“Ms. Elsborg brilliantly transports her readers to the far reaches of space for a sexy escape from reality. Sit back and enjoy this delightful tale!” -- Shannon of The Romance Studio
“With a hilarious heroine and a sweet hero, LUCY IN THE SKY is a fun romp from start to finish.” --Noella of Romance Junkies Blue Ribbon Reviews.
“…Ms. Elsborg has created a story designed to tease and tantalize as well as make me outright laugh.” WitchGiggles of Alternative-Read.com
“…rest assured that this was a cute, quirky read that made me giggle, gasp and moan. Complete with a happy ending that every one will love. The blurb doesn't make mention, but there are some pretty steamy m/m scenes scattered throughout. Hot steamy read. Unique characters and one hell of a plot and story line :) *SNAPS* Ms Elsborg, wonderful job :)” -- Seriously Reviewed
To celebrate the anticipated print version, Barbara is giving away a copy of the Lucy in the Sky e-book, so read on!
First of all, Barbara, when was Lucy in the Sky first released as an e-book and how was it received by readers?
It first came out in October 2009 and to be honest, the first month’s sales were not as good as they have been for my other books. Can’t help but wonder if that was because it’s a sci fi romance – my first, BUT it has sold consistently since.
When and how did you receive word that Lucy in the Sky would go into print and what was your first thought?
Almost a year to the day after it came out as an ebook, I was told it will be put into print some time next year. My first thought? Yippee!!!!! While I appreciate the sense and value of ebooks, there is nothing like seeing your book on your bookshelf to give you a thrill!!
What is the criteria for Ellora’s Cave to consider publishing an e-book in a print version?
As I understand it, they will consider most titles for print eventually though it does depend on the length. I don’t, for example, expect to see my short novella – Snow Play – put into print but who knows! And whilst I never expected to see my little free story in print – it was put into an anthology and I have a copy for my bookshelf.
What’s the word count for Lucy in the Sky and will there be any trimmed or additional scenes when it goes into print?
It’s about 76,000 words. Nothing will be changed when it goes into print.
Tell us a little about the main characters and the central conflict. What inspired you to create them and write their story?
The idea for the story sprang from a moment when I looked out the window of my house and wondered what I’d do if I saw a spaceship in my back garden. At that moment, Lucy the heroine was born though I have to say I don’t think I’d have behaved liked Lucy. I’m fairly certain I’d have run screaming in the other direction rather than confront the pilot. Lucy is everything I’m not – plucky, cute, quick thinking and brave.
The hero of the story – Three – who’s come to Earth to collect plant samples, thinks he’s some sort of manufactured being and so his response to Lucy takes him by surprise. Instead of flying away without her, he takes her with him and thus the story begins. Of course, Three isn’t supposed to bring back this sort of sample and has to hide her which gives me the chance to insert lots of humorous situations.
As the author, what part of the novel is your favorite and why?
I think the start is my favorite part. It’s because it was my original inspiration – this vision of a lump of metal sitting on my lawn that triggered the rest of the book. Perhaps the bit that makes me laugh the most – is Lucy’s experience with the spacecraft’s toilet!
Please share the blurb with our readers.
When you wake up to find a spaceship in your backyard, what do you do? Choose from three.
Phone the police.
Scream.
Go yell at the alien for wrecking your garden.
Lucy storms out of her house to confront the inept pilot and the last option turns out to be both the right and wrong choice when she finds the gorgeous hunk’s name is Three. She’s torn between fury that he’s not only crushed her roses but decapitated her statue of Eros, and a longing that he enliven her boring life and whisk her to the stars. Three doesn’t give her a choice when he throws her over his broad shoulders and takes her into space. Lucy soon finds herself exploring alien territory in ways she never imagined.
Three’s efforts to hide and protect her on the mother ship are stymied by his inability to keep his hands—and other body parts—off the luscious Lucy, and it looks as if her immediate fate might be a solo trip into space without a spacesuit.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
My intention with Lucy in the Sky was to make people smile as well as draw them into the conflict. This is a lighthearted love story though it has its tense moments. Lucy, I think, is the woman we’d all like to think we’d be if we were thrown into her predicament. And of course, if there was a handsome hunk called Three around – so much the better.
Also I need to mention that there is an MM sub plot in here. Not to everyone’s taste, I know. Though it might make the book more desirable to others.
Thanks for your time, Barbara, and once again, congratulations on the fantastic news. For those who want to read more, here’s a link to the opening excerpt of Lucy in the Sky from the Ellora’s Cave website.
For a chance to win an e-copy of Lucy in the Sky, simply leave a comment below.
