Friday, January 18, 2013

Haywood Smith's "Out of Warranty"

Haywood Smith's novels include Queen Bee of Mimosa Branch, The Red Hat Club, Red Hat Club Rides Again, Wedding Belles, Ladies of the Lake, Waking Up Dixie, and Wife-in-Law.

In Out of Warranty, Haywood's new novel, widowed Cassie, still grieving for the love of her life and facing destitution because of her medical bills, decides she has to remarry for better health coverage. Enter one-legged hermit and curmudgeon Jack Wilson, on the same appointment schedule at their specialist’s, who’s rude and obnoxious, but eventually tries to help by setting up e-dating for Cassie. After a hilarious round of fix-ups and e-dating, Cassie’s left with no hope and no prospects.

That’s when Jack offers a strictly business marriage that could solve both their problems, with a serious set of house rules, including separate bedrooms. How well it will work remains to be seen.

Here Smith shares some suggestions for two of the leads in a big screen adaptation of the novel:
Though I didn't visualize anyone in particular when I wrote the book, I'd love to see Robert Redford play Jack, and Diane Keaton play Cassie's mother. As for Cassie, I see her with a beautiful, classic face, big brown eyes, cute, short brown hair, and a few extra pounds, who looks ten years younger than fifty-five. No actor comes to mind, but she should definitely have a good sense of humor.
Learn more about the book and author at Haywood Smith's website.

Writers Read: Haywood Smith.

The Page 69 Test: Out of Warranty.

--Marshal Zeringue