Risky Business

Before (Betwixt Novella #0.5) is due out this Friday!! I must admit I am both excited and nervous about the release.

I'm excited because I know many Betwixt fans have eagerly been awaiting more of the unassuming hero, Dale. It has been so much fun working with him again and writing about his "bad boy" years.

Here's why I'm nervous. This is the riskiest thing I've ever written. In order to capture Dale's true story, I felt it was really important to show him going through some of his experiences. Having never written sex scenes before and always being very careful about the language I use, I had to throw caution to the wind on this one. It was a struggle, but I kept coming back to the same point - glossing over Dale's experiences stole some of the impact from his story. I needed to be realistic and show the readers what it was really like for him.

Now don't get me wrong - the sex scenes are not detailed and the language is there, but only when necessary. This is still a YA story and I was very mindful of that. I have tried to be wise with my writing choices, however the book has a warning. Before is written for mature readers due to its content. I really hope everyone who loved Betwixt will also love Before. Dale is a fantastic character and knowing his history makes him all the more loveable, in my opinion.

If you're a writer - have you ever pushed the boundaries with scenes and characters you never thought you'd write about?

As a reader - have you ever read something you thought you never would and been pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable or moving it was?

If you'd like to win a copy of Before, you can enter the September Countdown to Christmas Giveaway.

And don't forget about the September Sale I currently have running. You can check out my website for purchase links and further details - www.melissapearlauthor.com

Betwixt - Dale Interviews Nicole

As a reader, I love reading character interviews. I think they are so much fun and give you a great idea of what the characters are like. If you ask the right questions, you can also find out things about the characters that aren't necessarily in the book.

For fun, I thought it'd be cool to have Dale interview Nicole. That way you can get to know them both a little better. Be warned, these two can bicker up a storm. I hope they make you smile as much as they always make me laugh.

So here goes...

Dale: Okay, so first question... what's your favourite food?
Nicole: Really? That's the first question?
Dale: Yeah, what's wrong with it?
Nicole: I don't know, it just feels like a stupid question to start with. I mean, what food I like? Who cares.
Dale: Look, I didn't write the question, would you just answer it.
Nicole: Okay, fine... uh, blueberries. I like blueberries... actually, blueberry anything is good.
Dale: Hmmm - I always picked you for a chocolate girl.
Nicole: What are saying, that I look like I eat a lot of chocolate?
Dale: No! Of course not. Just forget it. Next question. What's your favourite subject?
Nicole: Dance, I guess.
Dale: No it's not.
Nicole: Yes it is... how would you know anyway?
Dale: Nicole, you don't love dance, you only do it because your friends do. Come on, they're not even going to be reading this interview, just tell the truth.
Nicole: Alright. I like graphics and design.
Dale: Why?
Nicole: I'm interested in art. I like creative things... including dancing, by the way.
Dale: I never said you didn't like it, I said it wasn't your favourite.
Nicole: Next question.
Dale: What kind of music do you like?
Nicole: You promise my friends won't be reading this?
Dale: Promise.
Nicole: Okay, well there's this band from the 90s - Granite. They were this heavy metal, glam rock, kinda band. A mix between Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. I love their stuff.
Dale: (grinning) That's my girl.
Nicole: Your girl?
Dale: No, well, I mean... you know, not... it's just an expression. I like Granite too, okay. I was just saying you have good taste.
Nicole: Oh, okay. Cool. (she nods while studying her nail polish).
Dale: How long does it take you to get ready to go out?
Nicole: That is so not one of the questions.
Dale: Yes it is.
Nicole: No it's not.
Dale: Look, does it even matter? It's a good question.
Nicole: It's a pathetic question. Why do you even want to know that?
Dale: I don't know, in case I ever give you a ride somewhere, or something.
Nicole: (bites back a grin) I like to look nice, but I also hate being late, so just make sure you give me plenty of warning.
Dale: How much warning?
Nicole: An hour... maybe two.
Dale: Two? Two hours? What are you doing in that time?
Nicole: Getting ready.
Dale: Why is it so important to you to look perfect?
Nicole: Because people notice me, whether I want them to or not.
Dale: You don't have to do anything extra, you know. You're... well, I mean, you're... you already know you're gorgeous, so just don't worry about... well, you don't have to go the extra mile or anything.
Nicole: (grinning) A little tongue tied, champ?
Dale: You're pretty! With or without make up and nice clothes and stuff. I'm sure you look just as gorgeous getting out of bed in the morning as you do now.
Nicole: You think I'm pretty?
Dale: Everybody thinks your pretty.
Nicole: How long does it take you to get ready to go out?
Dale: Including a shower?
Nicole: (nods)
Dale: Ten minutes.

* * * * *

I hope you enjoyed getting to know these two a little more. I find their relationship adorable. This was a very light hearted snap shot, wait until you get to the good stuff in the book. I feel my insides turning to putty just thinking about it.

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