Divorce parties and Portuguese footballers....Jen's in da house!

Today I'm really excited and honoured to introduce a friend AND one of the top three 'So You Think You Can Write' contestants...Jennifer Drogell!

The other week, Jen was tagged in Ruchita's Next Big Thing Blog' hop and she wanted to participate, however had there was one teeny tiny problemo....her blog/website is under construction and outta use for the moment! So naturally, in kind, romance writer (aspiring I should say) fashion, I offered her a little patch of my cosy and hospitable blog spot so she could still share her awesome story with you all. I love visitors, so without further ado, please give a warm, hearty, British welcome....over to the lady herself... 

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Q. What is the working title of your next book? 
The Divorce Party.

Q. From where did the idea come? 
I read a story on the front page of a newspaper about a Manhattan billionaire who threw a million dollar divorce party to celebrate his amicable split from his wife and it blew my mind. Who would do that? Apparently not just them as Katy Perry and Russell Brand have just announced they are doing the same in Vegas!


Q. Under which genre does your book fall? 
Contemporary romance.


Q: Which actors would you choose to play the part of your hero/heroine? 

Not so much an actor for Ricardo, I modelled him after one of the members of the Portugese men’s soccer team in a photo of them walking through an airport in Armani suits that literally sent my office into a tailspin for about a week :) It was called ‘Why Portugal Should Win The World Cup’. Ricardo is Italian not Portugese – but whatever ;) (Ricardo is on the far right). Ashley Greene would make a good Lilly.

Q. What is a one sentence synopsis of your book? 
Ok I’m cheating – 3 sentences. Lilly and Ricardo De Campo were once New York’s golden couple. But a billionaire wine magnate and an Iowa farm girl were never going to make it long-term. Now Ricardo is suggesting they toast their break with a divorce party guaranteed to set tongues wagging!

Q. Will you self-publish or be represented by an agent? 
My goal is to be published by Harlequin/Mills & Boon. I’ve submitted this story to Harlequin/Mills & Boon’s So You Think You Can Write global writing competition and have been named a top 3 Finalist. My fingers are crossed! You can read the first chapter here -http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/manuscripts-sytycw-2012/the-divorce-party/. My Pinterest board is at -http://pinterest.com/jendrogell/the-divorce-party/


Q. How long did it take to write the first draft? 
About nine weeks.


Q: With which books within your genre would your story compare? This book is the first in a trilogy about three brothers, or sisters, I’m not sure yet! Maybe all. I would say Sandra Marton’s stories are a big inspiration as she’s always written stories about brothers particularly that have been some of my all-time favourites.

Q: Who or what inspired you to write this book? 
That story in the paper started it for me, but then the characters took over and just ran away with the story. I always have to write the first chapter to ‘write’ myself into a book, then I plot it out.


Q: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? 
I really wanted to explore the very explosive and controversial topic of infidelity in the book. Is it ever okay? Is there ever any justification for it? Can you ever forgive and forget? Should you? I’m a big believer that if you haven’t walked in someone’s shoes you can’t know how you’d react.

Thanks Sam for the warm welcome! So happy to be here and get a chance to talk about The Divorce Party.
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Thanks, Jen! Your story sounds fab and phew, Ricardo is certainly a hottie and I can see why he threw your office into a tiz! Good luck with 'The Divorce Party', I'm sure it's going to be a major hit. Please come back and see us here soon for an update and a cuppa!

'Til next time.

Sam :-) 
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