Interview:
Tell us a bit about Layers
Hayley makes a resolution to declare her loose lifestyle over, a resolution that doesn’t stand a chance when sparks of attraction fly as soon as she meets the Daniel Stark.
When she decides to give in to attraction for the very last time with the blessing of her two best friends, Ian the gay self-absorbed, aspiring model and Natasha the witty, borderline neurotic soul mate, they all agree she should not make it more than it is, not with him.
But life has its own course and what you plan is not always what you get.
Both Hayley and Daniel who don’t exactly believe in love or relationships for that matter, find themselves battling inner struggles, trying to stay true to their beliefs while irresistibly being pulled toward each other. There you go, Layers in a nutshell…
What inspired you to write Layers?
To begin with, the characters of Daniel and Hayley have resided in my mind for a very long time, combine that with a love for surfing, tattoos and humor, and it was just likely that the mixture will end up as a book.
Do you have any traits in common with Hayley the protagonist?
There are a few similarities, we both lack a mind to mouth filter. Deep inside we both are what you may call a “good girl.” And both of us care dearly for our friends. But I guess there’s where it ends. Hayley is much more brazen and outspoken, and the entire “loose lifestyle” thing she had going on, definitely not my scene.
Name 5 things that people don’t know about you and about the book.
About me:
- I am a non-romantic... that writes romantic books.
- I’ve lived in five different countries and travelled to more than a few dozen.
- I am a words nerd, I skim through dictionaries for fun and try to learn a new word a day. Pathetic but true.
- I add cinnamon to almost everything I cook.
- I named my new baby Daniel as I fell in love with the name while writing Layers.
About Layers:
- I actually got a publishing contract but decided to decline it and self-publish, still hoping I will not have to drown this decision in many intakes of alcohol.
- Ian’s character is based on a real person.
- For the first half of the book both Hayley and Tasha had different looks.
- One of the most intense scenes was written on 4 sick bags as my Laptop’s battery died in the middle of a flight.
- Snow Patrol’s best songs were played in a loop throughout the writing of the book
Do you write full-time or part-time?
Unfortunately, with a five month old baby aka my new boss, I can’t write full-time. I’d love to though, and hope it will become possible for me in the future.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block? Take a break. Disconnect for a while, don’t think about it, do something that distracts you and then return to your work. Don’t fight it...
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
First and foremost with English being my second language and one of a few that I speak, from time to time, I need to make sure that for example a certain idiom I’m using is actually taken from English and not my translation from one of the other languages that I speak.
Another thing, I try to make my stories believable, stay true to real situations and people. As a writer you sometimes tend to take imagination to the next level. I find myself occasionally reassessing the validity of a situation, asking, if I were this character would I really act a certain way, speak in that way.
Do you read much and if so what are your favorite books?
Oh, I read, a lot! I think that if you check my kindle for the amount of books I’ve purchased so far, it will imply that I read about a book and a half a week. I have many favorite books from a variety of genres. The first three that pop to my mind are:
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, The ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series by George R. R. Martin, The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski.
How do you relax?
Sparkling, a bottle or two … just kidding, no drinking problem here, yet… anyway.
Two things that set me at ease are aimlessly driving by myself with very loud music as company and cooking. If you find 2-3 freshly baked cakes on my kitchen counter, you can without any doubt assume I was a mess not long before.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
Who says writers are sane? Overall, I guess, it’s the ability to write, knowing when to come back to the real world, and mostly, having a very thick skin.
Any more books on the horizon?
Yes, actually there are two. First, there’s Inner Core, Layers’ sequel which will examine whether a relationship is strong enough to overcome too many mistakes, differences and… life. The lightness and fun will follow this book as well and there’s much to be expected in terms of character development.
The second project is Leaving Me Behind. Leaving Me Behind is about a thirty-something successful business woman who leaves her stressful life to pursue serenity and break her too many strict rules in a coastal city in Spain.
When are these books coming?
Inner Core is planned to be released at the beginning of 2014. Leaving Me Behind is expected Mid- 2014.
Quickies:
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee and a lot!
Drama or humor?
Humor, and the crazier the better.
Day or night?
Night.
Sooner or Later?
Sooner, always.
Reading or writing?
Writing.
Favorite part of writing?
Dialogs.
Least favorite part of writing?
Editing. And the dreadful synopsis.
Something we don’t know about your writing?
I make myself laugh, geeky and pathetic as it may sound, I do.
What would you take to a deserted Island?
My kindle!
Best invention of the 21st century?
Coffee to go.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Yep, first, thank you for having me here. Second, I want to thank everyone who read Layers, a big, fat thank you!
Excerpt I
There's a high-end coffee machine calling my name on the countertop across the room. A quick little coffee and I am out of here.
I press the green small-cup button and the machine awakens with the noise of evaporating steam. The oh-so-aromatic, roasted scent wafts toward me as the machine fills the cup with a rich chocolate-colored liquid. I'm thrilled, already anticipating the taste. When the machine signals that the cycle is complete, I grab the cup too hastily, and some of the coffee manages to spill on my white blouse.
Observing the damage with irritation, I murmur, “Fuck me,” under my breath.
“Is that a request?”
Shifting my stare back to see who has just spoken; I find myself holding on to the counter from a momentary loss of balance, as I take in the sight of the orator.
Heat spreads from the center of my skull through my throat, to the top of my cleavage. And I don’t do blushing. What the hell?
Standing there is the very picture of hot, tall and sinful. White tee, jeans, and the most alluring bad boy stance. Something in his crooked smile inexplicably leaves me dumbfounded. For the space of a moment, I am lost in him.
His eyes roam over me with a wicked glee, stripping off every layer of clothing I have on. The air escapes my lungs at the intensity of that gaze.
I gape back at him, my jaw slightly dropped. “Mmm… just made some coffee.” I mumble my lame excuse and follow it with a thin smile.
“So I assume it wasn’t a request, then?” His teasing eyes are on me, that sexy grin is still plastered on his face, and his expression insinuates pure sin.
“Too bad,” he murmurs, and I have to swallow hard.
“Is that your thing?” I ask, recovering.
He cocks an eyebrow. “Sneaking behind people and trying to engage them in salacious activities?” A low laugh, deep and hoarse, comes as a reply.
“No.” He scratches his amused lips with his thumb, looking at me with a slightly tilted head. “And just for the record, I believe it was you who started with the indecent proposals.”
I open my mouth, looking frantically for some clever comeback that doesn’t appear to come, and instead feel my face heat up. Again. Damn.
Excerpt II
I grin at her and start from the so-called interview at Stark Software, filling her in with a thorough minute-by-minute account of our encounters that finally led to a half-naked Daniel Stark in our home.
“Hold on,” Tasha says, raising her manicured finger, and turns to dial. And I can just imagine where this call is directed.
“S’up gorgeous?” A too-loud yelp tears the calm ambiance.
“Super E, you are on speaker and we have the one and only Miss Grace with us.”
“Gorgeous Miss Grace.”
I giggle at Ian’s as-ever bursting energy.
“Listening time,” Tasha declares authoritatively, prompting an immediate silence from us both. “Now, you, Missy, continue the tale.” She turns my way and then goes back to focus on the curving road ahead. And I obey.
“Oh my god, I’ve just Googled him. This is one steamy creature. When do I get the full report of how he is in terms of making your girlie parts dazzle?” Both Tasha and I turn into a noisily squeaking duo.
“So I gather you assume there will be experiments with exchanging liquids?”
“With this guy, bet your tight ass there’ll be! Any chance he's playing for both teams?” I roll my eyes.
Ian is like the Tasmanian devil when it comes to hot guys: he must consume everything that looks even remotely delectable.
“Have no idea. Don't think so, but I’ll make sure to ask him the first chance I get.”
Tasha snickers and I shake my head with half a smile.
“So, gorgeous ladies, I gotta go. Do him, Hales, that’s an order. Ciao!”
“Love ya,” we chorus and the line drops. Tasha and I trade amused glances and fall into a pleasant, contemplative silence.
About ten minutes into our drive I say, idly, half to Tasha half to myself, “Seriously, I have no idea what he really wants with me.”
Tasha sends me a derisive glance. “I mean, I know what he wants, I’ve been playing this game for far too long… I can sense attraction better than anyone, but it’s just…” I sigh.
“Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately? Do I really have to remind you how many broken hearts you have under your belt? And I'm referring to just the last couple of years.” She wrinkles her nose, and continues with, “You're such a sweet, witty, beautiful and intelligent person.”
I beam at her. “Well, my dear, you couldn’t be more objective.”
“How do you feel about all of this?” she asks, her expression turning solemn.
“He's intriguing and charming in a bad boy kind of way,” I say, pondering, “and absolutely hot. He acts as though it’s more than just plain attraction, but I’m pretty sure he's the biggest player.”
“Oh, a male version of you.”
“Hey, whose side are you on, anyway?”
“Well, just do him, like Ian suggested, and go from there.” She concludes in an assertive tone, effortlessly dismissing the doubt in subject.
“But you know how I feel about that...been there, done that. You know better than anyone what I’m not looking for.”
Who better than Tasha knows about my sordid history? About how, for the last few years, by choice, I didn’t have a “relationship” that lasted longer than one night, longer than an orgasm...
She fixes her framed white Jackie O. sunglasses, adjusting them on the bridge of her pointy nose. “Hales, I know that you've stopped fucking for nothing. But make an exception with this irresistible, virile, mega-attractive guy, one last time. And by all means, girl, don’t make it more than it is,” she states, putting to words what we both think. She does have a talent for doing that.
“Fucking for nothing,” I snicker. “Classy.” Tasha mirrors my amused stare.
Pulling the car to a stop, she turns to me and says, “Come on, he's incredibly sexy. Hell, he's Daniel 'Hottie' Stark.” She grins. “My best friend is going to do Daniel Stark.”
I can’t help but laugh at her cheerful declaration.
“We have all these indecent plans for him and I'm not even sure he'll call again,” I murmur. “If there's something I cannot do, it’s anticipating this guy.” Given our brief history, I sigh deeply.
Perhaps I should just call him up and say, Hey Daniel, the unanimous verdict has been rendered - I am to do you, let's fuck?
Excerpt III
I take a deep breath, and as I exhale, words gust out of my mouth. “Do you honestly believe that after you've made me come all the way here, and humiliated me for the last few precious minutes, I would want anything to do with you? Let alone spend more of my valuable time on you?” Not waiting for any reply I add, “Valuable time which you've already so disrespectfully consumed.” His dismay at my verbal attack is palpable.
“Why, Mr. Stark, you were so talkative a few minutes ago. Have you lost your words? Do you need a moment?” Wow, did that just come out of my mouth? I'm terribly shaken, but boy am I ecstatic. Well done.
He recuperates in seconds and his baffled expression transforms. He's collected, but he has that wicked glow back, dominating his eyes.
Next, to my complete surprise, he stands up and slowly but confidently starts sauntering toward me. Before I can grasp his intentions, I find him leaning his hip on the desk next to me, his knee almost brushing mine. Too close. My heart threatens to leap out of my chest as I gape up at his intent stare, staggered. His eyes hover over my face till they land on my lips, which traitorously part. The air is literally yanked out of my lungs at the lengthy pause of his stare on my mouth. My realization again who he really is, his proximity now, and these sexually charged currents running frenetically inside of me subside any minor composure I might have had before.
“Why, Miss Grace.” He mirrors my own words; his smirk above me broadens. “You've just made me lust for this coffee even more.”
Book & Author Details:
Layers by Sigal Ehrlich
Publication date: October, 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary,
Synopsis:
Publication date: October, 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary,
Synopsis:
According to Hayley love is a subject of ridicule, a myth created by hopeless romantics.
When Hayley makes a resolution to declare her loose lifestyle era R.I.P, it’s all good in theory…
That is until she meets Daniel Stark, a well-respected, mid-thirties business man who is known for his short temper, lack of steady relationships as well as his strict preserve of his private life.
Opinionated, sharp tongued Hayley accidently steps into his office leaving Daniel resolved to put Hayley in her place and have her in his bed.
Both Hayley and Daniel can’t avoid the immediate instigation of the attraction between them.
In a unanimously agreed upon verdict by Hayley and her two best friends, Ian the gay self-absorb, aspiring model and Natasha the witty, borderline neurotic soul mate, Daniel Stark is to be Hayley’s pure physical attraction, emotions aside era closure.
Will it indeed be a closure, or a beginning to something neither Hayley nor Daniel ever bargained for…
When Hayley makes a resolution to declare her loose lifestyle era R.I.P, it’s all good in theory…
That is until she meets Daniel Stark, a well-respected, mid-thirties business man who is known for his short temper, lack of steady relationships as well as his strict preserve of his private life.
Opinionated, sharp tongued Hayley accidently steps into his office leaving Daniel resolved to put Hayley in her place and have her in his bed.
Both Hayley and Daniel can’t avoid the immediate instigation of the attraction between them.
In a unanimously agreed upon verdict by Hayley and her two best friends, Ian the gay self-absorb, aspiring model and Natasha the witty, borderline neurotic soul mate, Daniel Stark is to be Hayley’s pure physical attraction, emotions aside era closure.
Will it indeed be a closure, or a beginning to something neither Hayley nor Daniel ever bargained for…
Purchase:
AUTHOR BIO:
By teen age, Sigal already lived in three different continents where she had the luck to experience and visit varied places, meet unique people, which only helped fuel her overly developed imagination. Currently, Sigal calls Estonia home where she lives with her husband and three kids.
Not exactly sure where they will end up next…
When she is not hiding in her office, writing, she enjoys music, reading and taking care of her little clan.
With a great believe in "don’t wait for things to happen - make them happen," she enjoys anything exciting life has to offer.
Not exactly sure where they will end up next…
When she is not hiding in her office, writing, she enjoys music, reading and taking care of her little clan.
With a great believe in "don’t wait for things to happen - make them happen," she enjoys anything exciting life has to offer.
Links:
Website: http://www.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
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