Wild Roses Blog Tour: Sandra Sookoo

Today The Cozy Page takes part in an exciting new virtual tour called the Wild Roses Blog Tour! My first guest is fellow TWRP author Sandra Sookoo, whose latest release, Wedgie Tales and Panty Lines is now available in paperback....

Sandra is a writer of romantic fiction. Her portfolio includes historical, contemporary, sci-fi and paranormal romances. She loves to blend genres and spice them up and often times will add humor as well.

After catching the writing bug at the young age of ten, she’s gone on to grow her unique writing style. She’s a regular contributor for the Paranormal Romantic’s blog and has a great time keeping things interesting at the Believing is Seeing blog.

When not immersed in creating new worlds and interesting characters, Sandra likes to read, bake and travel. Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World. It’s where dreams come true and the soul can play. That suits her just fine.

Writing is her ultimate dream job.

Welcome, Sandra! What compelled you to write in your chosen sub-genre? What is your favorite aspect of this type of story?

LOL I don’t know that contemporary is my “chosen” genre. I love writing across genres because it keeps my brain fresh and the readers interested. My favorite aspect for this book? That almost every woman can relate to a part of it.

How did you come up with the premise of Wedgie Tales and Panty Lines? What do you like most about this story?

I like most that there’s a lot of me in the heroine Kate. Actually, I’ll bet there’s a lot of every woman in this book. I liked best the aspect of using underwear as a life correlation.

Tell us about the heroine. How do you think readers will identify most with her?

My heroine’s name is Kate. Just Kate. She’s an average-sized woman living an average life. What she really wants is to be loved for herself, which is what I think most women want regardless of their walk in life.

Tell us about the hero. Is he an alpha or a beta? What will readers like most about him?

The hero’s name is Bryan. Since this story is told in the first person, this book is not really about him, although he is the catalyst for the change in Kate.

Here’s the blurb: When unassuming mail room worker Kate Little agrees to become an underwear tester for a marketing company, things get uncomfortable fast. Not only has she never worn “fancy” underpants before, she has to work closely with handsome marketing manager Bryan Eddleman and that’s enough to keep her in a constant state of confusion.

Trouble is Bryan’s competing with another manager for a promotion that hinges on the results of the test group. Kate can’t determine if his sudden interest is really in her or her surprisingly insightful weekly reports on foundation garments.

Add a jealous co-worker out to sabotage Kate’s budding love life, an overly helpful gay friend with nothing better to do than shove her into Bryan’s arms, and a rambunctious teacup dog to the chaos and you’ll have a typical day in Kate’s less than ordinary life.

The last thing she needs is panty lines.

What kind of research did you have to do for this storyline?

LOL Not a whole lot, actually. It’s set in modern day Indianapolis, Indiana which is my stomping ground anyway. Most of the places in this book are actual places that I’ve been to many times.

How does this book compare with other books on your backlist or that you have written?

This is only the 2nd book I’ve written using the first person. In the contemporary genre, I have a few out there. Sometime next year I’d love to write a sequel to this book.

Now for the fun part of the Q&A! What is your zodiac and what is it telling you today?

I’m a Leo. It says my career is lighting up today LOL I sure hope that’s true!

If you could set a story in your real-life setting, what would it be? Heartfelt contemporary, high-flying fantasy, or steamy romantic suspense?

LOL Oh goodness. I draw a lot on my real life experiences for a good portion of my books anyway so that would be too hard to answer.

And last but not least, if you found the Mirror of Erised from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, what would you see in it? (Note: If you aren't an HP junkie like me, the Mirror of Erised is a magical object that is inscribed “I show not your face, but your heart’s desire.” Orphaned Harry sees his parents, his friend Ron sees himself distinguished as Head Boy and Quidditch Captain, and Albus Dumbledore supposedly sees himself with a pair of socks.)

Nice question! I think I would like to see myself in the New York publishing scene, only not as an author particularly, but as an editor. Would I like to have a book or two out with a New York publishers? Absolutely! And it’s still a goal. Recently, though, I think it might be fun to be an editor. Imagine the things I could learn!

Would you like to share an excerpt from Wedgie Tales and Panty Lines with readers today?

Panty Truth #7 according to Kate: A woman’s mood and her underpants often go hand in hand.

If I wanted to impress you with my job, I’d tell you I’m vital to the success of the garment industry. But, since you wouldn’t be impressed, no matter how great the spin, I’ll tell you the truth.

I test lingerie—panties specifically.

That’s right. My marketing company receives samples of all the new underwear released to the public, and I’m the lucky girl who gets to test them. Briefs, hipsters, thongs—I try them all on and wear them for a day to make sure they’re the comfortable and practical items their manufacturers claim.

It’s not as glamorous as it sounds. And the labels? Those colorful, flashy printed blurbs that promise to give you a fantastic life, white teeth, perfect figure, and an instant boyfriend if you wear their products? They lie.

Let me tell you a few stories, and then you can make your own decision.

Thank you for sharing with us today, Sandra! Cozies, find out more about Sandra at her website. Wedgie Tales and Panty Lines is available now in paperback from The Wild Rose Press. Watch the book video here. And check back in Wednesday for my second guest on the Wild Roses Blog Tour!