Where I share my love of books with reviews, features, giveaways and memes. Family and needlepoint are thrown in from time to time.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Interview with Marie Force - and Giveaway!

Hi Marie and welcome to Books and Needlepoint! Thank you for answering these interview questions for me and my readers - I was reading through your bio and we have some similarities - I graduated hs in 1984 - married a Navy man (but we were stationed on the west coast - and we are divorced now) I lost a parent to cancer and I have a son named Jake! Of course, that leaves a ton of stuff that differs! I just thought that was interesting!




Marie: Wow, Kristi, we do have a lot in common! That’s crazy! Sons named Jake are the best, aren’t they? I’m quite partial to that boy and my daughter, Emily, too! It’s nice to be here with you today. Thanks for having me!

It's a pleasure. I had a lot of fun with these questions! So, let's get started.
I know that you like to go boating and spend time on the beach - do you have a favorite beach that you go to and what do you have to take to make it a great day?




Marie: My favorite beaches are right here in Rhode Island. When I’m home, I love Second Beach in Middletown, which has the best waves for body surfing. My favorite times there are when all my cousins are in town with their kids and we take over a big section of the beach for the day. We stay until the sun sets and then go for pizza. Those are the best days! In late August every year, we go with our best friends to Block Island (12 miles off the southern coast of Rhode Island, but it may as well be another universe). There we while away endless hours on a small section of the town beach. It’s our idea of heaven, and we look forward to it all year. Last summer, my husband came nose-to-nose with a sand shark right off that beach, so now he’s a little less enamored!


Wow - that would have been scary! I have only been to west coast beaches myself (well - ok, one down in Florida, but it was too long ago to count!)I read that you have one must-see TV show for every night of the week - would you share what some of those favorite shows are? Do any of them ever give you ideas for books?



Marie: Okay, here we go:

Sunday: Brothers and Sisters
Monday: The Bachelor/Bachelorette when it’s on as well as Two and a Half Men
Tuesday: American Idol
Wednesday: American Idol
Thursday: Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and back when it was on, every episode ever aired of ER.
Friday: Friday Night Lights (the single best show on TV, hands down—if you’re not watching it, you’re missing out! Don’t be fooled—it’s not just about football. It’s sooooo much more than that. Rent the first three seasons and get caught up!)

In the summer, it’s all Red Sox all the time around here! I haven’t gotten any ideas for books by watching TV, but I do like to study the characterization and story arcs. FNL is particularly good with both of these things, and the writing is just dazzling.

We love Two and a Half Men and watch a lot of the reruns that are on here after the news! I like the medical shows too - actually just watched the very last ER - it had been on my DVR forever. I think I was afraid to watch it cuz I didn't want it to be over! I would watch Friday Night Lights for Kyle Chandler alone - I loved Early Edition!
You would think living near Chicago we would have a favorite baseball team - but we are more of a football family! (Go Bears!)


We both graduated high school in 1984 - how have you found that the technology advances (or any other changes) affect the way you raise your kids versus how we were raised?

Marie:
Oh wow, this is a tough question and something I grapple with a lot, especially with my soon-to-be fourteen-year-old daughter. She is more techno savvy than I’ll ever be (I say this despite the fact that my day job has me on a computer all day, using about 30 different programs, so I’m no nitwit in this regard...) I have recently taken her off instant messenger, for one thing, because I worry about her being sucked into something that parents on the other end are watching. I tell her, “Don’t leave a paper trail. It can come back to haunt you.” We’ve had to have conversations about “sexting” and all kinds of things I wish I didn’t have to talk to her about. So while technology is so empowering, it’s just another danger where our kids are concerned. On the plus side, I can’t imagine writing a book on a typewriter, and I love having Google handy whenever I’m stumped by something as I write. I appreciate the advancements, but still, a lot of it scares me in regard to my kids.

Ouch "sexting" - ok, now you have me worried (I have soon-to-be 15-year-old and 17-year-old daughters!) I
haven't even thought about this with them - and they text ALOT. I can't imagine what it would have been like when I was their age to be able to take a phone where ever I went!

How much time do you spend doing background research for a book - and what has been your favorite "find" while doing this research?

Marie: Here’s a true confession... I actually don’t love doing research. Because of the full-time job and the kids, I don’t have a lot of time purely devoted to writing, so when I do have time, I want to get in there and write. While I know the research is necessary and critical, it’s just another obstacle to doing what I love to do. One of my favorite “finds” has to have been discovering a latent love of football once I dug into the sport while researching Line of Scrimmage. I’d always been a baseball girl and didn’t give football the time of day. In fact, I’d been kind of disdainful toward football (shameful, I know!) Once my muse delivered Ryan and he demanded that I make him into a football star, I had no choice but to get very familiar with football. And in the process, I became a fan! Go Patriots! (And Tom Brady, of course!) I also enjoyed doing a ride-along with a cop friend of mine when I was researching a romantic suspense. That was truly enlightening!
I was just able to get Line of Scrimmage from the library and can't wait to get started!
Do you have a favorite book(s)? What makes it/them your favorite?

Marie:
I love anything by Nora Roberts, and my new favorite author is Lisa Kleypas. Even though I mostly read contemporaries, I recently read Lisa’s Wallflower series and loved it. And her contemporaries are among the best I’ve ever read. I adore them! She does it all—deep emotion, sizzling love scenes, heroes to die for, and underneath it all, a great story that has you turning the pages for more.
I love Nora Roberts also - I find her books good to take on vacation! I haven't read anything by Lisa Kleypas but will have to check her out!
From your own books - do you have a favorite scene or quote?

Marie:
Let’s see, from Line of Scrimmage I love the scene where Ryan and Susannah are fighting (I love writing fights—what does that say about me?) and she tells him he can have any woman he wants, go get another one. Hurt by this, he says, the only one I want is the one right in front of me. To which she replies, well, you can’t have me. What part of that don’t you understand? In typical Ryan fashion, he says, um, the can’t part? Insert frustrated shriek from Susannah here! That scene cracks me up every time I read it. I loved writing Ryan as intentionally obtuse. My favorite scene in Love at First Flight is the “big black moment” between Michael and Juliana, which I can’t say too much about because it includes plot spoilers. Suffice to say you’ll know it when you read it!
I think a lot of men are intentionally obtuse! I can't wait to meet Ryan and Susannah as I read Line of Scrimmage. I have not read First Flight but am trying to win me a copy! I want to know what that "big black moment" is!

Where do you like to write and is there anything specific you need - like a favorite pen or a favorite snack?

Marie: Since I work in my home office all day for the job, I don’t like to be there when I’m writing. So picture this: sofa, footstool, laptop, kids running all around, Red Sox on the TV, Diet Coke in the glass... I seem to do my best work in the midst of chaos. I travel quite a bit for my day job and always think I’m going to get so much writing done in the hotel rooms, but that never seems to happen. I’ve decided I need the chaos to produce. Weird, right?

No, sometimes I think I get more done when there is more energy (translate: chaos) around me!

While on this blog tour - has there been any comments or questions that have taken you by surprise?

Marie:
One thing that happened last week really threw me. I had a reviewer say that the scenario with my characters Juliana and her longtime boyfriend Jeremy really rocked her on a personal level. At the opening of Love at First Flight, Juliana and Jeremy have been together ten years, but she’s sensing some discontent on his part. She later finds out that he’s been having thoughts about other women and worries that he’s missing out by being with the same woman his entire adult life. Needless to say this really rocks Juliana’s world. It also rocked this reviewer’s world since she’s been married to her high school sweetheart for more than twenty years. For a week after she finished Love at First Flight she couldn’t stop wondering if her husband ever feels the way Jeremy did. Wow, I sure didn’t see that coming!

Isn't it amazing how writing can touch everyone differently?!
Is there anything else you would like your readers to know?

Marie:
I just want to say thank you to everyone who has shown up to support my blog tour and for all the wonderful reviews. It’s been a really exciting couple of weeks. A few announcements for your readers:

I’ll give one copy of Line of Scrimmage and Love at First Flight to two different people, so leave a comment for a chance to win! Already read Line of Scrimmage? Just let me know.

(wondering...can I enter a contest on my own blog? hmmmm)

If you wish to discuss all the rules I broke in Love at First Flight, join me Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m. EDT on my blog (http://mariesullivanforce.blogspot.com) for a Book Club discussion. Warning, there will be spoilers, so make sure you read the book before the party! I’ll be giving away some great prizes to participants.

Once you’ve read the book, come by my website at www.mariesullivanforce.com to find out how to enter the contest for the Love at First Flight Grand Prize gift basket. I’ll accept answers to daily questions about the book through July 15. The winner will be announced during the July 20 Book Club Meeting.

What is coming up next for you when this tour is over?

Marie: I'm polishing up a sexy romantic comedy about a small conservative town fighting the newest business—a naughty lingerie and sex toy shop owned by my fearless heroine—and working on book one in a series about four brothers who are summoned home to the island where they grew up to save the family business. Their mother also has matchmaking on her mind, but her idea of the perfect mates for her sons differs vastly with their own ideas. It’s been really fun so far, and I’m looking forward to getting back to it!

How fun! I look forward to hearing more about these! Thank you Marie and best of luck on these new ventures!

Marie: Thanks again for having me!

To enter the giveaway for one of Marie's books - Line of Scrimmage or Love at First Flight (please specifiy which book you would like - you can enter the drawings for both, but can only win one!) just leave a comment below WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. This giveaway will end on July 20th. (US or Canada only)


Love at First Flight
Publisher/Publication Date: Sourcebooks Casablanca, July 2009
ISBN: 9781402220067
398 pages

Barnes & Noble
Amazon


L@FF Blog Tour: Come By, Comment, and Win!

July 1: Marie’s Blog Launch Party







48 comments:

Marie Force said...

Thanks for having me today, Kristi! Look forward to chatting with your friends!

tetewa said...

I've been hearing alot about this one, sounds good! tWarner419@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed the interview, I'd love to try the book (either one!)

I-comment@deLeons.com

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed the interview, I'd love to try the book (either one!)

I-comment@deLeons.com

scottsgal said...

I'd love to read either book but Line of Scrimmage would be my first choice since we're a huge football family! Go Bears!!

msboatgal at aol.com

LuAnn said...

I can't imagine having to raise a teenage daughter in this day and age. I commend you!

LuAnn said...

Whoops! Forgot to add my email:

reading_frenzy@yahoo.com

donnas said...

I would love to read Love at First Flight.

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Jenny N. said...

Great interview. I have heard great things about Marie's books and would love to read either one. Thanks

jen4777[at]hotmail.com

Libby's Library said...

Please throw my name in for Love at First Flight - thanks!

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

The Brunette Librarian said...

Please count me in for "Love @ First Flight" Looks AWESOME!! Line of Scrimmage knocked my socks off. :)

I enjoy two and a half men too, so funny! Have you tried Mad Men yet on the AMC? It seems like a show you'd like. I don't have the channel but have Netflix'd the first season. VERY Good :)

Have a great weekend!

rachie2004 @ yahoo (dot) com

Kristen Howe said...

Nicely done with your interview Kristi. I like your blog.

Marie Force said...

Thanks for all the comments, ladies!

LuAnn, raising a teenaged daughter is the hardest thing I've ever done, hands down. She challenges me every day but I do hope I'll have a great friend when the teenage years are behind us. She's adorable and practical and witty, so I have high hopes! Ode to Joy came on the iPod as I was typing this--let's hope that's an omen of things to come! :) I'm taking her with me for part of RWA National, because I would've missed her 14th birthday otherwise, which was unimaginable! Let's hope I don't live to regret that (as my DH said so succinctly...LOL)

Rachie, my DH LOVES Mad Men, but I told him I can't possibly take on another show! I have to write some time, you know? Plus, as much as I loved the Sopranos, the couple of episodes of MM that I've seen (by the same people as the Sopranos, right?) have been kind of slow for me, but I know people love it.

chey said...

Great interview!
I'd like to be entered for Line of Scrimmage please.
chey127 at hotmail dot com

cqueen2 said...

great interview!
wadesherry@hotmail dot com

Lee P said...

That was an interesting interview and the books sound awesome. Thanks for this giveaway and please count me in for either book.

chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com

KR said...

I'd love to read Line of Scrimmage.
The interview was great. Y'all did a great job!!

mj.coward[at]gmail.com

ibeeeg said...

I loved the interview. It was very personable. Some day I would love to travel to the east coast but beaches are not me (so much)...I visualize fall time and all the color changes in the north east.
Raising a 14 yod is challenging...have one of my own. She keeps me on my toes. Must admit, never thought about having to discuss sexting...ugh!!!

I would love to win either book as they both sound great.

ibeeeg(at)gmail(dot)com

Marie Force said...

Ah yes, the sexting conversation. Went there, did that. Had to tell her you don't care now what you're going to be someday but you WILL and once those pictures are out there, it's forever. Hate those chats, but you have to do it.

Come see our fall colors someday. They are quite spectacular!!!! And our beaches are, too!

Pam said...

This sounds like a fun summer read. I'd like either one but my first choice would be Love at First Flight.

melacan at hotmail dot com

Renee G said...

I enjoyed the interview. Please enter me to win either of these books.

rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com

Mozi Esme said...

Would love to read both - but I'd pick Love at First Flight...

janemaritz at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Love At First Flight would be my pick. Great interview:)

bjhopper(at)me(dot)com

valerie2350 said...

thanks for the interview -
I'd like to win either one but first choice would be love at first flight

Bridget said...

Hi! Just posted about this on Win A Book. Don't enter me, though!

mrsshukra said...

Please enter me for Line of Scrimmage, thank you!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

sounds good love football

kh
kimehak@yahoo.com

Valorie said...

Love at First Flight! I love the title.

Valorie
morbidromantic@gmail.com

Booklover1335 said...

I would love to win Love at First Flight. This book sounds so good!!!

I have never read a book by Marie, but I also love Lisa Kleypas books, she is one of my fav authors. Knowing this and reading so much about Love at First Flight has left me desperate to read this book.

cldivineATyahooDOTcom

Belinda M said...

Please include me in your giveaway.

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at CoolCanucks.ca


bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

Belinda M said...

I would like to read Line Of Scrimmage


Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at CoolCanucks.ca


bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

Marie said...

I would love to read either book -- they both sound great!

marielay@gmail.com

JJ said...

I'm not familiar with this author. Thanks.



gahome2mom AT gmail dot com

JJ said...

follower


gahome2mom AT gmail dot com

JJ said...

Win Love At First Flight or another @kherbrand http://bit.ly/tWtep

tweeted @gahome2mom

I didn't post which book I prefer. I am not picky. Thanks.

gahome2mom AT gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

please enter me in the giveaway for Love At First Flight.

thanks

elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

Kytaira said...

I'd love to win either one but especially Line of Scrimmage.

I'm another one from '84 with teenagers. Just got that 25 yr reunion invite. Just another of those 'boy am I feeling old" moments. Along with all of those times I look at my kids and realize just how grown up they are. Not going to the reunion BTW. I joined the military (Air Force) myself and now work for the Army on the west coast. No desire to revisit high school.

lynda98662 at yahoo dot com

rubynreba said...

Love at First Flight would be my first choice.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

A Reader said...

Sounds like a good read.

Please enter me for both as I'll take either.

kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

budletsmom said...

Please enter me for both I would love to win either one.

budletsmom at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I've been seeing this around the blogosphere and it looks great.

Please enter me for both or either. I would love to have either book, both look fantastic.

Dottie :)

gymmom_027@yahoo.com

CherylS22 said...

Marie Force is a new author for me - I'd like to be entered into the drawing for both books.
Thanks ~ megalon22{at}yahoo{dot}com

Jane said...

I would love to win "Line of Scrimmage."

janie1215 AT excite DOT com

ChristyJan said...

Please enter me in the drawings for BOTH books ~ I'd be thrilled to win either one.

hawkes@citlink.net

Cindy said...

Both books sound great! I would love to win either one of these books! Please enter me in contest for either one of the books!

I loved reading the interview! It was fun to read.

Cindy
Socmom213@aol.com

renee said...

i would love to read love at first flight please enter me
reneetaylor(at)sympatico(dot)ca

Anonymous said...

my first choice would be love at first flight
thanks

flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com

Marie Force said...

Reminder to your readers that my Love at First Flight book club meeting is tonight on my blog, http://mariesullivanforce.blogspot.com at 7 p.m. EDT. Warning, there will be spoilers so don't click on the comments unless you've read the book! Great prizes and great fun, so come on over!!

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