Stardust Summer by Lauren Clark

Welcome Author Lauren Clark

Lauren Clark has been a voracious reader since the age of four and would rather be stranded at the library than on a desert island. In her former life, she worked as an anchor and producer for CBS affiliates in Upstate New York and Alabama. Lauren adores her family, yoga, her new Electra bike, and flavored coffee. She lives near the Florida Gulf Coast. 

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Interview

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

The friendships I've made with my readers and other writers. What an amazing, fabulous group of women and men.

What is your dream cast for your book?

Ryan Gordon - Ryan Gosling

Grace Mason - Rachel McAdams (In The Notebook with Ryan Gosling - gotta love them together again)

Kathleen Mason - Sally Field

Evan Mason - Bryce Robinson (Marley & Me)

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

"Read a lot and write a lot."

I can't claim that the advice is mine—the words are taken from Stephen King's book, On Writing, and I couldn't agree more. I've grown so much as a person and a writer since I began almost eight years ago.

Reading a wonderful novel is like delicious food for the mind and soul. It sparks the imagination and stretches the boundaries of my own stories.

How did you know you should become an author?

LOL!  I still don't feel like an "official" author and this is my third book! I still have to pinch myself when I see my novels in local bookstores.

I think that I finally had the courage to jump off the cliff after I worked on my manuscripts with a very well-respected editor. (She's on her own as a freelance editor after working in NYC for several big publishing houses). Emily taught me so much about the craft of writing, honing my skills, and developing my storylines. She has been my biggest critic and the sweetest cheerleader. We worked on two manuscripts together and I will be forever grateful for her help and expertise.

What's the craziest writing idea you've had?

My friend recently remarried a great guy who lost his wife suddenly several years ago. The wife who passed away had a coveted antique "Red Tub" in their home, which didn't really jell with my friend's taste in decor and served as an odd, daily reminder of the former marriage.

I thought that using "The Red Tub" as a title would be catchy, and that the right cover image would grab a reader's attention. Now .... I just have to write the story!!!!

How do you react to a bad review?

Total honesty here. I have only received a few truly bad reviews (and I am sure there will be a few more to come) but I actually cried over two of them. It's a part of an author's life to work through, because bad reviews happen to everyone, even James Patterson and Jodi Picoult.

I've since learned to glean some meaningful information from a negative review, if possible, and move on. If I don't believe in my work, than no one else will!!!!

You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?

Without a doubt, a house on Keuka Lake in Upstate New York, where Stardust Summer is set. I LOVE it there.

What do you do in your free time?

Mom, taxi driver, cook, laundress, delivery lady, author, coffee drinker, yogi, avid reader, friend, daughter, advocate, and problem solver!

What is next on your to read list?

The Fault in Our Stars, John Green - I just started it on my iPhone and can't wait to read the rest!!!!

Describe your book in 5 words

Family Forgiveness Love Second Chances

What is the last thing you bought?

Lunch for my boys at "Five Guys." They are my favorite guys in the world and I adore spending time with them!!!!!!!

Stardust Summer

Single mom Grace Mason doesn’t believe in miracles, magic, or love at first sight. She likes the quiet life, complete with her eight-year-old son, their tiny house, and her teaching job. For Grace, happiness means that nothing much ever changes in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Then, one thousand miles away, tragedy strikes. A massive heart attack leaves Grace’s estranged father comatose in an Upstate New York hospital. While a team of doctors fight to keep Henry Mason alive, Grace and Evan rush to his bedside to say their final goodbyes.

Henry’s passing brings little closure for Grace, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to her new surroundings. What begins as a short trip results in an entire summer spent with Henry’s second wife, Kathleen, and her next-door neighbor, Ryan Gordon, the town doctor. When a series of unlikely events lead to Evan’s disappearance, Grace must face her worst fears to find her son and bring him back home.

Stardust Summer explores the complexities of forgiveness, what it means to be a family, and the fabulous possibility of falling in love—again

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