Abby Jimenez is playing a happy tune...plus a book giveaway

Today we're pleased to welcome Abby Jimenez to CLC. Her latest novel, The Happy Ever After Playlist, published last week. It looks like a fun story, especially with a dog at the center of it. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing, we have THREE copies for some lucky readers! 

USA Today bestselling author, Abby Jimenez, is a Food Network champion and motivational speaker living in Minnesota. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen back in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to win numerous Food Network competitions and has amassed an international cult following. Abby's wry literary wit was spotlighted as the admin behind the hilarious viral comments on the now famous Nadia Cakes Vageode™ cake. Abby loves a good romance, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house. (Bio courtesy of Abby's website.)

Visit Abby online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:
Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can't seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a "take me home" look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's owner reaches out. He's a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.

Well, Sloan's not about to give up her dog without a fight. But what if this Jason guy really loves Tucker? As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can't deny a connection. Jason is hot and nice and funny. There's no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak? (Courtesy of Amazon.)

What did you learn from writing The Friend Zone that you applied to The Happy Ever After Playlist?
Well, I wrote The Happy Ever After Playlist first and then The Friend Zone, so I'm going to swap the books when I answer the question. LOL

I think my biggest takeaway after having one book under my belt, is to rely on my instincts. I was so focused on doing things the "right way" when I wrote HEAP that it stilted my writing a bit and I actually had to go back and redo a lot of it. For example, I write in the first person so a lot of sentences start with "I". Several people in my critique circle told me you can't start too many sentences with "I". That it's a big no no. So to avoid it, I'd change "I got up and went to the door" to "getting up, I went to the door." That's crazy—because literally nobody talks like that! One of the strengths of my writing is the conversational tone of it. And when I tried to follow all these silly rules, I ended up ruining what was so great about my voice. My instinct was to do it my way, too many "I's" be dammed, but I was too afraid to do things wrong. By the time I wrote The Friend Zone, I'd moved on from that and decided that I would make my own rules.

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
I love it when people say they feel like they're in the room with my characters. Making imaginary people feel real is a huge compliment.

If The Happy Ever After Playlist were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
Theresa Palmer for Sloan and a bearded Chris Evans for Jason.

What are some songs on your The Happy Ever After Playlist playlist?
“In the Mourning” by Paramore is the opening song for the book, chapter one, and it's beyond perfect. I love “Electric Love” for the chapter where Jason and Sloan kiss for the first time and “Name” by the Goo Goo Dolls for the chapter where Sloan finds out who Jason really is.

What is the last movie you saw that you would recommend?
I can't really remember the last movie I watched, but can I recommend The Tiger King?

What is the first thing you plan to do when the social distancing orders are lifted (whenever that may be)?
I can't wait to sit in a restaurant and order a drink and a nice dinner!

Thanks to Abby for visiting with us and to Grand Central Publishing for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends April 26th at midnight EST.