Today we welcome my bff and fellow VHP author Charmaine Gordon. Charmaine’s books are all fantastic stories about women who Survive and Thrive, and the journey through is completely enthralling. Charmaine has also written a Mature Romance series which proves that we are never too old for love and passion. I highly recommend ALL of Ms. Gordon’s books, they are filled with humor, emotion, inspiration and a refreshing brand of happy-ever-afters. Thanks so much for joining me here in the Potpourri Parlor.
Hi Chelle. I’m delighted to visit with you today. We’ve had many fun twists and turns since meeting about five years ago on a rainy Friday night at Barnes & Noble in the Palisades Mall, no customers and no air conditioning on that stifling evening. I had one book, you had eight. I was a newbie and you were a woman of the writing world. Humbled I listened and learned.
Tell us about your favorite character from your books
I write about women who survive and thrive so there are many characters I love. All of them qualify as my fave so I’ll tell you about Joy Davison from my latest book, Farewell, Hello or rather, Joy speaks for herself.
“Hi, I’m Joy coming to you right from the pages of Farewell Hello. Born in Chicago, Illinois, my real story begins in 1948 when I met a senior, the most popular boy in high school, and Mother said, “Don’t allow privileges” and I didn’t know what she meant. Danny and I fell in love and now two years later, he’s furious with me and just hung up the phone from his base at San Antonio, Texas where he’s about to graduate from pilot school.
I’m crying staring at my sparkling diamond ring on the third finger of my left hand. I had to postpone our wedding because Mother is suddenly sick with something called Multiple Sclerosis and the doctor says she may not live long. Father says family comes first and since I’m the daughter, I have to take care of sweet Mother. I know in my heart Danny and I will find each other. The main concern is the war in Korea. Little did I know then, there were many obstacles to overcome more than a war.”
What was your first sale as an author?
That’s easy. I bought a copy of To Be Continued and gave it to my daughter. I don’t think she’s read my first book. I’ve signed an option for a television movie with a production company, have had many wonderful reviews. She loves me and has my book tucked in next to her bed, unread. No biggie.
Where do you do your research?
Google is the go-to for research; fast and easy. As for my husband, he knows I’m doing something in my small office besides not making dinner yet he prefers no-fiction and has never looked at even Page One of any of the fifteen stories I’ve written. Again, no biggie. . .but someday, POW! Right in the kisser.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?
It’s a solitary pre-occupation where fictional characters talk to you. As an actor, I was accustomed to applause and standing ovations once in a while and people hugging me in the streets. And now the characters I’ve brought to life yearn for the same applause and hugging. My fictional characters never let me go, They reach out calling, “Me, me, one more time.” Very cool.
Do you hear from your readers? What kinds of questions do they ask?
Yes, sometimes. They thank me and wonder how I knew about loss and recovery and how to move on using humor to get through each day. I tell them once you’ve had so many experiences, it’s not all that difficult.
What was the scariest moment of your life?
The sudden death of my mother and then later my first husband. I didn’t know how to reconcile a world without them. Face it, I did. A hurdle to overcome alone. Sink or swim and I became a strong swimmer against an almost overwhelming tide.
What is your favorite meal?
I do love broiled salmon, risotto rice, steamed spinach topped off with my favorite dessert, crème brulee.
Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? If so, what are they?
If you really want to write, I say write. Find time every day to write without censoring your words for about twenty minutes. Only then, reread. You might be surprised at what you see. Tell your story, claim it for your own in your own voice and when and if you’ve told the whole story, polished like a jewel, find a home for it. Best wishes from someone who knows.
What hobbies do you actively pursue?
I walk and stretch every day but best of all I hang out with my six year old granddaughter. She brings joy and fun every time we’re together. We climb up into the highest part of her play yard and talk about important things like boys, math, sports, and nasty girls. We also sing and make up stories. I plan to live to about 100 and ten, minimum. There are many ideas I must share with her.
What makes you happy?
Waking up is a plus; writing, creating a new story another plus. World peace is an unfulfilled dream so I fear we citizens have little say in the outcome of this and that war. I say ENOUGH, you selfish fools, but no one listens. The best I hope for is a good life for us and our children
Thanks, dear Chelle for inviting me to be your guest today.
Farewell Hello
by Charmaine Gordon
Buy links for Farewell, Hello my latest release are here.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/Book/farewell-hello/id888930945
http://Barnesandnoble.com/w/farewell-hello-charmaine-gordon/1119733592
A Potpourri of Promos, Book Talk, Entertainment & Articles of Interest from Chelle Cordero 