For
the last two years I’ve been selling myself as a medical romance writer. And
that is what I am- mostly. My heroes and heroines are doctors, nurses,
physiotherapists etc. and the settings are always medically based- small town
primary care practice, large city hospital, even a sports doctor to a rugby
team.
But one day my editor asked if I’d like to try writing
something else too. At first I was a little wary- I’d been trying to get
published by the Mills and Boon medical line for the previous few years. I was
a nurse for 22 years, I’m married to a doctor – basically, I write what I
know.
But
fortune favors the brave, so they say- and I was keen to spread my wings a
little, so I thought I’d give it a try. Trouble is, it’s a very large world out
there beyond my familiar doctors and nurses, I had a little trouble trying to
hone down to just one heroine in one career and a hero in another. So I sent a
proposal for three sisters (covering all my bases, and yes, one of them is a
doctor- just in case I needed to fall back on the comfortable). Luckily, my
editor suggested I try writing two linked books and see how I got on.
How
I ended up with a rock star and a music teacher in Backstage With Her Ex
I’m not really sure because I don’t know anything about either of those fields
(cue lots of lovely research about rock stars and their lives.) But I do know
about pushing limits, wanting something so desperately I would absolutely do
anything. I know about love, and loss, and those things are all key to a good
emotional read.
And
of course I knew about being out of my comfort zone- which is exactly how the
book opens…
Blurb:
Hiding
out in the gents’ toilets backstage is not the way Sasha imagined
bumping into her significant ex. Especially when that ex is notoriously
damaged, famously wild rock god Nate Munro! She has a massive favor to ask him,
but one glimpse of his sinfully dark eyes and all she can think about is that
he’s seen her naked!
Nate’s
used to women doing anything to get his attention, but he’s never pictured
bubbly schoolteacher Sasha as the groupie type- she’s far too sweet! But when
the paparazzi get a hint of their reunion it’s scandal all the way. Now the
question on everyone’s lips is this: In this showdown between the girl next
door and rock-and-roll royalty, who’s going to come out on top?
Have
you ever stepped out of your comfort zone? If so, what was the result?
I’d
love to hear your stories and comments and will give away one signed copy of
Backstage With Her Ex to one commenter.
Thanks
for having me here!
Louisa
xx
***Linda H. is the winner! Please email totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your mailing address!***
***Linda H. is the winner! Please email totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your mailing address!***
19 comments:
Since turning 50, it is like I have given myself permission to "step out of the box". Perhaps it's because my children have grown up and I no longer have to "hold their hand". I have tried numerous vegetables (liking most, detesting several), gone through a haunted barn (and laughed uproariously at the "ghosts'" antics), climbed a small mountain without a trail (and needed help during one part, where my DH and BIL had to drag me up by the arms because I couldn't bend my long, arthritic legs), hosted 75 people in my backyard (when it thankfully didn't rain, but I had previously been used to 25 max), spoken on a microphone at a podium to large groups of people (when my high-school English teacher had given up after dozens of tries, only to find that I was still quivering all over), and even sang (a capella) a song I re-wrote for a fellow badminton player, but had to sing it to him and his wife in front of 60 other badminton players/spouses.
I had not been long out of college before marrying and becoming a homemaker. Nearly 2 decades afterward, I realized that the kids didn't need me as much as when they were young. So I stepped out of my comfort zone and into the workforce. I found a position just before the economic downturn. Then my husband had problems finding enough work, but by then I had received a promotion and raise. It felt good to be able to be able to contribute substahtially to the family finances. That first step made me nervous but was so glad that I took it.
I am out of my comfort zone now. My dh of 39 years passed away August 1st from cancer, and I am trying to make a new life without him. It seems like everything is coming at me at once: air conditioner twice, plumber to snake out basement drain, two sick dogs, planing a renovation of my bathrooms, and now my dryer has gone out and I will probably have to buy another one. Also, I am planning a trip to California to meet an Internet friend of 7 years that I have never met, but we are like sisters: call almost every day and email every day. I am also going to widows/widower support groups.
A 5 yr relationship ended at the end of the summer and I got my own place for me and my pup. It seemed so daunting at the time, but it's awesome now! We love it and have met great new neighbors and since it's such a dog friendly place, my dog is so happy :)
Wow, Laney4 you've really been pushing yourself and stepped out of the box, I hope you've enjoyed all your new accomplishments, they sound amazing. I have to say public speaking is one of my pet fears, but there's no way I could sing in front of anyone (unless I'd had a few wines first). Go You!
Hi Lil, first steps are often the hardest, I tell that to my boys when they are scared about trying something new. I still get scared by first steps, walking into a room when I don't know anyone etc- but well done you for taking that first step and getting a job plus a promotion!
Cathy, oh my goodness, I am so very, very sorry for your loss.
Things you might have been able to handle together, and even perhaps shrug off (plumbing and air conditioning etc) must seem like they are piling up. If I were you I'd make a written list of all the important things that need doing and then tick them off one by one- that way you may feel as if you're achieving things.
But most importantly try to focus on you, on your support groups and the holiday. What an awesome time you're going to have meeting up with your new friend, and in California! Maybe the bathroom renovations can wait until you're feeling in a less busy place to deal with it? Sending prayers and hugs to you xx
Erin, getting your own place must definitely have felt daunting, but I'm so pleased you and your pup are happy. Sometimes things turn out for the best, even though we may not think so at the time xx
You ladies rock! I don't have any "stepped out of the comfort zone" stories as big as yours, but I am prod to say that I've conquered my fear of hight by going bungee-jumping. It was awesome, the adrenalin,.... I have no words to explain the rush.
Thirty-eight years ago, I decided to become a parish scripture reader. I, who could not speak publicly, was going to be the 2nd woman in our parish in a formerly all-male ministry. My quivery, quavery voice made the children think I was crying! I stayed with the ministry all these years and I'm now the go-to reader when others are not available. My mottos: " Practice Makes Perfect" and "God Will See You Through."
Aly, you are so right- you all rock! There is nothing that would convince me that throwing myself from a great height with nothing but a bit of rope to hold me is a good idea- I am in awe of you!
Pat, you sound like an amazing woman, well done- again, public speaking is one of my greatest fears so I have nothing but respect for you. I love your mottos.
I entered a story I 've written to a contest. Was always too selfconcious and shy about sharing my stuff. Didn't win but got a nice reply and it was, for me, a good thing to do. Stepping out and taking a chance :)
I have to admit, I pretty much stay in my comfort zone. I've never been very adventurous so I lead a pretty dull life.
Jo, well done on taking that step. It's very daunting to put your work out there, believe me, I know. Keep doing it, keep getting feedback, learn and grow. Best of luck!
Linda, there's nothing that says you have to step out of your comfort zone- if you're happy where you are then that is great! We're all just looking for a bit of happy in the end.
I think I wanna do it again :D
I live a boring life before, that's what my friends told me. I don't drink, I don't go out to parties and all of those things, but just last week, I stepped out of my "comfort zone" and tried something different. Went out with friends and tasted an alcoholic drink for the first time. I'm really not sure though if I want to do it again (the drinking part), got really sick the next day. But I had a great time. No regrets! :)
Going for a work interview after being a stay at home mother for over 20 years! Luckily I did get the job!
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