Showing posts with label Audry Fryer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Audry Fryer. Show all posts

Audry Fryer's Until Next Sunday Blog Tour, Author Interview, and Book Giveaway

Monday, May 09, 2022

 



I'm excited to announce the WOW! Women on Writing book blog tour with author and Audry Fryer and her book Until Next Sunday. 

This book is written with so much heart - you can't help but fall in love with the characters from this historical romance!

Here's a bit about the book:

 After bravely leaving the life she knew to come to America, 
illness threatens Rosina’s happily ever after. 
When separated, will letters keep their love alive? 

Rosina leaves Italy to build a better life, but the reality in America is nothing like the dream. She is far from the Italian countryside and the beautiful olive groves where she grew up. Here the work is endless, and the winters are cold and desolate. She never expects to find love in such a place. 

Then she met him. Gianni, the shoemaker’s apprentice, is gentle, handsome, and everything she never knew she needed in her life. 

But when Rosina falls ill and is quarantined, their future is at stake. All she can do is cling to the beautiful letters Gianni writes. Each week she tries to survive the long, lonely days until next Sunday for his brief visit. 

Will fate bring Rosina and Gianni together once more? Or are they destined to remain star-crossed forever? 

Until Next Sunday is a sweet historical romance inspired by a true story. It is based on actual Italian love letters which were discovered a century after they were written (some of which are contained in this book.) It is a portrait of the times, and a true immigrant experience. Feel the force with which these two lives find love, against all odds.

Purchase your own copy on: Smashwords, Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, or Kobo.

About the Author


Audry Fryer is an author and professional freelance writer from Pennsylvania. Formerly a teacher, Audry wrote her first novel while her toddler son and twin babies napped. As her children have grown into teenagers, she has expanded her writing career. Audry lives with her family and two pugs in a quiet corner of Southeastern PA. To learn more about Audry, please visit her website at www.audryfryer.com.

Social Media Links:

#untilnextsunday



...............interview by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto 

WOW: How was Until Next Sunday born? I loved the book and can't wait to hear the behind-the-scenes details about how everything started! Do tell us all the great details! 

Audry: You could say that Until Next Sunday was born over a hundred years ago when Gianni wrote his very first love letter to Rosina. Over the next several months, they would write over a hundred love letters to each other as they persevered to keep their love alive during a difficult separation. Later in life, Rosina lovingly archived those letters in an album intended for photographs and stored them in her attic. When Rosina died, the box containing the album of love letters was passed from family member to family member, attic to attic. Eventually, a family member took an interest in the letters. But they were written in an Italian dialect that couldn't be easily translated. Amazingly, the family found a translator, a professor at the University of Delaware, who was traveling to visit his family in the same region of Italy. Until Next Sunday includes a beautiful letter from Biagio, the translator. The family, specifically three sisters, the granddaughters of Rosina, could finally read the letters. They knew they had to share this beautiful love story with the world. First, they pursued making it into a movie. However, they received advice that they should create a novel first. Here's where I come in! 

One of the sisters, Laurie, married my husband's uncle. She knew I was an author and had self-published two ebooks on Amazon. She asked if I'd be interested - I jumped at the opportunity. Soon, I received a box of papers containing the typed-up copies of the love letters. That was the summer of 2016. During the next five years, I would write and rewrite the story several times. I eventually worked with an editor and, finally, an independent publisher. By the time we published Until Next Sunday on February 14th of this year, those love letters had made an incredible journey- much like Rosina and Gianni had when they immigrated to America! 

WOW: That is such an amazing story in and of itself. Definitely a labor of love for everyone involved! What was the most difficult part of this project? How did you overcome it? 

Audry: There were two difficult parts. 

First, the love letters only told part of the story. I had to research, imagine, and piece together what must have occurred from letter to letter. 

The second difficult part was making sure the story made sense. There were so many unanswered questions the letters left us wondering. For example, what was the true cause of Rosina's illness? Was it tuberculosis or an infected tooth? And, what prevented Rosina from leaving the sanitorium? By the time we, meaning myself and the three sisters, reached out to an editor, I had created several versions of the story. The developmental editor we worked with was incredible. She guided me to where changes needed to be made and helped shape the story into a true page-turner. 

WOW: As someone who has read the book, I must say you did a fabulous job making everything seamless - it never felt like any pieces or details were left out! Who has been your greatest supporter when it comes to writing and publishing your work? 

Audry: My parents have been my greatest supporter of my writing and publishing work. I credit my mom for my love of reading, leading to my desire to write. We both share and discuss books often. She reads so much more than me, so she's always letting me know her critique. If she says I'll like a book, she's usually right! And, best of all, she loved reading Until Next Sunday. As for Until Next Sunday, the story's creators, Linda, Susan, and Laurie, have boosted my writing career. When they entrusted me with their grandparent's story, I felt honored. And because of them, I was finally able to have a print version for sale. I'll never forget Laurie handing me the advanced copy of the paperback. It felt unbelievable to hold a book I wrote in my hands! 

WOW: Now you've held your book baby! I definitely love that term and congratulations to you and your tribe of supporters on this birth!

If Until Next Sunday was made into a movie, what song do you think should be part of the movie version? (and why) 

Audry: When Until Next Sunday is made into a movie (and I say "when," not "if" because it's a real goal), I found the perfect song - "A Sunday Kind of Love" by Etta James. It's a classic, soulful, romantic song that's not well known. I love her voice. Most people know Etta James for "At Last" which is another fantastic song. I found the song, "A Sunday Kind of Love" when I created a playlist on Spotify for Until Next Sunday. The playlist is part of my free book club kit download that you receive for signing up for my bi-weekly newsletter at www.audryfryer.com. You don't have to be in a book club to enjoy it - it's fun for all readers. Also, if you want to listen to the playlist I made of romantic songs with a flair of Italian, search Spotify for the playlist entitled, Until Next Sunday. It's a great soundtrack to play in the background when you're cooking an Italian-inspired meal. 

 

WOW: That's such a great song - thanks for the explanation AND now I will be waiting (rather impatiently) to watch the movie of Until Next Sunday!

In the meantime - What's next for you? 

Audry: The only critique we've received for Until Next Sunday is that readers want more. They want more backstory, more details, and more scenes. They want to know what happened before the story began and more about their lives after the story ends. So I'm open to writing a prequel or a sequel in the future. For right now, I'm working on my website and my Book Lover's Blog. I want my website and my blog to be a helpful resource for readers to find fantastic book recommendations and informative tips for living their book lover lifestyle to the fullest. I plan to write posts about everything from creating a reading nook to finding the best reading apps and more.

WOW: There are so many exciting things in the work for you Audry, and we here at WOW! can't wait to see all your dreams come to fruition! Thanks for reaching out and having us be part of your plan to spread the word about Until Next Sunday! We are excited for your tour and beyond! 



- Blog Tour Calendar

May 9th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Until Next Sunday by Audry Fryer. We interview the author about her book and also give away a copy to one lucky reader.

May 10th @ Create Write Now 
Today's guest post at Create Write Now comes from Audry Fryer as she pens an article titled: "The Importance of a Talented Editor." Hear from Audry on this important topic and find out more about her latest work: Until Next Sunday.

May 11th @ Pages & Paws 
Kristine from Pages and Paws reviews Until Next Sunday by Audry Fryer. This historical romance is delighting readers. Find out what Kristine thinks!

May 13th @ Rebecca J. Whitman
Audry Fryer pens today's travel inspired guest post on Rebecca J. Whitman's blog. Find out more about Fryer's book Until Next Sunday and the region of Italy featured in the book.

May 16th @ What is that Book About
Today's book spotlight at What is that Book About is none other than Audry Fryer's latest Until Next Sunday. Readers will want to add this gem to their TBR pile right away!

May 16th @ Rebecca J. Whitman
Don't miss today's podcast with Rebecca J. Whitman as she features Audry Fryer and Audry's latest book Until Next Sunday.

May 17th @ Beverley A. Baird
Beverley A. Baird welcomes Audry Fryer to her blog today. Stop by and learn more about Fryer's latest book Until Next Sunday and find out the inside story about "How 100 Love Letters Became a Novel."

May 18th @ Linda Appleman Shapiro
Book Reviewer, Author, Behavioral Psychotherapist, Artist, Oral Historian, and Public Speaker Linda Appleman Shapiro, reviews and shares her thoughts after reading Until Next Sunday by Audry Fryer. Don't miss Shapiro's insight on this beautiful historical romance.

May 19th @ A Storybook World
A StoryBook World welcomes Audry Fryer and Until Next Sunday to the spotlight today! Stop by and find out more about the historical romance everyone is talking about!

May 20th @ Rebecca J. Whitman
Rebecca J. Whitman reviews Audry Fryer's Until Next Sunday and shares her thoughts with readers on her blog; don't miss a chance to learn more about this historical romance that is delighting readers young and old!

May 20th @ Word Magic
Readers at Fiona Ingram's blog will hear from Audry Fryer today as she writes about the difference between historical romance and historical fiction. Is there a difference? Find out today and learn more about Fryer's latest work Until Next Sunday.

May 24th @ Mindy McGinnis
Readers at Mindy McGinnis' blog will hear from Audry Fryer today as she writes about how to create a book club kit for your readers. Sop by and learn more about Fryer's latest work Until Next Sunday.

May 24th @ Author Anthony Avina
Readers at Anthony Avina's blog will hear from Audry Fryer today as she writes about Roses and what they symbolize in books. Stop by today and learn more about Fryer's latest work Until Next Sunday.

May 25th @ Choices with Madeline Sharples
Fellow author Madeline Sharples has Audry Fryer and Until Next Sunday in the spotlight at her blog today! Stop by and see what all the fuss is about!

May 30th @ Bring on Lemons with High School Student, Carmen Otto
Teenager Carmen Otto offers her 5 star review of Audry Fryer's Until Next Sunday. Otto can't wait for her school library to add this gem to their collection! Read more from Carmen about this historical romance today!

May 31st @ Reading is My Remedy
Chelsie Stanford of Reading is My Remedy offers her review of Audry Fryer's Until Next Sunday. Find out what Chelsie has to say about this historical romance and it's talented author!

June 1st @ Lisa's Reading
Lisa from Lisa's Reading has Audry Fryer's Until Next Sunday in the spotlight today! Stop by and see the historical romance everyone is talking about!

June 2nd @ KnottyNeedle Creative
Judy from the Knotty Needle offers her review of Audry Fryer's Until Next Sunday for readers of her blog. This is a delightful historical romance and readers will want to hear what Judy has to say!

June 2nd @ Beverley A. Baird
Beverley A. Baird reviews Until Next Sunday by Audry Fryer. This historical romance is getting lots of attention - find out what Beverley thinks!

June 3rd @ Author Anthony Avina
Author Anthony Avina reviews fellow author Audry Fryer's latest historical romance, Until Next Sunday. Find out from one author to another what Anthony thinks of this book!

June 4th @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion
Linda of Boots Shoes & Fashion interviews Audry Fryer about her latest historical fiction, Until Next Sunday; don't miss this insightful interview!
https://bootsshoesandfashion.com/

June 5th @ Choices with Madeline Sharples
Madeline Sharples welcomes a guest author to her blog - today, readers will hear from Audry Fryer about Until Next Sunday as well as learning what Audry has to say about Top Strong Female Characters in Literature.

June 9th @ The Frugalista Mom
The Fruglista Mom, Rozelyn, shares her review of Until Next Sunday by Audry Fryer! This is a book and review you won't want to miss!

June 10th @ World of My Imagination
WOW! Blog Tour Manager Nicole Pyles shares her review of Until Next Sunday by Audry Fryer. Nicole's review wraps up the book blog tour for this historical romance - find out what Nicole has to say about this beautiful story!


***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win a copy of Until Next Sunday by Audry Fryer by filling out the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway ends May 22nd at 11:59 CT. We will announce the winner the next day in the Rafflecopter widget and follow up via email. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Blogging Imperfection - Don't Let Perfect Hold You Back!

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Blogging Imperfection







I'm putting together a fun book blog tour for Audry Fryer's new book: Until Next Sunday and part of organizing a tour is reaching out to book bloggers asking how they'd like to help (review the book, author interview, etc...). One blogger signed up for the tour on Tuesday and declined on Wednesday saying " on second thought, I have been awful about blogging...". That conversation prompted me to write today's post about an imperfect blog.

Years ago, I read an article by some sort of business/life coach advising that your blog doesn't need to be perfect. I forget exactly who said it or their reasoning, but I think of it often. Now, your Freshman research paper, your memoir, or a newspaper article definitely needs to be edited and perfected, but I don't want my perfectionism standing in the way of my blogging. If I wait until I have the perfect topic, the perfect amount of quiet, the perfect amount of editing time, etc... I'm never going to have any content. I've come to think of my blog in terms of conversating vs public speaking. When I talk to a friend, we have a conversation; I may say "Um" a lot, I may forget to make eye contact or make too much eye contact, I may laugh to loud, mumble, or speak too firmly. That's okay though - we are having a conversation. I didn't rehearse or polish things - I'm relaxed. That's exactly how my blog feels - like a conversation with an old friend. Even if I forget to call for a few months, I can pick up the phone and we pick up where we left off...laughing too loudly and everything! It's not public speaking where everything has been polished and perfected. My blog has typos, time gaps where I forget to write, the pictures are silly, and I guarantee there's run-on sentences...but my readers still love and accept me (like a dear friend).

Doesn't it help to look at blogging that way? You've been away for awhile - but it's okay. You typed were instead of where - it's okay. Those imperfections make you more loveable (in real life and in blogging). Hopefully if you've stepped away from blogging while waiting for everything to be perfect you'll get back to it - there's no time like the present and I think you're amazing even if you aren't perfect! Truth is...your imperfections are what make you even more amazing!

I can't wait to read what you're blogging about - so get to it! 

PS - if you'd like to participate in the blog tour mentioned above, fill out this Google Form! 

As our time together comes to an end, let me ask you:


Has your perfectionism held you back from blogging or anything else? What can you do to move beyond that? 

If you are someone who has a perfect blog - how do you feel about those of us who blog to imperfection? What would you like to tell us? 

Since I never leave the farm - tell me about the Spring weather where you live? Tell us a little bit about your 'neck of the woods'? What's going on with you friend?

 Share it as a comment on this post!


Hugs,

~Crystal



About Today's Author:

Crystal is a foodie, farmer, and friend! She has 6 children and lots of special young people who call her "mom" even if she isn't 'their' mom! She starts each day sipping coffee and milking cows with the love of her life and occasionally ends the day with a glass of wine.  Crystal is raising kids and cattle while juggling cleaning jobs, bartending shifts, music gigs, her job as office manger and she escapes reality a few hours each week riding horses and reading books (not simultaneously)! And who knows, she may start blogging again sometime soon: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/


In the meantime, you can find her posting pics of food, cattle, and more on Instagram and Facebook



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Author Interview: Audry Fryer on her new book, Secrets, Lies, & Apple Pies

Sunday, July 28, 2013
Audry Fryer is one of our WOW! blog tour partners and we are thrilled to find out she's written her second book. Find out more about Secrets, Lies, and Apple Pies and all about Audry herself!

Delicious deceptions abound in this spiced-with-drama, sweet-with-humor novel.

When a random text message appears on her husband’s phone from Josephine, a friend as close as family, Braeburn thinks little of invading Reed’s privacy . . . until she reads it, “Whatever you do, don’t tell Braeburn.” This threatening message combined with an unseasonably early snowfall dangerously coating the country roads near her small Pennsylvania town of Scarlet’s Mill, sends Braeburn careening out of control in more heart pounding ways than one.

Now, baking apple pies for her sister’s business—despite being horrible at preparing a homemade pie crust—may be Braeburn’s only hope for recovery. Since moving into the farmhouse with her mother at the Scarlet family’s orchard, Braeburn has been tormented by questions surrounding the events on the day of her accident. What was Josephine hiding? And, was her entire marriage based on one big lie?

Secrets, Lies, and Apple Pies will leave you wanting more. This is a great story that is expertly written. Fryer has outdone herself!

E-Book: 279 pages
Publisher: Audry Fryer; 2 edition (July 24, 2013)
ASIN: B00D45KZDA
Twitter hashtag: #SLApple

Secrets, Lies, and Applie Pies is available as an e-book at Amazon.

About Audry Fryer:

Audry wrote her first novel, Going Barefoot in Greener Grass, while her twins were napping and her oldest was at pre-school. Now, she has her second novel, Secrets, Lies and Apple Pies available for Kindle. She lives with her John Deere fanatic husband, adorable son who happens to be a Lego-maniac, Southern Belle at heart twin girl, giggly, fun-loving twin boy and the family's very furry dog. This interesting bunch lives on a quiet country road in Southeastern PA. Aside from writing (which Audry squeezes in when she can), her day consists of "Mom's Mini Van Shuttle" and enjoying what each season has to offer her and her family.

Find out more about Audry by visiting her online:
Audry's Blog: http://allthingsaudry.blogspot.com/


Audry's Facebook page: https://https://www.facebook.com/pages/Audry-Fryer-Author/207222035989970?fref=ts

-----Interview by Crystal J. Otto

WOW: Secrets, Lies, and Apple Pies made me hungry the moment I saw the cover, as well as throughout with the descriptions of the pies and discussions about the best pie crust. Are you a pie baker or what gave you the idea for the apple pie theme?

Audry: First of all, thank you for finding my cover appetizing. I actually took the photo on my kitchen counter one afternoon while my children were at school. The apple was a Gala which was perfect because that’s the name of one of my characters. I think I had sliced up a half dozen of them before getting the right shot. When my kids got off the bus that afternoon, I said to them, “I hope you guys are hungry.”

In answer to your question, yes I do indulge in quite a bit of baking and every Fall I must bake at least one apple pie. As I was teaching a close friend of mine the art of assembling a homemade pie crust (she happens to be a great cook and yet was frustrated that this was one thing she couldn’t seem to do), I became inspired to create a story with this very theme. There’s something very special about baking something from scratch. It takes time and patience, not to mention a little skill. But, for all that effort, the rewards are, well, delicious!

WOW: I’ll be waiting for my apple pie; it sounds like it would be well worth the drive to come visit! Just in case not all of our readers are invited for a visit, tell us some of your baking secrets and tips. And of course, I want to know which crust you prefer!

Audry: It was my mom who taught me, completely hands-on, how to prepare a homemade pie crust in just the same way her mom taught her. So, believe it or not in this age of everything being one click on the internet away, I use a recipe from the good old-fashioned cookbook, Joy of Cooking.

My mom is the expert pie baker in the family. She prefers to use shortening instead of butter and to roll out her dough after it has chilled in the refrigerator for at least an hour. I’ve figured out a few tips on my own to make an awesome apple pie. I think a sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon on the apples makes all the difference. Plus, I have a hand crank apple peeler that slices the apples flat and makes fun spirals out of the peel that my children have a great time devouring.

Also, in my novel there is a debate over crumb-topped pie versus an eye appealing top crust. For the record, I like a buttery crumb-topped pie. The funny thing is my parents have been debating this issue for years with my dad insisting on a lattice top crust and my mom preferring a crumb-topped one.

WOW: I'm hungry again and seriously considering a visit to Pennsylvania now! As I was reading, I was curious if Scarlet's Mill, PA was a real place and in finding out it is, I'm curious if some of the places in your book really exist. Can you tell us more about the physical places in the book and which ones are real?

Audry: Yes, Scarlet’s Mill, PA is a real place a few miles from where I live. However, the town as it is described in Secrets, Lies and Apple Pies is pure fiction. The real Scarlet’s Mill is a small community of homes along a few winding country roads. The area does date back to the Civil War Era and one of the historical homes had once existed as an important stop on the Underground Railroad.

The places described in Secrets, Lies and Apple Pies are taken from my everyday travels around my corner of Southern Berks County, PA. Scarlet Orchards is loosely based on a local orchard, Weaver’s Orchard, that I have visited often to pick my own fruit, take a hay ride and shop in their farm store. Cold Creek Road from the novel doesn’t exist, but there are many similar twisting and turning downhill roads around here such as one nearby called Cold Run Road. The church with the angel statue is a mix of imagination and a real place. During the “Snow-Apocalypse” that the late October snowstorm of 2011 is known as around here, I was diverted in completely different direction and happened to pass an old church with an angel statue that I couldn’t seem to forget. And, finally, just like a scene from the story I have attended the Oktoberfest celebrations in Reading, PA. This past year, since I knew I was going to write about it, I was claiming I was doing “research” while enjoying good food, drink and music.

WOW: That's my kind of research! (As well as great time management—and speaking of which...) Secrets, Lies, and Apple Pies was a book I truly enjoyed. I never would have guessed you had written it while raising three children and being an active blogger. Where do you find the time? How do you stay focused and what tips do you have for other writers?

Audry: It’s definitely a balancing act especially since I’m such an involved mom. Completing Secrets, Lies and Apple Pies plus blogging took sticking to a daily routine. I’d take advantage of my oldest leaving for school and my twins being sleepy, to quickly write some coffee-fueled blog posts. Then once the twins left for afternoon Kindergarten, I made sure that I blocked out at least two to three hours for working on my novel. Actually, after having a busy morning and knowing I was in for an active late afternoon, sitting back to write with a mug of hot tea felt blissful. As for staying focused, I remind myself often of the big picture. A writing career is something I have always dreamed of doing and if I was going to make it happen, there was only way to do it—sit and write!

WOW: That was a great lead in to my next question—thanks Audry! How do you write? Do you come up with an outline first or do you sit down with a pen and paper? What is most motivational for you?

Audry: I write exclusively on my laptop but I start with a pen and a notebook in order to form a basic outline of the beginning, the middle, the climax and the conclusion. In my notes, I lay out the story, how it will end and a detailed storyline for each character. I’ve learned the hard way (as in deleting over a hundred pages) that I can’t start writing until I have a full understanding of my characters and the key plot points. That said, I go into a scene with a main objective (I have a degree in Elementary Education, so that’s the teacher in me) but as I write I’m very open to discovering where the characters take me. As I get deeper into the story, I’m always thinking (usually while driving to soccer practice or while I’m in the shower) about details and about what’s working or what I need to change. When I read, I like to be entertained and that’s the type of writing I want to provide to my readers.

WOW: As one of your readers who was definitely entertained, I have to know: what's next for you? Have you already begun work on your next project? Can you give us a sneak peak?

Audry: At the start of the summer, I bought a brand new notebook and started brainstorming ideas. I’d like to start a series of books involving five friends. So far for the first book, I have a title, How Lucy Got Lucky, and a general idea about how a large win of cash/prizes changes the life of one down-on-her-luck woman. I’d like the story to come around to the discovery that perhaps Lucy was lucky before the win, but she never realized it. I’m toying with having the big win occur on the long running tv show, The Price Is Right. I always wanted to go on that show and play Plinko!

WOW: The research for How Lucy Got Lucky sounds like it might be really interesting for you and the entire family. I'll be waiting to hear more. In the meantime, is there anything else you'd like to share with readers and fans?

Audry: I would like to ask readers and fans for their support. Hopefully, you will enjoy Secrets, Lies and Apple Pies and if you do, please tell a friend, like my Facebook page and/or take time to write a nice review. That kind of help can do wonders for an author, especially one just getting started.

~*~

Audry often participates in our WOW! Blog Tours to help other authors and she plans on doing her own tour with Secrets, Lies, and Apple Pies within the next few months. To view all our touring authors, check out our Events Calendar. Keep up with blog stops and giveaways in real time by following us on Twitter @WOWBlogTour.

Get Involved! If you have a website or blog and would like to host one of our touring authors or schedule a tour of your own, please email us at blogtour@wow-womenonwriting.com.
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