Blog Tour: BEAUTIFUL ONE

BEAUTIFUL ONE

Mary Cope

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:  Young Adult Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Transformation, empowerment, love and music come together in the book, 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 One:

The music changed from one song to the next, and I realized I was having fun. My feet were killing me, but I didn’t care. I had been keeping track of how many guys I’d danced with. Currently I was at seven. I smiled at Melissa when she and Mason were dancing intimately even though the song was upbeat.

I was laughing, sweating, and dancing my butt off. This was the best time I’d ever had.

Then my heart stopped.

I felt a lump in my throat and a pit in my stomach when I saw him, dressed in black jeans and a black button-down shirt. He was movie-star perfect as he sauntered across the dance floor. When I tore my gaze from him, I noticed the accessory that graced his forearm. A leggy blonde wearing a short red dress. Figures.

I was torn between wanting to excuse myself and run or torture myself and stay. Foolishly, I opted for the latter. My heart twisted with jealousy watching Aidan gyrate to the music while his pretty dance partner sexually rubbed up against him. The pain was agonizing. Like a train wreck. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Interview:

The biggest challenge you had to overcome during your writing journey? 

After ‘Beautiful One’ was published, one of my closest friends, my beta reader, passed away. Continuing to write felt almost impossible. The grief was overwhelming, and every attempt to put words on paper felt empty and meaningless. I struggled to find the motivation to write, feeling as though a part of me was missing without my dear friend. Despite this, I knew that writing had always been a source of comfort and joy for me, so I tried to persevere. I allowed myself to grieve, to feel the pain and sadness, and sought solace in memories of our friendship and the laughter we shared.

There were days when I couldn’t write at all, when the grief was too raw and overwhelming. But there were also moments of clarity, when the words flowed freely and I felt connected to my friend, knowing he would have wanted me to continue writing. Writing became a form of therapy for me, a way to process my emotions. In the end, writing helped me to remember and celebrate my friend’s life. I know that’s what he would’ve wanted.

What are your thoughts on self-publishing versus traditional publishing?

I’ve found that the main difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing is the level of control authors have over the publishing process. Self-publishing allows authors to manage everything from editing to cover design and marketing, offering faster publication timelines and higher royalties. However, authors must handle all aspects of marketing and distribution, which can be challenging in gaining credibility and reaching physical stores. Whereas, traditional publishing provides credibility and wider distribution but requires authors to relinquish some control over production and marketing, leading to longer timelines and lower royalties. The choice between the two depends on the author’s goals and resources. 

For myself, I chose to go through a publisher. I felt incredibly supported with my publishing company. Their guidance and expertise have been invaluable throughout the publishing process. The team is responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in the success of my book. They continue to offer their support, and I am grateful for them.

Do you have any writing rituals or habits?

I have a few writing rituals and habits, but one of the most crucial is maintaining a specific writing schedule. For me, this means dedicating my mornings to writing, which helps me stay focused and make steady progress. I also have a designated writing space, my kitchen table, where I can work without interruptions. I also listen to music while writing, as I find it enhances my creativity and helps me get into the right mindset.

How do you approach developing your characters?

I develop my characters through a blend of imagination and observation. It often starts with a basic idea—maybe a personality trait or a particular look—that I expand upon. I like to create detailed character profiles to flesh out their backstory, motivations, and fears. This helps me understand them better and ensures their actions and reactions are consistent throughout the story. I strive to make my characters complex and relatable, with both strengths and flaws. Their interactions with other characters and the way they evolve throughout the story are crucial for their development. I also seek feedback from others to refine my characters and make sure they resonate with readers.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of writing lies in the freedom it offers for creativity and imagination. Crafting characters, weaving stories, and exploring diverse ideas and viewpoints are all deeply fulfilling. Writing serves as an escape, a portal into my imagination. When I’m in the zone with my writing and the creativity is flowing, there’s nothing better.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Mary Cope is a passionate romance writer known for her ability to craft characters that feel undeniably real. Drawing inspiration from both her personal experience and vivid imagination, Mary’s words resonate with readers. A romantic at heart, Mary believes true intimacy is what love is all about. 

Website: https://www.marycopeauthor.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/marycope_author?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryCope_Author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557161136038

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

A randomly drawn winner will receive a $25 Amazon/BN gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway