The Two Minute Interview: Author Starr Gardinier
I’m very pleased to welcome fellow legal professional, Starr Gardinier, to tell us about her latest novel: The Other Side: Trent’s Story
Who are you, Starr?
I’m a workaholic, who is a paralegal during the day, and wife and author my night and weekend.
I can so relate. It takes a lot of discipline to carve out time to write. Please share your book blurb with us.
Melinda James is finally out of Skyview Haven—an asylum where she was confined for years—and is living her life, free at last. However, things are not going as planned; harassed by unexplained paranormal experiences, she doesn’t feel safe in her own home. And when she turns to her best friend Trent for help and support, she is surprised to find her feelings for him have grown far beyond a simple friendship.
Trent Miller isn’t prepared to fight evil, but he will do whatever it takes to save Melinda from an evil entity that is seeking revenge for past events. Armed with knowledge gleaned from television shows, a team of paranormal investigators, and the prayers of family and friends, he is ready to face anything.
The question is, does he tell her about his feelings for her before or after he fights a battle with evil for Melinda’s very soul?
That’s heavy, Starr. You have me on the edge of my seat! When is the moment that matters most in your book?
When Trent decides that he has no option but to fight evil, to take matters into his own hands and descend into what seems like hell.
Trent sounds like a hero of tremendous courage. Where is the setting?
This book is centered in Beaumont, California. It’s a small town north of Palm Springs.
Beaumont seems like the perfect locale for a battle between good and evil. How did you come to write this book?
I love the paranormal. I watch the shows on television and am a believer. However, please note that the Other Side series is over-exaggerated. Even I don’t believe that could happen.
Which character is your favorite (as if I don’t know)?
Trent Miller. He is willing to fight for love and for what he believes in, even if it costs him his life.
Why should I (or any reader) read your lovely creation?
The Other Side: Trent’s Story and the series, bring the reader into a world that we all would love to know more about. The Other Side is a fictionalized parallel universe. This book entertains and allows you to forget your own life while another couple battle to live.
Sounds like a terrific read! Thanks for joining me, Starr!
Tagline: Those wretched souls will seek retaliation on the murderous.
EXCERPT:
“Melinda, what are you looking at?”
She doesn’t answer, so I repeat my question.
She finally looks at me and says in a voice not hers, “You will pay for your father’s sins.”
“What?”
I’m so shocked I almost fall over. Her voice…its voice…whatever…sounds like a man’s and it definitely sounds mean.
“You will die,” the voice says.
My mouth is hanging open and I’m unable to do anything but stare at Melinda…or whoever or whatever has taken over her body. I glance around the room to see if another spirit is present. My heart is beating rapidly and my insides are shaking. My hands are trembling and my fingers are cold and I’m having difficulty breathing. I want to run from this room, but know that’s the last thing I can do. It takes me a few minutes to realize that something must be possessing Melinda. I try to call out again to her, but can’t find my voice. I have to do something. I finally find the floor beneath my feet and quickly dart the few steps to her bedside.
“Melinda,” I’m shaking her. “Leave her alone! Whoever you are, leave her alone!”
“Die,” it whispers and Melinda’s hands reach up to my throat.
BUY LINKS:
AMAZON
The Wild Rose Press
Barnes&Noble
BIO:
A paralegal by day, Starr Gardinier is an author by night. Apart from being an award winning author for her short story “Cut,” Starr has appeared in a blaze and made her mark on the literary world with her Ivanovich series and now her Other Side series.
Having studied and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Literature/Creative Writing, she has found her unique style and is known for her works’ distinctive voice, making every character stand out.
She’s the founder and owner of Editing by Starr. She’s also the former executive editor for Suspense Magazine. She has been interviewed in the newspaper and on the radio with relation to her fiction work. She has been a co-host on Suspense Radio.
Starr is a member of International Thriller Writers (ITW) and of Sisters in Crime, Los Angeles Chapter and nationally. She has won three Best Speaker awards as well as Best Evaluator at the Voice Ambassadors chapter of Toastmasters. She has always been active in events. As co-chair and main coordinator for the West Coast Author Premiere, she arranged weekend-long events to help authors from all over network, learn and share their work with the public. Starr has also been instrumental in compiling authors and planning a local author event at Barnes and Noble in Ventura, California along with the store’s event manager.
Learn more about her editing service, read more about her at www.QueenWriter.com, and/or visit her blog.
I’m sure as a paralegal, Starr, you’ll have a wealth of stuff to use for your books–even paranormal. This sounds like a great read. Good luck!
Thank you so much, Andrea, for taking the time to visit!
This book sounds eerie and definitely worthy of a TBR. I was a paralegal, too, until I retired. You’re a busy woman, Starr. Best wishes with this book!!
Hello Linda, Thanks so much for your kind words and taking the time to stop by! :)
What a fun interview. Congrats on your release Starr :-)
Hi JC! Thanks so much for the visit!
Congrats Starr on your new release. Sounds very interesting. I know nothing about being a paralegal. I’m sure it gives you food for fodder.
Hi Beth, How nice of you stop by!
Looks like another book to put on my long, long, TBR list. Sounds intriguing.
Thank you, Anita! I have the same kind of TBR list! :)
Oh, this looks like a dandy, Starr! Best of luck with Trent. Terrific interview, ladies.
Hello Barbara! Thanks very much for the visit!
I enjoyed the blurb. This sounds like a winner. Good luck with sales and write on!
Definitely read Starr’s book AND watch the trailer. But only do both if the lights are on and somebody is nearby that you can run to, because Starr produces the kind of great, scary stuff that makes you want to pull the covers over your head. Terrific interview too, Lida.
Sounds like a tense, gripping story! Best wishes.
Starr’s first book in this series sucked me in and I can’t wait to read the sequel! Best of luck to you, Starr!@
Starr’s first book in this series sucked me in and I can’t wait to read the sequel! Best of luck to you, Starr!