Friday, September 6, 2013

Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Amy Jarecki


Today I’m interviewing  author Amy Jarecki. Her book, Chihuahua Momma, is a contemporary romance and was released in eBook on July 28th, and the paperback will be available in mid September.


Please tell my readers a little bit about your book. 
   


It’s a fun romance between an ex-football star and a top notch dog handler who doesn’t think she wants to date. Rebecca’s a widow. She’s got two teenaged kids—there’s no time in her life for romance.This is contemporary romance—sort of Jenifer Cruisie style. I also write historical romance, and have two “Celtic Warrior” romances coming out in the second half of 2014.


Since my heart is in Scotland, I cannot wait to read them! When did you first consider yourself a writer, and when did you start writing toward publication? I’ve been a writer since second grade. I wrote my first novel in the late 90’s, and though it was a piece of literary rubbish, It whet my appetite, and I’ve been striving toward improving my craft ever since.

How did you get into romance writing?I love romance, and after doing my research, I discovered that romance is the genre that sells the most. Why not write something you love in a genre that you have a chance of getting published in?

Let's get really personal: Do you have any rejection stories to share? The most baffling was from an agent who sent me the following e-mail after reading my full:
Thanks for your patience while I’ve evaluated this project. I read the sample in entirety yesterday and I’m afraid I’m going to pass. I think your writing is fabulous, and this is an entertaining read. I’m afraid it’s just the story itself that didn’t really set with me. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with it, like I said, I have nothing but positives to say, it’s really just a matter of personal taste. I realize that’s about the worst thing to hear, but, I wanted to be up front. I think you have a lot of talent, it’s just this one isn’t right for my list. I wish you the best in finding a better suited match.
 
Is research a part of your writing? If so, where do you find the answers?
I do a ton of research. I find answers in books and online—anywhere I can…and if I can’t find it, I make something up and verify the facts later (if possible).

How many books have you written, and do you have a favorite?
Presently I’m just about finished with manuscript #10. My favorite is always the one I’m writing!

We connected as members of the Celtic Hearts Romance Writers. Are you a member of any other writing organizations and have they helped?
I’m a member of the RWA and the chapter Celtic Hearts RWA. I also am a member of the League of Utah Writers. Yes, all of these organizations have helped me immensely. I take a ton of writing classes, as I’m always trying to improve my craft.

Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.
1)I used to be a plant manager in the plastics industry.
2)I play the piano badly.
3)I got my master’s degree from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Visiting Scotland is on my Bucket List! What’s next for you? Upcoming releases: Virtue - Release date, Dec. 1, 2013 A contemporary romantic suspense—Dancers, Cruise Ships, a Mayan Temple and the Prophecy of the Golden Goddess.
Rescued by the Celtic Warrior – Roman woman, Pict man, forbidden love. Takes place during the Roman occupation of Britannia, Release August, 2014

Celtic Maid – Sequel to Rescued – Release Dec. 2014

Look for future announcements about my Highlanders of Raasay series…
BOOK BLURB

In the frenetic world of canine pageants like Westminster, where dog hair flies and personalities diverge, Rebecca Lee remains in a cocoon of loneliness. Widowed, with two teenaged kids and a business to run, Rebecca would rather mow through five-hundred poodle cuts than think about dating. But when former quarterback Matt Johnson shows up to buy a Chihuahua, his irresistible grin rocks her world—until Matt’s ex decides she wants him back and Rebecca’s daughter decides she’s against her mom dating. Rebecca now has a choice—crawl back into her realm of dogs or fight for the powerful love that fills her soul.

Excerpt
     Like all males, this one was a sucker for a back massage and he leaned into her skilled hands with a blissful moan. He arched his back when she found that “spot” and Rebecca chuckled at the dog’s leg-shaking response. She glanced in the mirror over the stainless steel doggie bath. The steam always made Rebecca’s red hair frizz and it tickled her cheeks as she worked suds into the Powder Puff Chinese Crested.
     With her teenaged kids at school, Rebecca sang along to the tune of “Uptown Girl” booming from the light-rock station. She sounded pretty good and blasted out the words she knew, substituting “doggie paws” where her memory failed.
     Rebecca took her hand off the Crested to swipe the encroaching frizz out of her eyes. Of course the dog took advantage of the freedom and shook, splattering her with water and suds. “Darn you little rascal.” She twitched as doggie bath water dribbled down her face. Glancing at the mirror, she dabbed her cheeks with her shirt sleeve. The suds in her hair would have to wait.
     As she reached for the warm water spray hose, a muffled doorbell rang. Her eyes shot to a plastic black-and-white Chihuahua clock, its tail wagging to the tick of each half-second. Damn, ten minutes early and he’s at the wrong door. Can’t people read the sign? She fastened the grooming loop on the Crested and folded up the side panel of the bath to ensure the dog’s safety.
     Dashing from her studio, she opened the door of her Southern New Jersey home. With a sharp jolt, her breath caught as a friendly grin and sky-blue eyes gazed down at her. “Hi, I’m Matt Johnson.”
     Rebecca stood motionless. Her mouth hung open, her mind unable to focus.
     “Ma’am?”

A little bit about the author Amy lives in Southwest Utah with her husband Bob and three adorable Chihuahuas. Born in Alturas, California, she holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Amy loves dancing, hiking, golfing, but above all, she is a true Chihuahua Momma.

You can visit her at:
 
WEBSITE       BLOG        TWITTER
 
GOODREADS       FACEBOOK
 
 
How can my readers buy your book?
 
Readers can go to the publisher’s HOME PAGE
AMAZON     
 

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