I'm very happy to introduce you all to a fellow Michigander and a member of my writers' group, the Mid-Michigan Chapter of RWA, Amy Olle. She's here to share information not only about herself but about her debut novel Beautiful Ruin.
Welcome, Amy. First off, tell
us about yourself.
I’ve been writing romance for the
past eight years. In college, I studied Psychology and met the love of my life.
We’ve been together for 21 years and have a five-year-old son who has to be the
most brilliant, precious five-year-old ever to have lived, LOL!
When did you first realize you wanted to
be a writer?
After
I finished the long slog of writing my graduate thesis, I wanted to read
something less academic and more entertaining. I picked up Outlander and discovered the genius of romance novels. I spent
years devouring romance novels in every subgenre and soon I’d become that
stereotypical budding writer with my head full of elaborate daydreams and
snippets of stories. In high school, my best friend and I would write short
stories and share them, but I’d given that up while studying in college. Then one
day it all came together and I knew I had to try writing a romance novel. Just
a pure, simple wish to write a book, and so very naïve!
What
two authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own
writing?
Only two? Susan Elizabeth Phillips and
Lisa Kleypas or Julia Quinn. That's cheating, I know!
What’s
your favorite movie? Why?
I'm going to cheat on this one, too!
One of my favorite screenwriters is Cameron Crowe (My favs include Jerry
Maguire, Almost Famous, Elizabethtown, Singles). He writes fantastic characters
and his stories have so much heart. And great one-liners (You complete me,
anyone?). Oh, and Pixar movies rank up there, too (did I mention I have a five
year old?). The Pixar studios are bursting with genius storytellers.
What
did you learn from writing your first book?
I think I learned more about how NOT
to write a book (A plot? What’s that? Do I need one?). I learned quite a bit
about my own writing process, and the consequences of not allowing the process
to unfold. Respect the process! I learned I hate editing more than I hate the
blank page, and I learned
(and continue to learn) an awful lot about the many ways doubt and uncertainty
destroy creativity and productivity.
In
the years I spent writing and rewriting this book, I moved across the country, started
a new job - twice, had a baby, and lost my dad to illness. Sometimes, I think
about that naïve wish to write a romance novel, and then I start laughing at
myself.
What
do you hope readers take with them after reading your work?
I hope readers are entertained,
uplifted, and that their hearts are touched. If my books can generate thought
or compassion, all the better. And of course, I want them to want to read the
next book!
Tell
us about your latest book, including its genre.
My debut novel, BEAUTIFUL RUIN, is a
contemporary romance. It’s the first book in a series about five Irish-born
brothers sent as children to live with family on a remote island of the coast
of northern Michigan. Noah and Mina are two wounded souls who have endured past
betrayals, which make trust and true commitment incredibly difficult for both
of them, and yet desperately longed for.
Beautiful
Ruin blurb:
A good archaeologist always finds
what he’s digging for…
When Mina Winslow buys her ancestral
home with plans to restore it to the beautiful sanctuary it once was, she
discovers more than she bargained for. Soon, she's reunited with a man from her
past. The one man she never stopped longing for.
Renowned archaeologist, Noah Nolan,
swore he’d never return to the small, remote island in Lake Michigan. After
agreeing to complete a short-term excavation project, he realizes the site
belongs to the woman who inexplicably rejected him years before. A woman he’s
never forgotten – or forgiven.
When Noah’s affinity for uncovering
all things lost, forgotten, and buried stirs Mina’s repressed memories of a
terrifying secret, she must find the courage to unearth the past, or risk
losing the treasure of her heart forever.
Excerpt
from Beautiful Ruin
Raindrops plopped
to the earth in a steady patter. Lulled by their rhythm, Mina stared up into
his face. A part of her wanted to hate him for leaving and taking with him all
that she’d wanted, except she wasn’t able to muster anything more than sorrow
and regret for the young girl who’d dreamed of him so often and for so long. Of
his easy smile and gentle touch.
Fifteen years
between then and now.
His face swam
before her eyes.
He swallowed hard.
“What is it?”
“I can’t believe
you’re here.”
A slash of emotion
slanted across his well-shaped features.
Even knowing the
wine made her vulnerable, she couldn’t stop the words. “Where have you been?”
He made a bitter
sound, like a laugh except without a trace of humor. Only a pained loneliness
Mina recognized all too well.
Her heart squeezed
and she drew nearer to him. His scent carried to her, a tormenting mix of soap
and citrus and man.
Noah stilled.
She might’ve
shrunk back if not for the chord of vulnerability thrumming in his dark eyes.
She rose up on her
tiptoes and touched her lips to his.
He held himself
immobile.
Mina’s heart
stuttered to a stop. “You’re not married, are you?”
His throat worked
as he swallowed. “No. Are you—?”
She gave a small
shake of her head. “No. There’s no one.”
His hand slipped
to her waist, and he applied pressure so her body came up snug against his. He
bent his head low.
She tipped her
chin up.
But rather than
kiss her, he pulled back. A tiny movement, which might as well have been a slap
to her face.
His features
hardened to stone. “Be careful, Mina. You’re not slumming it with the Nolan
bastard this time.”
Last question. Where can readers find you?
I love to hear from readers! Please
get in touch at my website or on social media.
Thanks for visiting, Amy. I wish you much success.