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It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Denise Giddings, author of Contradictions

Author’s Bio:  Denise Giddings was born in Illinois and currently resides in Texas. She enjoys reading, writing, coffee, and hanging out with friends. She is a business major who is using writing to tap into her creative side.

 

Her debut novel, Boomerang, has garnered rave reviews and established her as an author to watch and read. Writing both romantic suspense and contemporary romance, Denise is following Boomerang with a series.

 

The first book in The Girlfriend Series, Contradictions, sizzles with steam, romance, and suspense. The series follows three girlfriends as they grapple with the ups and downs of life and love. Book II in the series will debut at the end of 2022. Aptly titled, Just Sex, leaves little to the imagination! Book III of the series, The Affair, will answer the question, can love conquer all, including infidelity?

 

Denise writes books with a happy-ever-after that leave you smiling and thinking about the characters long after you have completed the book.

 

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book?


Denise Giddings: I wrote this book because I wanted to explore the relationship between girlfriends, in a romantic suspense, that love and support each other while grappling with the ups and downs of love and life.

 

DL: What is your writing process?


DG: I typically will explore a story idea from beginning to end, in my head. Then I will complete a detailed outline of the main points of the story. I then write the chapters that are most interesting first, followed by filling in the gaps. I write early morning and weekends.

 

DL: What do you think makes a good story?


DG: In my opinion, a good story has a great plot, a hero/heroine, and an antagonist that you love to hate. I also like believable characters that have flaws and a variety of tropes that keep things interesting.

 

DL: What were some of the challenges when writing this book?


DG: I was challenged in writing this book by the fact that it is my second book. I wanted to write a believable story that was better than my first story. I also wanted to ensure that I was true to the personality of each of the girlfriends.

 

DL: What was the best writing advice you’ve ever been given?

DG: The best advice that has been given about writing is simply, write. My mom was my biggest cheerleader and encouraged me to pursue my dream of being a published author. 

DL: If you were hosting a dinner party which three authors would be your dream guests and why?


DG: This is a difficult question and one that I have to take a little liberty with and give you four individuals:

  • Emily Bronte – I’m intrigued about her ability to write about passion and love when she never experienced either.
  • William Shakespeare – I’d like to know more about his inspiration, creative process, and his own love/marriage.
  • Myron Golden – An oddity I know, but I am impressed with his ability to understand and interpret the Bible in such an enlightening and practical way for life and business.
  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – I would like to know what motivated him to risk his life and that of his family to fight for freedom and equal rights. I’d also like to know what he would think of the world today. 

DL: What tips would you give to aspiring writers? 

DG: I would tell all aspiring authors to write your stories and don’t worry about perfection. Do your best, learn your craft, and be true to yourself and your characters.

 

DL: Would you like to share an excerpt from Contradictions?


DG: Yes. See below:

 

“I really had a good time.  Thank you for spending your free time with me,” she said as she awkwardly extended her hand for him to shake.

“Thank you.  I enjoyed your company and getting to know you better.”

He said this as he ignored her extended hand and stepped closer to her.  Once again, she felt the uneasiness in her stomach.  With one effortless move, he pulled her to him with his right hand and placed his left hand behind her head, as he guided her to his lips.  He thrusted his tongue into her mouth.  Without hesitation, she responded to his kiss.  It was full of hunger and passion; unlike any she had experienced before.  He sucked her tongue as he held her close.  She heard a moan escape her lips, or perhaps it was her imagination.  She didn’t know.  The kiss lasted much longer than it should have.  When Michael pulled away, Yvette remained motionless, unable to explain what had just happened.  He released his grip on her waist.  She opened her eyes and just stared at him.  He cupped her face with both his hands and looked into her pupils.

“Peter was wrong.  You are full of passion.  He just didn’t know how to access it.”

He brushed her lips, gently with his, and whispered in her ear, “Sweet dreams, Thompson,” and left.

 

DL: What new projects are you currently working on?


DG: My next stand-alone romantic suspense novel is Secrets. It will debut later in September 2022. At the end of November 2022, I will release the second book in the Girlfriend Series, Just Sex. The third book in this series, The Affair, will debut in the first quarter of 2023.

 

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and purchase your book(s)?


DG: Readers can learn more here:

DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.


DG: Thanks for having me!






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