Last month, I gave you the back cover and an excerpt of my new release, Cookies & Candlelight. Since my posting dates sandwiched the September 12th release date for my novel, I figured I’d take one more opportunity to talk to you about it. This month, I invited Serena Johnson (the heroine) to come to the blog to talk to you a little about herself.
EM: Hi Serena, thanks for taking time out to come and chat.
Serena: No problem. Thanks for having me. I’ll admit, it’s a little weird doing an interview again. I haven’t done one in quite a while.
EM: You’ve done interviews about your pottery in the past?
Serena: Oh, no. Well, a few online, I guess, but not generally. I meant from when I was an actress.
EM: Wait — when was this?
Serena: Ah, I kind of keep it quiet, so I guess it’s reasonable you didn’t know. I grew up in Hollywood — literally on screen. My parents are both actors, my grandparents are actors…it’s kind of the family business. About five years ago, I needed a change. A big one. So I came to Arcadia Valley and set up shop as a potter.
EM: That’s a big switch. People don’t recognize you?
Serena: Now and again, but not usually. I get a lot of “Oh, you look sort of like that actress, what’s her name?” Most of the time, people go on to say that she’s pretty, so that’s nice, at least. Of course, since I disappeared from acting, there are a handful of rather hilarious conspiracy theories about where I’ve gone. But honestly? People don’t even recognize my parents most of the time if they’re not made up. You’d be surprised at how many times you’ve probably walked past someone famous without doing more than a double take and wondering for a second.
EM: You say that like it’s a good thing.
Serena, chuckling: Well, I think it is. We’re just people, you know? It’s nice to have a personal life.
EM: Let’s talk about that personal life, shall we? You’re a potter. Anyone special?
Serena: Nope. I’m not really looking. I…have a bit of a past, I guess. I only came to know Jesus after moving here to Arcadia Valley, so I lived like you’d expect a teen star to live. It took me a while to forgive myself for that and see it as part of the journey that brought me to God. So I figure if there’s someone out there for me, God will make it clear.
EM: So you’re open to it?
Serena: Sure. Oh, hey — can we wrap this up? I’ve actually got a kiln opening happening soon and they’re supposed to be delivering some treats from the bakery any minute.
EM: Is that Demi’s Delights or A Slice of Heaven?
Serena: A Slice of Heaven. My friend Gloria says the Baxters know what they’re doing in the kitchen. Last time I opened a few packages of Oreos and called it a day. I was told that wasn’t going to cut it.
EM: I can see that. Kiln openings are usually a little fancier than that.
Serena: I guess. I avoid them when I can. Most of my business is online and I’m really okay with that. Oh, hey, that’s the doorbell.
EM: I’ll let you go. Enjoy the opening, and thanks again for taking the time to talk to us.
If you haven’t read Cookies & Candlelight yet, but you’d like to — leave a comment and I’ll giveaway two e-books (through Amazon.com). I’ll pull winners tomorrow after 5 p.m. Eastern.
Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.
I’ve loved your interviews with Serena and Micah! And I totally love those two names together. Sounds like a delicious book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Hi Elizabeth! Fun interview with Serena! I enjoyed reading her story in Cookies and Candlelight. Her pottery is exquisite. Great description about the pottery process. Your series is one of my favorite in the Arcadia Valley Romances because as a teen I worked in a bakery. Fond memories when I read your stories. NO need to include me in the giveaway. Story devoured and reviews written. Best wishes on this First Day of FALL. Above average temperature in Michigan.
Cookies and Candlelight sounds great, Elizabeth. I can’t imagine having people I don’t know recognize me. That would be way too uncomfortable for me. I can’t wait to read who’s at the door!
Thanks! Interviews are always so fun to out together. :)
Thanks, Renate! I’m so glad you enjoyed it (and thanks for writing a review!) Happy first day of fall to you as well – I believe we’re supposed to hit 90. So…so much for that :)
Thanks, Sherri — I don’t think I’d like having random people recognize me either.
Cookies and Candlelight sounds great! I just finally read Muffins and Moonbeams and look forward to watching Micah’s story unfold.
What a fun interview that has intrigued my interest in Cookies and Candlelight.
I’m glad you enjoyed Muffins & Moonbeams! :) Hope you get a chance to read about Micah and Serena.
Yay! :) Glad you enjoyed it.
This one sounds good! Great interview. Cute way to get into a character’s head! I’d love to win!
Thanks. It’s always fun to put an interview together.
this was a great interview. My husband and I went to Shipshewana, IN and we saw Fab Four in concert. Funny thing is that morning I talked for a bit to a gentleman. We had a fun conversation.( Turns out he was one of the Fab Four we saw that night. And he was from Liverpool. I had no idea at the time. He was just a fun and nice gentleman.) When I got back to the breakfast table I told my husband about the conversation. I said ” He is a very nice man, I think I detected an Australian accent” LOL
I was pleasantly surprised that night. :)
Oh how fun! I don’t think I’ve ever had a real life bump with a celebrity where we talked, but I’ve seen some at airports and thought it was cool.
Fun interview! Serena is about to meet her match, I think!
She is. She is indeed.
You don’t need to include me in the giveaway, because I already have the book, and have read it and really enjoyed it! Enjoyed the above interview too. So far I’ve liked all your books!
Thanks, Margaret – I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Loved the interview.
That was a fun interview! I know I would hate to be recognized if I were famous because that would get old fast. On the flip side though, I would love to run into someone famous someday, just to see them! ;)
This just went up in my TBR list. I’ve been waiting for Micah’s story (and Serena’s — really liked this post, she sounds like a great heroine).
Thanks!
Thanks! I’m with you on that, would be fun to see a celebrity, but wouldn’t want to be one.
Yay! Thanks :) hope you enjoy it!
I can’t think I wouldn’t — I might just hold on until you pull out winners ;) and finish the current book I’m reading before buying /reading it.
thanks for the fun interview! Love to win a copy of the book!
Thanks for stopping by!
Loved the interview! Makes me want the book NOW!
Yay! :)
Sounds like Serena is one character to get to know ;-) Since she’s a new Christian, I’d love to watch her growth in the Lord. And of course, the one God brings her!
Thanks for the fun character interview Elizabeth!
She definitely has some growing to do — but don’t we all? Thanks, Trixi!
This book is HIGH on my TBR list! It looks so good! Thanks for the fun interview.
Yay! Hope you love it! :)
I would love a copy of Cookies & Candlelight! It looks neat!!
Thanks!
Looking forward to reading Cookies & Candlelight! Loved reading this interview.
Elizabeth, thanks for sharing your fun interview! I’m looking forward to reading Micah & Serena’s story :)