Author Interview & Giveaway: Heidi McLaughlin Discusses her Debut– Forever My Girl!
Today we are excited to have Heidi McLaughlin with us, author of her debut book, Forever My Girl. A book about a second chance at love starring a very sexy, tattooed rock star who rides a Ducati! Need I say more?
And Miz McLaughlin is giving away one ebook copy of Forever My Girl to one random commenter!
Let’s chat!
Paula: Hi Heidi, glad to have you with us at Romantic Book Affairs. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Are you a full time writer? Hobbies? Family?
Paula: Tell us a little bit about Forever My Girl.
Heidi: Forever My Girl started when my friend posted a picture of a drummer on Facebook. The story line was instant. I saw a guy who was looking to redeem himself, one that had lost the most important person in his life due to his actions. It took all of 90-minutes for the story line to be mapped out.
Paula: Why did you decide to write this book?
Heidi: Forever My Girl is actually my 2nd (and half book). I was in the middle of a YA contemp story when the story line for FMG happened. I shelved the YA story and went ahead with FMG. The why – it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t think I had it in me. I challenged myself.
Paula: I fell hard for the sexy, tattooed rock star! Why do you believe readers would enjoy a romantic book affair with Liam?
Heidi: Why not? Haha. Liam is different. While he may be cocky in some parts of the story, he doesn’t have to act like that with Josie. He needed her to accept him as the tattooed rocker and not the straight-laced football player she fell in love with. As a reader, you can’t help but fall for him. He doesn’t treat her poorly, accepts his responsibilities and is trying to make amends for his actions all while trying to prove himself to the one girl he left behind whether he wins her or not.
Paula: While writing Forever My Girl, what music did you listen to? Does Liam's band resemble a favorite band of yours?
Heidi: Believe it or not, I had to listen to a lot of songs about lost love, or broken hearts. OneRepublic, Howie Day, Adele – these artists write angst like crazy. A lot of 80’s songs too. I didn’t pick a time period for FMG because I didn’t want that era’s music associated with the story, but music was a big influence. As for Liam’s band – OneRepublic, Daughtry – any of the bands that can rock it out at any moment, or slow it down to make those ladies in the front row fall to their knees.
Ironically, my friend sent me a song after she read the first few chapters and that song became the song Liam sings. What’s nice about this is the artist, Eric Heatherly, is giving a free download of Painkillers to the first 200 purchases when their receipt is emailed the thebeaumontseries@gmail.com.
Eric has been a huge supporter of FMG from the beginning and we are looking forward to having a long lasting working relationship.
Paula: I love casting my heroes and heroines. If Forever My Girl were to be cast into a movie, who would you cast as Liam and Josie?
Heidi: Liam would be someone like Stephen Amell and Josie would be Miranda Kerr.
Paula: When you go to the bookstore, what section to you go to first? What is your favorite book or series?
Heidi: Lately – adult contemp or new adult. I like the risk that authors are willing to take. I want the love, the romance and the under the sheets – as long as it’s not over done. There has to be an air of mystery and imagination when reading a love scene. If you can’t picture it, or feel it, you shouldn’t be reading it. I don’t need details.
Paula: I had the privilege and honor to read Forever My Girl early. I absolutely loved it. You've created a wonderful cast of characters and now I'm dying for the next book. How many books do you have planned for the The Beaumont Series?
Heidi: I have 8 total mapped out. One will be a novella for Liam and Josie, so you haven’t seen the last of them as the main characters. And before panic ensues, they aren’t going away, they are always around. The first chapter of the next Beaumont Series will be in the paperback and e-book.
| About the Author My grandma once told me that I can do anything I want, so I am. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, I now live in picturesque Vermont, with my husband and two daughters. Also renting space in our home is an overhyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets. During the day you'll find me behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, I'm writing one of the many stories I plan to release or sitting courtside during either daughter's basketball games. I'm also an active reviewer on The Readiacs - a site I own with my best friend and uber special beta, Yvette. |
| Find Heidi Online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |
Thank you so much for joining us today, Heidi! It’s wonderful to know there are several books in the works for this series. I’m super excited. Forever My Girl will be released December 27, 2012 – click here to read my review!
Giveaway!
Who else is excited to have a romantic book affair with Liam? We would love to know what you’re thinking! All comments from now till December 21st will be entered into the giveaway for a digital copy of Forever My Girl upon release, December 27th.
Please leave your broken-up email address in your comment in order to be entered into the drawing (ie. nickname AT gmail DOT com, etc).
This interview was fun. Thank you for hosting!
ReplyDeletethank you so much for chatting with me! :D
DeleteStephen Amell! Sigh. That will a lovely, lovely image to picture for Liam when I read this!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this book. The cover is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteUgh! Forever My Girl looks AMAZING! After seeing the summary and the cover I was sold, but now? OneRepublic? Stephen Amell? Liam/Heidi has great taste. This must read became an I have to read it soon or else I will spontaneously combust!
ReplyDeleteI have been hearing about this book...And I'm excited to read...I love this books that are comng out New Adult...Loved what Hiedi McLaughlin says about Liam.."He doesn’t treat her poorly, accepts his responsibilities and is trying to make amends for his actions all while trying to prove himself to the one girl he left behind whether he wins her or not". So I'm ready to start a romantic affair with Liam
ReplyDeleteWhen Okay Creations revealed the cover for FMG I instantly fell in love! I followed the FB page and was really reeled in by the teasers. All of us at one point of time in life made some decision they regret hence this is very easy to relate to. And Liam... wow. Tattooed rock star trying to make amends - that just pulls at your heartstrings. I really can't wait to read about Liam and Josie's story! Bring on all 8 books!!
ReplyDeleteTess
tess_halim(at)hotmail(dot)com
I completely agree, Tess! I love the fact that it's a second chance love story and this bad boy rocker has a lot to atone for. It really grabbed my interest. :)
DeleteThis book sounds amazing! Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeletemamamoss08 AT hotmail DOT com
I am looking forward to reading this :0)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
my1lulabug at yahoo dot com
LOVE the cover for this book! Looking forward to reading it either way. :)
ReplyDeleteSMITHBC86 AT YAHOO DOT COM.
mickalamurphy AT yahoo DOT com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
Great interview! I cannot wait to get my hands on this book! Nothing like a love-story of reunited high school sweet hearts!
ReplyDeleteaim4fashion AT yahoo DOT com
This book sounds great and I love the cover! tamaralmcrae AT gmail DOT com
ReplyDeleteWow. Reformed guy-in-a-band? Yes please!! And having so musical influence...the cover and title caught my attention. The summary convinced me i wanted to read it. Your interview has pushed me over the edge. I WILL read it :)) LOL. After inspiration like that struck, how long did it take you to write and edit, etc?
ReplyDeletetorisurfergirl. AT gmail DOT com
torisurfergirl(at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteThere is no period at the end of my nickname.
Hi Tori,
DeleteForever My Girl took 24-days to write. My two beta's read each chapter has they were finished. They went through the story once it was done. Off to an editor. Off to a critique partner. More editing. Changes and more editing. I started on September 24th.
Heavenly rock gods! Liam sounds delish :p
ReplyDeleteWow... A book written in 24 days! OMG!!!
snowpeachness AT gmail DOT com
Forever my girl sounds awesome! I mean come on it´s about a rockstar fighting for his girl *swoon
ReplyDeleteThank you for this giveaway - I cross my fingers ^^
loveandstolenkisses(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I am sure it will be a great read, I am excited only from the blurb
ReplyDeleteimenjoulak(at)gmail(dot)come
It sounds fabulous...can't wait to read it. asbelli (AT) optonline (dot) net
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed this interview and am even more excited to read "Forever My Girl". Moving up on my TBRL. Thank you, Marsha
ReplyDeletebucmjt AT yahoo DOT com
Great interview! Can't wait to get my hands on this book!
ReplyDeleteI am so very excited about reading this book....! Thanks for the opportunity to win. Happy Holidays everyone!
ReplyDeleteAwesome interview! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMaria
mramirezesquivel @ yahoo . com
Can't wait to read this :-)
ReplyDeleteMeeko5804 AT yahoo DOT com
I am looking forward to reading this! Thanks for the chance to win. Great interview!
ReplyDelete~Jaclyn
hallhome AT hotmail DOT com
Can't wait!!! Bluffer5403 AT yahoo DOT com
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, I cannot wait to get my hands on this book! I have heard such wonderful things!!
ReplyDeletebwsmith816(at)gmail(dot)com
I really want to read this book!!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get more of Liam..Thanks for the chance to do that..grandmatinaof2atgmaildotcom
ReplyDeletelooking forward to this book!
ReplyDeletestephaniedoehring(at)gmail(dot)com
This sounds like great story. I'll have to remember to add it to my list!
ReplyDeleteMissSherrie
Looking forward to the release. Stacey @ slangkamer@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteOoh......pick me pick me! Looking forward to this book!
ReplyDeleteMy email is astbush@yahoo.com
DeleteI can't wait to read this! Looks so good. Thanks for doing this giveaway :) alliemathews (at) ymail (dot) com. :D
ReplyDeleteI really can't wait to read this! I have been reading some of the reviews and it really sounds great! Hope I win!!Thanks for the giveaway!email is piglets71@hotmail.com and tannacorek@gmail.com, thanks :)
ReplyDeleteSounds great- really looking forward to it!
ReplyDeletewjmcummins (at) gmail (dot )com
Really want to read this book!
ReplyDeleteMcammack1952@yahoo.com
Sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleterealityfun2 (at) gmail (dot) com
I REALLY can't wait to read this book!
ReplyDeletenancyl9108(at)gmail(dot)com
Loved this interview and seeing some background of Heidi's thoughts on the book. I've been trying to figure out who I would picture as Liam and now that she said Stephen Amell, I can totally see it! Love this book, can't wait to post my review and read the next one. I'd also love to be entered in the contest. My email is borderline.phenomenal at gmail dot com.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks so good. I have it sitting on my calendar waiting for release day but a giveaway would be even better ;)
ReplyDeletejoyinchrist2 AT gmail DOT com
Awesome interview. Looking forward to reading this book. I kept seeing its cover quite often lately - edytaricobene AT yahoo DOT com
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! Look forward to reading this book!
ReplyDeletecota2007@email.arizona.edu
Seriously exited to read this book! Mxpxgrl AT yahoo DOT com
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read it!
ReplyDeletekassi (dot) cooper (at) rocketmail (dot) com
Awesome interview! I am so excited to read Forever My Girl!
ReplyDeleterodal5 AT gmail DOT com