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Amy Leigh Simpson | A Hopeless Romantic’s Worst-Case Scenario
November 6, 2015
Hello, my name is Amy and I’m an oxymoron. How’s that for an introduction?
Okay,
let’s try this one. I’m a normal stay-at-home mom, a debut novelist, and a
complete conundrum. If you were to meet me on the street (An odd phrase, if you
think about it. As a suburbanite I tend to drive, you know, with passengers I’m
familiar with, and city folk are more likely to pass people on the city street
than actually meet them, but I digress) Where was I… oh right, if we were to
meet
you’d probably say that I’m open and friendly. Upbeat. Possibly charming. I had
a
wonderfully normal childhood dreaming up fairytale endings and I’ve got this
cute
little family that proves a dream is indeed a wish your heart makes.
But I’ve got a secret. And it’s quite possibly disturbing and bubble-bursting
but
my debut novel, WHEN FALL FADES., just released last week and I dare
say
the cat is out of the bag.
So here it is… my dark side. (Cue Darth Vader sound effects)
“I’m a worst-case scenario-ist trapped in a hopeless romantic’s body.”
I often, maybe as often as daily, envision worst-case scenarios cropping up
from
the everyday mundane. It’s a weird, mismatched puzzle piece that didn’t quite
fit
until I started writing romantic mystery novels. And then, EUREKA! The world
made
sense and the light and dark could coexist, at least on paper.
Now, I’m not a worry-wart, nor do I suffer any kind of morbid fixation, it’s
just
that my brain takes creative liberties. It jumps ten steps ahead and imagines
the
“what if.” And amazingly enough, it’s not just handy when crafting a good
mystery.
It was a few years ago now but I’d been out for an early morning run with my
double jogging stroller. Brutal! There’s this paved path behind my subdivision
faithfully populated by fitness junkies, most in graphically-tight spandex
better
suited for private use (Just sayin’). At a certain point a drop of unease
disturbed the normalcy of the moment, and I became distinctly aware of the
suddenly vacant path and the dense, pressing border of tress.
My spidey-sense flagged the warning just before I heard a rustling to my right.
I
imagine most people might be thinking, squirrel? Chipmunk? But me? My mind
leaps
to someone lurking in the brush, waiting patiently for the right moment to
attack—
to drag some helpless victim behind the curtain of tall grass. My pulse hiked
up a
few notches at the thought, my pace charging with instant adrenaline.
I could actually see the scene unfolding before my eyes, feeling the imagined
fear. I’ve pictured car-wrecks, abductions, intruders, and accidents of all
kinds.
On rare occasions, the “what-ifs” have crept over the line from hypothetical to
possible. Like once when my hubby was out of town, the threat from my
overactive
imagination became so real, when I heard a crash sound at 2 am I’d sworn
someone
had broken into my house.
I forced myself into action despite my deepest desire to be a wussy-heroine who
might hide out under the covers. And no I did not open the door and check
outside—
I’m not an idiot. Despite my nerves, I got out of bed and stalked around the
house
with my husband’s 38-Special drawn low, warning any intruders that mama bear
meant
business. Thankfully, I haven’t heard any reports from my neighbors that anyone
saw me playing CSI in my undies. God is merciful!
But the funny thing is, that day on the path someone actually did lunge out of
the
trees just behind me, confirming that my worst-case scenario delusion, at least
that once, was a whisper of caution that had prepared me just in time to react.
Most of the scenes in my mind don’t produce a tangible fear. But that day, fear
for my sons, and our isolation, clawed at me, high-jacked my adrenaline and
sent
me on a survival sprint to avoid the stern-faced, potentially tree-dwelling
older
man with the jerky gait that scared the ever-livin’ outta me.
My worst-case scenario (and my impressive fight-or-flight speed) was that day’s
happily ever after. And to this day, I’ve come to think of it as my superpower.
Giveaway
So tell me… Do you ever imagine worst-case scenarios, or are all your
hypothetical thoughts rose-colored? Or better yet, what ordinary thing about
you
could be your superpower? Leave a comment below and be entered for a chance to
win
a copy of WHEN
FALL FADES.
Amy Leigh Simpson writes romantic mysteries with honesty and humor,
sweetness and spice, and gritty reality covered by grace. When she's not
stealing
moments at naptime to squeeze out a few more adventures in storyland, she's
chasing around two tow-headed miscreants (Ahem)--boys, playing dress up with
one
sweet princess baby, and being the very blessed wife to the coolest, most
swoon-
worthy man alive. Amy is a Midwestern-girl, a singer, blogger, runner, coffee-
addict, and foodie. Her Sports Medicine degree is wasted patching up daily boo
boo's, but whatever is left usually finds its way onto the page with fluttering
hearts, blood and guts, and scars that lead to happily ever after. Amy would be delighted to connect with you on Facebook, at her blogging home
www.thewritersalleyblog.com, or at her homepage on wildbluepress.com
Facebook | Blog
Sadie Carson is an expert on unfinished business. Five years after the
derailment of her dreams she's just barely existing, using her job as a hospice
nurse to give others the one thing she can't seem to find-closure. So when her
elderly neighbor Charlie, a brilliant conspiracy nut known for harassing the
FBI,
is murdered, Sadie suspects Charlie might've been onto something and intends to
make sure someone solves the mystery of her friend's death, even if it's her.
The feisty little blonde may have found the victim's body, but FBI Special
Agent
Archer Hayes has no intention of letting some nosy civilian interfere with his
investigation. The guilt he feels is bad enough. The last thing Archer needs is
another distraction to haunt him. Especially one as beautiful and beguiling as
the
girl next door.
But throw in a mountain of hoarded evidence and suspiciously coded journals and
the case takes a puzzling turn toward a decades old conspiracy cover-up from
World
War II-one only the victim's closest confidant can help untangle. Sadie and
Archer
reluctantly join forces to decode the riddle of secrets Charlie carried to his
grave. Or did he? Someone is after a dangerous truth. But to uncover it or bury
it
is a question that leads the unlikely pair on a quest for redemption that lands
Sadie in the crosshairs of a desperate killer. And when the dangers of the past
and present collide Archer must fight to save the life of the woman he's
falling
for . . . only to discover he might be the one in need of saving.
Comments
35 comments posted.
Re: Amy Leigh Simpson | A Hopeless Romantic’s Worst-Case Scenario
Worst case scenarios
(Marissa Yip-Young 5:54am November 6, 2015)
I usually think of worse case scenarios and then are very pleased when everything turns out just right.
(Bonnie Capuano 8:54am November 6, 2015)
I'm the same way, Bonnie! with the way my mind works, I'm relieved a lot! :)
(Amy Simpson 9:33am November 6, 2015)
I always imagine worst-case scenarios and am always surprised
when things work out.
As for what would be my superpower, I would have super speed
like the Flash; I dislike heights, so flying would be out!
(Edward Washington 9:52am November 6, 2015)
It's human nature to imagine the worst-case scenario. My superpower is encouraging others.
(Caryl Kane 10:01am November 6, 2015)
Edward, Superspeed would be awesome!! I'm a runner but I'm not that fast!
Except maybe when that guy jumped out of the trees. Then I was like
lightning...even pushing an extra 40+ pounds of stroller and toddler boys!
(Amy Simpson 10:15am November 6, 2015)
Caryl... LOVE it!! What a wonderful gift!
(Amy Simpson 10:17am November 6, 2015)
I do think of the worst case scenario and prepare and then I remain optimistic.
(Pam Howell 11:05am November 6, 2015)
I always thought something was wrong with me for I always think the worst when someone is late . My mind keeps spinning until I see my kids are whoever is late . I'm certainly glad to know I'm not alone now . Good Luck to all .
(Joan Thrasher 11:17am November 6, 2015)
Because my Husband and I were crime victims when someone broke
into our house while we were sleeping, and drugged our dog, and I
was a few feet from a bank robber, while I worked at a bank (he
managed to get in the back room with us), I have the conditioning
now to always think - worst case scenario!! When I go out
somewhere, I always stay prepared, and watch everything like a
hawk - from being in the car, to the first step out of the car
and beyond. This is not the same world that we grew up in, and
to not be prepared is to literally cut your own throat, because
there are a lot of loose cannons out there!! Congratulations on
your latest book, and I'm looking forward to reading it. I have
it marked on my TBR list, to be read this upcoming Fall/Winter.
(Peggy Roberson 11:45am November 6, 2015)
Worst case since I have to be realistic and prepared.
(Sharon Berger 11:59am November 6, 2015)
Pam, I'm definitely a cock-eyed optimist of sorts :)
(Amy Simpson 12:31pm November 6, 2015)
Joan, I'm terrible with that too! Especially now with cell phones, if I can't get
a hold of someone and they're supposed to be here my mind goes to the
worst!
(Amy Simpson 12:32pm November 6, 2015)
Peggy! How scary!!! Fear on paper and fear in the flesh are two very very
different things, for certain! Even discovering ones that my car was broken
into shattered my sense of security in a very real way. I've learned to listen
to those whispers of caution, however foolish they may seem at the time.
As they say, better safe than sorry. Thank you so much for your interest in
my book, I really hope you like it and I hope you leave a review so I know
what you think!!! Stay safe. :)
(Amy Simpson 12:36pm November 6, 2015)
Sharon, being prepared is never a bad thing. Now being paranoid
sometimes has its drawbacks! ;)
(Amy Simpson 12:37pm November 6, 2015)
I try to stay positive and see the best in everything, everyone. I am a high school English teacher and these students need me to be "rose colored."
(Amy Morgan 4:13pm November 6, 2015)
I'm a pessimist so I'm always imagining the worst-case scenario. Also because if you're always positive and have high hopes, the harder you fall when you're more disappointed that something you were expecting didn't happen.
(Lisa L. 11:37am November 7, 2015)
I usually can imagine worse case situations but then figure out how to
allievate the problem so I will feel better about it even if it's still somewhat
bad.
(Nadine Stacy 6:23pm November 7, 2015)
Amy, that is a wonderful gift! And I'd say you found the
right profession to use it to it's fullest. High school
years are tough. Kids need a positive influence and loads
of encouragement. That must be your superpower. :)
(Amy Simpson 7:54pm November 7, 2015)
Lisa, I still think it's important to dream big. It's not
always about the destination, or winning. Often times we
learn and grow the most through our trials. I can look
back and be grateful for some of my darkest times because
I can see now they brought me to where I am. And they
also make me appreciate the good things even more.
Perseverance develops character. And the best things are
worth the fight. Trust me on this. It's okay to fear the
worst from time to time, but remember to hope for the
best. :) Thanks so much for weighing in!
(Amy Simpson 8:12pm November 7, 2015)
Nadine, I'm like that too! I like to work on a plan or a
strategy to work it out. Always thinking ahead :)
(Amy Simpson 8:13pm November 7, 2015)
My mind always drifts to the worst but I try to fight it and remain positive.
(Andrea Amy 3:10am November 8, 2015)
I think about it sometimes.
(Wilma Frana 11:34am November 8, 2015)
bad luck seems to follow me around, so I always think about the worst case scenario. the one that really happened was when I won a $5,000 trip for 4 to the Daytona 500. I asked the sponsor to put my brother-in-law's name on hotel room/tickets in case there was a problem with my flight - we were leaving from two different airports. Sure enough, 45 minutes before my flight was to take off, Jet Blue canceled the flight. Of course they called security first to make sure that there weren't problems with any of the irate passengers. Nothing like paying income tax on a $5000 prize that one didn't get any part of. Needless to say I will NEVER EVER fly Jet Blue again - they really don't care about their passengers. In the past, when I've had airline problems, they always bent over backwards to help get me to my destination, even if it was not on their airline.
(Joanne Schultz 3:50pm November 8, 2015)
I go straight to worst case scenario :)
(Dianne McVetty 8:54am November 9, 2015)
It's always worst cade scenario that way when it turns out OK you're happy!!!
(Bonnie Capuano 10:34am November 9, 2015)
I do at times think of the worst, but as a rule I am more
of an optimist..
(Sandra Stipins 1:08pm November 9, 2015)
I'm actually relieved to know I'm not alone in this! Maybe I'm not as weird as I thought! ;) Woo hoo!
(Amy Simpson 3:09pm November 9, 2015)
Aww, man!!! Joanne, that is some bad luck! We don't have jet blue here, but that story is enough to steer me clear! So sorry your special trip turned into a nightmare! So not fair!
(Amy Simpson 3:11pm November 9, 2015)
My worst case scenario is always something happening to loved
ones. My superpower would be sensing danger. Several times my
instinct said something was wrong and
I was right.
(Leann Griffiths 3:22pm November 9, 2015)
I always try to remain optimistic and think of the good - see the glass half
full! At the same time though, I also like to think things through and have a
solid plan and also back up plan just in case. I don't think I have any super
powers - unless organization counts!
(Lily Shah 8:59pm November 9, 2015)
Im like that too, Leann. That's gotta be normal, don't you think? We are most afraid of losing those we hold most dear? Those instincts are what saved me too!
(Amy Simpson 2:28pm November 11, 2015)
Lily, organization definitely counts! I could sure use some more of that in my life! (and my house!)
(Amy Simpson 2:29pm November 11, 2015)
worst case scenarios - even have a book about how to survive them (a gift)!
(Beth Elder 6:17am November 12, 2015)
Haha! Indeed, Beth. There's a game too! It's pretty funny!
(Amy Simpson 3:41pm November 12, 2015)
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