Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Blog Tour Author Interview with Giveaway: Suitors and Sabotage by Cindy Anstey


Book Info:
Title:  Suitors and Sabotage
Author: Cindy Anstey
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: April 17th 2018
Genres: Historical, Romance, Young Adult
Synopsis:
Two young people must hide their true feelings for each other while figuring out who means them harm in this cheeky Regency romance from the author of Love, Lies and Spies and Duels and Deception.
Shy aspiring artist Imogene Chively has just had a successful Season in London, complete with a suitor of her father’s approval. Imogene is ambivalent about the young gentleman until he comes to visit her at the Chively estate with his younger brother in tow. When her interest is piqued, however, it is for the wrong brother.
Charming Ben Steeple has a secret: despite being an architectural apprentice, he has no drawing aptitude. When Imogene offers to teach him, Ben is soon smitten by the young lady he considers his brother’s intended.
But hiding their true feelings becomes the least of their problems when, after a series of “accidents,” it becomes apparent that someone means Ben harm. And as their affection for each other grows—despite their efforts to remain just friends—so does the danger. . .
In Suitors and Sabotage, author Cindy Anstey delivers another witty young adult historical fiction novel that is the perfect mix of sweetly romantic and action-packed.

 Author Interview:
1.  What does your writing process look like? Do you know the whole story when you start?  Or do you just start writing and go with it (seat of the pants writing)?  If you plan it out, how do you do that?  Outline, notecards, post-it-notes, etc.?  Are you part of a writers group that gets together and helps each other with their writing?
Cindy:
My process actually begins with the villain; I establish his/her (evil) motive and then weave the main characters throughout. Plotting the entire book before starting, (outline style) I usually wrap it up in sixteen chapters knowing that there will be unexpected changes and additions pushing it to twenty. I often rewrite the plot and chapter summaries as I go along to keep the clues and romance relevant and organized. I have only tried to ‘pants’ a manuscript once; it did not go well.
I am part of a writer’s group, Romance Writer’s of America, but while their magazine, Internet info and advocacy provides needed guidance, I rely on two beta readers whose judgment I trust completely. One person reads my manuscript to see if the story works and the other reads for grammar and consistency (or inconsistency, as the case may be).
2.  How do you come up with your ideas for your stories?
I have an active imagination that likes to play the game of what-if.

3.  How long have you been writing?
I started writing as a child for fun, not school assignments. Though I tried my hand at picture books for a few years, I didn’t really find my niche until I started writing Young Adult.

4.  What tips do you have for aspiring writers?
Aspiring writers need to read anything and everything that they find interesting, fact or fiction, even if it doesn’t seem relevant. And then, said person needs to place his/her butt in a chair and write. It takes practice. The first manuscript—or two—might not shine but IF YOU ENJOY IT, keep going!
5.  Favorites:
Books/authors/genres: A Spear of Summer Grass/C. S. Harris/historical mystery
Movies/TV Shows: Wonder Woman/Castle
Music: Great Big Sea, KT Tunstall, Adele
Food/Writing snack: Coffee and muffins



Author Bio:
Whenever she is not sitting at the computer, throwing a ball in the backyard, gardening or reading, Cindy can be found–actually, not found–adventuring around the world with her hubby.
She has lived on three continents, had a monkey in her yard and a scorpion under her sink, dwelt among castles and canals, enjoyed the jazz of Beale St and attempted to speak French.
Cindy loves history, mystery and… a chocolate Labrador called Chester. Love, Lies and Spies is her debut novel.

GIVEAWAY!

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