When did you decide that you wanted to become an author?
Thanks for having me here today, I’m excited to be a part of a blog I am such a fan of!
I knew I wanted to be an author when I was as young as eight or nine years old. But it wasn’t until about five years ago (when I turned 30) that I decided I was going to actively pursue publication. I always thought it was out of reach, but when I decided it wasn’t, and that I had as good a chance as anyone, I bit into it, and held on like a bulldog. I wasn’t letting go until I made it!
Where do your story ideas come from?
Everyday life. I love seeing a typical, everyday couple—a couple you wouldn’t normally look at, and see a romantic backstory—and finding out their love story. I think I make people uncomfortable sometimes, because I ask the strangest questions. Questions you don’t usually hear when you’re not at a slumber party. How did you meet? What was your best kiss? Things like that. But this is how I pull story ideas from real life.
How has your writing experience changed since joining forces with Entangled Publishing?
Well, for starters, the editing process will put hair on your chest, for sure! I had to learn how to develop a thick skin and how to let go of certain details that I was attached to, for the sake of putting out an excellent story. The women of Entangled have taught me plenty of things, but first and foremost, they’ve taught me that the “hard” part of being an author is certainly not writing the book. The stuff that comes after you’ve stopped writing (the editing again and again and again, the publicizing your book, etc.) that is the hard part. Actually sitting down and writing the book is a walk in the park. These women work hard, and they expect their writers to do the same. But it is all for a grand purpose: putting out an excellent book.
What do you like to do in your free time?
What’s “free time”? Ha! No, actually, I like to spend time with my husband and four kids. We are going to the ocean this summer, and I am thrilled to actually have some time to run around and be silly with them. Other than that, I enjoy watching shows like Top Chef and reading a good book. And there is nothing better than movie night with my girlfriends. Love it.
Could you tell us what a "what if" guy is to you? Have you ever had a "what if" guy in your life?
A “what if” guy is any man that you look back on, and wonder what life would be like had you picked him. Every woman has a “whew!” guy, the guy you look back on and think, thank God I didn’t wind up with HIM. But very few women are willing to admit that they have a “what if” guy, too. Not someone that you would leave your current spouse for, by any means, but someone that you look back on with fondness and love. Because your time with him was good. And yes, I have a “what if” guy, or two. Obviously it wasn’t meant to be, as I am now married to the nerd of my dreams, and wouldn’t trade him for the world. But…there are a few men out there that I look back on with a smile on my face.
How does The "What If" Guy stand apart from other romance novels?
This book really bridges the gap between women’s fiction and contemporary romance. It has some sexiness, as well as some laughs, but it also has some strong emotional content that you often see in women’s fiction. But, because this is how I prefer my books to be, I wrap it all up with an H.E.A. (happily ever after) in the end. Who says that women’s fiction doesn’t necessarily have to end with an H.E.A.? I say it does!
I am so thrilled to be sharing my debut novel with the world! The What If Guy is available at Amazon, B&N, Books On Board, and at your local bookseller. A special thanks goes to Entangled Publishing for their amazing prizes and giveaways. Thanks guys!
Win a [paperback] copy of The What If Guy. Be sure to be a follower of this blog, then comment with your name and e-mail I can contact you at. This is a 24-hour contest! Be sure to enter by Sunday, August 14th at midnight EST!!
