Today I warmly welcome USA author Barbara Quinn to Behind the Pen. She’s here to talk about a few of her favourites along with her latest release, The Summer Springsteen’s Songs Saved Me.
Over to you Barbara…
What is your favourite…and why…
Character from one of your books?
Sofia, from my latest novel The Summer Springsteen’s Songs Saved Me, is someone I’d love to go out for a drink with. She’d have an Irish whiskey which sounds good to me! She’s someone who inspires me to be a better person and like me she loves Springsteen so we’d have a lot to talk about.
Scene from one of your books?
My novel The Speed of Dark opens with a teenage boy pedalling through the poisonous fog spewing from the rear of a DDT truck. The boy is joined by a girl who it turns out has magical powers. I like the idea of something special like a magical girl rising out of the horrible poisonous cloud. I remember riding my own bike behind a DDT truck. That’s unthinkable now but it was commonplace and that scene memorializes the practice.
Movie of all time?
Spaceballs by Woody Allen. I adore silly and that movie leaves me laughing every time.
Book that you always keep a copy of and recommend to others?
A Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman. This book is a fun fascinating exploration of the senses. It teaches mindfulness of our surroundings and is a wonderful tool for learning how to focus and appreciate the world. It’s great for writers but it’s also good for anyone who wants to heighten their awareness.
Fashion accessory that despite having plenty of, you still keep collecting?
Oh boy, I do love pocketbooks! The colors, the leathers, the patterns, the shapes all mesmerize me. I have begun donating some and my closet looks far better.
Drink that you enjoy everyday?
Tea. I start the day with Barry’s Irish Breakfast with lemon and honey, which probably offends a lot of tea drinkers. It’s something I learned on my first trip to Italy. That lemon slice looks like the Italian sun floating in my cup. As the day wears on I have a cup of green tea in mid-afternoon. Earl Grey Green or Jasmin Green are two favorites. After dinner it’s a herbal tea like Raspberry or Decaf Earl Grey or Decaf Vanilla. My pantry is filled with boxes of teas. And I love iced tea at lunchtime.
Treat you indulge in?
Dark chocolate! A couple of Turbinado sugar dark chocolate covered almonds are wonderful with my tea.
Place to be?
By the water. The ocean and gulf tend to bring things into perspective for me and settle me down. I love the sound of the waves and the salty smell of the water.
Person you admire?
My husband. He keeps me sane and always has my back. He tends to keep a regular schedule and that keeps me from staying up all night as I can easily do that.
Season of the year?
Summer. I love the beach, and summer and beach are synonymous to me. I hate being cold. And summer clothes are so much easier than bundling up.
To find out more about Barbara and her books, visit her website.
The Summer Springsteen’s Songs Saved Me
Catching her husband with his face between the long, silky legs of another woman is the last thing Sofia expects–and on today of all days.
So, after scratching an expletive into his Porsche and setting the cheating bastard’s clothes on fire, she cranks up her beloved Bruce and flees, vowing never to look back.
Seeking solace in the peaceful beachside town of Bradley Beach, NJ, Sof is determined to divorce and start over. And, with the help of best friends, new acquaintances, a sexy neighbor, and the powerful songs of Springsteen, this may be the place where her wounds can heal. But, as if she hasn’t faced her share of life’s challenges, a final flurry of obstacles awaits.
In order to head courageously toward the future, Sofia must first let go of her past, find freedom, and mend her broken soul.
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