THE LIBRARY | With Love From Lowcountry- Natasha Boyd

You know that book you cannot put down? The story you won’t forget. You never want to forget? As I’ve noted in my review of it, Eversea is exactly that and so much more. A sweet and tender love story of two people from different worlds meeting together to make a world of their own. That spirit of love and togetherness…so enchanting.

Naturally, I wanted to speak with the writer of such a novel, as you know I’m a sucker for a good romantic story and I was even more tickled when Natasha Boyd agreed to do this interview. So here goes…

1. What made you want to be a writer?

I have always wanted to be a writer. I’ve written short stories and attempted novels since I was a teenager.  It was long overdue.

2. Your favourite line from a movie?

EEEEK!  My most quoted movie is The Princess Bride (as you may have noticed from my book Eversea!) but I think my favorite movie line is from Gone with the Wind (Rhett to Scarlett):

“I don’t think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That’s what’s wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, by someone who knows how.”

Ehem. Yes. Yes, please.

3. Three books that changed your life.

Wow, great question.  Doesn’t every book in a way?  Okay I’ll pick three for different reasons.  1) The Secret History by Donna Tartt – I read it when I was 17 and was mesmerized by it.  2) Fingerprints of the Gods – Graham Hancock , the first book that made me question the way human history was written and to what end. Consequently,  I take nothing at face value … and question the motivations behind almost every opinion.  3) This may seem out of place but John Grisham’s The Firm. I read it in one day. I was 16. It was the first time I really understood the power an author has in the WAY he structures the story that will keep someone turning the pages!

4. A book or series you wish you’d written?

Your questions, I swear! Hmmm… doesn’t everyone wish they’d written Fifty Shades? I read it back before it was a phenomenon!

5. How did Jack Eversea come about? I am in love with him!!

I love him too. I wish I knew. He just was. He was even named already in my head. I had these scenes and conversations playing out already before I even got around to getting anything written down.   I like to think it’s because he really does exist somewhere and wanted his story told 🙂  I’m not delusional, I swear. Well, maybe just a tad.

6. Why did you base your books in the south? It makes me want to visit.

I moved to South Carolina about two and a half years ago. I was resistant to the move and couldn’t understand what was so great about the marshy mosquito-ridden place. And then it started to work it’s magic on me.  I guess I started to really SEE everything around me and before long I was completely in love with it. There is a unique magic about the Lowcountry.

7. Talk us through a typical writing day…

Now that I’m writing full time, I get up, drink tea (Tetleys – two bags, honey, milk) and get kids ready for school, take them to the bus, procrastinate (make more tea), check all social media, open work in progress, respond to all reader messages on FB, Twitter, email and goodreads , procrastinate (make more tea). Then it’s 10.30 or 11- then it hits and I start writing, writing, writing , forget to have lunch, and barely make it to school pick up at 3.  Then I spend the rest of the day helping with homework and refereeing, while characters continue to duke it out in my head.

8. We often hear stories about how difficult it is to get an agent, get published etc, how hard was it for you and where do you stand on the self publishing phenomenon that’s sweeping the industry?

I never queried an agent or submitted Eversea to a publisher. I spent sixth months watching and learning what everyone else was doing and reading the news of the Industry. I realized it was going the way of the music industry. Hardly any labels take on untried talent, they prefer to sign someone who has already built their own following and even cut their own demos.  It’s safer. And I understand that.  And they certainly aren’t going to market  everyone.  So I got my book as professionally ready as possible,  with covers etc, then I pressed the button myself. Two weeks later, I had an agent, who approached me rather than the other way around.  And I have a wonderful UK publisher who takes care of all the commonwealth countries.   But I LOVE being in control of my sales and my numbers in the US (the largest market). I am quite happily what you’d call a Hybrid author.

9. What was it about this story for you?

I adore the fact it is part Cinderella story. Two people who wouldn’t normally interact or end up together. Those are my favorite stories. I also love that Keri Ann needs to find herself, and as soon as she does, she feels in danger of completely losing it. And she’s AWARE of it, which so may of us aren’t. People may think she’s weak at times, but I think her ability to see the potential pitfalls (for her) of being with a mega-star celebrity and appropriately freak out, is part of what makes her more real.  And Jack … ahh Jack. He’s what it’s about for me.  He’s strong, but lost himself momentarily in his choice of career. Keri Ann grounds him and reminds him of who he is and what he wants and he comes back stronger than ever. He loves deeply and completely, and is sexy as hell.  That’s all.

10. And what’s next?

I’m working on a new series. And I’ll also be doing Jazz and Joey’s story (by popular demand). I may, at some point, give you all a little more Jack, too.

Thank you Ms Boyd, for such an enchanting story.

And a billion thank yous to Meredy for introducing me to something so beautiful. So Beautiful.

Buy Eversea Series on Amazon. you will not regret it.