Interview/Giveaway: Rock and a Hard Place by Angie Stanton

I’m thrilled to have Angie Stanton here today for an interview as part of her blog tour for Rock and a Hard Place! Check out the book and her Q&A below, then be sure to enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter.

In the length of a tweet (140 characters), tell us about your book.

A down on her luck girl meets her true love, who happens to be a successful rock star. They’re ripped apart & fight to find each other.

What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve looked up in the name of research – or what do you think the government has flagged you for?

For my book Royally Lost, I needed to look up what European guys wear for underwear. It was actually a pretty innocent scene at a lake. To find out if it’s boxers or briefs, you’ll have to read the book!

Are you working on something new? Can you tell us what’s coming next?

I am currently working on the third book in the Jamieson collection. Readers have all been asking if there will be a book about the oldest brother Garrett. Yes, there is!

But first, look for Royally Lost, releasing on May 6, 2014.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

Time travel. Not sure if that’s a super power or not, but that’s what I’d love. I’d go back in time to meet my grandparents as teenagers and meet my ancestors who settle in America

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Getting my books in libraries. I’m a huge library user. It saves so much money and lets you read books you might otherwise never try.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Write the book. Write the book. Write the book. Join a writing group. Find critique partners who are smart and gentle.

What’s your favorite quote?

It’s from Lord of the Rings–

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play you and why?

Definitely Jennifer Lawrence, because she’s so down to earth, self deprecating and real. She is so blunt and honest that you can’t help but love her.

What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?

Many years ago, I went to a writing workshop lead by a Madison-area author I know. I expressed my concern that I would write one book and then give up because writing and getting published is so hard.

She said that based on how dedicated I’d been, she could tell that I was not the kind of writer who would give up. She knew I was in it for the long haul. I still remember that and appreciate those great words of encouragement.

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?

Catching Fire!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, I’ve read those books about a dozen times.

How did you go about publishing your book?

I’ve done a bit of everything. My first book was shopped around to publishers until one finally bit and bought it. No publishers or agents would even glance at my second book, so I indie published it and the next three. But then, people loved the second book and an agent and editor called me and bought two of my indie published books and two more new ones.

Who or what inspired your last book?

Royally Lost was inspired by a river boat trip my husband and I took through Europe. I started plotting the book as soon as we booked the trip. What would happen if you were a teenager on a trip to Europe and met a runaway prince? I can’t wait for that one to come out!

What drew you to writing this genre?

I love happy stories. Life can be so difficult and sometimes devastating. I enjoy reading and writing stories with a happily ever after.

When it comes to writing, are you a planner or pantser?

Both. Depends on the day and the book.

What is next on your to read list?

Time After Time, a time travel book by Tamara Ireland Stone

How do you overcome writer’s block?

I’m facing a bit of brick wall right now, which is why I’m working on this blog post! What I usually do, is jump ahead in the story to a scene that I really know. Eventualy I go back to the troubled areas and hopefully all the other stuff has given me the great idea that fixes my problems.

Do your friends or enemies ever find themselves in your books?

I’ve been known to use the life circumstances of people I know or who my kids know. Some of the most fascinating stories are from real life. For example, Marti in Snapshot, is based on a writer friend who really is the daughter of a famous eighties rocker. He wasn’t a positive part of her life. My friend’s personal story was the seed for Marti’s story.

About how long did it take for you to write your book?

About nine to twelve months. I’m trying to work that down to six.

What is your favorite part of the writing/publishing process?

Publication!

Were you a reader as a child? Did you have a favorite book?

I was a big reader as a kid. Plus, my mom would never make us help with dinner or make us set the table if we were reading.

Thank you to Angie and InkSlinger PR for having me as part of the Rock and a Hard Place Blog Tour!

Giveaway

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