Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Linda Smolkin gets truthful with us...plus a book giveaway

Today Linda Smolkin is here to celebrate the publication of her third novel, Love the Way They Lie. She's talking about this novel and sharing some fun information about herself today. She also has a signed copy for one lucky reader!

Linda's bio, in her own words: I’ve always wanted to be a writer—ever since I saw my first TV commercial and wondered how to pen those clever ads. After getting a journalism degree, I landed a copywriting job at an ad agency where I worked for several years before joining the nonprofit world. I’m the author of two published novels and currently working on my third and fourth ones. When not in front of the computer, I’m behind the drums (slightly) annoying my neighbors. (Courtesy of Linda's website.)

Visit Linda online:



Synopsis:
In a matter of minutes, a speeding ticket turns her life upside down.

Thirty-eight-year-old Maggie Simmons has another reason to hate the Department of Motor Vehicles—other than the long lines. A visit to the DMV reveals a photo from a speeding ticket with her husband in the arms of a mystery woman. Maggie’s happy marriage to Nate shatters, but he refuses to leave her alone. In her attempts to move forward, remnants of her old life tear apart.

After separating, she fills the void with her dog, Chili, and a string of unexpected relationships. She finds herself with multiple people vying for her attention—and she enjoys the distraction. However, Maggie soon realizes they may have ulterior motives.

One by one, more betrayal weaves its way into Maggie’s life, leaving her devastated by the idea of being heartbroken and alone. In order to escape her reality, she flirts with the unthinkable—the one thing that triggered her suffering in the first place. A lie. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing? 
I love when a reader says, “Keep writing! I look forward to reading more.” It gives me encouragement and makes me realize there are people who enjoy my books and are waiting for the next one.

What is something you learned from writing your previous novels that you applied to Love the Way They Lie
With two other books written, I’ve learned to spend more time on dialogue scenes, so they don’t feel stilted for the reader. I can do this by varying the language and setting the scene by describing the room and through body language.

If Love the Way They Lie was made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles? 
Fun question! For Maggie, probably Anne Hathaway but not as tall. For Rachel, Alicia Vikander. For Nate, it would be Jon Hamm in his early 40s. And for Drew, Chris Martin from Coldplay (if he acted!).

What is the last movie you saw that you would recommend? 
It’s very hard to watch, but I thought The 12th Man was great. It’s a story about survival during WWII. I also loved a series called My Mister that I watched on Netflix.

What is something you learned about yourself during the pandemic? 
Being somewhat introverted and having hobbies like reading and playing the drums totally saved me! I still really missed seeing my family and friends, but having hobbies that didn’t require being with people helped me so much during a difficult time.

What is your favorite thing about the winter holiday season? 
I always take a daily walk at all times of the year, even if it’s raining or snowing. I love bundling up with a warm coat, hat, and gloves, and taking walks through my neighborhood listening to music or a podcast. So, I’d have to say the weather and seeing the holiday lights. Oh, and lighting a Menorah and eating latkes for Hanukkah. 

Latkes!
Photo by Melissa

Thanks to Linda for chatting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.

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



Giveaway ends December 12th at midnight EST.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

11 comments:

Nancy said...

My most annoying DMV experience was simply having to wait, and wait, and wait while seemingly everyone in the city was also waiting their turn for help while sitting in chairs that were too closely placed together.

Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

Rita Wray said...

I hated the waiting so I decided to make an appointment and it was much better.

traveler said...

Realizing that I had to make an appointment instead of showing up.

Mary Patricia Bird said...

We get our drivers' license and health card at the same place. There is always a line-up with a long wait.

diannekc said...

It had to be the time when they had to keep taking my picture to get one with my eyes open. I'm very light sensitive and automatically close my eyes when the camera flashes.

Mary Preston said...

I don't know what DMV stands for.

Mary C said...

It took me three hours to get a real id driver's license.

bn100 said...

the waiting

Anita Yancey said...

I have never had an a bad experience at the DMV.

Nancy P said...

Back in the day before you could make appointments, I would go first thing in the morning. I was the first & only person there when they opened but the lady still made me take a number & sit down. My butt barely touched the seat before she called my number. *eyeroll* lol

rubynreba said...

A long, long, wait!