BooksChatter: ℚ♫ A Second Chance

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Dana K. Ray to talk about A Second Chance (23 May 2016, eLectio Publishing, 352 pages), a Contemporary New Adult Novel.

"Great book! I could totally "see" the story as I was reading it. I really enjoyed the author's writing style. I laughed out loud at times and I cried (for real) at other times. I still think about the characters even though I finished the book weeks ago. I'll definitely pass it along to my teenage daughter to read. Besides being an entertaining read, I think it will give her and I some good topics to debate/talk over. Thumbs up!" - Iowa mom (Amazon Reviewer)

Synopsis | Teaser | Author Q&A | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A very warm welcome to Dana K. Ray; thank you for joining us!

Here at BooksChatter we love music; do you have a music playlist that you used in A Second Chance, or which inspired you whilst you were writing it?

"This would be the soundtrack to A Second Chance if there was one."

What was the inspiration for A Second Chance?

"When I wrote A Second Chance it was a form of therapy. It’s a story about forgiving others, forgiving yourself and giving another chance to those who may not deserve it.

Real life is messy. People hurt you and you hurt people. There’s no way around it. Many times we have to offer forgiveness, not for the other person, but for yourself. It’s freeing to forgive. I wanted to show others it can be done."

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

"In A Second Chance are some lessons I’ve personally lived and learned yet it’s purely fiction.

I can honestly say that there is a piece of me in every character in the book. I’ve been Raven; done so many bad things that I felt like God and people around me would never forgive me. I’ve been Matthew; way too judgemental towards others to the point people couldn’t stand to be around me and choosing to go down a road that God didn’t want me on.

I’ve been touched by one friend and two family members that have fought Leukemia. I’ve experienced the effects of suicide four times in my life, from a close friend’s attempt to two friends and one relative following through with it. Suicide is never the answer and I’d plead with anyone thinking about it to please, please, please reach out for help. Your life is SO important and you are loved more than you can even imagine, even if you don’t feel like it. "

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

"The publisher of A Second Chance asked me for ideas and thoughts about the cover design then they sent me pictures of possible Ravens and Matthews. I got to choose who I thought was most like them. The waterfall scene is one of my favorites in the book and a turning point for Matthew and Raven."

Why should we read A Second Chance and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"A Second Chance is a gutsy, real to life story. It’s a fun and fast (as in you can’t put it down) read. It touches on real to life experiences with drugs, alcohol, suicide, death and cancer. Things that so many of us go through or have gone through. In A Second Chance, there are valuable lessons of how the characters overcome the darkness in their worlds."

Can you tell us something quirky about A Second Chance, its story and characters?

"I’m from Iowa and grew up in Des Moines but we had a farm outside of town. I moved to Missouri when I was seventeen to go to college, but Iowa holds a special place in my heart.

Like Raven, I’ve walked through tall fields of corn and weeds. I’ve seen the beauty of the state. It was my inspiration for the setting of A Second Chance."

Who would you recommend A Second Chance to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I’d recommend it to everyone, of course. :-) But I’d love to see it out there helping anyone who struggles with the hurts life throws at us. Young men and women who think they aren’t or can’t ever be good enough.

A Second Chance deals with real issues; drugs, alcohol, suicide, death of a loved one and cancer. If it helps one person get help, feel better about themselves, or the strength to get through life then it has done it’s job."

If you could / wished to turn A Second Chance into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"A movie/TV series and my dream team. Huh, never thought about it but probably have to have James Cameron in charge.

First thoughts for actors would be Emma Stone as Raven. Theo James as Matthew. Bradley Cooper for Cody. And you’d have to stick with Iowa for the location.

But seriously, if it came to that, I wouldn’t care who did it as long as they were true to the book."

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 write about whatever comes to mind, really. A Second Chance is romance with characters in their twenties. Absolution, which comes out in July of 2017, and is the first book in the Luciano Series, is a mystery. It has the devotion of family you’d find in the Sopranos yet flows romantically and venturesome like a Stephanie Plum adventure.

What I read is very eclectic. From J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series, Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, anything Stephen King, anything by Francine Rivers, and the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich."

What is your writing process?

"I usually turn on some loud music, grab a Diet Coke or a Mocha and start writing. No process at all. I just start writing and see where the characters end up. Then there is a lot of editing, editing and more editing. I send chapters to my three critique partners who then edit some more. After a lot of rewriting and editing, you get a book and if you’re truly lucky and blessed, a publishing contract."

What is in store next?

"I’ve had many people ask for a sequel to A Second Chance but I don’t have any plans for that…yet.

Absolution is my next baby to hit the book shelves in July of 2017. It is the first book in the Luciano Series. It’s a mystery with a murder or two. You’ll fall in love with the two Italian brothers, Antony and Sonny, and their families. I’m never sure which one I like better…okay, it’s Antony. :-)"

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?

"I am an AVID football fan!! I mean I do nothing on the weekends but watch or go to games during the season. I love college and pro, but college a little bit better! I will take any free tickets. Email me at danakray@yahoo.com if you have some freebies I could have! Ha ha :-) Here are pics from a Mizzou game and a Notre Dame game (with husband Tom and son Keaton) :-)"