 2009 by Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association, and she was the only author on the list all three years. Because her degree in Accounting wasn't very helpful in the writing department, Susan earned a Masters in Writing Popular Fiction.

Susan makes her home in the Pacific Northwest where, rumor has it, all that rain helps with creativity. Susan is married to a fabulous hero-like husband and has a six pound toy poodle...who is possibly the cutest dog on the planet.

Be sure to check out Susan's incredible website at http://www.susanmallery.com/!

She also has a fabulous contest running in connection with the release of "Already Home."

Win the Way to Your Man's Heart Contest

They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach… but I believe that seducing his taste buds is the real secret. What would you cook to win a man’s love?

Submit your original recipe between March 1 and April 24, 2011 for a chance to win a $300 gift card to Williams-Sonoma, possibly the most fabulous cooking store on the planet. Imagine what fun kitchen toy you could buy for yourself with $300! I (Susan) will choose the top three recipes, make each of them, and serve them to my personal taste tester (aka, her husband). Keep in mind that I’m (Susan) not a gourmet cook, so I will choose recipes that are fairly uncomplicated. The winner will be notified on May 1, 2011.

Send your recipe to jenel@susanmallery.com with a note verifying that the recipe is original, created by you. The recipe must come in the body of the email (no attachments).


Contest rules:

• No purchase necessary.
• Void where prohibited by law. Otherwise open to fans around the world.
• Entries accepted from March 1 until April 24.
• Recipe must be original, not from a cookbook.
• Winner will be notified by email on May 1. One prize of a $300 gift card to Williams-Sonoma will be awarded to the creator of the winning recipe.
• Winning recipe will be published on http://www.susanmallery.com/.

My thanks to Eric Glover at PlannedTVArts for his assistance with this interview and for arranging for a review copy of Susan's book.  I was not compensated for my opinion.
Check out this adorable video that ties in with "Already Home!"

Five Questions with Rachael Herron, author of "How To Knit A Heart Back Home" and "How To Knit A Love Song"

To kick off the Crafting Week, I'm so proud to introduce Rachael Herron, author of "How To Knit A Love Song," and her new book, "How To Knit A Heart Back Home."  Rachael was gracious enough to answer five (actually six!) questions about her writing and upcoming projects!

Sharon:  At what age did you know that you wanted to be a writer? 

 

Rachael: I knew I wanted to be a writer by about five, from the moment that I realized letters made words, words made sentences, and sentences made the books I loved to read. I come from a family of readers, and to us, authors, the people that made the magic of fiction, were magical, and I always wanted entrance to that kingdom.

 

Sharon: I think it’s fascinating that you have combined your love of writing and your love of knitting together in your novels?  How did you come up with that idea?

 

 

Sweater designed and inspired by "How To Knit A Love Song"

 

Rachael: I've been a knitter since about the time I could read, also. I realized I wanted to combine my loving of knitting and writing on October 31st, 2006. That was the day before I tried NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, an online novel-writing challenge that takes place every November), and I desperately needed a plot. I decided that if I was going to write fast, I was going to have to write what I loved. What did I love? Knitting and romance. Why not write about a knitter and a sheep rancher? The book almost wrote itself because I was having such a good time. (Of course, then there was editing, which didn't go quite as quickly.)

 

Sharon: At what point in your career did it finally sink in – “hey, I’m famous,” and did it make a difference in your writing?

 

 

Rachael: Famous? I'm not famous! I'm a just a knitter who loves to write! No, really, having fans like my work is absolutely the best part of my job. My goal was always to write for the woman who's sitting by herself, in a hospital waiting room. If I can make that woman forget her worries, just for a few minutes, then I've achieved my goal, and getting to actually hear from women like that, in email and in letters, is a greater honor than anything else I can imagine.

 

Sharon:  Who are some of your favorite fellow authors? Who inspires you?  Do you have a favorite knitting designer?

 

Rachael: My favorite fellow authors are Sophie Littlefield and Juliet Blackwell (both write fantastic mystery), Barbara O'Neal (stunning women's fiction), and Sarah MacLean (gorgeous, funny historical romance), but those are only to mention a few. I read constantly, and my Kindle is never far away from me. I'm always looking for my newest favorite author. I have two favorite knitwear designers: KiraK Designs (fashionable, wearable current designs) and Joan McGowan-Michael (oh-so-sexy, detailed, old-fashioned detailing). 

 

 

Sharon: What projects do you have coming up in the future? Both knitting and writing!

 

Rachael: Right now I've just turned in my third book in the Cypress Hollow Yarns series, and I'm relishing the feeling of a little time off while dreaming up the next goings-on in my fictional coastal town. Hijinks restoring an abandoned lighthouse will ensue, I think. And as to knitting: I'm currently trying to master more complicated lace (although at the very moment, I have third version of the cardigan from How to Knit a Heart Back Home on my needles -- made of a silk/cotton blend, it's the perfect shape and size for spring!). 

 

Sharon: What advice would you have for anyone wanting to take their writing to the next level?

 

Rachael: Anyone wanting to take their writing to the next level only needs to do two things: Write. Write everyday, even if it's just for a few minutes. Everyone, no matter how busy, can fit writing into their lives if it's important enough, and the more writing one does, the better one gets. Thankfully.  And reading keeps you in touch with not only current topics and trends, but keeps you in tune with how our language is ever-changing. That, and it's just plain fun.

 

 

My Thanks to Rachael Herron for taking time to share a little of her life with us, and to Christine Maddelena at Harper Collins for arranging this interview.

 

About The Author:

 

 

Rachael Herron received her MFA in writing from Mills College, and has been knitting since she was five years old. It's more than a hobby; it's a way of life. Rachael lives with her better half in Oakland, California, where they have four cats, three dogs, three spinning wheels, and more instruments than they can count. She is a proud member of the San Francisco Area Romance Writers of America and she is struggling to learn the ukulele.

Check out her incredible website at http://www.yarnagogo.com/ for more information on her writing and knitting!

Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY for your chance to win a fabulous handpainted craft bag full of goodies!  Check out the button on the sidebar to enter!

Five Questions With ... Robert Barclay, author of "If Wishes Were Horses"

Today, I’m thrilled to present debut author Robert Barclay for this installment of “Five Questions With …”

After graduating from Colgate University with a B.A. in Economics and a minor Art History, Robert J. Barclay has enjoyed a successful career in business, and served as chairman of his industry-related consulting group.

After selling his business and moving from upstate New York to Florida (and with some rather successful prodding by his wife), he was able to finally devote his full attention to something he had always wanted to do: write a book.

Robert lives in sunny south Florida. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys weightlifting, Shotokan Karate, and going to the beach to do absolutely nothing. 

Robert’s first novel, “If Wishes Were Horses,” is an amazing novel of love, forgiveness and self-discovery. He took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about writing and his career.

Sharon: At what age did you know that you wanted to be a writer? 

Robert: I was always writing a little something, even when I was a young kid.  The yen was just always there, it seemed.  Even so, I had never written anything meaningful until I decided to try my hand at penning my new book, “If Wishes Were Horses”.  After graduating high school my writing had been limited to college papers, and later on, it was all business letters.  I guess it just goes to show what one can do when he doesn’t know any better, as they say!

Sharon: At what point in your career did it finally sink in – “hey, I’m famous,” and did it make a difference in your writing?

Robert:  I do not consider myself famous.  If it happens to me that will be nice, but that is not the reason why I finally wrote my first novel.  In fact, the odds against becoming famous in this business are very long, even if one is lucky enough to be published.  In truth, few authors’ names are household words.  For example, next time you’re in a bookstore, walk up and down several of the aisles and take notice of as many author’s names as you can.  My guess is that you’ll be familiar with very few of them

Sharon: Who are some of your favorite authors? Who inspires you?

Robert: When I was growing up I very much enjoyed Ian Fleming, and I still read him from time to time.  Later in life, I came to appreciate Ayn Rand, Ernest Hemingway, and Robert B. Parker.   

Sharon: What do you have coming up in the future?

Robert:  My next book is tentatively titled, “More Than Words Can Say”.  It’s about a young schoolteacher who learns that she has inherited her late grandmother’s lakeside cottage in the Adirondack Mountains.  During her first visit there, she discovers her grandmother’s hidden journal from the summer of 1942, in which the grandmother describes her growing, (and illicit), love for the man in the neighboring cabin.  I’m having a lot of fun with this one. 

Sharon: What advice would you have for anyone wanting to break into the writing biz today?

Robert: Get the best possible agent.  I was lucky enough to secure representation from Marly Rusoff, and she’s fantastic.  A good and influential agent will not only help to critique your work, but he or she also stands the best chance of selling it to a reputable house.  So far, my experience has been fantastic, and Marly has been the key.  One of the greatest days in my life was when she called me, and said that we had deal an offer for “If Wishes Were Horses” from Harper Collins.  It just doesn’t get any better than that…           

My thanks to Robert Barclay for spending time with my readers, and to Christine Maddalena with Harper Collins for her help in obtaining a review copy of “If Wishes Were Horses,” and arranging this interview with Mr. Barclay.

About The Book:

Wyatt Blaine desperately seeks a reason to continue. Devastated by the senseless deaths of his wife and son at the hands of a drunk driver, he remains unable to forgive, and to love again. Searching for a sense of peace, he decides to revive his late wife's equine therapy program for troubled teens at the Blaine family ranch. By honoring her memory in this way, he hopes to find the sense of closure that has long eluded him.

But then Wyatt's pastor asks for the impossible—for Wyatt to meet with Gabby Powers, the widow of the man responsible for Wyatt's unbearable sorrow. Wyatt knows Gabby is not to blame for the tragedy, so when she begs him to accept her troubled teenage son, Trevor, into the program, he reluctantly agrees. With some help and guidance from Ram, Wyatt's irascible but lovable father, Wyatt does his best to accept Gabby and Trevor's unsettling presence at the ranch. Even so, Wyatt still feels that he is somehow betraying his late wife's memory rather than honoring it.

But to his great surprise, Wyatt also finds himself drawn to Gabby's warmth, tenderness, and surprising ability to soothe his troubled soul. Day after day, their mutual attraction becomes more intense, more impossible to ignore. But to heal completely, Wyatt and Gabby must first overcome the common tragedy that separates them and learn the true nature of forgiveness. And only by conquering these seeming impossibilities might their hearts become free to love each other.

Five Questions With Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Today, I am so excited to introduce you to a new feature here at my blog - "Five Questions With .,. Author Interviews."  And to kick off this feature, I'm honored to host bestselling author Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

With her latest book, CALL ME IRRESISTIBLE, her sixteenth novel, Susan brings her legion of fans up to date on favorite beloved characters from her previous novels with this trip back to Wynette. The kids of Fleur Savagar Koranda (“Glitter Baby”),  Francesca Day Beaudine (“Fancy Pants”), and Cornelia Case Jorik (“First Lady”) are all grown up now and leading exciting and romance-filled lives of their own.
(My review follows the Q&A)

As she sets out on a whirlwind promotional tour, Susan was kind enough to answer a few questions about her writing and her books!

1. At what age did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

 

Susan:  I didn't. I wanted to be a movie star. (I know... Sad, but true.) I became a writer accidently when I was a young mother and started writing the books I wanted to read.

 

 

2. At what point in your incredible career did it finally sink in – “hey, I’m famous,” and did it make a difference in your writing?

 

Susan:  I'm famous?! Why didn't somebody tell me?  Does that mean I don't have to do laundry anymore?Seriously, the only times I feel famous are when I go out on book tours, and that whole experience is so odd, fun, fascinating, tiring, invigorating that it doesn't seem part of my ordinary life. Notions of "fame" definitely have no effect on what I write. I'm still writing the books I want to read.

3.  Who are some of your favorite authors? Who inspires you?

 

Susan:  Postive, enthusiastic people are extremely inspirational to me, and I keep as many of them in my life as I can manage. (Bribes help.) As for favorite authors... Too many to count. I love Kristin Hannah's work, Patricia Gaffney, Jayne Ann Krentz, Jennifer Crusie, Sarah Bird, Ruth Reich, A.J. Jacobsl. I just finished Suzanne Collins amazing Hunger Games trilogy. I'm thrilled that so many of today's wonderful Y.A. novels are finding an adult audience.

 

4.  What do you have coming up in the future?

 

Susan: CALL ME IRRESISTIBLE comes out on January 18th, along with a 2 week U.S. book tour. In May, I'll be touring in Germany for the Germany edition of the book.  At the same time, I'll be trying to finish Lucy Jorik's book. (She's the runaway bride from CALL ME IRRESISTIBLE.) 

5.  What advice would you have for anyone wanting to break into the writing biz today?

 

Susan:  Write.  Don't just talk about it and think about it. Do it. Start producing pages. Who cares if they're good or bad? Just get into the habit of writing regularly. Anyone interested in more of my thoughts on this subject can visit my website at www.susanelizabethphillips.com  and click on "Writing Tips."

 

My thanks to Susan Elizabeth Phillips for being my first guest author!

 

My Review of CALL ME IRRESISTIBLE

 

 

Ted Beaudine is just about the most perfect man there is. Handsome, wealthy, smart – he is “all that and a bag of chips,” as some may say. And the people of Wynette, Texas think their golden boy can do no wrong.

So when the day comes when Ted is about to marry the beautiful Lucy Jorik, the daughter of a former President of the United States, well it’s only natural that people would think this is a marriage-to-be that is made in Heaven.

Only one little problem.

When Lucy’s best friend Meg Koranda arrives in Wynette and sees just how miserable Lucy is about the big event, and how Ted doesn’t seem to be passionately in love with Lucy, Meg gives her best pal a little advice - Run while she can – advice that Lucy grabs on to!

The results - well, let’s just say Meg has just become the most despised woman in town – a town she suddenly discovers she is stuck in with a clunker car, no money and one angry Ted on her hands. Meg soon finds that she is on her own and having struggle to survive by her own wits, and for some inexplicable reason she finds herself being drawn to the sexy, downright irresistible Ted Beaudine.

In “Call Me Irresistible,” best-selling author Susan Elizabeth Phillips once again delivers a brilliantly fast-paced romantic story that is sexy, full of humor, and an absolute delight to read. Her characters are smart, sharp-witted, and down-to-earth, and with her lively writing style, Phillips draws her readers in on the fun and the action that will keep readers turning the pages as fast as they can.

“Call Me Irresistible” is the perfect pick-me-up for these long winter days when everybody could use a little spicy romance and a great laugh or two.   

My thanks to William Morrow Books for the review copy of this book.

CHALLENGE FULFILLMENT: 100+ Books; Where Are You Reading?; Southern Reading; Romance Reading