Hello Laura! Thank
you so much for visiting Written Butterfly with me today! It’s such a pleasure to chat with you. So tell me…
Q) How did you dream up the dynamics of your characters?
When I first started writing the
story, about 3 years ago, I projected some of my early-in-life qualities onto
the heroine, Abby… shy, introverted, stays within her comfort zone. But over the years as I’ve experienced life,
I’ve come to find that straying can be a good thing. J The hero she meets gives
her plenty of incentive to try new adventures (as does my hubby, for me).
Q) Is this book part of a series? If so, can you tell us about it?
This is the first book in a
series of three that I plan to write; A New Adventures Series. They’re fun,
snarky, and sexy rom-coms. Abby’s story is first, she’s the eldest sibling; I
plan to write about the others. Beckham and Claire are twins who stir up plenty
of mischief while trying to discover who they really want to be. And then
there’s the ‘baby’, Denise, who thinks her life is all planned out at age
twenty-four. But life doesn’t always go
according to plan.
Q) Can you give a
fun or interesting fact about your book?
My
character is twenty-eight when she first experiences para-gliding. She’s terrified, but absolutely loved it when
she did it. After wanting to do it
myself for years, I first experienced it at age forty-two, when I went to
Hawaii for a dental conference! I went in the morning and loved it so much,
went back that same afternoon and did it again!
Q) What do you
think is your strongest asset as a writer? …what is your weakest factor as a
writer?
Q) Do you have any habits that get you in the writing frame
of mind?
I try to picture my writing playing out like a movie in my head; how the characters would act, what they’d say, what’s going on around them… I re-read often to see if it’s flowing well. I also have plenty of notes on my characters, research about the area I’m writing about (I like to throw in local flavor, such as a restaurant they may visit, or a charitable cause that they support)
Q) Do you plan all your characters out before you start a
story or do they develop as you write?
Q) How much real life do you put into or influences your books?
Quite a bit, actually. I put a bit of myself into my characters, and imagine them overcoming whatever quirks or oddities they have. I also project what I’d love to embody at times; someone unafraid, fearless. There are situations or occurrences from either my life or someone I know that I’ll incorporate into a story. Of course changing all names to protect the innocent, or, not so innocent. ;)
Q) What are your upcoming projects?
BLURB
“Unexpected Adventures” A New
Adventures Series Book One
Order
and routine is introverted Abby’s motto, so when she’s being pushed to step out
of her comfort zone, meeting hunky Shaun may be just the catalyst she
needs.
Their swift attraction to one
another leads to new adventures that include paragliding, tattooing, and, yeah
– Abby relinquishing her virginity. Laugh along with Abby as she discovers how
fun it can be to step off her straight line.
EXCERPT
Denise
shuts off the engine, throws the keys in my direction, and quickly exits the
car. I barely have time to react so the keys don’t smack me in the face. Luckily
I’m spared that embarrassment. But I fumble with the keys, dropping them onto
the floor by Shaun’s feet. I try to stretch over the console and twist around
as we both reach for them at the same time, bumping our heads in that classic
way. We each draw back, me wincing, him grinning.
“Sorry,
my head seems to be harder than yours,” he says.
“No
kidding.” I quickly smack my hand over my mouth.
“It’s
okay, no need to be embarrassed. Here.” He hands me the keys, which I drop in
my bag. “Why don’t we start again?” He extends his hand toward me. “Hi. I’m
Shaun Porter.”
I look
at his hand, then back to his face. I’m so mesmerized by his eyes, all I can do
is stare.
“I
promise I won’t bite.”
My
nervous laughter causes him to smile. I slide my hand into his and shake it,
immediately feeling his warmth. Parts of his skin are rough, parts are smooth.
My eyes never leave his as he leans in close, parting his lips to speak again. But not before I blurt out, “Let me guess, not
unless I want you to, right?”
The
outburst startles me and I feel flush. Not to mention nauseated. Good Lord,
what is wrong with me?
“Not
exactly where I was going, but, okay.”
“I’m
sorry.” I pull my hand from his, turning to open the door. “I’ll just exit this
car and you pretend I never uttered a word.” I finally get out and try dashing
toward the house. I hear the car door slam as Shaun gets out, trotting to catch
up to me, his flip-flops slapping his heels.
“Abby,
wait.”
I hurry
my pace but he has no problem catching up to me.
“Wait,
I’ll walk with you.”
I
remain quiet although he’s determined to engage in conversation as he speaks
again.
“So how
long are you visiting your sister?”
“Monday.”
“Through
Monday, or are you returning Monday?”
“Uh
huh.” I’m not really paying attention to his words, I’m just trying to make it
into the house without making a fool of myself any more than I already have. Evidently
that’s not going to happen as I stumble in the grass and Shaun bursts forward,
reaching out to save me from a face plant. He hauls me up, our chests touching,
his hands cupping my elbows. I pull back as if he’s on fire, which he is,
because my god, he’s hot…
“You
okay?” he asks.
“Yes,
thank you.” I side-step him to continue walking, then stop and turn back. “Um,
no, actually I’m not. Look, I’m just going to say it. You’re gorgeous.”
He
looks surprised but continues to grin. So cute.
“I’m
sure you get that all the time.” I feel my face flame. “And I’m awkward and
making a fool of myself.”
“Abby…”
“So, to
avoid any further embarrassment, would you just please stand here and count to
ten, giving me a head start? Okay? Great.” I quickly turn again toward the
house, thinking I’m finally going to get inside without further incident. Nope.
Shaun speed-counts to ten––out loud,
mind you––in about four seconds before rushing to catch up to me again.
“You
didn’t say I had to count slowly.”
I can’t
help but giggle.
“Look,
I find you attractive and intriguing.”
I snort
and don’t even mind. I think I’m beyond trying to be smooth.
He
chuckles. “We really can start again.”
I look
at him out of the corner of my eye. “How many doovers are you going to give
me?”
“As
many as it takes.”
I stop
to face him, almost reluctant to accept what he’s saying. He seems sincere, and
he’s just so dang sexy. Here goes nothing…
“Okay.”
I extend my hand. “Abby Carter.”
He
takes my hand. “Shaun Porter. Pleased to meet you.”
BUY LINKS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura M Baird, Romance Author... After writing for many years, my publishing
dreams came true only a year ago, and now I’m excited to say I have eight
stories out, with two more upcoming releases with Evernight Publishing. I also enjoy poetry and prose, and have two
pieces published at spillwords.com. I
grew up on the East Coast, and after joining the U. S. Army, met and married my
husband (of nearly 28 years), and migrated to the West Coast. While raising two sons, I went through dental
hygiene school, which I’ve been doing for the past eighteen years. Soon I hope to transition out of that
profession and concentrate solely on writing.
Hubby and I enjoy walks (we really do!), drag racing, hockey, and Boise
State Football. When not writing or
reading, I love engaging on social media.
Readers can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads,
and Bookbub.
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