Kelley Harvey Writes: Abby Cavenaugh's Blog Tour: Author Interview

Abby Cavenaugh's BLOG TOUR

I am so happy to have Abby Cavenaugh stopping in on her blog tour. Abby is my friend and a member of my critique group, The Off Beats. I have a special treat for everyone: Author Interview!

Check out Abby's NEW RELEASE, GOING HOME AGAIN (Swoon Romance) below, and then keep reading to find out more personal facts about this wonderful author.

Going Home Again Book Blurb:

In high school, it was doubtful Michael Day knew Alyssa Jones existed.

Twenty years later, when the now-famous pop star returns home to coastal North Carolina, Alyssa gets a second chance to make a first impression on Michael.

On sabbatical from his failing marriage, Michael agrees to an interview with Alyssa, a journalist for the local tourist magazine.

When the chemistry between them ignites, Alyssa and Michael are hit with the harsh reality that he isn't yet free to love her.

With Michael's wife and son still very much in the picture, can Alyssa hold out until he ends his marriage for good? Or will she risk it all for a second chance with the one who got away?

About Abby Cavenaugh

Abby Cavenaugh is a writer of romantic women's fiction and YA paranormal. She is a newspaper editor by day, but dreams of someday retiring to the North Carolina coast to write books full-time. She lives near Charlotte with her twin sister, also a writer, six-year-old niece and crazy cat, Gus, and is driven by dreams, Diet Coke and chocolate

Now, let's get down to business and

really get to know Abby.

K.H: When did you first know you had a book, an entire book, in you to write?

A.C: Well, I wrote my first book-- dreadful as it was-- when I was a teenager, so I've always kind of known I had it in me! It was just a matter of finding the right story to tell.

K.H: Finish this sentence: If I could live anywhere…

A.C: I would probably live in Wilmington, NC. I've always really loved Wilmington and the area beaches! Or, New York City. There's a special magic in the air in NYC that you can't find anywhere else. I just felt at home there the few times I've visited. Although Wilmington would be nice when I'm craving a slower pace.

K.H: Going Home Again is Women’s Fiction, what other genres do you enjoy reading and writing?

A.C: I really enjoy all kinds of genres, really. I can find something to love in any sort of book, as long as I believe in and care about the characters. As for writing, I feel most comfortable writing romantic women's fiction but I wrote YA paranormal as well, and loved that too!

K.H: Where do you find inspiration for your characters and settings?

A.C: I find inspiration everywhere. Usually, I have ideas in the shower or when I'm driving, so I try to write notes as soon as possible so I don't forget!!

K.H: As an author, are you a planner (outline) or a pantser (by the seat of)?

A.C: Definitely a pantser. I've tried to be a planner, but I just can't do it! I really have to sit down and just let the writing flow.

K.H: Chocolate or vanilla?

A.C: I am a chocolate fiend!!!!!! LOVE it!!! Especially dark chocolate.

K.H: Outside of your own, what's your favorite book?

A.C: "Best Friends Forever" by Jennifer Weiner-- it's so funny, and yet heartwarming and real at the same time.

K.H: What do you do to get your creative juices flowing?

A.C: Listening to music is always a good way to get my creativity started! I've got playlists for all my stories, and when I listen to them when I'm feeling stuck.

K.H: Which authors inspired you to start writing?

A.C: Dean Koontz, even though my writing style is nothing like his. I was 12 or 13 when I first read his novel, "Twilight Eyes" and I wanted to create something even half as good as Dean Koontz!!!

K.H: Best advice you’ve ever received about writing/publishing?

A.C: Not to give up, and to never compare yourself to others. I'm still working on the latter one!

K.H: Looking back, what’s the one thing you wish you had known before starting your first novel?

A.C: I wish I'd known better when I was actually done with my manuscript. I probably queried way too early and I should've refined it a few more times before sending it out. Alas, live and learn, I guess, because I'm not sure I would've known when it was "right" without the experience of being rejected so many times, if that makes sense!

K.H: What advice would you give aspiring authors?

A.C: Never, ever, ever, EVER give up!!!!

K.H: Do you REALLY believe in love at first sight? Why or why not?

A.C: I used to but now that I'm older and one would hope wiser, I'm not so sure. I think maybe lust at first sight, and it grows from there.

Abby, thanks for stopping in and opening up to give us a glimpse at the woman behind the book. Everyone should definitely take time to check out Abby's book, Going Home Again.