I am delighted to welcome Eva Scott onto my blog today, author of The Reluctant Wedding Planner published by Musa Publishing.
I’m sure you’re all familiar by now with the format, so here we go with another round of twenty questions as we try to get to know Eva that little bit better…
ACT ONE – all about you…
Eva lives on the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland Australia with her fabulous husband and gorgeous little boy. When she’s not writing romance you can find her out on the water kayaking, fishing or swimming. When on dry land it’s all about the shoes and the coffee.
1) Have you always been a writer or is it something you fell into?
I’ve been writing since I could hold a pen. Through my career I’ve done a lot of ‘technical’ writing as well as the odd magazine piece but it’s not until now I’ve written proper book length stories.
2) Do you have a particular writing style or ritual?
I basically grab free moments as they float past. I have a two year old who is no respecter of ritual. Luckily I can jot down a bit and come back to it without breaking the flow – thank goodness!
3) Is there a book or an author that has influenced you in your writing?
There are authors who have left me in awe such as Vikram Seth (A Suitable Boy), Kaui Hart Hemmings (The Descendents) and Barbara Kingsolver (The Poisonwood Bible). They set such high standards. I must confess after I read The Descendents I went about in a blue funk for a week thinking I’ll never write like that. I got over it.
4) Are you a native Australian, and if so, have you noticed a difference in style between Australian and UK/US authors? (Okay, so I cheated and asked two)
That’s such an interesting question. All three cultures are similar yet profoundly different. I notice subtle differences in the ways each culture has its heroines and heroes react to events in stories. I lived in Britain for 6 years so I get the British-mindset. The Americans I’m still working on.
5) Can you tell us three things about yourself that we probably don’t already know?
I collect aprons. I adore them. They make me feel all domestic goddess-ish.
6) What five luxury items or gadgets would you hate to be without?
My coffee maker
My lap top (obviously)
A bottle of Chanel Mademoiselle
My kindle
And my jewellery specifically the diamond and pearl stuff
7) Congratulations on your recent release of The Reluctant Wedding Planner! I love the blurb, and have already added it to my to-be-read list, but can you tell us what your inspiration was for writing Cam and Georgi’s story?
The Reluctant Wedding Planner was my first proper attempt at a romance and I was inspired to tell a story about a girl overcoming her bad man karma and recognising love when she sees it. I have girl friends (myself included) who have dated an endless string of the wrong guys only to struggle to see Mr Right when he finally arrives.
8) Did the story flow from your finger tips or did some scenes take a bit of cajoling?
There were a couple of patches that got ‘soggy’. I wrote it out of sequence to try and knit the story together in bits where I had no idea what the characters might do. I was a total pantser in the beginning but I’m more of a plotter now. I think you need a balance between the two.
9) How long did it take for the initial spark of the story to make it onto the page and then onto the publisher’s desk?
I wrote The Reluctant Wedding Planner for the Romance Writers of Australia’s Emerald Competition. I came fourth that year and boldly sent it forth to publishers. A couple of rejections (and some good advice) later I managed to get a contract with Musa Publishing. The whole process took about a year.
10) Do you have a favourite paragraph or sentence that you would like to tantalise us with?
11) Over to you, what can you tell us about The Reluctant Wedding Planner, to make us rush out and buy it?
If you’re looking for a feel-good story with a couple of cute animals, a handsome rural vet, a feisty florist all revolving around a wedding then this is for you.
12) What can we expect from you next? Is there something you are working on right now?
I’ve branched out and written a historical set in Ancient Rome. Love between a wild warrior woman and a Roman Centurion forms the central story with a bit of adventure along the way. If you like sweaty gladiators then this is for you. Slated for release in April 2013 in partnership with Harlequin Escape.
13) Plotter or pantser?
Plantser (half and half)
14) Secret Seven or Famous Five? (please tell me you know them!?)
Famous Five – of course!
15) Digital books or print books?
Both. Some books demand to be read in ink for some reason. But I’d die first before I let anyone take my Kindle away.
16) Tea or coffee?
Freshly brewed coffee in the morning and Builders tea in the afternoon.
17) Cats or dogs?
I have three dogs so I guess that speaks for itself.
18) Extrovert or introvert?
While I’m outgoing and friendly I’d really rather be at home with a book so I’ll say I’m a secret introvert.
19) Save or spend?
Spend! Spend! Spend! Just ask my husband.
20) Facebook or Twitter?
I prefer the concept of Twitter yet it's Facebook I turn to every morning.
And that’s a wrap!
Thank you so much for taking part, Eva, I don't think I've ever spoken to anybody that openly admits to collecting aprons. Tee hee! But it's probably best not to offend my guest considering she's offering not one book as a giveaway, but two!
Yes, there are two of Eva's books up for grabs, The Reluctant Wedding Planner and also Twas the Night Before Christmas. You can enter just by leaving a blog comment below, but if you're not fortunate enough to win (or too impatient), the all important buy links are here too.
If you'd like to connect with Eva, you can find her at:
Buy it now:
Musa Publishing
Amazon (coming soon)
Amazon UK (coming soon)
ISBN: 978-1-61937-440-9
Word Count: 42,426 / Heat Level: 1
Buy it now:
Musa Publishing
Amazon
Amazon UK
ISBN: 978-1-61937-566-6
Word Count: 9,185
1) Have you always been a writer or is it something you fell into?
I’ve been writing since I could hold a pen. Through my career I’ve done a lot of ‘technical’ writing as well as the odd magazine piece but it’s not until now I’ve written proper book length stories.
2) Do you have a particular writing style or ritual?
I basically grab free moments as they float past. I have a two year old who is no respecter of ritual. Luckily I can jot down a bit and come back to it without breaking the flow – thank goodness!
3) Is there a book or an author that has influenced you in your writing?
There are authors who have left me in awe such as Vikram Seth (A Suitable Boy), Kaui Hart Hemmings (The Descendents) and Barbara Kingsolver (The Poisonwood Bible). They set such high standards. I must confess after I read The Descendents I went about in a blue funk for a week thinking I’ll never write like that. I got over it.
4) Are you a native Australian, and if so, have you noticed a difference in style between Australian and UK/US authors? (Okay, so I cheated and asked two)
That’s such an interesting question. All three cultures are similar yet profoundly different. I notice subtle differences in the ways each culture has its heroines and heroes react to events in stories. I lived in Britain for 6 years so I get the British-mindset. The Americans I’m still working on.
5) Can you tell us three things about yourself that we probably don’t already know?
I collect aprons. I adore them. They make me feel all domestic goddess-ish.
6) What five luxury items or gadgets would you hate to be without?
My coffee maker
My lap top (obviously)
A bottle of Chanel Mademoiselle
My kindle
And my jewellery specifically the diamond and pearl stuff
ACT TWO – all about your new release…
 |
| Available NOW! |
Dr Camden James is a rural vet, not a wedding planner, so he quickly feels out of his depth when, in a fit of generosity, he offers to glam up his sister's budget wedding in a secret move designed to surprise her. With only six weeks to make this the wedding of his sister's dreams he needs to move fast.
Stumbling around in the largely female world of weddings he gets a lead on the go-to girl for wedding flowers - Georgiana Mac Intyre. Georgi, reeling from a very public breakup, is not interested in men in anyway shape or form. Not even super-cute vets - even when they are clearly interested in her.
Cam shamelessly uses his story to get her to help. It has all the elements; romance against the odds, true love, orphans (you can't have good story without an orphan or two), and a bride.
7) Congratulations on your recent release of The Reluctant Wedding Planner! I love the blurb, and have already added it to my to-be-read list, but can you tell us what your inspiration was for writing Cam and Georgi’s story?
The Reluctant Wedding Planner was my first proper attempt at a romance and I was inspired to tell a story about a girl overcoming her bad man karma and recognising love when she sees it. I have girl friends (myself included) who have dated an endless string of the wrong guys only to struggle to see Mr Right when he finally arrives.
8) Did the story flow from your finger tips or did some scenes take a bit of cajoling?
There were a couple of patches that got ‘soggy’. I wrote it out of sequence to try and knit the story together in bits where I had no idea what the characters might do. I was a total pantser in the beginning but I’m more of a plotter now. I think you need a balance between the two.
9) How long did it take for the initial spark of the story to make it onto the page and then onto the publisher’s desk?
I wrote The Reluctant Wedding Planner for the Romance Writers of Australia’s Emerald Competition. I came fourth that year and boldly sent it forth to publishers. A couple of rejections (and some good advice) later I managed to get a contract with Musa Publishing. The whole process took about a year.
10) Do you have a favourite paragraph or sentence that you would like to tantalise us with?
Cam was busy talking to the sales assistant by the time Georgi caught up with him.
“We're looking for a wedding dress” he was saying. “Not entirely sure of the style. We'll need to see several I think.”“Do you have a budget?” The sales assistant mentally measured Georgi up. Cam named a figure.“May I ask what size you are, madam?”“Who me? No, I'm not…”“You'd be a size twelve, wouldn’t you?” said Cam.“Ten actually.” Georgi responded automatically. “But…”“Size ten it is.” The sales assistant disappeared to round up a selection of dresses.“What on earth do you think you are doing? I am not trying on a single dress. I said I'd help you pick a dress out but you never said anything about trying it on!”“You are Katherine's size and of similar build. If you try the dresses on we have a better chance of finding one that would fit. Are they playing Highway to Hell, because it seems a little off to me for this kind of shop? AC/DC? Really?” He pointed upwards, and indicated the music playing in the background.
11) Over to you, what can you tell us about The Reluctant Wedding Planner, to make us rush out and buy it?
If you’re looking for a feel-good story with a couple of cute animals, a handsome rural vet, a feisty florist all revolving around a wedding then this is for you.
12) What can we expect from you next? Is there something you are working on right now?
I’ve branched out and written a historical set in Ancient Rome. Love between a wild warrior woman and a Roman Centurion forms the central story with a bit of adventure along the way. If you like sweaty gladiators then this is for you. Slated for release in April 2013 in partnership with Harlequin Escape.
QUICK FIRE ROUND – it’s pop quiz time…
13) Plotter or pantser?
Plantser (half and half)
14) Secret Seven or Famous Five? (please tell me you know them!?)
Famous Five – of course!
15) Digital books or print books?
Both. Some books demand to be read in ink for some reason. But I’d die first before I let anyone take my Kindle away.
16) Tea or coffee?
Freshly brewed coffee in the morning and Builders tea in the afternoon.
17) Cats or dogs?
I have three dogs so I guess that speaks for itself.
18) Extrovert or introvert?
While I’m outgoing and friendly I’d really rather be at home with a book so I’ll say I’m a secret introvert.
19) Save or spend?
Spend! Spend! Spend! Just ask my husband.
20) Facebook or Twitter?
I prefer the concept of Twitter yet it's Facebook I turn to every morning.
And that’s a wrap!
Thank you so much for taking part, Eva, I don't think I've ever spoken to anybody that openly admits to collecting aprons. Tee hee! But it's probably best not to offend my guest considering she's offering not one book as a giveaway, but two!
Yes, there are two of Eva's books up for grabs, The Reluctant Wedding Planner and also Twas the Night Before Christmas. You can enter just by leaving a blog comment below, but if you're not fortunate enough to win (or too impatient), the all important buy links are here too.
If you'd like to connect with Eva, you can find her at:
Blog Facebook Twitter Website
Musa Publishing
Amazon (coming soon)
Amazon UK (coming soon)
ISBN: 978-1-61937-440-9
Word Count: 42,426 / Heat Level: 1
Musa Publishing
Amazon
Amazon UK
ISBN: 978-1-61937-566-6
Word Count: 9,185
I couldnt do without my coffee maker either :D
ReplyDeleteI received one of those George Clooney-Nescafe pod machines for Christmas. Heaven! So easy. I was a bit of a snob about them but now am devoted.
DeleteMmmmmh...coffee. My drug of choice, along with chocolate ;)
DeleteWhen I was in Australia over the xmas period my mother in law had a coffee pod machine which I see was purchased from Woolworths for about $60, it was devine.... makes me want a Nepresso too... AND then I saw the nepresso shop at Robena... HEAVEN! Eva, in light of the recent storms, i sincerely hope you and yours are ok.
DeleteThis story sounds like a lot of fun! I already have your first book :) Wendy blackcherries70@yahoo.com.au
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks Wendy - I do hope you enjoyed Twas The Night Before Christmas. The Reluctant Wedding Planner has some great characters - my favourite is probably Manouche the cat. I hope you like him as much as I do.
DeleteHi Wendy, thank you for stopping by.
DeleteA secret apron fetish! Well, well, well...you might live to regret divulging that tiny piece of information! Hope everyone likes Georgi and Cam as much as I did and congratulations on becoming an Escape Artist!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Maybe there is a place in a hot romance for an apron or two? Mmm...got me thinking now...
ReplyDeleteTashNZ, please could you send me your email address and format of choice?
ReplyDeleteAnd Wendy, what's your preferred format too?