Welcome back to Jersey Girl Book Reviews Marie!
How long have you been a writer?
I have always dreamed of being a writer, but I started writing seriously three years ago. Since then I have written three contemporary romances: This Tangled Thing Called Love, On The Rim of Love, Lucky Charm, and a collection of short stories, A Dress in a Window.
Do you have a "day job," or is being an author your career?
Yes, I do have a day job in technical writing.
What inspired you to become a writer?
I can't really think of a specific incident or impulse that prompted me to start writing. I have always loved reading and thought of writing as something that I wanted to do, but was too intimidated to commit the actual pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard to be more precise). And then, one day, after I turned thirty, I sat down and started writing, thinking that if I did not start then, I probably never would.
Please give a brief description/storyline about This Tangled Thing Called Love.
Claire Chatfield has everything a girl could possibly wish for: looks, a promising career, and an engagement ring from one of New York's most eligible heir-bachelors! Life should be a dream and yet, it does not feel like one ... When an enigmatic new neighbor, Alec Brunell, moves into an apartment above Claire's, Claire is surprised to find herself wondering whether the choices she has made in her life are worth following through.
In order to secure his place as his father's successor, David Lawson must settle down with a wife befitting the future head of Lawson Enterprises - and who could fit the prerequisite better than the stunningly beautiful and incredibly bright Claire Chatfield? There is just one glitch - David Lawson is in love with another woman.
A successful tango instructor, Alec Brunnel, has never lacked for women's attention, but he finds himself at a loss when faced with his downstairs neighbor, Claire Chatfield. Upon hearing of his occupation, most women swoon with desire, but Claire runs for the door. Still, her iciness only adds fuel to his fire, as Alec is determined to change Claire's view of him.
This Tangled Thing Called Love is about finding one's perfect match - sometimes following one's heart is as convoluted as learning the steps of tango.
What was the inspiration for this story?
I think that finding that perfect someone plays such a big role in women's lives. I wanted to write a story about what it takes to follow one's heart - the courage it requires and the hurt and the loss that results from taking the easy way out.
How did it feel to have your first book published?
It felt wonderful! I am so thankful to Amazon for putting out the Kindle platform and making it available to self-published authors.
What genres are your favorites? What are some of your favorite books that you have read and why?
I read all kinds of genres - some of my favorites are: romance (of course!), family saga, women's fiction, and literary fiction.
Some of my favorite books are:
Empire Falls by Richard Russo - I fell in love with the sweeping descriptions and keen character development.
Baker Towers by Jennifer Haigh - this book is simply incredible.
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen - I loved the enchanting imagery of the story.
Do you have a special "spot/area" where you like to do your writing?
My favorite place to write is behind my desk at home - that's where I'm most focused and productive. But I also love grabbing my laptop and heading out to the neighborhood park and writing under a tree.
How do you come up with the ideas that become the storyline for your books?
It varies from book to book.
For Lucky Charm friendship was the inspiration - I wanted to write a story about two best friends helping each other navigate the world of dating.
For On the Rim of Love location became the inspiration. Two winters ago I visited Banff, British Columbia and thought that it would be the perfect setting for a romance about a city girl and a big-mountain skier who is rooted in his small hometown.
For This Tangled Thing Called Love tango was the initial inspiration - this sensual dance is so beautiful, but it can also be incredibly intimidating to master, just like finding the road to one's true match.
From concept to publication, about how long does it take for you to complete writing a book and have it released?
It takes me about a year to write a book.
When you write, do you adhere to a strict work schedule, or do you write whenever the inspiration strikes?
I try my best to adhere to a schedule, but unfortunately sometimes life gets in the way. I found that it's okay to take a break - sometimes you need to distance yourself from the process for a few days or weeks in order to return with renewed strength.
What aspects of storytelling do you like the best, and what aspects do you struggle with the most?
I enjoy all aspects of storytelling, but character development is my favorite part - I love inventing new characters and making them come to life on the page.
What are your favorite things to do when you are not writing?
I love to read. I am also something of an outdoors junkie - in the summer I love hiking and just being outside. In the winter I love to ski (when I get the chance) or simply walk in the snow.
What is/was the best piece of writing advice that you have received?
Keep honing your craft.
What is the most gratifying thing you feel or get as a writer?
Hearing from readers that they have enjoyed my book - the best gift a writer could ever receive.
How do you usually communicate with your readers/fans?
My readers can reach me through the contact page on my website: http://www.marieastor.com/ or by emailing me at marie.astor@yahoo.com - I respond to all the emails myself. You can also stop by my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollection or visit me at Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4665230.Marie_Astor or Twitter: www.twitter.com/@marieastor. I hope to hear from you soon!
Are you currently writing a new book? If yes, would you care to share a bit of it with us?
I am - thank you for asking!
Currently I am working on my next book - it is a romantic suspense novel, which may evolve into a series (I'm still debating this possibility). I should have more information by mid-summer. Please stop by my website at: http://www.marieastor.com/ or visit my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollection for updates.
Kathleen, thank you so much for inviting me to your blog today and giving me the opportunity to talk about my writing. I hope that readers of your blog have enjoyed hearing about my latest novel, This Tangled Thing Called Love.
Thank you Marie for allowing me the opportunity to interview you on Jersey Girl Book Reviews, and for taking the time to share some things about you and your writing career with us!
About The Author:
Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes in the contemporary romance genre. Marie is the author of contemporary romance novels This Tangled Thing Called Love, Lucky Charm, On the Rim of Love, and a short story collection, A Dress in a Window.
AUTHOR WEBSITE
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OTHER BOOKS BY MARIE ASTOR:
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A Dress in a Window
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Book Description: This Tangled Thing Called Love
Claire Chatfield has everything a girl could possibly wish for: looks, a promising career, and an engagement ring from one of New York's most eligible heir-bachelors! Life should be a dream and yet, it does not feel like one ... When an enigmatic new neighbor, Alec Brunell, moves into an apartment above from Claire's, Claire is surprised to find herself wondering whether the choices she has made in her life are worth following through.
In order to secure his place as his father's successor, David Lawson must settle down with a wife befitting the future head of Lawson Enterprises - and who could fit the prerequisite better than the stunningly beautiful and incredibly bright Claire Chatfield? There is just one glitch - David Lawson is in love with another woman.
Alec Brunell has never lacked for women's attention, but he finds himself at a loss when faced with his downstairs neighbor, Claire Chatfield. Still, her iciness only adds fuel to his fire, as Alec is determined to change Claire's view of him.
This Tangled Thing Called Love is about finding one's perfect match and learning to follow one's heart.
* Contest Giveaway *
This Tangled Thing Called Love Necklace Contest Giveaway
Lapis and Labradorite Necklace with Sterling Silver Flower Clasp
Contest Dates: June 25 - July 9
One (1) lucky winner will be chosen to win this beautiful necklace given by author Marie Astor. Enter to win the necklace by clicking on the Rafflecopter contest link.
Additional points (entries) will be given for posting a comment on the contest giveaway post, and by following Marie on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.
We will be using Rafflecopter to select the winner. The winner will be notified by author Marie Astor.
Contest is only open in the Continental US.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Additional points (entries) will be given for posting a comment on the contest giveaway post, and by following Marie on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.
We will be using Rafflecopter to select the winner. The winner will be notified by author Marie Astor.
Contest is only open in the Continental US.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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