Welcome back to K Dawn Byrd, who talks about her new book, SomethingBeautiful
About the author:
K. Dawn Byrd
is an author of inspirational novels in several genres, including historical,
suspense, romance, and young adult. Some of her favorite things are chocolate,
cars, and her pets. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and riding down
country roads in the passenger seat of her husband's Corvette Stingray. When
asked why she writes, her response is, "For the simple joy of placing
words on the page!"
About the book:
Lauren Milton discovers SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL
in the arms of Antony Marcos, a Hispanic bad boy from the wrong side of the
tracks, who saves her from a gang that accosts her on campus. She can't help
herself even though no one approves of their relationship and Antony is rumored
to have gang connections.
Lauren
Milton has always followed the rules, but when she meets Antony Marcos, she
discovers just how much fun it is to do her own thing. When Antony, the bad boy
from the wrong side of the tracks, professes his love for her, her life is
complete. He's her soul mate, but when she finds that he's harboring secrets,
can she forgive him?
Antony is terrified that his secrets will destroy their relationship when Lauren finds out the truth. Does he tell the truth and face losing her or continue his activities, possibly placing her in danger? Can they make things work even though her family and friends are against him?
Lauren has PTSD from the car accident that killed her boyfriend and her mother. Can she face her greatest fears while risking everything for the guy she loves? Can they overcome the obstacles facing them to find their happily ever after?
Antony is terrified that his secrets will destroy their relationship when Lauren finds out the truth. Does he tell the truth and face losing her or continue his activities, possibly placing her in danger? Can they make things work even though her family and friends are against him?
Lauren has PTSD from the car accident that killed her boyfriend and her mother. Can she face her greatest fears while risking everything for the guy she loves? Can they overcome the obstacles facing them to find their happily ever after?
Tell us a
little more about yourself , with three things not many people know about you.
a)
I have a
masters degree in professional counseling from Liberty University.
b)
I'm an
animal lover. I have two hairless Chinese Crested dogs, an African Gray parrot,
three ferrets, and several aquariums in my home, and somehow recently my niece
ended up with a tiny fancy mouse who has found a home at my house.
c)
I love sour
foods. I'd rather have olives, pickles, or dilly beans than something sweet
sometimes.
Why did you
choose to write this book?
I thought it would be fun to explore what it would be like to have a guy and gal fall in love who are from very different backgrounds. She's a wealthy young woman who has always had everything she's ever wanted. He's a Hispanic bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Her friends and family don't approve, which adds tension to the story.
I thought it would be fun to explore what it would be like to have a guy and gal fall in love who are from very different backgrounds. She's a wealthy young woman who has always had everything she's ever wanted. He's a Hispanic bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Her friends and family don't approve, which adds tension to the story.
What did you
learn while writing this book?
I learned that I really do love writing romance, especially romance that contains suspense passages.
I learned that I really do love writing romance, especially romance that contains suspense passages.
What would
you like readers to take away from your book?
God is with us and we need to learn to trust
our hearts.
What is the
toughest test you've faced as a writer?
Finding time to write. I work a full-time job and also a lot of weekends, which means that I have to be really devoted to my writing time. I set aside at least an hour every night, six days a week if possible. The fact that I start with a well-developed plot makes things move faster.
Finding time to write. I work a full-time job and also a lot of weekends, which means that I have to be really devoted to my writing time. I set aside at least an hour every night, six days a week if possible. The fact that I start with a well-developed plot makes things move faster.
What kind of
planning do you do before writing a novel?
I fill out
character sketches in order to get to know my characters better. I ask myself
what their goals are, what motivates them, and what's keeping them from
reaching their goals. Sometimes, I start by writing a synopsis. This gives me
information about the plot as it develops. I usually have a pretty strong plot
before I actually begin the story.I'm working on a thriller about a serial killer. It's a difficult story because there are several twists and turns and I have to be careful how I write it for everything to fall into place correctly.
What's next
for you?
The Hot Line Girl in June. Luck of the Draw in November.
How can
readers get in contact with you?
Email: kdawnbyrd-at-yahoo.com
Twitter:
kdawnbyrd
Pinterist:
kdawnbyrd
Facebook:
kdawnbyrd
Enjoy a brief excerpt from Something Beautiful:
He placed his hand in the small of my back,
steering me around a puddle of saltwater, and I shivered even though the night
air was warm. I closed my eyes. I must be dreaming. I couldn't
possibly be walking down the beach with Antony Marcos.
I didn't want the moment to end, the night to end. Something deep inside of him communicated with something deep inside of me, leaving me with a feeling of safety and love that I hadn't felt in a long time. I savored the moment, taking in the moon, the stars, and the cool feel of the wet sand beneath my feet.
A woman in a dark sweat suit jogged by, her German shepherd close at her side. A toddler squealed in delight somewhere close by, but as far as I was concerned, we were the only two people in the universe.
I turned my attention back to the hunk beside me. I loved everything about Antony. I was falling fast and terrified of the damage he could do to my heart.
He paused and looked out over the water. "I love it here. I'm just so at peace near the ocean."
He pulled me into his arms, and a shiver of delight surged through me. Our eyes locked, and I wondered if he'd read my mind and somehow knew I'd give everything I owned for just one kiss. He paused as if uncertain.
I was lost in the moment. I wasn't sure how to encourage him to kiss me without seeming easy. He didn't move, merely stood there, his body rigid against mine.
When he finally moved, it wasn't as I'd planned. Antony's lips kissed my forehead and my cheeks, still denying me what I longed for, which was a kiss passionate enough to take my breath away.
I threw caution to the wind. Reaching up, I ran my fingers through his hair and pulled his head down. Once our lips met, Antony quickly took the lead. I melted into him, our heartbeats blending as his lips whispered across mine in a dance as old as eternity.
He pulled away first, leaving me breathless, but longing for more.
I didn't want the moment to end, the night to end. Something deep inside of him communicated with something deep inside of me, leaving me with a feeling of safety and love that I hadn't felt in a long time. I savored the moment, taking in the moon, the stars, and the cool feel of the wet sand beneath my feet.
A woman in a dark sweat suit jogged by, her German shepherd close at her side. A toddler squealed in delight somewhere close by, but as far as I was concerned, we were the only two people in the universe.
I turned my attention back to the hunk beside me. I loved everything about Antony. I was falling fast and terrified of the damage he could do to my heart.
He paused and looked out over the water. "I love it here. I'm just so at peace near the ocean."
He pulled me into his arms, and a shiver of delight surged through me. Our eyes locked, and I wondered if he'd read my mind and somehow knew I'd give everything I owned for just one kiss. He paused as if uncertain.
I was lost in the moment. I wasn't sure how to encourage him to kiss me without seeming easy. He didn't move, merely stood there, his body rigid against mine.
When he finally moved, it wasn't as I'd planned. Antony's lips kissed my forehead and my cheeks, still denying me what I longed for, which was a kiss passionate enough to take my breath away.
I threw caution to the wind. Reaching up, I ran my fingers through his hair and pulled his head down. Once our lips met, Antony quickly took the lead. I melted into him, our heartbeats blending as his lips whispered across mine in a dance as old as eternity.
He pulled away first, leaving me breathless, but longing for more.
Thank you so much for hosting me. I love your blog!
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