The home she’s always dreamed of... #ComingOfAge #Giveaway

Lisabet: Welcome to Beyond Romance, Eric, and congratulations on the release of your first novel. Tell me about the genesis of the book. Where did the ideas come from and how did they develop?

Eric: The idea for what became “Accidental Paradise” was bouncing around in my head for years. No details, just broad ideas regarding what I wanted my story to say. When I retired, I finally had the time to fully commit to putting words to paper. It was a labor of love.

From the outset, I wanted my story to reflect strong family values, a two-parent household and a home with structure. Too often, Black families are depicted as female headed units bravely fighting to shield their children from the temptations of the crime filled streets of their neighborhood. In many cases this is all too true, but I wanted my book to combat those stereotypes. There are millions of Black families who, despite the odds, manage to work hard and guide and educate their children to successful lives. Why not trumpet their achievements and the fact that doing the right thing, though difficult, pays off in the long run. This is the theme of my novel.

I kept Baltimore as my base because the locations, the people, and the city are familiar to me, and they encompass the two contrasting lifestyles I mentioned above. Many of the incidents that took place in “Accidental Paradise” were based on my real-life experiences or those of family members or acquaintances. I used real locations and real traits and mannerisms of people I’ve met. These elements make my characters more relatable.

Blurb

Natural talent, hard work, and a childhood friend help LaVern Whitaker find her calling as an actress. When her life becomes overwhelming, they discover a small town where her true identity can remain unknown and she can stay out of the spotlight. The more she visits her secret getaway, the more deeply she feels connected to the history, the lifestyle, and the people. Could this place be her home away from home, or become the home she has dreamed of? Or will sinister forces rip it all away?

Excerpt

“Make me a promise, Shaundra. Promise me we will always be best friends.”

“I promise, Peaches.”

LaVern stood up and said she had better head back. “Are you coming over tomorrow?”

“Hell yeah.”

Both girls had a hardy laugh at that one.

As Freeman and Jackie watched their daughter recross the street, they noticed a more delighted and relieved child than the one who left a few minutes earlier.

The girls resumed their old routine of talking and gossiping in LaVern’s bedroom. Shaundra asked more questions about her new school; how did she like going to school with White kids? Did she hang out with the other Black students? How was she treated? LaVern did her best to answer; No, she wasn’t completely accepted by everyone, she wasn’t friends with all the Black kids, she still felt very self-conscious being one of a few Black students in an all-White school, sometimes she felt very alone but she had made a few friends.

“My daddy said it would take a little while, that I would get used to it. He said I would get a better education.”

“Well, you’re already smart Peaches. You’ll be smart no matter what school you go to.”

“Well, it is harder than 139, but I’m doing OK.

“I know you, Peaches. If you say you doing OK, I know you killin’ it.”

LaVern looked down at her feet. “Well, I’m doing alright.”

But the Big Dog was right. She was killing it.

 

About the Author

Eric Grandy was born and raised in Baltimore City and graduated from City College. After he graduated from Essex Community College, he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and played six years for that team. He went on to a variety of jobs: photographer, lab manager, driver for DHL and warehouse manager. After retirement, he decided to devote himself to writing, producing several short stories and Accidental Paradise, his debut novel.

Grandy still lives in Baltimore with his wife Rhonda and his daughter Marti.

Buy Link

https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Paradise-Eric-Grandy/dp/B0FKPYYH8S

Eric Grandy will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Use the King Sumo widget below to enter his contest.

Also, this post is part of my Haunted Halloween celebration. Every comment you leave counts as an entry toward my Halloween grand prize of a $25 gift certificate.