Guest Blogger, Kim Wright

Today I have the pleasure of introducing author Kim Wright as the special guest blogger here at Thoughts in Progress as part of her blog tour.

“Love in Mid Air” is Kim’s first novel. Here’s a brief synopsis of it: “The story of a woman who meets a man on an airplane and, suddenly, is willing to risk everything: her safe but stale marriage, her seemingly perfect life in an affluent Southern suburb, and her position in the church. As Elyse embarks on a risky affair, her longtime friend Kelly and the other women in their book club begin to question their own decisions about love, sex, marriage, and freedom. In the end it will take an extraordinary leap of faith for Elyse to find--and follow--her own path to happiness.”

Thanks to Kim and Miriam of Hachette Book Group I have three copies of “Love in Mid Air” to giveaway to readers commenting on Kim’s post between today and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6. Be sure to include your e-mail address in your comments if it’s not included in your profile. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada residents only.

In addition, Kim will be dropping back by today to answer any questions you might have and respond to your comments.

I asked Kim is she strikes up conversations with strangers or do they start the conversation and has she ever fell in love on a plane.

I'm usually the one who strikes up conversations. I guess it's a legacy of being from the South. For years my poor kids trailed along behind me saying "Mom, do you know that lady? Why are you talking to her?" 

But I come from a long time of people who love to strike up conversations with strangers. Then I went to college and got a journalism degree and things got even worse. Now it wasn't just my personal tendency to ask a bunch of questions - it was my job requirement as well!

I did indeed once have a flirtation with a handsome man on an airplane. Nothing came of it - unless you count this book! 

I started thinking "What if..." and it took me to the idea of a restless, unhappy woman whose flirtation ends up changing her life. I think everyone can relate to the fantasy that you're going about your daily life and you're suddenly lifted into a new dimension of possibility.

 

It's not so much the man, Gerry, who changes Elyse....it's more that meeting him reminds her of all the parts of herself she has closed down and boxed off and once the reopening starts, it leads to thoughts and feelings she can't totally control. 

Kim, there does seem to be something about us Southerners and talking, even to complete strangers. Thanks so much for stopping by and "talking" with us.

For a little background on Kim, she is from Charlotte, NC. Her career path has been from food, wine and travel journalist to first-time novelist. Among her favorite authors are Tom Perrotta, Joseph Conrad, Jane Austen, and Alice Munro.

Executive editor Karen Kosztolnyik called Love in Mid Air “a funny, wise look at modern-day marriage and of a woman choosing something more for her life. Her characters are so realistically depicted that it makes for addictive reading.”

Here is the opening of Love in Mid Air, “I wasn't meant to sit beside him. It was a fluke. It's the last Sunday in August and I'm in Phoenix for a pottery show. I won a prize for my glazing and sold seventeen pieces, so I'm feeling good. On the morning I'm due to fly out, I go for an early hike in a canyon behind my hotel.”

Here’s a link to other blogs hosting Kim’s tour including reviews and guest post.

Do you strike up conversations with people you don’t know? Have you ever fell in love on a plane or at least flirted (we won’t tell)?