Welcome Margo Hoornstra and Next Tuesday At Two

Happy Labor Day, everyone. I hope you, no matter where you're reading this from, you are hauling out from damages inflicted by Hurricane Irene and/or are [like our guest] have experienced long over due relief from the oppressive heat. We had in bad in Western New York; I fear Michigan had it worse.

Today we are pleased to have Margo Hoornstra with us. A long time author with the Last Rose of Summer line, her novels, free reads and and short stories are available through The Wild Rose Press.

Joining Margo is Aaron Goodwin, a character Margo describes as her anti-hero. He appears in her second Class of ’85 series, Next Tuesday at Two, a July release. As you will see Aaron has a mind, and a mouth, of his own—and isn't afraid to run it.

Where are you from, Aaron?

Born and raised in Summerville, New York. Lived here all my life.

So many of your classmates left home after graduation. From Margo’s first Class of ’85 book, Glad Tidings, Jake Holbrook went into the Peace Corps and Bethany Andrews Thomas became a doctor. In To Be, Or Not, Barry Carlson went on to fame thanks to Major League baseball and Amanda Marsh was a PR pro on Madison Avenue. Blane Weston from Next Tuesday at Two owns a construction company. But you never left home. Why?

Yeah, a lot of those guys and girls had personal agendas. I didn’t. You mentioned Blane Weston. She’s actually the reason I’m with you today. That lady, she’s a Summerville Class of ’85 grad like you said, made a name for herself in the construction industry. Owns her own company somewhere around Denver. Imagine that. A woman being a success in a man’s world. Who’d a thought? Anyway, having dabbled some in real estate myself, I figured me and Blane could, you know, establish a relationship at the reunion. And, if some lucrative property deals resulted as well, so be it, if you get my drift.

What else is Next Tuesday at Two about, besides you?

Okay, I’m supposed to read this the way Margo wrote it: Next Tuesday at Two is about two strong willed individuals, construction company owner Blane Weston and venture capital hotshot Matt Durand, who have a hard time admitting they need each other both professionally and personally. But not if I have anything to say about it. That last sentence was me again.

No kidding. What did you think the first time you saw Blane and Matt together?

Geez, I had never seen the woman quite so—effected. And him, arrogant SOB, steppin’ into my territory. Though rumor had it he was no stranger to Summerville, he’s not a Class of ’85 grad and had no business being at our reunion. Look, here’s the deal. A reunion, by definition, is a reuniting. The coming together of a group which has been separated for a length of time. Yeah, I looked it up in the dictionary, you surprised?

Not at…okay, maybe a little. But, go on.

(Sniffs) At any rate, reuniting was my primary goal when I talked the lady into coming in for a visit. Heh, heh. Yes sir, I had big plans for me and that cutie the reunion week-end. When I couldn’t get her to stay at my place—she balked when I said I only had one bed—I figured it’d be just as easy for us to get it on in her hotel room. I mean, let’s face it. I only need one item – me – for makin’ a woman happy.

How did that work out for you?

Not worth a crap. That guy she met in her hometown, a big shot investment guru, crashed our party. Every time I managed to get her alone, this Durand character showed up to, well, show me up. Who knew this guy, Matt Durand, would have the balls…

We prefer the term ‘where with all’.

Yeah, whatever. That he’d have the kahoonas to follow my date to Summerville, with no invite from her, I might add, then proceed to monopolize her time the entire friggin’ week-end. I’m not one to spread gossip, but it’s my opinion that dude managed to accomplish what I couldn’t.

 

Wow! After all that, I’m almost afraid to ask, but what was your second thought?

It’s going to be one heck of a long week-end.

 

Did you think it was love at first sight for them?

Who cares? Far as I know, they met on one of her job sites. But, I gotta say, judging by her reaction to the guy. At least what I saw, she was more than professionally involved. Listen. Around me, she’s a no nonsense, all business stand up kind of woman. Around him, she was all hot flashes and hormones. He followed her to Summerville you know, without an invite from anyone. Crashed the reunion, I might add.

 

So you’ve said. Why do you think this Matt Durand succeeded where you failed?

Damned if I know. I mean, I was all about showing Blane a good time—let her in on what she missed out on in high school—namely me.

 

What did you like most about Blane?

Such a killer bod. Twenty-five years later, she’s still in damned fantastic shape. Must be the construction business agrees with her.

 

Sexual attributes aside, how would you describe her?

Made one heck of a name for herself in a man’s profession. With some pretty stiff odds against her. What more can I say but that?

 

How would she describe you?

She wouldn’t. I mean, after she met Durand, why would she bother?

 

What is your biggest fear?

Real men like me don’t have fears.

 

How do you relax?

Taking my twenty-four foot pleasure boat—the Ever Lovin’ Doll—out on the Lake. That is, when I can find someone to go with me. It’s no fun sailing alone. Also smoozin’ with my buds at the local watering hole, Doogan’s Pub.

 

Though I think I know the answer, I’ll ask anyway. Who’s your favorite fictional character and why?

Me, of course. As for why—isn’t it obvious?

 

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

I don’t take advice. I’m an advice giver. Like I tried to do for that Durand dude. I went to the Summerville Inn for the Sunday brunch as was on the reunion itinerary. Thinkin’ Blane might want to apologize for dumpin’ me the night before. I was even sort of encouraged when she came flyin’ out of the place like it was on fire. Then Durand came flyin’ out right behind her, beggin’ her to let him explain. What a wuss. You’d never catch me doin’ something as unballsy as that.

Take that Barry Carlson.

 

Is this Barry person the hero in To Be, Or Not?

Yeah. I did my best to let his girlfriend, Amanda, in on the truth about him, too. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Their story won’t be out for awhile yet. Still, I managed to play a pretty big part there, too.

Okay, we’ve had enough of you. Let’s talk to Margo.

Suit yourself.

Margo—he's wonderful. Really wonderful. Listening to his answers made my head spin—when I wasn't chuckling. So, tell us, what’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

One sentence told to me by my mother over and over again the entire time I was growing up: “You can do anything you decide to put your mind to.”

 

What movies and/or books have an impact on your writing?

Reading Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiess was the kick in the pants I needed to begin my own novel writing career. I’m currently reading The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogel. To say it’s a huge eye opener for me would be an understatement. As for movies The Other Sister has layers of messages in it. And, of course, the romantic in me loves to watch Dirty Dancing.

 

What’s your take on the other stories in the Class of ’85 series?

It was a great series to write for and a place where I made many new friends. We, the other authors and I, bounced ideas, characters, locations and events off of each other. It’s a real thrill to see one of my characters or events mentioned in someone else’s work. I’d do another series in a heartbeat.

To learn more about Margo and her stories, visit www.margohoornstra.com and check out her new blog at www.margohoornstra.blogspot.com

Margo, thanks so much for taking the time out of your schedule to spend time with us today. As always, it's been great fun!  Mallory