1--What is the title of your latest release?
TREADING WATER (Book One from the Notes From the Deep End Series)
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Simone Biles meets The Program meets The OC. The story of a celebrity athlete’s self-destruction and how a forced stay at an unconventional “facility” inspires her to rebuild her life.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
The story takes place at The Dunes, which geographically is in the desert in Southern California, but it honestly could have been the moon. My main character's name is Natalie, and she's from Buffalo, NY. I just wanted somewhere that was a completely different vibe than a northeastern rustbelt city like Buffalo NY in the dead of winter.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Absolutely! Natalie is an elite swimmer who’s worked very hard and made a lot of sacrifices to make others happy, sometimes at the expense of herself. While I can't say I was ever at the Olympics, I skied for many years at an elite level and understand the pressure and what you sometimes give up for the sake of your sport. So in many ways, I thought we could commiserate. Natalie and I have a lot in common. She’s got a rough exterior, but she's sensitive. She's also funny and she's hopeful and these are all qualities that intrigue me, and I aspire to have.
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Brave, Terrified, Survivor
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
That people wander through life with a lot more questions than answers. You expect one thing out of yourself. But end up with something else. The true test of character is how you adapt. I tried to write Natalie. With a sense of self-awareness. But also. With the feeling. That she couldn't always trust herself in making decisions. That's a tough tightrope to walk in real life, but really fun to write.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
Both. And then I have my amazing critique partners Kari and Barb go through it too!
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
All of it! There is not a single food I do not like! True story, one of my favorite dishes is liver and onions!
9--Describe your writing space/office!
I write on my bed. I have blue LED lights on with the TV show Moonlighting playing in the background almost mute. I also always have a scented candle going. My current favorites are the Stranger Things scents at Bath and Body Works.
10--Who is an author you admire?
Tom Wolfe Bonfire of the Vanities is my favorite book of all times.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
Grapes of Wrath -I’m an American Studies professor and I love stories mixed with American History
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
I was at my friend’s house! We were already having cocktails so we had a few more to celebrate!!
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
YA and Romantasy
14--What’s your favorite movie?
I don’t have a favorite movie, but my favorite TV show is “Moonlighting.” It’s a boy/girl detective show from the 80’s starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd. I’m obsessed with it and am active in the fandom.
15--What is your favorite season?
Summer. I like to be tan.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
My birthday is Christmas Eve so I’m usually wrapping Christmas presents for the next day.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
Moonlighting The Podcast. Also, the TV show School Spirits. It’s about a bunch of dead kids who are trapped in their high school for eternity. My 15-year-old son got me hooked. I love it!
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
All of it. My favorite meal is breakfast.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
Some kind of sport. Golfing, swimming, playing tennis, skiing. I am currently training for a marathon, too!
20--What can readers expect from you next?
Book two in the series False Start
Notes From The Deep End #1
International media sensation Natalie Collins is an eighteen-year-old Olympic swimmer, who has dedicated her whole life to her career. But when her best friend and relay teammate, Annie, is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Natalie's world spirals out of control. A public meltdown exposes her addiction, leading her to The Dunes, an unconventional rehab in the California desert. At The Dunes, Natalie meets a diverse group of individuals, each with their own struggles and stories.
Mitch, a young counselor who all the girls’ crush on, encourages her to write letters to Annie, helping her process her emotions. Through one-sided letters Natalie relays stories about Dr. Blaine, an enigmatic psychiatrist, and Tillie, a nurturing counselor. Among the residents, Natalie befriends Staci, an aspiring artist and heroin addict, and Fiona, a former beauty queen recovering from human trafficking. She also takes on Missy, the rehab bully and her minions, but finds allies in Gia, a former gangster, and Cassidy, a meth addict who believes she lives in a television.
As Natalie navigates her new environment, she reflects on her life in limbo “on the outside.” Her father's remarriage to Mommy New Boobs, her mother's churning of her bank accounts and her toxic relationship with Racer, her ex-boyfriend. Through observing others Natalie learns that everyone has their own battles. Inspired by the resilience of those around her, Natalie begins to see life as a gift and the attempts to rebuild her life and career.
"Treading Water" is a story of struggle, redemption, and the power of human connection. From the depths of addiction to the surface of hope.
Romance Contemporary | Women's Fiction [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: February 25, 2025, e-Book , / ]
Daniella Blue has been a writer her whole life, penning her first story in purple crayon at the age of seven. When not at her computer, Daniella can be found on the golf course, tennis court, ski slope and occasionally the bowling alley. She is considering training for a triathlon. Other favorite activities include obsessing over classic 80’s TV and getting her nails done. She lives in western New York with her three boys and two Dachshunds. Purple is still her favorite color.
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