My Writing Corner : A Tasty Recipe for Spring Reading

As we start to make the turn toward Spring on the calendar, isn't this the time when our thoughts really turn to love? What could be better that a fun romance to read in the coming month. This week My Writing Corner is featuring author Shirley Goldberg, and it sounds like she has the perfect Spring reading for us.

Shirley Goldberg is a writer, novelist, and former ESL and French teacher who’s lived in Paris, Crete. and Casablanca. She tells us that she likes to write about men and women of a certain age starting over. Isn't starting over the perfect theme for Spring?

She says that her website http://midagedating.com offers a humorous look at living single and dating inmid life. She is the author of two rom coms:. Eat Your Heart Out and Middle Ageish. They are both part of the series Starting Over. Yes, definitely the right touch for Spring!

Naturally, Shirley says, her friends nag her to tell them which stories are true in her novels, but I don't think she's telling. But she does say that she likes characters who believe you should never leave home without your sense of humor. It's something she believes too.

Let's get a blurb from her newest release, Eat Your Heart Out.

When a tyrant in stilettos replaces her beloved boss, and her ex snags her coveted job, teacher Dana Narvana discovers there are worse things than getting dumped on Facebook. Time for the BFF advice squad, starting with Dana's staunchest ally, Alex—hunky colleague, quipster, and cooking pal extraordinaire. But when the after hours smooching goes nowhere, she wonders why this grown man won't make up his mind.

Want more? I did, so I asked Shirley if I could interview her characters. Let's learn a little more about them, starting with Dana:

Tell us about this break up on Facebook?

The only thing I can compare it to is Carrie Bradshaw’s breakup on a Post-it note.Facebook is more public and since I don’t check Facebook first thing in the morning, a few teachers at my school know about it before I did. Not a way to start the day.

What happened is we weren’t talking all that much anyway. Not since the confrontation at the hairdresser’s when he mocked my choices in food and literature. It was one of those breakups where the guy backs off and makes himself unavailable. I live in Connecticut. My guy might as well have been in North Dakota.

What do you want in your next romance… or do you want one?

Everyone wants romance, no matter what they say. An actual relationship is another story. Relationships require work. Romances? Not so much. If it’s good in the beginning, though, you tend to have high hopes. And expectations.

Watch out for expectations. A relationship kicks in once the two of you let go enough to be yourselves. My friend, Sunny, dated a lot and we talk about this stuff all the time. She dated twenty-five guys in a few months. You learn a lot from that.

Why do you normally turn to Alex?

Alex, who teaches theater, and I collaborate on teaching projects. We hang out together and often shop and go back to his place to cook. He’s really supportive and I try to overlook his hotness factor. We’re friends. Although…well, maybe I should stop there.

What do you like best about him?

His sense of humor. He’s kind, giving and––did I mention hot? For a fifty-year-old guy Alex has it going. He has his issues, though.

Why do you have reservations about him?

We’re friends. That’s a sticky situation. He’s asked me for relationship advice, if you can believe that. I think he embarrassed himself, but didn’t know who else to ask. The thing is Alex has been sending me mixed messages by smooching me. More than once. And he dates a lot. I know because I’ve seen him around town. He’s not ready for a relationship.

Now let's hear from Alex:

What do you want most in a woman?

I’m a guy with a past, although it’s not what you think. Don’t bother guessing, I’m not telling. I want a woman who’s a best friend and more. The more part is essential but you can’t have one without the other.

What draws you to Dana?

Now that you mention it, just about everything. She has a vulnerability that makes her care about other people. Also, well, I’m almost embarrassed to say this out loud. Only realized it when you asked the question. She likes me. A lot. She tries not to show it but it pops out in the little things. And since I feel the same way about her, I try to contain it. Yeah, yeah, this is a limp excuse, but I’m not ready. I hope I don’t miss the Dana boat. What’s the next question?

What frightens you about her?

Dana has known me for quite a while. My issues. She knows what my issues are. Especially one big problem I’m still wrestling with. That scares me. I’m working on it.

Thank you, Dana and Alex!

And thank you, Shirley, for introducing us to your fascinating characters. Any comments or questions for Shirley?

Below you can find the links to buy Eat Your Heart Out as well as the contact information for Shirley.

https://www.facebook.com/midagedating

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54758920-middle-ageish

https://twitter.com/mylifeasadate

https://www.instagram.com/shirleygoldbergauthor/

Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/shirleygoldberg

https://www.bookbub.com/books/eat-your-heart-out-starting-over-book-2-by-shirley-goldberg

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shirley-goldberg

Buy Links

Amazon