Welcome to the book tour for It Happened on Thunder Road by Susan Antony! Today you have the opportunity to get to know the author better as well as taking a sneak peek inside the book! Enjoy this interview and excerpt and then best of luck entering the giveaway!
It Happened on Thunder Road
Susan Antony
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance, Suspense, Paranormal Elements
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date of Publication: 04-24-21
ISBN: 1509235329
ASIN: B08YY7BTJB
Number of pages: 292
Word Count: 72000
Cover Artist: Kim Mendoza
Tagline: Hang on, baby, for the ride of your life.
Book Description:
When Emmy Russo returns to high school in Moncks Corner, South Carolina after summer break, she discovers some changes. First: Mom has a boyfriend. Second: the cute new student, Charlie Fields, is a Rockabilly greaser with a gang who obeys his every command. Third: attractive Keir Harper wants to be more than just her best friend. And fourth: a perplexed Emmy soon finds herself drawn to two extremely different boys. How do you choose between sweet and smoldering?
Then tragedy strikes on desolate Thunder Road. Strange things start happening, with Emmy in the middle of it all. Intent on finding the truth, she must fight for her heart, her life, maybe even her soul. Because someone wants to possess all of Emmy. And they will be together, no matter what the cost. For eternity.
Read an excerpt:
I hadn’t expected that. And I wasn’t sure I wanted to respond. The old me, the good girl from New Jersey, wouldn’t have choked. She would have told Charlie to take a hike. But the new me didn’t want to let him go. What was it about this strange boy with greased hair that attracted me so? “What’s the matter, New Jersey? Cat got your tongue?” My face flushed. “Why don’t you quit asking me ridiculous questions and do something that you’re good at?” “What’s that?” “Drive, Teddy Boy.” One of Charlie’s brows tipped upward in a cocky salute. His knuckles whitened as he gripped the T- shifter, while rivers of veins formed on his muscular forearm. With a look of steely determination etched on his face, he slammed the shifter into first gear and jammed the accelerator pedal to the floor. The car rocketed forward. My head slammed against the seatback, and I dug my nails into the black tuck and roll upholstery. “You scared, New Jersey?” Charlie asked, his eyes aflame. “No,” I said as the blood left my face. “Then hang on, baby, ’cause you’re about to go for the ride of your life.”
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Describe your book in one sentence or fewer than 25 words.
Hang on, baby, for the ride of your life.
What was one of your favorite scenes?
The dance scene between Charlie and Emmy, when she first realizes how hard he is to resist.
How do you make yourself stand out in this genre?
I write romance with a twist. I weave in multiple characters in subplots so most readers can find someone of relevance to relate.
Tell us about your other published works.
Cherokee Summer is a YA Romance and current Vivian nominee for Best First Book and Contemporary Romance Long.
On what are you currently working?
I am working on a YA Historical Romance WIP that take place in 1878 in the Wild West. It is a love story between childhood friends, Keri and Jay. Keri’s voice just came to me one day, and she will not quiet. I have had to do a lot of research to be sure I’m using language appropriate of the time. For instance, the word “okay” was born around that time, but wasn’t used regularly until much later. Keri is quite a handful, and I have to take care she isn’t too “woke” before her time to keep the story authentic. Jay’s more laid back despite the fact life has not been kind to him.
What is your writing routine?
I create my entire novel in my head while I’m driving or taking long walks. I play with characters for a year or more before putting them in words so they are very real to me. Sometimes they surprise me. They’ll hijack my story and lead it in another direction.
What is the best writing advice you ever received?
Listen to your critics and evaluate the information provided. Take what you like and trash the rest. Though, always keep your mind open and learn to take criticism. Be brave. When I was starting out and a bit full of myself, I threw my work out on a public forum. My harshest critic, a seasoned writer, raked me over the coals. The nicest thing he said about my work was, “Too many of your family and friends are telling you this is good. Well, it’s not.” After I finished crying over my bruised ego, I realized he was one-hundred percent right. I rewrote the piece, invited him to have another go at it in the same forum, and he helped me. Had I not listened to him, I might not be published today.
What is your favorite part about writing?
Seeing my novel in print.
When not writing, what can we find you doing?
I love C&W line dancing, swing dancing, and bailando salsa and merengue. If I could dance every day I would.
What is one skill you wish you had?
I wish I could play the piano really well.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Eternal life.
What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?
I have a degree in Automotive Technology.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I write YA because love the genre. Young adults love, hate, and play hard in an arena where the world shines new and the future burns wide open. When I’m writing or reading YA, if I dig deep inside, I can recapture those intense, wonderful, and sometimes painful feelings and immerse myself in that world once again through the character’s lives. If adults were as positive and pliable in their thinking as teens, the world would be a kinder and gentler place.
Susan Antony, an aspiring Renaissance woman, never shies from a challenge. Not only does she have a degree in the Liberal Arts, she has a degree in Automotive Technology. She currently works in the IT department at a local Charleston hospital. Susan lives with her teenaged son and two behaviorally-challenged Cairn Terriers. To maintain her sanity, she cherishes her Friday evenings dancing the night away!
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@susanantony1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanAntonyCS
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusanAntonyCS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanantonyauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57309229-it-happened-on-thunder-road
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Thank you for hosting. If anyone has any questions I’d be happy to answer.
The book sounds very exciting. Thanks!