I've got a special guest today. Novelist Sharon Struth is an author in the same literary agency as I am. Sharon believes you’re never too old to pursue a dream. The Hourglass, her debut novel, received first place in the Dixie Cane Memorial Contest and second place in the Golden Heart. She writes from the friendliest place she’s ever lived, Bethel, Connecticut, along with her husband, two daughters and canine companions.
What is the story behind your book
title, Sharon?
In
The Hourglass, CJ (hero), a bestselling author, writes a book during the darkest
period of his life…right after his wife dies. CJ feels responsible for her
death. His book, titled THE HOURGLASS, is a thriller about a serial killer
who flips an hourglass, then takes the life of his victims when the sand runs
out. CJ believes his chance for happiness has run out, so his dark subject
carries great symbolism. It was only during the course of writing this part of
the story that I realized the timepiece had a dual symbolism; a simple flip of
an hourglass can also start time again. In that instant I had the title of my
book, since both characters are coping with past mistakes and starting over.
What is one of your most embarrassing or laughable moments?
Back in the early 90’s, while I was having dinner at a country club with a friend, I spotted the president of a huge multi-national corporation that had just purchased my company having dinner with my firm’s president. I was a senior manager in finance at the time, so decided to schmooze a little. As one of the few females on the management team, I wanted to leave my mark. Any man would’ve done that. Right? Yet I was a bit nervous, this kind of corporate game-playing not really my thing.
Has your road to publication been a walk in the park or a steep mountain climb? Give us some details?
I’d say somewhere in between. Within a year
of deciding to pursue a writing career, I landed two essays in national
publications. However, every second of the way in this new career, I’ve worked
hard. Harder than I’ve ever worked on anything.
I’m a firm believer that in the world of
writing, that’s a requirement for success. I actually get a little cranky when
I hear about an overnight writing success or a beginners runaway bestseller.
Sure, they happen but it isn’t the norm and makes the whole process seem too
simple...which it isn’t.
FAST FIVE:
1.
Heels, sneakers or flip-flops?Flip-flops (or sandals…no socks rule!)
2. Chocolate, champagne or cheesecake?
What? I can pick only one? *Sigh* Chocolate
3. Any tattoos?
Nope. Why mess with perfection? (please note my mocking tone)
4. Long hair, short hair or weave?
Would love long hair but am practical with a shorter cut.
5. Straight stick or automatic?
Stick in my soul; automatic in reality (although my “mommy van” days are over)
Blurb for
THE HOURGLASS by Sharon Struth:
Can
forgiveness survive lies and unspoken truths?
Until
Brenda McAllister’s husband committed suicide, she appeared to have the ideal
life: a thriving psychology practice, success as a self-help author, and a
model family. But her guilt over her affair with Jack’s best friend prevents
her from moving on. Did Jack learn of her infidelity? Was she the cause of his
death?
The
release of Brenda’s second book forces her into an unexpected assignment with
arrogant celebrity author CJ Morrison, whose irritating and edgy exterior hides
the torment of his own mistakes. But as she grows closer to CJ, Brenda learns
she wasn’t the only one with secrets—Jack had secrets of his own, unsavory ones
that may have led to his death. While CJ helps Brenda uncover the truth about
her husband, she finds the path to forgiveness isn’t always on the map.
An unexpected gravitational pull swelled Brenda’s anger. Her cute quip ran into hiding. She no longer cared about winning this man’s favor. His rudeness left her feeling as if she’d been doused with hot coffee this time. Brenda clenched her fists. A year of internal browbeating over Jack’s suicide had left her easily irritated.
Brenda gripped the frail edges of her
self-control. “I once again offer my apologies for the accident, by definition
an unplanned event with lack of intent.” He looked down his sturdy, Grecian
nose at her, so she stood and put her hands on her hips. “Shouldn’t you, as a
writer, know that?”
Every line on his face tensed. “I could do
without your sarcasm.” He leaned closer. “Thanks to you, I missed my meeting.
Maybe tomorrow morning you could get room service.”
The brunette unleashed a tight smirk. CJ
motioned for them to move on.
Brenda fumbled for a good retort. As he
stepped away, the last word went with him. The same way Jack had the last word
in their life together. A silent explosion went off inside Brenda’s head and
propelled her anger forward.
“Mr. Morrison?” She raised her voice to be
heard above the crowd.
He looked over his shoulder and arched a
questioning eyebrow.
Brenda crossed her arms and fixed a phony
smile as she nodded toward his companion. “It’s so nice of you to bring your
daughter to the conference.”
FOR A
TRAILER AND BOOK GROUP QUESTIONS, VISIT: www.thehourglassnovel.com
Buy
THE HOURGLASS at:
Amazon:
All
Romance E-books: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thehourglass-1173513-149.html
For more information about Sharon, including where to find her published essays, please visit www.sharonstruth.com
