Category Archives: Made in Nashville

MADE IN NASHVILLE – @MandyBaggot likes to do it the American Way

Posted on by
2

Today I am delighted to welcome a wonderfully talented writer and performer to my blog – Mandy Baggot. 

I first met her at a literary event where she was not only promoting her novels but was entertaining the crowds at lunch with her microphone and PA system belting out Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab”. She is a total star.

She has a brand new book out called MADE IN NASHVILLE … for a good ol’ dose of country-style romance. 

Without further ado – Mandy, I’ve noticed a number of your books are set in the US. Why is this? 

Mandy:  To be really honest I’m not entirely sure how this happened!

When I started writing I had in mind using my cool British humour and knowledge of UK popular culture in my novels. My first four books had British heroines and three of those were set predominantly in England but two had ‘foreign’ heroes – American heartthrob actor Nicholas Kaden and ice-dance sensation Jimmy Lloyd.



By the time I got to novel number five I was writing about an American-born heroine travelling back to her homeland. There were diners, hockey, my words had Zs in them and one less ‘l’. I was talking pants instead of trousers and clutching purses instead of bags.

I think having my dad living in the US is an influence. He’s a constant source of inspiration, keeps me in touch with American culture and all things Michigan.
But another reason is my obsession with US TV shows. British drama for me has got a little too British. I want escapism. I want action, talk of bodegas and a sexy drawl on my hero.



Made in Nashville was born out of my love for country music and the American lifestyle. Writing about things you’re passionate about always makes for a great story and I really hope that passion shines through on the page.

Although the book is set in Nashville, in the middle of the music scene, you don’t have to be a fan of bluegrass to enjoy Honor and Jared’s story. Their relationship is the focus and it’s their feelings that drive the plot forward. But, before you know it, you’ll be listening to Tim McGraw and wearing plaid!
So there you have it! I’m a girl who loves writing over the pond but I also like to keep everyone on their toes. My next hero’s a Bulgarian!


Mandy Baggot is a romantic fiction author. In 2012 she won the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK’s Festival of Romance. Her self-published title, Strings Attached was also short-listed for the Best Author Published Read award.

Also in 2012 she signed with American publishing house, Sapphire Star Publishing, who produced her novels, Taking Charge and romantic suspense, Security.

In June 2013 she signed a two book deal with Harper Collins’ digital first romance imprint, Harper Impulse.

She is a regular contributor to writing blogs and on-line magazine, Loveahappyending Lifestyle http://www.loveahappyending.com/.

Mandy loves mashed potato, white wine, country music, World’s Strongest Man, travel and handbags. She has appeared on ITV1’s Who Dares Sings and auditioned for The X-Factor.

Mandy is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband, two daughters and cats, Kravitz and Springsteen.

Loveahappyending Bookshelf: http://loveahappyending.org/mandy-baggot/
Harper Impulse: http://ow.ly/mAQBP
Latest release: Made in Nashville– Amazon UK http://ow.ly/sMOIG


Why don’t you call me some time?

Posted on by
Reply
You can call me Icon

The Pinterest reveal goes on and on. There’s been a glitch with my host blogger but I’ve got a little slice of English village life that I wanted to share in any case. OK – what do you see in every postcard from the UK along with the black taxi cab and the double decker bus? You got it. It’s the red telephone box. 
In Shannon’s Law the parish council of Fleetworth-Green agree to install a second red box but without a phone. Everyone has a mobile device. The phone box forms the perfect privacy and shelter where you can pull out your electronics without fear of rain damage. It’s a classic British compromise.

Love on the phone. It’s easy as A B – See.

If you want to know the full history of the phone box – it is here. To this day, they remain an iconic element of tradition and continuance. My own memories are of standing outside while other lovers poured their boring sweet nothings into the heavy handset. By the time I got in my own passion had cooled but I still loved the old fashioned rotary dial. 

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/OpnjsdhBQ9E&source=uds

Before I go I do want to share with you a video trailer for a book by the Harper Impulse author Mandy Baggot. Her story, “Made In Nashville” launched recently. It’s a page turner and I’m turning them. The book is about a singer and you can tell the authenticity in the way Mandy writes. She just loves the music.She’s a trouper. She doesn’t hold back. She gives you full music power straight out of her generous talented heart. That’s a star. She’ll be a guest on my blog in the next week.

Emma Thinx: Big up the tip. Mortality will snatch your change.