Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Sharon Struth and The Hourglass!

It is with the utmost delight I host my dear friend and fellow agency mate, Sharon Struth, at Tattered Pages today! She brings with her a bit about her writing career, as well as a snippet from her lastest release The Hourglass. I've got this one loaded on my Kindle, Sharon, and can't wait to read it!

~ * ~ 
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?

LOL It's no wonder you and I get along so well, Sharon. My kids always groan when I start conversations with complete strangers in the grocery store. :-)

And now for a sneak peek inside THE HOURGLASS!

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.
~ * ~
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

20 comments:

Unknown said...

AJ, thanks for hosting me today! I love your new blog! And hello new friends. I'm grabbing some coffee and will be popping in throughout the day to say hello.
Sharon

Debbie Christiana said...

Great interview, ladies! Sharon, I just started The Hourglass last night and can't wait to sink my teeth in it. Good luck!

Terri-Lynne said...

I am saving The Hourglass for a sexy-summer-skychair read. There's nothing like sitting in the skychair, late afternoon, reading. I promise not to giggle at you when I see you at writing group. :)

Great interview! Thanks, ladies!

Unknown said...

Hi Debbie!
Oooo I'm excited you started it! My Mother started it yesterday, too, after a five hour lesson in how to operate a Nook! She's only called once with an operating issue. I'll give her credit for trying it at her age (78).
Thanks for joining us!
sharon

Unknown said...

Hey Terri.
I'll be very happy to join you in spirit at the beach. Yes, it's a wonderful, relaxing time to get into a book. Yay, glad you're finally joinng us at this next meeting! Thanks for posting.
Sharon

AJ Nuest said...

Good Morning, everyone! Sorry I am late to the par-tay! Sharon, I am sooo glad you are here with me today. I couldn't be more thrilled to have you as my agency mate. I have The Hourglass loaded onto my Kindle but haven't had the time to dive in yet. Grrr... I need to be cloned. Seriously. I'm with Terri-Lynne, thinking this is going to be the perfect summer read! I can already taste that umbrella cocktail! Whoot! Can't wait!!

Patricia said...

What a cool interview and congratulations on your book, Sharon. I enjoyed the excerpt. Great writing.
Patti

Rachel Brimble said...

Great interview, ladies! I love that your husband is reading your book, Sharon. Mr B has yet to succumb...he's so supportive, I think that might be a push too far for him, lol!

I, too, have your book on my Kindle - it's on the list, promise. As soon as I get to it, you'll be the first to know :)

Rachel x

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Super interview, ladies. I really enjoyed it. Good luck with your new release, Sharon (love the cover!). Wishing you fabulous sales and positive reviews.

AJ Nuest said...

Every time I log on and see Sharon's smiling face, I grin. She's just so darn cute! LOL

Unknown said...

Patti, thank so much and also for stopping by.

Rachel, I will say I was kind of shocked. I'll bet he wondered a little bit what goes on in that crazy mind of mine...the one that is always on her computer and insisting that I'm not working too hard!
One night he mentioned a scene and I started to say something about it and right away he said "DON'T TELL ME!" Yikes, guess he got into it. Lol!

Vonnie, thanks so much! I really love my cover, too. It's a blessing for an author when that happens. I hear some horror stories.

Thanks for stopping by you guys!
Sharon

Unknown said...

AJ, YOU make me smile! I love your energy and can feel it over the internet!
Sharon

Unknown said...

Great interview ladies. I'm looking forward to reading The Hourglass!

AJ Nuest said...

I am CRACKING UP your husband said that to you, Sharon. How awesome is that! I wouldn't believe my eyes if I walked into the house and my dh was reading one of my stories. I'm quite certain I would keel over in a dead faint.

Unknown said...

Hi Anne! Thanks for stopping by and your interest in the book.
Sharon

Lou's Threads said...

I found your great blog through the WLC Blog Follows on the World Literary Cafe! Great to connect!

Unknown said...

I found your great blog through the WLC Blog Follows on the World Literary Cafe! Great to connect!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! :)

Joyce Strand said...

I found your great blog through the WLC Blog Follows on the World Literary Cafe! Great to connect!

The HoneyNerds said...

This sounds like a great read!

I found your great blog through the WLC Blog Follows on the World Literary Cafe! This is mine if you would like to check it out: Bookish Whimsy Great to connect!

Teena in Toronto said...

I enjoyed this book.

http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/07/book-hourglass-2013-sharon-struth.html