Sweet Proposal by Celia J Anderson
Interview Questions:
1.
Where did
the idea come from for the book?
I’ve always loved eating chocolate while I
read in the bath, and the idea of a bespoke bookshop where it would be possible
to do all these things seemed a good basis for a book – the bath became a
Jacuzzi and the chocolate morphed into a full cafe of chocolate-based goodies.
2.
What
genre does your book fall under?
Sweet Proposal is classed as contemporary
romance – funny in places, reasonably light but with some deep underlying
issues.
3.
Which
actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Going with a Broadchurch theme, Mab might be Olivia
Coleman and Leo could easily played by Christopher Tennant. I wonder if they’re
free??
4.
What is
the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Books, chocolate, an irresistible man and a
Jacuzzi – heaven unless your timing is all wrong.
5.
Will your
book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Sweet Proposal is being published by Piatkus Entice as an
ebook and I’m very happy to be represented by the Kate Nash agency.
6.
How long
did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Probably about 6 months but I spent quite a bit of time
editing as I went along, rather than blasting out a rough draft first. I
thought I’d try the second option for my next book but it’s nearly finished now
and I have to confess I’ve done exactly the same thing – can’t work any other
way.
7.
What
other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I admire Sue Moorcroft’s and Jane Lovering’s books and
think that these are probably the most similar to mine. There are hints of
early Jilly Cooper in them too, but with more family problems, maybe?
8.
Who or
What inspired you to write this book?
I’m part of the RNA New Writers’ Scheme and had had my
previous book reviewed by one of their readers. The advice given made me stop
and think. I tried a rewrite but knew I needed to start again with a fresh idea
– this was the first appealing one that came to mind. It gained layers after it
was reviewed by Kate Nash and then the next year a different RNA reader added
her opinions most constructively, all of which inspired me to keep going and
make it better.
9.
What else
about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Mab meets Leo at just about the worst time in her life
for a new relationship when he is also heavily involved with someone else.
Sweet Proposal follows their progress as they battle with their consciences and
deal with starting a new business in difficult circumstances. And the food is
amazing! Some of their recipes are included as a bonus at the end.
Blurb:
Books, chocolate and a Jacuzzi: could there be a better combination? Gorgeous Geordie Leo arrives in Clayton-on-the-Bream with a mission to make his mark. When he reveals his ideas for a bespoke bookshop and chocolate-themed cafe, struggling writer Mab can’t resist his plea for help.
However, Leo’s timing is disastrous. Engaged to flighty, super-thin Sophie and knowing that Mab is up to her neck in a mysterious scheme of her own, Leo fights hard to ignore the warm, sensual friendship that is growing between them. When their eclectic mix of family and friends weigh in to help, the dream seems almost possible, but can Leo ignore Mab’s shady past? As they battle with sabotage, jealousy, vindictive neighbours and unpredictable relationships, Mab and Leo find that even chocolate can’t always make miracles happen . . .
Available from:
*****
Excerpt:
Leo swerved to avoid a dead badger. The A1 was still so quiet that groups of starlings rose in disgruntled crowds as he disturbed their breakfast, and the café where he had once eaten the best bacon sandwich of his life was firmly shuttered.
He gave in to the violent rumblings of his stomach and reached into the glove box, tearing the emergency chocolate bar open with his teeth and chewing until the bitter sweetness melted on his tongue, soothing and sensual. Chocolate and the future – they were closely linked in Leo’s mind. He sighed deeply. It was a pity that Sophie didn’t share his enthusiasm, but he supposed it was hard to get enthusiastic about a chocolate-based dream when all you ate was lettuce. Sophie was only twenty-five after all, ten years younger than Leo, stunningly beautiful and harder to amuse than a teenager on a family holiday. Maybe after they were married she would realise what a brilliant opportunity this move was going to be, and would be ready to leave Newcastle
Stretching his legs, Leo decided that this cab must have been designed for a much smaller man. He yawned, felt his eyelids droop and blinked furiously, thinking of hot baths and strong coffee. He’d had no sleep for almost twenty-four hours. Celebrating was fine, but work would have to come first from now on. It was time for the Chocolate Project. The excitement that had been building up in waves washed over Leo again, and he gave the middle-aged lady driving towards him the full benefit of his flashing grin and dimples. He saw her jaw drop and laughed for the sheer joy of living – at last, Leo was about to make his mark, and no one was going to stop him.
*****
Author Bio:
When she’s not marking children’s work, or writing stories involving pants, Celia spends far too much time on Facebook (Celia Joy Anderson) and does a lot of walking to counteract the cooking, eating and drinking which form another of her hobbies. She blogs as part of theRomaniacs online writers’ group -http://theromaniacgroup.wordpress.comand tweets as @CeliaAnderson1. Her own website was recently launched thanks to Lucy Felthouse –http://celiajanderson.co.uk and she has an author page on Facebook (Celia J Anderson)
Her ultimate dream is to have her children’s books published too. Usually sea-starved in the depths of the Midlands, she can often be found wandering happily around Brighton visiting her two daughters and pretending to collect ideas for her next book.
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