Luanna Stewart Has a New Contemporary Romance for Us

Awesome romance writer Luanna Stewart has a great new book to tell us about and some writing tips too.

Welcome back, Luanna,

How did you choose the genre you write in?

Romance novels are my favourite genre to read, by far. It doesn’t matter if it’s contemporary or historical or paranormal, sweet or steamy, as long as the characters get a happily-ever-after at the end, I’ll be happy.

A piece of writing advice that’s bandied about, and is open to interpretation, is write what you know. To which I’ll add, write what you enjoy reading. So while romance novels are my first reading love, cosy mysteries are a very close second. I’m working on a mystery series centred around a B&B which is home to a cat who might have supernatural powers – more so than the average cat.

Do you have a writing tip that has really helped you get published?

I’m not sure what role it played in getting my first contract, but I was advised very early on in my writing career to read my work aloud. At first I scoffed (privately, of course) because I couldn’t see how reading aloud would be all that different from reading in my head. But one day when I was alone in the house I gave it a try, and oh my goodness. The number of typos I’d been skimming over was astounding. Quite often we read what we expect to see, particularly if it’s our own story and if we’ve read it a kazillion times through multiple drafts, revisions, and edits. But reading aloud forces you to actually read every word, even the ones that aren’t supposed to be there. I know my writing has improved since I instituted the practice.

Is there anything in your book based on real life experience or purely all imagination?

Oh, how I wish I could say the book was totally from my imagination, but a very real part of my life is portrayed through the secondary character, Clara Croft. She is in the early stages of dementia and unfortunately I was able to draw on my experience with my dad to bring her character to life. But fortunately, if there can be any bright side to the terrible affliction, my dad, like Clara, remained engaged in life and was upbeat and good humoured most of the time. Though he wasn’t sure who I was toward the end of his life, he enjoyed chatting with me and telling jokes.

How did you come up with the title?

If I Didn’t Care wasn’t the original title. I had another title based on something my mum said in passing. My editor questioned the title and her reasoning was very good. (That’s why she is a treasure.) I put on my thinking cap. The second book in the series has a title that begins with If and is also a song title. I researched other song titles that start with If and If I Didn’t Care whacked me upside the head with its perfection. It reflects so many aspects of the story. (By the way, if you’re interested in a recording of the original song by The Ink Spots, here is a link.)

What project are you working on now or what book will be next?

I’m fully immersed in writing the second book in the series, If Teardrops Were Pennies, in which Amelia (Nicole’s sister from Book 1) accepts that her beauty isn’t only skin deep and past mistakes can be overcome. And most importantly she learns to love herself, scars and all, so she can claim her happily-ever-after. (And here is a link to a recording of If Teardrops Were Pennies by the marvellous Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner.)

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If I Didn’t Care by Luanna Stewart

Guess who’s moving in next door?

Nicole Bennett is used to bad luck—it’s kind of a family curse. She’s spent the past year stitching her life back together after losing her dream job. Well, it paid the rent. Now stuck working at her family’s grocery store while wrangling a demoralized dad and a spoiled-brat sister, the last thing she needs is for the man who wrecked her life to move in next door, even if it is for only three weeks. So what if he’s sexier than sin and makes her believe in fairy tale endings?

Ross Calvert’s life in the fast lane crashed when he lost his job and fiancée. All he’s got to show for years of hard work are a sleek sports car and a closet full of designer suits – minus the closet. Determined to salvage his relationship with his best friend, he trades in the corporate life for a brief stint as a caregiver. The decision was simple—until he discovers the tempting vixen he wronged lives next door. Maybe she’s what he needs to reboot his life.

What starts off as a no-strings fling soon veers into making promises that might be impossible to keep.

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Buy link for Luanna Stewart’s book

Books2Read

 

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About the Author

 

Luanna Stewart has been creating adventures for her imaginary friends since childhood. She spends her days writing spicy contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, and historical romance. When not torturing her heroes and heroines, she’s in her kitchen baking something delicious. She lives in Nova Scotia with her patient husband and two spoiled cats.

Website ~ Bookbub ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon Author Page

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