In Detail with PG Forte

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Love, From A to Z is the second book in the LA Love Lessons series by PG Forte.

What inspired the book?

I honestly don’t remember. I know I fell in love with Zach while I was writing Waiting for the Big One. I always thought he deserved his own story. But the idea to hook him up with someone mysterious, angelic (okay, that part really changed by the time the book was written!); a woman he’d really have to work to get to know—that just came out of nowhere. The only thing I knew about April when I started plotting the story was that her name had to start with ‘A’...since his began with ‘Z’.

Of course, I’ve also had that first scene in Chapter One—where April wakes up and realizes there’s someone in bed with her and she doesn’t know who that someone is—in my mind for close to forever. Although I must confess the actual event which inspired it wasn’t nearly as interesting as April’s fictional encounter.

What makes this book special to you?

Again I have to say Zach. He’s just the sweetest hot guy imaginable. I mean, I should hate this book because I always swore I’d never write an amnesia story and yet...there it is. I’ve written twelve books now and this has turned out to be one of my favorites.

Actually, I suppose it’s the interaction between the main characters. April had to be someone pretty special to deal with the situation—and to balance Zach. Together they just have really wonderful chemistry. LOL—even if I do say so myself.

And that first scene—as I said, I waited a long time to use that!

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

LOL! I don’t really think of any of my books as being THAT important. I write primarily to entertain people; to amuse them—rather than to educate or enlighten them. This isn’t literature. But, on the other hand, I happen to think the role of ‘Storyteller’ is an important, time-honored position. As far as I know, humans are the only species who tell each other stories—and we’ve been doing it since we lived in caves. It’s probably why language evolved in the first place.

People NEED good stories and everyone needs a good laugh...several good laughs...on a regular basis. So, I guess...people should read this book if they want to have fun; if they want to laugh and/or cry, have a good time...and maybe pick up a wicked idea or two. I do like giving people ideas!

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

People who are looking for something just a little bit twisted, I suppose. There’s a little kink, but nothing too scary, I don’t think. People who take things too seriously could probably use something like this—it might help them lighten up. People for whom life is grim (due to circumstances beyond their control); this could provide them with a needed break. Oh, and people who like a sexy read—cause it is that.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Oh, just everything. It’s all grist for the mill. That’s one of the most fun things about spending time with another author, btw. You’ll see things, hear things, taste or smell things, look at each other—wearing identical goofy grins—and just know that you’re both seeing the story possibilities.

I think visual aids are very important. If you can find something—a flower, an ornament, a postcard, a perfume, a coffee mug, whatever—that symbolizes the story you’re working on, that’s something that can help you to focus, help you keep going when you start to get stuck. Also I can’t write without a soundtrack. So I almost always have music playing—and it has to be specific to the book or scene I’m working on.

Anything that helps me feel like I’m immersed in the world of my story is good.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

Self consciousness. Or maybe a lack of business acumen. I guess it depends on whether we’re talking about the actual writing or the business of writing.

Writing can be an extremely personal endeavor. Even if you’re writing something that’s completely made up...it’s personal. And when you’re writing about sex—well, that really can make you feel exposed. I‘ve always likened it to acting. You have to ‘dig down deep to the bottom of your soul’ (to steal a quote from A Chorus Line) to find your emotions if you want to write something that’s going to move people. I think it’s important to be authentic emotionally. And that’s really hard. I think you have to find that place inside where you’re just a little bit uncomfortable and then make yourself stay there; learn to work from there—not shy away from it. Way easier said then done, unfortunately. You just have to do it.

As for the ‘lack of business acumen’ thing—I think you just have to educate yourself. Find out how things are done, what kinds of story people are looking for, how to submit a story, who to submit it to, etc. There are a lot of scams out there. There are a lot of wrong tracks to wander down.

I think finding reputable groups to belong to is very helpful—they cut down on some of the misinformation you might fall prey to otherwise and you’ll likely pick up a lot of useful information and contacts as well.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I think if you have to write, you have to write. It’s as simple as that.

In terms of choosing to try and make it a career, however, I think I was motivated by my children...which sounds kind of strange doesn’t it, when you consider that I’m currently writing erotica? I’d just like to point out I didn’t start writing in this genre until I’d already completed eight other books.

But, seriously, writing had been a dream of mine for a lot of years and it was important for me to show my kids how strongly I believe that it’s important to follow your dreams. Sometimes you just have to go for it.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I wish I could think of unusual things to do to promote my books! Unfortunately I’m depressingly conventional when it comes to creating promotional ideas. These virtual tours and online author chats are certainly among the most enjoyable promotional activities I’ve engaged in. Does that count? Since I’m primarily epubbed, at least so far, most of my promotional efforts have been geared toward cyber space.

And like everyone else on the planet, it seems, I’m also on MySpace. (http://www.myspace.com/pgforte). That’s actually gotten me a lot of attention, surprisingly enough. My profile page there definitely sees a lot more action than my website!

If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

This series is set in LA. I used to live there and I really remember the place fondly. Of course, I also remember that particular time in my life very fondly too—so I think that’s part of why I chose that location for this series. I picked a lot of places that I’d either come to love during my time there or places that seemed emblematic of the place itself. Some of the locations are places I re-visit whenever I’m in the area. I’m big on nostalgia, which tends to drive my husband nuts. He’d much prefer to see new places from time to time—lol!

What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

Well, Zach is a total sweetheart—and I think that comes across. It doesn’t hurt that he’s totally hot, either. I guess what makes Zach special is the fact that he accepts himself. He doesn’t pretend to be someone he’s not—which, of course, is exactly the quality that gets him into trouble from time to time!

Also, there’s something I’ve realized recently about romantic heroes,. In my opinion, the most important quality they must have is a love (and healthy respect) for women. Misogynists, good ‘ol boys, men’s men, or guys who’ve been so scarred and twisted they think they have no need nor use for women (other than domestically or sexually) need not apply. Seriously.

As for April...this is a woman who, when she finds herself in a very disorienting position, digs right in and finds her footing fairly quickly. Of course, it definitely helps that she has Zach along to help her over the rough spots, but I’d like to think she’d have managed something on her own...it just probably wouldn’t have been as entertaining.

April is stubborn and I admire that. Some people prefer the word determined, but I like stubborn. It’s a good word. April strikes me as someone with great strength of character. Sure, once again, she’s motivated partially by Zach, but she’s a bit of a risk taker in her own right. She takes leaps of faith, which, I think speaks of a person who is secure in herself. April might not know what she’s doing all the time but she’s damn sure going to do something—she’s not going to just lie there and let life roll over her.

I think this is why they’re so good for each other, too. Zach rolls with the punches and doesn’t often lose his sense of humor. April is more feisty, more of a doer. As a result, she tends to get the wind knocked out of her, from time to time, but she doesn’t let that stop her.

Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

There’s usually a villain in most of my books. In this case, however, I decided I didn’t want anyone too heavy. This was such a fun story to write, I didn’t want to bring myself, or the reader, down by writing in a really, really bad guy. So, I went for a somewhat farcical approach. Yes, the bad guys do bad things but the only thing meant to be taken seriously in this book are the developing emotions between the hero and heroine. Everything else is there for...entertainment value.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

I guess I’d just like to say if you enjoy this book you might want to check out the other books in the series. Waiting for the Big One is also available from Liquid Silver Books and I’m currently awaiting word on the third book, Let Me Count the Ways.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

Thank you, Nikki, it’s been a pleasure.

My website is: http://www.pgforte.com

The direct link to this book is:
http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&product_name=Love+From+A+To+Z&return_page=&user-id=&password=&exchange=&exact_match=exact

Or, you can also find a link at:
http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/authors/pgforte.htm

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm