Friday, March 14, 2014

Lucky Star (Author Interview&Giveaway Included!!!)


Book Description:
In Annie, E.J.’s found his North Star. In E.J., Annie’s found someone who truly loves her for just her. Everything’s great, right? Wrong! Despite their obvious feelings for each other, somebody’s intent on tearing down the foundation they’ve built. And E.J.’s the target. First his career is derailed. Then his reputation is sullied.
Annie’s determined to find the culprit. But how’s she going to do that when, as her alter-ego Cassandra Lawrence, she has a new album to record and a tour to plan? E.J. desperately wants to prove he’s worthy of Annie. Is it even possible when every time things are headed in the right direction, disaster strikes?
Can they figure out figure out who is so intent on driving them apart and put a stop to it before irreparable damage is done? From Northern California to New York and points in between, our lovers struggle to keep their unlikeliest of relationships alive amid joy, heartache and everything in between. But it’s not until all appears lost once and for all that they learn faith–in themselves and each other–is what matters most.  

Author Interview:

Q) Did any event or person in your life inspire you to write Lucky Star?

A) Not specifically. About halfway through Fallen Star, book one in the North Star Trilogy, I 

realized I needed to write a three book series to be able to fully tell Annie and E.J.'s story. So, 

I'd argue that Annie and E.J. certainly inspired me to write it. On a more serious note, one of the 

themes of Lucky Star is to never give up on your dreams, so to a degree this book is inspired by 

my sons Seamus and Aidan because I'm always preaching to them to dream big. 

Q) If you could go back and rewrite it would you change anything and what?

A) That's an interesting question, especially given J.K. Rowling's recent revelation that she now 

has some misgivings about the Ron and Hermione relationship. As for Lucky Star, I don't think 

I'd change anything. I'll admit, as a story told from E.J.'s point of view, there are a few scenes I 

wrote that are important, but just don't fit into the story. That's okay, I still have those scenes and 

I'll put them to good use somewhere down the line.

Q) What is your favorite scene in the book?

A) You know, this has changed for me. Early on, my favorite scene was the Christmas gift-giving

scene. I loved the symbolism behind the crystal star E.J. gives Annie. Over time, though, my 

favorite scene has become the Valentine's Day scene when E.J. gives Annie the Claddagh. The 

Claddagh is a ring that carries great significance in my family and it was truly special to be able 

to write one into Lucky Star, especially during such a pivotal moment.

Q) What has been the funniest, strangest, or most amazing thing that has happened to you 

since becoming an author?

A) I think the funniest thing was right before the Awards Dinner at the Romance Writers of America 

National Conference last July. The dinner is a formal affair, so I wore my kilt, as any proud 

Irishman would. While the ladies in my group loved it, the husband of one of my romance writer 

friends was visibly uncomfortable at seeing me in a kilt. I couldn't let that go, so I sauntered over 

to him, sat down on his lap and put my arm around him. While the ladies howled with laughter, 

Mike's face turned fire engine red. Makes me smile, just thinking about it.

Q) Which character do you find most relatable?

A) I have to say E.J. In writing him, I've drawn on so many things from my own life; people who 

know me have asked me if he's an autobiographical character. While he is not, we do share a 

number of things, like the same hometown, the same taste in music and the same passion for 

cycling. I think E.J. is the kind of guy a lot of people can identify with or would like to be friends 

with. He's kind, loyal, but no angel either. 

Q) If you could describe your book in 3 words what would they be?

A) Heartfelt, sentimental, sweet

Q) If you could trade places with any character in any book which character would it be and 

why?

A) Oh wow! Any character in any book? That's tough. If I had to pick one character, it would 

probably Sir Samuel Vimes from Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels. It's been a true joy to see 

the change, for the better in him over time. He's gone from a drunk to a member of the upper 

class, but he's never forgotten his humble roots and his moral compass always pointed toward 

doing the right thing. He certainly has his flaws, but I think that's what makes him so great.

Lightning round!

Q) Twizzlers or Red Vines? 

A) Um, sorry, neither.

Q) Favorite ice cream flavor?

A) Vanilla. You can do everything with it.

Q) Best childhood memory?

A) Summer vacation between seventh and eighth grade. My family went to Disney World, and I got 

to take my best friend. I could go on and on, but will just say that we had a blast!

Q) Favorite television show?

A) Star Trek, the Next Generation

Q) White, dark, or milk chocolate?

A) Milk. I like to reserve white for special occasions and dark can be a little bitter for my tastes.

Q) Favorite book?

A) I'd have to go with Lord of the Rings. I've read it so many times, I've lost count!


1 comment:

  1. Thanks so much for the invitation to stop by. It was great visiting. Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete