This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Susan Bagby will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Author Interview with Susan Bagby:
What is your latest book about? Thank you for having me today on your blog. My book, Forever Kind of Love, is a contemporary romance novel. When Willow Barton’s husband is arrested for financial fraud in New York City, she loses everything—money, home, friends—not to mention the humiliation when the story spreads throughout the Internet. Forced to rebuild her life, she heads to her hometown in Cedar Hill, Ohio, where she moves in with her mother, gets a job as a bookstore manager, and helps out with her best friend’s father’s care who is in early stages of dementia. Swearing off men, she is not prepared for the chemistry with Zachary Hayes, famous country music star and brother of Leah, her best friend. He returns home for a visit and circumstances keep bringing Willow and he together. Determined to stay single, Willow knows Zach is a player and tries to protect her heart. Zach has never been interested in a committed relationship but finds himself questioning his choices in life. Willow must face a painful past and decide if she’s willing to risk her heart again. Zach battles his own demons. What will it take to bring them together?
Taking the story from a concept to a published book is a long
and involved process. How does that usually work for you? I
usually have a small idea that blossoms into more as I begin to plot. For this
book, it started with a newspaper article I read about a man arrested for fraud
in my hometown. I wondered if his wife knew anything about his criminal
activity. And what would happen to her? Then it took off. I usually get the
ending right away and work my way toward the conclusion of the book.
Which of your books would you recommend for readers to choose
first if they’re new to you and your books? The last book I wrote, Sweet
Ridge Hearts, is a standalone in another series of 3 books I’ve written. It can
be found on my website.
Do you have a favorite personal development or writing book
you would recommend? Save the Cat Writes a Novel is my go-to
for plotting.
Tell us something fun or interesting about you. I
practice yoga and mediation daily. When I was in my twenties, I lived in a yoga
community. I guess I’m a hippie at heart. Lol.
What have you learned throughout your writing process? I’ve
learned that it’s a marathon not a sprint. The one thing that I’m working on
now is to remember: Comparison is the thief of Joy. It’s easy to look at very
successful writers and compare oneself to them. That’s never helpful. I am
where I am and as long as I’m moving forward, I’m successful. That’s what is
important.
What has inspired you to become a writer? Watching Hallmark movies as a young woman with my mother. I always wanted to write a book like those stories. My mother was also my inspiration in that she always had a book by her chair and more than anything, she enjoyed romance novels.
How do you keep your ideas fresh and avoid traveling over
well-worn territory? I try to come up with new and different
occupations for my protagonists. I’m working on the next book after Forever
Kind of Love and the heroine is a state trooper. I had fun with research
and putting that job with the heroine instead of the hero.
What trope have you not written yet but want to? Faked-dating.
I think that would be fun to do.
Do you have a specific writing process? Yes,
yoga/meditation first thing in the morning, then make a chai tea and go to my
favorite writing chair for 2-3 hours. I also write in the kitchen and my office
throughout the day.
Do you have a favorite author and/or favorite book? I’m
a big historical fiction fan and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is at the
top of my list.
What
do you do when you’re not writing? When it’s warm, I like to garden, take walks,
swim and play golf. In the winter, I play pinocle and Mahjong with my friends.
I also play piano and am presently studying jazz.
Willow Barton’s life crumbles at her husband’s arrest for fraud, forcing her to return to her Ohio hometown to rebuild. Running a small bookstore and helping her best friend care for her ailing father offers solace—until Zachary Hayes, her best friend’s brother and a charming country music star, shows up. Struggling to revive his career and reconnect with his estranged father, Zach sparks an undeniable yet unwelcome chemistry with Willow. As her estranged husband seeks forgiveness, and Zach battles his own demons, Willow must confront her painful past and decide if she’s willing to risk her heart again. Caught between heartbreak and hope, can they overcome their fears and build a future together?
Read an Excerpt
He browsed the shelves, stopping in front of a framed photograph on the wall of a close-up picture of a couple, sitting in a park somewhere in New York City. The woman was laughing, and the man held her outstretched hand. “The carefree expressions on their faces strike me with a feeling of wistfulness. Not an easy emotion to capture in an image. Who did this?” Zach pointed to the picture.
“I did.” Willow felt warmth spreading across her cheeks. Oh, God. I’m blushing.
“You’ve got talent—another surprising quality you possess. And this one?” He indicated another photo on the opposite wall.
“Yes.” She chewed on the end of her pen, watching him.
“Why aren’t you pursuing this as a career?”
She lowered her pen. “I’ve always wanted to, but life got in the way.” She was determined to stay tight-lipped about her endeavors in New York and failed career as a fine arts photographer.
“Don’t let adverse circumstances prevent you from following your dreams, Willow. No matter what happens externally, don’t lose touch with your inner calling.” He lifted the photo and placed it by the cash register. “I want to buy this, please.”
Willow observed his facial expression, which bordered on flirtatious. “You don’t have to. Please don’t feel you need to buy one because we know each other. I won’t be offended.”
“You see, your problem is you don’t believe in yourself. I want this because the photo is an exquisite piece of art. I have a perfect place for it in my house. Don’t argue.” He grinned and eyed her with both hands on his hips, then slapped his credit card onto the counter.
About the Author:
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