Interview with chick lit author Tricia Downing

Novelist Tricia Downing is in the hot seat today. She’s chatting with me about her new chick lit/romance, Chance for Rain.

During her virtual book tour, Tricia will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner's choice) gift card to a lucky 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:

Paralympian, Speaker, Author, Disability Advocate

On September 17, 2000, Tricia Downing went from being a competitive cyclist to a paraplegic requiring a wheelchair for mobility. Her life was changed forever, but Tricia’s competitive spirit and zest for life continued on. Making the transition from able-bodied cyclist to an athlete with a disability, Tricia has completed over 100 races, including marathons and triathlons, since her accident. She was the first female paraplegic to complete an Ironman triathlon and qualified for the Hawaii Ironman World Championship twice. Additionally, she was a member of Team USA at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Tricia’s professional life has been immersed in sports as she earned a master’s degree in Sport Management in 1995 and worked at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. She was the press officer for the USA Table Tennis team at the 1996 Olympic Games.

She has received many sports accolades, including the USA Triathlon Physically Challenged Athlete of the Year (2003), Sportswomen of Colorado—Inspiration (’03), Triathlon (’05), Hall of Fame (’12) Awards, the 2006 Most Inspirational Athlete from the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the 2008 Courage Award from the Tempe Sports Authority.

As a community leader and disability advocate, she was a member of the 2013 class of the Girl Scouts Women of Distinction. She also received the 2019 Inspiration Award from Craig Hospital for outstanding community contribution from a Craig Hospital “graduate.” (Craig is a world-renowned spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation hospital) Tricia has truly excelled despite her life-altering injury.

In addition to her sports pursuits, Tricia has taken an active leadership role in her community as a peer mentor to others experiencing spinal cord injuries, she founded Camp Discovery (and subsequently The Cycle of Hope non-profit) dedicating 10 years to helping female wheelchair users gain confidence and self-esteem through a yearly sports and fitness retreat. Additionally, she serves on the board of USA Shooting, which is the National Governing Body for the Olympic sport of shooting.

Tricia published her memoir: Cycle of Hope—A Journey from Paralysis to Possibility in June 2010, with the second edition released in January 2017. Her first fiction novel, Chance for Rain, was published in August 2018.

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

Chance for Rain is a novel about Rainey May Abbott, who at thirty-two years old is like many other women her age. She is on a quest for the man who will love, appreciate and complete her. But underneath her sassy and sarcastic exterior is a woman who is afraid this may be an impossible journey, fearing there will never be a man who actually sees her. Instead, she is filled with doubt, believing she will continually be perceived for her circumstances, not for her spirit.

Is it possible to find love without revealing one’s true self? Rainey wishes this were so, but deep down she believes it isn’t. Can she make a man fall for her so deeply in an online romance, that when they meet face-to-face, he doesn’t notice the elephant in the room? That elephant being the wheelchair that has been part of Rainey’s existence since the night of the car accident, which claimed the lives of her mother and sister and paralyzed her from the waist down.

Readers will find Rainey both tragic and endearing as they discover what it’s truly like to be labeled different. Although Rainey is smart, beautiful and an elite-level Paralympic athlete, her insecurities didn’t come from her imagination. To live with a disability is often challenging, sometimes comical, but always present. Rainey simply wants someone to see beyond her chair and love her for who she is. But, to find love, she will also need to grow and learn to accept herself.

What inspired you to write this book?

My inspiration for the book came from both my life and the lives of the many women I have met who have disabilities. I was paralyzed in a cycling accident when I was 31. Just at the age when my friends were getting married, having children, getting settled in their careers, I was learning skills for the first time again—getting around in a wheelchair, driving with hand controls, figuring out how to take care of my new physical situation. I had moments when I wondered if I would ever find a relationship. Would I find a guy who loved me despite my wheelchair?

Excerpt from Chance for Rain:

“Okay, you have a choice,” Natalie says as she begins on one of her famous lists of options. “A – You can either choose to love yourself so that someone else will love you or B – you can wallow in self-pity for the rest of your life. But I can’t sit by and watch you get in the way of your own happiness. I will always be your best friend, but there is so much you’re missing by avoiding a true, intimate relationship. You’re in your thirties for heaven’s sake, and the last time you even tried dating was in college. Sure, it’s hard to open yourself up and be vulnerable. It’s scary to let someone in so completely that they know your most intimate thoughts. But it’s a miraculous thing to know you don’t have to explain every little detail in your mind, and he gets you anyway. It’s fulfilling to be loved for exactly what you bring to the table, knowing your partner isn’t looking for one thing different. But I can’t make you want it. I can’t make you do it. Someday, though, I think you’ll look back and regret it if you don’t at least try. Being single and free certainly has its perks, but ending up lonely and alone? You deserve more.”

It is such a well-thought-out speech there is little I can say in protest. I want to mouth off and tell her that she is being a drama queen, but the truth is, she’s right. When I lay on my deathbed one day, will I wish I had someone beside me to hold my hand? Will I wish I would have taken the risk to love and be loved? Although her nagging words are not new to me, I still choke on their bitter sting. I don’t disagree. I only wish I believed it was so simple. But—it’s complicated. For a moment, I am speechless.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I am passionate about bringing more characters with disabilities to the forefront, so my next project is also a love story, featuring a character with a disability. In addition, I am doing research for a second memoir. This one about my adoption at five months of age.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I think this novel made me feel like a writer for the first time. Although I previously wrote my memoir, at the time I wasn’t committed to writing more books. I simply felt like someone who had written a book, rather than a writer. But I found through Chance for Rain, how much I enjoyed imagining story lines, and characters and learning about the development of plot. I am now willing to own the title of writer and hope to publish many more novels.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like?

I do not write full time. As much as I wish I could afford, financially, to do that, I don’t think it would serve me or my creativity. I feel the same way about athletics. I’d love to do it full time, but if I did, I would lose my competitive spirit and it would become something I had to do. I have so many goals and interests, I feel it’s best for me to do a little bit of several activities to satisfy my need for variety.

Currently, I am actively training for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, working part-time for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, motivational speaking and writing. It’s more than a full schedule, but I thrive on keeping busy!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I have a collection of over 500 notes to myself on my cell phone, where I capture words, phrases, story ideas and more. Anything that pops into my head at any time of day goes in a note. Every once in a while, I have to go back through my phone and see what gems I have stored and what I can begin to write about in my journal on my blog or add to a future book.

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

It has varied depending on the stage of my life, but I think alternatingly my chosen careers were: sports medicine doctor, athlete, writer, teacher.

You are a paralympian, can you tell us more about this experience?

Ever since I was a kid I have been an athlete. I started in swimming when I was four and had competitive careers in swimming, gymnastics and diving through college. After college, I spent a short time as a couch potato, but made a strong comeback getting involved in cycling, for which I had high hopes. But a head-on collison with a car on a training ride would end that pursuit, as I became instantly paralyzed from the chest down. But with sports as my therapy, I quickly ended up competing again, this time in wheelchair sports—first road racing, then triathlon, had a short stint in rowing, and then when my body started to say no more, I began a new sport—Olympic style target shooting. It was something totally new and foreign to me and, frankly, quite intimidating. I enjoy it for the mental skills it has taught me and the physical challenges that are unlike any other sport I’ve experienced. When I started in 2014, my goal was to try to make the 2020 Paralympic Team in Tokyo, but I was fortunate to make the US Team in 2016 for the Rio Games. I’m now training with the hopes of making my original goal come true—a spot on the 2020 Paralympic team.

Links:

Author Website | Book Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Thanks for joining me today, Tricia!

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Interview with chick lit author J.G. Dow

Today’s special guest is chick lit author J.G. Dow and we’re chatting about Jane of Manchester.

Welcome, J.G. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Huddersfield and went to University in Manchester to study Social Science. I got into writing in my twenties, starting off with poetry and moving onto novels. I like socialising a bit and reading and listening to a wide range of music as well as a bit of walking now and then.

Please tell us about your current release.

Jane of Manchester is a fun, easy reading type chick lit novel with funny parts as well as the odd reflective bits when Jane is trying to figure out what she wants in life. Light reading.

What inspired you to write this book?

I wanted to write something a bit different from what I had done before and as I studied in Manchester, it seemed the perfect place to set the novel.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m currently working on the Jane of Manchester sequel and I’m nearly finished so there won’t be too long a wait until it’s out there.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I tried poetry and realised I liked that but mainly after my first book which was a sci-fi.

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?

At the moment, I do it part time but want to try and make it full time if I can get enough readers. I write in the evenings, although it probably would be better to write earlier so I may change writing times soon and see how that goes!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t really have one although I drink a Berocca vitamin drink while doing it so maybe that’s a quirk!

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

I didn’t have a clue!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I enjoy playing guitar and used to want to play in a band but I think writing is probably more satisfying in the long run!

Links:

Facebook

Thank you for being here today, J.G.

Special excerpt for the contemporary romance novel When in Rome by J. Lynn Rowan

Today I have a special excerpt for the contemporary romance, chick lit novel, When in Rome by J. Lynn Rowan.

During her virtual book tour, J. Lynn will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky 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!

A little bit about When in Rome:

Atlanta-based photographer Kate Miller doesn’t believe in fairytale romance or relationships of the forever kind. She’s determined to build her own happiness through hard work and professional success. So, when the opportunity arises to join an exclusive fashion photo shoot in Rome, she jumps on the chance to gain international recognition. But she’s not counting on an instant attraction to the charismatic, sexy, and irritatingly arrogant director of the shoot.

World famous, Domenic Varezzi is used to calling the shots. His clients trust his instincts and they’re willing to pay for the best. But while his career is thriving, his personal life has been lackluster at best. Hoping Kate could be the answer he’s been looking for, he’s determined to win her over. Every challenge she sends his way drives him to break through her tough-as-nails exterior to reach the vulnerable heart that matches his own.

Surrounded by the beauty and magic of Italy’s “Eternal City,” a foundation begins to form that could lead to a lifetime partnership, both in business and in love. Until Domenic’s past comes back to haunt the present and threatens to destroy everything.

Excerpt from When in Rome:

I accept the handshake. But a split second into it, as our gazes lock, his grip softens around mine. A slow warmth seeps down my arm and melts into my chest. My lungs seize, and Domenic’s throat works briefly as if he can’t quite swallow.

This is not what I signed on for.

Panic sets in. I slide my hand from his and cup it around the bowl of my glass. The wine burns a little as I take too big a gulp, but I manage not to cough. Domenic, too, has retreated into his glass, but whatever just passed in that handshake hangs over us.

“So,” I say in a voice too close to a whisper, sending a sidelong glance his way, “do you always wander around hotels at night with two glasses and a bottle of wine?”

“Only when there’s a chance I might run into a pretty girl.”

I snort into my glass, relieved that the spell seems to be broken.

Domenic’s grin returns. “Why is that funny?”

“The last person to call me a pretty girl was my great-uncle, and I think I was ten years old at the time.”

He chuckles. “Beautiful woman, then.”

The unexpected compliment sets off a flurry of butterflies deep in my stomach. Suddenly breathless, I drain my glass and set it down, then reach for my laptop and close the screen. “Now you’re just making fun of me.”

“I didn’t mean to.”

Chair legs scrape as we both push away from the table, me ready to bolt, him rising to placate me before I can. We stand facing each other, nearly as close as we were in the studio this afternoon. Taking a deep breath, I stare at his chest for a minute. Once my wild heartbeat and those damn butterflies settle, I tip my head back to meet his gaze.

“What are you doing on Sunday?” he asks before I can speak.

I stutter for a minute, unable to look away from his eyes. “Sightseeing, probably. We have the whole day off.”

“Maybe I’ll join you.”

My throat feels tight again. Nodding, I skirt around him, choking out something that sounds like, “Good night.”

His fingers touch my arm as I pass. “Good night, Kate.”

Head spinning, I clutch my laptop against my chest and rush to the terrace doors. I look back when I reach the doorway, only to find him watching me, his thumbs hooked in his pockets and a half-smirk on his face.

A face I find too handsome for my own good.

Still, I wave at him, wiggling my fingers like a silly teenager who sees her crush across the cafeteria. My face burns as I whirl, practically sprinting across the dark breakfast room to the hallway and stairwell.

A little bit about the author:

J. Lynn Rowan started writing stories as a small child, usually starring her favorite cartoon characters. Most of her work through middle and high school was filled with typical teenage angst and melodrama, and usually mirrored the books she loved to read. But eventually she found her own author’s voice and decided to seriously pursue a writing career.

Historical fiction remains J. Lynn’s “first love”, but she has enjoyed the journey to becoming an author of romance and chick lit. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Central New York Romance Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. She is also a teacher who tries to instill a love of learning, reading, and writing in her students.

When she’s not writing, J. Lynn enjoys travelling, gardening poorly but enthusiastically, studying various topics in American history for her own expertise, and channeling Julia Child every time she steps into the kitchen.

A native of Oswego, NY, she now lives in Charlotte, NC, with her own Romantic Hero of a husband and the most adorable baby on the planet.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube | Goodreads | Amazon 

Better than Chocolate – Amazon

When in Rome - Amazon

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Special excerpt from chick-lit romance Still Counting by Phil Fragasso

Today I have a special excerpt from Phil Fragasso’s chick-lit romance, Still Counting.

During his virtual book tour, Phil will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky 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 his other tour stops and enter there, too!

A little bit about the author:

Phil Fragasso sold his first article at the age of 16. Since then he has written and published a wide variety of books, articles and essays. After many years as a corporate marketer, he left to pursue endeavors that were more fulfilling personally and more contributory on a societal level. Today he focuses his time on writing and teaching.

A little bit about Still Counting:

Adam Donatello and Nina Morales share an immediate and powerful attraction, and their future together seems assured. But love is difficult enough without adding complications – real or imagined – to the mix. Nina sees life as a thousand shades of gray, while Adam tends towards black-and-white. He wants to move fast; she needs time. Nina sees her past liaisons with women as immaterial to their relationship, while her disclosure drives Adam to a state of irrational jealousy. He doesn't know how he could compete with a woman; and his suspicions – which Nina views as hypocritical – lead them both to make decisions they may live to regret.

Excerpt from Still Counting:

“This is absurd. She was just a dog. What’s gonna happen when my parents die?”

“It’ll be different. It will be just as hard, probably harder, but it will be different. There’s something very special about our relationship with animals, especially with dogs. They love us unequivocally and there’s none of the personal baggage that screws up our minds and hearts. They never get angry or disappointed with us and they don’t hold grudges. They’re totally dependent on us. Like a child. Losing a dog is more like losing a child than a parent or spouse.”

I nodded but realized Nina couldn’t see me. “I think you’re right.”

“Of course, I’m right. I’m always right. And the sooner you learn that the better we’ll get along.”

“I’ve never met anyone like you.”

“No one has.”

“I’m serious. You’re incredibly thoughtful. You’re smart, creative and”—I paused for a moment—“you’re beautiful.”

“You’re sweet,” she said. “And I’ll gladly accept the thoughtful, smart, and creative compliment, but I am not beautiful. No way.”

“Nina, you are a gorgeous woman.”

“Then you’re blind. I’m chubby. My boobs are too small, my legs are short, my ass is fat, every single day is a bad hair day, and I’m a couple years away from having to shave my mustache.”

I laughed. “And yet somehow it all works.”

“You doing okay?” she asked.

“Now I am.”

“So were you calling to ask me out for tomorrow night?”

“The thought had crossed my mind.”

“Pick me up at seven-thirty. I should have something I can fit my fat ass into.”

“Do your best,” I said. “See you then.”

Links:

YouTube | Amazon | Wild Rose Publishing 

Buy links:

Amazon | iBook | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

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Interview with literary, women's, chick lit author Wilnona Marie

Today I’m chatting with Wilnona Marie about her women’s fiction novel, And I Thought Divorce Was Bad: With Other Life Lessons.

Welcome, Wilnona. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I started writing when I was seven years old. Hence, later I say I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up then a writer. I wanted to be a doctor when I was five, so it’s a chronological list. Anyway, I’ve been writing since then. I was first published when I was seventeen. I still have the literary magazine, it’s a little tattered now. I took a hiatus during marriage. After I wrote my name on the divorce papers the ink just kept right writing through three more novels and three series.

Please tell us about your current release.

The book is setup as life lessons. Each of the five authors has there say in the section. Really the book is a conversation with the reader about heartbreak, the pain it causes, and learning to accept who you in the aftermath of a normal or abusive relationship. I don’t think any of the authors complete their journey, but they begin to accept where and who they have become.

What inspired you to write this book?

I was with my sister one day driving along and I was telling her another story about an awful date. She said I should write the stories in a book, because they are unbelievable. I took her advice with a grain of salt and continued on with my story. My sister was silent so I asked if she is listening. Her response was yes, but she added, "You should call the book And I Thought Divorce Was Bad, because your divorce was bad but what happened after was worse." That was the birth of the book.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I plan on revisiting my first series. I just finished Widow’s Debt vol.1 and it is at the editor’s office. What I am currently writing is a romance novel with another author, Jess.

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 run my own business, assist in the day to day operations in a friend’s small business, and volunteer within the deaf community.

I always find time to write, because it is more of a compulsion than hobby. When I wake up I think about breakfast, exercise, and what my characters will do today. A way to jot or type something down is with me at all times.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

If writing my novels by hand isn’t quirky enough I tend to start at the end of a notebook and write towards the front.

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

A doctor or a writer.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Thanks for reading the book or checking out this interview. I would love to hear from any readers. I love the feedback and not just in reviews. Please e-mail andithoughtdivorcewasbad@yahoo.com (yes I’m exceedingly old school), or hit me up on Facebook or on Goodreads. Can’t wait to hear from you.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Facebook | Twitter

Thanks for being here today, Wilnona!