Blog Tour: Moving Forward by Erika Taylor

TITLE: MOVING FORWARD
AUTHOR:Erika Taylor
RELEASE DATE: March 23rd

Jesika Reynolds’ heart was left broken one year ago when her husband died, leaving her and her son alone in this world. Slowly, she started putting the pieces back together of her life. Knowing that she may never open herself up to love again. That was until the day Derek came into the picture.

Why does this gorgeous stranger seem to care so much, so suddenly?

Derek Jordan’s charm drew her in with an instant connection, and familiarity that helps her feel at ease. Her heart is falling at his feet, but as their relationship grows, so does a secret from both of their pasts that neither saw coming. One by one, the threads slowly start to unravel.

Can their newly sought love stand up against the secrets that life is unlocking to their pasts? Or can they decide together that moving forward and forgetting the past is the only option for them to find true happiness?

INTERVIEW WITH ERIKA TAYLOR

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hmmm, where to begin. I was born in Frankfurt, Germany due to my parents being in the Army. I bounced around between Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, Texas and Oklahoma growing up. I’ve always been a music junkie and have had a weakness for drummers. I can’t help that while having a simple conversation, certain words will spark up a song and I’ll start jammin’ out in my head. I’m also the queen of changing song lyrics up. *I like big Coaches & I cannot lie, that you other housewives cannot buy* Yep, I’m officially a dork. Some might disagree, but I’m actually pretty shy…at first. But once I get to know you, I won’t shut up. I love to laugh and try really hard to make others as well. This time last year I would have told you I hated reading if asked. I despised it growing up and I hated writing even more. I sucked at it. I realize now the reason I wasn’t any good at it was because I didn’t like to read. Falling in love with reading has opened up my mind to so many different stories. It’s amazing what you can find inspiration in :0)

Why did you feel you had to tell this story?

I had the basic idea come to me while waiting to pick up my kids from school. There’s a dad that kinda inspired the whole Derek aspect of the story. I let my mind play with a few different ideas, ideas I knew people wouldn’t probably like, so then I was like “hmmm where else can this go”….and then BAM Jesika spoke to me. And her voice really touched me. I was like wow, I know where to go with this now. I wanted it to be somewhat more of a realistic story than some are…I wanted the characters to have normal jobs, have kids, not instantly fall in love or into bed, but for there to be a connection…b/c I do believe in those. I tried to put a positive meaning behind my story and that’s why I felt it had to fully be told.

Do your characters try to make like bunnies and create ever more convoluted plots for you? Or do you have to coax them out of your characters?

For the most part I knew the beginning, middle and ending. There were some days where I was like “this shit ain’t going anywhere”… but then a scene would come to me, and I’d be back in the flow. They never tried making the plot all crazy or anything on me, thank God. They just sometimes did what they wanted without getting the A-Ok from me first…example: the first ahem, sex scene… umm, yah they weren’t even supposed have talked that night.

Which character speaks the loudest, to you? Do any of them clamor to be heard over the others?

At first it seemed Jesika was more in my face. She had a story and wanted it to be heard dammit….but then Derek started opening up to me more. It wasn’t a competition, they just both wanted their sides heard. Seth has been patiently chomping at the bit to get his story heard though…he’s ready for his time to shine. Mallory is pretty vocal too. Ahhh and who can forget about Holden…hmmm, he has his own story to tell as well. They all talk to me, but they’re all patiently waiting their turn.

What does your protagonist think about you? Would he or she want to hang out with you, the author, his creator?

Hell yeah, Derek loves me. I made him a hot drummer…what guy wouldn’t be happy about that J plus, I made him responsible, a loving father, and just a caring person in general. I didn’t make him a cocky dick head…even though they’re the ones we love to hate. But that’s not who Derek is to me…now Seth on the other hand 😉

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

I think the toughest criticism so far has been from myself. Everyone else has been super supportive and helpful in my journey. I believe I’m my own worst enemy. The closer and closer it gets to the release date, the more and more I question if my book is any good. Every good thing said about my book and characters has been a compliment… anytime someone says they loved it, I take it to heart. I love all the people that have my back and constantly support me on this crazy journey. I just hope the book doesn’t disappoint them. That would suck.

Our Six Smooches

Favorite fictional male (or female) character who you have not written? Peeta Mellark
Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate Chip
Favorite Old Hollywood Movie?
Favorite season & why? Spring because it’s usually the perfect mix between winter & summer.
Light side or dark side: Light
Perfume or au natural? Perfume

Click Picture to Enter

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Being born an “Army Brat”, Erika Taylor has been residing in Oklahoma the last 10 years finally putting an end to the nomad tendencies she had grown accustomed to. She’s a happily married woman who has 5 kids between her and her husband. She has an insane passion for music and embraces her Inner Groupie any chance she gets. It wasn’t until the age of 29 that she realized she also had a hidden passion for reading; before then she claimed to have hated it. Six months after unlocking that deep desire she never knew she held, she turned the key to another chapter of her life which has become the desire to write. And the rest is still history in the making.

Author Links FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | BLOG
Follow the Blog Tour Click Picture Below