UNCOVERED INTERVIEW: Samantha Tonge

Joining us for the Q&A this week is Samantha Tonge, bestselling author of fabulous novel Doubting Abbey, and new book From Paris With Love, which sees heroine Gemma take a trip to Paris after an engagement she's rather unsure of...

Tell us about your latest novel in 15 words or less.
A story about Paris, food and hot guys – starring fun-loving Gemma and gorgeous Lord Edward.

What inspired you to write From Paris With Love?
As a young woman, I lived in Paris for a while and clichéd as it is, I really do think it the most romantic city in the world. Plus I couldn’t resist creating more antics for bonkers Gemma, in the French capital, which include her being stalked by a mysterious James Bond look-a-like and forming a close friendship with a hot rockstar.

Where do you do most of your writing?
In the spare room at a TINY desk which pushes back into a wardrobe, at the end of the day.

What is your favourite book?
I haven’t read it for a while, but it has to be Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. We’re all still drooling over Mr Darcy decades after the author created him.

Which part of  From Paris With Love did you enjoy writing the most?
I loved all the parts where I got to revisit my favourite haunts in Paris, like the majestic Sacre Coeur church, the atmospheric Père Lachaise cemetary and the bustling flea market at Porte de Clignancourt.

Who is your favourite literary heroine?
Bridget Jones. I can relate to her as I am always getting myself into awkward and embarrassing situations. Plus I like wine and cake.

Do you have any tips for readers who are looking to become published writers?
Don’t ever give up. In my opinion, perseverance and determination count for more than talent. Also, get involved with the online writing community – fellow writers offer much-needed support to get you through the rejections and all the advice and feedback will greatly improve your work and chances of getting published.

Are you working on anything else at the moment and if so, can you tell us?
Ooh, a fun Christmas story! I am yet to have it officially accepted by CarinaUK, but it features celebrities, a hunky handyman and a suspected ghost.

Thanks, Samantha!

To find out more about Samantha and her novels, visit her website and Facebook, or follow her on Twitter. You can also check out the Doubting Abbey blog.

From Paris With Love by Samantha Tonge
Every girl dreams of hearing those four magical words - Will you marry me? But no-one tells you what’s supposed to happen next…

Fun-loving Gemma Goodwin knows she should be revelling in her happy-ever-after. Except when her boyfriend Lord Edward popped the question, after a whirlwind romance, although she didn’t say no….she didn’t exactly say yes either!

A month-long cookery course in Paris could be just the place to make sure her heart and her head are on the same page… And however disenchanted with romance Gemma is feeling, the City of Love has plenty to keep her busy; the champagne is decadently quaffable, the croissants almost too delicious, and shopping is a national past-time! In fact, everything in Paris makes her want to say Je t’aime… Except Edward!

But whilst Paris might offer plenty of distractions from wedding planning – including her new friends, mysterious Joe and hot French rockstar Blade - there’s no reason she couldn’t just try one or two couture dresses is there? Just for fun…

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