BooksChatter: ℚ Whatever It Takes: Nothing But Trouble [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Lindsey Pogue to talk about Whatever It Takes (18 January 2016, Lindsey Pogue, 314 pages), a New Adult Contemporary Fiction, book one of Nothing But Trouble series.

"Ms. Pogue creates a breathing world that will wrench your soul from your body.

There is darkness, a little quirkiness and there is love, peeking just around the corner for two souls in need of each other and of a do-over and chance for happiness and inner redemption.

Whatever It Takes is Beautifully written, like watching lives unfold from a one-way mirror, one day, one mistake and one joy at a time." ~Dianne Bylo, Tome Tender and Goodreads Reviewer
Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | About the Author | Tour Stops & Giveaway

A very warm welcome to Lindsey Pogue; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Whatever It Takes?

"This is a story that’s pretty special to me.

I wrote the first draft of it in high school but never did anything with it. It was a project I poured myself into, working on it after school and during the summers when I was visiting my grandparents at their ranch, much like the ranch I write about in the story.

My grandpa always wanted to read it but I would never let him, “not until it was finished.” Well, it’s finally finished—published and ready to read—but he’s passed on. I dedicated this book to him."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Hmmm. There are some aspects of me in Sam, especially from when I was younger. However, the biggest parts of “me” come out in the setting. Because the ranch where Sam lives is so real to me, so vivid that I can see the lake and feel the sunshine and smell of the warm earth, that is where you find me in this story.

There are other characters and settings that are based on my life as well, which I’ll explain later."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Whatever It Takes - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"Thank you! I created the cover. It’s essentially a photo of a model posing that I purchased the rights to and revamped a bit to add some flare of my own.

I chose this image because it encompasses Sam’s story—her struggles and fears, her uncertainties and grief. It’s simple and gets the reader curious, I think, which is always nice.

I’m definitely one of those readers who judges a book by its cover. It’s the first thing people see so I appreciate a book that the author takes pride in."

I couldn't agree more :-)

Why should we read Whatever It Takes and what sets it apart from the rest?

"One thing I enjoy about New Adult books is the fine line they can tread. For instance, a NA story can be fun and young but also mature with a splash of grittiness.

That’s what I really enjoy about this story—it’s filled with sunshine and laughter and friendship, but there’s also real, deep issues and poignant emotions that the characters have to face. Nothing in this book is wrapped up all that perfectly, it’s a little more true to life, so to speak."

Can you tell us something quirky about Whatever It Takes, its story and characters?

"Hahaha, yes! Lots of fun facts about this story, but I will just say that Nick, one of the main characters who is very charismatic and charming, is based on my friend. They have differences, but both Nicks are similar in a lot of ways. Eventually, Nick will get his own book and when I have to delve deeper into his character, I’m sure there will be some bigger differences between the man and the character, but for now, I love how clearly I can picture him in my mind.

Also, Lick’s is the name of the bar that’s referenced throughout the story and eventually throughout the entire series. Lick’s is the name of the bar that Nick and I swear we’ll open someday—Lindsey and Nick’s= Lick’s"

Who would you recommend Whatever It Takes to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I can’t think of a story to compare Whatever It Takes to, but it’s a story that has darker themes around grief and coping, it has sexual content, and there’s some cursing. But overall, I would like people to read this story who don’t like perfectly packaged romances. I’d like people to read this who enjoy stories that explore the darker sides of growing up and family life, stories about dealing with loss and regret and forgiveness.

Don’t get me wrong, you’ll laugh out loud at some parts and hopefully fall in love with some characters while swooning for others, but it’s not all sunshine and throbbing, melting hearts."

If you could / wished to turn Whatever It Takes and the Nothing But Trouble series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"So, in my mind, Stephen Amell is my Josh Reilly. He’s my Mr. Baseball star who left for the military, only to return a man—stronger and more weathered from what he’s seen—but left to deal with the wake of his estranged father’s death and a gaping hole a certain girl left behind.

For Samantha’s character, I always pictured someone petite like Nicola Peltz. Mac, her best friend, is clear in my mind, but I can’t think of an actress to play her. Though Mac’s father would be Josh Brolin (I’ve always had a crush on him)."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I often compare writing to Skittles—I want to taste/write the rainbow. There is so much that intrigues me and I’ve been collecting ideas all my life. Now’s the time to make those ideas actual stories.

I’ve already co-authored a post-apocalyptic romance series, The Ending, which was so much fun. I loved writing a world that was completely made up, go on adventure I never could in real life.

But I also love history, so my next planned novel (after I finish the Nothing But Trouble Series) will be Wrecked. It will be historical fiction, like Swiss Family Robinson meets Jane Austen with a dash more sensuality."

What is your writing process?

"I have a notebook for each story I’m working on and within that notebook is my research, thoughts, sticky notes for brainstorming and outlining the plot and structure, that sort of thing. Basically, I start off by using sticky notes to get the basic chapters in place and then I write out each chapter in bullets before I jump in and start writing them.

After I have a first draft, I send the manuscript to advanced readers for feedback, I make another round of editing, and then I send it out for final early reader review before publishing. It’s quite the process but all of it necessary."

What is in store next?

"Immediate future plans are…I’m working on a Nothing But Trouble short story, Here With Me. This story is a prequel of sorts and will contain three chapters—each chapter will be told from a different perspective, either Sam, Mac, or Nick (all of which will eventually get their own story in the series). It will take place 5 years before Sam’s book, Whatever It Takes, and be a looking glass into the lives of our three best friends before now.

After Here With Me (which will not be published, but offered as a gift to readers), I’ll start writing book two, Nothing But Trouble, which is Mac’s story."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"This is Beast, my 5-year-old rescue cat.

He’s the most loveable cat but he gets into a lot of trouble, hence the name. He’s my lap assistant when I’m writing on the couch and my garden buddy when it’s sunny outside and I’m taking a short writing break.

He’s as loyal as a dog, and I have to wonder if it’s because he knows we saved his life. *Sigh*"

Hello Beast! That belly is just begging for rubs! ;-)
Thank you for sharing him with us. We love cats (we have seven - all rescues; three blackies); I think they know who loves them and takes care of them. Mine are the same, especially Fix, who we rescued from Greece after seen her on our holiday complex three years ago :-) She really is like a dog!

Lindsey, it was great having you here; thank you for taking the time to be with us today :-)