Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Take Five with Author Fran Thomas


It's always a joy to find a new-to-me author. And doesn't the title,The Lady Is A Mayor, pique your interest? It sounds like a fun read. And her answers are a hoot. 

Welcome to An Indie Adventure, Fran Thomas.  Tell us, what inspired you to write your book, The Lady Is a Mayor?

Hi L.A. Thanks for having me as your guest today. I am originally from Pittsburgh and read an article about their electing a new, very young mayor. I wanted to write a romance, so I decided to make my mayor a female to be the protagonist.

What were your experiences as a child or adult that contributed to you becoming a writer?

I have always been an avid reader. As a child, I walked to the library frequently with my mother. She would go into the stacks where the books for adults were shelved and I would have to stay in the children’s room. I think I was about twelve when I was finally allowed to check out a book from the adult section.My first choice was Gone with the Wind.

The first writing I remember doing is the play I co-authored when I was in the fourth grade, mostly so that I could cast myself as one of the leads, I’m afraid. Since then, I have written nonfiction and lots and lots of news releases and publicity material  until now.  This is my first work of fiction.

What is most difficult for you to write?  Characters, conflict or emotions?  Why?

Probably conflict. I am non-confrontational by nature. I often wish I had a magic wand to wave over everyone to give them a happily ever after. Writing lets me do that for my characters. I guess that’s the main attraction.

What is the first thing you do when you begin a new book?

I try to create at least a rough outline of the plot. I am really new to this authoring business, so I am still learning my way around how to proceed.

If you were a TV, film or book character, apart from one you've created, who would you be?  And why?

Harking back to my early library days, I’d want to be Scarlett O’Hara- smart, courageous, and a man-magnet. My real personality is closer to Melanie Wilkes.

Give us a brief summary of The Lady Is a Mayor
A young woman unexpectedly becomes the acting mayor of a small, quirky Florida town when the elected mayor disappears after emptying the town’s bank account. When a handsome northerner arrives with plans to build a hotel, the business owners are for the idea, but the nature lovers are opposed.  My Lady Mayor has to find a way to bring both sides together, save the town, and follow her heart.

Buy:

Bio: I am a native of Pittsburgh now living in a town in Florida not unlike the one I write about. A couple years as the editor of the local newspaper gave me plenty of material to work with. My favorite pastime is singing with a symphonic choral group. I also enjoy watching Dancing with the Stars and Project Runway.

My alter ego is a lot more serious. I have a graduate degree in educational psychology and
have written a couple nonfiction works, one to introduce middle schoolers to career exploration, and the other to help college freshmen understand emotional intelligence. I’m currently teaching a class in academic and career success skills at my local community college for the first time.

Find Fran:


2 comments:

  1. Hi Fran, welcome. I'm sorry I'm late greeting you, I'm in NM visiting my 93-year-old-mom, while my husband is home dealing with a new modem etc.

    Anyway, I'm so glad you're here. Pittsburgh to Florida is quite the change, was it hard for you?

    Hugs
    Leslie Ann

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  2. Congratulations on your publication of "The Lady is a Mayor", Fran! Your novel sounds perfect for me--like a Hallmark movie. I hope you have great success in your marketing and promotion of it.

    I'll definitely be checking it out and adding it to my Goodreads' "to-read" shelf.

    BTW, my husband is from Pittsburgh too, and we just arrived home from there yesterday--such a great city!!! Hope you are enjoying Florida as much.

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