Today I welcome back Candee Fick to talk about her latest release and give us some background information. Take it away, Candee.

Sing a New Song is the third book in The Wardrobe series and features the pampered diva who was a secondary character in the first two books. When we first met her, Gloria Houghton was a poor-little-rich-girl who was used to being the center of attention. But when the spotlight shifted, she found herself scrambling to hold onto her position and her identity. In the second book of the series, she was challenged by the notion that some things are more important than the spotlight. Now, with a nagging knee injury and a lingering sense of dissatisfaction, she found a new stage where she could use her voice as her ticket to stardom. Except the pampered diva is about to meet her match.

You’ve got my attention. I remember how much I didn’t like her in Dance Over Me. What inspired you to write Gloria’s story?

While writing the first book in the series, I was fascinated by my antagonist and in a quest to make her more three-dimensional, I wondered what made her tick. And what it would take to make her change. The seeds for a new story took root in my imagination and I was then able to weave in pieces of her backstory through the first two books. I also knew that she would need to be brought low before she could be rebuilt on the right foundation, so I began brainstorming a succession of events to chip away at her self-reliance until she could only rely on God.

I like that you planned her introduction. How did you research for your book?

There’s a scene in the middle of the book where Gloria comes face-to-beak with a feisty rooster. And to be honest, that scene was inspired while doing chores for my parents. After facing off with their mean rooster, I decided that Gloria deserved an equal encounter because she would certainly be out of her element! However, for the singing scenes, I truly enjoyed the relative hardship of attending several shows in Branson Missouri, a place our family has vacationed for several years. I then created a fictional singing family inspired by several real examples in the area.

EXCERPT:

Nearing the backstage area, she scanned the map on her phone to locate the rehearsal room.

Almost there. Gloria glanced up just in time for her foot to slip out from under her on the wet floor. Her weak knee buckled, and the concrete floor came rushing toward her. Reaching for anything to break her fall, her fingers grazed the edge of a rolling bucket of mop water, tipping her phone into the liquid a moment before it—and the mop—toppled over. She landed hard on her right shoulder an instant before a flood of water soaked the upper half of her body.

Ouch. That would leave a bruise.

She blinked a couple of times, then lifted her head.

Nearby, a bearded man set down a yellow Caution sign before wiping black-streaked hands on his coveralls. A tool belt hung low around his waist.

Behind him, she caught a glimpse of the stage between the side curtains as the applause of the crowd faded into a burst of conversation with the show ending.

Gloria’s hands slid a little on the wet surface as she pushed herself upright. The new soreness in her shoulder competed with the familiar ache in her knee. She must have tweaked her old injury a bit on her way down.

The janitor approached, reaching out a hand as if to help her to her feet.

“No thanks. You’ve helped quite enough already.” She stabbed a manicured finger in the direction of the tardy sign. Even if she had been paying attention, there had been no warning about a wet floor.

She attempted to hasten his retreat with a glare. Except, the water dripping from her hair ruined the effect, and his frown turned into a bit of a smirk, as if she’d provided his entertainment for the day.

How fun. Can’t wait to read this. Thanks for stopping by, Candee.

 Here’s a bit about Candee and links to check out all her books and become a fan.

Candee Fick is a multipublished, award-winning author. She is also the wife of a high school football coach and the mother of three children, including a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome. When not busy writing, editing, or coaching other authors, she can be found cheering on the home team at sporting events, exploring the great Colorado outdoors, indulging in dark chocolate, and savoring happily-ever-after endings through a good book.

Candee’s Giveaway

The Rafflecopter direct link is: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b9a55db3360/?

This takes you to a generic page to enter the giveaway but doesn’t give the prize details. First prize is a complete set of the series (paperback for US or ebook only for other) plus $25 Amazon card. Second prize is copy of Sing a New Song (paper or ebook depending on country) plus $10 Amazon card.

Sounds like a great contest.

Candee Fick’s Links:

Website and Blog – CandeeFick.com

BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/candee-fick

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Author.Candee.Fick

Twitter – https://twitter.com/CandeeFick

BUY link for Sing a New Song (Kindle) – Book 3 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QHYNTJC/

BUY Focus On Love (Kindle) – Book 2 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077TYHD4T/

BUY Dance Over Me (Kindle) – Book 1 – https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Over-Me-bright-lights-ebook/dp/B01JBFLO2M/

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