What can you tell us about your new release, Rock Bottom Girl?
Rock Bottom Girl is hot, hilarious, and heartwarming (if I do say so myself). It’s all of my favorite things rolled into one book: small town, romcom, bad boy turned super sexy good man, revenge, a derpy dog, a makeover, gay uncles, retired parents who decide to open an AirBnB. It’s also a second chance story, not just at love but it’s a do-over for our heroine to finally get high school right. The h and H are almost forty, so they have more adult problems, which I love. This book is for anyone who didn’t love their high school experience and for any reader who still feels like she (or he) doesn’t have life figured out yet.
What or who inspired you to become an author?
I started stealing my mom’s romance novels when I was 13. Between devouring Julie Garwood and Nora Roberts books, I was destined to write romance. Unfortunately, it took me a long time of trying every other job in the world before I committed to writing as a career. I still can’t believe this is my life. Every day I have this little sliver of clarity about the fact that I’m living my dream.
What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?
Okay, hang on to your hats. Let’s do this! The Bride by Julie Garwood is the first romance I remember reading. I’ve reread it approximately 30 million times. The Obsession by Nora Roberts is romantic suspense perfection. The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty is phenomenal. Bohemian by Kathryn Nolan is so emotional and satisfying and genius. And then there’s Bourbon Bliss by Claire Kingsley. This is in a series we’re co-writing together so I’m biased. But Claire’s heroine, June, has one of the most satisfying character arcs ever!
Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?
Lauren Rowe because she lives so big in everything that she does. I’d just say “Tell me about your life…”
What's your favorite thing about writing?
Besides the comfy pants? I love watching these characters that pop into my head become real people with real lives. I love finally putting my imagination to good use.
What is a typical day like for you?
Wake up later than I expected. Blindly stumble through a workout. Eat breakfast around noon, firmly believing that after this cup of coffee I’ll sit down and write. Waste too much time on social media and email and not get started until 3. Then I get lost to the world for about four hours while I write (sometimes it’s great and the words are exploding out of me, most days it’s hard). After I hit my word count goal or give up, I’ll do some marketing or more social media. Maybe proof some audio. Make dinner around 9 (I know, that IS really late). Then Mr. Lucy and I will watch some TV or hang out and catch up on the day, while I stare at his handsomeness.
What scene in Rock Bottom Girl was your favorite to write?
There’s three (I know, I know). The meet-puke, for obvious reasons. There’s a scene with Marley and a student where Marley is trying to recruit the girl to join her soccer team and the banter is just so entertaining. Then there’s the tree branch moment. I don’t want to spoil anything. Oh! And the bonus epilogue. I was sobbing and laughing while writing that scene!
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
No. I probably should. If I did it would be about more gratitude and less whining.
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