Friday, July 18, 2014

The Gilded Flower series by Vivian Winslow Interview


Title:  The Gilded Flower series
Author:  Vivian Winslow
Genre:  Erotic Romance
Synopsis of Gilded Lily (Book 1): After catching her fiancé Jack in bed with her sister the day before her wedding, New York socialite Lily Baron escapes to Rio, her honeymoon destination—alone. There, Marcelo, the dark and sexy hotel masseur, releases a heated passion Lily had never experienced with Jack. When Lily meets handsome and powerful Brazillionaire Gustavo de Lima, she can hardly resist him. There’s just one problem. He’s married. In this uber-sensual city, will Lily’s reluctance to be with a married man, in light of her own fiancé’s betrayal, give way to her burning desire for Gustavo?
Synopsis of Calla Lily (Book 2): Having experienced a profound personal and sexual awakening during her solo honeymoon to Brazil, New York socialite Lily Baron rushes back to New York upon hearing the news that her father has fallen ill. Now, Lily must take the helm of the Baron Media empire and fend off a high-stakes hostile takeover attempt. With the fate of the company hanging in the balance, will Lily be able to resist the advances of the luring, unwanted suitor in the boardroom as well as the bedroom?

Interview:

Where are you from?
I’m originally from Southern California. At 18, I went away to college and moved around quite a bit after that. Now I reside in New York City with my husband and two children.
Tell us your latest news?
The third installment of The Gilded Flower series, entitled Tiger Lily, will be released July 20th. I’m thrilled to share Lily Baron’s happily-ever-after with my readers.
Also, I’m currently working on her twin sister Dahlia’s series, the first book of which will be released in early October. Check out my Facebook page for the series’ cover reveals, giveaway and other news! I hope fans love her story as much as Lily’s. The story will reflect Dahlia’s impulsive and emotional side.
When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve been a voracious reader from a young age. Several years ago, a story began to buzz around my brain and finally had to be written. That was a few books ago.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I published Gilded Lily. Something about putting the book out there for the public just solidified the experience for me.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Time with some of my best girlfriends. After a few trips and some misadventures, I realized our stories would make for a good book. Fictionalized, of course.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Not really. For me, what is most essential is to connect with the characters. I do my best to visualize and convey the characters’ feelings and experiences. Usually, I end up hashing out the potential storylines with a friend before I sit down to write.
How did you come up with the title?
Originally, the character in the book was named Sarah. About midway through the first draft, I changed it to Lily. Once she became Lily, the title and the name of the series came together. Each title reflects how she begins to open up and become more empowered in her life.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
It’s important to explore and own our feminine power. I want the personal struggles of my characters to exemplify how we have the ability to take charge of our lives and not be afraid of that power. We can make our own rules and live by them with confidence. Yet still want men and have hot sex. The latter being very important.:)
How much of the book is realistic?
It’s a work of fiction for sure. But I wanted it to feel as realistic as possible. The places where the stories take place are mostly cities in which I’ve lived or have visited. There are quite a few restaurants, bars and shops Lily goes to that I’ve been to as well. Naturally, the story lines are a bit dramatic, but tear away the money and glamour and it comes down to a story about strong women who are dealing with personal conflicts on the family front as well as in their relationships. We’ve all faced a variety of these problems at some point in our lives.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
I think many of us have experienced complex love relationships, and at one time or another have been betrayed by someone they loved, or had unmet expectations.
What books have most influenced your life most?
As an adolescent, pretty much all Judy Blume books. In later years, The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton and Fear of Flying by Erica Jong. I appreciate the wisdom and the humor with which these women have conveyed their ideas. It’s truly inspiring.
What would you like my readers to know?
I am truly passionate about writing and creating The Gilded Flower series. I greatly appreciate all those who have read or plan to read it. It is a project that has been a long time in the making, and it’s great to receive so much support.
There are at least nine books in this series. There’s still plenty to this story so hang in there!



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