It may not be ‘hot fun in the summertime’ in 1692 Salem, but there’s all different kinds of heat in ”The Summerland.”
Today my guest is author Elizabeth Cheryl who has dropped by from California to tell us about her novel and a bit about herself as well.
Welcome, Elizabeth, thanks so much for coming. Why don’t you start off by telling us about your book.
Elizabeth: Thanks Pat.
When Abigail Parker moves to Salem, Massachusetts to live with her Aunt Bridgette, nothing makes sense from the moment she arrives. A familiar but unknown voice whispers words of reassurance. Her aunt’s behaviour is confusing at best.
When Bridgette’s gravely injured, Abigail desperately seeks help from a spell book she found in her 
closet. But something goes terribly wrong. Abbey is hurtled three centuries backward in time, landing in a vastly different Salem.
It’s summertime 1692 – the infamous witch trials are in full swing and Abigail’s sporting pink nail polish and a tattoo. Abigail finds William, the source of the familiar voice and something much more. However, she must return to modern Salem to retrieve the spell book.
Can she do so in time to save her family and without exposing herself to accusations of witchcraft? Most importantly, how does she leave when she’s just finding love?
Pat: Being thrust back to the summer in 1692 Salem gives rise to a whole host of tense, simmering situations. Plus the cover is absolutely beautiful.
Before we delve into what makes you tick, let us know where our readers can find this very intriguing book.
Elizabeth: The Summerland can be found in print and ebook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Kobo Books
Pat: With The Summerland still in mind, what is your favorite line in the book?
Elizabeth: So, I had to put a lot of thought into this question. My conclusion was inconclusive! So I pondered some more. I guess if I had to pick a favorite line in The Summerland I would have to say it would be the following: “There…on her neck!” She shook and covered her face “I have no idea what it could be…some sort of color stained on her skin. Surely the mark of the devil!” At that exact moment I knew I would be found guilty.
Pat: I gather the characters were talking about Abby’s tattoo, which would definitely cause some attention. How about a bucket list. Do you have one?
Elizabeth: The good ole bucket list, eh? You know I have not made one of those things except once when I was 19. I still have the list and it would be so interesting to see how much of my life I have accomplished or seen since I was 19 years old. I can say in a recent conversation one of the things I would add to my list would be to visit Ireland on Beltane, which coincidentally is today, May 1st!
Pat: Yes, Ireland does have a magical lure. Moving on, what animal best describes your personality and why?
Elizabeth: A butterfly would be the best creature that would describe my personality. Butterflies start grounded and tethered to the earth. Such as life always does, it changes from the constricting walls that keep them safe to a new set of wings. They have a fresh perspective from the life they once knew of crawling, dependent on what lies in their path to now flying free. Free to explore all that life has to offer from a much better view.
Pat: Wow, that’s beautiful and quite profound. No wonder your book sounds so great. When you write, do you have music on or do you need silence?
Elizabeth: I can have silence for some parts of my writing, but about 90% needs to be written to music. Music moves me emotionally and I connect so much to it. The most recent writings for The Summerland book two has been done to Miranda Lambert’s song “Over You.” It’s so sad, tragic and beautiful.
Pat: I always enjoy the responses to that question. Since you told us about something you like, how about something you hate?
Elizabeth: Hmmmm. I hate when snails cross the sidewalk after a rain storm into the street in an unplanned attempt at hit and run suicide. I spend way to much time turning them back around. They need to invent snail bumpers. Not sure how many people in life would purchase one. I may be the inventor and the only customer.
Pat: Snail bumpers (as I pick myself off the floor from falling over laughing!) That’s a new one on me! If The Summerland were made into a movie, who would you cast?
Elizabeth: The heroine would be this beautiful girl named Erin Mulvey. I met her at the Waffle Barn two and a half years ago. I was only three chapters into writing my novel and knew the second I saw her she was Abigail!! She has recently moved to L.A. to pursue her acting career, but she is the one, hands down, no doubt, Abigail Parker. If I had a movie contract, that literally would be the only thing I would strong hold on.
Pat: What’s next in regards to your writing?
Elizabeth: I am currently working on book two for Summerland. Hopefully released for July 2012. There will be four books to The Summerland series, so keep your eye out!!
Pat: Well, Elizabeth before we say goodbye, please let us know where people can follow you.
Elizabeth: They can catch me at my blog: http://thesummerlandnovel.blogspot.ca/ and on Twitter at celticgirl1313.
Pat: Thanks for taking time away from your writing to stop by for a while. I’m looking forward to The Summerland series and I’m sure readers are too.
