Monday, December 20, 2010

Angela Ruth's "Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho"

We're happy to have Angela Ruth with us today talking about her book, Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho. To learn more about Angela and her book, read on!

Title: Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho by Angela Ruth
Publisher: Summerside Press

Cover blurb: Actress Emily Van Arsdale has returned to her Idaho hometown - with an entire film crew in tow! With its stunning scenery and reputation for hosting celebrities, Sun Valley is the perfect setting for Emily’s newest romantic comedy. Tracen Lake is happy to work as a stunt consultant for the movie but not as thrilled to deal with a bunch of high-maintenance Hollywood types. But Tracen is surprised to discover in Emily a down-to-earth Idaho girl who does all her own stunts and loves the outdoors. As filming wraps up and Emily heads off to her next gig, will she be able to leave Sun Valley - and Tracen - behind?

1) How did this story come to you?
I took a trampoline class in college and was intrigued that a lot of the students went on to work as stuntmen in Hollywood, so I decided to have my main character do the same. The story was originially set in Sweet Home, Oregon so it has a "home sweet home" vs. "home is where the heart is" theme to it. And since Sweet Home is located on a river between two lakes the water symbolism originated there. I've never had a story come together this easily. The toughest part was moving the setting to Sun Valley, Idaho when my publisher requested the change, though moving it definitely works because Sun Valley is known for having celebrities visit, which is what turns the hero off from the heroine in the first place. Kinda fun, huh?

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I'd written two women's fiction manuscripts that were being represented by my agent. Then I saw Summerside Press was looking for stories that had specific settings and they only needed an outline and three chapters to submit. I thought, "Well, I can do that," and wrote thirty pages in one day. When my agent called with good news I expected it to be for one of the novels I'd spend years on. Selling this book couldn't have been any easier, but I believe it's because I'd already learned so much through writing my first two novels. Probably won't ever be this easy again...

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I actually went through a divorce during the publication process of this book, and I really struggled with my characters being so happy and in love while I was mourning the death of my marriage. But at the same time it gave me hope for my future and comfort knowing that I am loved unconditionally by God.
2. The story in my book about Grandma falling off a raft really happened to my grandmother.
3. My uncle worked in special effects for The Tonight Show, and I got to visit the studio where he works as research for writing this novel.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
1. I have a middle grade novel coming out in 2012 titled The Water Fight Professional. Your kids will love, love, love it.
2. I'm putting a proposal together with my award-winning critique partner Christina Berry for an anthology of four romance novellas called California Classics with modern versions of classics like The Count of Monte Cristo and The Scarlet Pimpernel set in California.
3. I'm writing a non-fiction title called The Other Woman Never Wins with relationship expert Dr. Todd Bennett. It's to help women move on after their husband moves out. Todd writes the self-help while I write the I-need-help.

5) Parting comments?
Wherever you are at, this is not the last chapter of your life. Get excited for what the Author of Life is plotting for you. It's gonna be good.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.angelameuser.com/

23 comments:

  1. I am looking forward to reading Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho. If find it interesting that you started writing the book in Sweet Home, Oregon. Have been there a few times in my life since I live in Oregon. I love Idaho, too, so will enjoy the different setting.

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  2. love these books.

    aimymichelle[at]gmail[dot]com

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  3. oooh interested in the novella collection with Christina Berry!

    this one sounds fun too. I wish I was a humor writer.

    rmjagears AT gmail DOT com

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  4. I love this series and this one sounds like a great addition. I would love to win a copy. I am already a subscriber :-)
    carlyberd[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  5. I enjoy the LFY books and I lived in Idaho for a year back in the 80s so I'd love to read this.

    joyfulhutch[at]msn[dot]com

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  6. I have been following the "Love Finds You Series" by different authors.Your book sounds wonderful and I would love to be drawn for a copy.
    I like your parting comment "Wherever you are at, this is not the last chapter of your life. Get excited for what the Author of Life is plotting for you. It's gonna be good. " My husband just resigned from his present church , and we have no idea of where we are going next . His health will not let him continue in Ministry.

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  7. I am a subscriber and have been looking forward this book. Thanks for the chance! :)

    caseymh18@gmail(.)com

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  8. I have read a couple of the Love Finds You series while looking for some new reads for my reading groups. I look forward to adding yours to my list!

    Thanks for doing the interview and best wishes on your upcoming works!

    Merry Christmas,
    Brandi
    vi2005@aol.com

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  9. This book sounds really good! I haven't read any of the LFY books yet, but everyone keeps nagging me to! I hope I get a chance to!

    pinkdaddysgirl[at]msn[dot]com

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  10. I would love to win this! Thanks for the chance!

    Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

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  11. I enjoy reading the Love Finds You books so please include me in the giveaway.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  12. I really enjoy reading the LFY books. This looks great...please include me.


    Merry CHRISTmas
    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  13. Please include me, I enjoy these books. Thanks.

    freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca

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  14. I really enjoy the Love Finds You series.
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

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  15. This sounds like the kind of book I like to read! Please enter me.

    dancealert at aol dot com

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  16. Would love to be added into this contest! Thanks. tanyalovesdan@juno.com

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  17. Please enter me in the giveaway! writer_weaver at yahoo dot com

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  18. Angela,
    I am so glad to be reminded that this is not the last chapter:)
    Thanks for an uplifting interview in spite of the difficulties you have been facing:)

    Many Blessings and Smiles,
    Charlotte chakasa58 at gmail dot com

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  19. I'm a subscriber, and I would love to be entered!

    I adore the Love Finds You series, and can't wait to read this one! :D

    Thanks for the chance to win.

    booklovercb[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  20. The cover of your book is awesome! I'd love to reads this one :) Hope I haven't missed the contest...I'm a subscriber.

    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

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  21. This sounds like a book I would definitely enjoy! Please count me in. I'm an email subscriber.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  22. please count me in...thanks :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  23. If it's not too late, I'd love to be entered in this drawing --thank you!

    I'm an e-mail subscriber: jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu

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