Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts

Saturday, December 13, 2014

#AuthorSpotlight #Interview with Bestselling Author, Railyn Stone





Writing since she could pick up a pen, Railyn Stone hails from the Tar Heel State and is a romantic at heart. She believes you can find romance in the simplest aspects of life and enjoys letting her imagination run wild. Trying new restaurants, listening to music, playing golf and writing stories about ordinary people are the hobbies she cherishes most.


What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
My favorite part of being a writer is developing a character and getting to know everything about them. What’s really cool is being able to give the character the life you want them to have. Even when bad things happen to them, I have the ability to make the underdog win every time.

What genre(s) do you write?
Currently, I write contemporary romance with a multicultural twist.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part of writing my book was actually the editing part. It was hard at first letting go and opening myself up to the critique of my work. Once I let go, I honestly ended up loving the editing process. It’s an incredibly creative process and when you get an editor that challenges you to be even better and helps you enhance your work and see it from a different perspective, it’s an amazing feeling.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I wish I could say I’m a plotter, but I’m truly a pantser. I’ve tried plotting stories out on paper before and it just never works. I don’t know why, but it’s almost like if I plot it out, then I lose interest in the story because I know the ending already.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
I hope the reader feels something when they read my stories. I’m not writing fables with intricate morals to the story, but I do want the reader to get something out of it. I’ve always thought a good story has lots of emotion in it, whether it’s the highs and lows of love or happiness from a great friendship. I love the characters I write and I hope the readers love them as much as I do.

How long have you been a writer?
I’ve been writing most of my life. My mom started me on it. I’ve kept journals since I was probably about twelve years old and I started off writing poetry. I started seriously pursuing publication about eight years ago.  

How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?
I cannot tell you how proud and excited my family is for me. I am overwhelmed with the love and support they’ve shown me. I wasn’t sure how people would react, but it’s been amazing. I even found out that I’m not the only person in my family that writes. That was pretty cool to discover.

When not writing, how do you relax?
I love to play golf, once I learned to just have fun with it. It’s become a great way to relax. Being outside on a beautiful 70 degree day with friends and family and all you can see is a gorgeous green fairway and Carolina blue skies; there’s nothing like it.

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.
I was born with six fingers on each hand.
I am silly as all get out.
I’ve always secretly thought it would be cool to be a back up singer.
I’m a huge Prince fan.
My favorite color is green.

This is where you can find Railyn Stone
railynstone.blogspot.com
Twitter: @railynwrites


Sydnee Garrett has a lot on her to-do list. Wrangle her young and rambunctious twin boys. Check. 

Get her life back in order since her husband decided to leave her for a much younger woman. Check. 

And buy a Christmas tree. Check.

What she wasn’t expecting was adding one more thing to her list. A young, sexy personal trainer. Check.

Quinn Masters is a man who knows what he wants and doesn’t take no for an answer. He isn’t fazed by age or race differences and he does everything in his power to win Sydnee over.

Will Sydnee continue to fight for her orderly life or welcome in the chaos that’s threatening to change her entire world?



Excerpt
“Excuse me, ma’am?” Quinn started after Sydnee as she turned to walk away.
“Oh no, please. No ma’ams. It’s Sydnee.”

“Sorry?”

“My name...it’s Sydnee.”

“Oh, okay, Sydnee. I’m actually getting ready to go onmy break; could I buy you a cup of coffee?” He may have let her get away the night before, but he didn’t intend on letting her get away again.
“That’s sweet, but I don’t think so.”
“Wow. I don’t know if I’ve ever been rejected that quickly. I could be scarred for life.” He beamed, clutching at his heart and looking into a set of deep brown eyes he knew he could get lost in.
“Something tells me you’ll be okay,” she giggled and he was hooked. She had the most infectious laugh and he was prepared to do whatever he needed to do to keep hearing it.
“It’s just coffee.”
“Look, Quinn, it was really nice of you to deliver my tree last night, even though I know that’s not a service this tree lot actually provides. But I just can’t go out with you.”
“Hmm, so it’s not that you don’t want to go out with me? I mean you said you can’t so, technically, I still have a chance?” He could only hope he was making progress as her giggle turned into a full-blown laugh.
“You are an optimist. I have to go.”
“Hey, you didn’t say you weren’t interested. You just said you can’t go out. There’s a difference.” He continued to walk alongside her as she strode to her car.
“If you say so.”

“So what does a guy have to do to get you to say yes?”
“Goodbye, Quinn.” She paused, smiling at him before she turned to walk off.
“See you later.” He grinned and she spun around to look at him quizzically. “Hey a guy can dream can’t he?” His eyes danced and she could only shake her head at his persistence. Quinn could still hear her melodic laugh as she got in her SUV and pulled away. He smiled as Jack approached him, slapping him on the back.
“Shot down huh? Maybe you should stick to females your own age. I can see why you delivered the tree last night, but son, that’s a real woman there, and I doubt you have a snowball’s chance in the devil’s house with her.” His uncle laughed.
“Uncle Jack, you so underestimate me.” Quinn winked, walking away to help a customer.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

#GoddessFishPromotions Presents PIE GIRLS by #LaurenClark


Lauren will be awarding a $20 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn 
winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Follow Lauren's tour HERE for more chances to enter and WIN!

AN INTERVIEW WITH LAUREN CLARK








Lauren Clark writes contemporary Southern novels sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets. A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends.







How would you describe yourself if you were “speed dating” your readers?

In thirty seconds, I would describe myself as happy, upbeat, positive, fun-loving, reliable, passionate, loving, kid-focused person who loves flavored coffee, world travel, great books, and good friends.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

My favorite thing is meeting and hearing from readers. There’s nothing better than that!  I love visiting book clubs, doing book signings, and talking to author groups.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

I’d love for my readers to take away that one can truly make lemonade from the lemons you are handed in life. That sometimes, unexpected turns in one’s path are the greatest blessing. And of course, it is my belief that women are stronger and more resilient than they think they are.

In Pie Girls, Searcy began the story as a bit of a spoiled princess, able to live a life of luxury, but when her husband drops the bomb that he’s leaving, she’s left with nothing. That rock-bottom place from which she re-starts her life really gives her strong moral fiber, compassion, and an ability to see the good in the simple things in life.

What other careers have you had?

Oh, my gosh!  I’ve been a television news anchor, a television news reporter and producer, I have been a public relations director, a full-time mom, and a senior sales representative for a pharmaceutical company. At present, I work as a web content manager and social media manager for Spring Hill College. When I was growing up, I was a babysitting, worked in a grocery store, an amusement park, and an ice cream factory (taking orders). Lots of free ice cream!

Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?

If you, as a reader, enjoy a story with a big challenge for the main character, some fun and humor, quirky characters, an unexpected twist or two, a charming and handsome hero, substantial character growth, a happy ending, and a Southern setting, than my books are for you!

How long have you been a writer? 

I’ve always thought about writing, but didn’t get serious about it until after my second son was born. I published Stay Tuned 2011, Dancing Naked in Dixie in 2012, Stardust Summer in 2013, and Pie Girls in 2014.

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?

I’ve been offered a two-book deal through Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson and will release a suspense novel called Center of Gravity in July 2015. Here’s the summary:

On the verge of thinking she’s found happily ever after, a young woman discovers her new husband has a violent dark side and a deeply twisted past. When he disappears with her two young children, she must face her deepest fears to rescue them, even if it means losing her own life.

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

As a child, I loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, and it’s fun because my 9-year-old son just read On the Banks of Plum Creek for school. My boys are big readers, so we’ve blown through the Percy Jackson series, Divergent, and Hunger Games, as well. Loved them. As an adult, I’d have to say that Jodi Picoult, Emily Giffin, Sophie Kinsella, and Jennifer Weiner have all had some influence on my life and writing.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Upstate New York (near Niagara Falls), moved to Pennsylvania for college, and Ohio for graduate school. I went back to New York when I started my television news career, then moved to a station in Alabama in 2000. I’ve lived in Mobile, Ala. since 2007.

When not writing, how do you relax?

I love to read (of course); I enjoy going to the beach, my parents’ lake house, or spending a weekend in New Orleans or Atlanta (both close enough to drive to in a day). If I have an extra thirty minutes, I’ll meet a friend for coffee, go for a run, or play a board or card game with my boys. We love Uno, Trivial Pursuit, or Sequence.

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

My favorite time of day is early morning, when the sun is rising and the world is still quiet.
I’d rather spend time with my two boys than do anything else.
I’m an avid coffee drinker, and am excited it’ll soon be Pumpkin Spice season!
I get lost easily, especially in a new city.
I will always choose caramel over chocolate.

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Amazon Author Page:  Lauren Clark
Facebook:  Lauren Clark
Twitter:  @Laurenclark_bks
Pinterest
Goodreads


Princess, Southern belle, and spoiled-rotten social climber Searcy Roberts swore on a stack of Bibles she’d never return home to Fairhope, Alabama. After marrying her high school sweetheart and moving to Atlanta, Searcy embraces big-city life—Carrie Bradshaw style.

But now, Searcy has a teeny, tiny problem. Her husband’s had a mid-life crisis. He’s quit his job, cancelled her credit cards, and left her for another man.

Searcy returns to Fairhope, ready to lick her wounds. But when her mother falls ill, she’s is thrust into managing the family business—only to discover the beloved bakery is in danger of closing its doors forever.

Enlisting the help of the adorable bike store owner next door, an array of well-heeled customers, and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Searcy hatches the plan of the century to save Pie Girls.


Enjoy an Excerpt from PIE GIRLS

"C.C.," I exclaim, standing on tiptoes for an air kiss. "What a lovely surprise."
           
She clears her throat, and I step back. "You haven't greeted my Precious," C.C. warns in a lilting voice, tilting her head toward the pink sequined bag hanging over her left forearm.
           
Precious? Like as in the Lord of the Rings? Surely she doesn't mean...
           
A tiny black nose and beady eyes poke out of the bag.
           
"Eek!" I jump back and squeal, clapping a hand to my chest and dropping the keys.
           
The dog—if you can call it that—begins yipping and complaining like I've just whipped it with a cat o' nine tails.
           
I freeze in place, flush a lovely shade of violet, and want to self-destruct; certain that I've committed what equates to a mortal sin in the world according to C.C. Anderson. She's carrying her new puppy, a tiny Min-Pin; complete with pink collar and matching pink toenails.
           
"I'm so sorry—"
           
C.C. waves her own pink manicured fingernails an inch from my face.
           
"Mama's poor little baby," she coos in a high-pitched falsetto. "Are you okay, my sweetie-weetie, lovey girl?"
           
My jaw drops open slightly. I've never heard the woman utter a word of endearment toward any human being or living creature.

When I first dated Alton, I was almost certain that C.C., in fact, was among the un-dead. Five years ago, when she and Alton’s father decided to move to Atlanta—under the auspices of closer to their only son—I almost had him talked into buying some dove's blood from Marie Laveau's shop in New Orleans just to see if she'd drink it.
           
"Mama's Precious will be all right, won't she?" C.C. continues. "Searcy's just a bad girl. She'll do better, I promise, darling."


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