Interview & Contest Sandra Bunino Author of Sara's Smile

About

Sandra Bunino began a love of romance stories while penning a creative writing assignment in high school. The story ended with the heroine receiving a long stem red rose in her locker on Valentine’s Day. Since then, all of her stories feature the hero presenting the heroine with roses. Sandra is constantly searching for different ways to achieve a heart-pumping, stomach-flipping, breath-catching reaction from her readers. These days, Sandra lives on a wooded mountaintop not far from New York City with her family. 

Interview Questions….

      1.      What inspired you to become a writer?

I’ve always loved developing little scenes in my head based on songs on the radio or even watching a couple meet at a bar. One of these stories stayed with me. It expanded and developed and I had to put it down on paper. It was while writing that first story that made me realize how much I enjoyed writing. I haven’t stopped since!

    2.      When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I had aspirations of being a writer for quite a few years. Before ebooks became popular, it was very difficult to break into traditional publishing without knowing someone in the industry. As ebooks climbed in popularity, it became easier for unknown authors to get published. So I decided to finish my WIPs and began the submission process.

      3.  What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

I write m/f contemporary romance with varying heat levels from sensual to hot. I write the type of stories that I enjoy reading.

  

        4.  Where did the inspiration for your book come from?

In the case of my new release, Sara’s Smile, I was inspired by the whole lovers reunite premise. It’s one of my favorite types of stories to read.

  

      5.  How long did it take you to put the story together?

I’ve actually been writing Sara’s Smile for almost two years. It was originally novel length but then I decided to break it into two separate novellas telling Sara and Will’s story first. The second, still untitled novella, will be based on Michael.

  

        6.  Can you share a little about your novel with us?  

Absolutely! 

Blurb:

As an architect who specializes in restorations, Sara Wiley is a genius at returning neglected structures to their former glory. But when it comes to her own life, she has no idea how to reclaim the ruins, which are all that remain of her first true love.

When the biggest opportunity of her career and a sexy contractor comes her way, she’s thrilled…until she learns that the client is the long-ago boy who captured her heart and continues to invade her dreams. Is it a bittersweet coincidence or might there be a chance, after all, for Sara to revisit the mistakes of her past and build the future she has wanted for so long?

Excerpt:

Why am I doing this? she asked herself when she climbed into the cab, the next evening. Having dinner with him certainly isn’t going to help me get him out of my dreams.

As she got out, in front of O’Reilly’s, she was startled by her own reflection, and silently thanked Cat for assembling her outfit of dark skinny jeans, pink chiffon top with spaghetti straps and strappy silver sandals.  At Cat’s insistence, she had worn her hair long and loose. She had added her favorite dangling silver earrings and a matching chain and pendant just before she walked out the door. If clothing was armor, she was as well equipped as she could manage for the coming conversation.

She found Will at the crowded bar, where he kissed her on the cheek and gave her his seat.

“What are you drinking?” he asked.

“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

He ordered two martinis, and they began talking about the Hanson House. From there, the conversation turned naturally to their jobs. As Sara had expected, Will explained that he traveled all over the world and spent only a few weeks out of the year at his apartment in Santa Monica.

While he spoke, she stared at his mouth, remembering how his kisses felt on her lips. A glance at his hands awoke her memory of the way they had encircled her waist as she made love to him.

Stop it, she ordered herself sternly, and shook her head.

“Are you okay?”

Oh shit. I didn’t say that out loud, did I? “Y-yeah, I’m fine,” she answered with a laugh.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

    "Now that we’ve made a dent in these martinis,” he said, looking down at his glass, “I have to tell you… You broke my heart, that last night we were together. I really loved you, Sara.” 

         7.  Who is your favorite character in your novel and why? 

I love my heroine, Sara. First, just like me, she is a Cosmo and non-fat latte girl J! Seriously though, what I really like about Sara is she is a young professional trying to juggle the stresses of a job and climbing the ranks in her profession. However, she’s also trying to find her “happily ever after”. It’s not easy for young single adults out there today. I cover both of the H/h’s struggles with juggling career with a relationship. 

  

        8.  Now that your book is getting ready to hit the stores describe how you feel in one sentence?

It’s a fantastic, however scary, feeling to know that Sara’s Smile will finally be published.

  

        9.  What has surprised you the most about the whole processes of getting your book on the market?

It surprised me that bringing a book to market was such a meticulous and time consuming process. Writing was the easy part! There is a lot of back and forth correspondence with the publisher, editor and cover artist. Edits take a long time to clear. I usually clear my calendar and work non-stop for days on my first set of edits. After the book is in its final form, the promotion starts. Marketing and promotion also takes a lot of time, energy and scheduling. I have a great time doing it as I get to meet so many great authors, reviewers and readers.

      10.  Would you like to share what the reviewers are saying about your book?

I would love to! Here is an early review written by In Love with Romance:

5/5 Stars. Be prepared to fall under the spell of this fantastic story that will win you over with its charm.

Sandra Bunino delivers a heart-warming story about lost and found love. Not just any love, but first love.

In Sara's Smile, she does an excellent job in bringing out the thrill of that first love. Through her amazing characters, she makes you revisit memory lane and relive what it felt like to fall deeply in love for the very first time. She reminds you of what it felt like to hold hands, to be held, that sweet first kiss, and how magical that first time was.

The decisions her characters face, and the emotions they go thru, make them come alive for you. It is not just about the thrill of that first love, and the thrill of doing everything for the very first time, it is deeper than that. It is about that unconditional, no questions asked, kind of love.

Sara's Smile is such a moving story, don't be surprised if it brings tears to your eyes, it will touch that soft spot in your heart, and it will take your breath away.

     11.  How many books have you written?  

I’ve written two other novellas and two short contributing stories for anthologies.

Marooned in Miami (A Sensual Short Story), published by Bradley Publishing in January 2012.

Lusted in Las Vegas (sequel to Marooned in Miami), coming in July from Bradley Publishing

The Satin Rose Experience (erotic romance/light BDSM), contributing story to the Keyboards and Kink Anthology by Evernight Publishing in June 2012.

The Fountain Pen, contributing story to the Felt Tips Anthology coordinated by author Tiffany Reisz.

     12.  What are you working on next?

I have a few WIPs in the works! First, I’m writing another short story for an upcoming anthology call. This one is a little different because it’s my first attempt at an f/f story (wish me luck!). Next up is a novella based on The Satin Rose Experience short. I’m also working on Michael’s story from Sara’s Smile. I decided he needs his own HEA! Lastly, there’s this little modern day pirate story set in the Caribbean rolling around in my head.

      13.  What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?

I love spending time with my family and traveling. I’m also a photography buff.

      14.  How can readers contact you?

 Facebook

 Sandra Bunino Blog

Twitter Following is sexy!

Goodreads

Sandra Bunino Amazon Author Page

Email: sbunino@gmail.com

     15.   When does your book go on sale and where can we buy it?  

Sara’s Smile will be available on May 18^th! You will find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble , All Romance ebooks and Bradley Publishings.

     16.  Last but not least is there anything that you would like to add?

 Contest:

Sandra Bunino will be giving away a free copy of Sara’s Smile to a random commenter. 

       ***Please remember to leave your email address with your comment.***

I'd like Thank Sandra for stopping by this week and sharing with us.  I must say that I've read 

Marooned in Miami *and it's supper hot* and  I'm now eagerly awaiting the next installment Lusted Reviews by Leigh Savage