Today I have the lovely Zara Stoneley on the blog taking about her new Novel Stable Mates and other things.
Hi Zara
Thank you for coming on Comet Babes Books today!
Thanks so much for inviting me over!
Can you tell us about Stable Mates?
Stable Mates is the first ‘bonkbuster’ I’ve written, and was originally inspired by my love of Jilly Cooper novels. It’s fun and sexy, with a bit of scandal and some family secrets thrown in.
I’ve lived in Cheshire for most of my life, surrounded by gorgeous countryside, dogs, horses and fit horsemen, and so writing this kind of book seemed a natural step! Cheshire is also a place where traditional values and old money sit next to soap and sports stars with new money – and what happens when the two meet just had to make a great story!
Can you share with us who designs the gorgeous covers for you books?
I’ve had a few different designers, but the one for ‘Stable Mates’ was the brilliant work of Becky Glibbery. It’s fabulous and really fits the story – I was excited the second I saw it.
Can you tell us more about Lottie?
Lottie is slightly scatterbrained, very disorganized but very passionate about what matters to her. She’s also very determined to find her own place in the world and not just go along with what is expected of her. I love Lottie – she’d make a great best friend.
I’ve read the blurb for your book, 3 hot men? 3!! Can you tell us more?
There are lots of men in this book!They include the riders, a farrier, a footballer and an ex-model. If you want to find out a bit more you can find some ‘dating profiles’ on the HarperImpulse website, here -http://www.harperimpulseromance.com/meet-the-stable-mates-men/ I’d love to know what you think, and if you imagine them the same way.
Which hot man was your favourite to write?
I loved all of them – not being limited to one hot hero made the writing even more fun than normal! I absolutely love Mick with his intense side, and Tom who is just a fun to have round type of guy (a bit boy next door), there is also Todd (Lottie’s Barcelona lover – who is a blond god! More of him in the next book!), but if I had to pick one I suppose it might just have to be Rory. He’s gorgeous, a bit disorganized (okay quite a lot), but very single minded when it comes to the important things in life.
Do you have a favourite place you like to write and why?
I do most of my writing sat on the sofa with a cat trying to lie on my keyboard. Most of my ideas come when I’m on the plane heading to Barcelona, or on a beach when I get there. I find it inspiring when I’m surrounded by people and activity, but I need peace to actually get the words down (not that the cats give me much peace!)
What inspired you to take up writing?
I’ve always loved writing and reading, and I was lucky enough to get lots of encouragement – first from my Mum, and then later from teachers and a publisher that I submitted to when I was in my teens.
Can you share a sneak peak at what you're working on at the moment?
I can’t actually share an excerpt as I’m currently just in the planning stages of my next book, but I can tell you what to expect! It’s a linked book to ‘Stable Mates’ and is called ‘Country Affairs’ –an unexpected visitor arrives in Tippermere, and threatens disruption, and Lottie has to face up to her responsibilities. There are births, deaths or weddings (I’m not going to spoil the surprise and say which!) and even more fun and chaos than in ‘Stable Mates’.
If one of your books was made into a film/TV series, who would you like as the leading lady/man?
Rory is easy – it would have to be Henry Cavill (and I’d have to meet him first, just to make sure he was okay for the part). And for Lottie? I’ve not picked the perfect leading lady yet – suggestions welcome!
Have you ever heard a strange/different story that you thought would be great in a book?
Lots of them! I keep a file of ideas, including lots of scraps of paper torn from newspapers and magazines.
Non book questions
Favourite holiday place? Sorrento in Italy.
Favourite food? A good steak, or prawns.
What kind of music do you listen to?
All kinds – I have a complete mix of music and like to just pick and mix to suit my mood. The best concerts I’ve been to recently though have been Pink, and Kings of Leon.
Favourite film? The Holiday is probably a current favourite.
Favourite Chocolate? Dark.
Favourite drink? Coffee or cava – depending on the time of day!
Thank You for taking the time to answer my questions!
Thank you Jo, it’s been fun!
Jo xx
I have another question do you write books as both Zara Stonely and Susie Medwell? xx
I wrote my first book, a contemporary romance as Susie Medwell, then when I started to write erotic romance I decided to use a different name!
I was thinking of writing 'Stable Mates' as Susie, but HarperCollins decided they liked 'Zara' more and it looked good on the cover :-) At the moment I haven't got any books out as Susie... Zara has taken over! xx
About The Author
Bestselling author Zara Stoneley lives in deepest Cheshire surrounded by horses, dogs, cats and amazing countryside. When she’s not visiting wine bars, artisan markets or admiring the scenery in her sexy high heels or green wellies, she can be found in flip flops on the beach in Barcelona, or more likely sampling the tapas!
Zara writes hot romance and bonkbusters. Her latest novel,‘Stable Mates’, is a fun romp through the Cheshire countryside and combines some of her greatest loves – horses, dogs, hot men and strong women (and not forgetting champagne and fast cars)!
She writes for Harper Collins and Accent Press.
Find out more about Zara:
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