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Book Spotlight
Author: Melissa TaggartTitle: Canvas of the Heart
Pages: 201
Genre: Sweet Romance
Date published: July 15, 2014
Synopsis:
Canvas of the Heart is romantic novel about a young woman with cerebral palsy, and how she rises above the term disability through her relationship with friends, family, and above all, the man who becomes her husband.
Funny, sexy and inspirational, the book focuses on Lindsey’s insights, struggles and triumphs, teaching us that those with disabilities can also lead rich, full lives.
Excerpt
Sitting in my room reading a science fiction book I’d just bought from the local bookstore, I was excited by the job offer I had received from the store manager who wanted to replace an assistant who had just quit that morning. He had spotted me browsing the shelves, and as I was practically a daily visitor, he’d approached me. It was perfect timing, since I’d recently graduated from high school and was looking for a way to pass the time. I was eager to tell my best friend and neighbor, Becky, about the job. She came over almost every day to hang out with me after work. Her family had moved in next door a few months ago, but while I saw her frequently, it took me a while to warm up to her. I’d always been a shy and awkward person, which was the main reason I had no close friends. Too often, experience had taught me that getting close to people never ended well, and I’d spent enough time getting hurt. Becky seemed to accept me as I was and saw me as person rather than a person with a disability. We started chatting more and more often. Gradually I came to trust her, and we’d known each other for more than two months before she asked why I was in a wheelchair. I told her that I had a disability called cerebral palsy, but a less severe version, which was a mix between spastic and ataxic forms. In my case, the part of the brain that controlled the ability to walk wasn’t functioning. A knock at the door distracted me. “Come in,” I said. “Hey,” Becky said, sending me a smile as she poked her head through the door. “Hi,” I said, closing my book. Becky was a cute redhead with creamy skin and a dusting of freckles across her nose. She had an outgoing personality and a warm smile. I was always comfortable in her presence. “How did it go today?” she asked, sitting on the bed beside me. “Great!” I grinned broadly. “I got a job.” “Let me guess,” she said. “The bookstore?” “I start tomorrow.” “That’s great!” Becky hugged me. “I’m so happy for you. You love books, so you’ll be perfect for the job.” “Well, the pay isn’t much, but it will at least give me some pocket money.” “Hey, it’s a start,” Becky said. “How was your day?” I asked. Becky’s job at a music store was always a source of entertaining stories. “Same old,” she said. “I just wanted to come over and check up on you before I get going. I have a date tonight with Jason, that hot guy I told you about.” “Have a good time,” I said as she gave me a quick hug and left. “Let me know what happens,” I called after her.
About the Author
Georgia native Melissa Taggart is a believer in tackling challenges. Diagnosed with CP at the age of three months, as a child she discovered that writing offered her a way to deal with a speech impediment. It not only paved the way for better communication, but she transformed a challenge into the voice of a writer eager to teach the world that people with disabilities are people with the same lives, loves and longings as anyone else. Through Melissa’s amusing, insightful and touching stories, she addresses issues and common misconceptions in a way that will open the eyes and hearts of readers everywhere. Her goal is to deliver her special message with humor and candidness, as well as bring greater awareness about the real world of the disabled.
When Melissa is not busy creating the universe of Lindsey, Jason and Max, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also volunteers part-time in a first grade classroom helping the kids with worksheets and games and other activities..
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Interview
Interview
What inspired you to become an author?
I loved getting wrapped up in characters as kid I started writing when I was ten, and I also have a speech impediment, and I learned to it was great way of better communication.
I assume all authors also love to read, so what book inspired your love of reading?
Nicholas sparks I read A walk to remember in high school I fell in love with the book.
How old were you when you wrote your first story?
I was about ten I think when I wrote my first little
Who are some of your favorite authors now?
Nicholas Sparks, John Green, Skye Turner
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I guess I would be a plotter I always have some idea where I want the story to go
Are your characters based on people you know?
Yes there are a few characters in Canvas of the heart i based on a few people I know
Lindsey we have the same disability.
What are some of your writing rituals?
Lets see I almost have to have noise like music or the TV not loud or anything just background noise.
How do other books influence your writing?
I would say with writing romance Nicholas sparks has influenced me a good bit of the years
How do you get motivated to sit down and write with all the real world interruptions?
I try to take time at least every day if its only for a few minutes to write
Which one of your books is your favorite?
I would say canvas of the heart it's the only one I've published so far
If you could have a writing retreat anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be and why?
I think the UK i have few good internet buddies over there who also write i think it would be awesome to visit them
If your main character were an alcoholic beverage, which beverage would they be and why?
Good question I think Lindsey would be wine I think because it's her favorite alcoholic beverage
If you could live in a fictional world, which world would you choose and why?
Umm this is tough one I would something John green created. I love his his books they suck you right in.
What’s the best way to hide a body?
With your best friend haha
This or That
Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
Paperback or e-reader? Paperback
Facebook or Twitter? facebook
Peeta or Gale? Gale
Edward or Jacob? Jacob
Money or love? Love
Tattoos or bare? tattoo
Hairy or smooth? smooth
Call or text? text
Hot or cold? hot
Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? Harry potter
Coffee or Tea? coffee
Halloween or Christmas? Christmas
McDonald’s or Burger King? McDonald’s
Batman or Spiderman? Batman
Oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip? chocolate chip
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