DANA PRATOLA ~ Author

          Sandra Bonaldi is launching her 3rd novel! Happy Release Day to 

                                      Past Reflections!!!   \o/ 

To Sandra Bonaldi writing is as natural as breathing and there are times when her characters demand their stories to be told. Sandra finds that she works best while multi-tasking and welcomes the inevitable challenge that writing sweet and sassy romance offers always opting for that happily ever after.

Life is about keeping it real. While her children are now adults she and her husband, Tom, are able to pursue their passion for creativity on a broader scale. Writing has always been one of Sandra’s passions but raising a family came first. Now her two Rat Terriers Chase and Chelsea are collecting on all of those leftover hugs and kisses.

Sometimes we need to be reminded of the simple things – we need a feel good love story that has you believing that you can find love even when you’re convinced you’ll never love again. Yes, you can come through a horrible ordeal and still believe that happily ever after does exist…

                                           BLURB:                                               

 Taking a position as a camp counselor at beautiful Camp Wiskle was anything but relaxing. Julie Finch longed to get away and forget about her complicated life. When it finally looks like she might be able to pick up the pieces of her broken heart memories of a first love invade her every thought.

Meeting Kevin gave her a reason to smile but it was memories of Scott that had her holding on to something she wasn’t sure she had ever let go of in the first place.

EXCERPT: PAST REFLECTIONS

The darkness seemed endless as she made her way back in the general direction of the cabins. As Julie kept up a steady pace she strained her ears for the slightest sound. The silence was almost deafening. Suddenly, in the distance, a howl sounded that had Julie off and running blindly in the dark.

It seemed an eternity before she reached the lighted path, when that dreaded howl sounded again, only this time it sounded as though this animal was getting closer. She broke out in a cold sweat just thinking about what kind of animal she might be up against, but still she pressed on.

There was the bend, a little ways ahead. A large tree marked the path. Funny, she couldn’t remember seeing a tree there before. But she kept on running, not even slowing down to round the bend. That was when she collided head-on into something.

The impact had her reeling backwards and falling into the trunk of that enormous tree. It had winded her and she lay motionless at the foot of the tree. “What the hell!”

She had run into someone.

“Are you crazy?!”

It sounded like Kevin. She was too shaken to move when finally he stepped out of the shadows and into the dimmest of light.

“Julie, my gosh.” He went to her and bent down. “Are you hurt?”

“It’s you.” She breathed a great sigh of relief and placed a hand to her pounding heart. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see you.”

“Are you all right?”

No! She was embarrassed. “I’m okay.” She giggled nervously. “I just didn’t expect anyone to be there.”

“Here, let me help you up.” He took her hand gently and pulled her to her feet. She swayed slightly and leaned against him. “You’re not okay, are you?”

“I’m just a little shaken. But I’m fine, really.” She looked up at him and smiled. They stood awfully close. Too close. And Julie found herself backing away. “I really have to go.” For that one heart stopping moment she had thought that he was going to kiss her. Just the thought frightened her.

 The SANDRA BONALDI Interview:  

Are you a procrastinator or self-motivated?

Actually, I would have to say I’m a little bit of both. However, I would like to think I am more on the self-motivated side.

What story element is usually first to come into focus for you? Plot, characters, theme?

The characters usually come first and they dictate the way THEY want their story to be told.

What’s the best perk of being a writer? Is it the fast cars, the expensive gems, the respect and acclaim? LOL.

I haven’t discovered any perks yet, have you? LOL. Writing is my escape from everyday life. It is something I enjoy and I hope that my readers enjoy it as well.

No, I haven’t seen many perks yet, LOL. What’s the weirdest thing you own? And do you have a picture?

I have a Super Girl fluorescent light in my office that lights up pink. Could that be considered weird? And then there’s my Darth Vader collection.

That’s not really weird, but close enough =-) (See below) Do you remember the first “grown-up” book you read?

Absolutely. Wifey by Judy Blume.

The only Judy Blume I’ve read is Forever. I think I was 13. What’s your most difficult grammar issue?

I believe my most difficult issue with grammar is in the way that you might view writing and speaking. While it may not look correct in black and white once you speak it out it’s a done deal.

Have you ever written a character and realized, oops, I know that person.

I believe I have taken certain traits from people over the years. But in all honesty, I must admit, yes I have done this.

Who is your nuttiest, most eccentric, or most interesting relative?

Where shall I begin? LOL

Is there a story that has surprised you in that it changed so much from conception to final draft?

I believe that Midnight Magic did that for me. I always knew that the story would be woven around Domestic Violence elements. But I toned it down a lot. I also cut close to 10 thousand words so it would fit a certain criteria.

What’s the most difficult question you’ve had to answer? (Not in this interview, lol)

I really cannot recall any one particular question that has been difficult to answer.

Do you think you could survive three days trapped in a snowstorm? Do you have any special survival skills?

That depends on where I’m trapped and with whom. LOL. Now – if I were trapped in a cabin with Ben, you can bet your last dollar I would survive or die trying. As for survival skills, I’m sure everyone has them when they need them.

What Scripture best represents this stage of your life?

I like the Serenity Prayer because it speaks of wisdom. But I can’t think of a particular Scripture that can best define this stage of my life. But I depend on my God’s Inspirational Promise Book with Max Lucado to inspire me as well as to plant God’s daily promises into my heart.

    Where can you find Sandra's books? Glad you asked!

                        www.wings-press.com/Bookstore/Past%20Reflections.htm