Louise Forster shares some Home Truths

Australian author, Louise Forster, released her newest novel, Home Truths through Escape Publishing, on June 1^st. Today, I catch up

with Louise and ask her a few, er, home truths.

But first, here’s a little about Home Truths.

A small-town romance about secrets, community and the family we make for ourselves.

London-based chef Jennifer Dove loves her exciting, fast-paced life and she has every intention of returning to it ASAP. This trip to Tumble Creek — middle-of-nowhere Australia — is just a blip, a trip out of time, to visit her sister and niece and farewell her beloved Uncle.

But barely hours into her stay, she disturbs an intruder in her uncle’s house, is questioned by police, and finds a pair of fluffy pink stilettos in the bedroom. Things are not all they seem in Tumble Creek, and much as she tries not to, Jennifer is sucked in to the mystery surrounding her uncle. Who is his girlfriend Veronica, and why is she not here? What are the locals hiding? And why can she not get sexy local Calum McGregor out of her mind?

All is not what it seems in this sleepy, small town, and as Jennifer unravels its mysteries, she might just be tying herself to Tumble Creek forever.

Hi Noelle, thanks for having me on your blog.

It's my absolute pleasure, Louise. Here we go with my questions:

Can you describe the heroine, Jennifer Dove, in just a few words or phrases?
Sure, Jennifer is a product of her image driven parents. She strived to rid herself of deep-seated inadequacies, of never making the right choices about herself, her career, and boyfriends. And she was doing well until she had to deal with her younger brother.

Is the character Calum McGregor what you would call the ‘typical hero’ in a book?
Hmm…yes in a lot of ways, I guess he is. He wants what he sees in Jennifer. He wants to protect her, love her, make her his J Other than that I’ve drawn him as I see country guys, their mannerisms, loyalty, can do, and will do, quiet no fuss kind of blokes. Ones that look at you with a cute half grin, arms folded, boot resting on a railing, and you know he’s seeing you … he gets you.

Was anyone in your past, or present, life the inspiration for any of the characters?
Honestly, I can’t say that there is one particular person. Probably everyone I’ve met has inspired me in some way. When I write I can picture in my mind how someone looks, moves, reacts according to his personality. For me, it’s like rolling a movie. The trouble with that is, I can get taken off on some tangent because I’m enjoying what my characters are doing and saying, but may not be relevant.

I love the character, Uncle Bob, even though he wasn’t really in the story. But his personality permeates it. How did you come up with Uncle Bob?

Jennifer and Sofie’s parents’ negative attitude towards, as they saw it, inappropriate appearances in all manner of things, had to stem from somewhere. Their mother couldn’t be the only one brought up to be that way. So I had to look at Uncle Bob. He wasn’t anything like his sister. Being the sort of loving generous, not at all judgmental bloke – how did he cope? They all find out how he had to. And in a way, he won. He lived his life the way he wanted … quietly. 

I laughed out loud several times while reading Home Truths. Did you intentionally make it humorous in parts, or is that a style that you like to write in?
Oh that’s great! That makes my day.
Yes, it’s my writing style. I’ve recently discovered, I’m not much of a planner…I tried and failed. The very basics, which could be the opening scene to a story, will be there, but as I write, and take the characters through stuff they have to deal with, new scenarios pop in. They’re often a surprise. I’ll be typing away with a big grin on my face, thinking, why didn’t I think of that before, you know, when I was trying to plan.

What was the hardest part about writing this novel?

Controlling the secondary characters. I gave them too much time on the page. Perhaps they need their own book. There will be a sequel to Home Truths. I have the bare bones and opening scene. I just have to make time and get stuck into it.

What do you think reader will enjoy most about Home Truths?

Gosh … I’ve had readers comment on all sorts of things: The banter between sisters.  How hot Calum is. Jennifer and Calum’s growing attraction. Her quirky ways. Her vulnerability. Him seeing all this and loving it about her. His quiet strength. The dialogue! The great sex ;-) Sweet Uncle Bob.

Is there anyone who stands out as a mentor in your writing career?

There have been so many along the way. Writers, like yourself, especially are very giving of their time and knowledge, whether you’re a beginner or someone who’s been around a while. Danielle Ellis was with me in the early days and has become a good friend. Right now it’s Kate Cuthbert at Escape Publishing. People might say, oh yeah of course you’d say that, she’s your editor and it’s her job. Nevertheless, Kate has helped guide me in the right direction when I struggle with editing.

What other books are you currently working on?
Aside from the sequel to Home Truths, I’ve almost finished a fantasy the working title is Aurelia. I came up with an idea a few years ago and wrote down the very basics and recently taken it much further. As I mentioned earlier, as I write interesting scenarios pop up and I go with it. I love it when that happens … tells me the brain is working hard behind the scenes.

What was the most surprising things that you learned in creating Home Truths?
That I could do it! I could write a story people would want to read and enjoy. 

   

Louise Forster grew up in a Victorian country town. She ran barefoot along dirt roads and loved looking through the leaves of tall eucalypts at the azure summer skies. Eventually, she grew up, and the country town became a suburb of Melbourne. Running barefoot to catch her train to work would have
 caused more than a few raised eyebrows so she opted for stilettos, of course. At eighteen, Louise travelled through Europe, parts of Africa and the Pacific Islands. These days Louise lives on the far north coast of New South Wales on a small property that includes her extended family, three dogs, three cats and all manner of wildlife.

Contact Links:
Website

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Escape Publishing

Amazon     

 

Interview with Louise Forster on May 7, 2013

Spotlight on Home Truths - May 18, 2014

Other books by Louise Forster:

Home Truths - out on 1st June from Louise Forster

Australian author, Louise Forster, has another great book coming out on 1st June with Escape Publishing.
I’ve been a fan of Louise’s writing for some time, and this one won’t fail to satisfy.

Here’s a little about Home Truths.

A small-town romance about secrets, community and the family we make for ourselves.

London-based chef Jennifer Dove loves her exciting, fast-paced life and she has every intention of returning to it ASAP. This trip to Tumble Creek — middle-of-nowhere Australia — is just a blip, a trip out of time, to visit her sister and niece and farewell her beloved Uncle.

But barely hours into her stay, she disturbs an intruder in her uncle’s house, is questioned by police, and finds a pair of fluffy pink stilettos in the bedroom. Things are not all they seem in Tumble Creek, and much as she tries not to, Jennifer is sucked in to the mystery surrounding her uncle. Who is his girlfriend Veronica, and why is she not here? What are the locals hiding? And why can she not get sexy local Calum McGregor out of her mind?

All is not what it seems in this sleepy, small town, and as Jennifer unravels its mysteries, she might just be tying herself to Tumble Creek forever.

Louise Forster grew up in a Victorian country town. She ran barefoot along dirt roads and loved looking through the leaves of tall eucalypts at the azure summer skies. Eventually, she grew up, and the country town became a suburb of Melbourne. Running barefoot to catch her train to work would have
 caused more than a few raised eyebrows so she opted for stilettos, of course. At eighteen, Louise travelled through Europe, parts of Africa and the Pacific Islands. These days Louise lives on the far north coast of New South Wales on a small property that includes her extended family, three dogs, three cats and all manner of wildlife.


http://www.escapepublishing.com.au/author/louise-forster
www.louiseforster.com

Sue 's review 

4 of 5 stars -- bookshelves: new-to-me-authors 

In Home Truths by Louise Forster, Jennifer has come to Tumble Creek, Australia from London for her beloved Uncle's funeral. From the moment she meets up with her sister and niece in Tumble Creek, things seem a bit off. There is mystery surrounding their Uncle's life, and more mysterious events happening in Tumble Creek. If something is going to happen, it will happen to Jennifer!!
There is a lot happening besides Uncle Bob's funeral, and Jennifer meets Calum, a handsome Australian who has her insides quivering. At first Calum is just helping her out, then he's keeping her safe and things quickly become hot and heavy between them. Despite the promise and beauty of Tumble Creek, especially compared to grey, dull London, Jennifer has no plans to stay. She has plans in London, and every intention of going back. When Tumble Creek starts to feel more like home, and her feelings towards Calum just keep growing, there is still trouble brewing and unsolved mysteries. Soon it all feels like too much and Jennifer starts to panic.
Will Jennifer ever uncover Uncle Bob's mysteries? Will Jennifer leave behind all she's found and the promise of Tumble Creek?
Home Truths is a fast paced, easy to read and follow book. It is entertaining with fun dialogue and some hilarious scenes that will have you laughing out loud, and wondering about those pink stilettos! Jennifer and Calum's romance may be quick, but at the same time Louise gives us a sense of realism with her character descriptions, their strengths and their weaknesses. Louise manages to keep you guessing just when you think you've figured out the mystery of Uncle Bob, with her multi-layered plot. The sub-plots in Home Truths added an extra bit of intrigue, even if for some of them I would have liked a little less unknown and more background.
There are a lot of family dynamics in Home Truths, and Louise writes these in well so that they give us the information we need but don't overwhelm and take away from the plot.
The people in Tumble Creek and the characteristics of the small town really give a lot of strength to Home Truths. It is the perfect setting for this story and Louise's descriptions of Tumble Creek will have you right there with everyone else.
Any romance reader that loves a small town setting, a bit of mystery and a hero/heroine that can really steam up your pages will enjoy Home Truths.

Out on June 1st 

Summer Sun Award!

My good friend, Shehanne Moore, has bestowed upon me a Summer Sun Award. She's always so

generous and brightens up my life daily. Thanks Shey. It's the middle of winter here in Brisbane, Australia. Mind you, yesterday we hit a top of 24 degrees C, so I'm not really complaining, but it's still winter for us.

But ... as with anything Shehanne does ...  there are rules! And God forbid any of us to neglect to follow them to the letter! So, here are the rules surrounding my acceptance of this esteemed award.

Well, firstly you display the logo and link back to the blog of the person who nominated you. Then you answer the following summery questions before nominating a lucky eight ….one for each sunray on the picture there. Then you must tell the lucky eight and name and display their blog link.
Of course the questions are all summer based.

So here goes. But just to liven things up (I'm a very boring person), I decided to do a retrospective view, and recall some of my happiest memories of summer.
 
1. Favourite song with summer in the title or the words (give the line) –

“Summer Holiday” – Cliff Richard. “We’re all goin’ on a summer holiday”.
(play the video, it's so funny).

2. Favourite book about summer –
“Allison’s Island Adventure” set in the isles of north-west Scotland. Can’t remember the author.

3. Favourite hot summer film –
“Gidget”    

4. Favourite summer memory –
Dad piling us all into the VW Combi and taking us to Wellington Point for a swim. Hey, I live there now!





Sunset at Wellington Point. I can walk here from my house.

Um, not me, but camping on Cylinder Beach.

5. Favourite summer holiday destination –
Camping at Cylinder Beach on Stradbroke Island.




Cylinder Beach, Stradbroke Island, Qld

6. What books will be in your suitcase this summer?

It won’t be summer here in Australia until about November. So, by then, I’ll be taking:

•  His Judas Bride
•  Saving Grace Devine
•  Collared for a Night
•  Share the Moon
•  Finding Butterflies
•  Lost in Kakadu
•  Moonstone Obsession
•  Warrior’s Surrender
•  Rosamanti (Just getting a plug in for my new book).

7. What’s your likely destination this summer?

No plans as yet … maybe to the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane.

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

8. What hottie would you most like to be sharing the hot days and long nights with this summer?
Pietro Lombardi (he’s my hot Italian hero in Rosamanti). Here's a photo of him. What do you think girls?
 

Okay that’s it. I’ve nominated seven people to receive this award. It’s now up to you all to follow Shey’s instructions above

• Sharon Struth
• Louise Forster
• Kendall Talbot
• Cat Cavendish
• EE Carter
• Susan D Taylor AND Susan Arden LOL
• and Lady Fury.

 

And thankyou Shey, for spreading some happy sunshine all around the world. :-) I feel warmer already.

A day in the life of: Author Louise Forster

This is first in a series of author showcases. I'm interested in seeing the 'writing workspace' of other authors, of seeing how their environment can influence their writing, or inspire them.

Today, we chat to Louise Forster, Australian author of ‘Finding Elizabeth’ (out now with Harlequin Escape). Louise takes us through her writing day, showing us the environment where she is so inspired. Louise lives in an idyllic place – the north coast of New South Wales (Australia). She has rainforests, mountains, and pristine beaches surrounding her.

Louise Forster

Hi Noelle, thank you for inviting me to your very first “A Day in the Life” author interview.

You're welcome, Louise. Are you a full time writer?
Yes, but in saying that I wouldn’t be able to support myself writing novels. I’m in awe of authors who hold down a job and write.

Do you to write to a set routine?
I have a loose routine. We live on a dual occupancy with other members of our family and my own space to where the door has never been closed. Kids walk in to say hello, or to have a chat after school. My sister in-law pops over for coffee. Our daughters and sons in-law do the same. I’m not an early starter, although we’re up early taking the dogs for a walk, after that we have breakfast, then I’ll answer my e-mails, then I’ll make coffee and read while sipping my one and only caffeine hit. After that I get to work on my latest story, unless my mailbox is winking, I can’t help myself I have to have a look, which is such a bad habit. But if I’m on a roll or there’s a deadline, I can work till quite late.

The view from Louise's verandah

What percentage of your writing time is allocated to promotion and marketing, for example, on social media such as Facebook and Twitter?
I have no idea, but far too much time, I’m sure. I keep trying to stick to about and hour each morning, but sometimes the social media networks is screaming to be attended to NOW, which I mentioned earlier I find hard to ignore. Perhaps someone has a remedy, or a way to detox :-)

Are you a ‘plotter’ or a ‘pantster’? Or do you just start typing and go from there?

Inspirational views from Louise's property

I’m half and half … Hmm, hang on a minute … I’m more a pantser. I’m writing a short fantasy at the moment and have pantsed my way so far, but I’ve come to a sticky end, or rather middle. And a real plotter probably doesn’t come across that very often, if ever. But while waking very early this morning I plotted out of the sticky middle.

How much research do you do on the setting for your books?
I do a lot of research. My next book, Finding Butterflies is set in the Whitsunday Islands. For non Australians, it’s part of the Great Barrier Reef. I have been there, so that wasn’t a problem. I have sailed and that wasn’t a problem either. But I had to research how a yacht behaved under certain conditions like a wild storm. Luckily, I was in touch with a yachtsman who lived at Airlee Beach and he was a lot of help. Anything I feel unsure about I’ll research it immediately.

Many authors like to keep a blog - do you have one? How often do you post in it?
I don’t have a blog and I’m not sure that I’ll ever start one ;-)

Now, when you are writing, where do you like to write? The kitchen bench? In front of the TV? In your own office?
I have my own space, which I don’t have a name for yet, office sounds too much like I should be answering the phones in a tall building with lots of people doing stuff. Den sounds like I should be a fox or bear. Computer room nah. There are lots of books up there, maybe I’ll call it the library, but that sounds really posh :-) and not me at all … so it’s my room. :-)

Why do you write?
I enjoy putting a story together, manipulating the characters, getting them to do things out of their comfort zone and see how they react. For example: In Finding Elizabeth, Jack is dealing with finding love in freezing Canada. Katherine is giving up her ballet career. In Finding Butterflies, Kabe discovers he can deal with the news media, by being smart and not lose his cool. Belle can spend time alone with a hot bloke she had a crush on all through high school without jumping him. I love it, it’s so much fun.

Nearby pristine beaches

I’m very interested in locations for stories. Why did you choose chilly Canada for the setting of Finding Elizabeth?
I love Christmas. Being a romantic, Christmas with snow and cold and log fires and pretty lights twinkling on a cold night just felt right for the story, especially since I was bringing an Aussie in from the heat of Sydney’s summer to the bitter cold of Canada. It deepened Jack’s character, brought out his Aussie humour. Helped him stoically carry on even though some of his favourite body parts were feeling it; it didn’t deter him from going after someone who had made him feel warm, or rather…hot.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Louise's garden

Other than going places, I like to be creative, making things. I’m not a great gardener. I’ve tried it and I don’t have it in me. I absolutely appreciate a beautiful garden because I know the amount of work that has gone into making it look fantastic. But I’ll stick to sewing, knitting, while plotting the next book…in my head. I wonder if we ever stop writing. Even when I’m out, I’m people watching and questioning, what if those two meeting up were….




Where can readers get a copy of your books?
The links for Finding Elizabeth are all on the Escape Publishing website below, just click on the link, Amazon, iBookstore, Nook, E-books.com, Google Play, Kobo, All About Romance.
Then click on 'buy' and the online sellers will come up: http://www.escapepublishing.com.au/product/9780857990235

Contact Louise:

Web site: http://www.louiseforster.com/

Escape Publishing

Buy FINDING ELIZABETH

 

Louise, thanks so much for joining me here, and for sharing with us all, the beautiful place you call home. - Noelle.

Book Review - 'Finding Veronica' by Louise Forster

'Finding Veronica' by Louise Forster

This book is refreshingly original, both in story and in writing style.

I felt so at home with the honest Australian characters - from the two main protagonists, to the dear little old ladies for whom butter wouldn't melt in their mouths. We all know people just like the characters in Finding Veronica. They were real, warts and all, quirky, oddball and sometimes, flawed.

I also resonated with the Australian accents, vernacular, and colloquialisms. The author, Louise Forster, has skillfully taken a slice of everyday life, and put it down on paper.

Forster has captured the eccentricities of everyday characters in a small country town, and created cameo appearances for almost everyone; from the local volunteer fireman, to the undertaker, and the CWA. She has then woven them through a rollicking good yarn full of intrigue, mystery and romance.

Louise Forster

The two main characters, Jennifer and Cal, are extremely likeable and the reader has no trouble feeling for them during the ups and downs of their relationship.

But best of all, this book is funny! Laugh out loud funny! I really enjoyed its originality, the wonderful characters, and the writer's ability to create a sense of fun.

'Finding Veronica' is available at Amazon.