Interview with romance author Claire Marti

Romance author Claire Marti joins me today and we’re chatting about her new contemporary romance, At Last in Laguna.

During her virtual book tour, Claire will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a luck randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too.

Bio:

Claire Marti started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.

Finally, Claire followed her heart and now focuses on two of her true passions: writing romance and teaching yoga. At Last in Laguna is the second book in her Finding Forever in Laguna series from The Wild Rose Press.

Welcome, Claire. Please share a little bit about your current release.

Here’s the blurb:

Alyssa Morgan has secretly been in love with her older brother Nick’s best friend, Brandt Dempsey, since she was an awkward, lonely teenager. When she catches the bouquet at Nick’s wedding, she throws caution to the wind and propositions Brandt to a two-week fling. He’s tried to ignore how Alyssa has blossomed into a strong, talented, gorgeous woman because as his best friend’s baby sister, she’s off limits.

After they share a mind-blowing kiss, Brandt struggles to fight their undeniable chemistry. His tragic childhood scarred him, but he pushes it deep inside, only allowing the world to see a wealthy, carefree entrepreneur. Forced to work together on Brandt’s latest charitable venture, Brandt and Alyssa’s passion cannot be denied. Alyssa knows he’s the one. Can she convince him they belong together?

What inspired you to write this book?

I wanted to write about a hero who rose above a tragic childhood and becomes a success despite it all. He gives back by building Tearmann House, a center for abused children and women. He’s scarred inside, despite appearing like another handsome successful guy on the outside. Alyssa has her own demons to contend with too. Throwing them together in the brother’s best friend trope adds an element of lightness, fun, and forbidden romance.


Excerpt from At Last in Laguna:

What was his deal this morning?

She’d give him the cold shoulder if it killed her.

And it just might.

He’d rejected her, so why was he opening doors, hovering, and acting like a pest? Practically breathing down her neck. She could swear he’d sniffed her. Sniffed her. He couldn’t conceal his awareness. If he were so attracted to her, he would’ve agreed to her proposition, right? Since he’d shot her down in flames, he could at least have the decency to ignore her today. Rude, infuriating man.

Inhaling a deep cleansing breath, she forced herself to concentrate on the center. Sunlight streamed through the abundance of windows and along with the high ceilings imparted a feeling of freedom and space, perfect for the planned occupants. Because they’d decided to wait to obtain her input for the more specific room layout, the building’s interior remained a shell. She’d add to her brother’s amazing design and ensure Tearmann House’s beauty and serenity.

Serenity. What a concept. Ha.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I just submitted the manuscript for the third book in the Finding Forever in Laguna series to my editor. I’ll be working on edits for the next few months. I’ve got a new contemporary series with three sisters set in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I started writing stories when I was seven years old. I’d even create covers and turn them into actual books for my family and friends to enjoy. Does that count? My first published magazine article was in 1997 for Delicious magazine about health supplements. I signed my first contract in March 2016 for the Finding Forever in Laguna series.

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?
I was a yoga teacher who wrote and I’m transitioning into a writer who also teaches yoga. I teach a few public yoga classes, train a few private clients in their homes, and write for YogaDownload.com, an online yoga website for whom I also teach classes. Each day is different, but I have a dedicated writing space in my home office. I block out my writing time each day around the yoga.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

My cats assist me when I write. Lola either drapes herself over the top back of my chair or wedges herself next to me. Beau plops himself wherever he can so he can keep an eye on the action.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An actress, a writer, a dancer, an international explorer, Dr. Doolittle #2. Not necessarily in that order.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I hope my stories will transport you away from your daily life for a few hours and leave you with a smile on your face.

Links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Wild Rose Press | Barnes and Noble | iBooks

Buy links:
Amazon | The Wild Rose Press | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Thank you for being a guest on my blog!
Thank you for having me!

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