Q.“The Fixer-Uppers” is an enticing title. Which came first, the title or the storyline?
A. That's a good question! I remember I was watching the baggage handlers at an airport when we were coming home from a trip several years ago. I thought, "A hardworking guy like these guys would make a good hero for a romance story." So from there, I developed the character of Mike, the baggage handler, and then Cassie, the single mom bakery manager, sort of came to me as the perfect heroine for Mike. After that point, I had to come up with a place for Cassie and Mike to live in, and the idea of a house that's a "fixer-upper" seemed the most logical. Characters led to the storyline that led to the title. :)
Q. In your sig file you suggest Unique and original handmade gifts for that hard to please nerd in your life: www.smilingassassin.com Could you tell us a little about this?
A. Smiling Assassin Productions is our creative workshop. My husband is a talented author in his own right, A J Matthews. He's also a wonderful miniature sculptor/painter who makes all kinds of original science-fiction/fantasy and steampunk inspired artworks. He takes on commissions and has made all sorts of fun items like bookends and figurines for fans of Doctor Who and other sci-fi shows/fandoms. Be sure to check out some photos of his work at the web site.
Q. I noted your characters thought of themselves “in like” rather than
“in love”. That’s a wonderful concept for a romance; much nicer than the
more common “instant dislike” thing. Did you intentionally write a
feel-good romance in reaction to reading one too many
at-one-another’
A. I always let the characters tell me what their relationship is going to be like. Cassie and Mike are strong characters and have definite opinions about themselves and each other. Both of them are nice, ordinary people--the type of people you meet every day at work and play. They find that they share similar experiences with members of the opposite sex (their exes treated them poorly) but at the first, they're not sure they're ready for a new relationship, so they tell themselves they're "in like" and promise to be friends. Of course, the physical attraction can't be denied and sparks fly sooner not later... but I don't want to give away all the plot here, so please buy the book and find out for yourself! ;)
Q. How do you find sweet romance faring with so many lines tilting towards the spicier alternative?
A. It is sort of in the background, but I don't think it's totally out of the picture, yet. Lots of readers enjoy a good ol'-fashioned romance without graphic sex, so I hope in The Fixer-Uppers I've given them some sympathetic characters and a storyline they can relate to and really enjoy without the fear of being overwhelmed with situations they may find personally not to their tastes.
Q. OK – you’re the casting director in your dream movie. Who gets to play Mike? Who do you cast as Cassie?
A. For Mike, I've always thought Mike Nelson of Mystery Science Theater 3000 fame would be perfect. He's sort of tall and blond. For Cassie, I'm not sure. She's a redhead, so she needs an actress with spirit and vivaciousness. Who would you suggest? ;)
A. I always let the characters tell me what their relationship is going to be like. Cassie and Mike are strong characters and have definite opinions about themselves and each other. Both of them are nice, ordinary people--the type of people you meet every day at work and play. They find that they share similar experiences with members of the opposite sex (their exes treated them poorly) but at the first, they're not sure they're ready for a new relationship, so they tell themselves they're "in like" and promise to be friends. Of course, the physical attraction can't be denied and sparks fly sooner not later... but I don't want to give away all the plot here, so please buy the book and find out for yourself! ;)
Q. How do you find sweet romance faring with so many lines tilting towards the spicier alternative?
A. It is sort of in the background, but I don't think it's totally out of the picture, yet. Lots of readers enjoy a good ol'-fashioned romance without graphic sex, so I hope in The Fixer-Uppers I've given them some sympathetic characters and a storyline they can relate to and really enjoy without the fear of being overwhelmed with situations they may find personally not to their tastes.
Q. OK – you’re the casting director in your dream movie. Who gets to play Mike? Who do you cast as Cassie?
A. For Mike, I've always thought Mike Nelson of Mystery Science Theater 3000 fame would be perfect. He's sort of tall and blond. For Cassie, I'm not sure. She's a redhead, so she needs an actress with spirit and vivaciousness. Who would you suggest? ;)
Hmmm - Anne Hathaway maybe? Thanks so much for visiting
Spinning Pearls…
Thanks for having me here as your guest, Sally!
Thanks for having me here as your guest, Sally!
***
Here are some links from Cynthianna, including a link to the book in question!
Here are some links from Cynthianna, including a link to the book in question!
Like my author page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cynthianna.CelineChatillon
Join me at Twitter: http://twitter.com/cynthianna3
LOVING WHO now on Kindle and in print: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002CQZYGK
Find me on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/celinechatillon_cynthianna
Unique and original handmade gifts for that hard to please nerd in your
life: www.smilingassassin.com
Defeating the Slushpile
Monster, a funny writer's how-NOT-to! http://www.cindyamatthews.com
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