Posts in Series for AT IV
- Prince of Darkness
- Out of Sight
- Thief
- Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis
- The Magic Knot
- Voice of the Bard
- A Touch of Heaven
- Curses!
- Out of Sight, Out of Mind
- Backwoods Invader
It’s Thursday already!
Welcome back, everyone. I want to take a moment to thank each of you for all the comments. Your incredible show of support for all of us finalists and your enthusiasm at reading these interviews have really inspired all of us (finalists). So on behalf of the other finalists, thank you.
Before I begin our next interview, let me make a quick reminder to everyone that the voting for this first round ends this Sunday, October 28th. This is my final plea for you to please go vote if you haven’t already done so. We (the finalists) really do appreciate the support and votes. It’s all about the votes now, so go vote for your favorite finalist!!
Alright, moving on to the next finalist interview.
MAI: Today we have with us SAVANNA KOUGAR. Love that name, Savanna! Please tell us the title of your finaling manuscript.
SAVANNA: Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis
MAI: Very interesting title. Can you elaborate on what the book is about by giving a short blurb?
SAVANNA: 2051, the land of Atlantis has risen, colonized by rebels from the Conflicts. One hundred year old Sheriff Sun Wing captures the Hair Spray Killer with an Otherworld man-god, who is a nemesis to her heart and passion-relentless in his pursuit. After all, he wants her for his wife.
MAI: Ooh, I like that!. Very interesting. How long have you been writing?
SAVANNA: Since age thirteen (1964), seriously since sixteen. Romances since the mid eighties. I’m an oldie goldie.
MAI: Okay, can I say that I wasn’t even a thought in my parents’ head when you were thirteen? *grinning sheepishly* Please tell us a little about how this book came about:
SAVANNA: It was a confluence of several ideas, or my muse striking my noggin with the perfect storm. I’ve had a love affair with Atlantis since I first learned of the myth, long before Donovan’s cult song. What if the land of Atlantis rose from the sea again? Considering our current global plight, who would colonize, and what sort of society would they create? Then, there’s all those cute wonderful mystery titles like Death by Chocolate. I got to settle for hair spray. Fate I think, sixth grade after gym class, it almost killed me. Then, there he was inside my head. Boom! The Hair Spray Killer. Besides, I couldn’t resist knowing exactly how my hero uses erotic passion to persuade the heroine to fall in love with him.
MAI: Sounds like my kind of hero! What was your expectation when you first entered the contest?
SAVANNA: I’d entered another manuscript the year before and was politely rejected. I couldn’t even believe I entered, thought I had zero chance. I was just following my intuition.
MAI: And good thing you did! What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist?
SAVANNA: Absolutely numb with shock. Tears. Told my mom. The shakes on and off, then the awe-struck happy phase tempered by realizing I’d have to submit a picture.
MAI: What has been the most rewarding part of this experience so far?
SAVANNA: Definitely interacting with all the other finalists and with the fab gals at Passionate Ink.
MAI: What has been the worst part of this experience so far?
SAVANNA: Having to send my picture to RT. Yes, I am vain.
MAI: In one word, how would you describe this experience?
SAVANNA: Exciting.
MAI: What kind of advice do you have for other American Title hopefuls and/or aspiring writers?
SAVANNA: There’s tons of excellent advice. Everywhere you look published romance authors are giving the hand up, giving the gift of themselves, their experiences. They are giving what they write about, love – what can be better than that? Honestly, my writer’s journey has been so weirdly crazy, I have no practical advice. Just the usual, follow your heart and your dreams.
MAI: Very practical advice, indeed! Any last words?
SAVANNA: No, not dead yet – my little funny, at least, at my age. You all just be careful out there. Don’t pick up any stray chihuahuas if they’re partial to hair spray. Unless, of course, you want you’re hair done immaculately because the Other Side is calling.
MAI: Okay, note to self: No stray chihauhaus! Thank you so much for your time today, Savanna. And best of luck in the contest!
Alright guys, you know the drill. Leave a message for a chance to win cool prizes! I will be picking out two winners from this interview based on your comments.
Thank you for stopping by and for everyone’s support! Hope to see everyone back here next Tuesday where I’ll do another interview and reveal of the ten finalists, which two didn’t make the cut into the next round.
Mai Christy Thao
www.maichristythao.com
Tags: american title, dorchester, paranormal, romantic times
(1,103 views)
Great interview! You should never give up on your dreams! Best of luck with the contest.
by Stacy S October 25th, 2007 at 7:40 amLove the title, and the story’s very original! Thanks for a great interview and good luck!
by Eva October 25th, 2007 at 8:52 amvery original story.And I love your attitude. You never gave up on your dreams. And I was just a gleam in my daddy’s eye when you where thirteen lol. Atlantis is one of my favorite myths too. and I’m not to fond of have my picture front and center either.
by Pamk October 25th, 2007 at 9:23 amCongratulations on being one of the finalist! Great interview! WOW! You sure have been writing a long time. That’s impressive!
Good luck and best wishes!
by AmeliaMurder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis sounds great! I love the title.
by Amy S. October 25th, 2007 at 9:31 amI enjoyed reading your interview Savanna. Best of luck to you with the contest. I love cute mystery titles too. They always get my attention in the bookstore.
by RachaelfromNJ October 25th, 2007 at 9:31 amHi Savanna,
by Melissa K. October 25th, 2007 at 9:37 amYour title is fantastic and the book sounds brill! Good luck in the contest. You’re quite witty!
Savanna . . . great interview! Your story sounds fantastic! And now I have a question for you:
Let’s say you sold this book. If you were able to design the cover, what would it look like?
Again, good luck to the finalists! If you haven’t voted already, GO VOTE!
by Andrea October 25th, 2007 at 9:39 amYes it’s Thursday. Feels like a Monday to me
Love the name Savanna very pretty. Great interview. WoW! You started at a young age writing
I love the title Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis. The book sounds good thanks for sharing about it with us.
I already voted. Good luck to you all in the final
Hugssss
by ReadingIsSoMuchFun October 25th, 2007 at 9:44 amLindaH
Andrea, to answer your question you would have to see the collage of pictures I’ve used so far, including chihuahuas and pyramids, in designing a website — it has the appearance of a cover. If I can ever manage this website thing, get it online…and, yes, miracles occur, so I’ll keep trying.
by Savanna KougarThank you everyone, for your kind and wonderful comments.
Great interview. Your book sounds fun. Best of luck in the contest.
by Crystal B. October 25th, 2007 at 10:44 amI am always in awe of someone that can spin great stories…the book sounds very interesting. Good luck to you!
by brownone October 25th, 2007 at 11:14 amAwesome interview, Mai. And I LOVE the title you came up with, Savana…and can’t wait to find out more about the chihauhaus….
by Melissa October 25th, 2007 at 11:20 amGood luck!! LOL…Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis…I love it!!
Good luck with the contest Savanna. Your story sounds different and interesting.
by Maureen October 25th, 2007 at 12:15 pmI love reading these interviews. And, Savanna, good for you not to have given up submitting for the contest. Persistence plays a huge part in this business!
Good luck!
-Judi Fennell
by Judi Fennell October 25th, 2007 at 12:22 pmhttp://www.JudiFennell.com
Beauty and The Best American Title III Finalist
In Over Her Head Gather.com First Chapters Romance Contest Top 5 Finalist
Wow what a great interview! Your story sounds really interesting! Good luck!!
by Ashley A October 25th, 2007 at 12:47 pmGreat interview! Best of luck! That is a very intriguing title!
by Jennifer Y. October 25th, 2007 at 1:05 pmLove the book title, and the futuristic romance storyline sounds interesting. Good luck.
by cathy M October 25th, 2007 at 1:59 pmThanks for the interview. I alm always looking for new authors to read HAPPY HALLOWEEN
by JOYE October 25th, 2007 at 2:34 pmsounds interesting, great interview.
by kim h October 25th, 2007 at 3:04 pmThis title caught my eye - Love it! And a Hairspray killer sounds very cool. Anything about Atlantis is always very interesting. Good luck!
by Michelle (MG) October 25th, 2007 at 4:41 pmGood advice on not giving up on your dreams. It sounds like a great book to read.
Best of luck with the contest.
by SheilaFThank you for the interview! Great job Mai! And Savanna I wish you great success as a writer!
by Sue A. October 25th, 2007 at 6:07 pmAnother great interview. Savanna, I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating — I think you have the coolest title.
by Trish Milburn October 25th, 2007 at 7:28 pmInteresting concept, Savanna! Good luck in the contest. Another great interview, Mai!
by Margay RobergeThanks everyone, music to a writer’s ear. It’s a lonely business sometimes, putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.
by Savanna KougarTrish, thanks! It’s getting down to wire for us on this first round. My nerves are doing the prickly boily thing. How about you?
Judi, what’s the old saying, ten percent talent, ninety percent sweat or perseverence? I dunno, but it feels like that at times.
Sylvia, you are gracious and kind. Thank you. Just stay away from those raging fires, except for the ones in your novels.
Hey Sav! Just popping in to say a western “Howdy” and that I love the title and scope of your novel–wish I would have saved that can of Aqua Net hair spray circa 1980 for ya! Honestly, I would have sent it to you postpaid!
by Anitra Lynn McLeod October 26th, 2007 at 8:39 pmGreat interview! Love the title! Its very original and your story sounds great. Good luck!
by Sherry October 27th, 2007 at 3:41 pmGreat interview! I’m looking forward to reading the book.
by Wilma Frana October 27th, 2007 at 4:47 pmGood Luck Savanna!!
by Rosemary Simm October 27th, 2007 at 6:18 pmIsn’t wonderful that others appreciate your talent.
I know you will have a successful career as an author.
good luck hun!!!!!!!! lve the title!!!!!!!!!
by tamiGood luck! I just started reading yesterday, so hope to get my votes in today ~~ Better late than never
by Dev October 28th, 2007 at 9:54 amUnusual concept - I like it a lot, it’s always refreshing to find something new in the genre.
by Ilona October 28th, 2007 at 11:50 amLove the ‘Hair Spray Killer’ bit, that alone wold make me want to read it.
Hi, yeah better late than never! to vote, that is. Well, it’s all down to the wire now for the first round. Two of us will be gone on Monday. All of us finalists are wishing each other good luck — I’m squishing all my little ego demons, right and left. No! I say, the spiritual path will prevail! Again, thank you, everyone. BTW ‘unusual’ has always been my middle name. Happy, happy reading to us all! Maybe instead of candy, books for Halloween. No, scratch that, luv that chocolate. If anyone dresses up as chihuahua for trick or treating, and he’s carrying a can of hair spray….run!
by Savanna Kougar
Hey great contest you guys are running here. Congratulations to all the contestants and may the best writer win.
by carolyn overholser October 28th, 2007 at 4:36 pmGreat interview! Congratulations on being one of the finalist!
by Tammy G. October 28th, 2007 at 6:19 pmgl all.
by kim h October 28th, 2007 at 8:14 pmInteresting title and good luck in the contest.
by Diane McConnell October 29th, 2007 at 8:06 amI am really enjoying these interviews. Thanks for sharing with us and the best of luck always!
by Angie-la October 30th, 2007 at 7:43 amAngie
Just the title of this one in intriguing! Best of luck…keep your dream alive no matter what the outcome!
by Laura K October 30th, 2007 at 8:45 amHi all, this is better than valentine’s day — how we did it the olden days of elementary school, everyone giving everyone a valentine card…I just loved opening those, seeing the hearts, the little messages. Especially the horse valentines because the other kids knew I loved horses.
by Savanna KougarWell, sad to say for me, I am now officially eliminated from the American Title IV contest. Please continue voting on the next round of entries. And thank you so, so much!
What a fun title! Good luck!
by Rhonda November 13th, 2007 at 6:46 pm