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.Q. What inspired your plot for The Green Ticket?
I actually became fascinated a few years back with the money versus morals topic when I watched a young girl marry an older man (we are talking a 50 year age difference) and be fine that people knew she married him for money. Well, fascinated and quite disturbed I should say! That gave me the spark to write THE GREEN TICKET and even though the plot is entirely different, the concept is still there.
Q. Who would you cast as Alex and Henry?
I would love Emma Stone and then either Zac Efron or Tim Tebow (if he was an actor!) to play Henry.
We both had a great group of girlfriends in college, and I do have experience working at a massage clinic and also a hair salon in college. I think I feel a stronger connection to Alex, as I love her business savvy mind!
Q. I thought you did an amazing job describing everything that goes on at a Salon & Spa, and I'd love to know where you were able to get such great information. Have you worked at a Salon & Spa before or did you actually get this information by doing research?
I have! When I was thinking of what job choice to give Alex it was between either salon/spa or hotel, as I have held those positions previously and I like to be able to use life experiences in my writing.
Q. If you were to ever find yourself in a situation as Alex (i.e. with Kevin), do you think you'd handle it differently or just as Alex did?
I’m really not sure. I know every situation is different, but if I was directly transplanted into Alex’s, I probably would have reacted pretty similar – by reaching out to my friends for help and advice. I’m not one for confrontation, so I think it would be hard for me to stand up to Kevin on my own!
Q. Out of your two published novels, which one is your absolute favorite. Why?
The Green Ticket! I don’t know if it is because it’s just newer, but I also felt much for creative in this novel. I really let myself be controlled by the characters in the book and let them write their story for me.
Q. How did the release for The Green Ticket differ from the release of Destined to Fail? Were you more excited or nervous the second time around?
I felt much more prepared when releasing The Green Ticket. I think I was just so excited for Destined to Fail to be done and ready that I hit publish with no real marketing plan in mind. This time, I took my time, created a marketing plan, booked a blog tour, and the publishing experience has been much smoother.
Q. In The Green Ticket, I couldn't help but notice all the mentions of weddings, which leads me to my next question. Would you ever write a novel with a bride as the main character?
Yes! It’s funny, because I wrote The Green Ticket before I was engaged, but there are plenty of wedding references in there ;) I would love to actually write a spin-off novel from The Green Ticket that is from Emma’s POV, and feature her upcoming nuptials.
Q. What are you currently reading?
I am reading MAVEN FAIRY GODMOTHER: THROUGH THE VEIL by Charlotte Henley Babb for CLP Blog Tours.
Q. What is your favorite novel that you've read for this year?
Ooh, so many good ones. One that I truly loved – and loved enough to offer the author a publishing deal through my company, Marching Ink – was BREAKING THE RULES by Cat Lavoie! I definitely recommend this one!
Q. What are you most looking forward to in 2013?
My wedding! I am getting married September 7 and am so excited :)
Q. What can your fans expect next? Is there anything you can share with us about book number 3...maybe the title or the plot?
I am working on book number 3, which I am really excited about. It doesn’t have a title yet, but the story is set in Maine, features two best friends...and death!
Q. Back in May, when we had our first interview, I asked you for advice for aspiring authors; and since I'd hate to make you repeat that lovely advice again, I'm going to try something different. What advice do you have for people who have written their novels and think it's not good enough? What about for the people who believe they are ready to publish their novel?
My advice for those who don’t think their novel is good enough is to find a handful of beta readers – readers who offer feedback on your book. Get a manuscript critique and really listen to the suggestions. I have done both with each book and will continue in the future.
For those who are ready to publish the novel, I give the same advice as above, even if you think it’s awesome. Always get another opinion, and always hire an editor before publishing. Once those are done, work on your marketing plan before publishing. You will not regret that.
Connect with her
Buy the book!
2 comments:
Thanks for having me!
Best wishes on your upcoming marriage. That would certainly be something to look forward to in 2013. I like your example of the money/morals issue. I always think that if a woman is marrying a much older man for money, then that man is marrying a much younger woman for some reason (usually other than love). I think it reflects their morals but it's certainly not "society's" business.
Post a Comment