Reading is my escape from the real world- work, laundry that demands to be put away, dinners that have to be cooked, appointments that have to be scheduled. It’s nice to get away from it all- if only for a few moments. When I choose a book I look for something fun, something that I can really enjoy– something that will have me laughing out loud.
Most recently I escaped to a far away Greek Island in Star Crossed– written by the delightful Margaret Hastings-James. Margaret creates an entire cast of lovable and colorful characters that I couldn’t get enough of. Their flaws are both funny and refreshing.
Teddy- the hysterical and very real leading lady
Chloe- the best friend with a penchant for celebrity gossip
Nick- the love interest who just so happens to be a movie star
Olivia- the despicable and down right evil rival
George- the funny/charming/generous friend with an endless supply of designer duds
And many more. . . .
Teddy (a former teacher) is working as a waitress in a local restaurant when she winds up waiting on Nick Chandler- a movie star to rival Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, George Clooney etc, you get the picture. Somehow (you’ll have to read) she winds up working for Nick and it doesn’t take long for the sparks to fly.
Teddy has to deal with impossible teenagers, stick thin models; Nick’s conniving girlfriend, and a bevy of embarrassing moments that translate to comedic perfection.
Star Crossed is a book that belongs on your reading list (you can purchase it in our book store)!
Recently I had the opportunity to ask Margaret a few questions. I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did.
Where did the concept for Star Crossed come from?
I originally wanted to write for Harlequin Romance. Not as easy as it looks. I wanted to write the usual girl meets guy, complications, climax, happily ever after – with just the right amount of sexual tension without freaking everyone out. Teddy would just not fit into this format. So All’s Fair turned into Star Crossed, and I rewrote the whole story in the first person. Teddy went wild – smoking, drinking, dancing – I couldn’t control her…
Some writers say that their characters come up in their minds fully formed, almost as if they introduce themselves. Is that true for any of your Star Crossed characters?
I must say that George just appeared out of nowhere. I’d love to find her in real life one day.
Teddy is quite a character- what traits do you share with her?
What I share with Teddy are the love of strappy sandals, complicated cocktails and disco disasters!
What changes has Star Crossed brought to your life?
Thanks to Star Crossed a twenty-year-old dream of being published came true. Now I can’t walk into a book store without looking to see if my book is on the shelf. I wish my mother had lived to see the day.
Why did you choose Greece to have Teddy’s story unfold?
I went to the island of Mykonos a long time ago. I sat on the hotel balcony drinking tea one morning watching the incredible blue ocean and the deserted sandy beach and promised myself I’d come back. Life changes and I knew that the only way I was ever getting back to Greece was to write myself there, so I did…
Where do you like to write?
I need to be alone to write in my own space that no one else touches. I have walls covered with character and plot outlines. I wrote Star Crossed in an attic in France but once I start writing I could be anywhere. I used to have to set an alarm to remind myself to pick up the kids from school!
What would we find on Teddy’s nightstand?
A novel, a cocktail and a bottle of Advil.
Teddy is a self described klutz. In keeping with the theme of our site we have to ask. What are some of your imperfections?
Like Teddy I have an over active imagination and I tend get ahead of myself especially where guys are concerned. Like when I meet a guy I start picking out our china pattern and making our guest list ten minutes into the relationship. Other imperfections are asking people personal questions and speaking before thinking.
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You can visit Margaret’s website here. Plus enter to win your very own copy of Star Crossed. To enter send your name to contests@imperfectwomen.com with the subject line Star Crossed Giveaway.
See contest rules here.
I will be back later, but I wanted to say that I liked reading how she wrote the book in an attic in France w/the story lines and characters around. It sounds so picturesque. 🙂
Great interview.
Great interview! This book sounds really fun. I really like first-person story-telling, especially if the heroine is lovable and relatable. I’ll have to check this one out!
Thank you for the great review. I love your site and I shall be stalking it regularly! Imperfect is what I do best!
Welcome Margaret! We hope you come back often- thanks again for letting me pick your brain!
This is one book that I am going to have to put on my list to read. Sounds like a lot of fun.
Samantha, thanks for this interview. Great questions and I love the responses. It is nice to get a glimpse of what goes into writing a book.
Fabulous interview Samantha! I’ve read Star Crossed and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I had so much fun reading it that I tipped my friends off to buy this book. They all enjoyed it aswell….my Mother even found it a page turner.
Really enjoyed the interview after actually reading the book. Thought the book was a great summer read!
Hi to Margaret, we share the imperfection of speaking before thinking. 🙂
This books sounds like it’s nothing but enjoyable. I can’t wait to read it.
Thanks Sam, love the description of the characters.
I LOVED this book. A witty wonderful uplifting read. Thanks Margaret for also writing ME to Greece!
I liked Elizabeht P’s description of “writing ME to Greece.” The best books do that for us – don’t they?
I am not really a chick lit type of girl, but you have even me intrigued!
I think Teddy and I may have the same things on our nightstand! 🙂
Thanks for a great interview.
I read this book in the summer on the recommendation of a friend. It was a great summer read. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.