Are you a novella reader? I recently got the privilege of reading Sarah Monzon’s newest novella “Bookishly Ever After.” Book lovers – don’t you just love the title? I had never read one of Sarah’s books ( I hear The Esther Paradigm is highly recommended!) so it was a thrill to come across this gem.
First of all, cover love! Simple and cute!
And second, here’s the blurb:
It all started with a bet and a book.
Emory Blake is the ultimate bibliophile. She’d take curling up with a good novel over a night on the town any day of the week. But then best friend Tate Woodby accuses her of living between the pages of her paperbacks instead of the real world, and make a bet that will force her to experience the adventures of her fictional friends…instead of just reading about them. With her face no longer buried in books, Emory must confront the pain of the past. But is it also her perfect opportunity to discover the hunky hero who could be the happily-ever-after of her own story?
Sarah graciously agreed to be interviewed. These questions will benefit both writers and readers.
1. What inspired you to write Bookishly Ever After?
I’m not sure I really had an inspiration, per say (or is it per se? Neither of those look right… See, this is why I love editors!) The story idea came to me one day and I just ran with it.
2. Are you a pantser or plotter? Explain your method for either one.
I am a die-hard pantser. Just the thought of plotting gives me the hives. Even when I was in college writing essay papers and they required an outline, I’d write the outline *after* I wrote the paper.
So, my method…start with the hook of the opening scene/sentence and see where it takes you. I mean, I usually have a general idea about my characters and the plot, but I’ve been surprised by both as the story develops!
3. What’s the hardest step for you in writing a story?
Dealing with the self-doubt that accompanies me throughout the entire process. Wondering if the story is any good. If the writing is any good. Wondering if this is when everyone is going to realize I’m a fraud and have no idea what I’m doing.
Fun times. Not. But I’m still in the molding process of learning to keep my eyes on Jesus and trust the source of where my stories come from.
4. Tell us about your next work.
Well, I just released the third book in my Carrington Family Romance series, Freedom’s Kiss, on August 6th. It’s a dual timeline story about a criminal defense attorney turned good truck owner, an inspiring chef, and a family of runaway slaves who find refuge with the Seminoles in the 1800s. You’ll have to read the book to find out what they all have in common.
My current work in progress though is another bookish type rom-com like Bookishly Ever After titled Literarilly For Keeps. If you’ve read Bookishly Ever After you may be familiar with the hero in Literarilly For Keeps. 🙂
Thanks Sarah! For those of you haven’t read her novella, it’s available here on Amazon. It’s a super cute love story! You won’t be disappointed.
