The Hope and Anchor was packed with anticipation, as the audience waited for the Rick Astley tribute band. The sound of laughter and people’s memories fill the room. I sat with Audrina and we shared a bottle of red wine then tucked into a curry while we remembered the good old eighties and debated our favourite songs. Audrina argued about the merits of Astley’s ‘Together Forever’ and convinced me. Before the act started, we settled to chat about Audrina’s novel.
Jessie: I love it here and I know you’ve chosen the venue to present your book. Come on, tell me about your novel.
Audrina: Where Did Your Heart Go? is a novel about the highs and lows of first love. Set against the backdrop of 80’s music, movies and fashion you’ll love the characters you find within the pages.
Jessie: Great idea to use the backdrop of the eighties. Now I realise why you have organised a meeting here: perfect choice. How has the novel been received by reviewers?
Audrina: I have been pleased with the response. The book and backdrop really seem to resonate with people. Here are some reviews:
‘This is a story of a love that spans generations, realistic friendships and a spiteful woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.’
‘It’s beautifully written and the characters are so real and lovable.’
‘The story is a heartfelt delve into the intricacies of heartbreak and the hope of happy every after.’
Jessie: Have you got a brief extract from your novel: Where Did Your Heart Go? that will tempt a reader?
Audrina: Yes, of course. How about this? ‘I remembered how James had thrown my love away and I turned from my daughter, reminded of the fear and pain. He had taken my heart with him and left a hollow space inside me that still ached.’
Jessie: Ouch! You have certainly conveyed the heartbreak. It sounds as if your characters needed a lot of emotional support and that is draining. How did you feel when you had finished writing your book, and did you miss any of the characters?
Audrina: I felt emotionally drained when I finished Where did your Heart go? And then based on readers’ feedback I knew there was more story to tell. So one book became a series of 3 so I didn’t say goodbye to any of the characters until the end of ‘Closer to the Heart’. I will admit that I cried writing the last scene in the final book of the trilogy and two of my close friends witnessed me writing the end. I still remember the worried looks on their faces, but it was worth it when they got the chance to read the book.
I still cry now when I look back and read the ending!! Saying goodbye to favourite characters is the hardest thing in the world.
Jessie: I completely agree with you. The fact you cared about the characters assures your reader they will connect with them. We give our heart and souls to our writing. Who would you like to read your book and why? This could be another author, someone famous, a friend or a member of your family.
Audrina: I guess I’d have to choose two famous people. The first would be George Michael as so much of the main character’s lives and emotions are linked with his music, especially the Faith album or in the pop group Wham!. In fact if you know your Wham! Songs then the very title of the book is a B-side single by Wham! I’ve popped the link below as it does kind of give you an insight into the storyline if you listen to the lyrics.
The 2nd would be Rick Astley, who actually makes a cameo appearance in the storyline. I’d love to know what he thinks of performing in a small town like Ross-on-Wye where my story is set. I did send a complimentary copy to his fan club but I heard nothing back. Rick if you’re reading this let me know if you’ve read my book??
I guess you can see why music plays such a huge part in my life and my writing.
Jessie: Great, thoughtful responses. ‘Where Did Your Heart Go?’ really helps me to understand the emotion in the story. Thanks, it was great to listen to the legend again. I am sure Rick Astely would love to read your book: including Rick Astley in the book is a great tribute. Why should I keep your book in my handbag?
Audrina: Because based on one of my readers who started it at 8pm in the evening and finished it at 3am the following morning because she couldn’t put it down, you’d need to carry it so you could read it at any chance you got!
Jessie: Could you give us a brief extract from the section where Rick Astley appears in the book?
“I would like to dedicate my first song to the newly reunited couple, James and Stephanie. I believe it played a part in their relationship back then and I hope that hearing it now will be a good omen for the future.”
Rick glanced across at us standing in the wings, as the familiar sounds of ‘Together Forever’ hit the air.
James glanced down at me as I looked up at him.
“You asked him to play this for us didn’t you?” James asked. I nodded as we walked down the steps of the stage, Rick’s voice floating through the night sky.
I wasn’t ready to go back into the crowds and to our various family and friends, so I led James across the grass towards the river’s edge and the run of benches. As we neared our bench, it was my turn to squeeze James’ hand as the moonlight cast its silver glow over the area. James ran his free hand over the old wood.
“It’s still here,” he said.
We walked round to the seat and with the glow from the moon overhead, we could just make out our heart. It looked fresher than I remembered it. I looked a little closer and found a second smaller heart not too far away with the initials MC 4 CE, realising it could only be Charlie and Mitch who had drawn it there and possibly refreshed our heart at the same time.
Jessie: What is the last sentence written in your writer’s notebook?
Audrina: I don’t have a writer’s notebook, I’m a pantser and have a vague idea where the storyline is going but I let the characters lead me. So I’ll share the last line of my current WIP – Bloodstained Heart. Part 3 – Redemption.
Mitchell suddenly felt like a traitor even talking about dancing with someone other than Charlotte.
Jessie: What is the biggest challenge for an author?
Audrina: Getting the word out there about your novel so that people will pick it up and read it!
Jessie: What is the best advice that you have received as a writer?
Write what you know and love, be true and authentic.
About Audrina:
Audrina is a lover of all things 80’s (she grew up in that decade) and wishes she could go back! Audrina loves her three black Labradors called: Rael, Lily and Milo – they really are her fur babies. Audrina enjoys writing but when she’s not tapping away can be found at her favourite Barefoot Dancing session or listening to live music. Her love of music sings through in all she does, says and writes. Take a look inside her world via ‘Where Did Your Heart Go?
About Audrina
Audrina Lane is an author from Herefordshire and when she is not tapping away on the pc she enjoys walking her 3 black Labradors, listening to eighties music and barefoot dancing. Her dog walks provide muse for her growing poetry collection.
Expect the unexpected with Audrina’s ‘Realistic Romances with an Erotic Twist’. You may not get the traditional Happy Ever After Ending you were expecting.
Contact details:
Email: audrina@audrinalane.co.uk
Website: http://audrinalane.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audrinalane/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ZISOU53eaoLHOCNJNggCA?view_as=subscriber
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AudrinaLane
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audrina.lane
Audrina’s Place: https://www.facebook.com/AudrinasPlace/
24Hrs Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RaceRomance/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audrina-Lane/e/B00E263F96/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Audrina-Lane/e/B00E263F96/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Please see all my author interviews at My Guests and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.