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Thanks so
much for having me today, Lisa. Just a
reminder for those who comment to please
leave
your contact info so I may reach you in case you
are a winner.
What did you see, hear or dream that
inspired your book?
While sitting
on the floor cleaning one day, I had a thought of, ‘What would happen if a
woman fell in love with the man she blamed for killing her husband?’ The idea
wouldn’t let me go, so I sat down with a pen and paper and began to write.
That’s
an interesting thing to think of when cleaning floors. However, come to think
of it, it is usually stuff hubby has tracked in, so actually pretty logical.
LOL!
Which one of your main characters came
across strongest to you?
Jodi. She’s funny, loving, and believes sex needs
to be a huge part in everyone’s lives.
How long did it take you to fall in love
with your Hero/Heroine?
This was the
first book I’d ever written and it took me 10 years to actually get it
published. So I’ve been with them for sooooo long, they have become “real” to
me. Not sure when that moment of “love” hit me, I just know I never got tired
of being with them.
Did you borrow certain traits for your
characters from someone you know personally?
Not really.
Is this book a single category or can we
expect to see more of your characters in a series?
This is book
one of a series. I am working on the second book now. However, I have written
two other books and one does visit a couple of characters and the country &
western club that is in TPG, but it is not part of the series.
Often,
the books that I write will feature characters seen in one series or another
however are not part of that series. I totally understand.
What is your most difficult “no-no” when
you write? (Show vs. tell, dialogue, plot problems, passive voice, etc.)
Sentence structure.
Honestly, my critique partner will say something sounds awkward. I know what I
am trying to say but it doesn’t always come across so clearly. I’ve been getting better at watching out for
this.
Thank
God for critique partners. They can be a lifesaver!
When you take a break from writing, what do
you do to allow your brain time to regroup?
Watch TV or
play with my cat. I enjoy sitting in the living room with my son and husband
and striking up a conversation because I know we’ll end up laughing.
It
sounds like you have a wonderful loving family who supports you and all of you
have that chemistry that makes being together so sweet.
Would you consider yourself a plotter or a
pantser?
Panster. I sit
and write what comes to mind and then I will plot out a blog. A blog is a
plotting format I learned from an RWA workshop.
I too
am a pantser, but I’m taking this STAR workshop on Deep Story Techniques and
trying to see how I can do both. It’s going to be tough to incorporate both
techniques.
In one sentence, tell us what your book is
about.
THE PATRIOT
GIRL is about a woman who falls in love with the man she blames for killing her
husband.
What is your one “guilty” pleasure?
Hmmm…I don’t
have one! I deserve all my pleasure and enjoy every moment…no guilt involved.
I’m
so inspired by your positive attitude! I think I shall have to rethink guilt
and reward systems.
Toni, thanks so much for being a guest here
today. Everyone, please don’t forget to leave a comment for a giveaway of Toni’s
latest release; THE PATRIOT GIRL!
BLURB:
MaKayla Adams has always been curious about the wild side of
life. Making love with her late husband wasn’t exciting, and she never could
understand the big deal…until hunky nightclub owner Dustin James hires her as a
public relations consultant. His touch arouses feelings she’s never known, and
his kiss tempts her to cross the line between business and pleasure.
Dustin doesn’t remember the car accident that put him in a
coma three years ago, but since his recovery, he’s pushed his own needs aside
to be a single father to his young daughter. When MaKayla offers to help
publicize his country nightclub, however, she ignites deeper feelings he can’t
ignore.
But there is more than mutual attraction between MaKayla and
Dustin—there is a shared past connected to her husband’s death. Will the truth
bring them together or tear them apart?
EXCERPT:
She tilted her head toward his touch. “We do have an
unusual chemistry, but anything more between us would complicate things.”
“In
what ways?”
“Alex
wouldn’t understand. Not to mention Paul’s parents.”
“What
about what MaKayla wants?”
A loaded question she didn’t know how to answer. She
wanted what she couldn’t have—not to be alone, the noises in her backyard to go
away, a husband to spoil, and another child to mother.
“It doesn’t matter what I want. What matters is doing the
right thing.”
“For who?”
“For
everyone.”
“Even if it means being unhappy? When was the last time
you did something for MaKayla without worrying about consequences?” He rolled
his tongue and smiled.
“There
was liquor involved. Otherwise, I never would have growled at you.”
“Why
not?”
She
shrugged. “Because it’s inappropriate.”
“A
tease?”
“Yes.”
He cupped her cheeks between his palms. “I find you sexy
as hell and I’m going to kiss you. The time to stop me would be right now.”
Links:
Website: www.tonilynncloutier.com,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortonilynncloutier
Twitter: @ToniLCloutier
Giveaway:
Comment
or ask a question and you could win an ebook copy of THE PATRIOT GIRL.
The
more you follow throughout the year, the more chances you’ll have to win the
grand prize.
See
my website for more details.
