Author Sarah Grimm Interview + Giveaway!

>> Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Sarah Grimm is here talking about her new release After Midnight, and we're giving away 5 custom handmade bookmarks AND an Ecopy of After Midnight! Simply leave a comment to enter. Open internationally.

Sarah, tell us about your latest release.
She wants to forget her past.

He wants to reclaim his.

Sometimes the moment that changes everything comes After Midnight.


Thirteen years—that’s how long Isabeau Montgomery has been living a lie. After an automobile accident took her mother’s life, Izzy hid herself away, surviving the only way she knew how. Now she is happy in her carefully reconstructed life. That is until he walks through the door of her bar…

Black Phoenix singer/front man Noah Clark came to Long Island City with a goal—one that doesn’t include an instant, electric attraction to the dark-haired beauty behind the bar. Coaxing her into his bed won’t be easy, but he can’t get her pale, haunted eyes nor her skill on the piano out of his head.

Can Noah help Isabeau overcome the past? Or will her need to protect her secret force her back into hiding and destroy their chance at happiness?





What’s your favorite thing about the book featured here today?
That even though Izzy views herself as damaged, through Noah's love she rediscovers that she's beautiful.

What sparked the idea for this book/series?
Teenage fantasies about meeting and marrying a rock star, combined with the maturity to know that a twenty-something musician is not happily-ever-after material. Add to that the picture in my mind of a woman alone in a bar, playing the piano. That picture spawned a series of 'what if' questions which led to After Midnight.

What creates the biggest conflict between your hero and heroine?
Music. It’s what brings them together as well as threatens to tear them apart.

What was the hardest part of this book to write and why?
Isabeau’s childhood was so tragic all the scenes that dealt with it were extremely hard to write. But the most difficult was the scene where her step-father (for lack of a better name) sits Noah down and tells him about losing Izzy’s mother in the car accident, followed by immediately losing Izzy in a court battle, and how these events shaped Isabeau into the woman she is today. I can’t really get into it too much without giving away any spoilers, but it is a traumatic scene that was emotionally draining for me to write.

How does your family view your writing career?
They accept it as a normal part of who I am and are proud of the fact that I have achieved my goal of becoming published.

What is your writing routine?
I do my best writing in the morning when the rest of the house is still asleep. I wake up around 4:30 seven days a week. Not necessarily by choice, my internal alarm clock just goes off at that time. If I don’t sit down and write in the morning, chances are good I won’t get any writing done that day. I’m too easily distracted by the million other things I need to get done – grocery shopping, the day job, orthodontist appointments, or house cleaning.

How do you keep in touch with your readers?
My all time favorite way to chat with readers is face to face. Unfortunately, I don't get enough of that with my hectic work schedule, so I settle for keeping in touch with readers through my blog, online chats, and email. I love to hear from readers and encourage them to email me at sarah @ sarahgrimm.com.

What are you reading now?
Rafe’s Redemption by Jennifer Jakes, and Jezebel’s Wish by AJ Nuest

What is your preferred genre to read for pleasure?
Contemporary romance. A close second is contemporary romantic suspense.

Do you have a second career? (Yes, motherhood counts!)
Besides being the mother of two teenage sons, three mini schnauzers, a guinea pig, a rescued kitten in need of a home, and three orphaned mice—whew, that’s a lot to type—I’m the bookkeeper for my husband’s boat repair business and work full time as the bookkeeper for a local farmer.

How would you best describe your books?
I write sizzling, dangerously sexy contemporary romance and romantic suspense.

Which is your favorite of the books you have written?
Definitely After Midnight. Every author I’ve ever spoke with has one story they truly believe is THE story of their heart. After Midnight is mine. Isabeau Montgomery is the owner of Izzy’s Bar, a child prodigy, piano phenom—a woman who is hiding behind a lie of her own making. She’s just so very tortured, her past so full of tragedy… She deserves a happy ending and Noah is just the man to share it with her.

What are your current projects?
While writing After Midnight, one of the secondary characters kept telling me he needed his story, so I'm writing that one now. Midnight Heat is a reunion romance, and although I had no plans to make it so when I started, it looks like it may become a romantic suspense.

Are You The Same Person You Were As A Child, Or Much Different?
I am much different. I’m still a dreamer and impulsive, but I’ve learned to control the impulses and think before I speak.

Do You Believe That The Cup Is Half Empty Or Half Full?
Half full.

Are You An Introvert Or An Extrovert?
Extrovert.

Are You A Window Person Or An Aisle Person?
Window. I want to see where I’m going.

Do You Like Short Or Long Hair On A Guy?
Short.

What is Your Favorite Beverage?
Diet Coke.

Are you a night or a morning person?
Morning.

Are You Usually Late, Early Or Right On Time?
Early.

Where can we find you online?
Website: http://www.sarahgrimm.com
Blog: http://www.authorsarahgrimm.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/SGrimmAuthor
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SarahGrimm.Author

Sarah lives in West Michigan with her husband, two sons and three miniature schnauzers. Between mom's taxi service, parts runs, and answering the phone for the family marine repair business, Sarah can be found curled in her favorite chair, crafting her next novel.
Comment to enter for 1 of 5 custom handmade bookmarks AND an ecopy of After Midnight!
Open internationally.
**MUST** leave contact email to WIN!



29 comments:

Sarah Grimm 2:39 AM  

Joan, those bookmarks are so pretty! Am I eligible to win? lol

Thank you so much for inviting me to visit with you today! I couldn't have pulled off this blog tour without the generosity of people like you. :-)

Natalija 2:50 AM  

Wonderful interview, thank you for sharing it. I have never read anything by Sarah Grimm, by I'm very intrigued.
natalija (dot) shkomare (at) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous,  4:54 AM  

Thanks for bringing Sarah by Joan. Great interview and now I MUST have this book :)

Sarah you talked about a secondary character in AFTER MIDNIGHT that needed their story written, do you have a timeline for it?

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Michele
mharper1023@gmail.com

Sarah Grimm 5:22 AM  

You would ask me that, wouldn't you, Michele? lol

I've had a few people read After Midnight and immediately ask when Dominic's story will be out. Honestly, I don't know as I'm still writing it. My self-imposed deadline is to have it completed and sent to my editor by January 1.

Suzanne G. Rogers 5:40 AM  

After Midnight looks like a definite 'must read.' Good luck with your launch!

Calisa Rhose 6:20 AM  

Oh! I'm reading the book now but I NEED one of those lovely bookmarks! I love the creation process for this story Sarah. I love all the behind the author's mind that helps me understand more what is NOT in the book. You know, all that stuff the writer knows, but the reader can only guess at? Yeah, love it!
cmselfridge@gmail.com

Linda McDonald 8:20 AM  

Great interview. I really like the idea of music there as the conflict between the two leads. Ah yes, meeting and marrying the rock star...for me it was always Bon Jovi. But of course, he was taken long ago by his high school sweeetheart! :)

csolinda(at)hotmail(dot)com

Joan Swan 9:35 AM  

LOL, Sarah, you get a BUNCH! I'm sending you 8!! :) And I love having you!

Your cover is beautiful, did you design it?

Sarah Grimm 10:27 AM  

Really? I get bookmarks, too? I won the bookmark lottery! Yay! *dancing* They are just so, so pretty!

My cover: I did not design it, Nicola Martinez designed it and I love it!

Sarah Grimm 10:29 AM  

Linda,

Ah, Bon Jovi. My best friend was a huge Jon Bon Jovi fan, too. I was crazy for John Taylor, the bassist from Duran Duran. So cute!

GzNKz4evr 11:07 AM  

Hi Sarah! I first heard about After Midnight an a blog you appeared on last week. I was on the fence with the book because I tend to shy away from the stories that could potentially be "serious". I read for pleasure and I am a blubbering baby when a book gets to me. :) Anyway, this book seems like is has the "cry" potential. But ... your interview last week clinched it. I added the book to my "to-read" pile. I find myself looking forward to the read. :) And, yes, Joan is wicked talented with those bookmarks. You surely did hit the jackpot. :)

My question is this: You mentioned how hard it was to write the scene between Noah and Izzy's step-father. When you are emotionally drained from writing such a scene, how do you deal with it, and does it effect you in your "real" life?

Thanks for the giveaway Joan! You rawk!
Kendra
kendraedens@gmail.com

Raonaid Luckwell 11:25 AM  

Joan DOES do make awesome bookmarks!

My childhood rock start crush was Sebastian Bach from Skid Row.

But man, 4:30 I'm such a night owl, very growly in the mornings. I understand with the teens. I have three sons: 13, 10, six, three dachshunds, one pomchii, cat, and a leopard gecko. Never ending job!

Sarah Grimm 11:35 AM  

Kendra - I know of a few people who cried while reading After Midnight, just so you know. Personally, I shy away from such books, too, but Isabeau wouldn't leave my head without me writing her story. :-)

Honestly, there are multiple scenes in the book that emotionally drained me, the one mentioned was just one of the most draining scenes. Probably because I kept having to go back into it and 'tweek' before it was just right.

Yes, writing those scenes affects my 'real' life. I'm very zombie-like after working on one. The good thing is, my husband knows to just leave me to stare at the television without focus and after a good night's sleep it will pass. LOL

Sarah Grimm 11:37 AM  

Raonaid - Holy cow, together we could make a petting zoo! Well, we may need to leave our sons out of it, huh? *grin* I wish I was still a night owl and could sleep in, but that darn internal alarm clock goes off at the same time every day - even on weekends!

AJ Nuest 12:32 PM  

OHMIGOSH, I WANT ONE!! Please, please, pick me, pick me. Boogedy, boogedy *AJ wiggles her fingers* -- there's my spell so that you pull my name out of the hat. Very pretty bookmarks, Sarah! Loved the interview, Joan! Great job ladies!!

Silverrose313 1:17 PM  

This sounds like a really interesting read, and the bookmarks look fantastic! Great interview, btw!

silverrose313 at gmail dot com

pamerd 2:22 PM  

Hi
Great interview, this book is on my "to read" list. I am excited to read.

Thanks for the chance.

Pam
tpibrew@msn.com

Sheree 3:37 PM  

AFTER MIDNIGHT sounds great!

Do you like straight Diet Coke or one of the flavored ones (cherry, vanilla, lime, etc.)?

ironss [at] gmail [dot] com

Sarah Grimm 4:13 PM  

Sheree, I drink straight Diet Coke. And here's the weirdest thing ever...it doesn't have to be cold. Don't get me wrong, I don't want it warmed up, but room temperature is fine with me.

I'm weird, I know. :)

Joan Swan 6:43 PM  

A girl after my own heart -- Diet Coke ladies...UNITE!

Anonymous,  7:05 PM  

I dream of meeting rock stars! I got within about 10 feet of Bret Michaels but alas, he was on stage. Jon Bon Jovi has definitely aged well! I can only dream or read your new book. Sounds great!

Wishing you continued success!
Loraine
l_k_hunziker(at) hotmail (.) com

Lolarific 7:16 PM  

I loved the interview! And I love Diet Coke too, but only ice cold.....now if it were Pepsi or cherry Pepsi it could be 2 days old and flatter than a pancake and I'd still drink it. My husband think's it's nasty but sometimes you just need that caffeine to deal with children early in the morning. lol.

dani3222001(at)yahoo(dot)com

rainie72 7:55 PM  

I love these bookmarks!!! I would love to win this contest. Whats better than a book that comes with its own beautiful bookmark.

rainie72@gmail.com

Unknown 7:37 AM  

Love, love, love this idea. Who hasn't fantasized about their HEA being with a rock star? Every yummy musician mentioned so far in the posts was on my what if list at one time or another. As a child of the 80's, I mostly crushed on guys from hair bands, so long hair on a guy still turns my head.

drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com

Amber 5:06 AM  

Fun interview! I really want to pick up some of your books now:) Thanks so much!

Na S.,  1:47 PM  

The cover caught my eye right away! Isabeau really sounds like the sort of heroine I want to cheer on. She needs her happy ending I think :)

Cambonified (at) yahoo (dot) com

Michelle McMichael,  7:13 AM  

I like the cover and the bookmarks are gorgeous as always! Mmmm rockstars! :)

Michelle
mmcmichael79(at)googlemail(dot)com

Victoria 12:05 PM  

After Midnight sounds really good. I'm a huge Bon Jovi fan too. They put on the best live show. My hubs even teases me that I married him because his name is John and if I called out in my sleep it would be okay :).
I love Joan's bookmarks.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous,  7:14 PM  

I agree this one sounds great, and I am so excited you are already writing the next Midnight story.

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