I haven't read Shannon Sue Dunlap's new book yet, but it's definitely on my TBR list. It sounds like so much fun, and today, I am thrilled to get to know Shannon a bit more too. See what you think about this new-to-me author and her books. Be sure to read all the way to the end to find out how to get one of Shannon's stories for free. Your new story revolves around a mayoral election. What made you choose politics for your romcom? I don’t consider myself very political and hope readers won’t be wary of the election setting. I’d created the adorable town of Sweetheart for an indie romance called Decoy Valentine. In that story, Lanette Johnson, the mayor’s opinionated wife, played a prevalent role. After I’d finished the book, I was going about my normal life when a question occurred to me. What if Lanette got mad at her husband and decided to run against him for mayor? That’s all it took. It was too hilarious a setup to ignore. Your characters are a small-town girl and a big-city guy. Which one do you think you're more like? Or are you comfortable in both places? I’m big-city all the way and relate to my hero Ryan’s ignorance of the small-town pace. Are you working on anything new you can share with us? I wrote a novel about four golden girls who live on a cruise ship and spend their days matchmaking the people around them. I just adore these clever, caring, and feisty ladies, and I hope to introduce them to readers as early as next year. I know you're a music teacher. Have you garnered any inspiration from your students or teaching life? The sequel to Lone Star Sweetheart is set in an elementary school, and I’m drawing from my many years of memories as I write the first draft. Good thing I keep notes on my phone when my students say and do adorable, funny things. They are a treasure trove of material. I've got to admit, I'm rating books higher lately if they can make me laugh out loud. How hard was it for you make sure humor was in your new book? Can you share an example? Some authors find tears easy. For me, it’s laughter. It wasn’t hard to make the book funny because that’s who my characters are. Loud-mouthed Katherine, bossy Lanette, quirky Deanna. These ladies generate the comedy with their personalities. I feel this is true to life. Comedy is all around us if we only take the time to savor each other’s eccentricities. I'm right there with you on loving vintage clothing and musicals. Do your characters share our love for "old-fashioned" things? The heroine in my indie-published book Reality Show Romance loved the poofy fifties dresses. And in my new novel, Deanna Day embodies the vintage-loving side of me. Her name is a combination of two of my favorites from classic musicals: Deanna Durbin and Doris Day. Even though she’s a side character in Lone Star Sweetheart, I plan to give the old-fashioned girl her own story someday. Last, but not least, can you please tell us one thing about yourself that very few people know already? I once baked a Thanksgiving turkey with the gravy bag still stuffed inside. Not having a ton of culinary experience, I didn’t realize it was in there. If there are any single guys out there looking for a great cook…keep looking. Oh no! The good news is, that's a lesson easily learned and not repeated. Thanks so much for sharing with us today! And for the readers, keep going. Shannon has a free story offer down in her information below. ;) Lone Star Sweetheart Katherine Bruno’s passionate, unfiltered temper makes her the shrew of small-town Sweetheart, Texas. When she’s drafted to help the mayor’s wife run against her own husband, Katherine meets opposing big city political consultant Ryan Park. The good-looking, flirtatious campaign manager gets under her skin, but fraternizing with the enemy is off-limits. Katherine must battle her lack of experience, campaign sabotage, and her growing feelings for Ryan as she strives to succeed. His unprejudiced acceptance of her strong-willed character beckons her heart, but his jaded rejection of God is an insurmountable barrier. Will Ryan return to his faith and stay with her in Sweetheart or leave when the election ends? Shannon Sue Dunlap writes books with a dose of laughter and a spoonful of Love. One of the greatest compliments you can give her is saying her story made you laugh-out-loud. She loves traveling around the world, singing tunes from classic musicals, Dr. Pepper, and Jesus.
Links: https://shannonsuedunlap.com/ ***Receive a free sweet romance novella for signing up for her email list.*** https://www.facebook.com/shannonsuedunlap https://www.instagram.com/shannonsuedunlap/
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