Welcome to CentreStage! CentreStage showcases fantastic authors from around the world, introducing in particular fellow authors in the Sapphire Star Publishing family as well as fellow featured authors at loveahappyending.com. In this new, exciting feature, these authors might write for you about their lives, or their writing journey, or anything else that matters to them. Every feature will be different in format and flavour, so watch out for a variety of stories and tales.
Today, it is my tremendous pleasure to welcome fellow Sapphire Star Publishing author Amy Gregory to this latest edition of CentreStage!
Hello, Amy! I am so thrilled that you are visiting today. What have you got for us?
What have I got for you…? Well, let me see. Here’s a story about stories and voices in my family. I call it:
Too Many Words???
As a mother of three children I’ve have often found myself trapped in places with one or more of them trying to talk to me. When they were around the ages of three to five years old they started telling stories. I figured out by the third child it was coming and I could not escape! These stories would often take several long moments to tell as I would stand, force a smile and nod, waiting for the end that would take seemingly forever to make an appearance.
Then I would shake my head and wonder where they came up with it. Most times their little stories were cute, some made me laugh my ass off, some just made me think they were telling me something just to hear the sound of their own voice as parts were told over and over again.
And then, um….oh yeah and, and, and…..
Well, as my people have grown older their stories have become more important in their lives and mine. They’ve been published in school literary journals, have been asked to share with the rest of their school, have been nominated to student council because their stories and ideas are beneficial to others.
Recently my two younger children took part in an essay contest sponsored by our school district that feeds into a much larger program put on by the metro area. They were asked to write about a person in their lives that matters to them and is a wonderful person to those around them. With no help allowed, they were to explain why their person makes a difference to those around them.
So as a writer, it was quite an honor to have not one, but both of my children’s essays chosen. Their stories, their words, and their voices that were put down on paper. Their talent for writing that was selected amongst those in their classes.
With Mother’s Day approaching here in the States [editor’s note: at the time of writing], it reminds me of those little voices in the backseat of the car…um, oh yeah…and then you know what happened, Mom? The giggles that would follow, the long pauses as they found more words to make up more parts to an already never-ending story. Yes, I always knew what happened because they always told me, always had the words. Always had another story ready when they finished the one before it.
Those stories seemed to take forever back then, but I can see for myself now how their creativity has found its way into their school work, and into their hobbies. As a writer, I couldn’t be more proud. As a mother I grin, hearing their little voices replayed in my head, their stories told over and over. Pieces of the past I still giggle at every now again.
Um, um…and then you know what happened?
Amazing! So that’s what happened! Thanks so much for sharing…
🙂 Now, then: tell us more about your upcoming novel, Racing to Love: Carter’s Treasure!
From the outside, Molly West had everything, beauty, brains, and a career she’d retired from not once, but twice. Being in the limelight and in a sport that was male driven, she was often surrounded men. She ignored first the boys, and as she got older, the men. Unfortunately, they were all the same, all after one thing, and she had absolutely no use for them. Her cold shoulder and patented not a chance in hell look were usually enough to get her point across. Occasionally, she had to resort to her sass—and her brother.
Molly had no plans in changing what was a perfectly good system. That is until she walked into the pits. When she stood toe-to-toe with the sex in jeans, she knew right then and there that the man her adoptive mother always told her was out there, was now standing right in front of her.
Carter Sterling had traveled the racing circuit since he was a boy. He’d heard all the old standbys, She’s out there somewhere, love comes along when you least expect it. Good things come to those that… Yeah, he’d heard them all. The last place he expected to meet the love of his life was on a pro track. All she did was smile, and he knew, looking into her sapphire blue eyes, Molly West was his. Forever.
If it was only that easy. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he had a gripping feeling in him. An overwhelming need to protect her. A girl he’d just met. Carter had learned a long time ago that gut feelings are almost never wrong.
Molly now held his heart in her hands, but it was going to take a lot more than just love to protect her from the past she thought she’d buried a long time ago.
Absolutely intriguing, Amy, what an unusual setting! This is so high on my wishlist!! I adore the cover, by the way, what a wonderful image for your book. Wow! Now tell us more about yourself…
About Amy Gregory
Amy Gregory leads an incredibly active lifestyle in Kansas City with her husband and their three fantastic kids who keep them running in three very different directions. When she’s not rushing her oldest daughter to tumbling, her youngest daughter to music lessons, or sitting track-side watching her son practice motocross, she’s taking the few minutes in between to scribble the next pages in her Racing to Love series.
When asked, “When do you have time to write?” Amy Gregory giggles. “In bits and pieces,” she says.
Amy is known for her snarky, off the cuff sense of humor, which you’ll find shining through in the characters she’s created. Her debut novel, Racing to Love, Carter’s Treasure, is set for release June 7, 2012.
I’ve spent my whole life trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up, and now I’ve finally found it. – Amy Gregory
Find out more about Amy on her blog, or on her Sapphire Star author page. Amy is also on Goodreads and you can find her on Twitter and Facebook.
Thank you so much, Amy, for visiting today and introducing yourself and your novel, Racing to Love: Carter’s Treasure. It’s totally intriguing and I can’t wait for launch day. I look forward to welcoming you back on 7 June in my Hall of Fame as part of your launch party!! Rock on! 🙂 xx
Now, dear reader, it’s your turn. Have you ever been told, “Too many words…?!?”
Nicky Wells: Love & Thrills 
Great interview you two!! I am really looking forward to Racing to Love – it sounds exactly like my type of read!
Mandy xx
Thanks Mandy! And I’m excited about Taking Charge! It’s so cool to actually get to meet Cole finally! xxoo
Hey Mandy, me too! It’s so exciting and what a great title and cover… Thanks for visiting today!
It’s an amazing book! Am I supposed to giveaway what my opinion is before I post my review? LOL Great interview! ❤
You can TOTALLY tell us how much you enjoyed it. We’ll wait for your review with bated breath…. Congrats to Amy on scoring such a hit, whooop! Thanks for visiting, Tobi! x
🙂 heehee! Muwah Tobi xxoo 🙂 love you honey!
Fab interview – and nice to ‘meet’ you, Amy! All the best for your launch next month 🙂
Hi Joanna, thanks for visiting and for your support for Amy! She’s one to watch… and she may yet be back here on or near launch day!
It’s nice to meet you too Joanna! I hope you can make it to our twitter party on 6/7 😉 and thank you for the good wishes, it is so appreciated!
This brings back memories of when my kids were little. My son didn’t start talking until he was 5 but once he started, he never stopped.
I can’t wait for this release. Just a couple more weeks. Great post, Nicky.
Just a few short weeks, I know! We’re literally ‘racing to love’ here. Thanks for visiting, Dana!
My younger son also took his time talking but my, he hasn’t stopped since. Love them!
Dana,,, I know right! Eeeks, only 15 days! I’m getting really excited and I can’t wait for Oct 4th, Dangerous Embrace is right around the corner! Hugs, A
I’m amazed Amy finds time to write at all. Congrats! Wishing you lots of success with Racing to Love: Carter’s Treasure.
It’s a miracle! I read the post and thought, my, when does she do it? Thanks for stopping by, Anneli!
Oh, thank you soooo much! It’s a little hectic sometimes, but I get up before the sun (and my people!) so I have at least a little while of peace, then whatever I can fit in after! Thank you again for your wishes and I hope you enjoy the series. A
It’s nice to learn more about my SSP sister. You’re lucky that got you stories from your kids. My son spent his early years telling me all about every car ever made. Now, at 17, it’s basketball and baseball. Still, they are stories to treasure! Can’t wait for the book, Amy!!
That’s so sweet, though, Nancy! My boys are into lorries, buses and anything that drives, and are developing an amazing imagination, making up stories around vehicles. (Clearly their mother’s genes here). I agree, it’s nice to learn so much more about fellow authors! Thanks for stopping by today.
Hi Sis! Well, I wish they’d talk a little more now… lol teenagers can clam up! I’m with you, most of what I hear now is related to their sports, but still always …um…interesting to say the least! Thanks so much and I can’t wait for 10/18! The Mistaken will be here soon! xxoo A
Thank you Nicky for having me today! You’re a wonderful addition to the SSP Family and I cannot wait for your trilogy! I have 9/6 on my calendar and I’m so excited for it! You’re an amazing person and friend, and I’m very lucky to have you as mine! Hugs & Love, A
Amy!! I feel the love, thank you SO much for your kind words. It’s an honour to have you on my blog and I am so excited for your launch. I’m so happy that we’re friends and SSP sisters–the sisterhood!–and we’ll have great adventures together, I’m sure. For now–rock on!
Hi Amy, when you spoke about your children, it made me smile – having 4 of my own I know the feeling well. Your book sounds like my sort of thing, especially if there are bikes involved – I shall put in on my reading list.
Another great guest, Nicky, keep them coming!
Sue
x
So glad you could visit and find out about Amy’s upcoming amazing release! It’s amazing how y’all find the time to write and promote–I struggle, and I have only two kids! Keeping the great guests a-coming, Sue: will you come and feature soon?
Oh Sue thank you!!! They are definitely a source of entertainment! LOL I’m honored that you’re putting my book on your reading list, that gives me shivers! Eeeeks! So excited. And yeah, nothing better than a man in riding gear, except maybe a man in the perfect pair of jeans! heehee…..
Thanks, A
Gut reaction : Eeek! [stage fright]
Professional reaction : Of course, I’d be delighted and honoured [get a grip]
Thank you
Sue
x
Late to the party … but catching up with you ladies! You know the saying – if you want something done give it to a busy lady (sorry guys!), well that was based on Amy ha! ha! Wishing you all the very best Amy and I can’t wait to read Racing to Love – so great to see you here with fellow SSP team mate the fab Nicky! It’s going to be a great party next week. Lxxx
We are ready to rock and roll over here! Thank for your wonderful comment, Linn–see you at the party next week!