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Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Thursday, September 24, 2020

An Interview with Tiffanie DeBartolo

Check out this interview with author Tiffanie DeBartolo about her next book, Sorrow.  Sorrow will release on October 20, 2020. Look for my spoiler-free review.  I fell in love with Tiffanie's writing after reading How to Kill a Rock Star.  It's one of my all-time favorite books. 

Sorrow by Tiffanie DeBartolo

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55298100-sorrow

Pre-order Sorrow: 

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/33PIGVe

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2Ew3Dfx

Synopsis:

From Tiffanie DeBartolo, author of God Shaped Hole, How to Kill a Rock Star, and Grace: The Jeff Buckley Story, comes Sorrow, a poignant story about friendship and love, art and music, and how these pursuits can save us from ourselves.


Joe Harper has backpedaled throughout his life. A once-promising guitar prodigy, he’s been living without direction since abandoning his musical dreams. Now into his thirties, having retreated from every opportunity he’s had to level up, he has lost his family, his best friend, and his self-respect.


But Joe finds an unlikely path to redemption when he starts working as a carpenter for the bohemian conceptual artist October Danko. The job returns him to his hometown, loaded with bittersweet reminders of his former life, in the shadows of his beloved redwood trees. As Joe’s relationship with October develops, he yearns to take a daring step toward a bold future but struggles to escape the craven decisions of his past.


Sorrow is a stunning, moving novel that explores masculinity and suspended adolescence, all the while begging the questions: Can courage be learned? And is it ever too late to follow your heart?


An Interview with

Tiffanie DeBartolo

Tiffanie DeBartolo
  1. How have your own experiences influenced the novel’s setting and characters? 

I live in Mill Valley, the magical town where a majority of the novel takes place. I hike through the redwoods almost every day and find them just as inspiring as Joe and October do. I think a lot of the emotional core of the story, however, comes from my work in the music business. I’ve seen a number of talented musicians either abandon their dreams or sabotage them, usually because they’re full of fear and can’t get out of their own way. That kind of fear bleeds over into a person’s personal life. Moreover, in the past, I’ve certainly had the heartbreaking experience of being in love with someone who was too afraid to love me back, and that’s a big part of what “Sorrow” is about.   


2. Owning a record label, you have an established career in the music industry. How did that knowledge help when it came to crafting the plot and characters for the book?


My creative work always seems to begin with my love of and passion for music. Music informs everything I do. It has throughout my entire life, and throughout my writing career. I think many authors have themes that they return to again and again, because we have existential questions we’re trying to answer, and one of my themes is music and the powerful role that art plays in our lives. 


3. What challenges did you encounter writing your main character, Joe, from the male perspective? Are there things you would have done differently if you had decided to give that character a different gender?


To be honest, I expected it to be more challenging to write from the male perspective than it actually was. I originally began writing the book with October as the narrator, but I quickly realized that unless readers were seeing and feeling the world through Joe’s eyes, they weren’t going to understand him or empathize with him, so I switched to his POV. And my takeaway, after walking in his shoes for two years as I wrote this novel, was that men and women aren’t as different as society has conditioned us to believe we are. Deep down, we all want the same thing — love — and we’re all just trying to figure out how to overcome all the shit that holds us back from surrendering fully to that love.  


4. The famous redwoods of Northern California are a good example of how a book’s location can be a character in and of itself. Can you talk a bit about their significance and meaning throughout the novel? 


It’s interesting, because early in the writing process, I was struggling with discovering what made Joe tick, and I happened to run into a friend at the local coffee shop where I wrote a lot of the book (Equator Coffee, the same one Joe hangs out in!). My friend mentioned that he’d just read a beautiful book about redwood trees, and as we spoke about the trees for a while, something clicked in my head and heart. I was like, “That’s it! Joe! The trees!” I immediately read the book my friend was talking about, and Joe’s character blossomed into life. And, of course, the metaphor between Joe and the trees was so obvious and became a crucial component from that moment on. The more I learned about the trees, the more I learned about Joe. 


5. Let’s talk The National! The book was partially influenced by the band’s music — how did they inspire your writing, and are there any Easter eggs fans of the group can find in the book? 


OK, so despite the fact that The National have a song called “Sorrow” which is referenced in the book and obviously inspired the title, the song that planted the seed that grew into this story was “Pink Rabbits.” I remember listening to that song one day, hearing the line: “Somebody said you disappeared in a crowd/I didn’t understand then/I don’t understand now,” and my mind conjured up a scene at an outdoor concert venue, a man standing in the middle of the crowd beside the love of his life, everything about to fall into place, and for some reason he breaks, just walks away and doesn’t come back. That was the first scene I wrote, and obviously it developed into something more complex than that original idea, but the novel really grew around that nascent scene. As far as Easter eggs go, the homage to the “Pink Rabbits” song is the cocktail Joe makes in the scene where he and October talk in his apartment. Joe’s version is a little different than the traditional cocktail, and he calls it a Brown Recluse. There’s two more “Pink Rabbits” mentioned in the book, but I’ll let the fans find them on their own. 


6. What do you hope people take away from this book? 


These characters taught me a lot, and I hope people take away from this book what I took away. Namely, that it’s never too late to become a better version of yourself and that love and art can often be the portals to that becoming. 


7. As the 21st century seems to get bleaker by the minute, what would you say to someone who is convinced their best days are behind them and that they’re too old to act on their dreams?


I’ve been revisiting the work of Joseph Campbell a lot lately, so to quote him, I would say, “Follow your bliss.” It’s never too late for that. And it’s imperative to the experience of having a meaningful life. The past is gone and the future is only a possibility. All we have is this moment, and if you listen to your heart, if you take steps toward the life you desire to be living, if you just get on that path, that’s where you’ll find the truth of who you are. That’s where you’ll find joy. It’s not about success. It’s not about money. This is a spiritual quest we’re talking about. It’s everything. 



About Tiffanie 

Tiffanie grew up in Youngstown, Ohio where she insists there was nothing to do but read and listen to music. It is no surprise then that after graduating high school a year early to study philosophy at UC Berkeley, she became a writer and founded a record label.


Her previous works include God Shaped Hole (2002), How To Kill a Rock Star (2005), the graphic novel Grace: Based on the Jeff Buckley Story (2019), and the film Dream for an Insomniac (1996), which she wrote and directed.


Website: https://www.tiffaniedebartolo.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TiffanieDeBartoloAuthor/

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3i10jH1

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

EXCLUSIVE Q&A with Author Ryan Michele

Check out this exclusive interview with Ryan Michele about her contribution to the Honor Anthology!



About the HONOR ANTHOLOGY

For Memorial Day 2016, eleven authors have come together to honor those who lost their lives while defending our freedom. Enjoy eleven brand new military-themed stories, which may contain a few familiar faces.

Through happiness, struggles, love, loss, appreciation, and sorrow, these stories will leave you red hot and wanting more.

All proceeds from the sales of The Honor Anthology will be donated to the Honor the Sacrifice charity.

*Contains adult language and content not suitable for readers under the age of 18*

Includes stories from:
NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Emily Snow
USA Today Bestselling authors Chelsea Camaron and MJ Fields
along with
Daryl Banner
Lacey Black
SM Donaldson
Misha Elliott
Ellie Keys
Amanda Lanclos
Ryan Michele
Dawne Walters

Get your hands on the anthology now for 99 cents!



Interview with Ryan Michele

Q. Describe your story in the Honor anthology in five words.
A. Courageous, Brave, Love, Determination, Persistence

Q.What was the driving factor behind participating in this anthology?
A. I wanted to be part of this anthology to give back to those who have given me freedom.

Q. What’s your biggest distraction while writing?
A. Internet and my phone

Q. Do you have any writing habits or rituals that you have to do while writing – or before?
A. No, I don’t. I don’t have an outline or plan when I write. I’m more a fly by the seat of my pants kind of gal. I can write anywhere (even while Spongebob is in the background). I’m pretty versatile in that sense. 

Q. What are you working on now?
A. Currently, I’m finishing up Conquering of the Vipers Creed MC. After that, I will be focusing on Captivate Me the final book in the Ravage MC Series. 

Author Bio
Ryan Michele found her passion in making fictional characters come to life. She loves being in an imaginative world where anything is possible and has a knack for special twists readers don’t see coming. 

She writes MC, Contemporary, Erotic, Paranormal, New Adult, Inspirational, and many more romances. And whether it’s bikers, wolf shifters, mafia, or beyond, Ryan spends her time making sure her heroes are strong and her heroines match them at every turn. 

When she isn’t writing, Ryan is a mom and wife living in rural Illinois and reading by her pond in the warm sun. 

STALK RYAN


Ravage MC Series
Ravage Me (Ravage MC #1): http://amzn.to/1t1cz16
Seduce Me (Ravage MC #2): http://amzn.to/1t1ccnb
Consume Me (Ravage MC #3): http://amzn.to/1PjHIXj
Inflame Me (Ravage MC #4): http://amzn.to/1UeaRPJ
Captivate Me (Ravage Me #5): Coming 2016
Satisfy Me: http://amzn.to/1UeaYuI
Rattle Me: http://amzn.to/1XgdcRf
Ride with Me: Ryan Michele & Chelsea Camaron: http://amzn.to/1Ue9MYr
Ravage MC Box Set: http://amzn.to/1UugmMT

Vipers Creed MC Series
Challenged (Vipers Creed MC#1) 

Raber Wolf Pack Series
Raber Wolf Pack Book One: http://amzn.to/1XPqCSu
Raber Wolf Pack Book Two: http://amzn.to/1t1bvuk
Raber Wolf Pack Book Three: http://amzn.to/1sLyitg
Raber Wolf Pack Box Set: http://amzn.to/1XgbVtj
Stand-alones
Safe: http://amzn.to/1UeaBQM
Wanting You: http://amzn.to/1PjGWtn
Blood & Loyalties: http://amzn.to/1PjGThh

Needing to Fall: http://amzn.to/1UeabtK
Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Q&A with S.C. Stephens


1. Tell us about your writing process. Do you start with an idea or a character? 
I usually start with an idea, and the characters spring to life from there. Do you know what’s going to happen from the beginning or do you figure it out as you write? I typically have a general idea of where I want the story to end up, but things come to me as I’m writing, so the story often changes.

2. What was hardest about writing the story from Kellan’s perspective? 
I think the hardest part was making sure everything lined up with the first book. I went through Thoughtless page by page to make sure it was consistent. What was the most fun? Any scene where all of the guys were together. I love the camaraderie between the band members.

3. Were Kellan and the D-Bags inspired by a specific band? 
Not one in particular. I was listening to a lot of OneRepublic, The Fray, and Linkin’ Park at the time, so they are sort of a mixture of all three bands. How did you come up with the name? It came about while I was writing it. I was doing the scene where Griffin is talking about the T-shirts, and once he said Douchebags, I knew that was it. 

4. What’s your favorite quote or scene from THOUGHTFUL? 
Whether it’s from his point of view or hers, the rain scene is still my favorite.

5. If you had to pick one of the four D-Bags to date, who would you choose and why? 
Oh, man. Honestly, I don’t think I could date a rock star! But if I absolutely had to, it would have to be Kellan. Definitely.

Monday, June 16, 2014

An Interview with Author Jay McLean

Romance Book Interview
It’s simple…this woman writes…I read it.  No brainer.  I just want to read whatever she writes…it’s my Kindle Crack. Do I sound like I am a little obsessed? Fine. I admit I need a twelve-step program.  Hello…My name is Cheri. I am a blogger…and I am obsessed with Jay McLean’s books.

A little background
Jay McLean is the author of the More Series, including More Than This, More Than Her, More Than Him and soon to be released, More Than Forever. She also has two standalones coming soon titled The Road, and Combative.
Jay is an avid reader, writer, and most of all, procrastinator. When she's not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her two little boys, or devouring some tacky reality TV show. She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her smile, make her hurt, and make her feel.

You can follow Jay on Instagram and Twitter @jaymcleanauthor. You can also find her on her blog at www.jaymcleanauthor.com where you can subscribe to her newsletter and get teasers and updates first hand, her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jaymcleanauthor or her fan group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/moreserieslovers, or you can contact Jay directly at jay@jaymcleanauthor.com

For publishing rights (Foreign & Domestic) Film, or television, please contact my agent, Erica Spellman-Silverman, at Trident Media Group.

Interview with Jay McLean
1. Did you ever imagine the More series would be such a huge success?

No. Never in my wildest dreams. I remember a week or two after release, just after I told my hubby that I hit publish--he went online and looked me up. That's where he saw your blog and said, "You should send it to her." I scoffed, and said, "No one wants to read my book. How embarrassing!" But I sent it anyway... and you posted a review and compared me to Colleen Hoover! I'm not gonna lie, I cried! And you didn't even know it then, but now you know how much I adore Colleen Hoover.

2. What made you write your first book? Did you always want to be a writer? 

No. I'd never written a single thing in my life before I started writing More Than This. It was just a story in my head--and one I thought I'd attempt to get out in words. I never thought to publish, and I never thought that it would be what it has become. 

3. How did you come up with the idea for the More series?   Did you have any real life inspirations “drunk Lucy” or Logan? 

Haha! Everyone loves Drunk Lucy! I don't really remember where I cam up with the idea. I just knew that I wanted to write a book where the girl was kind of thrown into a whirlwind of a new life. As far as the secondary characters, I wanted them all to be different so they stood out in the few sentences that they had in the book. I wanted them all to be quirky enough that I wouldn't want to skim the pages when I saw their name. It was a pet peeve of mine in books when I read... sometimes I just wanted scenes with the H and h and when their friends would be there, I tended to skim. I didn't want that. 

4. If you weren’t a writer…what would you be doing (other than housework or running after your adorable kids?)

I'd probably be back working at an electronic store here in Australia. When I was younger I wanted to be a radio DJ--the ones on those nightly countdown shows. My friends said I wasn't funny, so I quit that dream. 

5. What are you currently reading?

Nothing at the moment. After I finish editing More Than Forever, and setup some promo stuff, I'm going to try to devour some heavy reads. I try not to read and write at the same time so I don't get influenced. 

6. Who is your favorite writer?     

Colleen Hoover and Tijan. 

7.  Will you let your kids read your books one day?

Yes. One day. Maybe. If I cut out the profanity and some sex scenes. Maybe.

8. Logan or Jake…who is your favorite?

... NO ... I love Jake because he was my first, but I love Logan because he's beautifully broken, but I love Cam.... Okay, never mind.

9. When are you visiting the NY city area?  

October - November I'll be there! 

10.  I know you recently signed a publishing deal.  Tell me about your new releases.

A publishing deal was for two books, More Than This and The Road - with Skyscape, who are a division of Amazon Publishing. They will be re-releasing More Than This - with the same cover, etc. very soon. (I think just after More Than Forever's release) and The Road will be out in January. And -- you're the first blogger I'm telling -- The Road was actually picked up by an Italian Publisher called RCS Libri. They are the leaders in New Adult in Italy and work with some amazing authors, so I'm excited about that. It would be so surreal to see my work in another language!

###


Please check out my book reviews on the More Than series…so you can understand why I am so in love with JMack. I hope that someone green lights this series for a cable television series. 

Review of More Than This - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18285151-more-than-this?from_search=true

Review of More Than Her - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/672270354?book_show_action=false

Review of More Than Him - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/772652406?book_show_action=false




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