It’s
hard to disconnect my experiences and worldview from the characters that I
write, but I do my best to create original and unique protagonists (and
antagonists) as much as possible.
But
there is definitely some of “me” that trickles in there … My love for dogs, for
instance, my gratitude for the military and first responders, and my faith.
What
is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
This
is probably the best question I’ve ever been asked in an interview. The
quirkiest thing I’ve ever done is almost twenty years ago I was pregnant
with my first child. My husband and I wanted to go camping, knowing we probably
wouldn’t be able to do so for quite some time. We got all our gear together and
set out. Forgetting that it was a holiday weekend, all the sites at our
favorite campground were booked. However, to our surprise, there was a vacancy at
a nearby hotel. We got a room, but my husband was disappointed we didn’t get to
camp. Well, I set up the tent, in the room, fastening the ropes to the
furniture and doing my best to “recreate” a camp-like atmosphere with the
windows open, etc. Suffice it to say, it was memorable!
When
did you first discover that you were a writer?
I
started writing around 2007, but I didn’t feel like a “real” writer until I
completed my first full-length manuscript, which was probably around 2011.
Before that, I was dabbling and not dedicating, but that’s just my personal
definition. At the end of the day, if you write, you’re a writer.
Tell
us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I
read everything from nonfiction (self-improvement types of books and personal
finance for example) to young adult fantasy, contemporary, and of course, my
favorite, sweet romance!
How
do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I’m
not entirely sure that I do keep my sanity. I’ve found it really important to
get clear on my daily priorities, which start with prayer, nutrition, exercise,
and hydration. After that, I have a list of what I need to do that day.
I
treat writing like I would any other job. I clock in around 8 AM every morning,
write at least until lunchtime. Then in the afternoon I’ll write more or do
“administrative” tasks before clocking out around 3 pm. Within that timeframe,
I mute all distractions—tough when working from home, but necessary.
Another
way I think about it is this: my readers will be a lot happier if I am writing
and publishing rather than getting distracted by the frenetic pace of modern
life.
On
top of that, of course, there’s family life! So yes, it can be tricky!
How
do you choose your characters’ names?
Carefully!
It can be hard because many names have associations, but I try to be unique or
give the character a name with meaning. For instance, Rocky, in Christmas
with a Mountain Man has a rocky past. Frankie aka Francesca was named
in honor of her grandfather (whose past plays a role in her present life) and
she has 6 brothers so she can be a bit of a tomboy.
What
is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
My
proudest accomplishment is definitely my family. I had a difficult childhood
and my husband and children bring me great joy (yes, even amidst the teenage
years). I always think about how I want to look back on things so that helps
make the best of our time together in the present.
If
you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Ooh!
Tough call. I think I’d be a dog. I adore them!
What
is your favorite food?
Do I
have to pick one? Ha ha. Okay fine ;-) If I have to pick one main course
it would probably be pizza and one dessert it would be cookies. Chocolate chip is
my favorite! The bigger the better!
What
is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you
overcome it?
For
years, I wrote whatever struck my fancy or what I thought was the best
expression of my creativity. While I still do that to a degree, I realize now
what I love most about stories is when they hit certain beats — in many ways,
this is writing to market. For example, when the main characters have
objections for getting together, turning points, and the dark moment before
they get their happily ever after. When stories are successful in this, I walk
away feeling satisfied so I do my best to make sure I include them in my own
work.
When
I’m writing, every “book baby” is my favorite, but Christmas with a
Mountain Man has a special place in my heart for numerous reasons. It’s
the final chapter in the Hawkins Brothers Romance series (though readers have
said they can stand alone). Also, there’s some major hate to love dynamic going
on, which I really enjoy! Both characters experience a transformation and the
backdrop is Christmas and New Year’s, which can difficult and joyful. I tried
to capture that while leaving the reader with a sense of hope and a major happily
ever after.
Please
give us the first page of the book.
The
jingle of bells and the sound of Christmas carols came from a nearby shop as
the door opened and closed. Frankie wasn’t feeling festive. In fact, she felt
as green as the Grinch. She’d told herself not to let the situation get her
down. But she was not feeling the comfort and joy the song playing professed.
Frankie
locked the door to Mangia Bella for the last time. The restaurant had been her
baby, her pride and joy, and a culinary hub. She’d lost it to a bad building
owner who’d written a loophole into her lease. She wasn’t able to find a new
suitable space—and she’d looked. Her patrons, employees, her family—everyone
had tried to help her land a new spot, but property in New York City was at a
premium and location meant everything.
She
still gripped the doorknob as though unwilling to let go of her dream. Not just
her dream, but her livelihood, along with everyone else who’d relied on her for
employment.
Her
phone chimed with an incoming call. Her heart leaped. Maybe it was good news.
“Hey,
Frankie,” a male voice with a strong New York accent said after she answered.
It was Mauricio, another restaurant owner. “I’m sorry, kid. I tried, but, well,
you know how it is.”
“Thank
you. I owe you dinner. You’ll be among the first I serve when I get back on my
feet.”
“I
know you will.”
They
chatted another moment and hung up. Frankie had pulled favors with every other
restauranteur and chef in the five boroughs—Isabella and Matteo from Il Bacio
were especially generous, knowing a thing or two about loss. Frankie managed to
get her former waitstaff, cooks, and bussers interviews, but she still felt
like she’d let everyone down. She’d let herself down. If anything, Frankie was
tenacious, but as her fingers stiffened around the cold knob on the chilly
December morning, her shoulders dropped. Her drive and her passion were inside
those four walls and she had to return the key.
A
guy with a breakfast sandwich in one hand elbowed her aside and rattled the
doorknob. “I’m here with Ace Construction. You the manager of the new
restaurant movin’ in?” he asked around a mouthful.
Frankie
shook her head. She was the old owner and shuffled away, feeling the weight of
disappointment pressing against her.
Crossing
the busy street, she climbed the stairs to the property management company. The
landlord hadn’t managed the eviction himself but had hired a third party to do
his dirty work.
Her
parents were back in Italy and she’d begged her brothers not to tell them—not
yet. They’d worked hard their entire lives and finally had some peace. She
didn’t want to disappoint or, as was more likely the case, worry them. She was
their bambina—their little girl and the youngest of seven. If they caught wind,
they’d be on a flight back to Manhattan, fretting and threatening to break
someone’s knees. Not really. They were both originally from Italy but had moved
to the United States before they had children. After settling in New York, they
quickly became aware of the stereotypes surrounding the Italian mafia. Her
father was as gentle as they came—at least after getting to know him. Her
mother was fiery—probably where Frankie got her passionate personality.
On
the other hand, her brothers weren’t joking when they offered to take care of
things. As if channeling her thoughts, her phone rang with the sound of a
starting bell for a boxing match. She checked the message. It was one of her
brothers who was a trainer at a boxing gym uptown.
Need
me to throw knuckles?
Probably
not the best solution, but thanks she wrote back. She hardly had the energy
to lift a finger and didn’t want to have to break up any brawls.
There
were six Costa brothers and that intimidation factor alone could make the
landlord rethink his decision if he’d ever show his face.
Frankie
had a lawyer look at the lease—something she should’ve done before she signed
it. Unfortunately, it was valid. The landlord’s sneaky plan became clear as day
to lease the space, wait until the business was successful, and then go in and
replace it with a restaurant that he backed, hoping to edge in on her customer
base.
When
Frankie reached the top of the stairs in the building, she glared out the window.
The new sign filled the spot that had previously said, Mangia Bella. He was so
slimy, he’d even named his new restaurant Mangia Mama. Frankie couldn’t bring
herself to fight. She just wanted to go somewhere quiet and lick her wounds.
Frankie
entered the office and presented the key to the property management assistant,
a young man wearing a bowtie—in a hipster, ironic way. He had neatly trimmed
hair and deliberate movements.
“That
look on your face,” he said, alarmed.
Frankie
arched an eyebrow, taken aback.
The
man held his hands up in surrender. “Don’t shoot the messenger. You look like
you might start sending laser beams out of your eyes.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?
How can readers find you on the Internet?
And subscribe to my newsletter for a free novella:
https://www.subscribepage.com/w4z2y0
Thank you, Ellie, for sharing this book with my readers and me.
Readers, here’s a link to the
book.
Leave a comment for a chance
to win a free copy of the ebook. You must follow these instructions to be in
the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory
or country if outside North America . (Comments
containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
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 4 weeks from the posting of the
winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on
Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to
the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s
a link:
3 comments:
That was not nice of the management company to close her down. Something tells me she will come out of this all right. I'd like to read it to find out. Linda in SoCal
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Looks like a great read.
Lourdes Long Island NY
Sounds so good!
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Post a Comment