Welcome to Friday, and welcome to my blog! Today, please help me welcome Catherine Lavender to Storm Goddess Book Reviews for an interview!
Tell me about yourself, and your writing.
I’m from Baltimore, Maryland but now reside in Tampa, Florida with my miniature schnauzer name Ripken. I’m an animal activist, as well as a supporter of the organization First Book which helps supply literature for underprivileged children. In my spare time, I enjoy reading classic literature, writing fiction, and playing the acoustic guitar. I’m also a huge Ravens fan (Super Bowl Champs)!
How long have you been writing? How many published books do you have, and what genres?
I’ve been writing forever since I was a kid, and Eighty-Eight Keys is my first published book.
Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre?
I just love to write, I don’t really limit myself to a specific genre.
Are you a plotter or do you write from the seat of your pants?
I always attempt to write an outline to help guide me through a story; however I always tend to write freely with fresh ideas, and let the story flow in its own direction. Coming to think of it, I’m pretty sure that the original outline of Eighty-Eight Keys is quite different then the actual manuscript.
What is a typical writing day like for you?
Sporadic…I only write when I’m inspired.
Who do you love to read? Favorite authors, favorite books?
It’s hard for me to have a favorite book…I love to many to count….and It’s hard for me to have a favorite writer, when so many has inspired my life in so many ways. But I can say that I love to read William Bernhardt.
What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year?
I would like to release my second novel, ‘Shadow of a Yardbird’ that I’m currently working on.
If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?
I would love to be able to talk to my dog in a common language that we could both understand.
If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?
There is no other pet I would have besides a dog. I’m a huge dog lover.
Tell us a little about your latest release.
My Eighty-Eight Keys is about a young woman name Leah who is trying to break free from a strict religious background and pursue her dream as a pianist in the world of show business. While trying to find her independence her heart is held captive by Jason Rowe a local basketball star who established an organization to help troubled youth. When Jason is found murdered in his home, Leah is determined to get answers from a closed investigation. During her state of emotional turmoil, Leah finds comfort not only in the melody of her music, but in the arms of a married man named Calvin. With her dreams at her fingertips, Leah is tangled in a web of lies and deceit. Despite the fear of learning the truth, Leah has to realize that only the truth can set her free.
What is something that you absolutely can't live without? (Other than family members)
I can’t live without my dog Ripken, he is my heart, and he brings so much happiness in my life.
Could you ever co author a book with someone? If so, who would you choose, and what would you write?
I don’t think I could co-author with someone.
If you could spend a day with anyone from history, dead or alive, who would it be, and what would you do? What would you ask them?
I would have to say Jesus, simply because I have a Christian faith background, and he is the most talked about person from history. I’m not sure what I would do, or what I would ask. But I’m sure it would be an emotional experience.
What are some of your other hobbies outside of writing?
I’m often found at dog parks, and I love to play the acoustic guitar!
If you were on the staff to have a book adapted to movie, what would you pick?
Dark Eye- William Bernhardt – that book would be a blockbuster hit.
What is a talent you wish you had, but don't?
Favorite color?
I was born with no choice of having any other favorite color than Lavender.
Weather: Hot or cold?
I prefer Cold- simply because I love to snuggle up with my miniature schnauzer Ripken.
Favorite place to read?
No Favorite place to read, because whenever I read, I get lost in a different world.
Favorite meal
My mother cooking – it’s the only time I can really have a home-cooked meal, since I’m a disaster in the kitchen.
Favorite non-alcoholic drink.
Coffee- Bold - Black – No cream – Five to seven packs of fake sugar. Trust me when I say that I’ve been an addict since I was like ten.
If you could travel anywhere and do anything, no limits or money holding you back, where would you go?
Alaska! The glaciers and snow-top mountains are beautiful. I would love to be trapped in a small cabin for a few days, with a wood-burning fireplace, a suspense novel, and a big bag of marshmallows.
Leah is a young woman who is trying to break free from a strict religious background and pursue her dream as a pianist in the world of show business. While trying to find her independence her heart is held captive by Jason Rowe, a local basketball star who established an organization to help troubled youth. When Jason is found murdered in his home, Leah is determined to get answers from a closed investigation. During her state of emotional turmoil, Leah finds comfort not only in the melody of her music, but in the arms of a married man named Calvin. With her dreams at her fingertips, Leah is tangled in a web of lies and deceit. Despite the fear of learning the truth, Leah has to realize that only the truth can set her free.
A dead lover, with a trail of broken hearts...
A married man, with a double-life...
A dream chaser, with a killer at her heels...
A piano, with eighty-eight keys...
Review Rating: 4 LIGHTNING BOLTS
Review: The time has come, to break free from her past, only to find that the future may be troublesome.
Leah wants to start fresh, find herself and live her life the way she so desires. She begins to meet new people, befriend them, until something happens that sends her into a mist of lies, secrets and trouble. She finds solace in music, but even that doesn't stop the need to understand, to find out the truth when everyone else has long stopped looking.
Filled with twists, turns, a bit of angst, and plenty of suspense to keep me on my toes, Eighty Eight Keys is a riveting story of a woman thrown into the real world, hardships she has to overcome, and relationships that are complicated and intense.
This is a great story! The characters are well rounded, believable and interesting. I'd love to read more from the author.
Author Bio:
Catherine Lavender is from Baltimore, Maryland but now resides in Tampa, Florida with her miniature schnauzer name Ripken. She is an animal activist, as well as a supporter of the organization First Book which helps supply literature for underprivileged children. In her spare time, Catherine enjoys reading classic literature and playing the acoustic guitar.
Connect with Catherine!
www.catherinelavender.com
Thanks for the interview, review and spotlight on Eighty-Eight Keys - I've seen it several places and debated purchasing it several times...lol...guess I better give it a try:)
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