Changing Gears
by L A Wright
Released: Jun 30, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Why this book and why now?
This wasn’t the book I thought would be my first. Like so many aspiring writers, I’ve been toiling away at a novel idea for years, but have never managed to get it past the umpteenth draft. So this, this was a surprise. It came out of a six month work sabbatical, borne of burn out and a need for some creative healing. I sat down and cranked out the first draft in seven weeks. I guess this was a story that needed to be told.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
Not a lot has changed in terms of plot and direction since that first draft. I’m hoping the quality of my writing improved, though. There are some truly cringe-worthy sentences in that first draft, along with a truck-load of overused cliches. Writing really is about practice. And learning – podcasts, blogs, books about books.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
Hmmm, would I like Jen? That internalised homophobia of hers is a thing and a half. I kind of admire Abi’s fortitude in that regard. Jen and I would probably go riding together. I guess we’d have to see what comes after that! As for Abi, I think we’d have a laugh for sure.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
No! Something for me to ponder for my next book though.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Abi has no time for TV, but I can see Jen binge-watching the L Word right now. She needs to see it so she can be it, baby-step style.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Jen’s probably got a Jane Austin book beside her bed. You can’t take the English out of the English teacher. Abi? A Fromers Guide – so she can critique it’s recommendations to pieces.
Aside from the obvious food and shelter, what 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Jen? Protein bars, a multi-tool and a baseball cap. She’s a survivalist. Abi would be phone, laptop and tablet – she can’t do digital disconnect (no one would get out alive!).
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it. What do they do?
Oh this would be Abi for Jen. Jen has no clue how to do a romantic night. But Abi would find some little-known historical spot (where some lust-filled lesbian did something to make the site memorable) for an evening picnic, with some local produce and nibbles.
