Author Highlight: Mary Cope

Today we have brand-new author Mary Cope visiting us. Mary’s novel, Beautiful One, is the first of a planned trilogy published by Astraea Press. Her official bio says she enjoys baking gourmet cookies and listening to music. Let’s find out some more about her:

What do you do when you're not writing?

When I am not writing I am usually spending time with family, out with friends, riding my bike or walking my dog, Maggie.

What would your fans be surprised to know about you?

That I am an avid fan of the group, Parachute. I see them perform whenever they are playing locally, have met the band members several times, and even mention one of their songs in my book.

​What's your idea of an ideal vacation?

In my book, Beautiful One, the story takes place in the beach community of Dana Point. Readers may assume I would choose a tropical location but truly, my ideal vacation would be spending time in a mountain cabin.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I became interested in writing New Adult Romance because I enjoy reading New Adult Romance. Also, I felt a connection to this genre because it is the same age range of my children.

What was your favorite chapter (or scene) to write and why?

Chapter 7 is by far my favorite chapter. It was at that point I realized I was going to finish my story. Up until then, I was still unsure if I would continue writing or toss my story in the trash.

I don't want to give anything away, but Chapter 7 begins the turning point for Elizabeth.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

When I begin writing, I have a beginning and an ending in mind. Then I write towards the end point. I'll jot ideas down as they come to me.

Blurb for Beautiful One:

Elizabeth Ryan is a beautiful, shy, naïve high school senior. Having never dated, she meets the boy of her dreams, Aidan Mitchell. Despite his history of womanizing Liz is drawn to him. Soon Liz becomes the envy of all the girls on campus, when they become a couple and her dream boyfriend sweeps her off her feet and into the dating world that is all too new and strange for her. When other guys start to take notice of Liz, Aidan is troubled with fits of jealousy.

Elizabeth then meets the ruggedly handsome Spencer Hayes and they quickly bond over their passion for music. Liz begins to struggle with the feelings that spark between them. In the end Elizabeth finds herself torn between helping Aidan overcome his jealousy and anger and giving into what her heart truly wants.

Excerpt:

The faint sounds of a guitar drifted through the walls of my bathroom as I savored the last of the hot water before it became lukewarm. Stepping away from the spray, I turned the shower knob and watched the droplets trickle down the drain. Inhaling a deep breath my mind focused on one thing. Aidan Mitchell.

Hearing Mason’s band practicing meant he would be here. I was ninety-nine percent sure Aidan wouldn’t blow off their practice. He knew how serious my brother was about the band, but he also had been avoiding me for days.

The past week had been awful. I was determined to talk to him. All I wanted was a few answers. My emotions had run the gamut from confusion, frustration, regret, and sadness… sadness consumed me most of all, at night usually, and I was exhausted from it. But at this moment all I felt was anger. Anger was good. It was certainly better than pain.

As I rushed down the hallway, the floorboards creaked beneath my feet and the walls began to vibrate with the beat of Derek pounding on the drums. When I entered my room the music was deafening, but today I didn’t mind. I untwisted the blue-and-white-polka-dot towel from my head and tossed it to the floor.

The deep conditioner I used helped my fingers glide through my long damp curls. If I was going to confront Aidan, I wanted to look my best. No Frizzy Lizzie for me. That nickname, coupled with my big butt, had tormented me, growing up in a beach town surrounded by beautiful people. I had longed to look like a typical California girl: tall, blond, perfect. But, with dark hair and bordering on five feet three inches, that was never going to be me.

After I blow-dried and flat-ironed my hair, I took off my purple robe and draped it over my desk chair. I slipped on a pair of jeans… yes, slipped them on. I didn’t have to tug, pull, or jiggle my butt to get in my pants anymore. When I easily pushed the button through the top of my jeans, it still made me smile. I couldn’t even count how many times I had to lie on my bed and suck in my stomach so I could zip up a pair of pants. Every time I slipped them on, I never took it for granted. I had worked my butt off… literally. I put on my bra and a green sweater before I pulled on my boots.

I rushed downstairs to the door that led to the garage. Thinking about confronting Aidan and having to stare into those piercing blue eyes started to intimidate me. But this was my chance. I knew he was a few feet behind the door, and I needed to deal with him. Before I completely lost my nerve, I inhaled a deep breath and exhaled then pushed open the door.

Beautiful One is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other ebook outlets.

You can find Mary at her website, on Twitter, and on Facebook.