Wednesday, June 8, 2016

A Sweet Romance Read for Summer


It's time to relax outside on the patio or head for the beach with a good book to read so this week we're continuing our summer reading tour, looking for new and different authors. Our guest in My Writing Corner today is romance author, Nell Castle. Please tell us a little about your publishing journey and what it took to get your first book published.

I was fortunate to be accepted by The Wild Rose Press with A Leap of Faith, my first submission. But I blush to think of what I put my poor editor through as she patiently explained to me everything I didn’t know about the editing process. I can’t imagine a more supportive publisher than TWRP or a more welcoming environment for a brand new writer.

What made you want to be a writer?

I couldn’t find anyone to pay me for just reading books. (I am really good at reading.) Even as a kid, I dreamed about being a writer. I just couldn’t figure out what to write, outside of whiny journal entries. As an English major, I read the greatest writers of all times, and I wanted to write just like them. A tall order. I only became a writer when I dropped the exalted expectations and allowed myself to write a love story with the kind of romantic scenes that had peppered my daydreams since I was a girl.

Tell us about your book, A Leap of Faith, and where you got the idea for it.

Motivated by a friend who’d made her own creative dreams a reality, I decided to write a romance novel. At our annual St. Patrick’s Day green beer breakfast, I asked my friends to share some of their most romantic moments. The conversation flowed even faster than the pitchers of green beer. One friend in particular inspired me with a story of lost love. I chose to base the character of Sophia on this friend, creating a whole new love interest for her and gifting the character she inspired with a happy ending.
What a great premise. Stories of lost love always make wonderful romances. What do you like best about your heroine and hero?

Like the people I respect most, Sophia and Jackson care about the world they live in and want to make a difference. In fact, they’ve spent so much time nurturing others that they’ve neglected or even sublimated their own desires. The passion they ignite in each other, then, is even more explosive and life-altering.

What is your writing process – outlining or just writing?

Lots of outlining. I work out the plot points and the character arcs of the entire story in the mornings while walking my two old dogs in a field near my house. Something about strolling with my dogs seems to untangle the knots of my narrative. I keep a highly detailed outline next to me as I write the manuscript, but I’m not afraid to stray from it when the story takes an unexpected turn during the writing process.

Any advice for other new writers?

Only you can make it happen. Stop dreaming and start doing.

What is your next project?

I’m awaiting news on my second completed manuscript with the working title of Turning the Tides. Set on a chain of islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast, its impulsive heroine and playboy hero are a quite a departure from the virtuous Sophia and Jackson.

How about a blurb?

Special events coordinator Sophia Anton hears her biological clock ticking louder every day. If only she could lose more weight, she’s sure an old crush would see her as more than a friend. But just as her crash diet starts working its magic, Sophia’s head is turned by Jackson Thomas, the new minister in town. An avowed celibate after a secret tragedy, he never expects to burn for the dark-haired beauty volunteering at his church.
Jackson is dedicated to his ministry. Sophia is pledged to another man. Can they find the courage to follow their hearts and embrace their own desires? Only with a leap of faith.</>
That sounds like the sort of heartwarming story that is perfect for a summer read. Thanks, Nell, for being my guest today and good luck with your first book. . A Leap of Faith is available at  www.thewildrosepress.com and amazon.com.   Are there any questions or comments for Nell?

36 comments:

  1. I'm excited to be here today, Rebecca!
    Thanks for hosting me.

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  2. Congrats on your debut novel! Love your advice to newbies - stop dreaming and do it!

    Best of luck with your book - it sounds like a sweet read!

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    1. Thanks, Katie! "Apply a$$ to seat" was the best advice I ever received :)

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  3. Good luck on your debut and your current wip. I will put this on my tbr list. (I also walk and walk my dogs through plot problems. )

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    1. :) I don't know how I ever made it through school, stuck at a desk. I need to walk around when I'm thinking! Thanks for writing, Charlotte!

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  4. Congratulations on your debut, Nell! May you have millions of sales!

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    1. From your mouth to God's ears! :) Thanks, Jeannie!

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  5. Elizabeth HamiltonJune 8, 2016 at 10:52 AM

    Very excited to read the book! Nell is right to describe herself as a great reader. I went to college with her and still remember the light she shed on the world's great literature. And now her name belongs to the list of my favorite writers. Way to go!

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  6. Congratulations on your very first book, Nell! It sounds delightful. Here's wishing you many happy sales.

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  7. I agree, it's a joy to write for The Wild Rose Press. A Leap of Faith sounds like a great read! And how much the heroine on the cover resembles you! Best of luck with the book.

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    1. I WISH!!!! You are very kind. Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. The Wild Rose is a wonderful publishing company. I'm so glad you found a home for your debut release. Congrats! It sounds really good. Love what you said about wishing someone would pay you to read. :)

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    1. The support from the authors of TWRP is incredible. Everyone is eager to help, and I'm so grateful! Planning to pay it forward as I figure out the ropes. Thanks, Beth!

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  9. Nell, I love learning how the idea for "A Leap of Faith" grew from a friendly "green beer breakfast!" Your "two old dogs" writing process is another unique technique that makes me want to read your book that much more! Congratulations! I look forward to reading this romance and many more of your books in the future!

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  10. I"m so excited to read your first novel- as somebody who has known you a long time, this book just seemed inevitable, although that probably makes the writing sound as if it came easily which I'm sure is not true. Maybe I'll read "Leap of Faith" under the covers with a flashlight for old time's sake.

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    1. Hey! I'm signing a contract for the second book today. Another guilty pleasure for you to read! Thanks Mark

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  11. Congratulations, Nell, on your debut novel!!! What a rush, the first novel out.

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    1. Thanks, Hebby, it is a rush: exciting and scary!

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  12. Congratulations on your first release! I remember my first novel with TWRP and the learning curve I climbed with a very patient editor's help. I still get a thrill inside remembering that experience and I know you'll treasure it also. Your book sounds lovely! Just my type!

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    1. Thank you for sharing your experience, Colleen. I guess everyone's a newbie once!

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  13. Nell, I can tell with your sense of humor, your characters will jump off the page. It sounds like the perfect summer romance I need to read.

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    1. I hope it fits the bill.Thanks for stopping by!

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  14. Love the story of your finding inspirationat a beer breakfast. That is cool! Best wishes with your release.

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    1. And we'll be having another one soon to celebrate. Thanks for stopping by!

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  15. I loved reading about how your story was inspired while at a St. Patrick's Day beer fest! I enjoyed the "behind the scenes" moments of your writing life. Congrats on your book release!

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    1. Thanks Rose! I appreciate how you follow me to these blog visits. Your support always makes me feel loved!

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  16. Congratulations, Nell. And if you do ever find someone who pays people to read--let us know! Best of luck with Leap of Faith. I'm looking forward to the next one.

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  17. Congratulations on the release of your first book. Sounds like a lovely romance.

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  18. Best of luck on your book, Nell. Sounds great.

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  19. Congrats on your debut novel, Nell. I'm so glad you decided to turn your dream into a reality because this is a great story. I imagine all of your friends are waiting their turn for a happily ever after story of their own. :D I look forward to reading many more novels from you.

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  20. Best of luck with this debut novel. Sounds like a great summer read!

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  21. I am leaving for the beach today and cannot wait to read this! Congrats on your debut novel!!!

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