Hi Samantha and welcome! i'm glad you could be here with us today.
Tell me about yourself, and your writing.
Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up to date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and celebrity related. In 2011 she launched her independent publishing company Marching Ink and her debut novel Destined to Fail. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers.
My second novel, published December 5 by Marching Ink, is titled The Green Ticket.
Summary:
College junior Alex Abrams scores her dream job at the ripe age of twenty – manager to a successful salon and spa. Thrilled to finally have a real adult job, Alex enthusiastically jumps into the world of schedules, conference calls, and getting a massage when interviewing prospective employees. What she doesn’t expect are the very grown-up issues that comes with a demanding boss. Kevin Dohlman quickly becomes Alex’s worse nightmare – covering up his affairs, dealing with his enormous ego, and trying to protect her female staff from him becomes a full-time job in its own right. Alex has also befriended Kevin’s wife and co-owner, Dani, and is trying to keep Kevin’s secrets hidden from her. The situation only worsens when Kevin starts paying Alex off to make sure she keeps her insider knowledge to herself.
While struggling to keep her wits and stay happy with her new grown-up job, Alex is juggling college courses, a new love interest, and keeping up with her close group of girlfriends. When her roommate and best friend Lila gets offered an opportunity to move to Los Angeles and sign with an agent, Alex realizes her life truly is changing, and everyone around her – including herself –– is growing up. Knowing she is faced with some hard decisions ahead, Alex struggles with keeping her job at Blissful. But does she really want to throw away what she dreamed of as a career – or will the secret-keeping for Kevin become too much to handle? The Green Ticket is a story about morals versus money, and how one young woman navigates the shaky line between the two.
How long have you been writing? How many published books do you have, and what genres?
I have been writing since I was about nine, and shamelessly copying characters from Ann M. Martin and The Baby-Sitters Club. I started writing my first novel, Destined to Fail, in 2008, and it was published by Marching Ink in October 2009. My second novel, The Green Ticket, is also published by Marching Ink, and both are considered women’s fiction.
Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre?
Right now, I am just with women’s fiction, which my third title will be as well. I am hoping in the future to try to also dabble in some mystery or even paranormal!
Are you a plotter or do you write from the seat of your pants?
I have done both ways. With DESTINED, I was by the seat of my pants. I just wrote as ideas came to me. I did a lot of rewrites, so with TICKET, I decided to plot much more. I still had rewriting to do – but not as much :)
What is a typical writing day like for you?
Not typical! It really varies from day to day. I do always give myself a writing goal when I am in the midst of writing a book, and that can be writing 1,000 words, 5,000 words, or simply building a character.
Who do you love to read? Favorite authors, favorite books?
Chick lit is my first love, the books just cheer me up! Emily Giffin is a big favorite of mine, but some others that I love include Cat Lavoie, Samantha Stroh Bailey, and Jackie Pilossoph.
What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year?
To try to push outside of my comfort zone, which I plan on doing with my third book. My first two have been set in Iowa, which is where I live, but I plan on the third being set in Maine – a state I have never visited!
If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?
I would love to move things with my mind. I need that pen? Done. Ice cream in front of me? Check!
If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?
A unicorn!
Tell us a little about your latest release.
I was excited to release The Green Ticket because it was so different from Destined to Fail. It is a lot more light-hearted yet still digs deep into certain issues, such as friendships, relationships, and self-happiness.
What is something that you absolutely can't live without? (Other than family members)
Ice cream, for sure. Also my laptop and books!
Could you ever co author a book with someone? If so, who would you choose, and what would you write?
I would like to try! I think it would be fun to bounce ideas of someone. I would love to write a sports-themed book, possibly on the life of a football wife. In that regard, I would pick Brittany Brees – wife of New Orleans Saint QB Drew Brees.
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 quite enjoy a day and a good chat with Marilyn Monroe! So many questions for that blonde bombshell!
What are some of your other hobbies outside of writing?
I really enjoy dancing, Yoga, and now – wedding planning :) I’m getting married September 2013.
If you were on the staff to have a book adapted to movie, what would you pick?
I’m sure I would say one of mine – Destined to Fail if I had to choose!
What is a talent you wish you had, but don't?
To have any artistic capabilities. I have negative amounts.
Favorite color?
PINK!
Weather: Hot or cold?
HOT! I am a summer girl for sure.
Favorite place to read?
In my fiancé’s chair – it really is the comfiest!
Favorite meal?
Can I say ice cream? If I had to choose a meal meal, it would be chicken parmesan and breadsticks!
Favorite non-alcoholic drink.
This is not exciting, but our fridge is also stocked full of Gatorade and lemonade!
If you could travel anywhere and do anything, no limits or money holding you back, where would you go?
This is hard. Traveling is my passion – I have “to travel” tattooed on my right foot and majored in travel in college. Two goals I have within the US – visit all 50 states and see all the NFL stadiums!
BLURB: College junior Alex Abrams scores her dream job at the ripe age of twenty – manager to a successful salon and spa. Thrilled to finally have a real adult job, Alex enthusiastically jumps into the world of schedules, conference calls, and getting a massage when interviewing prospective employees. What she doesn’t expect are the very grown-up issues that comes with a demanding boss. Kevin Dohlman quickly becomes Alex’s worse nightmare – covering up his affairs, dealing with his enormous ego, and trying to protect her female staff from him becomes a full-time job in its own right. Alex has also befriended Kevin’s wife and co-owner, Dani, and is trying to keep Kevin’s secrets hidden from her. The situation only worsens when Kevin starts paying Alex off to make sure she keeps her insider knowledge to herself.
While struggling to keep her wits and stay happy with her new grown-up job, Alex is juggling college courses, a new love interest, and keeping up with her close group of girlfriends. When her roommate and best friend Lila gets offered an opportunity to move to Los Angeles and sign with an agent, Alex realizes her life truly is changing, and everyone around her – including herself – is is growing up. Knowing she is faced with some hard decisions ahead, Alex struggles with keeping her job at Blissful. But does she really want to throw away what she dreamed of as a career – or will the secret-keeping for Kevin become too much to handle? The Green Ticket is a story about morals versus money, and how one young woman navigates the shaky line between the two.
EXCERPT:
Chapter 1
Bustling salon and spa seeking a full time manager to oversee daily operations. Job duties will include but will not be limited to: hiring and scheduling staff, assisting with appointment management, scheduling training opportunities, dealing with cash flow, marketing and advertising of the business, and ensuring salon and spa is run with class and enthusiasm. No experience in salon and spa business is required, but a business degree is preferred. Serious, enthusiastic, and hard-working individuals please email resume and cover letter to lanidohlman@blissfulsalonandspa.com. Hours will vary, pay is negotiable and based on experience.
I cracked my knuckles against my palm, tiny pops of the bad habit music to my ears. A manager at a salon and spa? This job listing was practically screaming my name. I didn’t have any experience with managing a salon - or anywhere for that matter - but I loved getting my hair done. And mani/pedis. And my bushy eyebrows needed a good hot wax job at least once every thirty days.
I bookmarked the job listing, making a note to myself on my daily to-do list sitting next to my laptop. Polish resume, I scrawled, right after 60 minutes Pilates/yoga workout and finish cleaning bathroom.
Lila burst through the door at that moment, her long blonde hair flying behind her. “We must work out tonight. Please come and motivate me. I’m getting my pictures taken in two weeks and I really need to drop some weight. And tone up. Look firm. Look good. The TV adds ten pounds you know. Did you get your assignment done yet for Bater’s class? I need to work on that ,too.” Even though Lila Medlin had been my best friend for years, the speed at which she does everything could still amaze me. I watched her beautiful virgin hair (she’s a natural blonde the bitch) barely make it past the doorframe before getting slammed.
“You’re in luck. I was going to do some Pilates and yoga tonight anyways. Just do it with me. That will help firm and tighten you. Even though you know I don’t think you need it.”
“When I fit into your size two jeans, I’ll finally start listening.” Lila walked into the kitchen, opening cabinets then the refrigerator. “We have no food! Want to order a pizza or something? Ooh, maybe some wings? I’m craving hot sauce.”
I walked into the kitchen behind her, peering into the depths of our pathetic excuse for a dorm fridge. “We have food. Here’s a bag of lettuce, some carrot sticks back here, and croutons in the cabinet. I snagged some packets of ranch from the lounge yesterday. Voila–– let’s make a salad!”
Lila pulled a face, reacting like I asked her to go on Survivor and eats cockroaches. “Uh, yeah, salad sounds great if I was trying to starve myself, Alex. I’m craving real food, not rabbit food.”
I held my hands up in surrender. “You’re the one talking about toning and firming up. I’m just saying a salad will give you better odds then buffalo wings.”
Lila had a dream to be an entertainment reporter, and was itching for the chance to get out of Dodge- or rather, Iowa. Lila and I had been best friends since we came to Kaufman College in Des Moines three years ago, and had been living together for two. We wanted to move out on our own and get a house, but neither of us had the financials to support that yet. Lila was saving every penny to put towards photography sessions, voice lessons, and even acting classes. Her big goal was to head out to Los Angeles and somehow land an audition for Buzzworthy, the hottest celebrity news show. I supported her goal of being a reporter, even though I had no idea how to help her achieve it.
My goals weren’t as specific as Lila’s. Mainly, I wanted to be able to stand on my own two feet and stop relying on my sister for everything. Alicia was my big sister, married to Craig Bowersworth and living with their five kids in Seattle. Craig’s job as a political campaign manager led them to many places, but Alicia fell in love with Seattle the minute she laid eyes on the rainy landscape, so they settled down there. Alicia was a stay at home mom, but with Craig’s income, they don’t need the extra money. Alicia helped me stay financially afloat by sending me money each month. I held down stray jobs here and there, but still hadn’t quite figured out what I want to do when I grow up. I was studying Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship at college, and was still waiting to see where the wind would blow me.
“Fine, fine, a salad it is. Can you whip one up for me quick? I need to put my face on before Joel comes over.”
“What time is he stopping by?”
“He said around five. He has some study group thing tonight so he wanted to drop by and see me before that.” Joel Lohrbach had been Lila’s boyfriend for just over year, starting when we were sophomores in college. Lila fell hard and fast for Joel, and the attraction still baffled me. Joel was short and geeky, with spiked black hair and big glasses that did not make a fashion statement, and always has his nose in a book. Lila was tall, blonde and gorgeous, with ambitions to live in sunny LA and schmooze with celebrities. Joel was not agreeable to Lila’s future plans. I had no idea what would happen if Lila actually made it in the entertainment biz. I wouldn’t mind seeing them breakup. I thought Joel was a dick to Lila more than a sweetheart. But she loved him.
“Okay, get your makeup on and we’ll eat some salad and change for the gym. And you can help me look at this job I’m thinking about applying for. Tell me if you get good vibes or not.” Lila always says she gets “vibes” about certain things, such as if the elective I want to sign up for will be a brain buster or if the new Chinese restaurant in town has bugs in their food. And she’s usually pretty spot on.
“No problem. Are you thinking about leaving Tastie’s again?” Lila’s voice was muffled as she shouted out from the bathroom.
I put a healthy portion of lettuce in two plastic cereal bowls, quickly diced up the carrots and sprinkled those in, and shook the worn bag of croutons over the top. After smothering the salads with ranch dressing, officially taking them from a healthy snack to a questionable one with the rich, calorie-laden topping, I was satisfied. Finding two clean forks in our utensil drawer was somewhat of a challenge, since neither of us were big on washing dishes, and I took a seat at our two-person table shoved in the back corner of our minuscule kitchen.
“Did you hear me? Are you thinking about leaving Tastie’s?” Lila came back into the kitchen, her face glowing and her blue eyes popping, even though she looked like she had no makeup on. I had yet to master the natural look like she could–– wearing two tons of concealer, highlighter, blush, shadow, liner, and mascara, and looking like she had just woken up. Mine always ends up looking like clown makeup when I try.
I dug into my salad, loading up my fork with lettuce and a crouton. “Yeah, just thinking about it, though. I’m getting tired of all my Friday and Saturday nights getting spent with sleazy guys. But the money is really helping me build up my savings account. I can’t live off Alicia forever.”
“I know, but look how good you’re doing saving money. You won’t be a waitress forever.”
“I wish I knew what I did want to be. How hard is it to figure out a career, especially as a junior in college? Shouldn’t I have this down already so I can stop taking all these electives?”
“Some people need more time. You’ll figure it out. If you don’t by the time I hit the high road out of this state, just come to LA with me. You could probably find a job out there in a heartbeat.”
“As what?”
“A model! An actress! I could get all the exclusive scoops on which designer you’re wearing and who you’re making a sex tape with next, and we could rule the world out there.”
“Lila, I won’t be making sex tapes with anyone in the foreseeable future. And the unforeseeable future, you perv.” I dug out the last crouton from the bottom of the bowl, crunching it between my teeth. “Besides, that lifestyle just isn’t for me. I don’t like being the center of attention. I would rather be behind the scenes.”
REVIEW RATING: 4.5 LIGHTNING BOLTS
REVIEW: If you've ever landed your dream job, would you be able to balance it all? Young, still going through school and juggling life, Alex gets a chance of a lifetime when she applies to work at a spa, and to her surprise, lands this job! Now, it's time for the real world to really hit and sink in, as suddenly her life is thrust in a bit of an uproar.
Alex is the kind of character anyone can relate to. She's an every day woman learning the balance of everything she dreams, desires, and needs.
The writing is well done, the dialog really zings, with witty and fun comments. The plot moves at a great pace, and the characterization is well done! The words really flow from the pages and brings the entire story to life. Ms. March does a great job keeping everything together, making for a smooth, funny, and truthful read. She engages the readers right away and doesn't stop until the very last page.
Author Bio:
Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up to date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and celebrity related. In 2011 she launched her independent publishing company Marching Ink and her debut novel Destined to Fail. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers.
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Thank you so much for having me Nikki!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview and information Samantha's book. The Green Ticket sounds like a book I would enjoy reading - Thanks for the excerpt and review too!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview and excerpt - Best of luck on your wedding!
ReplyDeleteLoved this excerpt as the characters completely jumped off the page. Thanks for sharing and cheers to your sales!
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