One thing I love about blog tours is learning about authors I might not have interacted with or known about previously. That's why I'm so happy to be able to introduce you to Camille Eide and her latest novel, The Memoir of Johnny Devine, set in 1950's California! (Be sure to check back on Saturday for my full review.)
Camille, what inspired you to write The Memoir of Johnny Devine?
A dream—literally. I was working (er, blocked) on another story and woke one morning recalling a vivid dream. In it, a man with a cane watched in silence as a woman walked out his door, and I knew his heart was breaking over her leaving, but he didn’t stop her. I was intrigued, and as I jotted down ideas about these people and what their lives were about, excitement for their story exploded. Initially, I suspected the idea was Divinely inspired, and later believed this without a doubt as the themes, connecting details, and writing flow came on the wings of answered prayer.
It's so neat to see how many authors have been inspired by dreams or pictures in their head of a specific scene (e.g. C.S. Lewis and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe). I think you're right, there's God things for sure going on ...
I adore the 1950s! What type of research did you do for this novel?
I watched a lot of classic films (bummer, huh? J). I also read stacks of Hollywood biographies and studied enormous books on early 20th century America, Hollywood, World Wars I & II, Senator McCarthy, and Communism. I interviewed people who remember the 1950s. And I listened to a lot of Billie Holiday, Tommy Dorsey, and Nat King Cole.
Being able to watch classic films as research is a definite perk for choosing a "more recent" time period ... you definitely couldn't research for a Regency like that. ;-) With my art background, I have to ask about the book cover process. What was it like for you as the author? What kind of input did you have?
Working with Ashberry Lane has been a very gratifying experience. I was asked to offer input on all the covers, which is a privilege since I’m not a graphic artist. For each cover, I made a private Pinterest board shared with the publishing team and designer. There, I collected covers I liked as well as photos from the stock source our designer uses. I tend to think visually, so I would also “create” mock up covers just to give an idea of the mood I felt would fit the story. Some of my ideas have been used, others offered good fuel for further brainstorming. I have been delighted with the covers and grateful that this publisher takes my wishes and ideas seriously and respects my input.
I definitely think it's a wise choice for publishers to at least seek some input from their authors (even if they end up going in another direction). Collaboration is important and I think your cover turned out pretty good! It conveys a lot of the 1950s/old Hollywood subject (especially the fonts chosen). I saw that you love classic rock --who are some of your favorite artists?
I enjoy many styles of music, but as a child of the 70s, I grew up with a special fondness for oldies rock and southern rock/blues (BTO, CCR, Lynyrd Skynyrd, etc). I melt to the sounds of smooth R&B (Etta James, Nat King Cole, BB King). And the Beatles will always have a ticket to ride with me. J But I don’t listen to the “classic rockers” I grew up with much these days. Time feels short and spiritual encouragement is vital, so I love it when I find both a soul message and a musical style I like rolled into one band, which I find in Third Day and NEEDTOBREATHE. And I adore the soulful vocal artistry of Plumb and Liz Vice. (If you have not discovered gospel soul phenomenon Liz Vice, Google her now!)
Awesome picks! My dad introduced me to the local "Oldies" radio station in high school and I've been hooked ever since. 70s-80s bands like Chicago and Journey are some of my favorites (and the early Beatles ... I loved the more "pop" music style like Herman's Hermits too). ;-) I just looked up Liz Vice and wow, what a voice! (Here's her official website.)
In another interview, you mentioned that you're a huge "Heartie" --When Calls the Heart fan (love that show!) -- so much so, that you help run a fansite (HeartiesWTCH.com)! If Hallmark (or another company) wanted to make your book into a movie, who would be your dream cast?
Actually, HeartiesWTCH.com is a sister site to our Fans of WCTH Facebook Group (30,000+ members) that I co-created and administrate. (The story of how that came about is a novel in itself.) I’m happy to be part of the tidal wave of support for a program that values honor, virtue, and self-sacrifice in a family-safe, faith-friendly TV show. By the way, if you’re a fan, watch the Season 2 finale and be sure to pay *careful* attention to the Nora vs. Abigail mercantile scene. The shocked ladies sipping tea at the table in the corner are Susan Cooper and I.
I’d be thrilled to see The Memoir of Johnny Devine on screen. Which would be a lovely irony: a book being made into a movie about a movie star writing a book which is being made into a movie. Just for fun, I’ve asked friends and readers what actors they would cast in the “film,” and together, we’ve come up with some excellent ideas. It’s really tough to choose!
1. Johnny Devine: Michael Fassbender, Robert Downey Jr, George Clooney
2. Eliza: Rachel McAdams, Anne Hathaway, Amy Adams
3. Millie: A brilliant, seasoned (elderly) character actress would be perfect
Oops, my bad! But how awesome that you got to be an extra on the show! I actually haven't seen the second half of season 2 yet, but it's on my DVR, so I'll definitely keep an eye out for you! Having just finished your novel, I agree, it would be pretty ironic! I like your actor picks --I'll add some of their photos to this post over the weekend ... Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions, Camille! =)Keep reading for a excerpt of
The Memoir of Johnny Devine (and a chance to win a copy) below!
About the Book:
In 1953, desperation forces young war widow Eliza Saunderson to take a
job writing the memoir of ex-Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Devine. Rumor
has it Johnny can seduce anything in a skirt quicker than he can hail a
cab. But now the notorious womanizer claims he’s been born again. Eliza
soon finds herself falling for the humble, grace-filled man John has
become—a man who shows no sign of returning her feelings. No sign, that
is, until she discovers something John never meant for her to see.
When Eliza’s articles on minority oppression land her on McCarthy’s
Communist hit list, John and Eliza become entangled in an investigation
that threatens both his book and her future. To clear her name, Eliza
must solve a family mystery. Plus, she needs to convince John that real
love—not the Hollywood illusion—can forgive a sordid past. Just when the
hope of love becomes reality, a troubling discovery confirms Eliza’s
worst fears. Like the happy façade many Americans cling to, had it all
been empty lies? Is there a love she can truly believe in?
More about Camille:
Camille Eide writes romantic, inspirational dramas about love, faith,
and family. She lives in Oregon with her husband and is a mom, grammy,
bass guitarist, and a fan of muscle cars, tender romance, oldies Rock,
and Peanut M&Ms. Visit her online at www.camilleeide.com or on Facebook, Twitter,
Goodreads,
Instagram, Pinterest, or her blog.
The thunking sound grew louder until a tall, dark-haired man in charcoal tweed slacks, a crisp white shirt, and a tie appeared in the parlor doorway.
Eliza gasped in spite of herself and stood, almost too numb to move. Millie was right—there were probably few who wouldn’t recognize Hollywood’s legendary Johnny Devine. He leaned on a cane, but straightened to a full six-foot-plus when his gaze found Eliza.
Her heart thudded. The silver screen had not done his looks full justice.
“Mr. John,” Millie said from her post. “This is Mrs. Saunderson.”
“How do you do?” Johnny Devine asked in that trademark voice that made far too many sensible women swoon. He eyed Eliza carefully, waiting.
Still numb, Eliza couldn’t answer.
Millie’s description of her employer as “famous” was an understatement.
Notorious was more accurate. Louella Parsons’s Hollywood gossip column had been the first to dub him “Devilishly Devine.” From all accounts, Johnny Devine was extremely fond of women—young or old, rich or poor, married or single, loose or chaste. Rumor had it he could seduce anything in a skirt quicker than he could hail a cab.
Johnny turned to Millie, and the old woman gave him a single nod. He returned his attention to Eliza and studied her for a painfully long moment.
“Mrs. Saunderson,” he said finally. “Won’t you please be seated?”
Reminding herself to breathe, Eliza found her seat.
He’s just a man. Just a regular man.
While Millie held her place, Johnny Devine went to the fireplace and lowered himself onto a chair, squeezing his cane in a white-knuckled grip. He drew a deep breath and faced Eliza.
Then he smiled.
Oh … my … stars … On screen, that smile was a heart stopper. But in person? It could melt the stockings right off a girl.
“I’m writing a book,” he said. “A memoir, actually. It’s under contract with a New York publishing house, Covenant Press. I have the first three chapters here—”
He began to rise, but Millie
tut-tutted at him and retrieved a manila envelope from the fireplace mantel. She tottered over and handed it to Eliza.
Memoir? Eliza stared at the tan packet on her lap, wishing she didn’t have to touch it.
“After going over those first few chapters,” he said, pointing at the envelope, “my publisher suggested I hire a typist with strong editorial skills. You can see his marks for yourself. He likes the content, but wants me to find someone who can do the edits on those chapters and get the project back on schedule by sorting out any other … grammatical issues that arise as I write the rest.”
Eliza stared at the envelope, thoughts whirling. The last thing she wanted was to read three hundred pages of him boasting about his dressing room adventures, much less fix the grammar. But the pay was so unbelievably good.
And yet there was also the issue of working
with him. In his home.
Eliza stole a glance at him. He was surely older than he’d been in his last picture that she’d seen, but every bit as attractive. In fact, he was more handsome than a man had a right to be.
She stiffened. Of course, this was a man whose good looks, breathtaking smile, and smooth charm had gotten him anything and anyone he wanted. However, she wouldn’t be duped by a sweet-talking liar, no matter how handsome. She’d learned that lesson all too well, thanks to Ralph. “I have extensive editing experience and am confident I can do the work.”
“Tell me about your qualifications,” Johnny said, his deep voice businesslike.
“I have a bachelor’s degree in English.” Eliza resisted the urge to lift her chin. Though she’d worked hard to earn it, the degree had done her little good. “With a minor in Journalism.”
Wincing, Johnny Devine shifted slightly in his seat. “Impressive. And your experience?”
“During the war, I worked in the steno pool at McClellan Air Force Base. Since then, I’ve worked as a freelance editor, writer, typist, and stenographer.” Not steadily enough to make a decent living, but that wasn’t any of his business. Those good-paying base jobs had been given to men returning after the war, leaving Eliza, and many women like her, jobless.
“Excellent,” Johnny said. “Do you have any questions for me?”
“Yes.” Why hadn’t she inherited Papa’s forthright-sounding voice like Betty had instead of Mama’s soft tone? She sat up straighter to bolster her nerve. “Do you intend for us to work alone?”
He frowned. “Alone?” But just as quickly as it appeared, his frown dissolved. He turned and stared out the window, his lips pressed tight. “No. I should have mentioned that at the start. Millie is here every day of the week. And my handyman, Duncan McBride, lives on the property, so he’s always around.”
Millie chuckled. “Well, where else he gonna go? That ol’ leprechaun older than me.”
Swell. Two ancient domestic workers were Eliza’s only guarantee against unwanted attentions. But at least their presence meant she and Mr. Devilishly Devine wouldn’t be completely alone. And she’d be nuts to pass up the money. Betty would sermonize about the man’s reputation, but Eliza was a grown woman. She could manage the consequences of her own decisions just fine.
Johnny’s gaze was on the hooked rug at his feet and would not meet hers.
She had better not regret this. “Very well, I would like to be considered for the job. But if you intend to hire me, I need to make one thing clear.”
“And that is?” Johnny asked.
Eliza forced her voice steady, because what she was about to say stretched every one of her nerves taut. “Any funny business and I quit. On the spot.”
Millie’s face bunched up in confusion. “
Funny business? What in the world kinda—”
“It’s all right, Millie,” Johnny said quietly.
Eliza lifted her chin and waited, heart racing.
“You will not be insulted in this house,” he said. “You have my word.”
She studied him, heart hammering. “Your word?”
“Yes.” Slowly, Johnny Devine looked up and met her eyes. “Though it may be of little worth to you, I am a man of my word.”
For now, she had no choice but to take him at that word.
For whatever it was worth.
(Excerpt used with permission from the author.)
Be sure to check out the rest of the blog tour above and enter below for a chance to win a copy of
The Memoir of Johnny Devine!
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Any comments or questions for Camille? Who would you cast as Millie? Feel free to post them below!
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