BLURB:
After giving up
her tail for an international banker, Isabella of the Mediterranean kingdom is
aged beyond recognition. The horrified banker abandons her on the fog-drenched
shores of southwest England, leaving her to face a difficult human journey as a
plain and practically destitute fifty-three-year-old woman.
With the help of
a magic tablet and online mermaid support, Isabella evolves into the persona of
Barbara Davies. Along the way, she encounters a cast of unforgettable
characters, among them former mermaids, supportive and not-so-supportive women,
deserving and undeserving men, and several New Agers.
EXCERPT:
Isabella
was seething, but she did not want to lose her composure in full view of this
lowly mermaid. She managed a tight smile and changed the subject. “I’ve read
the file on Barbara Davies. She doesn’t appear to have too many skills, other
than a degree in philosophy. What am I to do with that?”
“Get
a job.”
“Doing
what?”
“Like
all other humans, you must take responsibility for your own life and make full
use of your gifts.”
“I
don’t know how to do that,” Isabella said. “In the mermaid kingdom, I knew what
my gifts were.”
“You
still have some of your gifts.”
“Can
you tell me what they are?”
Lisa738
shrugged. “I have no idea. Only Annabella knows.”
“Let
me speak to her.”
“That
is not possible. Annabella made it clear that she would no longer be
communicating with you in your new life. I will be your only connection to the
mermaid kingdom for the coming year.”
“Yes,
yes, I know all about that,” Isabella said. “This tablet will malfunction and I
will be on my own.”
“You
will not be alone. You will have found a man to support you.”
“What
if I don’t want a man to support me?”
Lisa738
frowned. “You must find a man to help you before the year’s end.”
“But
what if I don’t find this special man? What happens then?”
INTERVIEW:
1. Where did you get the idea for the novel?
When several members
of my writing group signed up for workshops at the Guelph Public Library, I
decided to join them. The facilitator, Sarah Totton, had entered the Writers of
the Future Short Story Contest 17 times before winning and went on to write a
collection of short stories. Impressed by her tenacity, I listened attentively
to her advice. Many of her examples dealt with the fantasy and science fiction
genres. Not my usual reading material, but I was open to learning more about
the witches, vampires, robots and zombies and robots that enthralled the other
participants.
Driving home one
evening, I toyed with the idea of writing fantasy. I thought back to the fairy
tales I had read as a child and recalled my favorite: The Little Mermaid.
And then the wheels started turning.
What if the mermaid
was not so young and not so beautiful?
Would the man still
want her?
2. Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever
change your title?
In pictures, a
mermaid is usually perched on a large rock close to the water. Often, there is
a wistful expression on her face. She may be considering leaving the underwater
kingdom, but is not firmly committed to living on land. In the novel, Isabella
is definitely grounded, but she is still connected to the Mediterranean kingdom
via her magic tablet. The title, Between Land and Sea, immediately came
to mind and my editor liked it as well.
3. Why did you pick this genre? What do you like
about it?
While participating
in Sarah Totton’s workshops, I decided not to write about werewolves, witches
or anything too dark. Mermaids have always appealed to me and I knew that I
could keep the novel light and breezy.
4. Since becoming a writer, what’s the most
exciting thing to ever happen to you?
Pursuing a second act
as a writer was one item on my bucket list. As soon as I retired from a 31-year
teaching career, I started attending workshops and taking courses. One month
into retirement, a local newspaper published my first article about a vacation
in Newfoundland. Convinced that I was on the right track, I celebrated with
friends and framed the article. Since then, I’ve published over 500 articles
and written two novels.
5. What book are you currently reading or what
was the last book you read?
I just finished
reading Going Home Again by Dennis Bock. An excellent read and worthy of
its Giller Prize nomination.
6. What is your writing process?
I am a plotter and
enjoy the planning stage of each novel. I start with a list of characters and
include details about their appearance, careers and relationships. Location is
next. In Between Land and Sea, I wanted Isabella to end up in Canada,
but needed her to have a short stop in London. Once the logistics are complete,
I produce a very rough synopsis (500 to 600 words) and then start writing.
Goal: 1000 words a day.
7. At a book signing, do you just sign your name
or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say?
I am looking forward
to the print release of Between Land and Sea. At that time, I will
schedule several readings in the area. I hope to write personal notes and
include words of encouragement for aspiring writers. When I attended New York
Best-selling Author Louise Penny’s reading in Stratford, I was impressed by the
time she spent with each person and the lovely messages she wrote.
8. What is something people would be surprised
to know about you?
To balance the yin in
my life after retirement (reading, writing, yoga), I joined Toastmasters. I
have achieved my CC (Competent Communicator), CL (Competent Leader) and ACB
(Advanced Communicator Bronze) certificates and placed in three contests.
Motivational speaking is another item on my bucket list.
9. How do you react to a
bad review?
I try
not to take any criticism of my work personally. If I feel the review is
unfair, I reread some of the scathing reviews received by such prominent
writers as Herman Melville and John le Carré.
10. How did you celebrate
the sale of your first book?
My good
friend, Magda, treated me to a celebratory lunch and presented me with a
beautiful butterfly print.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
In high school, I dabbled in
poetry, but decided to wait until I had more life experiences before writing a
novel. The original plan was to get a general arts degree and take a few years
off to travel and write. Instead, I gave in to my practical Italian side and
obtained degrees in mathematics and education.
While I experienced many
satisfying moments during my teaching career, I never found the time and energy
to write. In 2008, I took advantage of early retirement. Slowly, a writing
practice emerged and my articles and book reviews started appearing in
newspapers, magazines and online.
My debut novel, Between Land
and Sea, a paranormal romance about a middle-aged mermaid, was released by Soul
Mate Publishing on September 18, 2013.
I live and write in Guelph,
Ontario.
Where to find Joanne…
Buy Link:
GIVEAWAY:
Joanne will be awarding a $75 Amazon gift card to a randomly
drawn commenter during the tour, and a $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn
host.
The
more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be
found here:
Thank you for hosting today
ReplyDeleteThanks, Looks like a great book :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by, Bobbye :)
ReplyDeleteAlisia, Thanks for hosting me today.
ReplyDeleteGreat read! It's now my go to gift book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your support, Jessica. Much appreciated :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful story with a great twist on the mermaid tales!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by, Linda :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fascinating and original tail (hahah pun intended :) ) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteandralynn7 AT gmail DOT com
Hi Andra,
ReplyDeleteLove your play on words. Thanks for dropping by :)
Looks like fun! :D
ReplyDeleteGreat start to the tour! Good to see you here, Laurie :)
DeleteA very nice presentation. Good luck with your tour.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bobi :)
ReplyDeleteI loved the blurb! It was very well-written. I'm looking forward to reading this novel!!
ReplyDeletejustforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Thank you, Chelsea. Happy reading!
DeleteVery nice interview
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Thank you :)
DeleteSuch a fun idea for a story.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I enjoyed writing a more contemporary version of The Little Mermaid. Thanks for dropping by, Mary :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting concept for a book - an unlovely mermaid. On the TBR pile for sure.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you here, Catherine :)
ReplyDeleteLove the concept. Another book to add to my wish list:):)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support, Karen :)
DeleteGreat interview I am putting the book on to read list on the top.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your support, Felicia. Happy reading :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
Sounds like a great read!!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
Thanks for dropping by, Natasha :)
DeleteI like that you took the idea of darker characters and applied it to mermaids instead.
ReplyDeleteI have never been attracted to deep, dark and depressing novels. I prefer the lighter touch. Thanks for dropping by, Beth :)
DeleteGreat premise for a story and I enjoyed the interview. I like the idea of being able to completely change one's focus and I salute you on your Toastmaster achievements (I still stutter when I have to speak in front of crowds, lol). Thank you for sharing and for the giveaway and good luck on your new release.
ReplyDeleteSo many lovely compliments and good wishes ...thanks :)
DeleteI enjoy books about mermaids. This sounds like a book I'd like to read so will be adding to my TBR stack.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Lori
lorih824 at yahoo dot com
Happy to hear you'll be adding Between Land and Sea to your TBR list. Thanks for dropping by, Lori :)
Delete