I am pleased to welcome you to my blog once again to meet another Clean Reads author, Bruce A. Stewart. I cannot say that I have noticed Bruce before, but I will keep my eyes peeled. Not only are we signed with the same agent, the premise of his books are intriguing and deep. Definitely makes this clean Historical Romance reader itch to pick up these contemporary pieces. (I will note here that, as an author, it is ALWAYS a good idea to read in all genres, there is so much to be learned by doing so.)
But I am rambling once again…so I will shift our focus to Bruce…
Welcome, Bruce. Thanks for being on the blog today. First, can you tell us a little about your novel?
Since tragically losing his wife three years ago, Live Oak, Louisiana dentist Joe Whitaker has relied on his steadfast mother-in-law, Laura Everett, to help with his two small children. Abby Sumner, an attorney currently living in California, has come home to Live Oak only long enough to attend her father’s funeral and settle his estate. Afterward, she plans to return to Los Angeles and never look back. After a spirited first meeting between Joe and Abby, sparks begin to fly in more ways than one. But now Joe begins to notice distinct changes in his mother-in-law’s behavior. Unsure of the reason, he soon learns of a terrible secret from long ago that could jeopardize his relationship with both women. When tragedy strikes the family at Christmas, Joe seeks divine intervention. But can he hold it together while he waits for the miracle that may or may not come?
Sounds tense. I like it!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve always written in some form or fashion. When I retired in 2009, I decided to try my hand at writing a novel. Along the way, I was fortunate to have a few short stories published and to sign with Hartline Literary’s Cyle Young. Sing Me Something Happy is my debut novel.
Congrats on publishing and signing with an agent! Both good early accomplishments 🙂
But it’s not all sunshine and roses, as you well know. There are things we writers love and things we don’t like so much… What part of the writing process do you dread?
Getting started. Once I get kicked off, I’m good to go.
That initial hump is quite the barrier. As you know, we pick up from other authors as much as we do from craft books. So, I always ask–what are you currently reading?
Recently finished Still Waters, a lovely novel by my friend, Lindsey Brackett.
My readers know by now that I set my writing mood with music. What about you? What kind of music, if any, do you listen to when you write?
I don’t always listen to music while writing but when I do, I prefer movie soundtracks. My favorite is The Last Samurai. I also like Braveheart. These just seem to motivate me, especially when writing a particularly moving or suspenseful scene.
I’m a movie soundtrack person too. Star Wars is always in my player 🙂
Do you have a favorite time of day to write? What about a favorite place?
I prefer writing early in the morning. My brain seems to work better right after a good night’s sleep. I can start around five a.m. and write until about three p.m. After that, I’m a complete zombie.
I look forward to the distraction lessness that must be life with no kids at home 🙂
How long does it take you to write a book?
As short as six months, as long as a year.
Tell us something about your newest release that is NOT in the blurb.
Sing Me Something Happy currently has 30 reviews on Amazon, 29 five-star and one four-star.
Do you have any current projects you’re working on? Care to share?
My next Clean Reads novel, Hurt Road, is scheduled for release March 13.
Thank you again, Bruce, for being on my blog today and sharing about your work and process. I’ll turn this thing toward sharing about Sing Me Something Happy and look forward to seeing more about Hurt Road in the future!
Sing Me Something Happy
“Abby glanced at the bright red digits on the clock next to her head and sighed. If she had the power to turn back time, she would definitely do it now.”
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More About the Author
Growing up in the colorful, multicultural state of Louisiana, Bruce was reared with an appreciation for diversity and a love for small town life. After high school and a couple of years of college, he began his twenty-eight-year career as a Louisiana State Police trooper, retiring as a sergeant in 2009. During that time, he witnessed the humorous, the sad, the tragic, and even the unimaginable. These life experiences give him tremendous credibility when writing about the many aspects of the human condition. Having been deployed to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Lake Charles after Hurricane Rita, he has seen firsthand the determination and courage of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances.