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Novelist Sharon Struth believes you’re never too old to pursue a dream. The Hourglass, her debut novel, received first place in the Dixie Cane Memorial Contest and second place in the Golden Heart. She writes from the friendliest place she’s ever lived, Bethel, Connecticut, along with her husband, two daughters and canine companions. For more information, including where to find her published essays, please visit http://www.sharonstruth.com. 
Let's start by learning a little bit about you, Sharon, the author. For instance, how did your writing career begin?
After over
twenty-five years in accounting, I grabbed the brass ring and decided to pursue
a new career. Sorry for the cliché, but I truly believe life really is too
short to let my fears stop me from a dream. For the past five years, I’ve
pursued this craft every single day. I’m no longer afraid and so glad I stepped
out of my comfort zone.
Yay! I love that. Writing is, at it's utmost basic level, about letting go of our fears. Okay, so, since you mentioned comfort zones (heh, heh), tell us what heat level you prefer to write. In your books should folks expect that bedroom door to be open or closed?
I love the tension created when two people are attracted to each other. Playful banter or a subtle brush of knees while sitting close, the tiny details that make me crave more for these characters. When they do get physical, a savored kiss and meaningful caress is definitely in order. I’ll take you right into the bed, but then give my characters a little privacy.
Excellent. So tell us a little about The Hourglass. Of the characters you created in that story, which one is your favorite and why?
In The Hourglass, it’s CJ Morrison. CJ intrigued me and surprised me while writing this story. I knew he was rough on the surface. In the process of writing this, he slowly revealed how the curmudgeonly act and abruptness hid a softer caring man. A man who wants to be a better person. A loyal man. A man who’d do anything for someone he loves. I think we all know someone who—on the outside—might have an edge. Yet I’m a believer that it sometimes takes getting to know somebody to see their real soul.
Agreed. And I love the unfolding of the character throughout the book, coming to know them as a reader. CJ sounds like a keeper to me! Speaking of reading, who would you say is your favorite author and why?
My reading tastes run on the eclectic side (much like my decorating tastes). Jennifer Weiner makes me laugh; Jodi Picoult pulls me a world without warning and wows me with her prose; Harlan Coben writes first lines that blow my socks off and keeps me flipping through the pages wanting answers.
LOL I'm cracking up about the decorating. Me too! Okay, so what about your husband? Has he ever read your work? And if so, what was his reaction?
Yes and no. One
of the things I love about asking my husband, Bill, to read my work is that
he’s completely honest. One of the things I hate about asking him is that he’s
completely honest!
The truth is,
I’m lucky to be married to a man who cares enough to give me truthful feedback.
Prior to publication, he had only read a few scenes from The Hourglass. On the day it was released, I’d gone out. When I
came home I asked if he saw my book up on Amazon. He turned his tablet around
so I could see the screen and said, “I’m reading it.” I was shocked and
thrilled. So far, he’s only had good comments.Wow! That's so cool. Good for him...and for you, too! LOL Give me the five top words your best friends would use to describe you.
Chatty. Funny. Sensible. Hard working. Did I say chatty?
Can forgiveness
survive lies and unspoken truths?Until Brenda McAllister’s husband committed suicide, she appeared to have the ideal life: a thriving psychology practice, success as a self-help author, and a model family. But her guilt over her affair with Jack’s best friend prevents her from moving on. Did Jack learn of her infidelity? Was she the cause of his death?
The release of Brenda’s second book forces her into an unexpected assignment with arrogant celebrity author CJ Morrison, whose irritating and edgy exterior hides the torment of his own mistakes. But as she grows closer to CJ, Brenda learns she wasn’t the only one with secrets—Jack had secrets of his own, unsavory ones that may have led to his death. While CJ helps Brenda uncover the truth about her husband, she finds the path to forgiveness isn’t always on the map.
Excerpt:
Somehow
her goal of indifference toward this man had gone into hiding. Determined to
fix the added damage she’d just done, she straightened her shoulders, softened
her tone, and smiled. “Double-fisted drinker, huh?”
He
cut his eyes in her direction and evaluated her with suspicion. “One’s for
Autumn.”
Brenda
chortled out loud as a Shirley Temple-drink wisecrack jumped from her brain to
the tip of her tongue. About to open her mouth, she halted the comment when CJ
narrowed his gaze.
“Listen.”
Brenda’s tone became more affable. “We’ll have to work together pretty soon.
I’m thinking we should clear the air.”
“Really?
Well, I’d say you’re itching for a fight.”
For
a brief second, she pondered the notion that he might be right. Had CJ’s
earlier grumpiness offered an excuse to funnel untapped anger over Jack’s
abrupt departure? Anger she’d kept bottled inside for the past year? “No. Just
conversation.” She used as much sincerity as she could muster.
He
surveyed her, then shook his head. “My Aussie grandmother used to call me a
larrikin when I acted like you.”
“What’s
a larrikin?”
“Depends
on how it’s used.” He cast a scorn-laden glance in her direction.
The
bartender placed two cognacs in front of CJ, who pulled a twenty from his
pocket and handed it to him.
“You
didn’t answer my question.”
The
bartender returned with his change.
“Look
it up.” CJ pocketed the bills, then lifted the drinks. His mouth curved into an
I-got-the-last-word-this-time smirk and he walked away.
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Discover more about Sharon Struth here:
Blogs at "Life in the Middle Ages"
http://www.sharonstruth.wordpress.com
THE HOURGLASS Webpage and Trailer: www.thehourglassnovel.com
THANKS FOR VISITING WITH US TODAY!
XO AJ XO
