Hello readers! I’m so very happy to welcome author Melanie Stanford to Austenesque Reviews today! I greatly enjoyed her short story in Then Comes Winter and loved her debut release, Sway (review coming Friday!) The main characters in Sway are musicians (something I can very easily relate to!) and today Melanie shares with us why she chose to write in this world.
Writing What I Know
First, a big thank you to Meredith for having me here today!
Multiple times I’ve heard the phrase “write what you know.” In SWAY, my modern-day retelling of Jane Austen’s PERSUASION, my main characters are rich Hollywood types, and believe me, I know nothing about that. I’ve also written novels about magic users, time travelers, and a creep who steals hearts. Not exactly things I “know” about.
But that doesn’t mean this advice is hogwash. I tend to write what I know when it comes to my characters interests. Ava, SWAY’s main character, is a pianist, something I know about because I’ve played the piano since I was six.
SWAY didn’t start out that way, though. Originally, Ava was a nurse. It seemed to fit right with her giving and caring personality. I got about a quarter of the way through, though, when I realized that just wasn’t working. When I switched and made her a pianist with a Master’s from Juilliard, it just clicked.
Eric, Ava’s ex in SWAY, is also a musician, but he didn’t start out that way either. I considered making him an inventor, a .com whiz kid, even an oil rigger. I remember specifically not wanting to make him a singer, yet somehow, he ended up being a Michael Buble-esque crooner.
Because music is something I’ve always been passionate about, because it’s something I “know,” I really think it made the book stronger. I know what it’s like to get my emotions out while playing a song. I know what it’s like to stand in the middle of a packed concert hall and be amazed by thousands of people all screaming for one person. I know what it’s like to live your art, even when other people don’t understand. Music became a way to show who my characters are, what they were thinking and feeling. It was a way to epiphanies and plot points. It not only tied Ava and Eric together, but it connected me to them in a way that wouldn’t have happened if they’d been a nurse and an oil rigger.
Of course my characters won’t always be musicians, or writers, or dancers, or the things I “know” about. It’s also exciting to learn something new. But when you write what you know, even if it’s just one small element, one paragraph, one tidbit or line of dialogue, your passion will show through. At least, I hope that’s the case as you read about Ava and Eric’s journey through the pages of SWAY.
P.S. I’ve been posting a different song from Sway’s playlist every day in the month of January, both on my Facebook author page, and on Twitter under the hashtag #31DaysofSWAY. Check it out if you’re interested in the music that inspired (and is often mentioned in) SWAY.
~ BOOK BLURB ~
She’d be happy to forget…if the past would just stop hitting “replay”.
Ava Elliot never thought she’d become a couch surfer. But with a freshly minted—and worthless—degree from Julliard, and her dad squandering the family fortune, what choice does she have?
Living with her old high school friends, though, has its own drawbacks. Especially when her ex-fiancé Eric Wentworth drops back into her life. Eight years ago, she was too young, too scared of being poor, and too scared of her dad’s disapproval. Dumping him was a big mistake.
In the most ironic of role reversals, Eric is rolling in musical success, and Ava’s starting at the bottom to build her career. Worse, every song Eric sings is an arrow aimed straight for her regrets.
One encounter, one song too many, and Ava can’t go on like this. It’s time to tell Eric the truth, and make a choice. Finally let go of the past, or risk her heart for a second chance with her first love. If he can forgive her…and she can forgive herself.
Product Warnings
Contains an actor whose kisses taste like chocolate, a pianist with scores of regret, and a sexy crooner who just wants his ex to cry him a river.
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Connect with Melanie
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today, Melanie Stanford brings with her ONE ebook copy of her new book, Sway for me to give away to ONE lucky winner!
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Melanie!
I’ll be posting my review of Sway on Friday, January 22nd. If you want to double your entries for this giveaway come back Friday and comment on my review!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Melanie!
- This giveaway ends January 22nd!
I read this book just this week…and posted a review. 5 stars for me. I loved it.
It was a loan so please include me in the drawing. Thank you.
After reading the book blurb, I understand the title. I would agree that when you write about a topic you know about, your passion will come through in your writing and tone. The book sounds like a wonderful modern Persuasion. Thank you for the giveaway!
Looking forward to reading Sway! Sounds great!
Loved reading this guest post! I’ve always thought that if an author writes what he/she knows, they help us readers know them better. And that makes the reading experience more exciting!
What a “Platinum” read! (I read on my kindle last week.) Though Austen’s original characters have been re-named and taken on a present-day restyling, they remain comfortably recognizable to any Austen groupie. Wrought full of bewitching tension, “Sway” thankfully follows true to the happily-ever-after this Austen aficionado expects. I admit, much of my appreciation was in recognizing the parallels. I also delighted in the pacing, likable characters, original lyrics with more than a nod to Austen’s own words, use of contemporary pop culture, and all the music that is layered throughout. Having worked with this author on “Then Comes Winter” (her short story “Becoming Fanny” was the contest winner!), I can easily recommend–Melanie Stanford is def an emerging author to follow.
“Persuasion” is my absolute favorite of Jane Austen’s books, and I attempt to read every retelling that I can find. There just aren’t enough of them! So I am eager to read this one, ASAP!
Persuasion is my second favourite Jane Austen title and I love that you have turned this beautiful story into a modern-day retelling Melanie! Also very excited to read ‘Sway’ and your thoughts about it, Meredith!
I love Persuasion! I feel it does not get its due next to the mountain of P&P retellings and variations. I would love to win this. Great premise!
I would love to read this!!
I am hearing wonderful things about Melanie and this book! Even in the her guest post, her passion shines through. So looking forward to reading this modern day version of ‘Persuasion’. Thank you so much for the chance to win your book!
Melanie, this sounds like a delightful book! I’m looking forward to checking out some of the music on your facebook, thanks for sharing!
Love the title and cover and although I usually only read Darcy and Elizabeth stories I really like the sound of this one so would love to win a copy. Thanks for the opportunity
Persuasion is my favorite as I grow older and my daughter is a musician ( trumpet)….would live to read this!
thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks again Meredith for hosting me today! It’s like a dream come true being over here at Austenesque reviews! 😀 And thank you to everyone for your kind comments.
My pleasure, Melanie! I was so very excited to have you visit and am thrilled to have the opportunity to read and review, Sway!
I agree with Ginna above. Persuasion is my absolute fav Austen book and yes there are not enough sequels of this story. I love Anne Eliott. Always been my favourite heroine. Something about her just gets to me. This sounds like a great modern retelling of the story. I’ll be back for your review Meredith as they do ‘sway’ me in my decisions.
I love Persuasion sequels/adaptations. I love music too, although I have “tin ears” and perfect timing….perfectly bad(as with dancing, always too early or too late. No rhyme or reason as to which will occur). So, looking forward to this book. I enjoyed the Then Comes Winter story and blog launch.
Melanie, I really appreciated reading about your take on writing what one knows about.
I’ve read so many wonderful reviews on this novel. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Today I just leave you some love and my best wishes. That’s all my head can manage.
I admit Persuasion is my second favorite book of Jane Austen. I like the premise. Will enjoy the read.
Yay! A Persuasion book. Adding this to my to-read list 🙂
Persuasion sometimes vies for the top slot with P&P for me and there are far too few variations based on it. This version sounds wonderful from everything I’ve read so far, especially since it’s a modern re-telling. Looking forward to your review Meredith.
I love “Persuasion”, so I’m certain to love this book, too! I’d love to win a copy!
LOL! I appreciated your post about writing what you know. You’re right about how it does bring passion to the story. I loved the musical motif b/c I have played the piano since I was seven and love jazzy music for listening. Look forward to reading more your stories, Melanie. I loved Sway and especially since it is based on my favorite Austen novel.
Please don’t enter me, Meredith, as I have it already. 🙂
Love the cover!
This looks so interesting! Can’t wait to read.
Becky B.
I’d love to read this. I’m crossing my fingers!
Persuasion is a particular favorite of mine & am really curious about this version!
It’s always interesting to read how an author creates her characters. Thamk you for sharing!
I love reading a book where the author is knowledgable about a subject. It really comes across to a reader, just the flavour of it.
Melanie, congratulations on your debut novel! I’m really excited for Sway. I love the piano too!
On my TBR! Congratulations!