Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Welcome to Sydney Winward

I wanted to introduce my fellow Rose, Sydney Winward, to you. Here are a few questions to get to know her better:

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?
I’m a very visual person. I can look at a photograph or a picture of a person, and an entire story will unfold in my head. Pinterest is my go-to source for inspiration when I want to come up with a new story. Unfortunately, I have to avoid Pinterest altogether while I’m writing, otherwise a hoard of ideas will stack up before I’m able to get to any of them!

What was your favorite scene to write in Root Brew Float?
I loved writing the chapter where Josephine gives in to her desire to fly again. As a witch, she takes great care to hide her magic from mortals. But when Clarence gives her a little push, she finds she can’t resist the pull of flying. But flying with a crippled man with a leg injury is not easy! Especially when she hadn’t practiced flying in a long time.

Why did you decide to make the hero a crippled man?
Oh, it has everything to do with the storyline. An ancient curse haunts Clarence Watts, but other than that, you’ll just have to read the book to find out what it is!

What was your favorite side character to write?
Does a cat count as a side character? I loved writing about Jinx, Josephine’s cat familiar. She’s mischievous and does what she wants. Although Jinx is just a cat, she’s very in tune with Jo’s emotions. She may even have to step into the meddling game when Jo is too stubborn to face fate head on!


Blurb:
Josephine Brevil has lived hundreds of years haunted by the horrors she experienced during the Salem Witch Trials. She takes great care to hide her powers, though serving a Root Brew Float laced with a magic potion now and again never hurt anybody. The Order sends her to Massachusetts to deal with a paranormal threat, and she meets the young and handsome widower, Clarence Watts. However, being with him comes with a choice. How can she choose between the man she loves and the magic she holds dear?

Excerpt:
“There’s a reason we’re inside the circle. Nothing can touch us in here. Now close your eyes and listen to my voice.” She paused for a moment to take a deep breath, channeling the magic swirling within her core. “Clarence Watts, our task here is to send your deceased wife into the afterlife, beyond the door and into the next realm. If you have done as I previously instructed, you have gotten rid of many of Heidi’s earthly belongings, which is a crucial step to letting her go. Now, imagine a rope that connects you to Heidi. Cut it and sever the tie.”

“It can’t be that simple.”

“It’s not. It’s symbolic of freeing her, but the act of letting go is another story altogether.”

“I’m not sure how I’m supposed to let her go.”

“Cling onto something else you care about. It usually helps.” 

His hands tightened around hers. She cracked her eyes open, her heart racing as she stared at their conjoined hands. The word home echoed in her mind again, and when she tried to push it away, it slammed back into her stronger than before. 

Home is with the Order, she insisted.

Yet, her pounding heart didn’t believe her.


About the Author:
Sydney Winward was born with an artistic brain and a love of discovery for new talents. From drawing to sewing to music, she has loved to explore every opportunity that comes her way. At a young age, Sydney discovered her love of writing and wrote her first book at twelve years old, and since then, she hasn’t been able to stop writing. Her active imagination and artistic mind take her away to different worlds and time periods, making every new story a fantastic adventure. When she is not writing (or fawning over animals in the neighborhood) she spends time with her husband and children at home in Utah.

Book Trailer:

Buy Links:

Social Links:

14 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your book. Don't we all wish we could fly away on our broom at times. 🧹
    D. V.

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    1. Thank you! And I totally wish I had a broomstick to ride.

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  2. Congratulations on your release. What a cute cover!

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  3. I love Pinterest, too! Enjoyed learning more about you, Sydney. Wishing you all the best with your new release.

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    1. Pinterest is the best isn't it? Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. Sounds like a fun story. Best of luck, Sydney!

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  5. Congratulations. What a great title. Yes cats, and other animals real or otherworldly, surly must count as side characters. Enjoyed the excerpt.

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  6. Sounds entertaining - sometimes the trials of the day can make you want a little escapism. This is just what should to the trick

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    1. Books are my escapism. I've been reading a lot lately!

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  7. I've yet to become involved in Pinterest-- sounds like I need to dive in! Your story sounds delightful. Best of luck with it.

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