All Sam wants is to serve out his time as a guardian angel so that he can return as a human. But his sentence becomes more complicated when he finds himself falling in love with Angeline, his current assignment. The rules of angels specify that he may not interfere with the course of her life, which naturally includes her dating choices. When Angeline begins surf lessons at the same beach where Sam is assigned to work as a lifeguard, a connection forms between them and the rules of angels collide with the laws of attraction. Sam finds it even harder to keep his distance when he discovers Angeline’s surf instructor hides a dangerous secret. With Angeline’s life in jeopardy, the lines between his role as a lifeguard and that of guardian angel become blurred. Sam’s choices will redefine his role as a guardian angel to Angeline and force him to contemplate what will become of their love if he is sent away. Whether they find their way back to each other is a question written in the heavens.
What is written in the heavens for Sam and Angeline? Today I’ve been joined by Mia Fox, author of ‘Malibu Angel’ see if we can divine the fate of these two from the stars above. Mia, thanks for spending a little time with me today. Let’s kick off today’s discussion of love and fate to find out where the threads of this tale began. Where did this novel start?
As a native Californian, I love spending time at the beach. I was also a huge fan of Baywatch while growing up. One day, I started thinking that those lifeguards must be guardian angels…and an idea was born for “Malibu Angel”.
That’s a pretty neat combination. How did you find out more details about the daily happenings of lifeguards and of angels?
I spent a lot of time watching Baywatch, visiting the beach and researching the training that goes into becoming a lifeguard.
Once you had the entire lifeguard lingo down, how did the characters evolve? Can you tell us a little bit about them?
Angeline is our heroine and she’s a bit clumsy, a bit too trusting…and a bit like me.
It sounds like you have a close relationship with Angeline. Could you imagine who would be great to play her if the chance came up to transition these characters to the screen?
Anna Kendrick would be my dream actress to play Angeline. As for Sam, any hottie with muscles will do.
*Laughs* If it works, why mess with it! Apart from getting a valid excuse to daydreaming about hotties with muscles what other things did you find gratifying about writing this novel?
The story truly flowed out of me and it was such an enjoyable process.
I love it when authors find the writing groove and the story just appears. When the tale started flowing what did you find it was saying?
One of the points made in “Malibu Angel” is that everyone makes mistakes…even those who are considered angels.
Even angels make mistakes; I think that’s a great message that others can take away. Imparting messages like these must be lots of fun. Is sharing these kinds of messages with authors what keeps you coming back to put your pen to paper, or are you motivated to write by something else?
To me, writing is akin to breathing. I can’t imagine not doing it.
As writing is like breathing for you, how do you find a new story evolves? Do the news ideas come upon your breaths?
I typically outline my books so that I have a pretty good idea of where they will start and end.
And once you have your outline in hand, how does the documentation process work?
I am a creature of habit and as a result, I tend to write at the same time every day.
Does your writing ritual also include music to get you in the groove?
I need complete silence when I write.
It feels like you have a fairly solid process for getting your writing done. Do you ever run into instances of writer’s block?
If writer’s block ever strikes, I’ll exercise or play with my dogs. It’s my best cure.
And once you’ve been cured of blocks, is editing something that you like to tackle? Or do you find it works better being handled by something else?
I do all of the heavy lifting behind editing myself, but I also rely on a team of dedicated readers to find any typos.
Do you believe that there are any ways to improve your writing and reduce the effort required for editing?
To be a good writer, one has to be a voracious reader.
Do you get much opportunity to write or read during your day job that helps you get some more reading or writing reps in?
I consult with other writers about the writing process and how to market their books.
You must have a tonne of fun working in the writing and book marketing spaces. I know that I do! Speaking of fun, let’s move our minds towards the fun and frivolity of the final round of quick fire questions. And I’d like to start the merriment off with one my personal favourites, what is your favourite quote?
“For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth…from “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott
I have to say that I completely agree. Books are totally underrated and are so important! Are you a valuable asset on a quiz team?
Definitely not
There’s still time to fix that! What is your favourite ocean?
Pacific
Do you have a ‘do not use’ or ‘most hated words’ list when you are writing?
I refuse to use the word “very” in my writing. I think I can do better than that word.
Very is one of those annoying words that can pop up if you don’t knock it in the head early. If you invented a monster what would it look like and what would you call it?
I’m afraid of monsters.
*Laughs* You can create an awesome non-scary monster, something like Mike from Monsters Inc. to solve the fear problem. Are you introvert or extrovert?
Extrovert — I love meeting new people
And there are always new people to meet! Have you ever danced in the rain?
No — I’m not a fan of the rain, although that does sound romantic.
It really does sound romantic doesn’t it? If you ruled your own country, who would you get to write the national anthem?
Aimee Mann
Are you left or right handed?
Left-handed
How are the colours in rainbows made?
Ooh, that’s a science question…I think colours in a rainbow are a result of refraction of light against the reflection of water.
That’s completely scientifically correct. I would have also accepted magic, unicorns and fabulousness. Speaking of fabulousness, if you could breed two animals together to defy the laws of nature what fantastic new animal would you create?
A lamon — a combination of a lamb and lion
What color socks are you wearing?
White…boring, I’m afraid.
Let’s go for something less dull, do you have any philosophies that you live by?
I believe that creativity is not a gift that some people have and others don’t. I feel that everyone benefits from a creative endeavor and we are all happier when we pursue our creative passions.
What is your favourite flavor of ice cream?
Coffee
What is your zodiac sign?
Aries
We’re in the time of Aries at the moment, Happy Birthday for your recent birthday. What’s the most unusual name you’ve ever come across?
Phidipides
I have to agree that name is up there in my list of strange names as well. And finally, what is your best tip for authors looking to succeed?
Develop your own mailing list.
The mailing list is a great element of marketing books and should not be overlooked by aspiring or current authors. Mia, thanks for sharing that awesome tip and joining me today to chat about ‘Malibu Angel’ and enticing all readers who want a new tale of angels, the sun and the surf.
Want to find out more about Mia Fox? Connect here!