Thursday, March 18, 2021

Shirley Goldberg is talking about EAT YOUR HEART OUT

 




When did you first get the urge to write?

I’ve been writing since I was a around eleven. My best friend and I put out a newspaper and peddled it to our family members. Rather labor intensive.


What happened to your first-ever manuscript?

My first-ever manuscript was on a yellow pad. Probably got thrown out.


What does your family and friends think of your passion for writing?

My friends try to guess which men my character meets are real guys from my past. They were thrilled with my first cover and supportive and many read my book. My mom touts my book on Facebook. (We set her up on a photoshoot.) My sister is the only one who recognizes some of the men in the book as former dates because we used to compare notes when we were both dating. 


Have you ever used someone you know as a character in a book?

I have based some characters on, shall I call it aspects of certain people. The boss lady in Eat Your Heart Out was loosely based on a supervisor who loved to torture new teachers and played favorites.


Tell us about this book.

The tag line tells you a lot: They’re not ready to go from friends to lovers. Will practice make perfect? 

 

When a tyrant in stilettos replaces her beloved boss, and her ex snags her coveted job, teacher Dana Narvana discovers there are worse things than getting dumped on Facebook. Even at her age. Time for the BFF advice squad, starting with Dana's staunchest ally, Alex. Hunky colleague, quipster, and cooking pal extraordinaire. But when the after hours smooching goes nowhere, she wonders why this grown man won't make up his mind.   

Actor turned teacher Alex Bethany craves a family of his own and his new lifestyle gives him the confidence to try online dating. Meanwhile he’s sending Dana mixed messages in the kissing department. After a surprising event rocks his world, Alex panics, certain he’s blown his chances with his special person. From appetizers to the main course will these two cooking buddies make it to dessert?

Funny and bittersweet, Dana and Alex’s story will have you rooting for them all the way to dessert.


Give us an example of a favorite scene.

“So, this is what it’s like being on a date with you.” Dana hesitated—caught herself. “This isn’t a date, is it? 

Her voice flattened and she took a sip of wine. “Oh, I’m not belittling your gesture, bringing me to this fine establishment. But it isn’t a date because you’re seeing that woman, aren’t you? The one you asked me for advice about.” 

 Alex fidgeted. Idiot.  Asking Dana how to recognize the signs a woman was interested––what had he been thinking? What could be more awkward? This. This was definitely up there on the list of more awkward moments.

 “You’ve always been straight with me,” she said, holding the wine glass in midair. 

That little flash of skin whenever she raises her arm.  He picked up his wine glass. At this rate, he’d have to order a second bottle, simply to block his mind from going where it shouldn’t. 

“Alex, do it again, be straight.”

He leaned in, took the glass from her hand and put it on the table. “Come closer,” he said. “I want to whisper sweet somethings in your ear.”

She bent toward him, a puzzled but amused expression percolating, her face glowing in the subtle lighting. 

“Yes?” Her voice throaty, challenging.

“This is a date,” he said and tilted his head, brushed her lips with his, pulled back slightly, and did it again.


Is this book part of a series?

Yes, it’s the second book in the Starting Over series. Eat Your Heart Out is told from the point of view of both the heroine and the hero.


Where can we buy your book? (buy links)

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Your-Heart-Starting-Over-Book-ebook/dp/B08VHWN56S/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=EAT+YOUR+HEART+OUT&qid=1612288132&s=books&sr=1-8

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eat-your-heart-out-shirley-goldberg/1138734045?ean=2940162478133

Apple - https://books.apple.com/us/book/eat-your-heart-out/id1552301489

Book Bub - https://www.bookbub.com/books/eat-your-heart-out-starting-over-book-2-by-shirley-goldberg

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56650276-shirley-goldberg-eat-your-heart-out - other_reviews

EYHO EXCERPT  https://midagedating.com/yup-its-a-cover-reveal/


Tell us a little about yourself.

Shirley Goldberg is a writer, novelist, and former ESL and French teacher who’s lived in Paris, Crete, and Casablanca.  She writes about men and women of a certain age starting over because relationships are endlessly fascinating. Her website http://midagedating.com offers a humorous look at living single and dating in mid life, and her friends like to guess which stories in her books and on the website are true. Eat Your Heart Out is the second book in the Starting Over series. Middle Ageish, the first, is available now. Her characters believe you should never leave home without your sense of humor and Shirley agrees.

 

How can your fans contact and follow you?

http://midagedating.com

https://www.facebook.com/midagedating

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54758920-middle-ageish

https://twitter.com/mylifeasadate

https://www.instagram.com/shirleygoldbergauthor/

Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/shirleygoldberg



 


5 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for hosting me today, Sandra. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
    Shirley

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love having you here, Shirley. Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great interview! Happy release day, Shirley! Wishing you great success with EAT YOUR HEART OUT.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I loved that you and your friend put out a newspaper, Shirley! What fun! Wishing you all the best with Eat Your Heart Out! :)

    ReplyDelete