Welcome Sandra Tilley and her sometimes outspoken characters in her newest novel, The Ghost and Mrs. Miller published with The Wild Rose Press.
Here to tell us a little about the journey to publication and her characters that wouldn't leave her alone is Sandra Tilley, creator of her characters Libby Miller, her ghostly husband Neil, and their good friend, Eli.
POP the top and fill the glasses! It's RELEASE DAY for
Libby Miller never expected to celebrate her nineteenth wedding anniversary with a ghost. Nor did she ever expect to catch her husband Neil cheating with his assistant or his BMW flipping over an overpass or his ghost showing up in her dining room. Neil’s ever-present spirit prevents Libby from grieving, and his meddling ethereal presence poisons any attempts to forgive his infidelity. Adding to her anxiety are two men from her past—both of whom want a second chance. In her struggle to build a new life, Libby discovers forgiveness and friendship and passion. And a fondness for lost souls.
Libby: As the protagonist in the Ghost and Mrs. Miller, I'd like to thank our creator, friend, and author, Sandra Tilley.
Sandra Tilley: Thank you, Libby. And many thanks to all my characters. It's been an amazing journey.
Neil: An amazing and LONG journey.
Libby: Kind of like our marriage. But I digress… Besides, you're a ghost. You have no matter. We're the ones squashed into her head for eight years.
Neil: I may not occupy space, but I was trapped inside her brain with the rest of you.
Eli: As spokesman for the rest of the characters, we're all glad to be out. Hard to be cooped up, even with your best buds, right Neil?
Jesse: Hey, man, don't speak for me--
Sandra Tilley: Guys, I apologize for taking so long to get you onto the page and your story out into the world. But writing takes time.
Libby: We know. There's editing and revision…
Neil: And more editing and revision.
Jesse: Don't forget her leaving us in a dark file for a year.
Eli: Awww, guys. Quit with the hard time. It's not like she didn't have other projects.
Sandra Tilley: Eli, always the gentleman.
Jesse: Always a kiss up.
Neil: I'm a gentleman, too. I just choose not to steal someone's family.
Libby: It's not stealing if someone throws it away.
Sandra Tilley: Hold on, guys. Let the readers decide who's throwing and who's stealing. This is a happy day. MY happy day!
Thank you, Suzanne, for hosting me and my characters on your blog today. Release day, finally. I think I speak for all of us when I say WHEW. It feels good to put their story out there. It's a story of second chances. It's a story of reconciliation. It's a story of life.
I'm thrilled you and your characters stopped by. Be sure to check out Sandra's newest release and you can connect with her here at SandraTilley.com Like her on Facebook Follow her on Twitter
If you have any questions for Sandra feel free to comment and/or share your experience with those characters that just won't leave you alone.
Sounds like a great read, Sandra. I enjoyed this interview..great sense of humour. Good luck with your release. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, CB. Sandra does have a terrific sense of humor and it shows up in her cool and crafty characters too.
DeleteC.B., Thank you for sharing my release day! Support from our community of writers is so special.
DeleteWhat a clever way to introduce us to your story and characters. I'm interested in how you handled the interactions with the ghost. Were there any big hurdles you had to overcome to make his relationship with Libby believable?
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your new release and congratulations!
Thanks so much! I think writing multiple characters in a scene is always challenging. The main thing I did was make sure Neil had his own tone and style. When Libby replied to Neil in front of people, she had to use her wit to avoid looking foolish. Sometimes that failed, and she just looked foolish. Hopefully their relationship is believable. They were married for a long time, and that's something we have in common. :)
DeleteGreat to meet your characters and you. I can tell you have a great comedic voice. Congratulations on your new release. Great cover!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Zara! The book has some serious aspects, too. Just hoping I don't come across too flippant in the wrong places. :)
DeleteThis blog post had me laughing. Best wishes with the book release.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Brynn. You made me smile. I'm not trying to change the world. Just want to entertain the world.
DeleteLoved these characters, and I will definitely add this one to my library. Thanks for giving me a bedtime chuckle. Can't wait to find out what happens... Best wishes on your book release.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Vicki. Our crazy characters. They say the darndest things. Bedtime chuckles are good.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great story!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! It was lots of fun writing.
DeleteGreat characters! Congrats on your new release :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joanne. It's been a great release! Glad you stopped by!
DeleteI think we all have characters that bug us. Best wishes on your book! Sounds great!
ReplyDeleteOur characters are like our kids. They keep on bugging us until we give them some attention. Sometimes I have to get Suzanne's opinion on whether it's a good thing of not. :) Thanks for joining us!
DeleteCongratulations Sandra.
ReplyDeleteI love your characters and look forward to reading your book, Caren Gallimore
Thanks for dropping by! The characters love company! I sometimes have to remind them to be on their best behavior. :)
DeleteA dead cheating husband and humor, HELLO! I'm in. Sandra, congratulations! Happy dancing for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Robbin. Sandra's novel is full of fun and humor. She's a talented writer.
Delete