ANGELS LANDING by Rochelle Alers

While reading ANGELS LANDING by Rochelle Alers I wanted to ask her “Do you have any one thing that inspires you to write such amazing characters?”  They are full of life, diversity and completely feel like my friends and neighbors.  So I asked and guess what….

Here is Rochelle Alers answer: I have a three-step method when it comes to writing a novel.  The first is storyline, then locale, and last but categorically not the least is character development.

For me characterization is based on the first two steps.  I have to know who they are in relation to the plot and where they live.  And because most of my novels are character-driven, this is the component I tend to give the most emphasis.

I begin with a comprehensive character dossier, giving them a name and physical characteristics.  Psychological characteristics are usually based on a birth date with their personalities linked to astrological signs.  The dossier also includes professional and personal background, as well as leisure-time activities.  Once the dossier is complete I have a character that will come alive on page.  They tell me what they will and will not do and/or say.

The characters are composites of people I’ve met or observed.  The quirky ones stand out more than the others, while as a writer I have the power to make them likeable or detestable.  I tend to have the most fun with the despicable ones, because they do or say things I can’t in a civilized society.  More importantly I’ve come to care about them.  I feel their joy, sorrow, and it’s probably empathy that makes them real.  While I’m a writer, I am also a voyeur, seeing the world as it is and not what I would like it to be.  I hear different accents, languages; see people of different races and ethnic groups; and I’ve learned to respect the cultures that make us who we are as Americans and citizens of the world.  The result is characters that are full of life and diversity just like my friends and neighbors.

Grand Central - Forever has provided me with a copy of ANGELS LANDING by Rochelle Alers to read, review and share as a contest giveaway to one lucky winner.  My contest rules stipulate in order to win you must leave a comment, which for this book is “what inspires you?”  The winner must also return on Sunday – September 2^nd to see if you have been selected and then send an email to marygramlich@yahoo.com with your address.  You will have a two-week period in which to email me so please leave a comment and then come back for more fun.

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REVIEW from Mary Gramlich "The Reading Reviewer"

ANGELS LANDING by Rochelle Alers

Can I truly trust you when every once has lied to me?

Kara Newell has just been given the shock of her life.  The next decision she makes will be life altering for not only her but also everyone in both families.  Does she accept the fortune a man claiming to be her father has left her, or go back her busy New York existence?  Apparently, Kara’s life has been built one lie upon another and decisions must be made for five years of tomorrows.

When Sheriff Jeffrey Hamilton shows more than a professional interest in her thoughts and urges are stirred she has ever experienced.  Jeffrey has seen a lot of life and the quiet place he has built in Sanctuary Cove has turned out just right.  Kara is a distraction he does not need but an attraction he cannot deny.  Jeffrey is going to make sure the new family does not cause her any harm and keeping her close is no hardship what so ever.  The relationship develops and nothing can keep Kara and Jeffrey apart, well maybe her new puppy Oliver! 

Rochelle Alers writes a stunning story built around interesting characters, and a love story we all wish was one we had experienced.