Contemporary Romance, Firefighter
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They say authors should write what they know. Have you ever decided to write out of your comfort zone? If so what all went into the writing process of that novel and which title is it?
Oh man, that’s a good question. Yes, I have written outside of my comfort zone and each time it was an eye opening experience. I think the first time I really stepped away form my comfort zone was for a story called Crossing Divides. It was set in Syria. Then I did it with A Heart Without Borders and a Spirit Without Borders. These stories were all set in locations I’d never visited and situations I’d never experienced. Yet I had to tell the stories.
The biggest change with writing these stories was the research that they required. I spent a great deal of time on the internet. Not so much with pages of information, but photographs so I could describe and convey the feelings of the places. I also needed to get an idea of the culture and people’s ideas and values. And I think that once those books were done, they made me a better writer. At least I hope so.
Marco was about to explain that he had no appointments and that the stunning man should call to make one, but the words died on his lips as he turned to the little boy. He was probably five years old, drawn-looking, bald-headed, and had a tube to his nose. Marco followed it to a small tank in a wheeled cart on the sidewalk. He motioned them in, stepping back to stay out the way as the little boy pulled the tank cart inside, with the father following behind, looking more and more worried by the second.
This was one sick little boy. His eyes didn’t hold any of the joy or spark children had, and his skin was as pale as any Marco had ever seen. He was thin and small, and he shuffled his feet like he barely had the energy to walk.
“I’m Dean Harlow, and this is Sammy. He was at Hershey Med last week, and in the pediatric ward, they have pictures of children they’ve helped. One of them is a little girl hugging a huge stuffed Dalmatian. It’s all he’s talked about for days. I saw your studio mark, found your website, and I know you don’t take walk-ins, but Sammy would love to see the Dalmatian and maybe play with it for a few seconds.” Dean put his arm around Sammy’s shoulders, gently gathering him closer.
He didn’t fidget the way most kids did. Instead, Sammy leaned on his father like he was resting. It tugged at Marco’s heart.
“As you’ve guessed, I’m Marco. Why don’t the two of you sit down right there, and I’ll get set up. Give me just a few minutes, okay?” Marco waited until they took seats before going into the back. He turned on the lights and took out the large stuffed animal. He’d gotten it years ago when FAO Schwartz went out of business. He put the Dalmatian in the studio area, then set up the camera and lighting before returning to the lobby.
Sammy sat on his dad’s lap, resting against his chest, his eyes closed, probably asleep.
Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.
Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Andrew Grey
This book sounds so good. I got tears just reading the excerpt.
Congrats on another good one. I like some of the other series, but haven’t started this one yet. That’s why I appreciate this post and giveaway.
Congrats on your new book!
I’d love to read Fire and Flint and Rekindled Flame. Both are books I’ve just heard about.
Speaking of research…I’ve just read 2 books recently which really demonstrated this perfectly…
Adrienne Wilder – In The Absence of Light
Nicky James – Love Me Whole
Smoldering Flame sounds like it will be just as good, if not better!