Author Interview with Marie Landry

Author Links
Blog |Facebook | Twitter
Instagram | GoodReads | Newsletter

Tell us a little about yourself. How did you begin writing? What inspires you to write?
I live in Ontario, Canada, and I’ve been writing professionally for about five years now. I’m also a graphic designer, an avid reader, and a blogger. I started writing when I was really young; I’ve always had a vivid imagination and knew from an early age I wanted to be a writer. I find inspiration in everything – real life, TV shows and movies, songs, conversations I shamelessly eavesdrop on… 😉

Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?
My intended audience for Something in the Air is anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories about friendship, love, family, and following your dreams. I think many people will be able to relate to my main character, Rose, who feels stuck in her life and is trying hard to make changes and figure out what she wants in life. Most people have likely felt stuck or lost or unsure at some point in their life, and I think it’s nice to see that reflected on the page and know you’re not alone.

How did you come up with the title of your book or series?
When I started writing the book, a character in the first chapter tells Rose there’s ‘something in the air’, and it alternately freaks her out and excites her, because she’s so desperate for change. I thought it was fitting as the title.

Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?
I actually design all my own covers. I’ve been interested in graphic design for the last 12 years or so, and when I decided to start self-publishing it seemed natural to design my own covers. ForSomething in the Air, I chose the picture because I think it captures the way Rose feels about Declan – safe, secure, happy. It gives me this warm, happy feeling whenever I look at it.

Who is your favorite character from your book and why?
That’s hard! I love Rose and Declan (Declan was extra fun to write because he’s Irish and I love Irish boys), but I’m going to say Rose’s best friend, Dante, is my favourite. He’s funny and kind and caring, and I never knew what he was going to say or do next. He’s the type of guy who’s fiercely loyal and would do anything for the people he loves. He’s also very charming and a bit cocky, which was fun to write.

How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?
My least favourite would be Rose’s mother, Gail. She’s not a bad person so much as misguided and selfish. She can be pretty awful to Rose, but I have to admit she was fun to write. She’s the complete opposite of my own mother, who is beyond amazing, so it was a challenge, but in a good way.

Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:
In the book, Rose desperately wants to travel. She considers taking a job in the UK, but part of me wondered if that was realistic. I know people do it all the time – in fact, a friend of mine (who’s also my editor) moved to London a year ago on a 2-year work visa  for the experience of living abroad and just basically a major life change – but I didn’t know if it was something Rose would do. This past summer I visited London, fell completely in love with the city, and knew if I’d had the opportunities Rose did, I’d jump at the chance. It helped me move the story along and finally finish it.

How can we contact you or find out more about your books?
I’m available pretty much everywhere online! I have a Facebook page, I’m on Twitter, Instagram, GoodReads, and I have a blog where I talk mostly about books, writing, travel, and share lots of pictures. You can find information about all my books (7 in total right now) on GoodReads and my blog.

What can we expect from you in the future?
You can expect a lot from me! I have more ideas than I know what to do with, and honestly, I hope that’s always the case. Next up is a contemporary young adult book I’m really excited about.

What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?
This is such a great question. A lot of readers have no idea just how much power and sway they hold. If someone enjoys my book – or any book – the best thing you can do to help make it successful is talk about it. Tell your friends; write a review on GoodReads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.; tweet about it or talk about it on Facebook or other social media; buy a copy of the book if you read an ARC, or if you bought the book, consider buying a copy for a friend. There are so many things readers can do, and I promise you, authors are grateful for all of it.

And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

“If you need help apartment hunting, I’m available. Or I have a spare room I’ve been thinking of renting.” I wasn’t sure if he was serious or not, but then he winked at me. “Too soon?” He laughed and I joined in. “Well, it’s true, I do have an empty bedroom, so if you get desperate…”

“I’ll keep you in mind,” I said. His brow quirked up and I blurted, “It! I’ll keep it in mind. The room. Oh god.” Heat flooded my cheeks.

He started laughing again, a quiet rumble that grew louder before tapering off. “Please do keep me and my spare room in mind.” He reached across the table and took my hand. “I want to see you again.”

Normally when I was embarrassed I got shy. This time it seemed to have the complete opposite effect. “Good. I want to see you again, too.”

SOMETHING IN THE AIR BUY LINKS
Amazon US | Amazon CAN | Amazon UK
Kobo | B&N | iBooks | Smashwords

Book Summary (Goodreads):

Her life hasn’t gone as planned, but she’s about to realize that sometimes the best things happen when you stop expecting life to be a certain way…

When Rose Morgan put off her college plans to help her mother through a difficult time, she thought it would just be a bump in the road of her journey. She got a job to help pay the bills and started picking up the slack at home. But three years later, her bumpy ride hasn’t smoothed out yet, and Rose feels stuck. She’s working at a job she hates and living with a manipulative mother. She’s tired of feeling like her life has stalled, tired of the resentment and anger building inside her with each passing day.

Then Declan Connelly appears in her life, and even though the hot Irishman is seriously tempting, Rose is determined not to let him in. She’s afraid to suck anyone into her bizarre life, especially someone who seems too charming for his own good. She soon learns there’s more to Declan than his sexy accent and charismatic personality, though. He’s a good man, and he wants Rose in his life, baggage and all. He’s got his own, and he isn’t scared away like she originally feared he would be.

Everything in Rose’s life is changing quickly. It’s finally her time–time to figure out what she wants and what her future holds. Time to get swept off her feet and not fight it. But when her plans might take her away from all the amazing new things in her life, including Declan, Rose has to make a choice. Is she willing to chase her dreams, even if it means letting go of love?

About the Author:

Marie has the best job in the world—one where she gets to make stuff up for a living and shamelessly eavesdrop on everyone around her. She writes happily ever afters while dreaming about the day she’ll have her own epic love story to tell. Most days you can find her writing, reading, fantasizing about traveling the world, listening to U2, watching copious amounts of TV on DVD, or having grand adventures with her nephews and niece.

For more on Marie and her books please visit http://sweetmarie-83.blogspot.ca. She also loves to chat with fellow book lovers, so feel free to tweet her @SweetMarie83 any time!