David's SongTaken from the book cover: Annie only ever really loved two men in her life. One broke her heart, the other married her. Four children and fifteen years later, Annie’s marriage is in jeopardy. Money is tight and her husband questions the very foundation of their relationship. When Annie is unexpectedly given the opportunity to see the young man who broke her heart — a man who is now a megastar in the music industry — Annie is faced with choices. Choices that will determine what is of more value — a second chance at lost love and unfulfilled dreams or commitment, trust, and love built on years of experience.
A psychologically subtle, yet compelling tale about how the instinct and need for love overcomes self- doubt and personal inadequacy.
If you could choose one book cover to put on your wall as a poster, what would it be?
Brandon Sanderson’s The Alloy of Law. I was so intrigued by the cover that I bought the book. I’ve yet to read it—I’m not a big sci/fi-fantasy fan. One of these days I may break it open…in the mean time I enjoy looking at the cover.
Describe your main character in six words.
Annie Stevens Hensman in six words: Insecure, sympathetic, idealistic, bright, impatient, loving.
What is your favorite book of all time that you can reread a hundred times, and it still feels like the first time?
Over the years, I have had several books like this. When I was little, it was Charlotte’s Web, as a teen it was Wuthering Heights, today I would say Firefly Lane, by Kristin Hannah. There is something about that story that I relate to, and never want it to end, so I read and reread it and cry every time.
How different would you say the final version of David’s Song is from the first draft?
The basic plot line is the same. Through the revisions, I really honed in on characters and what their motivations were. My husband was a huge help in this. He really likes the character of Annie – and as he read through the first version, he would stop and question me – would Annie really react that way? Isn’t she stronger than that? It was a great learning process on how to evaluate a character and keep them true to themselves as I write. Since David’s Song was my first novel, I relearned all the grammar I forgot from elementary school, and again with the help of my husband was able to develop a style that in some ways is a reflection of my own personality.
Did you set yourself some strict rules while writing?
I wasn’t sure what you were looking for in this question. If you meant, did I set goals in how many words I would write in a day? Or how much time? No, I did not do that.
What I did do, was set rules about content, particularly in the romance of the story. I love a good romantic read. I get annoyed with formulaic stories or stories that are so improbable that it’s hard to relate to them. Love—true lasting love—seldom is ‘at first sight.’ Yes, there certainly is attraction at first sight, but real love takes time to develop. I didn’t want to fall into stereotypes.
And since the story deals with adults, I certainly wanted there to be tension, but nothing that I would be embarrassed for my children to read. (most of whom are adults). There’s just something about knowing your children will read your work that keeps it appropriate for all audiences. I have noticed that the trend seems to be leaning toward more and more sexual content in a book. It annoys me, because I believe that society is confusing sex with love. I hope that in my writing, I will always show the expression of physical affection as an expression of love and not a substitute for it.
THIS or THAT
Cat or Dog? Cat
Ice cream or Sorbet? Ice Cream
Heels or Flats? Flats
Coffee or Tea? Hot chocolate
Snow or Rain? Snow
Movie at home or in theater? In the Theater!!!
Soda or Juice? Soda
Twitter or Facebook? Facebook
Actual Book or Ereader? Actual Book
Vampires or Were wolves? Neither
Action movies or chick flicks? Chick flicks
Mountain Views or Ocean views? Both!
Author A.R. Talley
April R Talley was born and raised in the Rubber City, Akron, Ohio in 1959. She is the youngest of six children. She attended Brigham Young University for a time, but withdrew to work fulltime for Osmond Productions in Orem, Utah as a member of The Osmond production staff. After a brief stint working in television, she returned to Akron to finish her education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Mass Media Communications in 1981. April later worked as vice president and part owner of a dance and sportswear boutique. Married in 1982, she is the proud mother of seven children and is deeply involved in volunteer work for her church. April spends her time working on future projects, caring for home and family, and traveling. David’s Song is her debut novel and the first of a trilogy.
Praise from reviews on Goodreads.com
"Not just your typical romance novel" - Tracy Williams
"David's Song is great read that leaves you thinking about the story and pondering your own relationships". - Anna Pavkov
"Sucked me in from the 1st page" - Jill Walker
"Loved this book . . . could not put it down!" - Dana Vieira
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ReplyDeleteMovie at home or in theater? In the Theater!!! Me Too!!!! :D
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway, thankyou x
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