1.Tell us a little bit about yourself and your latest book Naturally Charlie.
I’m a mom, wife, and writer. I like to cook, but my other passion – storytelling – gets in the way of that a lot of times. It’s a fair trade-off in my mind, but does lend itself to a lot of easy meals being served. I find inspiration mainly through music, but love to get lost in a good romantic movie and books also.
It’s so exciting and still surreal that I have published a book. This was a goal that I had for so many years that I’m trying to appreciate every minute, but still haven’t come to terms with the reality of accomplishing this goal quite yet. Lol. Naturally, Charlie is a tale of two Charlies that bugged me until I told their story. I just fell in love with the concept of both of them sharing a name and coming from a place in their lives that’s unsettled. Can they find love coming from that place was the question that kept playing over and over in my mind? I had to know, so I let the characters lead me on their journey. This is a book I’m so proud to share… oh, and yes, super excited to share as well.
2. What was the writing process like for Naturally Charlie?
The writing process was probably easier than it should have been. What I mean is this story flowed for me. They were so established in my mind and the journey clear that it was a joy to write. And anytime you’re having fun with the story that makes spending time with them easier. Charlie girl made me inwardly laugh at some of her stuff and boy Charlie made me swoon with his deep emotions, but they both led the life they were intended. They made decisions that changed outcomes for them, changed their fates. I loved that they stayed true to themselves during the writing process. At least in my head they did. Haha. I love that I sound like a crazy person talking about my characters, but I like them to live in my head and heart and to lead me where they are supposed to go instead of forcing them into a situation that’s unnatural or out of character.
3. Tell us something about Naturally Charlie that readers don't know.
Charlie girl used to have a shoe addiction, but now goes for quality pieces over quantity. She also eats ice cream straight from the pint sized containers and has on average two different flavors in her freezer at any given time. Scandalous, I know. Boy Charlie is a successful writer from his talents, so he’s a self made man. His apartment is in a nice neighborhood of Manhattan and he likes a mixture of modern design with homey, warm touches added in. He values the close friendships he has, and loves Chinese food.
As for me, *whispers* those are my feet and shoes on Charlie girl on the cover of the book. She originally had Uggs. Cute, but not the blend of youthful, but classic styling I envisioned her. Voila! My feet somehow came into the mix and now I have that little secret – not so secret now – to share with you.
4. Describe Naturally Charlie in six words.
Fun. Charismatic. Love. Destiny. Spark. Journey
5. Can you share a teaser with our readers?
Absolutely. Let me go dig around the story and see what I can find for you. Ooooh, here’s one I haven’t shared before. Special and just for you:
Thank you for hosting me on your blog and for the fun interview.
About Naturally Charlie...
I’m a mom, wife, and writer. I like to cook, but my other passion – storytelling – gets in the way of that a lot of times. It’s a fair trade-off in my mind, but does lend itself to a lot of easy meals being served. I find inspiration mainly through music, but love to get lost in a good romantic movie and books also.
It’s so exciting and still surreal that I have published a book. This was a goal that I had for so many years that I’m trying to appreciate every minute, but still haven’t come to terms with the reality of accomplishing this goal quite yet. Lol. Naturally, Charlie is a tale of two Charlies that bugged me until I told their story. I just fell in love with the concept of both of them sharing a name and coming from a place in their lives that’s unsettled. Can they find love coming from that place was the question that kept playing over and over in my mind? I had to know, so I let the characters lead me on their journey. This is a book I’m so proud to share… oh, and yes, super excited to share as well.
2. What was the writing process like for Naturally Charlie?
The writing process was probably easier than it should have been. What I mean is this story flowed for me. They were so established in my mind and the journey clear that it was a joy to write. And anytime you’re having fun with the story that makes spending time with them easier. Charlie girl made me inwardly laugh at some of her stuff and boy Charlie made me swoon with his deep emotions, but they both led the life they were intended. They made decisions that changed outcomes for them, changed their fates. I loved that they stayed true to themselves during the writing process. At least in my head they did. Haha. I love that I sound like a crazy person talking about my characters, but I like them to live in my head and heart and to lead me where they are supposed to go instead of forcing them into a situation that’s unnatural or out of character.
3. Tell us something about Naturally Charlie that readers don't know.
Charlie girl used to have a shoe addiction, but now goes for quality pieces over quantity. She also eats ice cream straight from the pint sized containers and has on average two different flavors in her freezer at any given time. Scandalous, I know. Boy Charlie is a successful writer from his talents, so he’s a self made man. His apartment is in a nice neighborhood of Manhattan and he likes a mixture of modern design with homey, warm touches added in. He values the close friendships he has, and loves Chinese food.
As for me, *whispers* those are my feet and shoes on Charlie girl on the cover of the book. She originally had Uggs. Cute, but not the blend of youthful, but classic styling I envisioned her. Voila! My feet somehow came into the mix and now I have that little secret – not so secret now – to share with you.
4. Describe Naturally Charlie in six words.
Fun. Charismatic. Love. Destiny. Spark. Journey
5. Can you share a teaser with our readers?
Absolutely. Let me go dig around the story and see what I can find for you. Ooooh, here’s one I haven’t shared before. Special and just for you:
Not wanting to be rude, I focus on Rachel, including her in the conversation. I don’t want to make her feel awkward and can tell she’s feeling competitive with her friend. My eyes flicker to Charlie again when she uses a word she made up. I tell her she’s cute when Rachel teases her. I wonder if she doesn’t like the compliment, because she’s suddenly trying to dash out the door. She probably would’ve preferred if I told her she was pretty or clever—which she is also.
Silent exchanges flow between them, and Charlie says good-bye before I have a chance to change her mind. I grab her hand, pretending it’s a casual handshake. It’s not. I feel a little desperate myself now.
She backs up, trying to leave, and I hold on, not wanting to let her go, not ready for her to walk away. I pull her toward me, watching the light in her eyes sparkle as she giggles. But her hand slips free, and she turns to leave. I should respect their decision, but this feels wrong, all wrong. The wrong girl is leaving.
Thank you for hosting me on your blog and for the fun interview.
About Naturally Charlie...
Twenty-five year old Charlotte “Charlie” Barrow is caught between her old life and the one she is beginning to build when she crosses paths with a handsome stranger on the subway. Not looking for romance, she closes her heart off to the possibilities of love. With a knack for mishaps, Charlie maintains her sense of humor while befriending the kind stranger who seems to be there at all the right times.
New York freelance writer, Charlie Adams, is forging his own path beyond the expectations of the society circles of his childhood. Rejecting family money, and fast-lane friends, he is snubbed by his family as he follows his own compass to a life more extraordinary.
Through a coincidence of events, they come to rely on each other for comfort. This is the tale of two Charlies learning to trust again while fighting their fates to create their own destiny.
I loved that scene and I love both Charlies. I also like how you write one chapter from him and one from her...
ReplyDeleteGreat Debut Novel - can't wait to read more!
This is on my TBR list. Thanks for a great interview. Tell me, how in the world did you manage to swap your legs in for the cover? I have been starring at it for five minutes and can't tell the difference. The editing is impeccable.
ReplyDeleteWow. I've never heard of this one before, but wow. That scene just totally made me want to read this book, like right now!
ReplyDeleteJesse @ Pretty in Fiction