What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
Remember that often the most incidental, tossed-off thoughts make interesting books. Flemings Steakhouse rolls out 100 new wines every year, and does a tasting of 25 of them at a time. Yup – you drink 25 wines and have a few appetizers = more than a bit of hilarity and tipsiness. My friend Andy thought he should start a blog for guys, answering all their important life questions. That would’ve been a total disaster – but I instantly knew it would make a terrific book series!
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be? (Meant to be fun. Skip if you need to!)
It is old school, but Griffin's would be the (unofficial) theme from Top Gun, Danger Zone. Quiet-but-fierce Chloe's would be Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Mmm, I hate to limit myself by picking favorites. I love to change it up regularly. I cycle through thriller and paranormal romance and mysteries and urban fantasy romance, over to fantasy, whatever my book clubs choose, and then back to contemporary romance. I...um...won't read horror or westerns. And as I just finished writing my first women's fiction, I've added that genre into the mix.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
JR Ward's first romantasy, Crown of War and Shadow. I've loved her other genre switches, so I'm excited for this one! Killers of the Flower Moon (non-fiction) for one book club, and Shutter for the other (mystery).
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My absolute favorite is always the big grovel/romantic gesture in the final chapter. But the most fun scene to write is when Chloe and Griffin first meet. That delicious banter and build-up to flirting is the foundation for the entire book.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I'm too pragmatic for that--while I enjoy it, I do see writing as a job I clock in to every day, no matter where I am (with or without all the comforts of my home office). I do enjoy using an aromatherapy scent that fits the book (such as writing a summer--in-LA set book in the middle of a Maryland winter). Oh, and I like to listen to Brain.fm. It uses neural modulation (don't ask me to explain the science!) to lock me into more of a creative flow state.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I am a squishy romantic, through and through. My favorite quote (oddly enough, from an old sitcom) is: " there are hundreds of things I want, but only one I need" - which is love. Yup. I'm all about my amazing husband. But also... I guess my main driver each day is to not make excuses and just do the damn thing!
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That sharing a life with the right person doubles your joy. Ooh, and that the Coast Guard often gets overlooked and is amazing.
Christi Barth is the author of the new book Risking It All (The Naked Men Series Book 1)
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