Up and coming Author Tay Marley was able to sit with me and talk about her new book ‘The QB Bad Boy and Me’.
I was excited to be able to sit down with her and talk to this book. What I love is it seems like that typical high school romance story that has been modernized but there is something more you feel with each of the characters Tay Marley was able to write about. Without delay here is my interview with the author.
Entertainment Jolt: How does it feel to have ‘The QB Bad Boy & Me’ be the very first book published but wattpad books?
Tay Marley: It feels like surreal. An honor. Being published has been a dream for a long time, and then to not only be published but asked to headline the launch of a brand new publishing division, wow, that’s a big deal and I still can’t wrap my head around it. Wattpad has been incredible to work with, so I’m immensely grateful for all that has happened so far.
EJ: Tell our readers what the story is about.
TM: ‘The QB Bad Boy and Me’ is about a cheerleader who is desperate to finish high school and get out of Colorado for a fresh beginning. Dallas, our cheerleader, isn’t quite prepared for the whirlwind that is Drayton Lahey, the football team’s quarterback and team captain. He’s filterless and bold, but so is Dallas. It makes for some interesting moments as they get to know each other, confess their secrets, and of course, fall in love.
EJ: How did you come up with the idea for the book and how were you able to make it your own?
TM: I basically found that I was reading a lot of the same sort of story. A shy super smart girl captures the attention of the super popular jock. I love these types of cliché tropes! But I also wanted to put a little twist on these same tropes. Our jock, Drayton, isn’t brooding and angry. He has a past, but he’s also a bit goofy and doesn’t take himself too seriously. Dallas is a cheerleader, but she’s introverted. She prefers tranquility, but isn’t afraid to speak her mind. She’s familiar with her body and what she wants, but she also doesn’t let people walk all over her.
EJ: What was the process of writing the book like?
EJ: I would think coming up with names to use in the story would be the hardest part. How did you come up with the names?
TM: I remember this part well. I sat on the couch and zoned out, shuffling names through my mind until Dallas and Drayton came to me. I wanted to use names that I hadn’t seen used in other stories. It’s a bit of a blur now, but I think I just sat brainstorming for quite a while. I’ve never had a second thought about the names. I love them.
EJ: What type of books do you read?
TM: I read a range of genres. I love YA romance. I love action/thriller books with a romantic subplot too. I love Liana Moriarty and the switching POV’s that lead up to a big plot twist or discovery. I love coming of age books too, the types that involve a lot of self-discovery and soul searching. I don’t read horror at all. I have a weak stomach!
EJ: Do you have a favorite author and why do you seem to be drawn to their work?
TM: I really enjoy Lindsey Kelk. I have a lot of her books on my shelf. They never fail to make me laugh out loud and the female leads are very real and relatable. Often a hot mess as I like to call them. I have a lot of Jenny Han titles too. Her books are such nice simple reads. And Colleen Hoover. She’s brilliant.
EJ: Are you working on another book? If so, can you tell us What it is about and when it might come out?
TM: I’m always writing something on Wattpad. As for another paperback, there’s not a lot that I can share in that regard, but I keep Instagram updated on all announcements regarding my work. You can follow me there to keep up @ tayxwriter.
EJ: How can our readers get a copy of ‘The QB Bad Boy & Me’?
TM: Pick up a copy at your local bookstore, or buy online at:
Indigo: https://w.tt/2Zs0llS
Amazon.com: https://w.tt/30tduJc
B&N: https://w.tt/2J4PC96
We would like to thank Tayler for taking the time to talk to us. And be on the lookout for our review of her book ‘The QB Bad Boy & Me’.
