Friday 19 July 2013

Insatiable Reads Summer Tour & Giveaway: Author Interview with Ellery Rhodes

Book: Always

Author: Ellery Rhodes
New Adult Romance
Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Description:

A new university, a fresh start, and no falling in love.

After a freshman year from hell, Juliet Stowe's heart is in a million pieces. She transfers to a new school, determined to leave the past behind.

But when she's paired up with Lucas McNamara, the 'boy next door' all deliciously grown up, she knows she's in trouble. Back then she didn’t understand why her mother, who used to work for Lucas' family, told her not to get attached. But they were inseparable--until her mother was fired because the McNamaras don't mix with the help.

He never thought he'd see her again...

Lucas McNamara knew there was something familiar about his biology partner and is floored when it hits him. She's 'Julie'--the barefoot beauty who was unlike any girl he'd ever met then or since.

While years have passed and he's far from the carefree kid that Juliet once knew, one thing remains the same. He wants her. He's always wanted her--but he's the heir to the McNamara multi-million dollar empire and his family is hell bent on keeping them apart.

Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?


I generally just let the story flow, but I’ve tried to be better about outlining because I think that makes for a more focused, cohesive story.

Do your characters ever want to take over the story?

Oh my gosh yes!! While writing Always I found myself letting Lucas go balls out in his attempts to woo Juliet, but it was important that they didn’t just leap into bed (even though they had crazy chemistry).

What is your favourite food?

I’m addicted to salmon. I could eat it all day, everyday and I wouldn’t get tired of it!

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Definitely a night owl.

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

Paris! I’ve always been obsessed with the Eiffel Tower and experiencing the culture and cafes.

Do distant places feature in your books?

Not yet! If I feature a distant place I’d like to be able to speak on it with authority. I’d want to take my personal experiences and bring it to life on the page instead of googling it and piecing together what it would be like from other people’s experiences.

Do you listen to music while writing?

Absolutely. When I write I generally pull up Pandora. The feel of the chapter dictates whether I do something dance-y like Beyonce/Lana Del Rey or if it’s more chill or poignant, The XX/Iron and Wine.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

My latest release is Always. It’s a new adult romance about first loves and growing up and finding your own way.

It’s told from the viewpoint of Juliet Stowe and Lucas McNamara. They were childhood best friends when Juliet’s mom worked as as servant for Lucas’ wealthy family. Their friendship grew into love and when Juliet and her mother left it devastated them both.

Six years go by and they reconnect in college. Lucas doesn’t do relationships--and Juliet is running from the fallout of her last relationship, but Lucas knows immediately that he can’t lose her again. Juliet is still attracted to him, but she’s terrified of making herself vulnerable and being hurt by the one guy she can’t bear losing. It doesn’t help that his family seems intent on keeping them away from each other and there’s also a secret that changes everything.

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started? Is there anything you would do differently?

I’ve learned that I need to take my time. I was so excited about sharing Juliet and Lucas with the world that I skipped an important stage in the publishing process, which is getting feedback from betas and professional editing. I went back and secured a hearty list of beta readers and a professional editor and plan to re-release Always in two weeks, but in the future I will make sure I put out the most polished work possible the first time around.

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

I’m a huge fan of Stephenie Meyer and Sylvia Plath. I think they both have really fresh, accessible writing voices and are really good at making you feel their words and the emotions of the characters.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

Take your time! :) And for those self-publishing, Invest in your story. Sure, it can be pricey securing a professional cover/formatting/editing, but it really makes a difference.

What are three words that describe you?

Driven, Romantic, Optimistic.

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

My favorite book is The Bell Jar and my favorite author is Sylvia Plath.

Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book.



A new university, a fresh start, and no falling in love.

After a freshman year from hell, Juliet Stowe's heart is in a million pieces. She transfers to a new school, determined to leave the past behind.

But when she's paired up with Lucas McNamara, the 'boy next door' all deliciously grown up, she knows she's in trouble. Back then she didn’t understand why her mother, who used to work for Lucas' family, told her not to get attached. But they were inseparable--until her mother was fired because the McNamaras don't mix with the help.

He never thought he'd see her again...

Lucas McNamara knew there was something familiar about his biology partner and is floored when it hits him. She's 'Julie'--the barefoot beauty who was unlike any girl he'd ever met then or since.

While years have passed and he's far from the carefree kid that Juliet once knew, one thing remains the same. He wants her. He's always wanted her--but he's the heir to the McNamara multi-million dollar empire and his family is hell bent on keeping them apart.

Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.

My blog: http://elleryrhodes.blogspot.com

Tumblr: http://elleryrhodes.tumblr.com

Twitter: @ellerydreams

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/elleryrhodes

About the Author:

I love to read and write romance. I moved from the East coast to California for love and stayed for the french fry burritos (though my fiance is pretty nifty too!).

Always is my first NA (New Adult) novel and I'm a part of the Insatiable Reads Summer Tour. (http://www.insatiablereads.com/)

ALWAYS SOUNDTRACK

“This Year’s Love” by David Gray

“For You” by Angus and Julia Stone

“Taste” by Lorna Vallings

“Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down

“Your Call” by Secondhand Serenade

“I Will Wait” by Mumford and Sons

“Fidelity” by Regina Spektor

“Closer” by Tegan and Sara

“You and I” by Ingrid Michaelson

“I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You” by Colin Hay

“When Your Mind’s Made Up” by The Swell Season



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