Hi Sherry,
Thanks so much for
having me to visit on your blog – I appreciate it! :-)
Serena
grew up in a family of itchy-footed readers and dreamers – not concentrating,
reading the atlas and Narnia books, and planning to escape somewhere magical as
soon as she could. When she was 16, she went from New Zealand to live in Sweden
for a year. It was the beginning of many travels and adventures – and quite a
few disasters! She didn’t know it at the time, but eventually she’d be grateful
for all the downs as well as the ups. As writers say in the face of adversity:
“I can use that.” She’s now living back in New
Zealand, where she writes stories reflecting her determined belief in
magic, possibility and second chances – and happy endings!
About All Over the Place
Contemporary romantic fiction
with a chick lit feel – available now!
Livi Callaway has fled back to London after a reality TV
disaster in New Zealand. Safely anonymous in the big city, she’s determined to
stay under the radar from now on. But her attempts to build a new life are
complicated by unexpected visitors from her old one, and new dangers and
temptations lie in wait.
Late one night, she meets a mysteriously sexy American on the Underground
– and the events that follow take her from Pooh Bear to the golden lights of
Paris, via a trail of rock stars dead and alive. A family in disarray, a
determined Swede, a crazed Australian and a childhood friend (who might yet be
more than that) have her all over the place as she tries to discover the
American’s secret – while keeping her own.
With help – and occasional hindrance – from her friends, what
she eventually finds is something unexpected...sometimes, running away can lead
you to exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
~~~
1 Why writing? And why your chosen genre.
My answer is probably the same as every other writer: because I have to. If I don’t, I just feel all wrong – cranky and out of sorts. And my genre chose me! I sat down and started to write, and what emerged was the same kind of book I like to read: light in tone but plenty to think about, with an interwoven plot and a sense of magic and possibility. And a happy ending!
2 Who or what has been your biggest influence in your writing, and how?
The most helpful influence has probably been Cathy Yardley. Her book Will Write for Shoes gives straightforward, practical guidelines for how to structure a book – and finish it. And the most encouraging influence was my husband – he believed I could do it, even when I doubted. Every writer should have a hero like him!
3 What is your favourite colour, and why?
Green. Nothing seems to look right without it! I was lucky enough to visit family in Arizona a few years ago, and – although it’s so stunning there – my eyes found it so harsh after New Zealand’s lush landscape! It was a huge relief to fly into my next stop, Washington DC, and see all the trees below.
4 If you could be a flower what would it be?
Sweet pea. Unsophisticated, fragrant, and a little bit old-fashioned, with a tendency to ramble!
5 Are you a plotter or a 'pantser' writer?
Plotter – but my pants do get away on me! I like to start with a good idea of the basic plot, but I love the way characters just turn up and start doing their thing. Who are these people?
6 Do you ever visualise actors/actress for your H/H? Who would you choose for your hero?
Well, there are two potential heroes in All Over the Place – but I didn’t have an actor in mind for either of them as I was writing. Recently I have discovered an actor for one of them…but I’m kind of reluctant to make suggestions. Part of the joy of reading is having a picture in your mind of what YOU think the hero looks like. If I suggest an actor who’s not your cup of tea, I might ruin it for you!
7 Which actress would you pick to play your heroine?
See the above answer!
8 Tea or coffee?
Tea. Earl Grey or Lady Grey. With chocolate!
9 Seaside or mountains?
Seaside with the kids, but mountains for time to reflect.
10 When on holiday do you prefer warmth or cold?
Warmth mostly, although the snow can be magical. I don’t ski, but I adore tobogganing. It’s not elegant, but it’s the best fun!
11 What was the best piece of writing related advice you've ever received?
“Writing is work, whether you’re published or not.” This was great advice for the unpublished me to hear! Take it seriously, and believe that it’s worth putting the effort into your work. Although I now have one book published, it’s just as relevant. The next book is still unpublished, so I have to keep believing, and working!
12 Do you have a promotion tip to share with other authors?
Enjoy it! I’ve had so much fun meeting book lovers all over the world. Those connections have helped me spread the word about All Over the Place – and brought me a whole lot of new friends. It’s been a real joy!
13 What is the best reader comment/feedback you've ever had?
Like any author, I love it when a reader tells me they stayed up far too late reading! But my favourite feedback was part of a review left on Amazon: “A thoroughly engaging, globe-hopping confection of a novel…an enchanting journey of both distance and heart.” That’s so lovely I had to quote it on my website.
14 If you could ask your readers one question, what would it be?
I’d ask them what enchanting journey they’d like to take – and encourage them to make it happen!
Find Serena here
Buy All Over the Place here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Over-Place-Crimson-Romance-ebook/dp/B00B2B0X9E/
1 comment:
:-) Serena, thanks for visiting with me today. I thoroughly enjoyed your interview ;-)
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