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Today’s guest is Annette Bower, who is here to talk about her book MOVING ON — A PRAIRIE ROMANCE. You guys are in luck, because not only will you get to know Annette and her book, but if you comment you are also eligible to win a $25 gift card to All Romance eBooks. The more of her tour stops you visit the greater your chance to win, but the tour ends today so get comfy and read the way through to find out how you can increase your odds. (BTW, the host with the most comments also gets a prize, so, well, you know … LOL). Okay, enough of my blabbering. Let’s meet Annette!
Welcome, Annette! I always like to dig a little into each author’s bio so readers can get to know them a little better. While snooping in yours, I was impressed to see you’ve finished a couple of 5k walks (and you didn’t come in last, as you pointed out, LOL!). What sparked your interest in training?
Good morning Sarah. Thank you for “snooping.” I have walked a great many km/miles in my life. I am a walker. In 2011, the universe, serendipity, coincidence brought the Royal Road Race into my life. I picked up the poster for my son. I assumed it was a bicycle race. He informed me that it was a sanctioned run/walk race. He and my daughter-in-law signed up. I thought why not? Sort of like I do many things in my life. Why not experience a race event? I knew I could complete the race and hoped not to come in last. After that we all signed up for another event. But they have gone on to do more physically challenging events, while I’m pleased to participate again in the same two races as last year. I train in two ways. My preference is with my friend and she and I walk around Wascana Lake. We leave our homes and walk and talk to and around the lake and back. It is approximately 4 miles or 6.43 km. The other is walking with my pace music, but I get distracted and stop to take pictures or read a plaque or look in a storefront.
I always feel fantastic and so much more inspired to write after I exercise. You must come home from those treks absolutely bursting with ideas. Indeed, you’ve written a lot of shorter pieces. What prompted you to write a novel?
Writing novels has always been my goal. Writing short stories was my way to learn the craft and it gave me the opportunity to receive validation of my writing progress through various publications. However, I have learned to enjoy the challenge of distillation in writing of various lengths.
I think it’s *so* much harder to write short — that must have been a fantastic training ground! In MOVING ON (A Prairie Romance) your main characters have each experienced great personal tragedies. How were you able to dig into those emotions so you could bring them to your readers into such an authentic way?
During my first year of nursing education, I was put on probation because my empathy scores were too high to become a professional who could distance herself. I learned to damp down my empathy during professional involvement but in writing I can explore all of the feelings I’ve shared with others.
I can honestly say I’ve never heard of such a thing. It makes sense, but *wow* what a reason to put someone on notice! LOL. And what a great outlet writing must be for you. What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of Moving On-A Prairie Romance?
Even though I lived at Regina Beach for years, many readers who have read this book do not recognize any of my characters because they truly are fictitious.
I wonder what it would be like to read a story, wondering if you or someone you know might be in those pages? LOL. Let’s have some fun with Moving On-A Prairie Romance. What’s the first sentence?
“Anna Jenkins pushed her foot on the brake as her hatchback picked up speed on the hill.”
Right in the action! *grin* What’s your favorite line in the book?
“Will you consider being a part of this adventure, my Rock Queen?”
LOL! There’s a line if I’ve ever heard one. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that’s it. Three!
“Herman, put your teeth in! We have company.”
The newspaper rose. A slight hand reached for a glass on the side table. When it lowered again, a gleaming white smile flashed.
OMGosh, the “put your teeth in” made me LOL! What a great excerpt! Which scene of Moving On-A Prairie Romance was most difficult for you to write? Why?
The most difficult scene was between Nick and his father, when Nick’s father discovered that Nick wanted to return to active duty. No parent wants to see their child in harm’s way.
Oh, gosh. My kids are still little and I can imagine how hard it would be to hear. Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself?
I’d like to be in the dance scene and have Nick lead me in the steps. I enjoy dancing but my husband and I tried ballroom dancing lessons and failed the introduction level. I’d like to be able to follow an experienced dancer and not step on his toes.
LOL! I didn’t know a person could fail, but I can assure you I’d be right there on the sidelines with the dunce cap on. *grin* What inspired the title of MOVING ON — A PRAIRIE ROMANCE?
The manuscript went through many different working titles. When XoXo Publishing ™ was to the point of developing the cover, we brainstormed a title. Moving On became obvious but the Prairie Romance came from a writer in my writing group. She always referred to it as a Prairie Romance. I thought it would make a good subtitle. However, as often as I enter it in the keyboard, I think the next title will be short.
LOL! You have such a great sense of humor, Annette. What are currently working on?
I will have another novel published late in 2012 through Soul Mate Publishing. It will be a blend of genres, women’s fiction and series length novel romance.
I won an opportunity to enter into a contest through the 2012 Brenda Novak auction. I think I’ll try a mystery.
Oh, I love mysteries! I hope you get to enter, and best of luck if you do! Let’s dig in a little with your featured title.
MOVING ON — A PRAIRIE ROMANCE | blurb
Anna is a mysterious woman that has just moved to Regina Beach. The residents of the small town know everyone’s business and they are very interested in discovering Anna’s secrets. Nick was a Sergeant in the Canadian Army, doing active duty until a horrific accident sent him home to recover. He helps Anna feel safe and comfortable in her new environment, just as he has always done for his men in strange, dangerous places. Meanwhile, he focuses on preparing for his future physical endurance test to prove that he is capable of returning to active duty.
Anna doesn’t talk about her past, and Nick doesn’t talk about his future therefore she is shocked to discover that his greatest wish is to return to active duty. She won’t love a man who may die on the job again. Intellectually, she knows that all life cycles end, but emotionally, she doesn’t know if she has the strength to support Nick.
XoXo Publisher ™ | Amazon | ARE | Bookstrand
ANNETTE BOWER | bio
Annette Bower lives and writes in Regina, SK Canada. She is an author of many short stories published in anthologies and magazines in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. She explores women in families, women in communities and women at the beginning and end of love and their quest for love. She pursues the writing craft in workshops, conferences, Writing with Style, Banff Centre for the Arts, Victoria School of Writing, Sage Hill Writing Experience, the Surrey International Writing Conferences and the Romance Writing of America Conferences.
When she isn’t writing she walks or bikes around the streets and parks in her neighborhood imagining complex worlds behind seemingly ordinary events.
Her first contemporary romance, Moving On A Prairie Romance is published by XoXo Publishing™ a division of Ninni Group Inc.
MOVING ON — A PRAIRIE ROMANCE | excerpt
[Nick] hopped out, hurried around to her door, opened it, grasped her hand, and pulled her to her feet. He gently pushed against the small of her spine, propelling her forward. His breath fanned the tight fluff on the back of her neck as they reached the steel double doors. He reached around her and opened the door to music. Country music.
He pulled her onto the dance floor into a fast waltz. Her feet automatically followed his measured steps. He felt the tension ease out of her body. She looked around. She even leaned her head back in response to a spin, exposing a wonderful slender white neck. He quelled an urge to lean forward and kiss the column down to her seductively exposed collar bones. He felt himself react, again. Maybe he was the beast that she spoke of. Keeping track of his left lower limb became a non-issue while he focused on another part of his anatomy or he’d embarrass himself in front of his neighbors. The music ended. He kept his hand firmly around her waist as he propelled her to the makeshift bar.
“Beer?”
“Yes.” She hesitated as if she was searching the jargon of a memory. “Draft?”
He handed her the dew-covered glass which she pushed into her lips. He clung to his bottle and tipped it evenly, watching her through half-closed eyes. She was an enigma. Pain and party. Her face had shown shadows of solemnity and joy of life.
He wanted to know her, but at the same time, not know her. Her pain both called to and repelled him.
**GIVEAWAY**
Annette is offering a generous tour-wide giveaway of a $25 gift card to All Romance eBooks, and the tour ends today so you won’t even have to wait a long time to find out if you’ve won! *grin* The winner will be randomly chosen from among all comments, so be sure to say hello to Annette here, then zip over to her other tour spots for more chances to enter to win. I’d like to thank you all very much for being here. I hope you’ve enjoyed the visit with Annette as much as I have, and wish you all a wonderful start to your week!
Nancy S said:
Enjoyed the interview very much. I think I have 2 left club feet and would not only fail dancing lessons but probably have the teacher run me out of the class. I love GCs, could get your book and more, toss my name in the draw.
Annette Bower said:
Hello Nancy S,
I do believe that we all have our own rhythm to music but like everything else sometimes using our moves don’t necessarily follow the rules. Thank you for dropping in and reading the interview, I enjoyed answering the thoughtful questions.
Your name will be in the draw.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
LOL! I’m glad to know I’m in good company with the not-dancing thing. Thanks so much for welcoming Annette!
bn100 said:
Fun interview. I enjoyed the excerpt and interview.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Annette Bower said:
Good morning bn100,
Thank you for stopping by and sharing in the interview. It is a pleasure to both the host and the guest when readers stop by and comment. Sarah makes the interview an enjoyable experience.
I enjoyed adding humor to Moving On-A Prairie Romance.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Thanks for visiting, BN!
ChristineWarner said:
Terrific interview & the blurb sounds fantastic. Congrats on your book!!!
Annette Bower said:
Good morning Christine Warner.
Thank you for dropping into Sarah’s site and joining the interview. I agree that Sarah makes the interview fun. When readers comment as host and guest we appreciate the time you have given to us.
Thank you for the congratulations.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Thanks so much for supporting Annette, Christine!
Goddess Fish Promotions said:
Thank you for hosting Annette today.
sarahballance said:
My pleasure! Thank you for the opportunity to welcome her to my wacky little corner of the web. :c)
Sweety said:
Thanks for the international giveaway!!
Email Subscriber.
sweety225(at)rocketmail(dot)com
Annette Bower said:
Good morning Sweety,
Your name makes me smile.
You are welcome for the giveaway.
We are pleased that you took the time to drop by and comment.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Thanks, Sweety, for visiting!
julie barrett said:
wow thanks so much for the chance.
Julie
Annette Bower said:
Good morning Julie Barrett,
Thank you for dropping by Sarah’s site and joining me on my tour. You are welcome for the chance to win the gift certificate.
It is always a pleasure to share my writing life and my novel, Moving On-A Prairie Romance with readers.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Hi, Julie! Thanks for being here!
laceyblossom said:
I enjoyed the excerpt 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
laceyblossom1@gmail.com
Annette Bower said:
Good morning Lacy Blossom,
Thank you for commenting on the excerpt. It is always a challenge to choose a small passage that will give a flavor of my novel. I’m glad that it pleased you. That means I’ve accomplished what I hoped to do.
You are welcome for the giveaway.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Hi, Lacey! Thanks for visiting!
krystalshannan said:
Enjoyed the interview! Thanks for the giveaway!
krystalshannan@yahoo.com
Annette Bower said:
Good morning Krystal Shannan,
Sarah makes the interview an enjoyable experience. She brings her talent to the questions.
I enjoyed her lol’s it allowed me to showcase the humor in Moving On-A Prairie Romance.
You are welcome for the opportunity to enter the draw for the gift certificate.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Krystal, thanks for being a part of Annette’s visit!
Amy S. said:
Sounds like a really good book! I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the chance to win.
amy dot swihart at gmail dot com
Annette Bower said:
Good morning Amy S.
Thank you for being intrigued about Moving On-A Prairie Romance. Comments from readers are the best reward to an author.
I am pleased that you took the time and dropped in on my virtual tour.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Any, thanks so much for your interest in Annette’s book!
jennirv4967 said:
I enjoyed the interview, the characters seem real!!!
Annette Bower said:
Hello Jennirv 4967,
I also replied to you before but somehow my reply disappeared. Perhaps I pressed the wrong button. Thank you for commenting on my characters. When they appear real to readers than I have accomplished a wonderful accomplishment.
Thank you for stopping in at Sarah’s and leaving a comment. Both the host and guest are happy to have company.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for posting!
reginamayross said:
Thanks for sharing the excerpt,sounds like a great read 🙂
reginamayross@gmail.com
Annette Bower said:
Hello Regina May Ross,
I’m not sure what happened to my first reply, so I’ll try again. I’m glad you dropped by with your name as the city I live in and the town where Moving On-A Prairie Romance is set share the same name, Regina. We pronounce it with a short ‘e’ and a long ‘i’. I think you probably pronounce it with a long ‘e’ short ‘i’. I’m not sure why our ancestors chose the way Regina, Saskatchewan Canada is pronounced but it creates smiles in certain parts of the world.
Thank you for joining my tour.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Hi, Regina! Thanks for stopping by!
Alisia said:
Thanks for the interview. The book sounds really interesting, added to my TBR pile.
Annette Bower said:
Hello Alisia,
Thank you for stopping by on the tour and adding Moving On-A Prairie Romance to your TBR pile. The good news about electronic books is that they don’t take up space in your living area.
I enjoy looking at my e libraries and seeing books I’ve read and yet to read.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Wonderful, Alisia! Thanks so much for visiting!
Alison Lohans said:
Great interview, Annette! Again, congratulations! You’re doing a fabulous job of online promotion.
Annette Bower said:
Hello Alison,
Thank you for stopping by on my tour. Thank you for noticing my online promotion, it is a learning curve to discover ways to have a book noticed in the many good books available to read.
Every interview gives me a little more insight into my writing.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Thanks for being here to support Annette, Alison!
Leeann said:
Great interview! I liked the bit about “empathy scores.” Everyone should get that measured – it seems more important than IQ.
Annette Bower said:
Hi Leeann,
Empathy is important especially in the careers where you care for people. But it is also important to learn how to step back a bit when necessary. However as an author I can associate with many different characters.
Thank you for stopping in on my tour. It has been fun.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
LOL! I think you’ve got a point there, Leeann! Thanks so much for your visit!
Melissa MacKinnon said:
What a great interview! The “put your teeth in!” line is hilarious!!
melissamackinnon602@gmail.com
Annette Bower said:
Hello Melissa,
Thank you for stopping in at Sarah’s site and joining in the interview. Sarah created a great environment to answer the questions. Humor is part of our life too even in romance and perhaps even more so.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Isn’t it? LOL! Thanks for visiting, Melissa!
Sandy Wolters said:
Sarah, Another wonderful interview! Thanks for introducing Annette Bower.
Annette Bower said:
Hello Sandy Wolters,
Thank you for stopping back at Sarah’s. You obviously follow her interviews. She has a talent for asking great questions.
I’m glad that you dropped in to learn a bit about me and Moving On-A Prairie Romance.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Sandy, it’s great to see you! Thanks so much for saying hello. ;c)
Karyn Good said:
Wonderful interview, Annette! I wish I didn’t have two left feet, but I do. Maybe that’s why I think one of the most romantic things two characters can do is dance together!
Annette Bower said:
Hello Karyn Good,
Dancing is romantic. Two people are in the other’s intimate 6 inches and touching each other. Wow what possiblities. Maybe we haven’t found the right dance or the right instructor with our partners. Perhaps we should continue to search out ways of learning to dance. But my husband and I do dance we just couldn’t learn the steps that look elegant when you see two people who have studied together and move as one. Hmmm, does that say more about a relationship than I’m willing to think about? That may be a theme for a scene or two in a story. Who is the leader and what does it say to surrender to a lead and follow steps? Hmmm! I’ll give this some serious thought.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I enjoy when one thought leads to another.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Hi, Karyn! Our “two left feet” dance card is filling up fast. (I love it! LOL.) Thanks so much for being here today!
MJB said:
Hi, Annette and congrats! Look at how many comments you have!! I thought I’d through my name into the hat even though my odds are pretty slim! Good luck on the tour!
MJB
msmjb65 AT gmail DOT com
Annette Bower said:
Hello MJB,
Thank you for stopping by. Yes, isn’t it wonderful how many readers have found Sarah’s interview with me on a Monday. I’m thrilled. Your chance is as good as anyone else as I put all the names from this particular tour which includes comments from May 21, May 28, June 4 and June 11 onto a list and put it in a random draw program and the name that arrives on the top is the winner.
Thank you for the good luck wishes.
This particular tour is over tonight so I’ll rest for a bit and then find ways to bring Moving On-A Prairie Romance to readers attention again.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
Annette Bower said:
Hello Everyone,
Thank you for joining me on my tour. MJB is the last comment for entry into the draw.
I enjoyed this tour.
Yours truly,
Annette Bower
sarahballance said:
Thanks so much for visiting us, Annette! It was great having you here, and I wish you all the best with your book! ;c)
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