Interview with contemporary romance author Marie Astor

Today's guest on Reviews and Interviews is contemporary romance author Marie Astor. This is just one of several stops on her current virtual book tour. She has a unique giveaway for a lucky commentor at the end of her tour. Details are at the end of the interview.

Bio:
Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes in the contemporary romance genre.

Marie is the author of contemporary romance novels, On the Rim of Love, Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.

Currently, Marie is working on her next novel - stay tuned for details! If you would like to receive updates about book releases and events, you can visit Marie’s website or connect with Marie at her Facebook page.

Welcome, Marie, please tell us about your current release.
On the Rim of Love is a contemporary romance about finding one’s true soul mate:

Maggie Robin has been dating the irresistibly good-looking, successful Jeffrey Preston for two years. But when Jeffrey proposes marriage a week after Maggie’s college graduation, she is no longer sure if she wants to marry a workaholic TV producer.

Her doubts culminate when during a ski trip to British Columbia, Maggie meets Taylor Denton, a handsome, free-spirited big mountain skier who is the complete opposite of Jeffrey. It does not take Maggie long to realize that she has fallen in love with Taylor and she decides to break off her engagement with Jeffrey. But just when she thinks she has found the love of her life, an ill-fated misunderstanding tears Maggie and Taylor apart.

A week later, Maggie is told that Taylor has died in a tragic ski accident; yet, her heart refuses to believe in Taylor’s death. When Maggie returns to Taylor’s native town, she learns that Taylor is indeed alive, but has been seriously injured. Resolved to bring her lover back to life Maggie stands by Taylor’s side, convincing him to embrace life again.

What inspired you to write this book?
On the Rim of Love is a story about finding the courage to follow one’s heart.

What if you found yourself in a situation where you were about to marry the wrong guy and you met a man whom you were simply drawn to - would you have the courage to pursue the new love interest or would you stick with the safer, known choice? One day, for no apparent reason, I found myself pondering this question, and slowly, the idea for On the Rim of Love started to materialize. I wanted to find a truly special setting for this love story – I always thought that ski towns have a magical atmosphere about them, so I set On the Rim of Love at a ski town to add extra dimension to Maggie’s and Taylor’s love story.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I am currently reviewing the second draft of my next contemporary romance – it is a love story about letting go of one’s inhibitions, finding true love, and learning to tango. The release date is scheduled for March of 2012.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I have always wanted to be a writer, but I was afraid to admit it for a long time. I started writing seriously three years ago and I am very thankful to all of my readers! It’s so wonderful to know that my books have an audience, and I hope that readers enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Unfortunately, I do not write full-time (although I hope to one day!) - I have a day job in technical writing. My goal is to dedicate at least two hours a day to writing – sometimes I make my goal, and sometimes life gets in the way of things, but that’s OK - as long as I can get back on track the following day!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I usually do not come up with a title until I am almost finished with the book.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher – like my dad.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Lisa, thank you so much for inviting me to your blog to talk about my contemporary romance, On the Rim of Love – I hope that the readers will enjoy Maggie’s and Taylor’s love story.

It's been a pleasure chatting with you a little bit, Marie.

Readers, Marie will be awarding a custom made jewelry set (necklace and earrings) to one randomly chosen commenter (US or Canada only, please) at the end of her virtual book tour. So, comment here and check out her other tour stops and leave comments. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning.