Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Interview with Ashantay Peters, Author of Deja Vu All Over Again.

What made you decide to be an author? I wanted to read books including people like me - quirky, a bit outspoken, and I confess, old hippies.

What do you like best about being a writer? What do you like the least? What I like best is making friends with my characters. A least liked issue is synopsis and blurb writing.

How do you think your life experiences have prepared you for writing? I've had lots of different jobs and traveled. I've heard more stories than I can remember. That might be a good thing, though.

Have you ever felt as if you were being dictated to while you wrote a book--as if the words came of their own accord? If yes, which book did that happen with? Yes, oh yes! The times I'm not hearing voices are the scenes I like least because they've often been born against their will. Those type scenes occur in each book, sad to say.

You've written nine novels and are working on a tenth. What's your favorite time management tip?
Hmm. I know I should say I write for x number of hours every day, but I don't. Instead, I write when the characters dictate to me, and let my other activities flow around the muse.

Are you a plotter or a pantser, i.e., do you outline your books ahead of time or are you an "organic" writer? I love that term - organic. I know the basic story will end happily, but have no idea how the book will develop until the voices begin.

If you had one take away piece of advice for authors, what would it be? Have fun. Even when you think your writing stinks, enjoy the moment. Readers can sense when the writer loves their work.

Did music help you find your muse with this book? If yes, which song did you find yourself going back to over and over again as you wrote? "Old Love" by Eric Clapton. It's about a man who can't get a former lover out of his mind.

Tell me more about Deja Vu All Over Again.

Rock star Jack Reed has secrets. He’s kept his first marriage to a girl he met at Woodstock, and their son, under wraps for decades. Now his child has tracked him down wanting answers.

Former hippie Sally Ford never fully recovered from Jack’s betrayal of their family. She believes he put his career first then and will again, leading to another shattered ending.

Jack and Sally’s first meeting is combustible. Can they confront their past and overcome a history of deceit and manipulation to find peace and love?

How about an excerpt from Deja Vu All Over Again?

A familiar male voice called out, ““You’’d better come in. A delay won’’t make this any easier.””

Carlos pushed the door wide and took both cups from her hands. When he stepped back, Jack was revealed sitting in a chair before the desk. Abby sat next to him, her hand on Jack’’s arm. The dogs leaned against his knees.

The scene imprinted itself on Sally's brain like a camera’’s flash captures an image in a split second. Her balance shifted, and a feeling like earthquake tremors rumbled under her feet. And like an earthquake, the aftershocks were potentially more devastating than the event.
Where can readers find more about your stories, books and you on the Internet?
Website: www.ashantay.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashantay.peters
Twitter: @AshantayPeters

Buy Links:
The Wild Rose Press
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_175_140&products_id=6524

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/D%C3%A9j%C3%A0-Vu-All-Over-Again/dp/1509204148/

Ashantay, thank you so much for being with us here today. I know my readers will enjoy your work and your interview.

Thank you for hosting me, Sharon!I look forward to hearing from visitors.

23 comments:

  1. Thank you, Sharon, for hosting me today!

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  2. Excellent interview! And, yes, I do believe readers can sense when you love what you do, and in your case, Ashantay, it definitely shows. Love this book...best of luck!

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    1. Thank you, Ally! Having a fab editor makes writing/revisions so much easier!

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  3. And my TBR grows deeper...Best of luck, Ashantay!

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  4. Thanks, Nikki! Looking for a sequel to Framed...

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  5. "Have fun." The best advice of all.

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  6. Refreshing to find a story about mature love! Wishing you much luck with this story as I'm sure it will resonate with a lot of us.

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    1. Thank you, Linda. I appreciate your kind words!

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  7. Waving hello to both of you!!! I hadn't heard the term "organic" applied to writing, but the more I think about it, that's me, too. And "Have Fun" is what it's all about.

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    1. I hadn't heard the term "organic" prior to this, but do agree. Allowing the story to unfold is a fun way to write!

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  8. Ashantay, Fellow hippie, fellow pantser! Isn't that just the best moment when the voices begin dictating the story? Sheer joy. And "Deja Vu All Over Again" was a sheer pleasure to read. Great interview!

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    1. Thank you, Sister! I appreciate your stopping by and kind words. Gotta love those voices -

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  9. Hi Ashantay, I also like the sound of "organic" when applied to writing. So freeing...so uninhibited. Alas, I'm a linear pantser who needs some structure. Thanks for sharing your journey and advice. :)

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    1. There are times when I wish I could write an outline and follow it. Alas. I'm an old hippie in more ways than one. Thanks for visiting!

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  10. My characters don't dictate their whole stories to me (darn), but sometimes they start talking to each other so fast I can barely keep up. That's the most fun part for me. Congrats on Deja Vu All Over Again!

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  11. I agree, Alison! Though a bit frustrating that they won't at least let me turn on the light and grab a pen before they start yakking!

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  12. Loved your interview, Ashantay, and I love your book, too!

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  13. I'm so happy you decided to become an author, Ashantay! Your book is on my TBR list. Wishing you all the best! :)

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    1. Thank you, Mary! And I know I have at least one of yours in my TBR list, as well. Thanks for visiting.

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