Please welcome Philip wilson author of Songs for Lucy
Philip Wilson will be awarding a signed paperback copy of the book to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Songs for Lucy
by Philip Wilson
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GENRE: Women's Fiction
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What or who inspired you to start writing?
Nothing
in particular. Many books I’ve read, even best sellers, left me a little
disappointed. A few made an impact that stayed with me long after I’d finished
them. After a career in Finance (specifically in mathematics), I was curious to
see if I could write the kind of novel that I would enjoy reading.
How did you come up with your idea for your novel?
My
first book, The Librarian, was a
revenge thriller. It’s getting great reviews and was featured by the Huffington
Post as one of the best Indie books in 2017. It would have been easier to try
another in the same genre that would appeal to the same audience. However, I
decided to attempt something different – more thoughtful, emotive and hopefully
more inspirational. In considering possible storylines, the concept of a
talented young woman struck down in the prime of life with a terminal disease,
seemed to provide a good foundation for developing these objectives. (And I’m
hoping that readers of The Librarian
who were hoping for a sequel will still give Songs for Lucy a try.)
What expertise did you bring to your writing?
None.
No creative writing courses, didn’t start by writing short stories, no awards.
Would not even consider myself an avid reader – too busy with my career. (If
that hasn’t scared you off, I hope you’ll give Songs for Lucy a try.)
What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?
Challenging
question. Favorite music is generally movie soundtracks (the score from Wonder
Woman is excellent). If I ever write a non-fiction book it will be titled, “The
Secret to Building Wealth – Fire your Investment Advisor and do it Yourself.”
As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?
Having
fun writing. I find it far more satisfying than reading – more creative, more
challenging, and certainly more control over the plot and characters. I’m now
working on a third novel that should satisfy the readers of The Librarian who were looking for a
sequel. It’s tentatively titled, ‘Ayla’s Arc’, and while it’s not a sequel, it
is the same genre.
If you could be one of the characters from this book, who would it be and why?
Tough question and no single choice. I liked many of the characters. Jack
Rollins, an MBA who quit Wall Street to buy a pub on Cape Cod and spends his
days sailing is appealing. There’s probably a bit of me in Jack – at
least aspirationally. I don’t own a pub but I do own a sailboat. Marion Siegel
(a relatively minor character) is tough, principled and compassionate. Over the
objections of her husband and Allison’s doctor, Marion assures Allison that if
she finds the fight more than she can handle, she will help her end her life.
Terri Wright, who is facing the same illness as Allison, is determined to make
every day she has count, and, in so doing, pushes Allison to ‘fight the
darkness.’
Can you give us a sneak peak into this book?
Allison Connelly is pretty, smart and popular. She has been accepted
into Harvard Law School and plans on a successful legal career, marriage, kids
and a house big enough to install a tennis court. Then, headaches drive her to
the doctor and she receives a diagnosis of terminal brain cancer. With her
dreams destroyed and her future uncertain, Allison is forced to confront her
fears and rethink her goals.
Do you outline your books or just start writing?
It
seems to vary. For The Librarian, I
had a fairly detailed outline. In contrast, when it came to Songs for Lucy, I had a rough storyline
and just started writing.
How do you maintain your creativity?
Not
sure it’s quite on point, but I spend more time thinking than writing. I seem
to be more creative when I’m not sitting at a keyboard.
Who is your favorite character in the book? Can you tell us why?
Probably
Terri Wright, a young woman that Allison meets and becomes close friends with
in the hospice where she goes to die, and who has the same illness as Allison.
In contrast to Allison’s occasional feelings of despair, Terri is determined to
make whatever time she has left count to the fullest. She’s tough, funny and a
survivor. Her character grew substantially from my original intent as I wrote
the book, but I liked how her spirit seemed to bring out Allison’s character
development.
BLURB:
It’s
spring, and Allison Connelly has it all – pretty, popular and smart. With a
summer job teaching tennis and starting Harvard Law School in the fall, Allison
plans on a successful law career, marriage and kids – and dreams of becoming a
Supreme Court Justice.
When relentless headaches drive her to her doctor, Allison receives a terrifying diagnosis that destroys her plans and imperils her life. Devastated, Allison struggles to accept her
shattered dreams and uncertain future. One night, she happens into a small-town pub and, on a whim, takes a job singing, finding solace and a measure of peace in her music. She settles in the town, and from that small beginning finds love, a new life and a new reason for living.
When relentless headaches drive her to her doctor, Allison receives a terrifying diagnosis that destroys her plans and imperils her life. Devastated, Allison struggles to accept her
shattered dreams and uncertain future. One night, she happens into a small-town pub and, on a whim, takes a job singing, finding solace and a measure of peace in her music. She settles in the town, and from that small beginning finds love, a new life and a new reason for living.
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EXCERPT:
Dean Richardson went to the podium, looked back at Allison,
and smiled. “It is now my great pleasure and privilege to introduce Allison
Connelly to give the Valedictory Address. Allison has made an extraordinary
contribution to our school. Not only has she achieved the highest academic
standing in her graduating class, but she captained the tennis team – which won
the Northeastern Intercollegiate Championship – and was on both the swim and
debating teams. Rumor has it that she also sings occasionally at one of the
local pubs. I really don’t know when she found time to study. It had been my
hope that Allison would stay at BHU and continue with our MBA program, but... I
am delighted to announce that she has been accepted into Harvard Law School.
While I’m very sorry to lose her, Allison is the first BHU grad to be accepted
into HLS in almost a decade and I’m sure you will all share my pride in her
achievement. Allison.”
There was a burst of applause. Prepared to stand and
approach the podium, she again felt a searing pain over her left eye. She
remained seated and again breathed deeply, fighting the pain.
“Allison,” the dean prompted again.
To Allison’s great relief, the pain dissipated. She stood,
walked confidently to the podium, and looked out at her classmates and others
in the auditorium.
Allison paused and the audience waited expectantly,
anticipating the usual salutation acknowledging students, friends and families,
alumni, the dean, and the faculty.
“Hi Guys,” Allison began with a smile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Philip Wilson is a retired financial executive who spends winters
in Florida and summers sailing on the Great Lakes in his 32-foot sailboat.
Songs for Lucy is his second book. His first, The Librarian, was rated one of
the best reviewed books of 2017 by IndieReader and featured in the Huffington
Post. Learn more at www.philipmwilson.com.
Links:
Facebook: @authorphilipwilson
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:
Philip
Wilson will be awarding a signed paperback copy of the book to a randomly drawn
winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting. For visitors, my thanks for taking a look. Will check for comments and questions throughout the day. Philip Wilson
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the Angel's blog. I hope you have a great tour. Allana Angel
ReplyDeleteInteresting interview. Hope your tour goes well!
ReplyDeleteThank you Genene
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