Welcome to the kick off of a terrific blog series to celebrate the release of my YA novel, A Spy Like Me! **throws confetti**
And wow do we have an incredible line up of authors and bloggers in the next three weeks! Stick around and you’ll get tidbits of personal stories, behind the story stories, mystery writing tips – you name it.
Here’s how it will work. Almost every day there will be a guest post with a giveaway. To enter, please leave a comment and tweet using @laurapauling. If you tweet more than once or blog about this series then add another comment with the link. Let’s show these fantastic authors and bloggers our support!
On Saturday, at the end of each week, I’ll announce the winners. So you’ll have all week to promote and enter. Woo hoo!
I thought I’d start with an interview. Yeah, I interviewed myself. Okay?
Why did I choose to write about spies?
I’ve thought about this and to find the answer all I had to do was look back at my favorite books and movies in the last 20 years or longer.
- 1. Count of Monte Cristo. Yes, a one thousand page book that I liked so much I’ve read it twice. The aspects of unfair imprisonment, betrayal, revenge, secret identities – all called to me.
- 2. Until Tomorrow Comes by Sydney Sheldon. I’ve read this numerous times. A woman is unfairly imprisoned, escapes, and turns into a cat burglar.
- 3. And, of course, Ally Carter’s Gallagher series and Heist books.
And for movies?
- 1. Shining Through with Michael Douglas and Melanie Griffith: A woman because of her ability to speak German becomes a spy during WWII – and falls in love, of course. Loved it!
- 2. True Lies with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. The story is about a wife learning her husband is really a spy and how she gets involved. Over the top, funny, serious – all at the same time.
So now you know why my tagline is Spies, Murder and Mystery.
Why did I wait so long to write a story about a spy?
Inspiration. I needed a different take. A unique angle. And I found that during Castle. Yes, Castle. In this one episode, the victim was involved in Spy Games. Bingo. I found a way for my main character to become an accidental spy. And then I set the story in Paris, France to add some flavor.
Anything else you want to know? Ask away in the comments.
Wait! What about the giveaway for today?
Here’s what Gemma Halliday, NYT best selling author of the Spying in High Heels series thought about A Spy Like Me.
“Move over Gallagher Girls – there’s a new spy in town! A Spy Like Me is a fast-paced, high energy ride through Paris that left me almost as breathless as Pauling’s hot hero. Super fun beginning, great story, and an ending that won’t disappoint.”
-Gemma Halliday – NYT best selling author of Spying in High Heels.
So I thought we’d give away her books today! Spying in High Heels, which I read and loved, you can download for free! At Amazon and Smashwords. And Gemma is also offering the ebook of Hollywood Scandals, the first book in a separate series, to one winner today. Thanks Gemma!
That wraps up day one. Tomorrow we’ll hear from Anne R. Allen and a little bit about The Gatsby Game and the Hollywood scandal that inspired it. Here’s a terrific review by Benoit Lelievre.
Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you tomorrow and the next day.
Don’t forget to enter to win Gemma’s book!
I used to love John Le Carre growing up, but then they made Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy into a movie, and I didn’t think it was all that great.
Woo hoo!! What a way to start off you’re own spy games,a book giveaway! And I love your inspirations! I’m a huge fan of The Count, and I loved True Lies, Jamie Lee Curtis played the part so perfectly and her comedic timing was brilliant! Loved it! Happy Debut Day, Laura!!
The Count of Monte Cristo rocks!! So happy for you, Laura! Congrats and much success!!
I love True Lies. I never grow bored of that movie.
Congrats on your book release, Laura!
Got Gemma’s book! And I loved True Lies as well. 😉 Congrats on your big day!!
Congrats Laura! So excited for you! And that’s so fun that you got your story idea from Castle.
Sounds like a jam-packed loads of fun schedule! Congrats Laura!
Congrats!ordered my copy 🙂
I loved the Count of Monte Cristo, too!!
I Love hearing what inspires a story–great post.
And congratulations on the blurb!
Congratulations, Laura!
I’ll feature your book release on my blog tomorrow!
What a great quote from Gemma! Massive congrats, Laura.
Congratulations Laura! Been thinking about you on this road!
~ Wendy
woo hoo!!! How exciting–here you geaux! :o) <3 And I have to say, I read that first Gallager Girls story, and I agree w/Gemma. Oh, and I loved Shining Through, too! Yay! :o) <3
Congratulations Laura! Your book sounds awesome.
And Amen about The Count of Monte Cristo. Awesome book!
I loved the count of Monte Cristo and everything Sidney Sheldon. So excited for your release today. Your book was/is awesome.
Just popping in with a big virtual hug and congrats! Enjoy the day, Laura! 🙂
Ange
Congrats, Laura! I just got my copy–can’t wait to dive in! Btw, I love how you’ve “spyified” your website. 🙂
I love Castle, and I love your book! Congrats on your release!!
Awesome kick-off and the best to you with your book, Laura!
I love all that stuff, it’s true. Anything with a puzzle. Even in fantasy and sci-fi I want a bit of mystery added in. Congrats, Laura!!! I couldn’t wait to post today. 😀
All great reasons to write a spy novel! Mystery is always a good thing, IMO. 🙂
H-U-G-E congrats, Laura! I’ve heard such amazing things about your book. I already have my copy and can’t wait to read it. 🙂
Congratulations Laura!!! What a great blurb!!
YAY!!! Happy Release DAy!!!
Good luck, Laura! And super duper congrats–I love the book and I know others will as well!
Oh, Congratulations, Laura!!! Sounds like a fun book. I loved True Lies and yes I read, numerous times, the first two on your list.
I’ll have to go over to Amazon and get Gemma’s book.
I loved the Count of MC as a kid – I’d forgotten all about that one!
What a great blurb from Gemma – love it!! 🙂
Congratulations Laura! Very excited for you! 🙂
OMG. I loved UNTIL TOMORROW COMES. I need to see if I still have this paperback! 🙂
Looking forward to your guest posts and giveaways.
I just finished Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter this evening! I enjoyed the light, easy read. I’m looking forward to the next in the series. I just love Spy books, movies, and TV shows. My all-time favorite TV show ever is Alias. Thanks for the chance to win. I just downloaded Spying in High Heels from Smashwords. I’m glad I found your blog through Day Dreamer. Congrats on the good reviews for your book!
amy dot swihart at gmail dot com
I knew TV was okay for inspiration!
Congrats, Laura!!!
Congrats on your launch. LOVED Until Tomorrow Comes. I wanted to be a cat burglar when I grew up. (Luckily I never grew up!) Your spy novel is such an exciting page turner. I agree with Gemma about the exciting opener.
I love Gemma’s books, too. Chick lit mysteries and thrillers are my favorite relaxation books. Just downloaded Spying in High Heels and glad to be in the running for her Hollywood scandal book, especially since my “Gatsby Game” is a Hollywood scandal story too.
See you all tomorrow!
Maxwell Smart, Agent 86 is my hero. Love a spy story with wit. Yours sounds like it fills the bill. Congrats on your launch.