I'm so excited to share an interview with Courtney Walsh, one of my favorite authors of
contemporary romance! I love the poignant vibe of her writing and the unforgettable characters and themes. First, check out her new book Just Look Up, then keep scrolling for some fun details about Courtney . . .
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
(Read my review here)
(Read my review here)
Synopsis
After tirelessly climbing the ranks of her Chicago-based interior design firm, Lane Kelley is about to land her dream promotion when devastating news about her brother draws her back home--a quaint tourist town full of memories she'd just as soon forget. With her cell phone and laptop always within reach, Lane aims to check on her brother while staying focused on work--something her eclectic family doesn't understand.
Ryan Brooks never expected to settle down in Harbor Pointe, Michigan, but after his final tour of duty, it was the only place that felt like home. Now knee-deep in a renovation project that could boost tourism for the struggling town, he is thrilled to see Lane, the girl he secretly once loved, even if the circumstances of her homecoming aren't ideal.
Their reunion gets off to a rocky start, however, when Ryan can't find a trace of the girl he once knew in the woman she is today. As he slowly chips away at the walls Lane has built, secrets from his past collide with a terrible truth even he is reluctant to believe. Facing a crossroads that could define his future with Lane and jeopardize his relationship with the surrogate family he's found in the Kelleys, Ryan hopes Lane can see that maybe what really matters has been right in front of her all along--if only she'd just look up.
And now, here's Courtney!
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Sure!
I grew up in the same town as President Ronald Reagan.
I have degrees in theatre and journalism.
I think band geeks make the best husbands.
I’m not much of a risk taker and while the idea of traveling appeals to me, I’m scared to fly over water.
I LOVE Robert Downey Jr. (and have ever since I saw Chaplain when I was in high school.)
I wear workout clothes a lot—even on the days I don’t work out.
One of my big dreams is to see a whale in the wild. An even bigger dream? To photograph it!
We spent 12 years in ministry prior to starting our own business—a performing arts studio and youth theatre (our dream job!) which we started in 2014. It’s technically my “day job” but we look at it more as a ministry.
We have three kids (ages 16, 13 and 9).
I have degrees in theatre and journalism.
I think band geeks make the best husbands.
I’m not much of a risk taker and while the idea of traveling appeals to me, I’m scared to fly over water.
I LOVE Robert Downey Jr. (and have ever since I saw Chaplain when I was in high school.)
I wear workout clothes a lot—even on the days I don’t work out.
One of my big dreams is to see a whale in the wild. An even bigger dream? To photograph it!
We spent 12 years in ministry prior to starting our own business—a performing arts studio and youth theatre (our dream job!) which we started in 2014. It’s technically my “day job” but we look at it more as a ministry.
We have three kids (ages 16, 13 and 9).
What do you do besides writing?
Mainly, help run The Studio, our business. We’re always in the midst of shows, camps and private lessons/classes—often at the same time, so it’s a pretty big job. These two things + being a mom = a very FULL (but happy!) life! ☺
Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters? Do you like to find visual inspiration for your characters before or during your writing process?
Oddly, no. I’m an extremely visual person, but I really don’t use images when creating my characters. I have such a clear picture of them in my head that no one is exactly right! This is why I was so happy that Tyndale chose not to show faces on the cover of this book. I do have LOTS of images of the setting though because creating the town, I was definitely inspired by many pictures!
What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?
I listen to instrumental movie soundtracks when I write. I have a Pandora station with all of my favorites. Some of the best ones include the music from Harry Potter, The Pirates of the Caribbean, Sherlock Holmes, The Piano, The Bourne Identity— but I have many, many more that I love!
What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?
It deals with the whole idea that we need to disconnect to reconnect. That we’re a device-addicted society and if we’d put down our phones every once in a while, we’d discover SO many things that we’re missing…but, honestly, at its core, to me, this story is about something more. It’s about the way we (especially as women) are constantly striving, trying to prove ourselves. It’s about how we don’t rest or stop or pause or take time for ourselves because we’re always taking care of everything and everyone else. It’s about the love of a God who offers grace so freely, never making us earn it or win him over, because that is a lesson I need to learn over and over and over…
What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?
I’m happy to say I have another book called Hometown Girl releasing in the fall, and next summer, a follow-up to Just Look Up called Just Let Go, which I’m working on as we speak. ☺ You can also probably look forward to more Facebook posts in which I lament the fact that chipmunks keep finding their way in my house and also the fact that technically I’m not supposed to drink coffee anymore. Sigh. How am I supposed to deal with either of these things?! ;)
Yay!!! I am so excited to hear about your new stories! Thank you Courtney! Good luck with the chipmunks and zero coffee . . .
Yay!!! I am so excited to hear about your new stories! Thank you Courtney! Good luck with the chipmunks and zero coffee . . .
Don't miss this great book trailer Courtney and her husband star in!
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