Interview with Libby Floyd, author of ‘Sparkelicious’

Libby Floyd has been a national on-air television personality for over 15 years with appearances on ShopNBC, Shop-At-Home and The Food Network. She was the youngest ever nominee for the prestigious position of Poet Laureate of South Carolina following the release of her poetry book A Winning Heart. Libby is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and was a contestant in the Miss America and Miss USA programs.

Her latest book is the contemporary romance,Sparkelicious.

Visit Libby on the web at www.LibbyFloyd.com.

Connect with her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/libbyfloyd.

Friend her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/libby.floyd.31.

Pick up your copy of the deliciously wicked Sparkelicious at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sparkelicious-Libby-Floyd/dp/0985847638/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345126752&sr=1-2.

Purchase your copy of Sparkelicious at Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/sparkelicious?keyword=sparkelicious&store=ebook.

The Interview

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Sparkelicious is set in my charming hometown of Greenville, S.C. and my spiritual home of Los Angeles — fashion designer Laney Montgomery is at a crossroads in her life and on the heels of turning 40. On a much-needed vacation back home to South Carolina to visit her mom and two sisters, Laney realizes that her family is in disarray but while trying to fix them, Laney learns that her own marriage is in serious trouble back in California and her fashion business is on the verge of collapse. The affections of a handsome younger man don’t help matters either as Laney must fix everyone else before she can find true happiness for herself.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

Yes, SPARKELICIOUS was inspired by one of my trip’s back home to South Carolina. After moving away to New York and then L.A. after college graduation, I returned after several years to discover the sleepy little Southern town of Greenville was now vibrant and alive. I also found that I’d missed so many family events and still hadn’t come to term with my father’s death. He died in 2000 from cancer and this particular trip home was closure for me. I had also missed the Southern charm and humor of the South. When you read my book, you’ll find my fictional characters to be colorful and real. And, after living in L.A. for so many years, I had to relive my life there, so I decided to capture the glamour of Hollywood. My novel showcases several famous locales and venues in my old stomping ground. And of course, Sparkelicious hits on the touchy subject of age and turning 40, which most women find devastating, especially in Hollywood. However, I decided to explore ageism in a positive and uplifting light through Laney Montgomery’s character, who finds that it’s never too late to fall in love with your true passion and your true love. I think that life can be, truly, Sparkelicious! I draw from real life experiences and then my imagine takes over and fills in the rest!

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

Who is your biggest supporter? My mom! She’s my biggest fan!

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

There are several but there are two that I’m very passionate about. My sister had breast cancer and my father died of prostate cancer so I’d love for cancer researchers to find a cure for it. I sometimes feel that they have actually found a cure but no one wants it to be revealed because unfortunately, cancer is such a moneymaker for insurance companies and hospitals. I don’t mean to sound bitter but I’ve seen what this disease can do to so many people that I love.

I also love animals so I’m very passionate about protecting their safety. I don’t wear real fur and I have rescued several dogs and cats that became ‘my children.’ Rescued pets are the best! They love you even more for saving them and giving them a great home.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

Yes, I think I’m a better writer now than I was a year ago. Practice makes perfect!

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

My husband, my health and my family.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on several novels at the moment. One is called Prime Time Divas about the home shopping network industry and another is called Lake Hollywood, which I actually started about ten years ago, so I’m polishing that baby up as I type! And, there are a couple more that I’ve started as well so I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me!

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

Yes, everyone says that they want to write a book but no one’s going to write it for you, but you! It takes discipline, lots of hard work and hours and hours of sitting at your computer and gaining a little weight!!! The best advice I ever got from a friend was, “don’t get it right, get it written!” That saying inspired me to write the first draft of my book!

What are some of your long-term goals?

To finish and publish the rest of my novels and to have a long and successful writing career.

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

Finishing Sparkelicious!

What do you feel is your biggest strength?

Self-belief and motivation.

Biggest weakness?

I’m not good at playing politics. I’ve been burned because of that.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

The characters, the setting, and the honesty that my characters exude.

If you could go back and change one day, what would it be?

My father died from cancer a few hours after I left his bedside. Even though I had told him goodbye and I knew that he wouldn’t pass until I left, I still regret not being there for his last breath.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

That life is way too precious and short!

Is there anything you regret doing/not doing?

What is your favorite past-time? Singing. I had a band in L.A. and also did music showcases in Nashville.