[ Blogiversary ] Author Interview: Shirl Rickman

Author Interview: Shirl Rickman

Welcome Shirl Rickman! It is great to have you here at T & G Book Boutique! Let’s get started with the questions!

First off, tell us a little bit about yourself!

I always ruin this part of the interview.

Well I really love to laugh. I'm only serious when a situation calls for it. I'm a mom. A wife. And a romantic. I guess those are the important things.

What got you into writing?

I've always loved to read and dream up stories. For years, I've written stories for my girlfriends and family. I would send them a chapter at a time. One day I accidentally came across a writer you may have heard of name, Colleen Hoover. I became obsessed with finding every book she had written. At the time, Hopeless only just released. I read all three books she had out at the time in three days. I barely slept. I introduced two of my best friends to her and they were hooked. We loved her life story. They encouraged me to take a chance and by encourage I mean they nagged and cursed me until I finally gave in and decided to publish.

Tell us a little bit about your books. 

Well, I published my first novel last August called When Destinies Collide. It’s a story of tragedy, hope, and young love. It's coming of age, but I think it has a lot to offer a reader of many interests. This past April Somewhere in Between released. I love this story because its about romance. The old school kind of romance. It's happy and drama free. We all need that escape from life every once in a while in my opinion. Currently, I'm working on Book 1 of a novella series called Falling Slowly which comes out in October. The second book called Free Falling will release in February. If there is one guarantee you can expect from me in my books is they will always be real. There will be silly humor in them. There will be romance. There will be occasionally be angst and heartache. BUT, there will ALWAYS be a happy ending. It's just how I roll.

Where does your inspiration come from? 

Good lord, I can't pinpoint one thing. My answer is probably like most writers. It's from life experience, stories I've heard, music I listen to and random things I see. The idea for Somewhere in Between came to me while driving to Houston from New Orleans.I saw a sign that said Lost and Found River. By the time I crossed the river, I had the whole plot of the story which nothing to do with a river and a little to do with a Lost and Found. I pulled over and wrote it in my notes on my phone. They always come at the most inopportune times.

Favorite hobby other than reading?

Oh man, this is hard.  I guess if I'm not reading or writing, I like to spend time with my family. Go to the movies. Watch movies at home. Just chill out. Is this a hobby? Can my family be a hobby? Uh, yeah. This sounds bad. And boring. Oh well. I like to run! Yep, that’s all.

Tell us an embarrassing story?! 

I always love asking this question because it gives us a good laugh.

One of my most recent embarrassing stories is the night I met Paul Blackthorne from The Green Arrow. He plays Detective Lance. Anywho, he was trying to engage me in conversation and I literally couldn't think of anything other than Okay to say to him. My mouth hung open the entire time. He was extra pretty in person and his British accent was too much for my little heart to handle. He finally said, "Well...okay then. It was nice chatting with you." My only response was "okay" and he couldn't get away from me fast enough. I was mortified.

Favorite author? 

I don't have one. I have many, it just depends on my mood. I love Colleen Hoover. It's weird because I consider her a friend now and I can't fangirl over her. She is simply one of the most generous people I've ever met. I love Renee Carlino, too.  I'm a huge historical romance freak so I love Julia Quinn and Eloisa James. Also, a writer name Kieran Kramer. She writes historical and contemporary. Ugh. See? I can't name one.

Favorite genre?

Historical Romance.

Tell us one weird or interesting thing about you?

I had to ask my friend Christine and she said  I always interrupt myself. Like, I am talking and then I interrupt myself and start somewhere else.

Basically, I see squirrels. I'm not sure if that is weird or interesting. Its just ridiculous.

If you had to be alone in a deserted island what book would you take with you? Only one is allowed and no kindles! 

I know, I am cruel, but this is important. I want to know what book you would never get bored of.

Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Thank you for hanging out with us Shirl!

Books by Shirl Rickman

FROM THE OUTSIDE, THEY APPEAR TO HAVE IT ALL…

Waking every morning and pasting a smile on her face, Selene Chandler only looks like she has it all: parents who love each other, popularity… but what she actually has, is everyone fooled.

Afraid to let anyone see the real, raw her, Selene’s life is far from perfect, and the well-constructed wall she’s built is so high, no one has ever seen past it except her mother; the one and only person she’s ever felt love from.

A TWIST OF FATE THAT IGNITES A FIRE…

The handsome “golden” boy of Montgomery, Texas, Drake Thomas appears to have the perfect life. The Mayor’s son, Drake is privileged, entitled, and has never faced the consequences of his actions. He’s never had to until one fateful night, his carefully constructed world begins to unravel, and it takes all the strength he didn’t know he had to hold it together.

A CONNECTION THAT CAN’T BE DENIED…

When fate deals Selene a devastating hand, she is forced into a new life, in a new town. Both alluring and beautiful, two strangers lives cross paths in a tangle of feelings impossible for them to ignore.

Desire turns to a longing neither have ever allowed themselves to feel; but will it be enough to tear down their walls and overcome the secrets of their past?

They’re both pretending; but in this life, you can only pretend for so long.

Goodreads | Amazon

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