THE OTHER C-WORD by M.K. Schiller-A Review, Interview and Giveaway with the Author
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 2013
Can she overcome her consuming desire for him? Can he make her comfortable with the other C-word…commitment?
Marley Mason is dreading the arrival of the new business consultant. After all, this man will most likely outsource her job to China. The last thing she would expect is a case of mistaken identity, leading to false accusations of kidnapping when she attempts to pick up the wrong man at the airport, or worse…that she would have such a visceral reaction to the right man.
Rick Randy is super sexy, scandalously flirty and perfect masturbation material, but a relationship is out of the question. Rick is contracted on a temporary basis to fix Marley’s ailing company, then pull out, although as he expresses to Marley, pulling out is difficult for him, in more ways than one! Marley’s feelings range from utter confusion to intense contemplation as Rick charms his way into her life. All of those C-words Marley can control, but it’s the other C-word she fears—commitment.
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REVIEW: The Other C-Word is a new adult, contemporary storyline that focuses on one woman’s struggle and desire to be accepted for who and what she is. Marley Mason is a beautiful, young woman with some major demons in her past and it is those demons that control her present life. Enter Rick Randy, the man hired to fix the problems at Marley’s company and the man who is hoping for something more from Marley Mason.
The storyline follows Rick and Marley’s growing relationship with one another but also highlights Marley’s inability to get close to the men in her life. As with many similar storylines in this particular genre, our heroine has some issues of control, both in and out of the bedroom, but her reasons stem from an horrific childhood – as the ghosts continue to haunt her nightly dreams.
The secondary characters are likeable and relatable. We get to meet Marley’s sisters and her extended family. There is plenty of humor; daily ‘dish’ sessions and their mother is a former groupie with the Grateful Dead. But there is also a quiet acknowledgement that all is not well with Marley and with it comes the realization that each member of the family is willing to sacrifice in order for their beautiful sister to have a normal life.
The relationship between Marley and Rick begins at the airport under one of the most humorous circumstances and continues to grow with each day and encounter. Their attraction to one another is immediate; the sex is sensual,desirous, hot and you can feel the need especially during their one week ‘wait and see’. There were definitely some funny moments and plenty of sexual tension. But their relationship is also emotional and complicated as Marley continues to push Rick away at every opportunity, fearing that the truth about her past will show her in a different light.
If you are a fan of the HEA (which I know we are all) THE OTHER C-WORD is a wonderful and fabulous read. There is humor, passion and anger, heartbreak and falling in love. There is also the potential for a few more storylines-let’s hope M.K. has a few ideas for the future.
Copy supplied by the author.
Reviewed by Sandy
TRC: Hi MK and welcome to The Reading Cafe. Congratulations on the release of The Other C-Word. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?
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MK: I have been married to a wonderful man for eighteen years and have two angst-ridden teenagers that provide great fodder for my craft. By day, I have a million duties, but at night I sit at the computer trying to compose what I hope are swoon-worthy stories. I’ve been in love with romance since I could spell the word. It’s been surreal to see my first book published and the outpouring of support I’ve received.
TRC: The Other C-Word is your August 2013 contemporary release. Would you please tell us something about the premise?
Order Links: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ KOBO
Cover Blurb: Marley Mason is dreading the arrival of the new business consultant. After all, this man will most likely outsource her job to China. The last thing she would expect is a case of mistaken identity, leading to false accusations of kidnapping when she attempts to pick up the wrong man at the airport, or worse…that she would have such a visceral reaction to the right man.
MK: Rick Randy is super sexy, scandalously flirty and perfect masturbation material, but a relationship is out of the question. Rick is contracted on a temporary basis to fix Marley’s ailing company, then pull out, although as he expresses to Marley, pulling out is difficult for him, in more ways than one! Marley’s feelings range from utter confusion to intense contemplation as Rick charms his way into her life. All of those C-words Marley can control, but it’s the other C-word she fears—commitment.
It’s not your typical story. The heroine is not the girl next door. She’s an independent tomboy who is feminine at the same time. Her past has dictated her present. She lives by a rigid set of rules and has many carefully built walls around her. She’s not prepared for Rick, our hero, to bulldoze his way into her life and her heart.
TRC: Who or what was your influence behind the storyline premise? Are any of the characters based on someone you know or a combination of fiction and reality?
MK: Marley is a composite I think based on women in my life that I admire. She’s my mother, my daughter, my best friend, and me. She also has some traits from other great heroines from movies and television I’ve admired. I think building a character is a lot like making a dish your own. You throw out what you don’t want or need and add in a few more dashes of this or that. In this case, she has a lot of spice. All of the characters were developed this way initially and as the story went on, I tried to make them as relatable as possible.
TRC: What difficulties or challenges (e.g. logistical, research, etc) did you encounter writing The Other C-Word?
MK: Luckily, their professions and city didn’t require too much research. I did have to look up some information pertaining to medical issues, but I
was able to find it using my best bud, Google.
TRC: How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?
MK: This was hard, because I wanted the reader to find things out about Marley as Rick did, but the story is told from her sassy POV. It was a delicate balance and I hope I achieved it.
TRC: Do you have plans for a series based on the many secondary characters introduced throughout The Other C-Word? Dillon? Billie?
MK: There is actually talk of that. A few people have asked for it as well, which is very exciting. I don’t have any news to report yet, but stay tuned. I think there are more happily ever afters for the Mason family.
TRC: Are you a plotter or a panster (write by the seat of your pants)?
MK: I think I’m both. I have the plan in my head and I do a very rough outline to organize it. Mostly though, I just start and sometimes the story changes so much you wouldn’t even recognize it from the outline.
TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?
MK: This was one of the reasons I wanted Marley’s inner conflicts to be sacred. She doesn’t feel like it defines her so therefore, she doesn’t think about it and since she’s telling you the story, she wouldn’t be constantly hashing over it. I’m certainly no expert on this, but of all the stories I’ve read, my favorites are when the heroines/hero doesn’t berate themselves. I want my characters to be likeable in the sense you would want to befriend them or become an honorary member of the Mason family. It’s only when you truly care about them that you can sympathize. I can’t feel heart-crushing, empathy for someone I don’t care for in real life or in a book.
TRC: Do you direct the characters or do the characters direct the storyline as you write?
MK: It’s a little of both. Sometimes I have to tell them to shut up so I can just right. Other times, they tell me that what I’m writing makes no sense. It’s a collaboration and there, now I sound a bit crazy. Occupational hazard 🙂
TRC: Many authors bounce ideas with family and friends or other authors. With whom do you bounce ideas?
MK: My daughter and friends have been a great sounding board for me. Usually if I can get them to laugh, smile, or sigh, I know I’m onto something.
TRC: How do you handle the pressure and anxiety of deadlines while still having time to raise a family while working a full time job?
MK: It’s not easy, but the ideas are what keeps me going. I feel I need to see them through so I can move on to the next one. My family is very supportive too and I share credit with them for all my work. After all, they had to suffer through take out containers, late appointments, and having to use paper products because I’d keep forgetting the dishes. Now they take care of most of these items for me, so I can write.
TRC: If you could select one reality TV show to be a contestant, which show would your chose and why?
MK: That’s easy. Big Brother. It’s all about manipulation, scheming, and there are always showmances. What more could a romance writer want?
TRC: On what are you currently working?
MK: My next book, The Do-Over, comes out with Loose-Id on October 8th. I also have several works in progress that are in various stages.
TRC: Would you like to add anything else?
MK: Thank you for the interview and reading my book! I know there are many choices out there so I’m honored you took the time to review my work.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite Food: anything chocolate
Favorite Dessert: see last question
Favorite TV Show: Currently it has to be The White Queen
Last Movie you saw: I can’t remember the last time I was in a theatre, but I saw Argo recently and really enjoyed it.
Dark or Milk Chocolate: both and peanut butter too.
Favorite Flower : Hydrangea
Last Vacation Destination: Universal Studios in Florida
Secret Celebrity Crush: It’s no secret, it’s Chris Pine
Pet Peeve: People who talk in the first person. MK hates that!
TRC: 😉
TRC: Thank you MK for taking the time to answer our questions. Once again, Congratulations on the release of The Other C-Word.
MK Schiller is offering one lucky reader at The Reading Cafe a $10 Amazon Gift Card
1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.
2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.
3. You must comment to qualify for the giveaway-say hello or tell us what you think about the storyline.
4. Giveaway runs from September 16- 20, 2013.
5. Giveaway is open Internationally.
