Moving from the political thriller ‘Bella’ last week by Steve Piacente, I’d now like to welcome Collette Scott, author of ‘Forever Sunshine’.
Welcome Collette, could you please introduce yourself?
Hello Marie! Thank you so much for having me here today. I am deeply touched, honored and excited to talk to you.
My name is Collette Scott, and I am the author of Forever Sunshine and more to come. I 
have been writing for about as long as I can remember, and although I’ve done everything from medical to corporate careers, writing is and will always be my first true love. I am the mother of three awesome kids, the owner of a menagerie of beloved pets, and all around advocate for the demoralized.
Please give us an overview of your book.
Forever Sunshine is a coming of age story. It is about one girl’s journey to healing. There have been books written about the power of healing through writing, and Forever Sunshine is an example of my main character Cher’s attempt to do exactly that. The prologue explains that she has been working with a psychiatrist to get over her trauma, and the resulting story is her recounting of the events that make her the strong and capable woman she becomes.
Did any real life situations either personal or secondhand inspire ‘Forever Sunshine?’ If not, where did you gather your research to enable you to write the book?
Yes, absolutely some real life situations inspired Forever Sunshine. The story began in a dream I had following my viewing of a highly publicized funeral on the television. With that 
being said, I have also had firsthand experience with domestic violence, both as an EMS professional responding to ambulance calls and as a witness to a close friend’s situation when I was younger. The opening scene is based on an experience I lived through, although I did tone it down a little bit. The relationship between Joe and Cher is also based on that experience with my friend. Joe’s character acts in much the same manner as this girl’s boyfriend had with me. Further research came from my EMS training and study into statistics on the Internet.
Are there any aspects of your own personality in Cher and Shelly?
As much as I would like to say that I was as much a spitfire as Cher or as strong as Shelly turns out to be, I would have to say no. These two ladies are very much their own people. However, the confusion Cher initially feels about Shelly’s decision to return to Joe was something I felt at times, too. To someone who has never experienced the fear and intimidation of a significant other, it can be confusing to understand how another person can have such control over someone else.
In what way would you say these women are empowered and in what way did you intend to inspire others?
You know what is amusing to me is that I didn’t write the book with the sole purpose of inspiring others, nor did I ever expect it to become controversial. I wrote it because the story came to me in a dream and it happened to be a subject I have always felt strongly about. I have seen survivors go on and find happiness. I know it’s possible. Unfortunately, it is also a reality that is so much more common than people believe (or want to admit) and often a taboo subject. What I have found amazing is that women have written to me after reading the book saying that they could completely relate to the situations in the story, and that the story could potentially give those still trapped in a violent situation the hope to escape. There are options out there; there are so many people who are willing to help. Sometimes all it takes is the final push to look for it.
Cher is an amazing character. Though she is young and doesn’t have a lot of life experience in the beginning, she is a pure heart and fairly fearless. She stands by her sister and does everything she can to help her, despite the issues going on. She also refuses to allow Joe to intimidate her and never gives up trying to help others. Though she is the recipient of the love of a great guy, she never becomes so narrow-minded that she cannot understand Shelly’s situation. I like that the most about her. She is willing to learn.
Shelly is a survivor through and through. Though in the beginning she feels as though she is weak and worthless, her love of her child spurs her to find the strength to get out and get help. Shelly is much stronger than anyone gives her credit for, but Cher does realize that in the end. In fact, I tend to think all domestic violence survivors are stronger than even the most confident of people, for they face their terrors on a daily basis.
What are your favourite books/films and why?
I love a good tear-jerker – obviously. I was an English major in college, focusing on literature, and I find that I love the classics to this day. In particular I love the Victorian authors, such as the Bronte sisters and Thomas Hardy. They were true groundbreakers in their day.
Movies are a little harder. I think my favorites run along the tear-jerker dramas as well, such as Steel Magnolias and An Affair to Remember, but I also like comedy and even horror every now and then. I’m usually too busy to sit through an entire movie, so most of my favorites are the classics as well J.
What’s in the pipeline for you?
Due to the overwhelming requests for a sequel to Forever Sunshine, I have been busy since April developing a series based on the family of Chuck Evans. The first is coming out November 15th and will introduce Chuck’s cousins through Jamie’s story. Her brothers are working hard to help Chuck solve the smuggling ring from Forever Sunshine, and their stories will each feature an advance in the case while being able to stand on its own. I recently started the fourth book, where Cher and A Better Place return, the case is finally solved, and readers can see just how far she’s come. If all goes well, that will be released in late 2012 or early 2013.
Please tell us about your National Domestic Violence donation.
This donation stemmed from reader responses. Once again, their awe-inspiring comments about my story potentially giving hope to others really made me think that perhaps I could make a difference. The men, women and children involved in a domestic violent situation are often trapped, unable to search out help due to shame or fear, and often feel isolated and humiliated. What I hoped to relay in my story is that it is not their fault. These people do not have to feel ashamed because it’s so much more prevalent that we think, and there are so many agencies out there willing to do whatever they can to help. Programs include education, counseling, shelter, and medical care. It’s there and available. I am hoping by doing this donation people will learn more about Shelly’s perspective and feelings and realize that it is normal.
Where can readers/followers stalk you?
Collette Scott
Twitter: @collettescott
Thank you again for featuring me on your blog, Marie. I had a wonderful time really getting into the meat and bones of Forever Sunshine, and I hope that my donation will be successful. I have told The National Domestic Violence Hotline that I will keep doing it as long as I can, for it’s truly a worthy cause. Thank you for allowing me to spread the word!
was too much like his father. He tested my will with every turn; raising my wrath to a tempest. I was happy to see him suffer from the ways I let him know his time was coming to an end; and his family was happy in a life he would never live.
Balasco is the creation of author, Michael Rivers. For more information visit…
