Today, I'm delighted to welcome Cheri Davies to my blog, with a guest post about her writing life. Over to Cheri ...
My Writing Life: Art, Karate and The Prosecco Effect
Cheri Davies
There are many aspects of a writer’s life that I love and some that I don’t love so much – the rejection (it never stops, published or not), the proofreading and those times when no matter how hard I try, I cannot wrestle my characters or plot into shape (I find a walk helps). But I’m not here to talk about the downsides today!
One of my favourite aspects of a writing life is that I get to indulge my passions, as well as finding out all about my characters’ obsessions. I learn so much about the world during the process of getting to know my characters and their likes and dislikes.
In my romance, The Prosecco Effect, Italian restaurateur Orlando is not only passionate about cooking and good food, he’s a keen supporters of the arts, in particular modern art. How could he not be an art fan hailing from Italy! He’s a fan of the work of Georgia O’Keeffe and while I like modern art, I knew very little about this American artist. It was a joy to view her work – particularly her glorious still lives of flowers and her landscapes of New Mexico. Orlando introduced me to Jeff Koons – a risqué American artist – and we share a love of Frida Kahlo, not only her work but her life.
Felicity, my lead, is a karate black belt and not because she has had a role in a martial arts movie or played a Bond girl (though she’d be great in a role like that – not that I’m biased or anything). A vulnerable actress with a troubled childhood, she likes the feeling of control and discipline karate instils and she likes the security having the skills to protect herself provides. I can’t say why here as it would spoil the plot. It was fascinating to talk at length with my eldest son who began learning karate when he was nine. He showed me some of the moves, the kata (a stylised sequence of moves) and even taught me some Japanese.
A somewhat secret discipline (I’m never allowed into the classes to observe) it was brilliant to have a reason to speak with him at length about it. Normally when I ask my boys questions how their day at school was or what they did in their classes and so on, I get an expansive ‘fine’. I even considered trying karate myself for a while and then thought better of it when I saw what I’d have to wear. White wide trousers are so not me.
Oscar Wilde is Felicity’s favourite playwright and it was tremendous fun reading the many – and great – quotes he left the world. Here’s definitely where I can agree with Felicity – the man was a genius! And so I’ll leave you with one of Felicity’s most treasured Wilde quotes: You don’t love someone for their looks, for their clothes or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear.
Thanks for guesting on my blog, Cheri. I'm currently reading The Prosecco Effect, and thoroughly enjoying it.
The Prosecco Effect
Can love shine brighter than a super trouper spotlight for Felicity and Orlando?
Felicity Joy is a fallen star: axed from the leading role in a TV drama and jilted at the altar, her life is a mess. A six-month theatrical tour of Italy offers escape: a chance to rebuild her career, mend her broken heart and indulge in her favourite cuisine.
Orlando Locatelli is an Italian restaurateur superstar. But his family are big trouble and his theatre director father has a penchant for his leading ladies.
Damaged by secrets and with careers their number one priority, Felicity and Orlando aren’t looking for love. But when they meet, the attraction is instant.
Will theirs be a brief encounter or can they overcome their fears to be together forever?
An uplifting, irresistible romance set in Italy and the glamorous world of show business – a perfect, sunny read.
If you would like to purchase The Prosecco Effect, please click on the link below or copy and paste into your browser:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prosecco-Effect-uplifting-feel-good-glamorous-ebook/dp/B07D6V754H/ref=sr_1_1?s=books
Cheri Davies is a mother to ginger boys and author of The Prosecco Effect. A former actor, Cheri loves to write romance and intrigue set in the glamorous world of show business. The Prosecco Effect is the first book in the Stage Door series, following the adventures of Felicity Joy and Orlando Locatelli in Italy. The second – out in the New Year – takes the couple to New York City, where the pressures of celebrity begin to take their toll. Cheri has published four novels and numerous short stories in another guise. An unsporty girl, Cheri surprised herself, and many others, when she broke the school long jump record aged 12. It was the first time she’d jumped – competitively.
To find our more about Cheri and her writing, please click on the following links or copy and paste into your browser:
http://cheridaviesbooks.wordpress.com
https://twitter.com/ScorpioScribble