Friday, March 4, 2011

Guest Author Series - Welcome Author Regina Andrews


STEPH: Tell us a little about you. Where do you live? How long have you been writing?

REGINA: Hi Stephanie, thank you for having me today on your fabulous blog! A resident of Providence, RI, now, I grew up in nearby Barrington. The Ocean State has a lot of appeal for me!

My wonderful mother read to me as far back as I can remember and I am sure that’s why I love reading so much. Loving reading, and being a natural talker, I think writing became the next logical step. It came in handy when I didn’t have an audience to tell my stories to, I could just keep going, and write everything down. That began early on, and I just never stopped. The publishing came later.

STEPH: I don't know much about "Light of the Heart." What's it about?

REGINA: “Light of the Heart” deals with the effects of a difficult childhood on the heroine, Cascade Preston, now a very successful stained-glass artist. As a child she knew her father was abusing her mother but was powerless to stop it. She was aware as a child that the town knew of the trouble in her house, yet did nothing to stop it. Her anger and resentment are so intense that she refuses to return to Sterling Lakes. However, circumstances take a turn and the project to redo the stained-glass windows in the town church becomes hers. As she is challenged to let the light of God’s love shine into her heart, she also meets the hero, Dan McQuay.

STEPH: What was the inspiration behind the story?

REGINA: That's an interesting question. I have always written pretty 'safe' Inspirationals, and I searched in my heart to hear a story that might needed to be told. Many years ago, I knew the hero and heroine of this story (in my mind) but Cascade's back story only came to me recently. I was not sure about it when I stopped and thought about the theme, it seemed so edgy...so I didn't stop, I just kept writing what was in my heart. After all, I had waited a long time for Cascade to tell me her story! I'm so glad the story incubated and now has the depth and substance her story really deserves. Sometimes, a writer has to be patient, and wait for the story to get to them. I'm not patient, at all! But I am so glad I waited!

STEPH: How important was the setting to the story?

REGINA: Oh, setting is always critical to my stories. Here, it is an absolute 'must'! Sterling Lakes, with all the problems the town has had in the past, and all the natural gifts they enjoy, typifies the dichotomy of the human experience: it's beautiful and ugly, good and evil all at the same time...just like the human soul.

STEPH: If you could cast the movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?

REGINA: OOOH! Okay, Cascade Preston: Amy Adams and Dan McQuay: Let me get back to you, Steph!!

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?
REGINA: Well, it's funny, I really ruminate...and I've been 'hatching' this one since way back when lol! The real work for me is thinking, plotting and envisioning the book. Once I sit down, it does not take too long. This was done in a few months, then delivered to a great editor who I must say really seemed to 'get it' quicker than I did, sometimes! Bless her!

STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

REGINA: Yes, I have a Kindle that I love love love!!

STEPH Do you belong to any writing groups or writing afflilations? How helpful have they been to you?

REGINA: In the past I belonged to RWA and was in the NE chap of RWA, in fact, I was the librarian for a while. I can't tell you how wonderful that was! What a great group! I am still friends with lots of the writers and count their encouragement as one reason I ever had the confidence to send my work out to publishers!

STEPH: Can you tell us a little about the state you live in?

REGINA: Shakespeare asked "What's in a name?" in Romeo and Juliette and Little Rhody is a good example of a really powerful answer to that query! Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country, but nestled into a section of ocean, mountains and forest, it has incomparable natural beauty. On top of that, we are the nucleus of several world-renowned Universities and Colleges, so our intellectual community is vibrant and ever-evolving. An outgrowth of that is the Arts community, with museums, theaters and -yay - restaurants. Plus, we are a real cultural crossroads, with folks of all nations finding their homes here and propelling the life of the entire community into ever-enriched levels of shared experiences.

STEPH: If you could visit one country, what country would be on your bucket list?

REGINA: In a heartbeat, I'd go back to Greece. I had a trip to Egypt booked for May...I will get there some day!

Thank you, Stephanie!
Big hugs,
Regina

STEPH: Thanks for being here today, Regina! It was great to have you.

Buy Link:http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/ReginaAndrews/Page.bok

8 comments:

  1. Hi Steph,
    Thank you so much for having me here today! I am thrilled to be visiting you and chatting about "Light of the Heart"! BTW, I think Robert Downey Jr. would be a good Dan McQuay...
    Hugs,
    Regina

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  2. Hi Regina,

    Steph, thank you for hosting this wonderful lady and gifted author. I read an excerpt from "Light Of The Heart" a few days ago. It was very real, pulled me into the story.

    Congratulations on a wonderful story. Here's wishing you mega-sales.

    A trip to Greece? May I go, too? LOL

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  3. Hi Laurie!

    Thank you for your wonderful comment, your great encouragement and fabulous friendship. You're very special and an exceptional writer!

    Oh yes, let's all go - I'll organize an Odyssey! Mama Mia! lol

    Big hugs,
    Regina

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  4. A wonderful interview, Regina. I love reading about your new book. It sounds as though it will tug at the heartstrings. And, I liked reading about Rhode Island. We went there to visit my cousin about six years ago, and I loved it. We stayed in Bristol, where we were told they had the first ever July 4th parade.

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  5. Hi Gail,

    Oh my gosh, you have a cousin in Bristol! It is a small world after all, right? Wow. It would be so great if you could come back for a visit. The 4th of July parade is fantastic.

    Thanks so much for your comment, too, very glad you enjoyed the interview. Doesn't Steph ask such great questions?
    Hugs,
    Regina

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  6. I know I'm late, Regina, but your new book sounds great. I LOVE Rhode Island. It's such a cool little state. I adore Newport, RI. I love the manisons there, especially the Breakers.

    Smiles
    Steph

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  7. Hi Steph,
    Thank you so much for hostimg me today! What a great experience for a first-time series writer like myself. Hope you'll find your way back to 'Lil Rhody really soon! I'll make sure you have a blast.
    Hugs,
    Regina

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  8. Hi Regina,

    We were both blessed with great mothers. Mine read to me a lot too. Robert Downey Jr. sounds wonderful for Dan McQuay! I can see Light of the Heart being made into a movie!

    I'm thrilled for you with your new release! Enjoy your blog tour!

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