Author Mary Cope is joining us today for an interview. Her latest novel, Beautiful One is a fantastic pick for young adults and all readers looking for a sweet romance.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Beautiful One
Author: Mary Cope
Genre: Young Adult / Sweet Romance
BLURB:
Transformation, empowerment, love and music come together in the book, Beautiful One.
Elizabeth Ryan is a beautiful, shy, naïve high school senior. Having never dated she meets the boy of her dreams, Aidan Mitchell. Despite his history of womanizing Liz is drawn to him. Soon Liz becomes the envy of all the girls on campus, when they become a couple, and her dream boyfriend sweeps her off her feet and into the dating world that is all too new and strange for her. When other guys start to take notice of Liz, Aidan is troubled with fits of jealousy.
Elizabeth then meets the ruggedly handsome, Spencer Hayes and they quickly bond over their passion for music. Liz begins to struggle with the feelings that spark between them.
In the end Elizabeth finds herself torn between helping Aidan overcome his jealousy and anger and giving into what her heart truly wants.
INTERVIEW:
Welcome! It is my pleasure to feature your novel.
What was the inspiration behind your latest release?
The inspiration for Beautiful One came to me when I was dropping off my daughter in high school. As my daughter was gathering her things to exit the car, an overweight teenage girl walked by. My daughter glanced at her, looked at me and said, “Kids are so mean, it must be really hard to be overweight in high school.”
That was the day the character, Elizabeth, was born and the idea for Beautiful One began.
Do ideas for plot or characters appear first?
For me, the plot comes first and then the characters filter in. Never having had a professional writing background, I would consider myself an organic writer. I think about my story, and when I begin, I already have an idea for the ending. My goal is to write towards to the end.
Have you ever traveled when researching information for a book?
I didn’t have to travel in researching my book. In my early twenties I lived in the location Beautiful One was set in. Beautiful One takes place in the beach community of Dana Point. All the places mentioned throughout the pages I have either been to or worked at. The stairs Lizzy runs, I have run and the dog, Maggie, was my dog. My sweet Maggie has since passed, but she will live on in the pages of Beautiful One forever.
When did you begin writing?
I began my writing career in my late 40s. Having always been an avid reader, I was reading a best-selling novel, and to be honest, I could not get through it. As much as I tried, I just found the storyline ridiculous. That was the day I put the book down and thought to myself, “If this is a best-selling novel, I might as well give writing a try.”
So, I did.
Funny, sidenote… I happen to be friends with the author who inadvertently inspired me. Of course, she has no idea the way she inspired me, but I think it’s funny we’re now friends.
How many hours do you dedicate each day towards writing?
I don’t have a set amount of hours I write. I write until my mind drifts, or the ideas stop. When that happens, I will usually take a break, grab my dog and go for a walk. Walking clears my head and gives me the ability to refocus back on the chapter I am working to complete.
What does literary success mean to you?
Literary success means I become a New York Times best-selling author, what else?
AUTHOR BIO:
Mary Cope is a passionate romance writer known for her ability to craft characters that feel undeniably real. Drawing inspiration from both her personal experience and vivid imagination, Mary’s words resonate with readers. A romantic at heart, Mary believes true intimacy is what love is all about.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Jill Piscitello 