I’m blogging at Fresh Fiction today, but that doesn’t mean my own blog’s going to be all drafty, dusty and dull — we’ve got a guest with us today!
Congratulations to Jeff Rivera, whose novel, FOREVER MY LADY releases today from Grand Central!
From Publishers Weekly
“Dio “Playboy” Rodríguez grows up poor with a drunk single mother in gritty Las Vegas, leading him into gang life at 13. Now 17, Dio hides a softer side beneath a fierce exterior that’s known only to his middle school sweetheart, Jennifer. But when a drive-by leaves Jennifer wounded and sends Dio to prison boot camp, their soul mate relationship is put to the test. Rivera, who originally self-published this debut, traces a classic redemptive arc: perpetually scowling Dio resists the authority of drill instructor Jackson and clashes with fellow inmates, but he pours out his heart in letters to Jennifer, forms meaningful peer relationships and gains an appreciation for discipline. A genuine care for dynamic Dio allows Rivera to deliver a sincere story of transformation.”
Let’s ask Jeff a few questions:
How did you come up with your characters in Forever My Lady?
All the characters were based on myself or people that are in my life. Every single one of them from the main character Dio to the drill instructor Jackson (who was based on my father and my friend Doug, an actual drill instructor), Louise (based on my late best friend’s mother Louise and a friend named Tona) and so many others have roots in real people.
Why did you give your characters such gritty family lives?
I think that’s reality. No body wants read about characters with perfect little lives because that’s not the way the real world works. Everyone has had some type of tradegy in their lives and that’s what makes us all connect with each other.
What was life like growing up for you?
Looking back I appreciate every bit of it but while growing up being incredibly poor, feeling lonely, feeling misunderstood, depressed, ashamed, being homeless … none of it was easy. I’ve come out of it though to really like myself the way God made me.
What was like for you to be signed with Grand Central? What is it a writers dream?
I felt like I was dreaming when I got the news, sometimes I still feel like I’m dreaming.
Where can we find Forever My Lady?
You can get copies at your local bookstore, Amazon.com and www.JeffRivera.com
Say hello to Jeff or ask any questions you like! Everyone who posts will be entered into a drawing at midnight tonight, and will have the chance to with a copy of FOREVER MY LADY.
