Interview & Giveaway: Debra Anastasia author of "Poughkeepsie" (18+)

Hey Good Choice Readers!

Recently I read and reviewed Poughkeepsie and I have to tell you I'm totally in LOVE with this book. That's why I am so excited to tell you that author Debra Anastasia offered be interviewed and to give away two ebook copies to two lucky winners!! PLUS she also offered to send our two lucky winners some autographed Poughkeepsie swag!! How cool is?!

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1. First of all tell us about Debra?

I’m a nimrod. I’m like the happiest nimrod. I laugh all the time. I think potty humor is hilarious. My kids are my freaking world. I can’t believe anything that amazing came out of my body. Two times! I’m a wife, we married pretty young and we’re still stupid for each other. I’m a huge fan of my readers. I wish I could hug them all.


2. What would you like for your readers to get out of "Poughkeepsie"?

First and foremost a good story. I’m an avid reader, so writing a book that would satisfy, as entertainment was a big goal. Secondly, I really wanted to highlight the parts of love that are not about money.

3. Out of all your characters, which character was the hardest to write? And easiest?

Beckett is the hardest and Blake is the easiest. Beckett is scary because there is no filter. He says stuff in my head and I’m thinking, “Oh my Gosh, I‘m so not writing that down.” But I do anyway and it usually stays. He knows what he wants. Anytime I open a document knowing he’s in the scene, my heart pounds. Blake was just silk for me. I knew where he would go and what he would do. He’s very polite in my head.

4. Which one of your characters is your favorite?

I can even begin to pick one. I love them all so, so much. Even my villains have a place in my heart.

5. What was the hardest part of writing "Poughkeepsie"?

Poughkeepsie was to date the easiest story to write. The plot kept handing itself to me. It could only be told one way. Other stories I have decisions to make. Poughkeepsie was a gift that I’m not sure I’ll experience again. I hope so.

6. Will "Poughkeepsie" be a stand alone or a series?

Just recently a group of readers have asked for a sequel and I’ve written the first few chapters. Beckett would be the main character so that’s tremendously scary. He’s a lot to take in. First I have to finish up Crushed Seraphim’s sequel, and then I’ll revisit the possibility.

7. Why "Poughkeepsie"?

The title came to be because it was simply the most interesting word in the first chapter. It’s pronounced Poe-kip-see. I’m grateful now that my book has a town attached because it’s really fun to be in Poughkeepsie. I visit my in-laws in New York a few times a year so we drive by the signs and I feel a connection. The train station brings me to tears. It means so much to me now.


8. What was the writing and publishing process like for you?

The writing process was amazing. It was the first novel I wrote (though it was printed second) so it was a celebration. I loved finding that a story lived in me. Publishing is a lot of ridiculously hard work. My publishers did a great job, not overwhelming me with edits, but going through the whole thing at a good clip. They really love seeing writer’s dreams come true. My developmental editor, Jessica, is now a great friend.

9. Do you have a playlist for "Poughkeepsie"?

I do! I actually have the playlist on a few different spots because I wanted anyone that was interested to have access. It can be found HERE Ron Pope is in all of my promotional trailers and he really is the voice of Poughkeepsie for me. Soon he will take off and be on every radio station. Drop in the Ocean and Wait for You and You’re the Reason I Come Home are my very favorites. They are on the playlist.

10. If I could reach out to my "Hollywood" people and make your book into a movie, who would you like to be cast as your characters?

I would love to see Poughkeepsie as a movie. I would be such a fan, sitting in the theater wearing all the gear that matched, eating a huge tub of popcorn! Okay, I think Ryan Gossling would make a great Blake. Seriously, he could pull it off. Olivia Wilde would do a wonderful Livia. Beckett is always changing in my head. I see a movie and I’m like, “That guy!” He would have to be really charming and terrifying. Heath Ledger would have been awesome. Eve, holy crap, I don’t even know but I’d love to see a girl being so badass. Cole and Kyle? Hmm. Maybe some newcomers? They both have roles where an actor could dig their teeth into. If you reach out to Hollywood people, pinch their butts for me.


Here's a picture of the swag two lucky readers will win. Also, just thought you'd like to know that Debra made the bracelet herself! Sweet!

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About Poughkeepsie

He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.

When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.

Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once.

             
Thank you Debra for interviewing with us and giving our readers a chance to win your awesome  book with swag!

Here's the rules and they are simple!

Two winners will be an ebook copy of Poughkeepsie + Swag! Yes, Open INTERNATIONAL!

1. MUST be 18 years old or older.

2. Check out my Poughkeepsie review.

3. Leave a meaningful comment here with your email address.

Simple enough? I think so :-) Now Good Luck!