Interview with internationally renowned food writer Monica Bhide about her debut novel

I’m quite happy to be hosting well-known food writer Monica Bhide today to chat with her about her debut novel, Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken.

Bio:

Monica Bhide is an internationally renowned writer known for sharing food, culture, love, and life with a lyrical voice and universal appeal. She has built a diverse and solid audience through the publication of three cookbooks, her collection of short stories, her website, MonicaBhide.com, and articles in top-tier media, including Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, Saveur, The Washington Post, Health, The New York Times, Ladies Home Journal, AARP The Magazine, Parents, and many others. In April. Mashable.com picked her as one of the top ten food writers on Twitter. Monica frequently teaches at the Smithsonian. Her seventh book, Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken, released this year.

Welcome, Monica. Please tell us about your current release.

This is my debut novel! Book seven but first novel. I am so excited about it as I have always wanted to write a novel. I am a recovering engineer and I left a lucrative career to follow this crazy idea of becoming a writer. Now, here I am, twelve years and six books later with my dream: a story about the healing power of food.

What inspired you to write this book?

My friend Chef Jose Andres has done more to end world hunger than anyone I know. I wanted to write a story inspired by his hard work. This story follows a young boy as he tries to manifest his desire to feed the hungry. But he has no means, no money, no influence and is haunted by massive internal demons. The story follows his path as he learns that in order to succeed, he first has to truly believe in his own dreams.

Excerpt from Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken:

The novel is filled with poetry that the lead character writes. I would like to share one of those poems here

Eshaan Veer Singh’s Journal

Those smells

Of sizzled cumin

Of roasted mustard

Of charred eggplant

Of boiled rice

Of sweet puddings

Of pungent garlic

Those smells

Assault my nose

Seep into my skin

Bleed out as my sweat

Those scents

I pretend to respect them

I pretend to adore them

I lie

Those scents

Make me weak

Drain my resolve

Those scents

Make the bile rise up

I try to stop

I beg it to stop

I pray it stops

It isn’t the smells, he tells me

It is you

How does he know, how does he see

that

I am a prisoner of my own memories

What exciting story are you working on next?

I am working on a magic realism book set in Washington, D.C. It is a book about unrequited love and sacrifice.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I have always wanted to write. However, I don’t know that I still consider myself a writer. I always feel like I am still learning to become a writer! It is a strange imposter syndrome that is hard to define!

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?

Indeed, I do write full-time. I am up early, around five am, to meditate and journal before the kids wake up. Once they are in school, around 8:00, I write for about two hours. Then, I spend the next few hours on marketing, PR, invoicing, research etc. The kids return at 2:30. Once they are home, they take over! It is all about homework and soccer and dinner and catching up on the day. I used to write at night but now the nights are reserved for reading. I read at least a book a week if not more. 

I do like to write alone. I don’t work so well in coffee shops as I tend to get distracted very easily. 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

If I get stuck on a word, then I know I have lost the writing day! I will obsess over some silly word that doesn’t seem to fit into my sentence! I have learned that it is a way of resisting the writing process but I do it anyway! I am getting better at it!

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

A storyteller

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Eat more chocolate.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon

Thanks for being here today, Monica.

Interview with romantic suspense author Tanya Newman

Romantic suspense author Tanya W. Newman is with me today. We’re having a lovely chat on this Thanksgiving Day about her newest book, The Good Thief.

Bio:

Tanya W. Newman was born and raised in the upstate of South Carolina, where she discovered her love of a good story, a love that led to a Bachelor of Arts in English from University of South Carolina Upstate, and a Master of Arts in English from Clemson University.

Now married to her wonderful husband, Mark, for eleven years, Newman still resides in the upstate of South Carolina, where she sets many of her stories. Her first novel, The Good Thief, was published by Black Opal Books in 2016 and her upcoming novel, Winter Rain, is set to be published in 2017. In addition to writing and reading, she enjoys coffee, movies (usually an action/adventure with a love story added in), reruns of The Golden Girls, going for long walks, and spending time with her adorable son and daughter.

She is currently working on a sequel to The Good Thief.

Please tell us about your current release.

The Good Thief centers on shy bookstore owner Scotlyn Carter, who survived a traumatic bank robbery and subsequent kidnapping two days before Christmas. She escaped, but not before hearing one robber’s promise to find her—and kill her when he does.

Three months later, James McIntyre, the high school flame whose easy smile and mysterious eyes she could never forget, walks back into her life. Not only does she fall for James, but she also feels safe with him, and begins to think that maybe the robbers have moved on and will not find her.

But James is not all that he seems. He is back in Scotlyn’s life for a reason and has been in contact with the very thieves who kidnapped her. And he’s harboring a dark secret that, if brought to light, could not only destroy their relationship—it could end their very lives.

What inspired you to write this book?

I have no idea! No, really, ideas just come to me, usually in the form of characters or images. For instance, with The Good Thief, I kept seeing this image in my mind of this woman walking toward a man. Everything was dark all around, the woman’s wrists were tied together, and there was a lot of fear and anger between them, but there was also love. A question of how they got to that point grew from there. I didn’t know the characters or their motivations, whether they were good or evil, etc., at that point, but I knew that I was interested and I couldn’t get that image out of my mind.

Excerpt from The Good Thief:

She’d thought she was safe, thought they couldn’t find her—but she’d been wrong…

Scotlyn heard James close the back door behind him and stared at the ceiling for a while, enjoying the moment until deciding to go ahead and make some coffee. She sat up and stretched a long moment before pulling on her jeans and top and walking lazily to the kitchen. She found a bag of coffee grounds in the refrigerator, filled the pot with water, and set it.

She was standing with her arms crossed when she heard the back door open again, a little more slowly this time. Knowing that James couldn’t have been to the store and back by now, she called, “You forget something?” without looking back.

A large arm grabbed her then and, before she could react, a cloth covered her mouth. She remembered breathing in to scream, but then she became instantly drowsier than she’d ever been. Her head fell onto a foreign shoulder and, before she could get scared, everything turned to black.

What exciting story are you working on next?

My next book to be released by Black Opal is also a romance called Winter Rain that centers on three musicians—Spencer, Isabel, and Thomas—who are all working with the same band and who find themselves in a love triangle that ultimately has tragic repercussions.

I’m also currently working on a sequel to The Good Thief.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I wrote my first book at the age of ten. I had long been an avid reader (particularly of horse stories), and when I began my summer vacation between fifth and sixth grade, I decided to try my hand at writing a book of my own. It took me all summer long and by the time I was done, I had a whopping thirty handwritten pages! I even designed a cover based on pictures I’d cut out of magazines and did a little “About the Author” page at the end.

That summer definitely cemented my love of writing and storytelling, as it was a trend that I continued well throughout high school. It wasn’t until college, though, that I knew writing was what I wanted to do with my life. I started out as a Journalism major, but after taking a course in Early American Literature, I was inspired to change my major to English. A certain professor (who I still keep in touch with today) and a creative writing class reignited my love of fiction writing, specifically.

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 wish I were a full-time writer! But no, I teach English Composition at a local university four mornings a week and am also taking classes in Early Childhood Education with the hopes of eventually teaching first or second grade. I pick up my kids—my adorable five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter—in the afternoon and devote the rest of the day to them. I try to find moments during my office hours here and there to write when I’m not grading papers or meeting with students, and I get some writing in on Friday mornings as well when I’m home. I used to write a lot at night, but nowadays by the time nighttime rolls around, the day catches up with me and all I’m able to do is collapse!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I always have to have something to eat and/or some coffee whenever I write. I have to have something to occupy my hands or go back to when I’m not writing. That actually frees my mind to think and continue focusing on whatever it is I’m writing. If I don’t have something like that, I can feel ideas stall or fade away.

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

Lots of different things, like an actress, veterinarian, teacher, and lawyer.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Read, and read a lot! Keep books on your nightstand, in your bag, downloaded to your phone or tablet; listen to them in your car. Reading is a great way to get started, get inspired, find what you like and want to write, and then just write. Write what you want to write, what you feel the most about. I’m a writing instructor, but one thing I feel and that I always try to impart to my students is that the only way to get better is to keep doing it. Write a little every day if you can and you will eventually discover your own style and voice.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Amazon | Goodreads

Thanks for spending part of your holiday with me, Tanya. All the best with your writing.

Interview with novelist Phillip Cornell

Novelist Phillip Cornell is here today talking about his vacation/comedy book, Vacation to Graceland.

During his virtual book tour, Phillip will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to one 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.

Bio:

Phillip Cornell is a college graduate. He gained his degree in Biological Sciences, and currently works at a local pharmacy. He is the only son of Harron and Connie Cornell, and the youngest of 3 children. In 2006 his father passed away due to colon cancer, and his mom became an inspiration to him and his family in the way she supported everyone. He has a passion for all types of competitive activity, with sports being the favorite. Overall he lives for different experiences to stimulate the mind, and firmly believes that life is something that has to be lived, read about, and dissected. His biggest weakness is beautiful women, and the thought of being a failure. Firmly believing everyone deserves their moment no matter how long or short it is, Phillip listens to anyone who has something to say. The more he writes. The more he realizes what he creates, is something that needs to be shared with someone other than himself. 

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

This novel was never supposed to be a full length novel. I started writing this story to enter in a writing contest, and it got too long to enter. Instead of cutting the story down, I just let it flow, and arrived at a full length novel. Vacation to Graceland cleverly shows the many different personalities I deal with on a daily basis. I am just glad, the comedy that I visually experience, translates so well to this novel.

What inspired you to write this book?

I chose this trip in particular, because I was cooped in a SUV with my family for a weekend. I realized through the years, I am very close with my immediately family. If you do not know us, then you can never understand the daily comedy that I personally experience. Vacation to Graceland, is just a glimpse of what goes on in my household. It is very enjoyable, but not excessive by any means.

Excerpt from Vacation to Graceland:

Now that my mom found a way to work around my granny’s sickness, I was headed to my mom’s house trying to embark on a trip to Memphis. When I turned down my mom’s street I noticed something that would set the tone for the entire trip. My mom lives at the bottom of a long street that ends in a cul-de-sac. Her house and about 5 other homes form the cul-de-sac. As I drove down the street, I see my granny joy riding on her scooter around the cul-de-sac. I had to dodge her on the scooter in order to pull into the driveway. The garage door was already up, so I hoped out of my car and put my luggage in the back of my mom’s SUV. I then walked in the house to see what was going on.

I was confused. My grandma was in the cul-de-sac riding her motorized scooter for fun, and my mom was trying to make sure everyone’s luggage was properly packed into the back of her SUV. My mom started sewing a couple of months prior as a hobby. She was really not all that good at being a seamstress, but she was rapidly improving at her craft. She made an outfit for my 8 year old niece Bria to wear, but it did not fit her right. Bria was modeling the outfit for my mom and Brandi when I walked in the house. They were trying to figure out how they could fix the outfit, so she could wear it on the trip. After deliberation between the both of them, they decided to go to K-Mart and buy Bria an outfit to replace the outfit my mom had sewn together.

Once this decision was made my mom looked at me and said, “You and I are going to go to the store!” She said we are going to get what we need, then come back home immediately. I agreed because I did not have a choice. My mom and I then walked to my car in the driveway. When we got to my car my granny pulled up on her scooter. The garage door was still up, and my granny told my mom that she wanted to take the scooter with her on the trip. My mom said, “Huh?” My granny repeated that she wanted to take the scooter with her on the trip. My mom then looked at me, so I took that as a clue to unpack the SUV and repack it with the scooter in the back of it. I broke down my granny’s scooter and took everything out the back of the SUV. Good thing Crissy had already dropped her and the kid’s luggage off at my mom’s house the night before, so I knew how much stuff actually had to go in the back of the vehicle. I packed everything back into the SUV with the scooter at the bottom, and it surprisingly fit.

When I was done my mom told me lets go before we run out of time. We still had to pick up Crissy from work, and my mom did not want to be late. When my Granny heard my mom say let’s go, she asked where we going. My mom said to the store. Then my granny asked if she could come. I immediately said no. Every time my granny goes somewhere with us it makes a 20 minute trip into an hour long trip. I knew this was going to happen, so I tried to avoid it. My mom told me that I could not tell my grandma no. She then told my granny to come on, and we all loaded into my car. I shook my head because I knew what was about to happen.

During the drive to K-Mart we passed the liquor store. My granny pointed to it and said, “Stop! I got to get me some tickets.” My granny was addicted to scratch off tickets. She would win sometimes, but she mainly did it for recreation. She claimed every 2 months that she was going quit, but then she would get the itch and had to play her scratch off tickets. My mom told her no and that we would drop her off at the grocery store to get her some tickets. Her plan was for us to drop her off at the Shop N Save, and we would get what we needed from K-Mart. Then we would pick my granny up from Shop N Save. This plan made sense because the Shop N Save was in the same plaza as the K-Mart. This enabled us to kill two birds with one stone. I told my mom it was a scratch off machine in K-Mart, but she insisted it was not. I did not argue with her because I was not 100 percent sure myself. I dropped my Granny off at the Shop N Save then my mom and I went to the K-Mart.

What exciting story are you working on next?

The name of the novel is untitled. It is about a boy who becomes a man, but through his growth he makes horrible decision after horrible decision. It seems like every time he does do something right, he messes it up again. I am modeling the story off of a close family member, so each situation is a firsthand experience that I was able to witness. The best way I can describe the story, is by saying it is a melting pot of unfortunate circumstances.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

It was probably in 2012, when I sat down with my notebook, and started writing what I felt. After reading back through the stories I wrote, and realizing I wanted to share them. I realized I had a talent. I gave one story to my sister, to make sure I was not tripping. When she gave me her blessing, I knew I was writer.

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 work full time as a Pharmacy Technician. I write on the side. I find time to write, by avoiding a thing called sleep. Actually, I have learned time management skills over the past 5 years, so I utilize it to work on my writings. I look at what I can potentially cut out my schedule, and I fill that in with writing time. The main thing that gets cut, is television time. I mainly just record a show I want to watch, and watch it after writing time is over. Other than that, I use my free time to sharpen my skill.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I think I am wildly sarcastic! I personally do not think I am that funny, but let my friends and family tell it, my sarcasm is off the charts. I use it in an educational way in my writings, and it really embodies my unique writing style.

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

I never really knew. I never thought I would be a professional athlete. My mom always asked me, and I did not know. I was just interested in being good at what I was doing at that point and time. The direction of my future was always foggy to me. It was not for lack of my parents. They had me play instruments, play sports, and do boy scouts. I just never had a clear vision of what I wanted to be other than successful.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I want the readers to know, I appreciate any and every comment on my writing. I can handle criticism, and I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read my novel. Time is so important to me, so if you spend your time with my product, then I cannot thank you enough.

Links:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Thanks for being here today, Phillip!

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Interview with romance author Maria Benson

Author Maria Benson is here today and we’re talking about the chick lit romance novel she co-wrote with A.L. Ford, Driving Me Wild.

Bio:

Due to her attraction to adventure, Maria Benson has never met a stranger and rarely turns down the opportunity for an interesting experience. From skydiving and work in prisons to riding motorcycles and traveling the world, Maria is always on the move. Maria’s drive for adventure and increased desire for understanding human behavior has led her to her career as a licensed therapist. She has dedicated her practice to helping women find their identity and voice in the face of adversity. These experiences serve as the inspiration for her writing.

Welcome, Maria. Please tell us about your current release.

Driving Me Wild is a modern-day story about a strong, independent woman who has let the ghosts of her past inhibit her ability to find romantic happiness. Although she is smart, witty, and talented she can seem to escape the pattern of self-sabotage in her life. As the story progresses, Aimee Chase still can’t believe she is falling for Michael Blake, the sweet guy whose heart she unwittingly broke months earlier. Somehow, this old high school friend who never quite “did it for her” is curling her toes, helping her rebuild her career after a professional catastrophe, and making her tumultuous relationship with the very married, very powerful Ian a distant memory. She had to know it was too good to be true. 

What inspired you to write this book?

Throughout my career as a therapist, I have seen countless men and women who are unable to get out of their own way. Each of my clients come to me because they are facing some sort of a life challenge. More often than not, the challenge is related to the individual person ignoring how the past affects their present-day lives and blasting through life on auto-pilot.

This book is a way to illustrate to readers that with a little self-examination and intentional actions, feeling happy is absolutely attainable.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I don’t know that I can pick a single moment that defined me as a writer because I have been writing for as long as I can remember: journal entries, short stories, poetry. However, my writing has typically been largely personal and only shared with others in attempts to fine-tune my style and skill set. Driving Me Wild has been my first endeavor at sharing my work on a large-scale basis.

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 do not write full-time. I am a licensed mental health counselor and work full-time in social service leadership. My full-time job is incredibly intense and time-consuming so reading and writing have developed as my main source of self-care and rejuvenation. Because of the importance of reading and writing in my life, it just naturally becomes a priority for me.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I love to find little nooks in the top floors of buildings with amazing views. It can be a library, a college building, a restaurant, or any other setting as long as I can look out a nearby window and see the city buzzing beneath me. Observing people from this vantage point feeds the creativity needed to make my writing come to life.

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

The first thing I can distinctly recall wanting to be was an astronaut. I’ve always admired the courage, dedication, and intelligence of astronauts. But for me, the clear bonus was the opportunity to explore areas of the universe that are rarely seen and share these adventures with others.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I would like to encourage the readers to really take the time to get to know and understand themselves- the good, bad, and ugly. Then I would like to encourage the readers to take that a step further and love, truly love, the parts of themselves that they get to know- even the ugly parts. Getting to know our whole self is the only way that we can break the cycle of self-sabotage and find a general and consistent sense of happiness. And I hope that reading Driving Me Wild will give some of my readers a blueprint toward how to begin the project of self-exploration.

Links:

Website | Facebook

Thanks, Maria!