Always A Bridesmaid was originally to be the third book in a different series, erotic romances actually. Breanna had a different name and her character deserved a special story with a special hero. However, there was too much backstory, too much emotional baggage for the characters to fall into bed. It took a lot for Breanna to trust Troy enough again to let him near her much less hop into bed with him before she got a ring on her finger this time around.
Tell us a bit about the writing process for Always a Bridesmaid. There is a touch of Native American folklore involved in the storyline; did you research the topic or was it based on personal experiences?
I'll answer this in reverse. No. I have no personal experiences with Native American folklore or vision quests. Yes, I did a lot of research including taking a class about vision quests.
Someday, I'd love to take a real vision quest and plan to do so.
There are a lot of scenes full of tension in Always a Bridesmaid. When I was reading the book, I could feel the chemistry between Breanna and Troy resonating from my Kindle. Do you find these type of emotions easy or difficult to portray in your characters?
The emotion flowed from Breanna and Troy and their rich history. While it wasn't easy it wasn't difficult, either. At times, I cried as I wrote the story. I cried again when I reread it. That's when I know I have a very emotional story.
When the characters are right for each other, the chemistry and emotions are much easier to portray.
What do you enjoy most about writing romance?
The romance itself is number one.
Two are the plot twists. I love a story heavy with plot, action, adventure, humor, but mostly emotion.
Were there any challenging aspects to writing Always a Bridesmaid?
I had to get these two characters together. Although Troy was all for it most of the time and Breanna wanted it, she also didn't want it. Convincing her she should reunite with Troy or be forever sorry was quite a challenge.
In Always a Bridesmaid, Breanna is betrayed in a major way by her fiancé and her best friend. How do you feel about second changes and forgiveness?
When I was younger, I'd have probably said, "No way! Let the bastard rot in hell!" And then I'd have been the one in hell.
There are a lot of scenes full of tension in Always a Bridesmaid. When I was reading the book, I could feel the chemistry between Breanna and Troy resonating from my Kindle. Do you find these type of emotions easy or difficult to portray in your characters?
The emotion flowed from Breanna and Troy and their rich history. While it wasn't easy it wasn't difficult, either. At times, I cried as I wrote the story. I cried again when I reread it. That's when I know I have a very emotional story.
When the characters are right for each other, the chemistry and emotions are much easier to portray.
What do you enjoy most about writing romance?
The romance itself is number one.
Two are the plot twists. I love a story heavy with plot, action, adventure, humor, but mostly emotion.
Were there any challenging aspects to writing Always a Bridesmaid?
I had to get these two characters together. Although Troy was all for it most of the time and Breanna wanted it, she also didn't want it. Convincing her she should reunite with Troy or be forever sorry was quite a challenge.
In Always a Bridesmaid, Breanna is betrayed in a major way by her fiancé and her best friend. How do you feel about second changes and forgiveness?
When I was younger, I'd have probably said, "No way! Let the bastard rot in hell!" And then I'd have been the one in hell.
Now that I've lived awhile and experienced a few heartaches, I know forgiveness is a big key to happiness in life. We usually regret the things we didn't do more than the things we did, not spending enough time with the people we love, and not showing them often enough how much we love them. Short of murder or espionage, we can get past most things and rebuild relationships and be MUCH happier for it.
What's next for you? Are you working on another book?
Always. LOL.
I'm currently in Egypt (vicariously through my wip). I'm researching gods and pharoahs, legends and curses, and loving it. I hope my readers will love it, too, when it's completed. :)
Anything else you would like to add? What's next for you? Are you working on another book?
Always. LOL.
I'm currently in Egypt (vicariously through my wip). I'm researching gods and pharoahs, legends and curses, and loving it. I hope my readers will love it, too, when it's completed. :)
My alter ego is on Facebook but Elaine the author, isn't. I'll have to rectify that soon.
I'd like to add that my paranormal romantic comedy "So You'd Like To Marry Our Mom" comes out July 4th at www.amberquillpress.com I'm very excited about it. Also, it's my second book released on Independence Day which I think is really awesome.
I'll be starting a newsletter soon. If you'd like to join, please visit my blog at http://www.elaineannhopper.blogspot.com and leave a comment to that effect. I'll get it hooked up soon. September 19-20, 2010 I'll be giving away a Border's KOBO ebook reader with several great books loaded on it to a lucky commenter during those two days on my blog. Mark your calendars! Join my blog!
Thanks Brianna!
Thanks Ms. Hopper for stopping by!
You can read my review of Always a Bridesmaid.
Today I am giving away a PDF copy of Always a Bridesmaid to one lucky winner! Elaine Hopper has generously donated this prize for my Birthday Giveaway. Thank you Elaine Hopper!!
The Rules -Open Internationally.
-You must be 13 years old or older to enter.
-(1) winner will receive a PDF copy of Always a Bridesmaid
Extra Entries
+2 for tweeting. You must leave the direct link to your tweet in order to get the extra entries.
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
Places to find Elaine Hopper online:
Blog | Twitter
Giveaway ends Wednesday, June 30th, 2010. Giveaway open Internationally. Winner will be chosen randomly. Winner will be selected, emailed and announced on my blog some time after the giveaway ends. Winner will have 72 hours to claim their prize before a new winner is selected. Prize to be emailed directly from Elaine Hopper. Good luck to all who enter!
Thank you for this lovely giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! With love, Badass Bookie xx :P