Kame, who has been doing guest reviews here on TBQ's Book Palace for a few months now, recently reviewed, NATURALLY, CHARLIE. Today, Kame and I are interviewing the author, S.L.!
WELCOME TO THE BLOG, S.L.! :)
WELCOME TO THE BLOG, S.L.! :)
S.L. Scott is a former high-tech account manager with a journalism degree pursuing her passion for telling stories. She spends her days escaping into her characters and letting them lead her on their adventures.
Live music shows, harvesting jalapenos and eating homemade guacamole are her obsessions she calls hobbies.
Scott lives in the beautiful Texas Hill Country of Austin with her husband, two young sons, two Papillons and a bowl full of Sea Monkeys.
She welcomes your notes at sl@slscottauthor.com.
Where to Find :
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Kame: Hello SL, thank you so much for stopping by to answer a few questions about “Naturally, Charlie”. I really loved the book. I am not sure what my favorite part was, but I was drawn in right away by the idea of the two characters having the same name. Loved the idea – I thought of a few other possibilities “Naturally Sam” (Samuel and Samantha), “Naturally Mel” (Melvin and Melanie) okay besides the obvious of those gender neutral names that are so the rage now, was it always Charlie?
S.L: Thank you for having me. I love the other ones you came up with. For me, it was always Charlie. From the second the two characters appeared in my mind and thoughts the name was just always Charlie. It felt right from the beginning so I stuck with the name and it ended up being in the title also.
K: Boy and Girl Charlie taking point of view turns with the chapters was very interesting. The symbols on the chapters were ingenious. Was the change in POV always in the plot or did it evolve that way?
S.L: I actually love alternating point of views because it gives you that insight into the mind of the ‘other’ character. I want to know, what was he thinking when he first saw her, how did that feel to him, etc... So since this was written in first person, I included the different perspectives. Yes, it was always a part of this story, written with intention. It’s not back and forth every chapter though because sometimes we need more time with one of them to get the full story of a scenario.
K: Boy Charlie dated Girl Charlie’s friend Rachel. Was this crucial to the plot?
S.L: Yes, and my prereaders and editors weren’t thrilled, but agreed that it was necessary. At the point when Charles goes on a date with Rachel, he’s letting his life happen. He eventually starts to stop waiting for his fate and starts to pursue his destiny. It also makes him more real in my opinion. Sometimes we go out with the wrong person, but we don’t know until we experience it. Those experiences help to shape our thoughts and alter our views in the future to narrow down more of what we are looking for in a partner.
K: The Charlies both suffered losses, and actually supported each other at the funerals. I understand having characters suffer a similar situation and supporting each other, but why have them attend funerals together?
S.L: It was odd to me, but that was the first ‘scene’ that I ever had of them. It’s the beginning of chapter 5 and the entire story developed from it. I envisioned a man and a woman who share a name and had previously met briefly run into each other in a NYC park. They recognize each other and both are heading to a funeral – two different funerals. It’s a slightly awkward conversation given the circumstances, but there’s an attraction and something more. These two people are at low points in their lives and suddenly it feels like someone else understands what they’re going through.
My thought after having this scene play out in my head was ‘Can two people who meet under these circumstances build something more out of their relationship?’ I’m a romantic at heart, so I could see them accepting each other with their flaws and hurt hearts, share their tears, and bring each other into the other’s world without judgments or criticism. They could be friends and see how their relationship develops from this low point in life.
As you read when they are at the funerals, the other one gets a glimpse of the reality each Charlie is living with. It strengthens their bond because they don’t have the baggage weighing them down. They support each other without want for themselves. They really are acting truly selfless as a support for the other during the funerals.
K: They are selfless, and become strong friends. I loved Boy and Girl Charlie’s friendship. It seemed so easy to me. Was it important for them to have a platonic friendship? This was my favorite part of their story – did you and your husband have a similar courtship?
S.L: I love that they are real friends first and for a long time. Yes, they want more, but they don’t want to risk what they do have. Their relationship forms naturally and that starts out as friends. They slip into a couple-dom of sorts without realizing it and then it’s just like the other was always a part of their lives. Their banter was easy and just flowed. They have quirky thoughts, especially girl Charlie, and they challenge each other. They actually crack me up and if it makes me laugh, I leave it in the story.
The two Charlies being friends first was pivotal to the story – it is the story in my opinion. They formed a deep bond that would carry them through anything. We read so many love at first sight stories and they have that too, but their circumstances dictated that they needed a friend in their lives when they met, not another lover. That’s what made their relationship special to each other.
It was love at first sight for my husband and me. Lol BUT, I will say we became very good friends during our courtship. He made me laugh and has a romantic side and we were both ready for love. His British accent didn’t hurt either.
K: They need a friend not a lover – so true, love that! And British accents are wonderful!
I love when Boy and Girl Charlie talk about fate and destiny. Can you explain to readers the difference between fate and destiny?
S.L: Fate and Destiny evolved. You live your fate with no hand in the outcome. I feel like we play a part in creating our destiny. We make decisions that may lead us in a new direction that alters our fate. That’s what I like to believe.
K: New York City in my mind is another character in this book. Could this story have happened in another big city, such as Boston, Chicago, Atlanta or Los Angeles?
S.L: It had to be a walking city, a city that is up all night and that offers diversity where different social classes, backgrounds, professions all have the opportunity to engage with each other. To me it was always New York City and I never imagined anywhere else. I’ve been to NYC and I could visualize exactly where the scenes were taking place and the vibe of the locations, the feelings the locations evoked in the characters.
So although technically, it probably could have taken place in say Boston or Chicago, NYC was the one that made the story what it is, made it right for this story to be told.
K: By the Way – I SOOO think you should really do a book signing at the bookstore mentioned in the book – I would be in line so fast!
S.L: That is a famous Barnes and Noble and would be an absolute dream come true to do a book signing there. Maybe put in a good word for me. hehe
K: Boy and Girl Charlie were friends of mine at the end of the book. I would love to read more about them, in maybe Rachel’s story – any ideas for more books based in New York City so we can maybe see a glimpse at their happy life together?
S.L: It would be a lot of fun to explore more with these characters and the supporting characters in this book. I’ve had a few thoughts, but not a complete story. I wouldn’t write it unless it felt right to do so and I could do it justice.
Kame: Thank you so much SL for answering my questions. I really enjoyed “Naturally, Charlie”. Girl Charlie loved to bake as a way to relax, I do too maybe that is why I loved her so much, anyway I know you have a recipe for one of the cupcakes from the book, as a parting gift to our readers would you be willing to share it?
S.L: I’d love to share a cupcake recipe. I made this one for a book signing party a friend threw for me. See, I bring cupcakes to my own parties. Haha.
This cupcake is divine and you will not get enough of this frosting. You’ve been warned.
Margarita Cupcakes with Tequila Lime Frosting
1.5 cups all purpose flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, room temperature, unsalted
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temp
2 limes, zested and juiced
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk, room temp
1-2 TBSP tequila
Preheat oven to 325. Line tins with wrappers.
Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together. In bowl of your mixer, with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on med speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, stopping to scrape down as necessary. Mix in the lime zest, juices, and vanilla (may look curdled). With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Beat until just incorporated.
Divide into liners, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake 20ish minutes, but check around the 15-18 minute mark. Cupcakes should spring back when pressed and toothpick comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. Transfer pan to wire rack to cool. Poke holes in tops of cupcakes and drizzle with tequila. Let rest for about 5 minutes, then remove from pans and let cool completely.
Tequila Lime Frosting
1 cup butter unsalted, cool but not cold
2 3/4 - 3 cups powdered sugar
1.5 TBSP freshly squeezed lime juice
1-2 TBSP tequila
pinch of salt
Beat butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar until incorporated and smooth. Scrape down sides and add lime juice, tequila, and salt. Mix until fluffy. Taste and see if it needs more tequila, add little by little... no more than a tsp at a time.
Frost cupcakes and then garnish with course sea salt and a lime wedge. You can do some without salt for those who don't like their margaritas salted. This is my friend, @JParkerWrites recipe. She is a baker and an author and shared her secret recipe with me so I could share it with you.
Thank you for the interview. I had a great time and enjoyed the questions.
XO,
S.
Kame: I am so making these cupcakes! Thank you so much – SL – this has been a lot of fun! Goodluck on your future books, I can’t wait to read them!
SPEED ROUND:
A day on a secluded island OR a day at the spa?
Ooooh, that’s a tough one. Let’s go with day on a secluded island. I love the beach.
Reading a spicy romance novel OR a sweet “my-heart-skips-a-beat” one?
Sweet ‘My-heart-skips-a-beat’ novel
Which would you rather have an affair with: a sexy highlander OR a devilishly handsome English lord?
These are tough questions. Lol I’m gonna go with a devilishly handsome English lord. (It's so hard to pick, isn't it? I'm usually greedy and go with "both" LOL)
Hot summer days OR cold winter nights?
HOT summer days for sure – no debate here.
Where would your dream house be: in the city, where all the action is OR nestled in the mountain where you can enjoy the quiet and the wilderness?
City. I’m a girl on the go. I like being near the action and/or in the center of it.
If you could live in any time period, past or future, which one would it be?
I’m attracted to the glamour of old Hollywood, so maybe the 1940’s or 1950’s. This answer would definitely change from day to day. lol
Cover Lover OR Blurb Fan?
Cover Lover.
Steamy Novella OR Sweet Novel? (aka, Quickie or Slow Build Up?)
Even though I can appreciate a good steamy read, I love angst and the slow build up.
And finally, tell us 3 unique/wacky/fun things about yourself:
- I was once a contestant in a Hubba Bubba Bubble Gum blowing contest. I was probably 7 years old.
- My first three crushes in life were (in this order): Winnie the Pooh, Speed Racer, and Ricky Schroeder.
- I once ran around the San Francisco 49ers end zone at Candlestick Park and did my version of a touchdown dance.
The_Book_Queen: Thanks so much for stopping by, S.L., and for sharing the yummy recipe! Please know that you are welcome back anytime! Do you have any questions for our readers—something to spark a good discussion? :)
S.L.: Thank you so much for having me on your site. It’s a really fantastic site and I’m truly honored.
Is your destiny created by following your heart or your head?
XO,
S.L.
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Twenty-five year old Charlotte “Charlie” Barrow is caught between her old life and the one she is beginning to build when she crosses paths with a handsome stranger on the subway. Not looking for romance, she closes her heart off to the possibilities of love. With a knack for mishaps, Charlie maintains her sense of humor while befriending the kind stranger who seems to be there at all the right times.
New York freelance writer, Charlie Adams, is forging his own path beyond the expectations of the society circles of his childhood. Rejecting family money, and fast-lane friends, he is snubbed by his family as he follows his own compass to a life more extraordinary.
Through a coincidence of events, they come to rely on each other for comfort. This is the tale of two Charlies learning to trust again while fighting their fates to create their own destiny.
Where to Buy*:
Kindle | NOOK | ARe
More Info:
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S.L. Scott is giving away ONE e-copy of Naturally, Charlie!
Open INT.
Enjoy!
Until Next Time,
*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!
How to Enter:
- Leave a comment below, answering S.L.'s question!
- Please leave some way to contact you (ie, email addy or Twitter handle). If you don't, it's sometimes hard to contact you if you when! But, if you don't feel comfortable doing this, then please be sure to check back once the winner's announced!
Giveaway ends Feb. 5th! Winner will be picked by Random.org and announced on the 6th. Good Luck!
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Thanks so much for stopping by today, S.L.! I really enjoyed reading your interview with Kame (and the recipe!), as well as the speed round Q's I sent. I cannot wait to read this one, I'm glad to hear that Kame loved it so much! :D
Thanks again Kame--you always come up with much better questions than I, for which, I think, our readers will be thankful for. LOL. :)
Readers, don't forget to answer S.L.'s questionThanks again Kame--you always come up with much better questions than I, for which, I think, our readers will be thankful for. LOL. :)
Is your destiny created by following your heart or your head?
Enjoy!
Until Next Time,
*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!
17 comments :
Why Thank you TBQ you make me blush! I really like doing these interviews - thank you for having me! And I am dying to make these cupcakes SL!
My dad's name was and my brother's name is Charles. We used to call my brother "Charlie" when we both worked at The Gap in high school. There was another Chuck so he got labelled Charlie.
Someone gave him a t-shirt with Charlie's Angels on the front and the name "Charlie" on the back. He wore it a lot. LOL
Great interview Kame and TBQ! The book sounds like fun. One of my son's best Darien's is named Jaime(female). She met a guy ( her future husband) on a blind date. Yes his name is Jaime! Even spelled the same. Now they are known as Ms. Jaime , and Mr. Jaime.
I personally think your destiny is created by your heart. What can I say, I'm a romantic! :)
Those cupcakes look amazing!!!!
Great interview and I cannot wait to make these cupcakes. :) Wow, S.L. Scott, you do not pull your punches when asking questions. I would have to say it is a mix of both my heart & head although at times in my life, one ruled more dominantly over the other. In both cases, hurt ensued so I try to keep some balance between my heart & head as I live my life and make decisions. Some days I am met with success, although not as often as I'd like. :)
Linda that is so cute!
Thanks for stopping by! I can't wait to make those cupcakes either!
Loved the interview. I would say it's a mixture of both but I usually end up following my heart more than my head :)
If you follow your heart, all the other stuff has a way of working itself out
I agree, great interview and interesting recipe! I love NYC! After reading the interview, I must add this to my TBR. I admit, I skipped some of the answers with details of the book. I'd rather go into a book not knowing intimate details.
To answer your question, I don't know if believe in destiny or not. I do, however, feel that something wonderful happens if you ever get to the point to where your head and your heart agree.
hi- i can't wait to read this book and i LOVE the cover. I think it is a combination of both. Most times your head knows what is right, but sometimes you just need to follow your heart.
I believe listening and following your heart leads you right where destiny is staring back at you!
Hey - love the interview and I have added this to my TBR list!! I would have to say your destiny is created by the choices you make regardless if you follow your heart or head - it's the unexpected choices you make that lead you to your destiny. :)
I think it's a mix but being the practical person that I am, I usually follow my head. Maybe it's time for a change!
I can't wait to read this book. I think it's a mix of both head and heart. Some decisions are best made with your heart, others are best made with your head. I have to admit, most of mine are made with my head but I wish I could follow my heart a little more often.
erose614 (at) gmail (dot) com
"Is your destiny created by following your heart or your head?" Oh for me it is from the heart. It 's great the think smart about stuff, but for an over thinker I think you should "feel" it. I have been wanting to read Scott's book since it comes out. She reminded me about this give away and I jumped. If not I'll make the husband get it for me for V-Day ;-) I remind him that such books make me emote and *ahem* brings in new ideas so it is all the better for him! I love what else I have read from Scott and look forward to holding Naturally Charlie in my hands!
Thanks! Iris~Elli
twitter: @Iris_Elli
iriselliedgasmswoon@gmail.com
Congrats, Crysti--you are the winner!
You have 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be choosen.
The_Book_Queen (at) yahoo (dot) com
Yay!! I saw this after a rather long and incredibly boring work meeting and it put a smile on my face! Thank you!!
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