Celebrating Debutantes 2016: Flirting with Fame by Samantha Joyce (Author & Character Interview + Giveaway)

Flirting with Fame will be out in few days and I’m so excited for everyone to get their hands on a copy of this charming novel by Samantha Joyce. I absolutely adore this book. The story is sweet, heartwarming, and so much fun. I had a blast reading it.

I’m also thrilled to be able to share an interview not only with the creator of Flirting with Fame but also with one of the characters, Gavin whom I am swooning the whole time I am reading the book. So if you’d like to know what Samantha had to say about her upcoming debut novel and her experiences or just want to meet Gavin before the release of Flirting with Fame, be sure to read the interviews.

Also follows after the interviews below are Samantha Joyce bio, Flirting with Flame’s details and of course a giveaway. Enjoy reading!

Interview with Samantha Joyce

Flirting with Fame is your debut novel, what led you into writing? Was it a lifelong ambition, or the result of some type of turning point in your life? How did the inspiration for Flirting with Fame come?

I’ve been writing pretty much since I can remember, but it used to be short stories and poems. I never saw myself as having the attention span or a cohesive enough idea to be able to write an entire book. Then, one day a few years ago, I just sat down and started fleshing out an idea. Soon, I had a whole book. But it was terrible and full of every mistake first time writers make (like telling over showing). It is trunked for good. However, once that was out of the way, I realized I could write a whole book and I started another one. Flirting with Fame is my third full novel, and the first one to be published.

The idea started to form when I auditioned for Cyrano De Bergerac. The audition went terribly (I forgot my monologue, and I rightly did not get the part), but I started tinkering with writing a modern re-telling of that story. Then I read an article about authors and pen names. This sparked an idea about using both a pen name and a fake photo, and I wondered what might drive a person to that extreme. That’s when Elise showed up. The rest of the book took off from there.

Your protagonist, Elise is an extra-ordinary character, how was the writing experience from her perspective? How did you go about putting yourself in the mindset of Elise considering her condition?

I did a lot of research, I visited Deaf forums, I studied some ASL, and I had my critique partner’s roommate (who is Deaf herself) let me know if there were inconsistencies. I even walked around my city with earplugs in to try and experience the world from Elise’s perspective. I did take some liberties for the sake of the story (the ASL is not written with the usual grammar that would be used, and Elise fares quite well with lip-reading), but I really did not want this story to be about Elise being deaf. That was just a part of her. That required some liberties on my part, and I know I have probably made some mistakes along the way, despite all my research. I do hope that, no matter what, I have created a character in Elise people can root for, despite both her (and my) flaws.

What was one of the most surprising things you’ve learned in creating Elise?

How quick we are to assume anything about anyone. When I wandered around with earplugs in, I had a woman get quite angry at me because I didn’t hear her asking me for what I think were directions. When I shook my head that I couldn’t hear her, she stalked off in a huff. And it just got me thinking about how, if something isn’t obvious, we just assume things about people. We don’t know who might be struggling with something we might not be able to see right away.

I was also surprised how much of my own issues I had to push through when writing Elise. Like her, I get pretty anxious in social situations. I’ve dealt with my fair share of bullying and teasing. And I’ve wanted to retreat into my own private space. Helping Elise come out of her shell, helped me do the same, to a certain extent.

Flirting with Fame is a fun and swoon read, how did you managed to combined the two without making it too unrealistic? How much fun did you have writing Elise’s story?

Thank you! I had so much fun writing it! I tried hard to establish a connection between Gavin and Elise early on. Even when he hasn’t appeared in the book yet, she’s already been harboring feelings for him. I mean, he’s her celeb crush! And when they start to figure out the things they have in common, their connection only deepens.

As someone who stalks red carpets and comicons, I’ve had my fair share of meets with some of my favorite celeb crushes, so that was great research! Gavin’s kindness came from those experiences. Because I have been pleasantly surprised by how humble and kind some of the celebs I’ve met are (and they are even hotter in person)!

If Elise could write a novel about you, how do you think will the story goes and what would be the title of that book?

Oh gosh! It would probably be a combo of her story and her best friend, Jin’s story. I’m shy, but I also love to be on stage (it’s weird, I know). But right before an audition or performance, I get pretty nervous. All of my Elise-type fears kick in, and I want to run away. Due to that, she’d probably call it “Stage Fright”.

Are you working on any project right now? What we should expect from you in the near future?

I just finished drafting book two in this series, which I’m really excited about! I’m not allowed to say much, but I can tell you this one is a bit more adult and it will give us a different perspective of Veronica. We’ll be able to learn what makes her tick, and why she does the things she does. And it was SO much fun to write from her perspective.

Character Interview with Gavin of Flirting with Fame

Hi Gavin! *deep breath* sorry but can I just stare you while I try to compose myself? I just can’t believe you agree with this interview. *deep breath* . Well, first question, how’s the filming of Viking Moon series? What preparation did you do to be in Dag’s character?

Hey! You okay? Just breathe. We’re all good. And I’m happy to be here! Anything for a fan.

Filming is going awesome. At first, when they told me we’d be filming in this tiny town in the middle of nowhere, I thought I was gonna hate it. I’m used the bustle of Hollywood, and I was pretty sure I was going to get bored real fast. But Fernbrooke has quickly become one of my favorite places.

Playing Dag is fun, but a challenge both physically and mentally. He has been through a lot, and the woman he loves, he can’t really have. Their families have been feuding forever. It doesn’t help Thora’s brothers are dicks and keep trying to kill him for loving their sister. The dude just cannot catch a break.

To prepare physically, I spent long hours at the gym and worked with a weapons master who showed me how to fight with a sword and axe. To get into Dag’s head, I mostly just read the scripts they sent. I’d heard of the novels and Aubrey Lynch (who hasn’t?), and I knew they had a devoted fan base. But I didn’t want to spoil Dag’s fate for myself. I feel like knowing what happens to him in the future might taint my performance now. That being said, I’ve kinda been itching to read the books, and I may have already started them…

If you had to describe the day you first met Elise at the production set of Viking Moon using a song, what song will it be and why?

Hmmm…are there any songs about watching a pretty girl get smacked in the face with a boat? Cause if so, I choose that one.

But seriously, as I’ve gotten to know her, that song “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars seems to make a lot more sense to me…

How do you deal with fame? What advice will you give Elise about it?

Honestly, I try not to pay too much attention to the tabloids or paparazzi. Fame is such a weird thing. Reporters like to build you up so they can tear you down. My advice to anyone who has to deal with it is to stay close to your family and friends. They’re the ones who will remind you that you’re not a God to be worshiped. They’ll point out your mistakes and challenge you, and they’ll keep you grounded in reality.

If we could snoop in one of your place, what books would we find on your bookshelf besides Viking Moon series?

You’ll find every book Duncan Creed has written. And probably about five copies of my favorite book by him, Carnivore’s Teeth. I’ve re-read it so many times, and I always end up buying new copies when I travel to read on airplanes. You’d think by now I’d remember to actually bring one with me, but I always forget.

Did you know he’s a professor at Fernbrooke U now? I need to make my way there to meet him…

And one last thing, can I get a hug? 🙂

Of course! Get over here!

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Thank you both Samantha and Gavin for stopping by today and for taking time to answer all my questions above. Looking forward to the released of FLIRTING WITH FAME in few days. I’m sure Gavin will get more followers once readers finally meet him in Flirting with Flame.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Samantha has wanted to be an author since she picked up her first book and realized authors get to create new worlds with just a pen and paper (or laptop, if you will). She loves to write about romance because, as someone who married her high school sweetheart, she absolutely believes in true love. She also loves making people laugh and feels love and laughter go hand in hand. If she can make someone both swoon and giggle with her words, she considers that a success. When not writing or at her day job, Samantha can be found either singing and dancing on stage in local musicals, or at home watching geeky television shows with her husband and their pet rabbit. Samantha is represented by Kathleen Rushall from Andrea Brown Literary Agency Inc.

Find Samantha

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

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 ABOUT THE BOOK

Book Details:

Title: Flirting with Fame
Author: Samantha Joyce
Publisher: Pocket Star / Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: February 29, 2016
Format: eBooks, Audio

Elise Jameson is the secret author behind the bestselling, cult hit Viking Moon series. But when a stranger poses as Elise, the painfully shy, deaf nineteen-year-old starts to see how much she’s missing. Can she really hide in the shadows forever? This clever, coming-of-age debut is for anyone who has ever felt unsure in their own skin.

After a freak childhood accident leaves her deaf and physically scarred, nineteen-year-old Elise Jameson retreats into a world of vibrant characters she creates on her laptop. She is shocked when her coping mechanism turns into a career as a phenomenal bestselling novelist. Fans are obsessed with Elise’s Viking Moon series and its author—a striking girl with zero resemblance to Elise who appears on the back covers. Elise sent the randomly Googled photo to her editor following a minor panic attack. Now, horrified to learn she is expected on set of the television pilot based on her novels, Elise tracks down her anonymous stand-in. To Elise’s surprise, Veronica Wilde has been taking credit for Viking Moon for years. She eagerly agrees to keep up the charade if Elise will pose as her assistant.

It’s hard for Elise to watch a stranger take credit for her work and get all the perks she desires, including admiration from the show’s heartthrob star. Edged onto the sidelines of her own life, Elise reconsiders her choice to stay anonymous. Is she ready to come to terms with her true identity—and with the long-buried secrets that could cost her her career, her fans, and the few precious friendships she’s made?

Book Links:

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads | Publisher

EARLY BOOK BUZZ:

“…heartwarming. This debut is a sweet, funny, and romantic coming-of-age story.”
– The Library Journal Review

“A charming story of learning to embrace and love those things about ourselves that set us apart from others. I don’t think I stopped smiling once throughout Elise’s journey except during the moments that squeezed painfully at my chest.”
– Molly McAdams, New York Times bestselling author of To the Stars

“With a sprinkle of book fandom and dash of yummy romance, Flirting with Fame is the perfect story for every book lover.”
– USA Today bestselling author, Tiffany King

“A sweet and poignant story about finding yourself and falling in love along the way, Flirting with Fame will steal your heart.”
-Chanel Cleeton, author of Flirting with Scandal

Giveaway:

What’s up for Grab?

• Flirting with Fame swags pack (Flirting With Fame Notebook, signed bookmark with charm, and magnet)
  

The Rules:

• Open to US /Canada only
• There will be one (1) winner
• Winner will be chosen and announced by rafflecopter
• Winner will be contacted thru email & should response within 48 hours
• Ends March 17, 2016
• Prizes will be sent by the author

To enter fill out the rafflecopter form

Good Luck!!!

Treat yourself to a complete #CelebratingDebutantes2016 experience. Click the image below for the full list of schedule and links to each feature post!