Authors Interviewing Their Characters: Allison Ashley interviews Lauren Taylor
Contemporary romance author Allison Ashley interviews Lauren Taylor, an oncology pharmacist who, in her novel PERFECT DISTRACTION, inconveniently falls for a patient receiving chemotherapy at the cancer center where she works.
Allison: Thanks for agreeing to chat with me today. I brought extra coffee, want one?
Lauren: Definitely, thanks. I never say no to coffee. I’ve been looking forward to this interview all week.
Allison: Me too!
Lauren: Mmm. This is perfect. I like it a latte.
Allison: Oh my gosh, was that a joke?
Lauren: Yeah…I’m a little pun obsessed. That one was kind of bad, but I gave it my best shot. Heh.
Allison: Well, as long as it helps you espresso yourself.
Lauren: NICE.
Allison: Thanks. Alright…to start off, why don’t you tell us how you’d describe yourself?
Lauren: Oh,well…I’m a pharmacist and am halfway through my residency to specialize in oncology. I’m from Oklahoma but now I live in Kansas City, and I love it here. I guess I’d say I’m sort of an introvert, but I love being around people I’m comfortable with. Is there a name for that? I’m also a pretty big nerd. I was a straight-A student and always turned my stuff in early. I’m into science and documentaries, and I love to read. I’d also say I try really hard to be a positive person, and am usually able to see the best in everyone. I spend a lot of time with people who are sick, so they’re not always in the best mood, but I can still see who they are beyond their illness.
Allison: Speaking of that, what made you want to work in oncology?
Lauren: During pharmacy school I spent time with a clinical pharmacist who worked with cancer patients. Cancer and chemotherapy can make people feel so terrible, but with the right supportive care drugs, their quality of life can be improved dramatically. After I saw the potential in that, I never looked back. I’m in a unique position to help when someone has nausea or pain. I can make sure the treatment they receive is safe. I know if anyone I love ever has cancer, I’ll want a clinical pharmacist’s eyes on their medications. Because of that, I can’t imagine ever doing something different.
Allison: Does it get difficult?
Lauren: Absolutely. Most of the time, actually. But it’s always worth it.
Allison: What’s the best way to cheer you up after a hard day?
Lauren: If left to my own devices I’ll put on my Netflix pants, cuddle up in my comfy armchair, and watch a documentary. If my friends Emma or Kiara get involved, we usually end up at some bar or pub where we can have a couple of drinks and talk.
Allison: …and scope out the guys?
Lauren: Oh boy, Emma certainly does that, yeah. But me? I’m not the best at picking up men.
Allison: Why not?
Lauren: I’m not sure. I guess I’m just afraid to put myself out there. Used to be, anyway.
Allison: Used to be? Does that mean you have someone special?
Lauren: Um.
Allison: You’re blushing.
Lauren: Am not.
Allison: You definitely are. There’s a guy for sure.
Lauren: I, um…
Allison: Okay, fine. We can come back to that one. How about this…what songs are on your playlist right now?
Lauren: Now that’s a good question. Let’s see…I’ve been listening to Ben Rector, Dermot Kennedy, Julia Michaels…a little Post Malone every once in a while. And Lauv, I can’t get enough of him. Hozier. The Chainsmokers. Ruth B., James Bay, or Bon Iver when I want something mellow.
Allison: You’ve got great taste in music.
Lauren: I know.
Allison: But didn’t you say you’re from Oklahoma?
Lauren: Yes.
Allison: You didn’t mention any country artists.
Lauren: That’s why they kicked me out.
Allison: Hahaha, understood. Next question…have you ever been in love?
Lauren: Um.
Allison: You’re blushing again.
Lauren: Listen, it’s just…I can’t really talk about that.
Allison: Okay, okay. Can’t blame me for trying. Let’s see…what do you have in your purse right now?
Lauren: This interview is a little strange.
Allison: I brought you coffee.
Lauren: True. I’m looking…my cellphone, obviously. Wallet. Three tubes of lip balm and like a million hair ties. Gum, because I drink a lot of coffee and figure my patients don’t want to smell that on my breath. A bottle of ibuprofen, because well, you know. Pharmacist. A chocolate chip granola bar. A notepad and two million pens. Jeez, why do I have so many pens? Want one?
Allison: Uh, sure?
Lauren: Here, take three.
Allison: Thanks, I think. Alright…next question, and this is purely general. Not about a certain person. What qualities do you like most in a man?
Lauren: I’ll say it before you do—I’m blushing. Honesty is important to me. And integrity. I had a bad experience in college with a guy who lied to me, and for a while I didn’t have much luck with relationships. Knowing I can trust someone is key. I also want someone who makes me laugh, and who shares my interests. Sometimes I want to go out and have fun, and other nights I just want to stay in and watch TV. I’d love a man who was okay with doing both, too.
Allison: …and you’ve found one of those, no?
Lauren: Seriously.
Allison: FINE. I guess we can be done. Thanks so much for your time today!
Lauren: Thanks for inviting me. And for the coffee. It reminds me of the guy I can’t tell you about.
Allison: Yeah? How so?
Lauren: Well. It’s hot and something I want every. Single. Day.
Allison: OMG. Tell me more, please.
Lauren: Guess you’ll just have to read about him, eh?
—
Bio: Allison Ashley is a music-loving, coffee-drinking mom of two who loves love stories. She’s an oncology pharmacist and spends her days focused on helping patients through one of the hardest things life can throw at them. Her escape has always been books—specifically books about happiness, love, and laughter—and it was inevitable that she’d eventually write her own. She promises to always write stories with deep romance, intense connection, and humor…but most of all, that coveted happy ever after.
Follow her on Twitter https://twitter.com/AllisonAuthor
Find out more about her on her website https://authorallisonashley.wordpress.com/
PERFECT DISTRATION
Lauren Taylor isn’t thinking about love, especially not with the impossibly attractive man she accidentally spilled coffee all over. He’s out of her league and she’s focused on finishing her oncology pharmacy residency. She’s sworn off men who are too handsome for their own good, anyway.
Andrew Bishop can’t stop thinking about the gorgeous redhead who crashed into him and then disappeared, even though he should have way more on his mind – like dealing with his Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis and finishing out his last year in law school. When Andrew and Lauren run into each other at the cancer center where she’s working and he’s being treated, they try to keep it professional. They can be friends, and nothing more.
But sometimes life has other plans…
BUY THE BOOK HERE
Category: Contemporary Women Writers, Interviews, On Writing
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