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One of my favorite author friends, Lizzie Chantree has a new book out today!!
I’ve recently covered Lizzie’s previous release The little ice cream shop by the sea so check it out if you haven’t already.
Today, we are celebrating the launch of Shh… It’s Our Secret, another delightful romantic comedy.
I’ll include a blurb for the book below, and then we’ll head straight to my interview with Lizzie.
Shh… It’s Our Secret Blurb
Violet has a secret that could change the lives of everyone she knows and loves, especially the regulars at the run-down café bar where she works. After losing her parents at a young age, they are the closest thing she has to a family and she feels responsible for them.
Kai is a jaded music producer who has just moved outside of town. Seeking solitude from the stress of his job, he’s looking for seclusion. The only problem is he can’t seem to escape the band members and songwriters who keep showing up at his house.
When Kai wanders into the bar and Violet’s life, he accidentally discovers her closely guarded secret. Can Kai help her rediscover her self-confidence or should some secrets remain undiscovered?
Interview with Lizzie Chantree
- Can you share with us the first story you ever created?
My first story is about a shy entrepreneur who is thrust into the spotlight when her business becomes famous. Someone is trying to sabotage her business, Babe Driven, and she takes her sisters and friends to an exotic island, away from prying eyes, to try and find out who the culprit is. She doesn’t bank on a group of sexy rock stars who are staying in the villa next door, or a resort owner who is set on taking over her business and her life!
- When and how did you become a writer?
I ran my own retail and wholesale businesses, selling products I designed for over fifteen years, but my daughter became unwell (she’s fine now), which meant I wanted to be at home with her. I started writing my first book to keep myself awake at night and then I hid the manuscript for five years until her health began to improve. I published my first book, Babe Driven, about a chauffeur company with gorgeous drivers, when I was forty. I believe in chasing your dreams and when you catch them, creating new ones.
- How do you find inspiration for your stories?
My stories are all about entrepreneurs, so it might be an idea from running a business in the past, or by seeing how people interact with each other. It can be as simple as a few words spoken or a fleeting glimpse of a gesture. With my book, The little ice cream shop by the sea, the story grew from seeing an elderly lady crying in a café and a young waitress helping her. After the older lady had left, I asked the waitress if her friend was ok. The waitress said they’d never met before that day. It made me think about the kindness of strangers and the whole story grew from there. In my book, Genie and Ada are strangers at the start of the story, but despite their age difference and backgrounds, they become each other’s lifeline.
- Do you have favorite brainstorming and/or productivity tips you’d like to share with us?
I would advise setting out separate writing and marketing time so that they don’t overwhelm you. Writing time has to come first and setting boundaries can be really helpful with that. Simple tick lists for social media planning can also simplify tasks that can at first seem daunting.
- What’s your favorite genre to write? Why?
I love romance and women’s fiction. If I was standing in front of a packed bookcase, I’d always turn to the romance books first. They are so uplifting and they ease stress and help us relax for a while.
- What genres do you like to read or watch? Can you share some examples?
I read all sorts of genres. I’m lucky to have met lots of authors in my writing career, both in-person and online and I really enjoy jumping into one of their books for a good read. I don’t mind the genre and I will read anything from magical realism to mysteries.
- What’s your favorite novel that you wrote?
I don’t have a favourite, but my first novel, Babe Driven, is very special to me. Writing the book helped me through very dark times. I filled the book with exotic locations and sizzling men and women, to try and balance the worry and anxiety I was feeling. I also hoped that the book might also make another person smile one day and help them find some lightness and laughter too.
My other most recent book, The little ice cream shop by the sea, is set in Essex, which is where I’m from. That was a lot of fun to write too.
- What are some of your favorite books from other authors?
I love books by Heidi Catherine, who writes magical stories. I am always drawn to books by Katie Fforde, Jill Mansell, Heidi Swain, and Isabella May.
- What are you working on right now?
I’m currently working on the second book in a three-book romance series. It’s about four friends from school and three devilishly attractive brothers who used to live across the street.
- Where can we follow you on social media?
Website: www.lizziechantree.com
Author page: https://www.viewAuthor.at/LizzieChantree
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lizzie_Chantree
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizzieChantree/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7391757.Lizzie_Chantree
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzie_chantree/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/LizzieChantree/pins/
FB Groups: https://www.facebook.com/groups/647115202160536/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lizzie-chantree
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lizziechantreeauthor
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnCop-RlAcGqggZG3JfE-Mw
Lizzie Chantree Author Bio
International bestselling author Lizzie Chantree started her own business at the age of 18 and became one of Fair Play London and The Patent Office’s British Female Inventors of the Year. She writes books full of friendship and laughter, about women with unusual businesses, who are stronger than they realise.
Universal Book Purchase Link for Shh…It’s Our Secret: mybook.to/ItsOurSecret
