A VISIT WITH ANNE LANGE & MOLLY SIMPSON OF WORTH THE RISK
Today, I'd like to welcome, Anne Lange and Molly Simpson to Golinowski's Gambol. Congratulations, Anne, on your debut novella - WORTH THE RISK.
(Anne) Thank you, Denise,
for having us. This is actually the very
first interview for Molly.
(Molly) Hello, Denise.
Thank you for inviting me to tag along.
I'm honored to be the first to interview you, Molly!
(Anne) To set up the
story a bit, I’ve provided the blurb.
And I’d like to add, that although this story is classed as an erotic
romance (simply because those scenes are more explicit), it’s very much a
contemporary romantic love story – a reunion story.
Even the hottest sex might not be enough to
ease the pain of the past…
Molly Simpson arrives at a beautiful provincial park, ready to spend the May Two-Four holiday camping with friends. This weekend is the highlight of her year—or it was, until Tanner Daivies showed up. Her high school crush is all grown up, sexy as sin, and he’s demanding answers—answers Molly isn’t sure she can give him. She had her reasons for leaving him all those years ago, but now, sex with Tanner is scorching, and when they’re together, it’s clear they were never meant to be apart. But the past doesn’t want to stay buried, and Molly isn’t sure reliving it is worth the risk…
Sounds great! So, let's get right to
it, shall we?
First, how did you two meet and did it
take much to decide how you were going to tell your story?
(Anne) Well, we actually met through a mutual friend. Colleen is Molly’s best friend, and I know Colleen’s mother. When I brainstorming about this idea, Colleen overheard me and her mother speaking and suggested I consider telling Molly's story. When I spoke with Molly, although she was hesitant at first, it didn’t take too long to convince her. I can be very persuasive.
(Molly) Actually, it was
a good experience for me. Therapeutic you might say. For Tanner too.
Were there any artistic differences as
the story developed, Anne? Places in the story where you had to exercise your
authorial authority?
(Anne) Well… (Anne glances over to Molly)
(Molly nods her head) It’s okay, Anne. Go ahead.
(Anne) Molly took a lot
of grief from people who couldn’t understand why she kept this particular
secret from Tanner. But she was hardest
on herself. It wasn’t easy for her. And reliving it wasn’t a piece of cake for
either of them. But, it’s definitely helped, I think. At points Molly would distance herself, and
become very clinical about the whole thing. It’s a coping mechanism, I know.
But I encouraged her to keep that side of it to a minimum and focus on the
emotional impact instead.
(Molly) I wouldn’t have thought it at the time, but yes, Anne is correct, Tanner and I couldn’t have moved forward without all of this coming out. People just need to understand that we were young. And young people often make decisions that may not be the smartest, but at the time they made perfect sense—to me anyway. Hindsight and the wisdom that comes with age is always more clear.
Are there any parallels, Anne, between
your life and Molly and Tanner's?
(Anne swallows and nods.)
Yes. There is. I went through the exact
same thing that Molly did. That’s what connected us. (Molly reaches over and takes Anne’s hand in hers) I wasn’t as young as Molly was at the time.
I’d already been married, but the pain is no less, the feeling of guilt is no
less. And the inherent need to bottle it up inside yourself is there no matter
how old you are. In fact, when my own husband read Molly’s story, and asked me
about it, he was stunned to find out I had experienced similar emotions. And then he felt bad that he didn’t realize I
was going through that. So, in some ways, telling Molly’s story was therapeutic
for me, and him, as well.
Are there any dramatic differences,
Molly, and how did you get that across to Anne?
(Molly) Hmm. Dramatic differences? Probably the
biggest difference was our ages. Like Anne just said, she was older when she
had the same thing happen. Not that she necessarily understood what was
happening, but she had the advantage of being older and wiser.
(Anne snickers) You make it sound like I was decrepit.
(Molly laughs and squeezes Anne’s hand) Sorry. Anne was slightly
older than me, but she was far wiser
than me. Anne did research and figured it out.
I didn’t. Frankly, I don’t think
I even considered it. Guilt set in and
took up residence. I felt broken. That’s why I never said anything to Tanner. I
needed Anne to understand that and get that point across in the story.
How about a sample of WORTH THE RISK?
(Anne) Sure thing. But I
will forewarn, the sample below is NOT X-rated.
LOL J
Taking
her hand, Tanner led her to a secluded spot at the north end of the beach, a
private nook nestled in amongst the trees. The rest of their friends were back
at the campsite, arguing over who won that last game of cards.
When
they reached the perfect spot, he released his hold on her hand to lay out the
blanket. With a flick of his wrists, he let it fly out before it settled in the
grass. He unzipped the sleeping bag and laid it opened over the blanket.
Kicking off his shoes, he crawled between the blankets of the makeshift bed and
reached out to her. She laid her hand in his. With a playful tug, he hauled her
down beside him and wrapped the sleeping bag snug around her.
Lying
side by side, hands clasped under their heads, they gazed up at the
star-studded sky. Water lapped at the shoreline, soothing her, lulling her into
a sensuous, romantic state. The chirps of a few crickets and the occasional
splash of a frog or fish jumping into the water were the only disruptions in
their cozy little universe. The scent of Tanner tickled her nose. He never used
cologne, just Irish Spring and him. She rolled her head to peer at him. He lay
there, staring at her.
“This
is perfect.” Her voice was a whisper.
Without
a word, he rolled to his side and canted over her, brushing his lips across
hers. His were soft, his touch tender. She couldn’t resist opening her mouth,
allowing his tongue to slide inside and dance with hers.
He
raised a hand to cup her face as he deepened the kiss. She reached up and
twined her arms around his neck, pulling until his chest fell onto hers. His
heart thudded against her. Wrapped together, she surrendered to him.
After
a passionate embrace, he ended the kiss and cradled her in one arm while the
other rested against her lower belly. His gaze held hers as he inched his hand
under her sweater, his fingers tiptoeing in a feather-light touch to cover her
breast.
She
arched her body, pushing her breast into his grasp.
Oh my! Now that we've wet your whistle,
here's where you can pick up your copy:
You can buy it here:
Amazon
Barnes and
Noble
All Romance
Ebooks
Kobo
Let's play Casting Call, Molly – what
actors would you cast for the main roles in WORTH THE RISK and why?
(Anne snickers. Molly
laughs) Well, Anne and I have actually discussed this. We had to think about her, but we both had no
problem coming up with him.
Johnny Depp and Yvonne Strahovski. I would say they definitely have the right
look! And we’re both huge Johnny Depp
fans.
Okay, how about a few completely
useless but fun questions:
(Molly) I’ll let Anne
take these questions.
1.
Your
dream car? Tough
one. It’s between the newer models of an Audi TT or a Camaro.
2.
Your
favorite drink? Diet Coke
3.
Your
favorite meal? Anything pasta
4.
Your
dream vacation? Jamaica
6.
Your
favorite season? Summer
7.
Your
favorite 3-Day Weekend Getaway? Vegas
(Anne, I'm with you on the pasta and The American President is wonderful. Despite Annette's issues with Dupont Circle, I've always wanted to go up to DC and give it a spin)
Well I think that just about wraps it up. Thank you so very much, Anne and Molly, for dropping by Golinowski's Gambol. I've enjoyed learning more about you and I look forward to reading WORTH THE RISK.
(Anne) Thank you for
having us, Denise. It’s been an absolute pleasure and I’m glad Molly finally
had a chance to introduce herself to the world.
(Molly) Thank you,
Denise. I enjoyed meeting you. And you weren’t too tough on me. J
More
about Anne Lange
Anne Lange grew up
with a love of reading. In fact, if you take a close look, she’s got a book
with her where ever she goes, and will usually sneak in at least a chapter or
ten whenever she can spare a few minutes. She reads many genres of fiction, but
prefers to write sexy romance with attractive men, strong females, and always a
happily ever after.
While embarking on
a career as a romance author, Anne juggles a full time job and a family. She
grew up in Southern Ontario (Canada), but now makes her home in Eastern Ontario
where she lives with her husband and three children, and Rocky the bearded
dragon.
Also, All Week (May 17th through May 23rd), I will be offering chances to Enter to Win one of these truly Collectible COLLECTOR'S ITEM mugs filled with various forms of caffeine and oh so yummy chocolate. I'll be sharing all the particulars about the contest on Friday, May 17th here on this blog.
