I decided to have Deck Thomas from Rita Hayworth’s Shoes be the character to answer my Valentine’s Day questions for one very simple reason: I’m in love with him. (Please don’t tell my husband, though I know he already knows…) What can I say. Hasn’t a character ever affected you so deeply, on so many levels, you just couldn’t let go? I finished writing this book years ago and I still can’t shake Deck. He’s bald as a bowling ball, from head to toe (no eyebrows, though it looks like from this picture I found of him they are starting to grow in!). He’s big as a house, socially awkward…. But he’s gorgeous and irresistible. For his kindness, his wit, the way he truly cares for Amy.
Dashing doofus Deck.
Amy’s ex David may be Brad-Pitt-beautiful, but Deck could be the prince charming she’s always dreamed of…or at least we hope she’ll see it that way. Amy’s had a hard time seeing things clearly lately. Her relationship with David really stripped her of her confidence and clarity and self-esteem. Lets hope Deck, along with Amy’s new magic shoes, help her find her way! In the meantime, let’s get to know more about Deck as we get his take on romance and true love. (And get to know him even better when you buy Rita Hayworth’s Shoes for just 99 cents this weekend–and please scroll down to the bottom of this post to discover more fun discounted reads!)
And hey, let’s connect out there!
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Are you currently in a relationship? If so, tell us a little bit about your S.O. And if not…what are you looking for in a romantic partner?
I am not currently in a relationship, no. I have an ex-wife. No, I don’t want to talk about it. She is a vile harpie whose abandonment and cruelty has left me hairless and hopeless. Actually, I was feeling hopeless. Until I met this woman, Amy, at the wake of an old boss whom I wish I had killed and whom I’m pretty sure Amy did kill. Wait, that sounds a little odd. I suppose what I mean to say is that I enjoy teasing her that she did. It makes her face…well…she gets this look… It’s a long story. In any case… Amy… Lovely Amy. (See her there? Just below where I’m speaking?) I’m pretty sure she’s the woman for me. Such a sweet soul in that girl. Such a mastery of literature. Such a bizarre hang up on that serpent-swooning troglodyte of an ex. Alas, maybe someday she’ll come around…
The lovely Amy.
Describe your ideal romantic evening.
Chartering a private jet to visit the birthplace of Voltaire…the most romantic city in the world, Paris, France! Did I mention Amy and I have the same all-time favorite book, Candide? We (because my ideal romantic evening would undoubtedly involve her) would stroll on the banks of the Seine in the moonlight, reciting passages to each other. We’d have a lovey meal at a cozy brassiere and… Well, an English professor’s salary might not be able to cover this level of extravagance. So maybe just…uh…maybe we’ll go bowling?
What’s your favorite romantic comedy, book or movie, and why? What about love song–and why?
I don’t generally talk about my taste in music as it tends to embarrass and offend even me, but I’m not ashamed to admit my favorite romantic comedy. Joe Vs. the Volcano. There’s something so sublimely romantic about taking such a leap of faith that you’re just going to jump into a volcano, you know? To just decide that if you’re meant to survive, you will. I don’t know why that movie didn’t do better. It’s brilliant! You know, I could really go for an orange soda right about now…
Love is jumping into a volcano with another human being. Fucking awesome flick!
What food most gets you “in the mood”?
I’m quite partial to ice cream, especially ice cream sandwiches. I suppose this picture (below) will appeal most to your readers and maybe earn me some romantic hero points. I hope so…
Although if I’m to be honest, there’s just nothing like a steak! Check out this beauty. I think I could eat four of them.
Can you tell us about your worst date ever?
Ah, that’s hard to say. Since Marny left, I really haven’t dated at all. I can’t seem to charm women enough to want to get to know me, you know, beyond my current appearance. And with Marny… You could say that whole blasted marriage was like one bad date. I can’t imagine I’d ever have a bad date with Amy. Did I mention how I’m kind of obsessed with Amy?
Mean Marny.
Describe your dream wedding. If you’re already married, was the wedding you had the one you always dreamed of?
I don’t know why, but I’ve always thought getting married should be this big, grand, just epic event, you know? Marny never really went for that kind of thing. I know Amy had the worst wedding experience imaginable. Katz’s Deli. Puh-lease. What a douche that David is. Why doesn’t she see that? Can anyone explain that to me? In any case, when I look at Amy, sometimes in my mind’s-eye I see her in a spectacular wedding gown, swooshing down the aisle of an ancient church, smiling so sweetly when she gets to the altar and sees me there. Ah, that would be it for me. Hey, a guy can dream, right?
What does she see in David? Can someone please tell me? Anyone?
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Thanks for sharing with us, Deck. You seem like a really good guy (who I totally love) and uh, I hope it works out for you and Amy.
Intrigued by Deck? Below find more about Rita Hayworth’s Shoes–did I mention just 99 cents this weekend? How can you go wrong?! (And more links to other great 99 cent books at the end of this post.)
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As sparkly and witty as a 1940s screwball comedy, and filled with quirky characters and lots of delightful surprises, Rita Hayworth’s Shoes is a delightful, romantic roller coaster ride of a book!
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“What fun! This novel has it all–romance, laughs, a dollop of mystery. I was entertained from start to finish… And I want those shoes!”
–New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge
“Like hanging out with your funniest friend over a glass of champagne, Rita Hayworth’s Shoes is both hilarious and thought-provoking. LaSala knows how to combine humor and romance for a story the reader can jump inside and enjoy.”
–New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan Henry
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Other authors doing this fun Q&A and 99 cent deal this weekend–check them out!
Samantha Stroh Bailey
Tracie Banister
Cat Lavoie
Samantha March
Libby Mercer
Meredith Schorr
Nancy Scrofano
Lucie Simone