Tuesday, April 21, 2015

"Two Worlds, Two Men" by Joy Frawley

INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY
Two Worlds, Two Men
by Joy Frawley


Two Worlds, Two Men is currently on tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. The tour stops here today for my interview with the author, an excerpt, and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.


Description
Jocelyn and Neely are having a perfectly pleasant dinner at the Sheep Heid Inn when it happens: Jocelyn suddenly finds herself sitting across the table, not from Neely, but a strange man dressed in medieval garb. This man is no apparition. His eyes, the deepest brown, clearly look on her in intimacy; his touch causes her pulse to rise. Jocelyn realizes two things: from his clothes, he is clearly an aristocrat, and that she, Jocelyn Stewart, seems to be in some sort of romantic relationship with him! Minutes later Jocelyn returns to Neely, in the present day, weak and terrified.
Together they begin to unravel the forgotten past and find themselves facing the reality of medieval Scotland. A strange world steeped in folklore and superstition; where life begins and often ends with the sword. As Jocelyn travels back to medieval times she learns that the man she keeps seeing is no other than Sir Colin Campbell of the powerful Campbell Clan. When Jocelyn is with Colin, she wants never to leave his side; then she returns to the present and cannot imagine herself with anyone but Neely.
Jocelyn struggles with a choice. Which man will gain her heart when both offer such different love? She is in love with two different men in two different worlds.

Excerpt
Jocelyn looked around for the driver who was supposed to be waiting for her arrival with a sign. She had hired someone to pick her up because, as an American and first-time visitor to Scotland, she had figured it would be less stressful.
She didn’t see the driver anywhere; then, just as she started feeling nervous, she saw a man holding a sign with her name on it. And what a man he was! He was broad shouldered, strong and had dark brown hair with reddish tints. He exuded masculinity like some cologne, and even across the airport, she thought she could smell it. Smoothing her unruly hair, she started to walk over to him.
The man, seeing her approach him, took a step toward her. “Are you, Jocelyn?”
When he spoke her name, she found herself frozen in place unable to respond. She’d heard this voice before; she knew this voice. This man spoke her name exactly like the dream she had had all those years ago! She had been stirred awake in bed by a voice of a man, who spoke her name with a Scottish accent. His voice was gentle and low; as if he wanted to gain her attention, but not cause her alarm. Jocelyn had clutched the sheets to her chest and stared out into the darkness of her bedroom almost feeling his intimate presence beside her. She lifted her hand up to her ear having sworn his warm breath had brushed her skin. Jocelyn remembered she had turned her head, anxiously, toward the pillow next to her and almost thought she would be looking into the eyes of a stranger; yet she had not been frightened. This man, his voice, somehow comforted her.
Now, she stood in the airport and caught her breath as she faced the man before her. Her eyes searched his face for something; though what it was she wasn’t sure. Jocelyn felt her heart beating so fast she was certain the man could hear it as memories flooded her mind of that night so long ago when he or someone spoke her name in the darkness. Was that the reason for her vacation to Scotland? Was she unconsciously trying to find the man?

Praise for the Book
"What I’ve always loved most about novels is their ability to transport me to another culture, country, or set of circumstances I would never otherwise experience. Historical novels are a particular favorite, as I get to travel to another time as well. Add romance to the mix, and, well, we have a winner. That’s why I so thoroughly enjoyed Joy Frawley’s debut novel. [...] Two World, Two Men is a great, fast-paced and steamy read." ~ Dana Micheli
"This book was really interesting. This book is for adult readers as there is sexually explicit content. I found myself really interested in what would happen next. I thought this was a really good book. I would recommend this to adult readers who love historical settings." ~ Mathyaet
"As a person who does not read a ton in the romance genre, I really enjoyed this book! The plot is well written and keeps your attention the entire time. The details regarding the characters and setting is extremely well done and makes you feel like you have traveled to Scotland. I finished the entire book in 24 hours and could not put it down. Great read!" ~ Jackie H.
I'm not a fan of romance novels, generally, but I really liked this book! It's a quick read - finished it in one sitting because I was spellbound! Fast-paced and keeps you guessing right to the end. You will fall in love with Neely and with Scotland, too. Impressive first novel by Joy Frawley; I look forward to her next one!" ~ Carol T.

Interview With the Author
Hi Joy, thanks for joining me today to discuss your new book, Two Worlds, Two Men.
For what age group do you recommend your book?
This book is a good read for anyone over 18 who enjoys romance.
What sparked the idea for this book?
I had been contemplating a career change or hobby that would allow me to be more creative. The storyline began to develop for the book and I simply followed through on the whole process until Two Worlds, Two Men was published.
So, which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?
I had the idea come together first, but the characters were a very close second.
What was the hardest part to write in this book?
Editing is by far the hardest part of writing a book. I am not a natural talent in that area so hiring a professional editor is key.
How do you hope this book affects its readers? 
I hope Two Worlds, Two Men offers readers a fantastic journey filled with imagination, laughs, romance and history. I also would be very pleased if readers shed a few tears because the characters were so memorable and endearing!
How long did it take you to write this book?
Two Worlds, Two Men took me a few months.
What is your writing routine?
I do not really have a routine. I more or less just start writing as soon as the idea develops and do not stop until I’ve rewritten the story as well as I can.
How did you get your book published?
I spent a couple months doing queries to both agents and publishers. I received two offers and Two Worlds, Two Men was ultimately released with Resplendence Publishing.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
Be persistent, persistent, and persistent. Never give up on your dream.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I enjoy travel, beaches, and trying new restaurants. I have two dogs, Piggs and Diggs, who I walk daily as well.
What does your family think of your writing?
Initially, everyone thought I was somewhat crazy to imagine I could become published. I still think that sentiment lingers for many, but at this point I feel generally supported now that I achieved my goal. I think it’s very difficult to have family or lifelong friends begin to see you in another light. Previously, I had been in the finance world and this seemed to be a big obstacle for others to see me as a writer.
Please tell us a bit about your childhood.
I grew up in Michigan and spent my childhood playing in the woods and riding bikes. We lived somewhat out in the country so my mom would have to yell out for me to come home for dinner each night because all of us neighborhood kids were running around all over the place! We had a cabin further north that gave me the opportunity to enjoy campfires, swimming and boating. Overall, I was extremely blessed to have such a good childhood.
Sounds great! Did you like reading when you were a child?
My most vivid memories of childhood are gazing at picture books for hours admiring the drawings of the Black Stallion, Beauty and the Beast, or The Aristocats! I also loved the records that accompanied the picture books so that way I could follow along with the story long before I could read the words myself. I was positively infatuated at using my imagination, and books were a natural outlet to see myself in another world.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?        
I embraced the idea of becoming a writer a couple years ago when I managed to write several books in a row. I realized that it was not work or grueling to me. That encouraged me to press on. 
Did your childhood experiences influence your writing?
I cannot say there is anything from my childhood that influenced my writing. For me, it all came together later in life.
Which writers have influenced you the most?
Dr. Wayne Dyer and Frances Mayes both of which appear to be living their dream and utilizing their talents to the best of their ability.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Overall, any feedback I’ve received on Two Worlds, Two Men has been positive. I’ve been told that the history and folklore of Scotland was very in depth and enjoyable to read about. I’ve also been told that the humor and conversations between the characters is fun and makes readers laugh out loud because I captured the spice between men and women so well. That is an extremely great compliment I am grateful for because I laughed myself numerous times while writing the book!
Still, I think the most common comment I’ve gotten is that once the reader got into the first chapter it was difficult to put the book down. One gal told me she had to put her Kindle away to keep herself from reading Two Worlds, Two Men because she had college exams to study for and she kept putting them off to read the book! Lastly, I’ve heard feedback that the male characters, Neely and Colin, are sexy and attractive men who leave the reader wanting more.
Fantastic! What can we look forward to from you in the future?
I am currently working on a nonfiction book about how to pursue your dreams - in my case to become published.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by today, Joy. Best of luck with your future projects.

About the Author
Joy Frawley is an author and writer of the romance novella; Two Worlds, Two Men, released in October 2014 by Resplendence Publishing. Joy lives in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan relishing in living the life of the classic "townie" with her two dogs Piggs and Diggs.



Giveaway
Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon or B&N gift card.

Links