Thursday, June 9, 2016

Fern Ronay is a morning person...plus a book giveaway

We're pleased to feature Fern Ronay and her debut novel, Better in the Morning, which published earlier this spring. She has TWO copies to share with some lucky readers anywhere in the world!

Fern has studied law and accounting, and has had careers in both fields. However, her true passion is people and their stories, which led her to write her first novel. Fern is short for her maiden name, Fernicola. She lists the Jersey Shore amongst Turkey and Greece as her favorite places to visit and is looking forward to her next trip home to New Jersey. She and Melissa A have something in common related to their first dates with their husbands. Visit Fern at her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


Synopsis:
Veronica Buccino has a plan: marry John DelMonico and quit her soul-sucking job as a lawyer. And when he tells her he has big news, she's certain he'll pop the question. But instead of proposing, John informs her that he's moving to London. Heartbroken, Veronica feels lost. Salvatore and Antoinette, her dead grandparents, begin to visit her dreams in an attempt to steer her in the right direction. At their suggestion, Veronica takes a news reporting class, which leads to a challenging freelance assignment covering a conspiracy trial. She also begins dating an unlikely suitor: creative Syd Blackman. Just when her love life and career are looking up, Veronica is tossed back to square one by an event that makes her question all her new choices. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

In one sentence, what was your road to publishing like?
It was curvy with many starts and stops but, like any good journey, I learned really important lessons.

Which authors have inspired you?
Emily Giffin, Jennifer Weiner, Adriana Trigiani, Jen Lancaster, Mitch Albom, Liz Gilbert

Describe your writing in three words.
Funny, heartfelt, existential (I call it existential chick lit!)

If Better in the Morning were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
I see Paul Sorvino as Grandpa Sal and Olympia Dukakis as Grandma Ant but, as for the protagonist Veronica, I don't know! May I use this opportunity on CLC as a casting call to any and all Italian American actresses out there in their late twenties/early thirties with a New Jersey twang? Call me!

What is one item you can't live without?
My phone. I recently had it stolen and, when I realized what had happened, I became instantly frantic, resisting the urge to scream like Meryl Streep, "A dingo took my baby!"

What is the strangest or craziest date you have ever been on?
My first date with my husband. He suggested bowling and I said yes, obviously, but I kept thinking "Bowling? You don't want to just meet for a drink and decide after an hour whether or not we like each other? You know, like typical dysfunctional Manhattanites?" But, it was a great date and inspired a scene in Better in the Morning. Most scenes in the book are from my overactive imagination but that one was definitely directly inspired. Ripped from real life!

Thanks to Fern for visiting with us and sharing her book with our readers. Thanks also to Sage's Blog Tours for including us on Fern's schedule. See all the other tour stops.


How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Worldwide. Ends June 15th at midnight EST.



17 comments:

susieqlaw said...

Coffee!

Janine said...

A demanding cat who is hungry gets me moving in the morning and out of bed. On days that I have been tempted to sleep late and have stayed in bed too long, a cranky husband's attitude taught me never to be lazy again. I get out of bed at 6 every morning. But I admit, I do like mornings and if I were to sleep late, I would be in a panic feeling as if I missed most of the day.

Tatum Rangel said...

My favorite music usually is a great contribution to my mornings.

traveler said...

Sunshine, warmth and a beautiful day since I am a morning person.

FernRonay said...

Thank you so much for this fun Q&A! I love Chick Lit Central! And yes, I love mornings. There's a reason things always seem better in the morning ;)

Thank you again,
Fern Ronay

Melanie Backus said...

Getting up and seeing what a new day has to bring, so I guess curiosity gets me going. Thank you !

TinaB said...

Exercise!

Hailsbells said...

COFFEE! COFFEE! COFFEE! Also, I watch Let's Make a Deal and the Price is Right religiously every day!

Rita Wray said...

When the sun is shining I'm ready to jump out of bed and start my day.

Jennifer said...

Coffee! Haha! And knowing that I work with so many fun people.

Linda Kish said...

Sunshine and coffee

Mary Preston said...

A hot shower does the trick.

Kelly Rodriguez said...

Taking a shower wakes me up in the morning after I finally roll out of bed!

Anita Yancey said...

Coffee is what gets me going in the morning.

Grandma Cootie said...

Lots of coffee. My husband is one of those natural morning people. Drives me crazy. Great premise for a story and enjoyed the interview. Thanks for the giveaway.

bn100 said...

music

Unknown said...

my cats waking me up!