AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR
I asked Susie who she would want to play the lead roles if her book was made into a movie. Here is her reply:
If
The Convenient Wedding was made until
a movie, I would cast Scarlett Johansson, an A-list Hollywood actress, and Robert
Pattinson, who rose to fame when he landed a leading role as Edward Cullen in
film adaptations of the famous Twilight novels.
The
basic premise of The Convenient Wedding
is a reluctant socialite, Lucia Montgomery, is pulled into a scandal and must
choose between her families’ reputation and her future happiness. She is from
an old and powerful political family in Connecticut and desperately wants to
shed her reputation as an impulsive and emotional young woman.
Lucia,
played by Scarlett, has to contend with the spotlight while distancing herself
from stories about being previously rejected at the altar. She is trying to establish herself as a
public relations powerhouse but has to fight against her family wanting her to
stay in a neatly defined role.
Scarlett
Johansson is not typically cast in purely romantic roles but she has the
ability to portray a complex character and the skill to act out the emotional
scenes. She also has the ability to go from a ‘girl next door’ look to an
‘ultra-glamorous’ appearance.
Robert
Pattison has the right look for a young architect turned politician and also
has the ability to portray complex emotions on screen. His character, Anderson
Adams, is a candidate in a contested congressional race, who meets Lucia at a
fundraising event and the two enjoy a spontaneous evening out. He is
charismatic and down to earth at the same time.
Lucia
causes a media frenzy when she is tricked into going to Anderson’s hotel room
the next morning and photographs of them are taken. Anderson persuades her to
play along with a pretend engagement then an actual wedding to save her
reputation and his campaign. Both characters are strong-willed and dynamic with
an underlying conviction to do the right thing.
The
media falls in love with the charismatic couple and they must figure out how to
reconcile their public image with their private life. Will they decide to put
their happiness above the expectations placed on them?
ABOUT THE BOOK
Lucia Montgomery
is from an old and powerful political family in Connecticut and desperately
wants to shed her reputation as a superficial socialite. Against her family’s
wishes, she seeks a position working for a fiercely contested political
campaign and the dark horse in the race, Anderson Adams. She is thrown into the
middle of a scandal of her own making when she is tricked into going to his
hotel room. Anderson persuades her to play along with a pretend engagement then
an actual wedding to save her reputation and his campaign. The media falls in
love with the charismatic couple and they must figure out how to reconcile
their public image with their private life.
AN EXCERPT
Anderson Adams watched the graceful,
blond girl across the room spin seductively in an effort to show off her gown.
She was strikingly beautiful and seemed to spread cheer to those gathered
around her. He decided in that moment that he needed a break from the endless
political chatter surrounding him.
He politely excused himself from the
discussion and asked his campaign manager, Brian Gallagher, “Who is the beauty
across the room?”
Brian followed his gaze and said,
“Ah, Bella Montgomery. William Montgomery’s granddaughter. I’ve heard that she
has relocated to Connecticut and is interested in launching a PR firm. I think
she goes by Lucia Montgomery now.”
“Have you spoken with her this
evening?” Anderson kept his voice disinterested. He needed a diversion for the
evening but had to be careful of his reputation. It wouldn’t help his cause to
irritate the former governor. While this campaign may not end in success, he
had other political aspirations for the future.
“Not yet. But her grandfather asked
that I interview her for a position in the campaign. Apparently, he would like
to see her heading up the PR elements. The campaign needs experience and talent
not a bored socialite but having a connection to the former governor wouldn’t
hurt us.”
Anderson avoided making eye contact
with anyone, taking a moment to contemplate his approach. “Connections are
important. William Montgomery has the influence and positive record to energize
older voters. An association with Ms. Montgomery could prove to be helpful.”
His campaign manager put a hand on
his shoulder and guided his view away from Lucia Montgomery. “I wouldn’t seek
her out. She is exactly what you don’t need. Young, blond and receptive. You
need to be seen having a mature relationship, not chasing a young socialite who
may end up having a position in the campaign.”
There was no way he would allow his
campaign manager to dictate his choice of companion. Cultivating a veneer of
respectability was necessary, but he wouldn’t allow it to command how he lived
his life.
Taking a large swallow of whiskey,
he handed the empty glass to Brian. “I’ll see what she has to offer the
campaign.”
Making his way across the room, he
noted her companion abandoned her when she saw him coming towards them.
He stopped within a few feet of her
and was captivated by her intense and open stare. He had the sense that she had
been waiting for him. The crossover V-neckline in front and back exposed
sun-kissed, flawless skin. He had to push away thoughts of her undressing for
him. How could she tempt him so easily? He had given up on women in the last
few months, instead deciding to slide into a forced celibacy after his last
nightmare of a relationship had ended with bitter regrets.
SPECIAL LINKS
Susie loves to hear from
readers and responds to each email and Facebook post. Please reach out to her
via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Susie-Warren/647556668647832 or
Twitter @susiecwarren
For more information on her
upcoming releases, new excerpts and other related postings, or to sign up for
free promotions, please visit www.susiewarren.com
Susie will be
awarding $50 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter
during the tour.
