Sit-Down Saturday with Syndi Powell


              Today we’re celebrating Syndi Powell's release of "Risk of Falling".

Yeah!
 So, Syndi, where did you get the idea for this novel? I have been a fan of the show "Hoarders" for years, and I always wondered how people found themselves living with massive amounts of stuff. That's where the idea started. 
But the children dealing with their parents as they age and die came from my real life. I've been in Will's shoes where I found out my parent was seriously ill and not knowing what to do, but I also identify with Suzy because my father died and we were left with his house and his stuff. A lot of the emotions these characters went through came from my own personal life.

In looking at the cover, if you could add a caption or captions, what would they say? 


                  Just hold me until I know I can stand on my own two feet.

How long did it take you to write?
I've been writing this story for about two years off and on. When I sat down and actually devoted my time to it, it took about two months.

What is your favorite scene?
I have many, but writing the wedding of Rick and Lizzie from my first book was really special.

Who was your favorite character and why?
It's hard to pick a favorite, but Suzy holds a special place in my heart. I wanted her to be strong yet vulnerable, funny yet tender. I wanted to make her the kind of woman I always try to be.

If you could pick fictional characters to play the hero and heroine, who would they be?
For Will, I pictured Daniel Craig and Suzy was inspired by the looks of Kate Winslet, but the sense of humor of Melissa McCarthy.

Tell us one thing you learned during research.
Most hoarders don't see themselves as having too much stuff. They hold on to things for a variety of reasons, but it comes down to control. They think if they can hold on to everything, then life will be okay. 

What music would match the mood of this novel?
The song that I played as Will and Suzy's love song was Rihanna's "We Found Love". She talks about finding love in a hopeless place, and that's where my characters were living. They couldn't see out of their situations, but found each other in their pain and hurt.

This is your second book.  Exactly what does that mean to you?
I love my first book because it was my first, but this one holds more personal meaning to me. A lot of me and my emotions are on those pages and in those characters. It grew out of a very private place, and I hope to touch readers who are facing those same situations.

What do you plan to work on next?
I'm currently working on a two book series about two sisters who inherit their grandmother's bakery. Can't wait to do that research!!!

What are you reading for pleasure right now?
Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" for about the 5th (maybe 6th?) time. The love story of Jamie and Claire hooks me every time!


Comments

  1. A great interview. I'd really like to join you on that bakery research!

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  2. Oooh, I always love to do the foodie-inspired books! I'm with you on the research, Syndi! :) Love that you cast Daniel Craig, too. We clearly have similar (and excellent) tastes!!

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  3. I love it when authors leave a piece of themselves on the pages. Congrats on book number 2! Can't wait to see what you do next :)

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  4. I recently finished reading Syndi's book and it is terrific. She has really captured the emotion of all the people involved. I've seen the show Hoarders a few times and you can tell the people who hoard are psychologically attached to each and every piece of whatever it is they keep. Syndi dealt beautifully with the people who love those that hoard. I can really recommend this book as a fresh and different story.

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  5. We were just watching a Hoarders show on tv last night. I'm so looking forward to reading this one.

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  6. Congrats on book 2, Syndi!! I've really been looking forward to this release, especially with it being such personal book for you. I can't wait to read it!

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  7. Syndi, how brave of you to leave so much of yourself out on those pages! Hoarders kind of scares me because I come from a long line of serious packrats, and I need to clean my closet! Need to put that off so I can read your book!

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  8. Love the sisters inheriting the bakery idea!

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  9. Congratulations and best wishes for your second release, Syndi!

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  10. Hi, Syndi! Sounds like a fresh and fascinating book. Clever to find romance in such a situation. I'm volunteering to help with bakery research, too. Certainly you'll
    need a tasting panel. Just consult Kate's brilliant roster for my address. Book number two is always important because now you really know you can write!

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  11. Syndi, your book sounds exactly like the deep, emotional and touching love stories I like best! Congratulations on your second book and many more to come. I was thinking that, like you, I would have really enjoyed writing the wedding of characters in a previous book. How fun to give your fans that moment to revisit their old favorites and see them truly get their HEA!

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  12. Thank you, everyone! I am excited about this book and pleased by how well it's been received.
    As for the bakery research, I had to try a chocolate cannoli last week and a cinnamon crunch bagel.... for research of course! I fear that my 27 pound weight loss this year will be slipping. LOL

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    Replies
    1. Congratulations on the loss of 27 pounds. As someone who's been on a diet most of my life, I appreciate how difficult that is. Especially on a deadline!

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