Welcome, Beth. Tell
us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
Many of Maggie’s, the female main character’s,
likes/dislikes/quirks are mine. She’s a died-hard Diet Coke fan, loves
chocolate, is not outgoing or in the “in” crowd. Her faith is important to her.
However, none of her experiences are based on my life. The two moms in the
story are not based on me or my style of mothering.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I have a feeling my kids would jump at the chance to answer
this question. If we go with the “peculiar” definition of quirky, then my
penchant for fountain Diet Coke probably qualifies. I will drive across town
for a fountain Diet Coke, snubbing my nose at other varieties of cola as well
as bottled or canned variations. Prior to our vacation in Hawaii , I contacted the hotel—via email and
telephone—to inquire if they were a Coke or Pepsi establishment. I then
contacted the convenience store I thought was next door, but was actually in
the hotel’s lobby, to inquire about their soft drink selection. Upon arrival,
and much to my delight, I discovered very palatable Diet Coke flowed from a
fountain beverage center in this convenient location. My husband has dubbed me
a “pop snob.” I prefer the term “pop connoisseur.”
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
I’m not really sure how to answer that. I’ve been writing
for over thirty years sporadically, wishing I would/could write more regularly.
For the past eight years, writing has been given a greater importance in my
daily life. For the past three-and-a-half years, I’ve written something nearly
every day.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
The great majority of books I read fall into one of two
categories or are a meshing of both. In fiction, I prefer books that combine a contemporary,
true-to-life story with realistic characters. If the story is based on true
events, that’s even better. In non-fiction, I like to read about people’s
lives, the paths and journeys that make or break them. The lessons they learn
along the way and how those experiences change and mold the persons’ lives. I’m
a people person, so I have to force myself to read about ideas, facts, and/or
concepts unless many people anecdotes are sprinkled into the book.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
Sometimes I don’t! Run, run, run does quite often describe
my world. Although I enjoy being busy, too much of a good thing, as they say,
is overwhelming. I attempt to look ahead and allot time for all the to-dos on
my list, but I find that too often, the tasks take longer than I want/hope they
will, creating an overwhelming time crunch. When the list is long and the line
items involved, I try to zero in on the most pressing/immediate task and adopt
a tunnel-vision approach. Deep breaths and a mental, sometimes oral, chanting
of, “Everything will be fine,” does help. Massive amounts of Diet Coke, and the
fact I’ve gotten used to short nights helps as well.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
The two main characters’ names just came to me as the story
brewed in my mind. The names fit them as their personalities formulated in my
mind. I try not to use names of family members or people I know well. Aside
from that and since I write YA, I try to use names that are at least somewhat
common among today’s youth.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Although several publishers showed interest in this
novel/series, the timing did not pan out, so I decided to take the indie route.
Deciding to “go indie” was one thing, but actually, bringing the project to
fruition involved countless hours of research and a continual push to move
forward. I had to put aside the fear that I couldn’t do it and make myself
advance toward the goal. Holding the actual book in my hand and downloading the
formatted ebook to my Kindle completed the dream and stirred a deep sense of
satisfaction.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
I’m not an animal person, so this is a hard one. Something
cute, cuddly, loyal, loves everyone—oh, and low-maintenance which means not
whiny, no shedding, probably sleeps a lot. Is there such an animal? Sounds like
a dog, maybe? If there’s a breed that fits these qualifications, I might even
consider getting a dog myself.
What is your favorite
food?
CHOCOLATE!
Mine, too. What is
the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you
overcome it?
Making the completion of the book a priority. I worked on
this book and series for years. I’m sure people grew weary of me talking about
the never-ending-project. I considered dropping it altogether or at least
putting it aside for a time, but I didn’t feel right about doing that. The story
would not leave my mind. So, I sloughed along with more dedication at times,
less so at other times. I took a no-turning-back step when I worked with a
photographer and a cover designer to complete the covers for all three books in
the series. That commitment solidified that I would complete the series.
before
I knew you presents a realistic, candid, and relevant cast of high
school-aged characters as they navigate choices and consequences in the choppy
waters of friendship, dating relationships, saving sex for marriage, and
“renewed waiting.”
The novel’s main
players are: Preston , the 17-year-old hot,
popular high school junior who’s determined to chart a new course as far from
his ladies’ man ways as possible. And Maggie, the new girl in town, also a
17-year-old junior, who’s quiet and shy but oh so ready to be in a relationship
with an amazing guy. A guy who will respect her “white-wedding-dress future.”
Please give us the first page of the book.
Memorial Day weekend
Preston
I
|
won’t do anything illegal or immoral. Just
hanging out. No big deal.” Muttering to an empty room, I grabbed an Indianapolis Colts
sweatshirt and opened my bedroom door to scope out the hall. Right toward Mom’s
and Dad’s room, left toward my brother Patrick’s.
The hall was empty. Good.
I found Mom in the kitchen rinsing the supper dishes. “Hangin’ with the
guys tonight, Mom. Won’t be too late.” Not that an almost seventeen-year-old
should have to report his every move to his mom, but considering what I’d put
my parents through last year, it wouldn’t kill me.
“Okay, Preston .” She tapped my arm
with wet fingers. “Have fun.”
I zipped toward the front door, hoping to avoid Patrick’s older brother
advice.
“No big deal.” More muttering, to convince myself there was nothing
wrong with a night of hanging out with the guys. As I jabbed the key into the
ignition, I scanned the front of the Jacoby family, ranch-style house.
Patrick filled the doorway, his arms crossed, a menacing glare shooting
from his narrowed eyes.
I jerked away from his obvious disapproval and backed onto the street
in my hand-me-down Honda Accord that would scream middle class in Jake Nelson’s east side neighborhood.
How
can readers find you on the Internet?
Facebook: Beth Steury, Author
Twitter: @Beth_Steury
Pinterest: Beth Steury, Author
Goodreads: Beth Steury,
Author
Thank you, Beth, for sharing this new
book with us.
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book or ebook.
You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us
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12 comments:
Thanks for the fun interview, Lena! Loved questions and the opportunity to introduce your readers to "before I knew you".
Thank you for sharing your great interview. Beth is new to me and I would love to read her book. Melanie Backus, TX
This sounds like a good book for teenagers. If i am chosen to win, i would like a print copy. Vivian Furbay of CO
Sounds like a good book! Thank you for the interview and giveaway :)
If I were chosen to win, I would like a print copy.
Thanks!
Raechel K. MN
Thanks for chiming in, Melanie, Vivian, and Raechel. Good luck in the drawing. :)
Nice interview with Beth! Lena, I just discovered you while reading a book a friend loaned me,"Love is patient Romance Collection." Now I am craving chocolate for some reason!
Chocolate <3 what can be better... Thank you for the interview! I would love to read this book! Blessings, Natalya Lakhno from CA
Enter me in your awesome giveaway for the print book copy!!
Thanks Patty, Natalya, and Sharon for stopping by. Best of luck in the drawing! :) Now let's all savor a piece of chocolate together . . .
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and offering us a chance to win.
Blessings!
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Connie. Good luck!
Patty Horn, I hope you'll try other of my books.
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