First off, I want to thank author Angie Stanton for being part of this weeks author spotlight :D
I always love working with authors and being able to not only see a bit into their heads but be able to share with everyone.
Below, youll find a little about the author, an interview, and a little about her book, Royally Lost. Review here
Angie Stanton never planned on writing books—she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in rural America with her brothers’ 4-H pigs as pets, she found that dance didn’t quite work out. Instead, she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head, she began to write them down, and the rest is history. When not writing, she loves watching natural disaster movies, going to Broadway musicals, and dipping French fries in chocolate shakes. Best selling books by Angie include Rock and a Hard Place, Snapshot, Royally Lost, Dream Chaser, Snowed Over and Love ‘em or Leave ‘em. All are contemporary romances.
About Angie
1. What inspired you to become an author, when was the moment you realized that you wanted to be an author?
I started writing as a hobby because I had so many daydreams in my head. I never intended to be a writer, so after writing half a book, I realized I'd like to try to get published.
2. How did you feel when you first found out you were getting published?
Everything you'd imagine. I was ecstatic, squealing, and doing a happy dance all over my kitchen, while trying to act all cool on the phone with the editor.
3. Are you working on anything new?
Always. I have a book out on submission with my agent, and am working on a love story that I don't want to end because it's so fun.
4. Do you have any special writing process that you do? Ex. Do a few hours of research? Tell anyone your thoughts for a new book? Write the idea down?
Interestingly, it's been a little different with every book. I usually think about a book for months before I start writing. I will jot down ideas and major action points, the good stuff that makes me want to write the story. I often mention the half-baked ideas to a friend or two. Most of my research happens when I get to that part of the book it applies to, or when I'm stuck and need a break. I try to write everyday, but life often gets in the way.
Royally Lost
1. What inspired Beccas and Nikolai’s story?
I was taking a river boat cruise in Europe and imagined what it would be like for a teenager stuck on a trip like that with her parents. I think we all think it would be great to meet a prince, so I made him an unhappy prince on the run. I love their chemistry.
2. Where do you see Becca in 10 years? Nikolai?
Happily ever after, of course! Blissfully in love, married, with a couple of preschoolers who are darling little handfuls. Becca and Nikolai are shaking up the monarchy with their progressive attitudes and energy.
3. Are names in your book random or do they have a special meaning? Are names one of the first things you thought of for this book?
Names are so hard! Seriously! I often change the main characters' names a few times while writing a book, which really confuses my critique partner. I want my characters' names to have the right sound and nickname. I liked Becca so her nickname could be Becs. I loved the name Nikolai because it reminded me of the old Russian Monarchy. He's a descendant from a long line of Nikolai's. Sometimes I'll sneak in a friend's last name for minor characters.
4. Did you do any travelling for this book? Or what research did you do in order to complete this book?
As I mentioned earlier, I took the exact trip that Becca takes, including a side trip to Prague. I really need to have a strong visual of where my characters are and what they're doing. So every single scene, with the exception of the lake scene and the Palace scenes, I visited. It was a blast!
5. If Royally Lost was a movie, who do you picture as Becca and Nikolai? Beccas brother? Nikolais sister? Or anyone else?
That's a tough one. I think I'd prefer unknown actors who make it big after being in my movie. Lol!
6. About how long did it take you to write Royally Lost?
From first word to turning it into my editor, it took nine months to write, which is a pretty good clip for me.
Bonus round
1. Cupcakes or Muffins ?
Cupcakes! Frosting and sugar, of course!
2. If you could visit any place in the world, for 6 months, all expenses paid (along with family) where would you want to go?
I'd love to live in New York City for six months. Live in one of those small neighborhoods, walk everywhere, see lots of Broadway shows and try the cute little restaurants. Second choice, England. Of course, my current work in progress takes place in both those places.
3. What are you top 3 favorite books?
Easy!
ON THE ISLAND by Tracey Garvis-Graves (seriously, read this book! Love it!)
TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger
THE ROYAL WE by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
4. 3 Things on your bucket list?
Rent a sublet and live in New York City for at least a month.
Travel to the Galapagos Islands and see the giant sea turtles
Travel, travel, travel every year until I'm old and gray.
5. If you could have a superpower what would it be?
Does time traveling count? Because I think that would be really fun! Great research, too!
Royally Lost
Goodreads Description:
Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.
Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.
When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?
Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.
When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?
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