Blog Tour Interview & Giveaway - Heart-Shaped Stone by Arby Corry

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Heart-Shaped Stone

Author: Arby Corry
Genre:
Publisher:

Book Description: 
Caila, like most dreamers, just wants to be wanted. Unlike most dreamers, she's wanted by the CIA.

When the last decade of thirty-two year old Caila Domenici’s life disappears, destroyed in a car accident, she is forced to begin again. Defying doctor’s orders to slow-go-it, she sets out to navigate the world on her own. It's not going well. Coddled from birth, everything from a bus schedule to how to boil water confounds her. Worse yet, she's about to accept her meddling mother's offer to pay for food and rent. With just a hunch her talents extend beyond that of daughter of privilege, Caila searches for her past. Before she can find it, it finds her. And the handsome azure-eyed stranger who’s saying he knows her is somehow part of it.

Caila always believed there had to be more, but now, on the verge of discovering the truth, she must decide which is worse – never knowing who she really is, or knowing too much.

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Author Interview

1. What inspired you to write your first book?

I was a single mother, raising two sons on my own, and was in desperate need of an outlet. Each night after the boys fell asleep, all was done and I was winding down from work and the day I’d sit and write for about an hour. At first it was mainly to relieve some of that frustration and weariness, but I came to believe that I’d be long ignoring a God given talent and it was time to take it more seriously.

2. Do you have a specific writing style?

Oh, I’m definitely a ‘seat-of-my-pantser,’ no doubt about that. When I just let the creative process flow things happen – things I’m never expecting. I do/did have a general idea of the genre, characters, etc. but they always seem to commandeer my writing and I just let them. I will always write like that in the future.

3. How did you come up with the title for your book?

I floated several but kept coming back to the logical conclusion, Heart-Shaped Stone, because an actual heart-shaped stone makes an appearance, or two. Not to be so obvious, but I think it was my love of finding those rocks from time to time myself that inspired the title. I mean, who doesn’t love finding one of those on a beach or a riverbed?

4. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I’ve never really thought about that to be honest. Having said that, there are many messages in there, namely, keep fighting for what you want. I know it seems awful cliché, I even cringe a little saying it, but my main character, Caila, is a warrior when it comes to getting what she wants. And that is true even when what she wants changes.

5. How much of the book is realistic?

I love this question because I pride myself on “real dialogue.” I like a good story, but love a really good love story. However, I sort of lose interest once the dialogue becomes so drippy sweet that I can no longer take it. I strive to make my characters speak, and act, as real people do. Having said that, my main character, as a professional executioner, lives in a world that seems pretty far-fetched until you read that it’s the last thing she wants to be.

6. What book are you reading now?

I’m doing a review swap with a writer friend, Beth Cook Maranville, and reading her “Closer Than Your Breath.” It’s basically a story of recovery after divorce and deception. Although I’ve been there (divorced, that is) the story does lend hope, plus, as a bonus, I’m gleaning some fun character inspiration.

7. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

I’m hearing great things about Paula Hawkins and her “The Girl on The Train.” Once I get the bones on paper for my follow-up novel, I’m going to be delving in.

8. What are your current projects?

That is the aforementioned follow-up. Heart-Shaped Stone needs, wants, no, requires a follow-up. I’ve had many ask what happens next. Soon.

9. Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

To let the story unfold and to not overthink it. I did my research, and plenty, on this book but when it came to where the characters were going and how they were going to get there I let them do the talking. It resulted in a story, and an ending, that I never could’ve plotted out.

10. What were the challenges (research, psychological etc) in bringing your story to life?

When I write, one of the biggest challenges I face is whether or not to see the book to completion. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a quitter in this regard, but some stories just warrant that extra effort to make sure it gets done and the story gets out there. I have no shame in half projects, story ideas that never saw print or an outline awaiting more. I feel with Heart-Shaped Stone , and its characters, deserved all my attention. 

About the Author: 
Arby Corry has spent the last twenty-five years in the radio business. Performing every job from radio announcer, to program director, to commercial producer to copy writer, Arby gives voice to characters found just on the other end of the request line.  Her debut novel, Heart-Shaped Stone, has received critical acclaim as well as delighting readers with its fresh approach. Arby believes in real characters, with real voices. And while a happy ending is always satisfying, she believes life has other plans. When not on the air or writing her follow-up to Heart-Shaped Stone, Arby enjoys spending time with her husband, children and the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.

Author Links:

Facebook ¦ Amazon ¦ Goodreads

***GIVEAWAY***

$50 Amazon / B&N Gift Card.

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