Author Interview
How long have you been writing? Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
My first attempt at public writing was a competition at school when I was about eight or nine with John Miller my next-door neighbour, we wrote a funny short story that won us a Magpie badge. (Magpie was a 70’s kids programme).
While most girls wanted to be Farrah Fawcett, or marry Donny Osmond, I on the other hand wanted to be Enid Blyton. I always had my nose stuck in a book, and dreamed that one day when I was older I would be an author.
However, I had more important things going on in my life. Studying, dreaming of the boy in the sixth form who drove a motorbike, college, marathon dating. Work, dating a string of no-hopeful men, work, falling in love, work, marriage and work. Before I knew it, I was thirty-nine. Then my husband and I shocked our family and friends by taking early retirement. People asked me how I was going to spend my time. I just knew this was the right time to put my dream into a reality. It took me eighteen months to write and get my first book published. Now I have an Australian and American publisher, and ten published books. I wouldn’t say I have achieved my goal just yet; there still is a lot of work ahead.
What inspires you in your writing?
I have no idea where my inspiration comes from. I have a weird technique that involves playing scrabble while listening to music and drinking wine with my hubbie, I hear a song and something in my head sparks a character, a book title, or a plot for a story, so I grab my notebook and jot down my ideas. It’s surprising what you can achieve after a few glasses of Blossom Hill. (Should have had a few glasses before I did this interview!)
I am also a very nosey person, I love to people watch, this is a great way to build up characters, and yes, I admit I have an awful habit of listening to people’s conversations. Rude I know, but you would not believe what useful information you pick up. So, be warned, if you are ever at a table near me, I may be using you in my next book!
Do you have a favourite place to write?
I used to write at the kitchen table, not really an ideal place, but now I have converted our spare bedroom into an office. From October to April, my husband and I spend a lot of time in South Goa, and I find sitting outside a bamboo hut, looking at the sea and sand inspirational.
Music while you write, yes or no?
Yes!
What is your current favourite book? Or if you can’t name just one, what was your last five-star read?
The Lady Killer by Martina Cole
Part of the DI Kate Burrows stories
Also, Peter Kay.
He is without doubt the funniest British comedian and talented writer. He has a fantastic ability at observing people, and making it hilarious. Ideally, we would combine his skills of witty observations and my romance, to create an awesome romantic comedy film!
Tell me a little about I’m Your Man.
It all started one Friday night, Scrabble and Music night in the Rawson House.
A bottle of wine, a game of scrabble and Michael Buble crooning, when all of a sudden I started to listen to the words of I’m Your Man, and it suddenly struck me, this is what Danny wanted to say to Ruth, but couldn’t.
If you want a lover
I'll do anything you ask me to
And if you want another kind of love
I'll wear a mask for you
I'll do anything you ask me to
And if you want another kind of love
I'll wear a mask for you
And if you want a partner, take my hand
And if you want to strike me down in anger
Here I stand, I'm your man
And if you want to strike me down in anger
Here I stand, I'm your man
And if you want boxer
I will step into the ring for you
And if you want a doctor
I'll examine every inch of you
I will step into the ring for you
And if you want a doctor
I'll examine every inch of you
And if you want a driver, climb inside
If you want to take me for a ride
You know you can 'cause I'm your man
If you want to take me for a ride
You know you can 'cause I'm your man
And if you got to sleep a moment on the road
I will steer for you
And if you want to work this street alone
I'll disappear for you
I will steer for you
And if you want to work this street alone
I'll disappear for you
And if you want a father for your child
Or only want to walk with me a while
'Cross the sands, well, I'm your man
Or only want to walk with me a while
'Cross the sands, well, I'm your man
I've called at your heart
And I tear at your sheets
I said please, 'cause I'm your man, I'm your man
'Cause I'm your man
And I tear at your sheets
I said please, 'cause I'm your man, I'm your man
'Cause I'm your man
Scenes Inspired from the song.
Danny pulled me off the bed, apologising profusely to the sales assistant. “That’s great news, but he’s not going tonight, is he?”
My moment of elation plummeted to the floor like a skydiver with no parachute. “No. Jenny was right, sure as eggs are eggs, I’ll be dateless.”
Why did people always have to spoil things by being right? Why couldn’t I frigging well be right for once?
“I’m your man. I’ll come with you tonight.”
“Oh no, Danny, I couldn’t expect you to give up your plans. You’re meeting colleagues from work.”
“Shush... it’s a totally selfish gesture.”
~~~
“Thank you, Danny, for being my man.”
“Anytime you want me to be your man, all you have to do is call.”
Once again, our lips met, this time lasting longer, he broke away slightly. “I should go.” I nodded. “Can I call you in the morning, perhaps meet for breakfast and a walk in the park?”
“Yes, that would be nice.”
He kissed me one last time before walking away. Before he reached the taxi though he stopped and turned. “Still just friends?”
I smiled, but inside my heart I was aching. “Yes, just friends.”
The karaoke Scene:
In this scene, there could only be one song, Mustang Sally by The Commitments. A classic Karaoke song that after a few beers all men think they can sing perfectly. Once that music starts up, people cannot help clapping, singing and dancing along, regardless of how bad the singer is.
The intro to “Mustang Sally” boomed from the speakers. Vikki and Jenny shrieked, clapping their hands, boogying to the beat of the music.
Joining in, I moved closer into the room, tentatively clapping my hands, feeling certain Luke had pushed Danny to make him look like a fool, and that Danny may have bitten off more than he could chew.
What’s one thing you want people to know about the book?
I’m your Man has romance, comedy, and a heroine that my readers will be able to relate to in some form or another. Ruth is like every woman in this day and age, she is in a relationship but he is always getting out of things that are important to her. Then after one crazy, drunk night, she has a one night stand with a complete stranger, her entire way of thinking about her relationship and her life turn upside down. How many of you can relate to that?
Describe the main character in three words.
Realistic, romantic, enchanting.
Buy Links
The e-book is available for sale for the special tour price of 99c via the BDP Digital Shop:
And for $1.99 via other online booksellers:
Barnes & Noble
The book is also available at Kobo, Bookstrand, Smashwords, Oyster, Scrib’d, and other select booksellers.
Blog Tour Giveaway
$10 BDP voucher
$5 BDP voucher
$10 BDP voucher
$5 BDP voucher
3 x I’m Your Man e-books
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