Sunday, October 04, 2009

LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT - Beth Shriver - Free Book

Welcome, Beth. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

Looking back on those days of first loves and the possibilities that the attraction promises is the reason I write YA. And this story stirs up all those feelings in just the right way. I loved capturing Neely's youth--that age where she's just about to step into adulthood. She's a great character--and Angelo is scrumptious too!

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I read the obituaries. And for awhile I made it a daily habit which eventually led to a story I’ve been working on titled, The Funeral Hopper. It’s a fun read with very unique characters. You never know where your quirks may take you.

When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?

I didn't start writing until 2003, and I was never one of those kids who hid under the covers at night to read after bedtime, or started writing my first novel at age five! No, I began writing articles for inspirational magazines because I thought I had something to say and wanted to share with others. An author friend of mine read my articles and encouraged me to write a book. That book was, Love at First Flight, yep, my very first manuscript. Then came the memories of my social work years and, A Case of the Heart, was created, and I've written six more. For me, writing is all about life experiences on steroids. Each situation, conversation or feeling is heightened to give everyday situations a fun, new kick:)

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I have a romantic suspense, A Case of the Heart, coming out in June. I’ve also written a historical, Remnant of the Fall, that will be out this summer and a women’s fiction, Reclaiming Tess, will released at the end of the year. My last book, Fear of Falling, will come out in 2010. Presently I’m writing another YA.

What is the range of books you like to read?

I don’t have any particular genre that I like, maybe historical if I had to choose, but I like to read all types of books and see everything that’s out there. I’ve been surprised at some of the books I’ve really enjoyed that I never thought I’d like. When you see all the different genres I write in you’ll understand my tendency to jump around a lot. It’s all about the story not the category for me.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Sanity can be a tricky thing for writers who live in another world for a good part of their day. I try and keep my quiet time each morning a priority and if I follow through with that my day seems to start out right. I’m a runner, have been for 15 years which helps relieve everyday stress. I also rely on a circle of girlfriends who are always there for me to cry to or play with. My family is very supportive as well.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

What I’m most proud of is that I’m doing something I never thought I would, writing. As I mentioned previously creating a full-length story was never something I’d even thought of doing until I moved to Texas. I had a hard time with the adjustment moving from Colorado but I found comfort and a way to express myself with writing and a connection that made me feel whole again.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

When we were in Carmel, California, I loved watching the otters play with each other in the waves and lie on their backs and eat crabs. Playing and eating are good, so I think an otter is the way to go for me.

I loved watching the otters in Carmel, too. What is your favorite food?

Sushi. Goes with the otter thingJ

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

It’s hard to break into any market. It’s all about timing, finding an editor who likes your writing, and perseverance.

What advice would you give to a beginning author who want to write the kind of books you do?

Read YAs, know teens and how they think, talk, what they would do in situations different than adults. And although each individual has preferences, teens tend to go with the trend even more than adults, so watch for the big hits and find out from teens what they liked about those books. And don’t give up. The writing industry is TOUGH!

Tell us about the featured book?

Love at First Flight is like a perfect summer vacation, full of sun, surf, and a sweet romance. Who doesn’t dream of going on a trip to an exotic location and finding love? Neely is a likable and engaging narrator, and girls will enjoy tagging along in her suitcase for this fantasy trip to Mexico, which is touched with just enough realism to make the happy ending quite satisfying.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Page One

I braced myself for the landing. I’d gotten through takeoff, but landings were worse. I didn’t have a fear of flying. It’s more a fear of puking.

The plane lost altitude. Every downward movement made my stomach lurch. My clammy hands stuck to the armrests, and my forehead perspired. Why did it take so long to land? It seemed like an endless process to drop a few hundred feet. Meanwhile, I was being tortured.

Don’t throw up! Don’t throw up! I kept this mantra until the tires hit the runway, then I took a deep breath. Yes! I’d made it without puking!

I had been so excited about going to Mexico. The picture on the brochure of a lady in a bikini, lying in a hammock between two palm trees, made it look like a tropical paradise. But whenever I get on a plane I wonder if it’s worth it. But this was my last big hurrah before leaving for college, so I planned to make the most of it.

I exhaled and looked at my sister beside me.

“I had this ready for you, Neely.” Meredith held out a puke bag.

Meredith is two years older than me and in her second year of college. We had our share of brawls growing up, but now that she’s gone most of the time, I’d hoped we might get along better.

“Very funny. Let me look out the window. Can you see anything?” I moved my head around, trying to look out.

She moved her head with mine, blocking my view. I slapped her on the knee. She yelped, and reached out to grab me.

Dad’s hand shot between us, catching her hand. “You two never change.” He shook his head.

Outside the window, palm trees blew in the wind. The Cancun airport was surrounded by a jungle.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.bethshriverwriter.com/

Thank you, Beth, for spending this time with us.

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book. By using this link when you order, you're helping support this blog:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

41 comments:

Mark said...

I'd like to enter. Thanks
marcus802001@yahoo.com

JJ said...

Hi, I just tweeted this one. There is seldom Christian teen books promoted on giveaways. :) Thanks,

gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

Lady Araujo said...

I love YA fiction. I'd like to be entered in this amazing drawing!!

God's blessings

Unknown said...

Sounds like a good book and I LOVE the cover. Thanks for entering me into this giveaway.

unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com

Fliterary said...

Love the interview, Beth and Lena! Praying for God's abundant blessings for "Love at First Flight."

Patricia PacJac Carroll said...

HI Beth and Lena,
Looks like a fun book with spunky, likeable characters.

Gina Lee Nelson said...

Hi Beth,

I love this story. Congrats on your newly found dream and it's success!

Gina

Publius said...

No need to enter me in the drawing, but I wanted to say how great it is to get a peek at this book. I know Beth's a talented writer (and an even better human being), and I'm sure teens (and not-so-teens) will adore "Love at First Flight."

Great interview!

Laurie Larsen said...

Would love to be entered in the drawing! Congrats for your success Beth, and can't wait to read the book! (I love beaches so it really, really appeals to me!)

Laurie

Anonymous said...

Great interview, Beth!

Kat

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Hello I would love to enter this contest!

dancealert at aol dot com

Unknown said...

Thanks for the contest. I love that you aren't one of those writers who didn't start writing at age 5. I have a passion for writing but always felt that if I were a real writer I would have already been obsessed with it by the age of 5. Love the excerpt of the book. I always feel like that when I fly, which I love to do, it's the puking part that gets me. Loved getting to know you a bit better through the interview.

Val
lastnerve2000@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

It's a great interview. I'd love a chance to read the book. Thanks.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sherry Kuhn said...

Wonderful interview. The book sounds great. Would love the opportunity to win it. Please enter me in the contest.

Thanks,
Sherry K
love2stitch(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a beautiful book...a great review. please count me in.

karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Judyg said...

I really enjoyed reading just a little bit of this book, and would love to win it. Enter me in the drawing please.
judyg54(at)juno(dot)com

apple blossom said...

Sounds like a good book. I love romances. Please include me in the drawing. Thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Kristen said...

This books sounds really fun!! Count me in!!

Tammy Barley said...

EVERYONE--THIS IS AN AWESOME BOOK! Beth is a highly gifted author/storyteller. I've read most of her books--all excellent, no matter what genre!

Enter me--I'd love an autographed copy.

Tammy Barley

tammy_barley/at/hotmail/dot/com

Sheila Deeth said...

I love YA books and this sounds great. I like the idea of keeping your sanity in a run run world by running. So not me.

Beth Shriver said...

Nice to hear from two of my editors, thanks for commenting. Complimenting my writing is an honor coming from you.

And yes, it is good to hear of writers who didn't major in english and wrote their first full length novel before middle school:) It's all about the passion and knowing you have a lot to learn but it's all worth it.

Beach lovers will love the backdrop in this story as well as those with a weak stomach when flying. Glad you could relate to that") I still check to make sure there's a puke bag in the magazine holder before we take off!

These interviews are a great way to get to know the story teller behind the book. I'll be doing another one soon on my romantic suspense so please join me then as well.

Marla said...

I can relate to Beth on the subject of reading the daily orbituaries. I used to do that every day. I have now got out of the habit. I am caregiver of a teen girl who has trouble finding books to read that she likes. I really think this would be one she would enjoy. Thank you for the entry.

koinonia572001@yahoo.com

Patty Wysong said...

Sounds wonderful!

Unknown said...

Enjoyed your interview, Beth. I've read the book, too and it was wonderful. Keep up the good writing!

Amber Holcomb said...

Thanks for the chance to win this book! Travelling and finding romance sounds great! :)

Edna said...

The books sounds good and the first chapter wanted me too read on. Please add me to the contest


mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Megan said...

I'm a sucker for YA fiction. I probably always will be! haha Thanks for the interview Lena. Oh and I love Sea Otters too. They just seem so fun!

Anonymous said...

I loved the excerpt. It sounds just like my sister and I. I can hardly wait to read it. Please enter me in the drawing. ~Abby


abster(dot)rose(at)yahoo(dot)com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Please enter me! Great Enter!

dancealert at aol dot com

mariska said...

I love the cover! Looking forward to have the chance to win this great book.
Mariska
uniquas at ymail dot com

Beth Shriver said...

Since my other two comments didn't go through I need to catch up!

The cover artist did a great job. I'd asked for something different but I like this scene much better:)

The main character is a spunky girl which makes the story unpredictable, just like she is. And any of you with a sister will apprecaite the relationship she has with her older 'annoying' sibling, as Neeley would say.

And yes, even not-so-teens will enjoy this one as all of us like the thought of traveling and romance, it would have been even better with otters")

Lori (sugarandgrits) said...

Beth is a new author for me...I don't usually read Teen/YA...but this books sounds really good.

I'm the oldest of 4 girls, so I guess I would be the "older 'annoying' sibling"! LOL You'd have to ask my sisters!

Thank you,
~ Lori

sugarandgrits{at}hotmail{dot}com

Cherie J said...

Wonderful interview! Please enter me in the drawing.

Anonymous said...

I would love to read Beth's book. Please enter me. Thanks.
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

Beth Shriver said...

I'm glad to hear that the exerpt drew you in. Teens and parents alike can relate to that scene:)And even your picky teen reader might feel the familarity and dive in.

I've been surprised at how many other obit readers there are out there. It's intereting to read about people's lives, makes you think about how your living yours")

And yes, I guess I do run to help deal with the 'run run' society. I hand't caught my own pun!

Andrea Geist said...

I can't wait to read the book.

Kristi said...

Sounds like me and my sister! Please enter me in the giveaway.

Cíntia Mara said...

Love this kind of books, love stories are my favorite.

~> I already read obtuaries too.
~> I want to know all books she wrote. The titles looks interesting. Especialy A Case of the Heart.

Please, enter me in your drawing.

Thanks!
God bless you!

Nancye said...

This looks like a great book! Thanks for the chance!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Liz said...

Well, I think I am too late to enter for the book, so I guess I will just have to purchase a copy! It sounds great. The interview was wonderful too. I look forward to reading Beth's work!

adge said...

This book looks good. Please include me in the giveaway. Thanks.