06/11/2013
66
Andrew
Jun 11, 2013

Guest Author Lily Velden and eBook Giveaway for Same Page

Today I have the pleasure of having my friend and colleague Lily Velden Stop by to talk about her new release – Same Page – which is Book One of How The Light Gets In. Being the unfair sort of guy that I am, I included a few non-book related questions to put Lily on the spot. After the interview, Lily is going to hold an eBook give away – just leave a comment and you can be enter. The rules are set out at the end.

Hi, Lily.  Nice to have you back. Re-Introduce yourself to everyone.

Um, hi everyone, I’m Lily Velden, the broad who walks around with one mint-flavored shoe and one chocolate one… Hey, if you put your foot in your mouth as regularly as I do, you want it to taste good!

Can I confess something, Andy? My shoes are actually caramel flavored! I lurves me some caramel!

Okay, okay, I’ll be serious.

I’m a Cancerian, Wood Dragon, No. 9 (um, Chaldean numerology, BTW, LOL) which apparently means: I love my family, love to cook, am impulsive, original, with a bit of a temper, but quick to forgive. I’m honest and a tad too trusting and accepting (hmm, is that a nice way of saying I’m a sucker?) and a ‘what you see is what you get’ person, totally lacking in guile. I’m also generous to a fault, creative, open-minded, kind, warm, and prepared to compromise.

Sounds pretty good, huh?

Can we not ask my ex-husband to verify all of the above???

On top of that, I’m an excited and nervous writer because my ‘baby’ is about to be released!

Same Page - Front Cover1) Your “baby” being your newest book, Same Page, the first book in How The Light Gets In. What’s it about?

Oh boy, where to start! How the Light Gets In is currently two novels (third being written as we speak)

Book 1 of the series; Same Page is due out on 14th June, 2013 and Book 2; The Race is On, has just completed the editing process at Dreamspinner and so hopefully will be released in July or August—hence my excitement and anxiety!

How the Light Gets In is a contemporary love story. Both novels follow the lives of Jaxon Moncrieff, famous American actor, and Liam Lassiter, an up-and-coming artist.

Same Page is pretty much set entirely in Australia as Liam emigrated from Britain to the land Down Under as an adolescent.

It’s taken me quite a while to write the boys’ story—I started in late 2009—and what a journey it’s been. Like any bit of fiction, in parts it reflects a heightened reality, in others, it casts a rosy glow to melt away rough edges, but it also attempts to be ‘real.’ It has a bit of everything: at times, you’ll laugh, at times you’ll cry (well, if I did my job right you will!) and at times you will shake your head at the boys, because isn’t that what we do with friends and family when they say and do things we don’t understand? Or when they can’t see what’s right under their nose?

2) What was the inspiration for the book and the series?

I was in my late twenties, recently separated with three small children under the age of seven to care for, and a friend gave me a tape to listen to by Leonard Cohen. There was one track on it, Anthem that had two lines in it that, when I heard them, I cried. Those lines were: There’s a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.

When I heard those lines for the first time, in fact, every time I hear them, it makes me feel okay about being less than perfect. It makes me feel okay about being a bit broken and flawed and battered by life.

For years and years and years, I’ve always carried around a small notebook with me within which I‘ve transcribed quotes, parts of song lyrics, poems, etc. that have meaning for me. If I’m waiting for a bus, or sitting in the doctor’s surgery, I’ll pull out my current notebook and read over my little snippets, all of which speak to me for one reason or another. There’s a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in has been transcribed into each and every one of my notebooks for the last twenty years. To say those words have resonated with me is an understatement.

And so one day I sat down and began writing a story about two men who each came with their flaws and idiosyncrasies. Who each came with their strengths and their weaknesses. And who each came with their emotional baggage and life histories. Two men, not perfect, but perfect for each other.

3) Wow, sound like you pour a lot of emotions into your characters. Do you find yourself letting the scenes and characters write themselves or do you go back and endlessly tweak a scene to get the emotion just right?

A bit of both, Andy. The boys dictate the scene, but I’m notorious for going back and tweaking. Truth be told, I’m the tweaker from hell! I must have driven the Dreamspinner editors bonkers! I add a sentence, I take one out, I juggle the word order, or swap adjectives! I just want it to be perfect, which is impossible, I know, but I try anyway!

I’m the same with my art—I’d even take a huge handbag with me to my openings filled with all sorts of tools and brushes and when no one was looking (LOL, yeah, right. There’s always someone looking!) I’d touch up or adjust something! Picture Mr. Bean as a woman with wild blonde curly hair sneaking from artwork to artwork, and you’ve pretty much got me nailed!

4) Having had the privilege of reading some of your writing that might not be published, your writing tends to have such vivid imagery. Are most of the ‘scenes’ you write about real or imagined?

Telegherry-RiverYou’re always so kind, Andy—thank you for saying ‘privilege’ and not ‘chore!’

So, if I tell you the scenes are real to me, are you going to send in the men in white coats???

My characters are very real to me. It takes me ages to write a novel as I need to live with my characters for a while. I need to know and understand them inside and out.

I must admit, I live the story with them. When they are happy, I’m walking around with a bounce in my step. When they are hurting, I’m quiet and withdrawn.

I’ll tell you a little story which is kind of funny in retrospect, but will probably having you booking the white van with men in white coats…

While writing Same Page there was a scene where one of the boys (I can’t say which or it will give things away) was very upset. As I wrote the scene, I was blubbering over my keyboard so much I could barely see the screen.

My daughter, Emma, stopped by unexpectedly to visit and so I leapt off the sofa and raced to the front door, drying my eyes as I went. Of course, she could see I’d been crying and so she threw her arms around me, squeezing me tight and bombarded me with questions. What was wrong? Were her brothers okay? Had anything happened to Opa and Oma?

“Something awful has happened and …….. is hurting so bad right now,” I wailed.

Emma gently pushed me away and whacked me around the shoulders, glaring at me and scolding me for scaring her. “Remind me again, that you actually enjoy writing.”

So, yes, I get very involved with my characters!

I know what it is to be happy. I know what it is to hurt. I know what it is to love, and what it is to fear. Like most writers, artists, songwriters etc. I pick my emotions apart and examine them under a microscope in the hope it will allow me to describe them more eloquently. So, yes, in that sense they are real. Most emotions are universal, even if our experience of them is individual.

5) I’ve never been to Australia, and I’m sure many of your readers haven’t as well – tell us a few things we’d like or wouldn’t like about living there. 

Mostly when I see adverts promoting Australia they focus on our beaches, and certainly they are wonderful, but personally, I love some barrington riverof the hinterland that runs just about the whole length of the east coast. None of the mountains are so huge as to be noteworthy for their size, but some of the vegetation is so lush and green. A lot of the rivers are pebble-based and so the water is incredibly clear and tastes so sweet. And when you can find a part of the river where there’s some small, shallow mini-rapids they are fantastic to sit in and sip away on something fizzy or a shandy (yep, I’m a wimp who mixes lemonade with her beer) It’s just so relaxing. The rivers are great for tubing too!

Generally speaking, the towns situated in the hinterland have a less frenetic pace of life than the major cities which are situated mostly along our coastline, and yet, because most of our population hugs the coast, it’s not that far to reach a reasonable sized town or city.

I personally don’t like the center of Australia that much, but I have friends that live there who swear by it, so, as with anything, I guess, it’s a matter of taste. I find it too dry and hot and there are so many flies! I lived in the Northern Territory for five years and I SO missed the smell of the ocean!

I think you’d like our laid back, friendly attitude – though maybe you’d find us too laid back LOL! There are parts of Australia where you really would come across the ‘she’ll be right, mate,” attitude – nothing fazes them!

kangaroo golfAs to dislikes, you’d probably not like our creepy crawlies or poisonous snakes, but it’s not like they’re sitting on your front door step every morning. In fact, I’ve only seen a handful of snakes in my entire life, and I’ve lived here since I was two.

On the flip side, you’d see and experience some cute things too. Like, where my parents live, there are always kangaroos on the golf course!

Why not come and see for yourself??? You can stay at my place!

6) ‘lil q, Mike and I come to visit for dinner – what would you serve us knowing Mike doesn’t eat Pork or beef?

When can I pencil you in for??? I love cooking for dinner parties!

Hhm, let me see… I think I’d start with something simple that’s also an introduction to the great choice of seafood we have here in Australia. Say, a Prawn Cocktail made with big, fat, juicy Australian King Prawns served on a bed of lettuce and drizzled with lashings of my homemade cocktail sauce – much tastier than the bought stuff.

Two out of three of my children loved prawns, so I figure there’s a better than 50% chance ‘lil q will as well!

The main course I’ve chosen is with ‘lil q in mind – sorry guys, but I’m a sucker for cute little toddlers! The dish isn’t fancy by any means, but when it’s done right, it’s very tasty. It was certainly a family favorite with my crew. Every time I made it, I always had to make mounds of it because everyone went back for seconds! They still do!

It’s Apricot Chicken served with creamy potato mash and steamed beans, peas, and carrots tossed with real butter.

As for dessert, as I’ve already confessed, I’m a caramel girl, but methinks ‘lil q will be infatuated with chocolate! (a close runner-up for me!) So, I’m thinking a nice light and airy chocolate mousse served with whipped cream and fresh berries. (because as long as you serve something ‘good’ with it you can have something ‘naughty’!!!)

Hopefully that sounds good enough for you to jump on the next plane and come visit!

7) Coffee or Tea? Ice cream or Cake? Chocolates or caramels?

Coffee:            Cappuccino or latte, or my absolute favorite is a Roman coffee – that’s where you put a nip of Galliano in the coffee and top it with loads of whipped cream!!! You want to try one when you come for dinner, Andrew? I always add extra cream (Galliano too, but maybe I shouldn’t admit to that!)

Ice cream:       It makes everything better! I love it served with Ice Magic chocolate and crushed nuts. Oh, and on hot pies, tarts, or strudel, where it starts to melt. Positively sinful, but oh so yummy!

Caramels:        Need you ask??? Caramels, caramels, caramels!

8) Art – you’ve done the cover art for your books. Has your art ever inspired a story?

No, it’s more a case that stories inspire my art making. When I say stories, I mean things I’ve observed, experienced, heard, and felt. A lot of my art is very personal. It speaks of my thoughts, my opinions and beliefs, my feelings, and my experiences.

Some pieces I can part with soon after completion (though, lord knows, if allowed, I’d still be tweaking them when I’m eighty!) Others, I need to own myself for a while, but with all of them, I need to know they are going to a good home. I suppose, I’m the same with my artworks as an animal lover would be with the offspring of a beloved pet.

I once refused to sell a man one of my works, in spite of him being willing to pay double the asking price. All because he was a rude, bigoted, arrogant son-of-a-bitch. Everyone thought I was crazy to refuse to sell to him, but hey, money isn’t everything!

9) Which do you find moves you more, your artist side or your writer side?

That’s a very hard question to answer, Andy! When I’m making art I’m so immersed in it I can hardly concentrate on anything else. I forget time and space. I forget to eat. I’ll look at my watch and think an hour has passed to find that five have. But then, when I’m in the middle of a story, I’m the same. Both satisfy a need within me to create.

10) What’s an ideal day for you?

To wake up without the means of an alarm clock, grab a piece of fruit and go for a nice long walk. Come home and shower, then immerse myself for a few hours in the world of my characters with a nice cup of coffee by my elbow. Stop for a bite to eat for lunch and then spend the afternoon in my workshop. Another walk, maybe some yoga, another shower and then more writing and keeping in touch with my online friends!

For either the lunch or dinner, I’d like any or all of my children to drop by and visit and tell me what’s happening in their life!

Not very exciting is it???

Sorry! What can I say? I love to escape the real world!

11) For whatever reason, you’re forced to evacuate your home with only a moment’s you’ve got a minute to leave and only what you can carry with you – what would you take and why?

My children’s photo albums – I have one for each of them filled with my fave pics of them. It would be hard, but I think I could leave the other albums behind.

Lastly, I’d take my laptop as it contains my life!

Between those things I don’t think I’d be able to carry anything else!

TheRaceIsOnORIG-112) Cycling back to why you’re here, Book Two in How the Light Gets In – The Race Is On – is set to follow this summer – pimp your next instalment a bit.

Okay, picking myself up off the floor where I fell in a heap—as soon as I saw the word ‘pimp,’ Andy I had visions of myself sporting a pair of sunglasses that were so big they made my face look like that of a mosquito. I was wearing white jeans and a fur trimmed jacket with big heavy gold medallions hanging around my neck. Yep, I fell into stereotype hell!!!

So, I’ve picked myself up, dusted myself off and I’m back in original mode!

In some ways, I feel to say anything about The Race is On will give things away in Book 1: Same Page—that some of the tension will be lost, but I suppose the mere fact there is a sequel will tell most people that the story goes on!

In The Race is On, the boys really hit their stride. They have some issues to deal with, such as coming out to Jaxon’s family and sorting out their living arrangements, seeing as one of them calls Australia home and the other the US, on top of which, they both have demanding careers. What they’re not aware of is paparazzi photographer, Rafael Cacciatore, notices the change in Jaxon and begins stalking him even more closely—he wants to be the first to get the ‘money shot’ and expose Jaxon’s lover. Will he out the boys before the boys get a chance to out themselves? As the title says; The Race is On!

Thanks for having me, Andy. As always, it was a pleasure!

Blurb:

He was like the only splash of color in a black-and-white photograph.

The man was beautiful.

At an exhibition opening in Sydney, jaded Hollywood heartthrob Jaxon Moncrieff lays eyes on publicity-shy artist Liam Lassiter for the first time and is immediately captivated. But he doesn’t get far into their first conversation before he realizes what he’s feeling is attraction, which brings him up short. Jaxon has always been a womanizer.

Despite his reservations, Jaxon makes a play for Liam, but Liam has his own issues. Unlucky in love and orphaned at sixteen, he is reluctant to open his heart to anyone, and dismisses Jaxon out of hand.

Driven by a need he doesn’t understand, Jaxon organizes a return to Sydney to film his next project. If he can’t be with Liam, maybe they can be friends. Of course, that creates a whole new problem. Now Jaxon is falling in love for the first time. How can he move their relationship from friends to lovers without destroying the trust he’s worked so hard for?

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press

Author links:

Website:               http://www.lilyvelden.wordpress.com

Email:                    lilyvelden@live.com.au

Facebook:            https://www.facebook.com/lily.velden

Twitter:                 @LilyVelden

Tumblr:                 http://www.lilyvelden.tumblr.com/

Win a copy of the eBook – leave a comment below:

To be entered in the contest, leave a comment below. No need to answer a question, or find a hidden clue, just leave behind a few words to let Lily know you visited.  Please leave an email address so we can contact you if you win.  The winner will be selected at 6:00 p.m. East Coast U.S. time on June 15, 2013 using Randomizer.org and will be selected by Andrew. Winner will be notified by Lily to make arrangements for the delivery of the eBook.

66 Comments

  1. sidlove says:

    “There’s a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in”
    True words! You are right, Lily, these words are quite powerful. I haven’t even listened to that song and I can feel it affecting me. Thank you for sharing that with us. This interview is amazing.. I find that we have some quite common likes 😀 I die for caramel!! Love love love it!
    I am a combo of author and an artist too, so I totally agree that each of those roles overtake your senses when you are doing that specific thing. Like you, if I am writing, I can write all day and if I am working on an art, I will spend an entire day tweaking the photos to make them perfect (oh yes I am a perfectionist too!)
    Your ideal day isn’t much different than mine and seriously, it is NOT boring at all. Except, I don’t have kids yet 😛 But I wouldn’t mind my lil cuz visiting me everyday (he has just turned one!) so that I can play with him for a few hours! Toddlers are cute 😀 Teenagers are not … 😛
    Your “Same Page” and “The Race is On” sound very interesting! I wish you all the very best and congrats on the releases!
    (Don’t count me in for the contest. I am already reading the book 😛 )

    • sidlove says:

      Oh and yes, thank you Andy! 😀

    • lilyvelden says:

      Thanks so much for stopping by, Sidlove, and for leaving me such a great comment. I don’t find my ideal day boring either – not so sure my kids would find it very exciting though!!!

      I hope you enjoy Jaxon adn Liam’s journey in Same Page very much.

      Hugs

      Lily

  2. sidlove says:

    Reblogged this on Sid Love and commented:
    Author Lily Velden is on Andrew Q. Gordon’s blog talking about her upcoming book “Same Page” and her love for caramel lol
    Check out the fabulous interview and get a chance to win a free copy of her “Same Page” 🙂 Good Luck!

  3. lilyvelden says:

    ANdy, Andy, Andy! What can I say? Thanks so much for having me! Your support is very much appreciated.
    Hugs

    Lily

  4. Mina says:

    I read TACIE as fanfiction, but I look forward to reading this new version, especially since you have expanded it and added more to it! I can talk from experience and say Lily is a fantastic writer, so I’m sure I won’t be disappointed! Looking forward to reading “Same Page”. xo Mina

  5. Yvonne Hill says:

    Absolutely loved the interview. How the light gets in looks like a fascinating read, definitely on my, to get, list. Laughed my socks off, when Lily described her daughter arriving in the middle of a scene that made her cry. Sorry for thinking it is wonderful, but to me it is proof that the story was written from the heart, which is a comforting thought – also a tissue warning for the future. I love to read stories that make you laugh, cry and give you a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Lily, having vested so much emotion in her writing, makes me think, I will get to experience just that, when I read it.

    If ever Lily comes to the UK, she must head for the Druckers Coffee Shop/Patisserie, and ask for a cream coffee. She will get an inch of whipped cream piped on top of her drink. It’s a race against time, whether it goes in the mouth or melts down the side of the cup.

    All the very best with the books, I know I will be reading them. I read another of Lily’s books, Gay as Mardi Gras. I howled at some of the scenes in that. If she writes drama, as good as her comedy, then we, the readers, are in for a real treat.

    • lilyvelden says:

      WOW, thanks so much for such a lovely comment.

      I hope you enjoy the journey with Jaxon and Liam – for me it has been an unforgettable one.

      If I come to the UK will you come with me to Druckers???? My shout!

  6. Kelly Laid says:

    LOVED THE INTERVIEW!!!
    Congrats Lily on finally getting published. I so can’t wait to read it in print! This will have a special place on my bookcase when I finally get a copy.
    Lots of love & again congrats
    Kel

    • lilyvelden says:

      Hey, Kel! I’m thrilled you stopped by to say hi and comment – much appreciated. Shall I come visit and sign it??? Maybe shout you a drink LOL or ten………..

  7. suze294 says:

    Hi Lily. Good luck with the new series, the 2 detailed here sound good. i have Gay as Mardi Gras to read – saving it for my summer hols in July!

    Littlesuze at hotmail dot com

    • lilyvelden says:

      Hi Suze! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on the interview (I think Andy was a priest in a past life… why else would I confess so much???)

      I hope you enjoy GAMG – it’s a little irreverent but a fun read. Jesse and Daniel (and Nan) are pitching for a sequel. Nan wants to go to a Gay Pride parade…….

      Good luck with the giveaway!

  8. CC says:

    Great interview, Lily! Makes me want to take a plane to Australia immediately 🙂
    I´m totally looking forward to the release of “Same Page”, I can´t wait for this one lying on my nightstand and waiting for me every evening!

    • lilyvelden says:

      Hey CC! Well, if you ever do come Down Under, you can stay at my place! I’ll take you on a guided tour of our beaches, hinterland, and to my mum and dad’s place!

      Good luck with the giveaway!

  9. Urbanista says:

    That Leonard Cohen lyric makes a wonderful title! Thanks for a sweet interview. Going to try some roman coffee soon!

    • lilyvelden says:

      You won’t regret it, Urbanista! The only problem is they’re addictive!

      I couldn’t agree more with you about the quote – it is one that is very dear to my heart.

      Thank you for commenting and good luck with the giveaway!

  10. mackyh says:

    Hi Lily. Promised I’d be here. Best interview ever!!! I honestly dont care if I win or not, I’ve got my precious copy pre ordered anyway but you know I heart you and your wonderful books. I agree its wonderful to escape real life sometimes and you always help me do that. Writer, artist, maker of mouth watering meals….. Are there no end to your talents?! LOL. I wish you lots of luck with your ‘ babies ‘ . I can’t wait. Much love. Macky Xoxox

    Ps I know Sid too and he is a love!

    • lilyvelden says:

      Hey Macky! Thanks so much for your continued support – I bless the day you messaged me the first time.

      There is one thing I wish I could do that I can’t (well, not without clearing the room!!!) and that is sing. I love to sing – problem is no one else loves me to sing!

      I have my fingers crossed for you with the giveaway!

  11. DebraG says:

    I would love to come visit. I want to go so bad.

  12. Oh wow… I don’t think I’ve ever cried over an author interview before. I can tell with the energy and emotion flowing here that the book is going to be amazing. I can’t wait to read it.

    email: abbylucinda@yahoo.com

    • lilyvelden says:

      Thanks so much, Mel! I hope it was tears of laughter!

      I must warn you, though, tissues may be needed at one or two points in Same Page – on the flip side, I hope some of their humor comes across as well!

      Good luck with the giveaway!

  13. Robyn says:

    I need to read more more more! I can hardly wait for the continueing story, watching this space……

    • lilyvelden says:

      Only a few days to go, Robyn – I am beyond excited! Thanks so much for stopping by!

      I hope you enjoy Jaxon and Liam’s story – I can’t seem to let them go LOL

      Good Luck!

  14. Lisa Harris says:

    great interview and the story is superb…one of the best i’ve read. a fan way back of Lily…and I wish her all the well-deserved success in the world.

    • lilyvelden says:

      Hey Lisa – you are always so generous! Thanks so much for stopping by.
      And, people, you need to stop by Lisa’s blog and get yourself a hold of some of her stories – FANTASTIC!!!

  15. Sherry S. says:

    Sounds like a very good series and I look forward to reading it. Thanks for the chance to win.
    sstrode at scrtc dot com

    • lilyvelden says:

      Hi, Sherry. Lovely to meet you! Liam and Jaxon are very dear to me and I’m thrilled that you’re willing to give them the chance to charm you as they have me!
      Good luck with the giveaway!

  16. Andrea M says:

    I enjoyed Gay as Mardi Gras very much and have been waiting for a longer book. Your writing is so great I didn’t want to quit reading and finding out that we will have more is exciting.

    • lilyvelden says:

      LOL, Andrea! Thanks so much for saying you wanted more! I think every writer would love the chance to just blather on! I’d never shut up if you let me!
      All the best with the giveaway!

  17. Karin says:

    Great interview, Lily! So glad to see you’re getting more work out there. Proud of you!

    I’m curious about your art. Do you have any pictures up anywhere of it? Would love to see 🙂

    • lilyvelden says:

      Hi, Karin! Great to hear from you – thanks for taking the time to stop by. If you go to my blog (Andy provided a link) there is a menu for my artworks. There’s not as many photos as I’d like as I had a computer crash a few years back and lost a lot of them, but what I managed to salvage is up! I should go through my portfolio and take some photos of my drawings but that would take me away from my writing……….
      Good luck with the giveaway!

  18. Trix says:

    The story sounds excellent! Fun interview too, even though I want ice cream now and I’ve barely finished with breakfast. (Salted caramel ice cream for the win!)

    • lilyvelden says:

      Trix, you can come to dinner any time if you’re bringing salted caramel ice cream! ANd dont listen to nutritionists and helath experts – ice cream is fine for breakfast…..

      Thanks for stopping by – it’s been so nice to have so many do so. I feel kind of giddy about it, to be hones!

      Best of luck with the giveaway!

  19. Cia says:

    Great interview and so different from the one you did on my blog! I love getting to know more sides of you. I wish you all the luck in your new eBook!

    • lilyvelden says:

      Aah, Cia, I’m a multi-faceted woman (that’s code for schizzo!!!!) Thanks for everything – stipping by here and hosting me on your blog. Your support and ecouragement is very much appreciated!
      Good Luck!

  20. Jo Ann says:

    This is a great interview. The interview itself is like reading an entertaining story. You and Andy would write well together:P The book sounds great and can’t wait until it is released. Thank you for making my day better!

    • lilyvelden says:

      No, Jo Ann, thank you for making my day better! I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again – Andy was a priest (with magical powers LOL) in a past life!

      One day I’ll figure out how to appear mysterious and intriguing…. but for now….

      Good luck!

  21. Cecilia Rodriguez says:

    Hey Lily!
    Just wanted to say congratulations, great review!

    You know I’m a big fan of yours and wish you lots of luck. And I’m so happy that you’re sharing your wonderful talent for others to enjoy.

  22. skylar1776 says:

    Andrew, Great Questions! I have to tell you since your first interview with Lily for Gay As Mardi Gras, I’ve been a stalker to your site. Love the Wednesday Briefs, the family pictures and looking forward to “Purpose” coming out.

    Lily, Great interview, great answers! I love that we got a little more insight into you as to how you got your title, the voices in your head, why the inside picture of your book will show you wearing a white coat…LOL! Actually I found it interesting that a line in a song had such an impact on you so long ago and here we are today with 2 books from it! I’ve been a fan of your writing for a while and you do get your readers invested in your characters. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one reading your stuff and crying at what happens to them. You included some beautiful pictures of Australia and you made it sound even better, I hope I get to visit one day. I just want to know if I can come to dinner also? It sounds delicious and I want to meet Andrew, Mike and ‘lil q too! (Honestly Andrew your daughter is adorable! I hope her ear is still healing well). All I can say in closing is that I’m glad the editors give you dead lines or you might still be tweaking and we might have to had wait for your books even longer!

    • Normally I don’t reply to comments left for guest authors, but I figured I’d chirp in here – a) thank you. I appreciate the support – truly. b) ‘lil q is doing fantastic. Happiest little girl you can imagine. She just makes Mike and I want to bust some times she’s such a joy. 🙂

    • lilyvelden says:

      Skylar, you have an open invitation to dinner! Anytime is a good time! We’ll have a bottomless cup of Roman coffee LOL Hell, I’ll take you on the How the Light Gets In tour!!!

      And you are too close to the truth with the tweaking!

      Best of luck with the give away!

  23. Heather C says:

    Wow what a nice interview!

    And I’m feeling entirely silly! Because I just realized you, Lily, are the author of Gay as Mardi Gras! I loved that story!!! I also must ask if “gay as mardi gras” is a common Aussie phrase…bc having been born and raised in Louisiana where Mardi Gras is actually a state holiday…I’ve never once heard it before. Lol I know it’s huge in other places all over the world…just curious. 😀

    I’m really looking forward to trying out your new book, although I may wait until at least book 2 is out. I’m not a patient person. Lol

    • lilyvelden says:

      Hi Heather! I’m glad you enjoyed the interview – Andy made it a lot of fun to do.
      I’m tickled pink you enjoyed GAMG – if Nan has her way she and the boys will be going to a Gay Pride parade….
      The phrase isn’t an Aussie saying – it was more quirky Nan’s analogy. She really is quite unique!
      Hopefully, The Race is On, won’t be too far behind Same Page – definitely some time over the summer.
      By commenting you’re in the running for a free eBook of Same Page anyway! Good Luck!

  24. Carolyn says:

    Wonderful interview. Great questions! I’ve just read the interview at Slashsessed, and I was delighted by your personality, but now I’m also charmed. That story about your daughter and the crying was wonderful. I love when authors are affected by their own work. It seems without that it wouldn’t touch readers quite so well.

    I’m with Sid, your day sounds wonderful, but then I tend to be a homebody who loves to get lost in books and art, too. The only thing I’d change is having more than one person dropping by, maybe get them involved in an art project or two or to chat about what I’m reading. I may like the same ol’, same ol’, but I also think there’s so much beauty found in “the ordinary.”

    Thanks for sharing with us, Lily!

    • lilyvelden says:

      Carolyn, I’m so pleased to hear you were visiting Slashsessed – isn’t it a great site? I recommend it to a lot of people looking for a good read.

      I do get very involved with the lives of my characters – it’s one of the reasons Questions and Answers isn’t finished yet. I have to write the ‘tough’ bit and I’m dragging my heels. Noah keeps telling me to put my big girl panties on – Ain’t life grand when even your characters are lecturing you???

      I couldn’t agree with you more about the beauty to be found in the ordinary – about finding joy in the little things, in the journey.

      Best of luck with the giveaway!

  25. Tel. says:

    ‘The broad who walks around with one mint-flavored shoe and one chocolate one’ Bell always makes me laugh! Thank you Andy for interviewing Bell and showing the world what a true gem with a wicked personality she is!
    What I love most about her writing is that is is so vivid, her writing style always inspires a full on movie playing in my head and that’s what I think makes it so hard when something devestating happens (I won’t give it away for ppl who haven’t read her fan fiction but bugger me I wept like a baby…Have tissue CLOSE by….I still haven’t forgiven her!!.lol) it’s that I can see it and feel it. Her stories always take me to an adventure land hun and I’m never quite sure what to expect, but i’m always as excited as hell!!…..I’ve been privlidged to read the fan fiction version of Same Page ( TACIE) when Bell had it up and I can honestly say this story will appeal to everyone! Even if they arn’t a slash reader the story between Bell’s two boys is so sweet, and pure that it just draws you in. Bell has an addicive writing style that i’m so stocked that she is getting to share with the world because it truly is one of a kind. What I love about her style is that your never gaurantted a happy ending, but what you are gauranteed is a funny, enjoyable, story that will make you laugh, cry, take you on a romantic relatable (and wishful!) journey that you wish it wouldn’t end. I can’t wait to see the changes to our TACIE boys and I look forward to the sequel!

    • lilyvelden says:

      Hey Tel, Thanks for stopping by,hon! And such lovely words! You’re making me feel shy and giddy at the same time. You’re alwaysnso generous with your praise – thank you. It’s because of people like you I finally plucked up the courage to submit something to Dreamspinner. I owe the FFn community BIG TIME.

      Did Kel tell you I’m writing the story about the three cousins, Tel, Kel, and Belle who pole dance their way thru college??? Honey, you’re an enticing redhead, and you have the moves, girl!!! LOL

  26. H.B. says:

    Great interview, very interesting questions and answers. I look forward to having the chance to read your book since it sounds like you put in a lot of time with developing and living with your characters. If it made you emotional while writing I’m hoping it’ll have just as good as an emotional impact on me.

    Thanks so much for sharing =)

    • lilyvelden says:

      Hi, HB, it’s lovely to meet you. And thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment – I’m beyond thrilled at the number that have.

      In other inteviews I’ve gone into what its like for me writing, but I’ll give you the abbreviated version. Inside my head a dinner party is going on and all the boys are chatting away and telling stories to each other across the table. There’s upteen conversations happening at once and, I guess, its the one talking the loudest who I tune into. Let’s just say the boys are VERY open LOL!!!

      Sometimes its hard feeling so close to them – yesterday at work I was internally chatting to Noah from Q&A and he’s having a rough time of it and I started to tear up. I ws sitting in my corner, praying no one would come and ask me about their expense claim forms and mentally asking Noah if he could wait until I got home – I know it sounds a little crazy, hell, it feels a little crazy, but ever since I opened the door of my brain to Liam and Jaxon back in 2009, that’s what happens.

      Best of luck with the giveaway!

      • H.B. says:

        Well yeah it does sound a but crazy but it just means you have a great imagination. It’s a bit like a child and their imaginary friend isn’t it? It sounds crazy but in actuality it isn’t so. Heck, sometimes I imagine conversations I “could potentially have one day” with a friend not necessarily a conversation that will ever come to be. I can’t stop my brain from coming up with these stuff and I imagine yours can’t either.

  27. joannfox@hotmail.com says:

    Another superb interview! I have always wanted to visit Australia and sure wish I could take the trip now. It will be a few more years before I retire, so maybe then…
    I love the idea of a small tablet. I tend to write ideas on miniscule bits of mismatched papers, which get lost more times than not. Guess I’m going to have to buy a bit bigger purse! Mine only fits some money, my cell phone and a comb right now. So a-shopping I shall go!

    • lilyvelden says:

      Joann, I feel like I’m stalking you!

      Thanks so much for taking the time to read my ramblings – thank God, Andy asked such great questions!

      Well, if you ever do make it to Aust, I hope you look me up – you can camp at my house!!! I’ll take you tubing and ply you with Roman Coffees!

      Good luck with the giveaway!

  28. Jules says:

    Great interview bb and so excited for you having this book (or I should say these 2 books) published you know I love these boys.

    Hugs x

    • lilyvelden says:

      Hey Jules! Thanks for stopping by – much appreciated. And thanks for taking the boys to your heart – they own mine as well!

      All the best for the giveaway!

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