Today’s special guest is romance author Sally Basmajian. We’re chatting about her new romantic comedy, So Hard to Do.
During her virtual book tour, Sally will be giving away a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for your chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too.
Bio:
After leaving the corporate world, Sally Basmajian discovered the joy of writing. Her fiction and nonfiction stories have appeared in newspapers such as The Globe & Mail and in several anthologies. In 2022 she won prizes for memoir pieces (Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop, Gulf Coast Writers Association), and was thrilled to have a poem selected by the journal Antithesis. She expects to be busy in 2023, when her first two novels appear: in January, a light-hearted romance, So Hard to Do (published by Creative James Media) and in October, a much darker one, Fountain of Evil (Moonshine Cove Publishing, LLC).
Welcome, Sally. Please tell us about your current release.
Imagine falling for a guy—hopelessly and lustily—and then learning your mom is also crushing madly on him. In So Hard to Do, our mom-daughter protagonists are horrified to discover this awful truth. Not to mention, the handsome object of their affections is even more upset. Add a cast of zany supporting characters to the mix and rom-com havoc ensues.
It’s comedy wrapped in romance, or possibly the reverse, but love abounds. Complications do, too, in that some of those seeking to love are on the autism spectrum and trying to cope with a whole new world of hard-to-read social cues. Plus, there’s the matter of reigniting one’s sex life after menopause. All in all, nothing about love is easy to do!
What inspired you to write this book?
In my writing group, we sometimes give each other prompts, to encourage creativity and bump each other out of ruts. I believe someone suggested we write a short piece about a break-up, but not a conventional man-woman one. Without giving it much thought, I jotted down a short scene involving a woman breaking up with her daughter. The rest just flowed.
Excerpt from So Hard to Do:
As she mused in an X-rated way about his mouth, Jannie remembered something from a book she’d read where the heroine had a habit of biting her lower lip. It drove men mad.
So she tried it. Nibble, nibble.
Aram just looked at her. His breathing didn’t accelerate. His chest didn’t heave.
She tried again. Nibble, nibble. The prolonged silence was beginning to be uncomfortable.
“Are you all right, Jannie?” Aram finally asked. He studied her.
Well, that hadn’t gone so well. But she’d never tried to flirt with an older man before. Maybe they needed something more obvious.
She attempted to look coyly up at Aram through her eyelashes. This wasn’t as easy as all those romance authors made it sound. She felt her forehead contract, her nose wrinkle and her upper lip pull away from her teeth in her effort to do the impossible.
“Jannie, are you having an allergic reaction? Shellfish, maybe? Isn’t that crab I smell coming from your condo? Do you carry an EpiPen?”
What exciting project are you working on next?
I’m about a quarter of the way into a romance, set in the 1970s, and featuring a pair of sisters who have musical abilities that verge on magical. It’s maybe a bit of wishful nostalgia. My own sister and I were avid piano students, and while she was certainly more gifted than I, neither of us had fairy dust in our fingertips and we eventually stopped playing.
I’m also always writing memoir stories. This month, one of my tales will be published by Canada’s newspaper, The Globe and Mail. It’s all about buying a strapless bra at the age of fourteen. Just thinking about it now makes me chortle (I couldn’t have done it back then, or my strapless bra would have fallen right off).
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I was a teenager, I filled notebook after notebook with impassioned prose. It wasn’t particularly bardic, but it definitely was cathartic! At that point I had no idea I’d ever get more serious about writing. As a matter of fact, I’m still not “serious” about it. That would kill all the fun.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I left my job in broadcasting about a decade ago. Soon after that, I had more time on my hands than I knew what to do with. I became a crazed Zumba fanatic for a while, took up golf, walked my little dog until he had Schwarzenegger muscles in his hindquarters, and did some traveling. Then I entered a local writing contest and, much to my surprise, won. Now I write when the mood seizes me (fortunately, this happens often!), and squeeze all the other activities in around it.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
My sense of humor gets out of control. Fortunately, I have writing buddies who slap me silly when I go too far over the top.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I dreamed of being a ballerina and dancing at the Bolshoi. As a matter of fact, there’s a story about that posted on my website. Sigh. I still own my first pair of toe shoes.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I appreciate your interest in my novel. If it makes you chuckle, then my satisfaction is complete.
Links:
Website | Books2Read | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok | Amazon
Hi,
It’s Sally here, and I want to thank you for hosting me on your wonderful website! I hope your avid readers enjoy this interview. I know I smiled when I read that part about dancing at the Bolshoi (sure, with my two flat, left feet!). It’s so interesting where life leads us.
All the best,
Sally Basmajian
Thanks for hosting!
I truly loved Sally’s book. I found myself almost speed reading to find out what would happen! I am going to re-read the book as I am choosing it for my next book club read. Can’t wait to read the next book
Thanks for your enthusiastic support! With a kind reader like you on my side, I’ll crank out words even faster.
Thank you for sharing your interview, bio and book details, I have enjoyed reading about you and your work and I am looking forward to reading So Hard To Do, it sounds like a fun story
Hi, Bea. I’m very grateful you enjoyed the interview. I wrote the book for readers like you who appreciate a fun story! Maybe I tucked a tiny bit of seriousness in, too, but my aim was to entertain. I do hope you chuckle when you read it!
Thanks for the interview. I really enjoyed the book. It was a fun and interesting read and I didn’t want it to end. Look forward to the next one.
Marilyn
Thanks, Marilyn! I feel energized by your support.
Your wonderful sense of humour comes shining through in every response to this charming interview. I will now think of you fondly as ‘ Bolshoi Basmajian ‘ going foward. I have long admired and respected your writing skills and look forward to reading more and more from you in the coming years. Congratulations!
My ballerina toes are tingling after reading your comment. Thanks! I’m actually off now to a line-dancing class–and I may actually teach one or two numbers. If you feel the earth shaking in Toronto, it’s the earth reverberating from my honky-tonk stomps.
My copy is being delivered today! Sounds like the perfect diversion from these dreary winter days. Looking forward to it!
This makes my heart sing. Thanks so much, Ruth!
Loved your book. Found it so hard to put it down. Can’t wait for the next one to come out.
Anna, you were one of my first readers. I remember how joyful I felt when you told me you liked the book. I still feel the same way. Thanks for your gracious feedback. It made (and makes) all the difference.
I enjoyed your interview Sally and I look forward to getting my hands on a copy of the book, it sounds like a fun read.
So nice of you, Barb, for being tenacious and really trying to get hold of a copy! I understand that the supply chain is working better now, and I hope you get your copy soon. You’ll have to let me know your impressions of it once you’ve had a chance to breeze through it, too.
I laughed throughout So Hard to Do at the zany exploits of both Jannie and Suze, but I was equally impressed by the insights your characters provide into aspects of love and friendship on the spectrum. I look forward to reading your next romance (/fantasy?) novel about two sisters with “musical abilities that verge on magical.”
Thanks, Nancy. I’m so glad you laughed — it’s my goal to entertain. I’ll try to get to work on that next novel again soon! Meanwhile, I may have another exciting announcement in the near future . . . stay tuned.
Your book sounds fantastic! Can’t wait to read!
I do hope you’ll enjoy it. I know I giggled while writing sections of it, but humor is such a subjective thing., isn’t it? This probably explains why I was always laughing at inappropriate moments in school (and why my teachers did their utmost to subdue me). Thanks for your support!
I, too, am going to think of you as Bolshoi Basmajian, if that’s not too cheeky of me….! Loved this interview and looking forward to reading So Hard To Do once I finish my current night-table tome 🤓
You’re the best, Mary! I’ll have to brush up on my ballet moves to deserve that nickname, but at least it’s much more polite than many others I’ve been assigned in my lifetime. Hope you enjoy the book!
I really enjoyed So Hard to Do. The relationship between mother and daughter is poignant and creates empathy for both characters in this complicated situation! I’m intrigued by two sisters with ‘musical abilities’ – especially if there’s magic. Can’t wait to read your next novel!
Oh, dear. This is the problem when I say I’m working on a specific project. Now I guess I’ll have to actually put greater effort into finishing it. But I so appreciate your curiosity and enthusiasm– thanks very much for those kind words about Jannie and Suze!
I can’t wait to read your book. It sounds like a really fun read. Great interview.
Yay! I love it when someone who doesn’t appear to be a typical rom-com lover says that my book sounds like a “fun read.” Thanks, Mike!
I received my book yesterday and am loving it!
Sally’s great sense of humour is obvious in this interview. I laughed out loud, when I read the lip biting logic gone wrong. She imparts humour into characters navigating daily life. Can’t wait to pick up again tonight and see the next twist.
You made me laugh out loud, on a gray, dull January afternoon. Thank you Sally!
Well, I may have made you laugh, but you just brought tears to my eyes, Susan. Your words are very special to me. Thanks very much!
Just started reading So Hard To Do and enjoying every page! Great job Sally.
I’m so happy you received your book–and that so far you’re finding it fun to read. I did try to put great optimism into it, recognizing that some situations (like trying to date when one is on the autism spectrum) can be scary and challenging in real life. In fiction, at least, I can give every deserving character a happily-ever-after outcome. It’s very gratifying!
Great read for a winter’s afternoon–kept me laughing from start to finish, but made me think as well. Definitely a romantic romp!
I love the word “romp.” It’s playful and on the cusp of silly–which more or less describes me! Thanks for reading –and enjoying — my first novel!
Can’t wait to read this book! Heading to the local bookstore to pick it up today!
That’s fantastic, Jodie. I’m glad you were able to order it successfully from a local store. Thanks so much!
I gasped at the end of the first chapter and then laughed my way through the rest of the book. I love the characters- above all Loa Divine caught my attention ( and I swear I saw an Aram at the subway station the other day – truly tall, dark and handsome just like in the book). Keep ’em coming Sally !
If I’d seen Aram at the subway station, I would have tackled you to get to him first. So beware, Katie! Meanwhile, I am very grateful for your kind words, and I’m delighted you were entertained by my book.
Hi Sally. I just got my copy yesterday and can’t put it down.
Congratulations on an amazing first novel
Really? You can’t put it down? Wow, that makes me so happy! Thanks very much, Marci.
Great interview! Really enjoying the book Sally. You may have even converted a gear head… to a lover of romantic comedies. How’s that for a headline!
Well, Luis, it’s nice to know that even a he-man can have a tender, romantic side inner core. Or — at least, a fun sense of humor! So glad you’re enjoying the book. Thank you!
Hi Sally: I’ve loved all your stories so far, so I’m sure So Hard To Do is going to be equally hilarious and poignant. Looking forward to getting my own copy. Great interview, by the way.
Joanne.
I’m glad they asked me questions about my own book. In my nightmares, I’m back in math class, with teachers firing questions at my empty head! This was much more pleasant. Thank you very much for your support!
Sally, I loved your first novel, So Hard to Do! Can’t wait for the next one. Cheers on your book launch and blog interview.
So kind of you, Ann, to read my novel — and like it! Your words mean a lot to me. Thanks so much.
I’m very excited for Sally, but, frankly, I’m more excited for me. I will have the pleasure of taking So Hard to Do off the bookshelf any time I need to read something clever, inventive, and refreshing. Yes, I am a big fan of Sally’s writing. So, looking forward to her novel.
Hey, no fair. Your comment is more intelligent than my entire novel! Regardless, I shall bask in the kindness of your remarks all evening. Thanks!
Hi Sally,
Enjoyed the interview and book info. The book excerpt made me laugh! Look forward to reading your book. Congratulations!
Cheers,
Adrienne
I’m glad it made you laugh, Adrienne! Thanks very much.
My copy came today and I’m intrigued! There’s nothing like a good rom-com with zany characters to beat the winter blahs. Thank you in advance Sally – I always enjoy your stories.
So grateful you ordered a copy, and I hope it makes you laugh in all its silliness! Thank you for supporting me on this journey.
We have more in common than I knew! Left the corporate world, love yo write (and read), plus piano! Best wishes for the book! Great interview!
Appreciate this greatly, Lisa! Alas, my fingers now tap a different kind of keyboard, but at least my dog stopped howling when I quit playing the piano!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Sally. You write with such empathy, and your quirky sense of humour shines throughout. Big round of applause for your writing group, too! Would you ever consider adapting this story to the big screen? And if so, who would you pick to play Suze, Jannie, and Aram?
Well, of course, with a comment as nice as that one, YOU should play Aram!!
But I do think it would be a really fun movie or Netflix series. I wrote it episodically. I’d cast someone like Shailene Woodley for Jannie, Laura Linney for Suze, and (only if YOU’re not available), Bradley Cooper for Aram.
My copy just arrived today. I can’t wait to start reading tonight. I’m looking forward to LOL moments that will leave my partner wanting to read your book too. Your short stories have made me laugh and gasp.
It means a lot to me that you bought my novel, Margaret, and you trust that it will give you a few laughs. I hope I deliver! Thanks–and I’m not sure if your partner’s going to love the bit about Suze at age 58 rediscovering her libido, but you never know!
This woman knows romance. 😉
Her short stories are gems. I look forward to telling my newly-formed book club about this emerging Canadian author. Many great reads ahead.
I was about to put my laptop away when my eyes goggled at the words “book club.” Yes, please tell your colleagues about my book! It might make for an interesting evening, and I would be happy to join in, even if it has to be virtually. Thanks very much for thinking about this!
Thanks, Lisa Haselton, for offering me this amazing platform for expressing a few thoughts about writing, and about my novel So Hard to Do. It’s been an exhilarating day!
All the best to all my readers, too, and many thanks for posting your questions and thoughts.
– Sally B –
Great interview Sally. I loved the novel and particularly the relationship between mother and daughter. You have a unique writing style and quirky sense of humor that offers more than a romance novel. I look forward to your next novel focusing on 2 sisters. Sounds very intriguing.
Thanks, Susan! I look forward to it, too (and I’d better start working on it, pronto!).
My copy arrived on Sunday (way to go, Amazon) and I finished it this morning (Tuesday). That is the first compliment, that I was motivated to read it in such a short time frame! So great to see that you are finally writing longer stories and sharing them with the world. I loved this book. Looking forward to much, much more.
You are beyond SWEET to tell me this. I’m glad you blasted through it–I wrote it hoping it would be a page-turner, so this makes me very happy!
This book had me laughing out loud and even reading out portions to my husband! I have such a busy schedule as most of us do, and don’t find as much time as I’d like to read. So Hard To Do is like that favourite show, where you can’t wait to get the kids in bed and have me-time to binge. Love it.
Oooh, I know the feeling of craving a favorite show. My most delicious viewing experience was when I binge-watched Jane the Virgin last summer — all 80 or so episodes over a couple of weeks — on Netflix. The characters were so well depicted in all their silly yet endearing ways. I mourned when it was
over! Thanks, Shivani, for dubbing my novel binge-worthy!