Friday, July 8, 2011

Fridays off the Wall with Grace Greene

Today, I'm welcoming Grace Greene for Fridays off the Wall.  Her latest book, Beach Rental, will be available from Turquoise Morning Press on July 11.

Joselyn: What is the most unexpected thing that has happened in one of your books?  As in you didn’t expect it to happen until you wrote it?
Unexpected things happen in my books all the time. I imagine that’s especially true of writers who don’t plot heavily. In my current work-in-progress, I knew something of value was hidden at an old, decaying mansion, but I didn’t know what – only that it would be the constant in the story and something the characters would ultimately be at odds over, and even in danger because of. I didn’t know what it was, but moved forward with writing the book anyway trusting my people to clue me in when they were ready. When the characters finally told me what the ‘treasure’ was, it seemed perfectly obvious. I should’ve thought of it myself!  (Smile).
Sorry, I can’t divulge what the item is because the book is still in draft stage.

Joselyn: Sounds fascinating.  I don't plot either.  I like discovering the story as I write. What is your favorite line from your most recent book? 
I have many favorite lines. A contest judge once said I had a knack for one-liners. The one I’ll offer here isn’t the most descriptive sentence or the snappiest quip, but it’s a little story in itself and sums up the first part of Beach Rental quite well:
“The waves rolled in, gulls squawked and scavenged from the few beach-goers, and she, Julianne Cooke Bradshaw, sat on her new porch and wondered how long her marriage would last.”

Joselyn: Oh, I like that.  The tone is at once artistic, ominous and quirky. Do you have any characters who keep bugging you for their own book? Will you give them one? 
One of the characters in Beach Rental wants her own book. Her name is Maia and she’s a strong secondary character – and such a sweetheart that I’d like to help her find the love of her life. Nothing is in the works for that right now, but maybe down the road, especially if I decide to write another book set in Emerald Isle.

Joselyn: What author would you be delighted to be compared to (in a positive way, of course)? Karen White. Is this your favorite author? 
I have many favorites, but writing-wise many are outside my genre or heat level. For instance, I love Sue Grafton’s voice (who doesn’t?) but she’s a mystery writer and I’m not. Karen White’s southern fiction is more in my genre and her style and voice resonate with me. I’d love to be compared favorably to her someday.

Joselyn: Last one. When the power goes out, what do you do? (Cell phone service is out too.) 
First, I’d use my laptop until the battery died, then switch to my mini laptop whose battery lasts a good seven hours. Somewhere during that time, bedtime is bound to hit and I’ll get some sleep.

More about Beach Rental:


On the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, in the small town of Emerald Isle…
Juli Cooke, hard-working and getting nowhere fast, marries a dying man, Ben Bradshaw, for a financial settlement, not expecting he will set her on a journey of hope and love. The journey brings her to Luke Winters, a local art dealer, but Luke resents the woman who married his sick friend and warns her not to hurt Ben—and he’s watching to make sure she doesn’t.
Until Ben dies and the stakes change.
Framed by the timelessness of the Atlantic Ocean and the brilliant blue of the beach sky, Juli struggles against her past, the opposition of Ben’s and Luke’s families, and even the living reminder of her marriage—to build a future with hope and perhaps to find the love of her life—if she can survive the danger from her past. 


You can stay in touch with Grace at her website, http://gracegreeneauthor.com


Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. 

25 comments:

  1. Joselyn - Thanks so much for allowing me to visit today!

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  2. I'm a play on the laptop until the battery runs out girl, too :)

    I grew up spending summer on the Outer Banks and I love all those small towns along the coast.

    It's the perfect time for a beach read. Congratulations.

    BTW----that cover is pretty enough to frame!
    Hugs and happy reading,
    Nancy

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  3. Congrats on your first release, Grace. That cover is beautiful!

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  4. Nancy - Thanks for stopping by. IMHO BEACH RENTAL will be a great beach read. Combo that with SWEET TEA & SECRETS, and it's a perfect summer setup. Just think - a rental on the ocean and a tall glass of sweet tea on the table beside the Carolina rocker.

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  5. Gail - Thanks! The cover is special to me. Makes me feel like I'm at the ocean, rocking on the porch to the rhythm of the waves.

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  6. Great interview! Can't wait for Beach Rental :)

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  7. Ruth - Thanks! I'm glad you came by. I'm enjoying your book so much! I'll have to take Flossophy of Grace to my virtual Carolina rocker with me.

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  8. Grace, It was lovely to have you visit! Good luck with your book.

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  9. I enjoyed your interview Grace. The one liner WAS good. I lift my glass of Pinot Grigio to you, in hopes that many people read your book.

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  10. Great interview, ladies. Grace, I can't wait to read Beach Rental, it sounds wonderful.

    Congrats on the upcoming release and good luck.

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  11. Wonderful interview, Grace. Beach Rental sounds like it's right up my alley! I can't wait!

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  12. Madison - Perhaps we need that Pinot Grigiot on the porch, too! Sounds like a lovely way to pass the day at the beach.

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  13. Christina - Thanks for the good wishes. I can use all I can get. Hopefully, I won't fret myself and my publisher to death before release day!

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  14. Margaret - I hope you'll enjoy Beach Rental. It's very special to me in a number of ways - which I explain in the dedication and acknowledgements. Thanks for coming by!

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  15. Lovely cover to what I'm sure is a lovely story. Can't wait to read it. Enjoy every moment of the journey. Have you held your book in your hands yet? I'm waiting on my delivery of books. Maybe they'll come on the same day and we can "ooh and ahhh" and cry together online. Much success to you, hon.

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  16. I can't wait to read Beach Rental. I love the OBX. Recently, I've had a lot of practice with lights going out. Used computer to work and light as long as possible, then switched to Nook. Finally discovered just how hard it is to read by candlelight. Factoid: it would take 130 candles to equal a 100 watt bulb.
    Congrats on your book. I am awaiting its release.

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  17. Vonnie - I haven't had it in my hands yet, but I can hardly wait. Good luck with your's too!

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  18. Shanon - You've got one out now, too! The Shoppe of Spells! Good luck to you, too.

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  19. Used to live near there--and vacation there. There was a place nearby that had to-die-for seafood--"Captian Charlie's"--Great setting!

    kate thorn

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  20. Hi, Kate - They have great seafood restaurants, for sure. I have to say my favorite, though, was the grilled cheese sandwiches at Cox's Family Restaurant in Morehead City.

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  21. Beach Rental sounds like the perfect beach read Grace! I love the one line you shared. Can't wait to grab a copy. :)

    Wishing you much success!
    Leah

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  22. Leah - Thanks for visiting and commenting. I hope you'll get a chance to read Beach Rental! Not quite as good as a trip to the beach...although considering how the weather can go...:-)

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  23. Loved the one liner!

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  24. Theresa - Thanks! Sometimes the words come together right and it's great when they do, isn't it?

    Grace

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  25. I'm a little late to comment, but I love the line from you book.

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So glad to have you here! If you have problems leaving a comment, I would still love to hear from you. Please email me at joselynvaughn@gmail.com.