Hi, readers! I am pleased to announce a very special post today on ILRB. We’re doing something a little different. This is our sixth official author interview on this romance blog! I know in the past, we did character interviews then switched over to the author’s take on it, but this approach is a bit unusual.
We have a real treat for you, readers. Today we get to speak one-on-one with a talented author of romance novels. Please join me in welcoming Scarlett Holloway to ILRB! 🙂
Marie Lavender: Hello, Scarlett. Please have a seat.
Author Scarlett Holloway: Hi, Marie!
Marie: Hey, it’s such a pleasure to have you here!
I’m going to throw in some standard questions first.
Obviously, we know your occupation as an author, but some writers have other jobs as well. Do you have another occupation? Do you believe you’re any good at it? Do you like what you do?
I know I’m overloading you with questions, but we’re really interested in finding out more about you…
Scarlett: I am a superhero by day. No, really. I swear. At least that is what my clients tell me. I am a massage therapist that specializes in aromatherapy and Eastern Chinese Medicine. I also focus on prenatal massages. I love it and honestly wouldn’t change my career for anything. And I like to pretend that I am an author at night. LOL.
Marie: (Chuckles.) So, tell us…what is your family like?
Scarlett: Crazy. LOL. Am I allowed to say that? 😛 Honestly, I have an amazing family. My husband is my Superman. He’s a stay at home Dad that helps me with my massage business and pushes me to write, while maintaining the home life, and let me tell you, he can cook some mean bacon!
Marie: Nice!
Let’s try something else, okay?
If it doesn’t bother you at all, can you let us know what your childhood home looked like?
Scarlett: Which one? I moved around A LOT. My father was in the military, so we didn’t stay in one place for very long. When we did stop for a bit, I lived with my grandmother. It was a quaint house with a HUGE backyard that my twin and I played in with my cousins.
Marie: Okay.
Do you have any hobbies, Scarlett? What do you enjoy doing?
Scarlett: Sad to say, I really don’t. I mean, I make my own bath salts, scrubs, et cetera. That is kind of a hobby, even if it directly relates to work. I race my car when I get in the mood to compete. Otherwise, I’m pretty boring. I write, massage, watch Maury & Jerry and movies. LOL.
Marie: Doesn’t sound all that boring to me!
So…what is your greatest dream?
Scarlett: I want to be a NYTBS author and I would love to see one of my works on the silver screen. That, to me, is the biggest dream/goal that I could ever achieve.
Marie: I’m with you there! ♥ Having a film based on one of my books would be awesome. I think that’s pretty normal for a writer, though. We imagine these scenes in our heads, and would like to see them come to life. 😉
Let’s try another question.
What kind of person do you wish you could be? What is stopping you?
Scarlett: I am happy with who I am. I’m a mom, a healer, an author, a friend, wife…I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Marie: Great!
Not to pry too much, but who was your first love?
Scarlett: It’d be a toss-up between Shaun Cassidy or Donny Osmond. I grew up in the 70’s and I had so many posters and records of them, it was crazy.
Marie: All right.
Let’s try something else now.
What’s the most terrible thing that ever happened to you?
Scarlett: I had a massive heart attack at 42 years young and died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. I was in emergency surgery a week later and woke up in the middle of it. I was a paramedic for 20 years, so seeing my heart on the monitor freaked me out at first, but when I woke back up, it was interesting in a medical sense.
Marie: Yikes! 😥 I’m so sorry you went through all of that. But I am glad you survived it.
Let’s move on to something a bit lighter now, shall we?
[Scarlett nods.]
What was your dream growing up? Did you achieve that dream? If so, in what ways was it not what you expected? If you never achieved the dream, why not?
Scarlett: I have not yet achieved it. Ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted to write for Harlequin Romance. My grandmother’s nose was ALWAYS stuck in one of their books and it made me want to be a part of that world. Then she gave me her old books, which I literally swallowed whole, and solidified that dream even more. I don’t write in the right genre to be a part of the HQR world, but one day, you never know.
Marie: True! 😀
(Sighs.) Like you, I just love romance… ♥
So, who is your role model, Scarlett?
Scarlett: Hmm…good question, really. It would have to be someone like Lynda Carter, Elizabeth Taylor, and Lucille Ball. Very classy women who struggled in life until they became great and remained so humble and sweet.
Marie: Is there someone you pretend to like but really dislike?
Scarlett: I think there is a person in everyone’s life that we end up feeling that way about. Sometimes it is just better to keep our mouths shut and smile for the better of it all.
Marie: Good point…
Let’s try another question.
What is your deepest desire?
Scarlett: There are a lot of things that I’d love to have, but being an author, desire has an almost evil connotation. People will do almost anything for what they desire and it can cause damage, so I tend to try and stay away from that.
Marie: Understandable.
Tell me something, Scarlett. What is your greatest fear?
Scarlett: Failure. It’s not an option. I cannot handle the thought of failure; it will put me into a deep depression and even near an anxiety level.
Marie: I think we all fear that on some level.
So, I want to try something different next…
If you were trapped on a deserted island, what five essentials would you need with you? They don’t have to be practical.
Scarlett: Music would be one. I cannot live without that. Coffee, it’s a must have for me to survive. My laptop with a solar battery because I’ll get bored and need to write. A tent and bedding. I CANNOT stand getting wet or cold. A stuffie to talk to and have keep me company.
(Laughs.) I would need to write too! 😀
Readers, let’s shift somewhat and get the author’s perspective on one of her characters. 🙂
We’ve heard rumors about the heroine of your story, Tamra ‘Durty’ Simons. Quite an interesting character. Can you tell us a little about her?
Scarlett: Durty is from a very prominent family in Shadow Falls, California. Her grandfather founded the town with another gentleman, so she is held at a higher expectation with her father. She fails to meet that, and is all but disowned from the family. She ends up in a relationship that is abusive and murderous. Lace, the president of an all-female motorcycle club, saves her and sets her back on her feet.
Marie: Wow! 😥 What a rough journey…
What are your character’s greatest strengths?
Scarlett: She is very organized and can be diplomatic, when she wants to be. She tends to be careful with things she does, unless she is pushed too far.
Marie: All right.
And what are her greatest weaknesses?
Scarlett: She won’t let go of past mistakes. She has a temper and it can bite her in the butt.
Marie: Okay…
Let’s try something fun, shall we?
What are some of her favorite foods?
Scarlett: She likes meat and potatoes. She might be upper classed, but has down home tastes.
Marie: Can’t blame her there! 😉
How about another question?
What’s a positive quality that your character is unaware that he or she has?
Scarlett: Quick thinking. Even if it is right or wrong, she is quick to think on her feet.
Marie: Cool!
Will readers like or dislike this character, and why?
Scarlett: They will love her, and it’s because of the things she must overcome and endure to do it.
Marie: Great!
Now that we have a real taste of Durty, we have a few questions for you as well as the author, about the writing process of your book.
What first gave you the idea for Policy of Truth?
Scarlett: I wanted a book that showcased beautiful, real and strong women. There aren’t enough books out there that give this quality to REAL women. Every character is someone I know, so it will showcase them in a positive manner.
Marie: Nice!
Interesting how the muse works, huh? 😉
Let’s try something else.
What is your writing style like? Are you a pantster or a plotter?
Scarlett: I have a very raw writing style. I write like we talk, if that makes sense. I HAVE to plot. I cannot sit at a computer with no idea what I am doing. I give props to pantsers.
Marie: I know, right?
I’m throwing this one in for our aspiring writers. Did you come across any specific challenges in writing Policy of Truth or publishing it? What would you do differently the next time?
Scarlett: I walked away from Policy for over a year. I couldn’t feel it, didn’t want to touch it. IF someone does not feel a book, step away from it, write something else, but remain productive. When it is time, walk back to it. You don’t want to force a story because the readers will be able to tell. You won’t regret it, trust me.
Marie: True enough!
Well, it was a such a pleasure having you here on the I Love Romance Blog! And how apropos is that, considering what a great story Policy of Truth appears to be. Congratulations on your latest release… ♥
Here is the blurb:
Five years ago, Tamra “Durty” Simon’s life was falling apart, and she had a one-way ticket to six-feet under. And if it hadn’t been for the Death’s Angels Motorcycle Club swooping in, dusting her off, and transforming her into the badass biker she is today, she’d be taking a dirt nap. Now, she has everything she ever wanted–or so she thought.
Brett “Sting” Jackson is on a mission, and nothing is going to stop him–not even the sexy, enticing female biker who makes him hard with a single look. Too bad he’s lying and keeping secrets from her. But the alternative could get her killed, and that’s not a risk he’s willing to take.
It took Sting crashing into her life to make Durty realize there’s something else in this world she wants to ride as hard as her bike–too bad fate has other plans for them. When a rival club makes a move against the Angels, all hell breaks loose. Lives will be lost, secrets will be revealed, and lies will be exposed. Because in the motorcycle world, lies may get you hurt, but the truth can get you killed.
Scarlett is also offering us a teaser from the book!
“Choke-a-hoe.”
“You into strangling prostitutes now, Viper?” Lace glanced sidelong at the female sitting next to her, the corner of her lip curling enough to mimic a slight smile.
“No, smartass. I’m about to create a new Navajo Tribe if this bitch doesn’t get here soon,” Viper said.
Lace turned to look at Viper, her black brow cocked as she gazed out from under her pink and purple bangs. The two had known each other for several years, so it was easy to see the irritation growing in her friend. That’d be a new one for the history books. Lace chuckled inwardly. Chokahoe. Good Lord. “She’ll be here. No strangling today, Boston.”
“Boston?” Viper crinkled up her nose in confusion.
“Yeah, the Boston Stran—nevermind.”
Viper blew a strand of copper hair out of her two-toned eyes, sticking out her tongue as she turned her head to bat her lashes at Lace.
“It’s too fucking hot to be sitting in this damn Jeep, waiting for what?” Flames sucked down more of her slushie, the slurp reverberating through the space.
Movement caught Lace’s attention from outside the vehicle, forcing her to look up. “There she is.” She pointed with the uplift of her chin as she fumbled with the door handle.
The girl making her way toward them wasn’t what Lace expected. She’d done her research into Tamra Simons of Simons Realty, and her picture did no justice. Tamra was five foot five inches—five foot eight in her heels.
Medium length, wispy auburn hair with dark red highlights, hid the round face from view, as did the aviators covering her eyes. She wasn’t too skinny, but healthy and had an infectious glow about her. A pale pink suit skirt showed off short, shapely legs, and a white silken blouse with a light cotton blazer completed the ensemble.
“Tamra?” Lace leaned her jean clad hip against the hood of the Jeep, crossing her arms over her chest.
“That’d be me, Ms. Beck.” Tamra stuck out her hand.
“Lace, please.” She shook the realtor’s hand and motioned toward the building. “I’m ready if you are.”
Viper swung open the passenger door, almost falling as she rolled out of the cab. “Oh my god. It’s about damn time. We were about to roast in there.”
Flames followed, hopping out of the back, smoothing down the front of her shorts. “You ought to know by now, chica, wear shorts when you know we’re going somewhere with Lace.”
Lace glanced over her shoulder at the two, rolling her eyes. “Suck it up, ladies. We have a building to look at.”
Following Tamra to the warehouse, Lace studied her silently. There was something off about her.
“This location is about ten thousand square feet.” Tamra glanced at the trio, and then unlocked one of the splintered wooden doors, swinging it open as it groaned loudly in protest, and motioned them inside. “It’ll work out perfectly for a quaint little bistro.”
Lace chuckled as she stepped past the realtor, cringing as her boots crunched on broken glass when she passed through the doorway, the sound echoing through the empty building. She waved a hand in front of her face as a foul, dank smell assaulted her nose. “This won’t be a quaint bistro.”
Viper snickered as she hip bumped Lace, placing a Blow-Pop into her mouth. “This is a fucking dump. We really had to drive over thirty minutes and wait an hour in the blistering heat, when there were plenty of abandoned shit holes closer to town? I mean, seriously?”
Leave it to Viper not to beat around the bush.
The inside of the building looked like it was ransacked by a group of ferocious rioters that belonged to the spray paint club of the year—or like it was gang banged by a box of crayons. Tables were broken—some looking as if someone was pile-drived into the middle of them; mirrors shattered, the tattered pieces strewn about the warped floorboards, which appeared to have taken on the Biblical flood. The bar looked like it’d been lit on fire, charred and split apart in several places. The trailer park paneled walls were scrawled on with various obscenities and the roof needed help as well.
Lace thought it was perfect.
Flames groaned.
Clicking her tongue ring against her teeth, Lace settled her hands on her hips as a slow smirk formed on her lips. She had no clue what Flames was groaning about, this place was abso-fucking-lutely perfect, and no, it wasn’t quaint—at all.
“Shit.” Flames nudged Viper. “She’s doing that clicking thing. We’re fucked.”
Viper snorted and tossed her hair over her shoulder, raising a single brow to Lace. “Yup. I can see the wheels turning. We’re screwed worse than an altar boy at confession.”
Lace came close to bursting out in laughter when Tamra’s jaw dropped. Sighing, she frowned, turning toward Tamra. “You answer a question truthfully, and I’ll buy this place.”
“Ex-excuse me?” Tamra said. Clearly, she wasn’t used to dealing with clients like Lace. “We haven’t even discussed a price. Or what you want to do with the place. I thought you wanted a bistro.”
Lace waved her hand dismissively. “Something like tha—”
“Money isn’t shit when it’s something Lace wants,” Viper said. “So, answer the question already. Oh, shit! I think I just saw a fucking roach wielding a machete.”
“Deal?” Lace stared expectantly at the realtor.
Tamra nodded, rolling her bottom lip between her teeth.
She hadn’t taken off her sunglasses but even without eye contact, Lace could read the woman’s face. “So, how long has he been hitting you?”
Wow! I’m curious to find out what happens next… 😀
Purchase Links:
Universal Reader link: https://books2read.com/u/bOZJzK
We’ll be sure to get a copy of this MC romantic suspense! ♥♥♥
About Scarlett Holloway
Growing up on the Central Coast, Scarlett Holloway always dreamed of seeing her name on the cover of a book and on the New York Times Best Seller List. What better way than to bring part of her past onto the pages of a novel, as well as writing about issues that women face on a daily basis? When she is not in her bunny hole writing, she is a massage therapist, trying to help people through therapeutic healing. Scarlett is hopelessly devoted to her husband, who she lovingly calls her plot bunny, and is active in her teenage son’s life.
Books:
Coming Soon:
Available Now:
And, if you want to know how to connect with the fascinating Scarlett Holloway, here are some author links…
Once again, I want to thank Scarlett Holloway, the brilliant author of this MC romance, for stopping by! It was a pleasure to have you here! Readers, check out her work! ♥
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Books, coffee, and chocolate make up both the heart and body mass that is better known as Amelia Foster. She has been a lifelong lover of the written word, both as a reader and an author, and completed her first manuscript at the ripe old age of five complete with illustrations. Sadly, her art was a medium that never improved over time, although thankfully her writing has.
