Our guest today: Laura Spinella
Why we love her: She writes great characters!
Her latest: Perfect Timing
The scoop: What’s a Jersey Girl to do when she moves to Catswallow, Alabama? Isabel Lang finds the answer in an unlikely bond with the musically gifted Aidan Roycroft. The two share everything from a first kiss to startling family secrets. But when Aidan is accused of a violent crime, the two flee to Las Vegas where Isabel’s future comes tumbling down.
Seven years later, the past is buried, including any relationship with Aidan. Isabel is busy running a radio station and closing in on commitment with Nate Potter, a guy who defines ideal. Life seems cozy until new station management demands a sudden-death ratings grabber, putting everyone’s future on the line. What should be a simple solution leads to a stunning revelation as Isabel is forced to call on the past and the only rock star she knows.
Our thoughts: Another winner from Laura--we think you'll love this one!
Giveaway: Two SIGNED copies! Leave a comment and we'll choose the winners after 8am on Sunday, November 11th.
Where to read more about Laura: Her website, Facebook and Twitter.
LIZ AND LISA PRESENT...LAURA SPINELLA'S 5 FALL FAVES
Favorite memory
Hmmm, I guess I’m supposed to say the day my kids were born. I think it makes me a crappy mom if I don’t. But it’s not a favorite. I mean, those are cool memories, (don’t get me wrong, they’re exceptional kids) but it was also painful and messy and I didn’t look so great—really. I liked it much better after they returned the cleaned up babies. I liked it even more after they slept through the night. Realistically, I have a collage of favorite memories: the way the air smells in Bayport, my hometown. It’s on the Great South Bay, so it’s salty with a hint of marsh that’s really not terribly pleasant. Yet, it’s home. The noise on game day in Athens, Georgia—numerous memories are attached to that, not all of them printable. And I suppose, if a favorite memory requires sentiment, holding a fresh out of the box copy of my first novel, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER. There’s a lot to be said for something falling out of your brain and into a tangible book that makes it truly validating.
Recipe
My favorite would be the one where somebody else prepares it (preferably a 5-star chef) and then somebody else cleans up the mess.
Drink
Now we’re talking. I am an admitted wine lover… whore. Is there a difference? We actually belong to the Zagat wine club, so every 14 weeks they send a new case. It’s like a treasure chest delivered to your front door! After blowing through a case or two in less than the suggested14 weeks, I called to ask if we could switch to their 10 week wine club. The befuddled operator’s response? “Ma’am, we don’t have a 10-week club, but perhaps you should look into a 12-step program…”
Activity
Wait for it… wait for it… Are you watching me write? We’re you anticipating a different answer?
Writing inspiration
The rolled up sleeves of my OB-GYN’s dress shirt. Now, you may think this visual relates back to favorite item number one, or is simply twisted. It’s neither. It’s more a euphemism for the strikingly ordinary. I’ve always been hyper-tuned and unduly attracted to body language, mannerisms, repetitive phrasing, verbal ticks, clothing, facial expressions, the gait of a stride, etc… In certain instances these everyday things stick in my brain, and from there they begin to form characters. For me, the character is the anchor and the story unfolds around him or her. In PERFECT TIMING, I had a picture of Aidan Royce, my protagonist, for years before I ever imagined his story. After a while, the other pieces and characters drift in from the edges and take their place. Then, if I’m lucky, there’s a, “Well, what if…” moment, and we’re off!
Thank you so much to Liz & Lisa for letting me visit with Chick Lit is NOT Dead! It’s blogs like theirs that keep fingers typing and books rolling! Thank you, ladies!