Monday, August 1, 2011

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH RANDOM HOUSE'S SAMANTHA SOTTO, THE AUTHOR OF UPCOMING BESTSELLER "BEFORE EVER AFTER"!

Some of you already know beautiful Samantha Sotto, but from August 2nd her name will be worldwide known since that's when her novel BEFORE EVER AFTER will be published by famous 
Random House. The book got wonderful praises from some amazing writers including Anne Fortier, New York Times bestselling author of "Juliet". Since Sam is my dear friend, she agreed to chat a bit with me on the upcoming book! 
DEZZ: SINCE BEFORE EVER AFTER SEEMS TO HAVE A COMPLEX PLOT, LOTS OF HISTORICAL ELEMENTS AND A VERY WIDE SETTING, HOW DID YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH AND WHERE DID YOU FIND THE INSPIRATION?
SAM: I did a lot of desk and online research, but the real inspiration for the book came from the backpacking trip I took around Europe with a good friend. We desperately needed a break from our jobs. I sold my car and stuffed my backpack with two pairs of jeans, a Euro Rail pass and a secondhand guidebook. The only thing that was set in our itinerary was that we needed to be in Athens on a certain date to catch our plane home.
I cannot even count how many times I got lost during the trip. I’m so good at losing my way that it’s almost a super power. While I still haven’t figured out how to use it to end poverty or to achieve 
world peace, it did have its use when I was writing the book. Getting lost allowed me to find old cobbled streets and tucked away corners that whispered stories and secrets. I just wrote them down. DEZZ: AH, I KNEW WE COULD EXPECT SUCH CHARMING MAGIC FROM YOU :) BEFORE EVER AFTER DOES SEEM LIKE IT COULD BE EASILY MADE INTO A GOOD MOVIE, HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT A POSSIBLE FILM ADAPTATION? SAM: Truth? I’m not sure if the structure of the book lends itself to a film adaptation. But if we’re talking about a MINISERIES… :D (HBO, are you listening? ;-) ) DEZZ:WOW, A MINISERIES SOUNDS MARVELOUS! WHICH ACTORS, ACTRESSES AND DIRECTORS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN IT OR IN THE FILM VERSION OF BEFORE EVER AFTER? SAM: Oh, man. I’m afraid I’m going to have to bite my tongue (Ow). I don’t want to influence how readers will imagine the characters in the book, but I will say that a book club that was discussing BEFORE EVER AFTER had a spirited debate about casting Max. Gerard Butler, Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman
were just a few of the names that were brought up. You won’t hear any argument from me. DEZZ: THAT'S A LIST OF ACTORS I'D EXPECT FROM YOU, SAM :) DO YOU THINK THAT WRITERS CAN FIND INSPIRATION AND IMPORTANT LESSONS IN FILMS AND TV SHOWS? SAM: Absolutely! Watching film and TV shows taught me a lot about pacing, story arcs and mystery boxes. The best shows know how to keep you guessing what’s inside the mystery box until the end of the season. The two shows that inspired me the most while I was writing the book was season three of Doctor Who (I LOVE YOU, DAVID TENNANT.) and HBO’s Rome. I think readers will see a lot of The Doctor in my main character Max. Rome helped me visualize the time period I was writing about. The fact that James Purefoy was ridiculously hot as Marc Antony was a bonus.
DEZZ
: YOUR BOOK SEEMS LIKE ONE OF THOSE ENCHANTING BESTSELLERS WHICH QUICKLY SEDUCE THE READERS AROUND THE WORLD, SO THE PRESSURE OF WRITING THE SECOND BOOK IS BIG, WHAT IS YOUR NEXT MOVE? WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON CURRENTLY? SAM: Oh, Dezzy…can we bottle your optimism and sell it? We can split the profits. How does 60:40 sound? I’m finishing up my second book now. It’s set in Amsterdam and it is about a love triangle between two people. No, that is not a typo! :) THAT SOUNDS EQUALLY WONDERFUL AS BEFORE EVER AFTER! SAM, THANKS FOR THE LOVELY CHAT AND YOU KNOW HOLLYWOOD SPY IS KEEPING HIS FINGERS CROSSED FOR YOU AND THE BOOK! I SMELL A HUGE BESTSELLER ;)
BEFORE EVER AFTER
Three years after her husband Max’s death, Shelley feels no more adjusted to being a widow than she did that first terrible day. That is, until the doorbell rings. Standing on her front step is a young man who looks so much like Max–same smile, same eyes, same age,
same adorable bump in his nose–he could be Max’s long-lost relation. He introduces himself as Paolo, an Italian editor of American coffee table books, and shows Shelley some childhood photos. Paolo tells her that the man in the photos, the bearded man who Paolo says is his grandfather though he never seems to age, is Max. Her Max. And he is alive and well. 
As outrageous as Paolo’s claims seem–how could her husband be alive? And if he is, why hasn’t he looked her up? – Shelley desperately wants to know the truth. She and Paolo jet across the globe to track Max down–if it is really Max– and along the way, Shelley recounts the European package tour where they had met. As she relives Max’s stories of bloody Parisian barricades, medieval Austrian kitchens, and buried Roman boathouses, Shelley begins to piece together the story of who her husband was and what these new revelations mean for her “happily ever after”. And as she and Paolo get closer to the truth, Shelley discovers that not all stories end where they are supposed to.

46 comments:

  1. Wow...I love this easy going interview. Your summary gives a hint of unexpected ending (the kind that I love from a book)

    I have never heard of Samantha Sotto before...I wonder if her book will reach my country.

    Since she already mentioned Gerry...it's easier to imagine and Ruth will love that hehehe.

    I am a bit curious, how do you know her? Is it because you translated her work?Wow...I love this easy going interview. Your summary gives a hint of unexpected ending (the kind that I love from a book)

    I have never heard of Samantha Sotto before...I wonder if her book will reach my country.

    Since she already mentioned Gerry...it's easier to imagine and Ruth will love that hehehe.

    I am a bit curious, how do you know her? Is it because you translated her work?

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  2. Auch it happens again. My comment repeated by it self :(

    What's wrong with my mobile...sorry that repeated comment DezzAuch it happens again. My comment repeated by it self :(

    What's wrong with my mobile...sorry that repeated comment Dezz

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  3. First, Samantha Soto, you're really pretty. I just had to say that.

    I read your premise, it looks great! Sounds like a wild ride to find the truth. I hope they do make your book into a miniseries. (Yeah, HBO, are you listening?)

    Great interview, Dez!

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  4. Book sounds really interesting, good interview and answers.

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  5. @Novia
    Sam is from the Philippines and the book was published there as well, so I'm guessing there's a chance it will get to Indonesia too :)
    Glad you liked the interview! I hope I will get the chance to translate her work here in my country! I'm working on it :)

    @Clarissa
    Sam really is pretty, isn't she? :)
    Glad you liked the interview, and we are keeping our fingers crossed that the book gets made into a miniseries :)

    @Lurk
    thanks, Lurk, appreciate you support!

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  6. Dezzy!!! WOW. WOW.WOW. Thank you for your support!!! I'm overwhelmed. Love ya! :D *waves to everyone in the comment box*

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  7. hey, Sam, glad you liked the outcome of our chat :) Hope you will be popping over today to chat with the commentators :) They all think you're pretty :)

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  8. Great interview Dezz and love Samantha's actor choices for the mini-series :) (Of course, I have to suggest Richard Armitage for Max)

    What a romantic and intriguing plot. I'll add it to my reading list.

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  9. glad you liked it, Fabo dearest!
    I think Sam wouldn't mind having Richard Armitage in the cast ;)

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  10. Richard Armitage...ooooh! For sure! I don't mind AT ALL :D

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  11. See, I knew you wouldn't mind at all ;) And I'm sure Armitage wouldn't mind the gig either!

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  12. Haha! I WISH :D By the way, here's the link to the book trailer in case Hollywood Spy fans want a peek: http://youtu.be/jWkkQVZCH2E

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  13. Have to get this out of the way - Sam has what grandma used to call "story eyes." She has many stories to tell.

    Easy flowing interview -- like sitting around with friends. Good job Dez.

    I already want to know both stories, dead husband and new "friend." I admit I skipped the actor choices because I prefer to imagine characters as read.

    Looking forward to her works. Thanks for introducing Samantha, Dez.

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  14. Wow, what a super fantastic interview! Sam is gorgeous both in looks and personality.

    I love the sound of this story and cannot wait to read this. It will definitely be going on my must read list. Sam, I wish you all the best and huge, huge sales. I love David Tennant, too. :)

    Dez, you should be a professional interviewer. Those were some great questions.

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  15. @Sam
    ah, yes, thanks for the trailer, I shall repeat the link again:
    http://youtu.be/jWkkQVZCH2E

    @Mary
    she does have "story eyes" :)
    Glad you liked the interview and the plot of the book, Mary! And thanks for the lovely comment!

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  16. @Melsy
    can't agree with you more on that first line of yours :)
    I knew you would gonna love Sam's love for Tennant, I knew immediately that one would be a huge crowd pleaser here at HOLLYWOOD SPY :p

    Glad you liked the chat, Melsy!

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  17. Novroz - Thanks! (I don't mind you double comments :D) I hope Before Ever After will find its way to your country soon :D

    Clarissa- Aww...thank you so much. :)

    Lurker - Thank you!!! Dezzy was a great interviewer :)

    Fabo - Richard Armitage! You won't hear any argument from me! :D

    Giggles - "Story eyes" WOW. Best.Compliment.EVER. Thank you! :)

    Melissa - Woooohooo! Fellow David Tennant lover in the house! *tacklehugs*

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  18. Wow! That book sounds amazing! And I love that she actually traveled around Europe for this book. That is awesome.

    Great interview!

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  19. I loved the part about Sam's European adventures too! Sounds adventurous enough for a biographical movie :))

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  20. Thanks, Emily! :D Europe will always be close to my heart. Before my backpacking trip, I lived and studied in the Netherlands :D

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  21. wow, beautiful is write, but you should have started out with the plot synopsis. That is right up my ally. sounds really interesting. off to the library website.

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  22. The first book sounds neat, but now I'm curious about the love triangle between two people. :)

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  23. ooo... what a beautiful book, and what an intriguing story! I love it. And I remember traveling to Europe in college, and I did the same thing--got lost, found some amazing old passages and alleys. It is wonderfully inspiring and cool. And great material for a book! Best of luck, Sam~ :o) <3

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  24. Budd - Thank you! Hope you enjoy it! :D

    Libby - Haha! Thanks. Still working on it :D

    LTM - Thank you so much! Europe is the PERFECT place to get lost! :D

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  25. Wonderful interview. But how can you go wrong with two such charming people?

    Amazon informed me that my pre-ordered copy shipped yesterday, so I should be reading Before Ever After in a few days. Can't wait. Best of luck with it Samantha. We're all excited for you.

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  26. Dezz and Samantha - you two make an excellent team - that was a great interview!

    Samantha...I've got your book on my reading list...I just need to get my hands on a copy...and then it's off on a "before ever after" adventure for me - can't wait!

    Cheers, Jenny

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  27. I am on the hold list at the library. Looking forward to checking it out.

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  28. L.G. - Yay!!! Thank you so much! :D

    Jenny - Yippee! I hope you enjoy it. Thanks! :D

    Budd - Cool!! Thanks! :D

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  29. Dezzy - you are a fantastic interviewer! That was great.

    Sam - Backpacking through Europe sounds like an amazing experience. And BEFORE EVER AFTER sounds wonderful!. Can't wait to read it. Oh, and LOVE the cover.

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  30. @Sam
    I forgot to ask you how are you feeling today? Just one day before the release of the book? :) See how everyone likes your book already :)

    @Budd
    glad you liked the book :), the synopsis was deliberately put in the end

    @Libby
    Sam is actually writing my biography which will be titled ME, MYSELF AND I and that's the love triangle :))

    @Leigh
    ah, Leigh, than you have some of your own stories to tell about Europe :)

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  31. @Luanne
    and we have charming readers :)
    I'm waiting for the copy that Sam has send me as a lovely gift, so you and I will be enjoying her book soon :)

    @Jenny
    thanks, Jenny, you are very kind ;)
    I'm more than sure you will enjoy Sam's book!

    @Shells
    thanks, Shells, glad you enjoyed the interview! I'm sure you will love Sam's lovely book!

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  32. Hahaha Sam, I love your Actor choices!!!

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  33. Yay, Samantha Sotto. Loved the interview and your stories of getting lost in Europe. Sounds fun. Dr. Who is inspirational. All success to you, and the upcoming mini-series. :)

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  34. @Wall to Wall
    they are great, aren't they :)

    @Mary
    glad you liked Sam's answers and her book and I knew you would like the fact that Sam loves Dr.Who :)

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  35. RaShelle - Thank you so much! :)

    Wall-to-wall - Haha! I'm curious about who YOU imagined as the "cast" :D

    M Pax - Thank you! Doctor Who ROCKS :D

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  36. Fantastic interview with a fantastic author. I'm so looking forward to reading Before Ever After. By the way, Sam, that's an awesome superpower you have there. Getting lost creates some of the best adventures. :)

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  37. Hi Sam, Hi Dezz - wow, is it that time already? I will rush out to buy the book as soon as I can. Been looking forward to reading it. Great interview - congrats! :)

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  38. Lynda - Haha! Thanks! I think I might just get my own superhero costume ;-)

    Donea - Thank you!!! Time sped by :D

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  39. @Lyndy
    glad you loved the interview, Lyndy ;)

    @Donea
    glad you loved our talk, Donea, I know you will love the book too!

    @Sam
    I have the rights on the first pics of you in that costume :)

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  40. Dezzy -- Hahahaha! Deal! :D Thanks again for your incredible support, my friend :D

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  41. Sam, if getting lost were a super power, I definitely have my own :) It does serve a creative purpose though, as your fabulous sounding book shows. What an awesome way to gather story info.

    I can't choose my own cast of characters either; so many great actors and actresses out there. If you don't mind however, I'll envision you playing my Amy :) Thanks for sharing your story with us.

    Dezzy; what a great interview. You rock Dude :) I read tomorrow's post too (its still 8/1 for me) but it takes a long time for this site to load up for me so I'll let you know here I enjoyed both posts. Blogger is not loving me today . .

    .......dhole

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  42. ...well done as always, Dez ;)

    Sam, the world is a better place with your story soon to be on the shelves. You're living the dream of many, congratulations on a well deserving accomplishment!

    EL

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  43. Donna - we can be super hero partners and save the world together ;-)

    xo,
    "Amy" :D

    EL - Thank you, thank you, thank you! :D

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  44. @Donzie
    glad you like the interview, Donzie, and sorry for my site taking too long to download for some people, it's not my fault, blame it on Blogger :(

    @El
    thanks for saying such lovely words about our dear Sam!

    @Sam
    hope you liked our interview, Sam, almost 50 comments, more than 2,000 visits yesterday and at least five ordered copies :) Our mission accomplished :)

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  45. Great interview you two! I look forward to your work. I love the historical charm and the mysterious allure you have painted.
    Congrats to you, I hope it is a huge success~

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  46. glad you liked the interview, Ella ;)

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