Midnight Blue – Author Interview & Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Midnight Blue by Suzie Waltner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Midnight Blue
Series: Love in Color #1
Author: Suzie Waltner
Publisher: Anaiah Press Publishing
Release Date: September 6, 2022
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

A series of heartbreaking setbacks behind her, Scarlett Sykes is now focused on creating the best life possible for her daughter. One where innocence and joy is not colored by rejection or loss. While finances are tight and Scarlett’s job isn’t ideal for a single mother, her child will always know she’s loved. Especially since Harmony’s father wanted nothing to do with them.

As lead singer and the face of a successful country band, Jake Turnquist’s closest friends depend on him, but life in the spotlight is quickly losing its appeal. At a party celebrating another accomplishment, he’s stunned to discover Scarlett assisting the caterer. Almost ten years have passed, but he’s never forgotten his first love.

In the hours after a surprise revelation, Jake scrambles to orchestrate a way to spend time with Scarlett and Harmony—the family he’s always wanted but never knew he had. He once gave her up to pursue his music. What will he have to surrender to win her back?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

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About the Author

Suzie Waltner is a lover of fiction and is first and foremost a reader. When she’s not at work or reading or writing, you can find her cheering on the Nashville Predators (hockey) or dancing an hour away in Zumba class. Until her second year of college, her life plan was to become a veterinarian. A fainting spell while watching a surgery performed on a sheep changed that plan. Now she works in the corporate world during the day while creating stories in her free time. Suzie resides in a suburb of Nashville, TN and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. She currently serves as the president of the Middle Tennessee ACFW chapter.

Connect with Suzie by visiting suziewaltner.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Author Interview

Do you have a favorite writing setup and/or drink or snack for fuel?

Because I sit at a desk eight hours a day for my regular work, when I’m at home, I like to write on the couch where I can stretch out. I write my first drafts longhand in a spiral journal, so it’s easy to take with me wherever I go. If I need a distraction-free day (because there is always something else I should or could do at home), I will go to my library. They have these great study rooms with chairs and tables I can reserve. A gorgeous view, quiet, and no distractions equal great word counts.

What was your favorite part of writing this story?

The friendships built through time between the characters. There are the band members who grew up together. Now they work together, and they know each other well—weaknesses, strengths, and everything in between. Then you have Scarlett and Cassidy, cousins who were once part of that friend group and are reconnecting with it. The friendships are a theme that runs throughout the series.

What was the most challenging part of writing?

For me, it’s finding blocks of time to actually write. I have a 40-hour-a-week job I rely on to pay bills, I’m committed a couple nights a week to church studies (and services on Sunday morning), and I usually have something going on at least half a day on Saturdays. I am not one of those people who gets up in the morning and writes for three hours before my day starts, so that leaves a couple of weeknights and part of the day Saturdays and Sundays. I’m trying to create habits with blocking out time, but just when I feel like I’ve got it set, something seems to come up that pulls me out of it for a week or two, then I’m starting back at square one. Maybe 2023 will be the year I figure out the balance.😊

Music plays a major role in the hearts of these characters. Do you personally relate to that?

Absolutely. Hearing a song on the radio or having one pop into my head can completely change my mood sometimes. I can go from a place of grumbling about whatever in my day (hard news, a full plate, a commitment I made that I’m not feeling on the day it comes around, or even cleaning my apartment) to one of joy and humility. I think there’s a reason music and singing are such an integral part of scripture (from David’s Psalms to Paul and Silas singing hymns while imprisoned). Music and singing are not only forms of praise and worship, they are prayers, blessings, and thanksgiving. Songs can be the background of important moments in our lives.

Which character do you see yourself in or who do you relate to the most?

I relate to every character in a small way, but Cassidy’s probably the one I relate to most. She’s a no-nonsense, get to the point person who loves her circle of people well. But she’s also fiercely independent (sometimes to the point of being prideful).

What do you wish readers would take away from your writing?

That God is bigger than the choices we’ve made or regrets we have from the past. He can take the disappoints, hurts, or heartaches and turn them into something beautiful if we trust our lives to Him.

Are you able to tease anything about the next book in the series?

I’m just finishing content edits on the second book in the series, which features Seth and Cassidy. You know that thing I said about Cassidy being independent a couple of questions back? Readers will see that in spades—along with some of that pride—in Red Velvet (which is the working title). They’ll also get a peek into what’s going on in Seth’s head and how the band is doing as they head in a new direction with their music.

Red Velvet plays on the enemies-to-lovers and fake relationship tropes. And is currently scheduled for release in April (with books three and four following in 2023).

Thanks so much for sharing with us! I absolutely LOVED this story so it was fun to get some inside scoop :)

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Everything But the Book Cozy Reading Basket: sherpa throw, I’d Rather Be Reading mug, I Read Past My Bedtime socks, 12 oz orange spice candle, portable power bank, book cozy, and some reading snacks plus a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 16, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 23, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!