Tuesday, September 3, 2013

"Hollywood Homecoming" Blog Tour & Giveaway





Make-up artist to the stars. The favorite aunt. Dance teacher. Baby sister. Talented musician and song-writer.


Single.

Why did that word rank above the rest? Helen loved her family and understood they wanted her to have the real love they’d all found. It’s just that she’d found her someone special and learned to live without him. She’d been too young for the quirky, idealistic doctor-off to save the world-to notice. And, really, if she had it her way, he’d never know how she’d felt. Now, he was one of her best friends, a pen pal, losing him would be too much.

Seeing him at their parents wedding, Helen realizes the horrible truth: she still loves Joseph… which wouldn’t be so bad if she wasn’t in the situation she was in. 

But she was. And her secret will change everything. 

Will it destroy hope for a Hollywood happy ending too?






Most of my favorite authors are indie or self-pubbed, what made me you decide to go that route?

I did try to go through some of the bigger houses in the beginning, but there was always something that didn’t ‘fit’- first person wasn’t popular, celebrity/philanthropic heroes don’t sell - that sort of thing. I found InkSpell and knew it was a perfect fit. I’m so very glad - they’ve taken such care of my books.


What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I’m into angst in my stories. I like a love story, don’t get me wrong - but I tend to drag my characters through the emotional minefield before they get their happily ever afters. :)


Which of your characters are you most like? Least like?

I try to like all of my characters, even the bad guys. I think it’s important to make your characters multi-dimensional so even the bad guys aren’t all bad. They’re still the bad guy though, so I’m fine with readers loving to hate my bad guys.


Do you have a particular writing habit?

I try to write whenever I can. Even if it’s five minutes. Time is precious and it’s not always easy to have a long write in. Evenings, weekends, and holidays are good too.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Hmm… that’s tough. I love so many authors. Some of my favorite authors include Lori Wilde, Stephanie Dray/Stephanie Draven, Diana Gabaldon, and Julia Quinn.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Some newer authors I enjoy are Sandy Williams, Laura Kaye, and Barbara Han, to name a few.

What is the hardest part of your writing?

Writing through the hard parts, when I’m stuck or not feeling ‘it’ and still managing to create something new. The first draft is always the hard part. Going back, fine-tuning and tweaking, is fun.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write the story in your heart. You might have to compromise on some aspects of your story, but don’t lose your story or your voice.

Describe yourself in three words.

Sweet, kind, goofy

I know characters are like children but if you could chose, who’s your favorite from your books? Of all time?

Um… No fair. I can’t pick one book! Impossible! I love Ender’s Game, 1984, Lord of the Flies, Outlander, What Happens in London… and so on...

Any song or songs that could basically sum up the overall mood of your writing?

I use music to help set the mood for my scenes. If I’m writing a romantic scene I’ll use Nora Jones or Colbie Callait. Or music soundtracks. Sometimes lyrics can be distracting.

Do you plot out your books or just freely write them and let the characters tell you what to do next?

I normally have a loose idea of where I’m going with the story when I start, but I’m not rigid about it. If my characters decide to take off on their own and or change things up, I let them.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider the biggest influence in your writing?

I’d say that every author finds inspiration from books they enjoy. I’ve been privileged to have support from fellow authors in various writing groups--which helps me keep going.

What are your current projects? Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I’m working on finishing my first young adult project - a cowboy and a city girl romance. And I’m working on the next book in my Loves of Olympus series too.


Sasha is part gypsy. Born June 9, 1974, stories have always played an important role in her life. Her passions have always been storytelling, Hollywood, history, and travel. It’s no surprise that her books include a little of each. Her first play, ‘Greek Gods and Goddesses’ was written for her Girl Scout troupe. She’s been writing ever since. She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she’s doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.

Website/Blog: 

Twitter: 
FB Author Page: 
Goodreads: 
Pinterest: 

YouTube: 




a Rafflecopter giveaway







2 comments:

  1. Love, love, love this series. Cannot wait to read this book.
    Congrats on the writing and I look forward to many more.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for hosting me! I'm so excited to share Helen and Joseph's story - here's hoping readers love them too. :)

    ReplyDelete

OUAB 2023 Finale

  Welcome to Black Words-White Pages!! My name is Jenny Zimmerman and I am going to share with you everything that happened last weekend Jul...