Monday, June 30, 2014

Break Out the Bubbly & Dark Chocolate: Celebrating Christine Glover's Debut Novel The Maverick's Red Hot Reunion

I love my cover!! Thanks Entangled!
Well the day has finally arrived where I can say I am officially a published author! I am still quite a bit in shock about it all. But the last year has been an incredible journey from the first sale moment until now. This is a dream come true and proves that no matter what you should never give up your dreams. I almost did and look where I am today. So I'm celebrating in style and enjoying every positive moment about The Maverick's Red Hot Reunion's release. 
Pop*Fizzle*Pour and raise a glass of Champagne to this big day as I share a little bit about my writing journey with y'all. 

1. How did I end up becoming a writer?
I was born to be a writer, but pursuing it full time didn't happen until after I became a stay at home mom. At first I was busy volunteering in the classroom and doing what a lot of parents do with a growing child. But by the time my daughter was in the fourth grade, I needed more. I dusted off my old dreams and my laptop to begin writing my first story. 
2. What is my favorite genre to write?
Contemporary romance hands down. 
3. Am I a plotter or do I follow the muse?
I am a hybrid writer. I loosely plot the emotional turning points after I figure out my characters' goals, motivations, and conflicts. But I usually don't know how the story is going to be in the end until I've written a first draft and revised it at least twice. Then I send it to my CP Pam Mantovani for her input. After she sends her PAs (Picky Alerts) to me, I get back to work. I love revising so this is the fun part for me.
4. How do I relax after a writing day?
Wine and conversation with my CP Pam, the Physicist & the College Kid. I also love to cook so that's fun for me.
5. What do I read? What are my favorite genres? Who are my favorite authors?
I read all genres except for horror stories. I love historical romances by Eloisa James and romantic suspenses by Lynn Raye Harris. I also enjoy reading new authors and the other Indulgence line authors at my publishing house, Entangled Publishing
6. What is my current project?
I'm revising the prequel novella to The Maverick's Red Hot Reunion. It's about Michael's middle sister Jessie and the man who steals her heart. I am also working on the first draft for the sequel to The Maverick's Red Hot Reunion. This story is about Caleb and Hannah's journey toward love. I hope to have the first draft ready for a pre-Pam Mantovani PA attack by the end of July. 
7. Any new releases? 
Jessie's story, tentatively titled Beauty and the Marine, will release before November. It's set six years prior to The Maverick's Red Hot Reunion. You'll get to meet Michael just after his big triple Olympic gold medal wins in the swimming events and watch Kennedy and Zach exchange their first kiss. 
8. Where do I get my ideas for my stories?
I get my ideas from everywhere. Newspaper stories, overheard snippets of conversation, characters that pop into my head might give me a scene to start with and then I ask a lot of  "what if" questions to brainstorm each story.
9. How long was I trying to get published before I got the “call?”
I'd been writing contemporary romances for about nine years, but wasn't actively pursuing publication until 2009. Once I got super focused and treated the writing as a career then things began to move a lot faster. 
10. How did I celebrate the new book contract?
Champagne!!
11. How did I celebrate the “call?”
I was on my way to Zumba so I told my friends in the class before it started. Then that night we went out with friends for Chinese food. The server gave me a piece of cake when she learned I had sold my first book. It was a fun day!!
12. Was the “call” an actual phone conversation or an email or a snail mail?
I got an email from my new editor. The best email of all.
13. Do I have an agent?
No. But maybe one day I will have an agent. So many factors are dependent upon that kind of decision. Right now I'm very happy with the way I've been treated by my publishing house. 
14. What advice would I give aspiring writers?
Write every day even if it's just a word. Treat this as a profession long before you sell. And always build on your knowledge about the craft. I still take classes because I have a lot to learn.
15. What encouragement can I give writers who face rejection?
Well, I have a funny way of looking at rejection. I've called every rejection a "trying to get published badge of courage." I also paid myself for every rejection. A dollar for a rejected query letter. Five dollars for a rejected partial. And ten dollars for a rejected full manuscript. I saved that money and used it to pay for annual conferences, writing costs, etc. I also allowed myself one day of mourning which always included a call to my CP and wine. But you have to move past it. Truthfully, I'm already receiving a different kind of rejection. Not every reader likes my book. And that's okay. It's a subjective business. I just tell myself there are people who do like my story and focus on the positive. 
16. What is the most difficult part about writing for me? 
Writing the dreaded synopsis! Blah. But I am getting better at tackling that beast. 
17. What is the most surprising thing I discovered after I received the call?
That the doubt and fear doesn't go away. It is still with me, on my shoulders, and trying to tell me I can't do it. I still have to battle those demons. I still have to fight for every word. And I still have to tell myself that the only way I will get a story written is to write the thing and revise it. 

Thanks for sharing all the fun and excitement about my first sale today!! I am popping champagne and playing over in my Facebook land from 12-8PM with lots of author friends. There will be giveaways, prizes, and just plain fun!!! You can check it out here.
Here's the back cover copy for The Maverick's Red Hot Reunion:

Can he satisfy his craving without losing his heart?

Corporate Maverick Zach Tanner returns to North Carolina to rebuild his dying friend's resort. He's got the money, the power, and the will to transform Sweetbriar Springs into a premier spa for the glamorous, but he doesn't count on the woman he once loved…and lost…to handle the construction contract. Zach thought he'd buried his desire for Kennedy five years ago. He was wrong, and now he’s determined to satisfy his craving...

Construction company owner Kennedy Gibson is eager to restore Sweetbriar Springs, but when she realizes Zach is her new boss she's terrified he'll learn the truth about their breakup so long ago. She vowed never to hurt him again, but she can't deny the passion he reignites in her. She wants to believe she has a chance for a different future with him, but will her secret threaten to destroy their red-hot reunion?

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Born in the Netherlands, Christine moved to Canada where she spent her formative years. Then she married her Texan Alpha Physicist, moved to the United States and she has lived both south and north of the Mason Dixon line. Now Christine resides in Alabama with her husband, two insane cats and her wonderful daughter. She enjoys finding the silly in the serious, making wine out of sour grapes, and giving people giggle fits along with heartfelt hugs. When she’s not writing, you can find her traveling the world, cooking gourmet food, and desperately seeking a corkscrew.

Blog: www.christinegloverauthor.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Glover/158387587541698
website: www.christinegloversite.com
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Let's start this party off right. One lucky commenter will win a gift card today!!


4 comments:

Sharon Wray said...

congratulations, Christine!!! I am so proud of you and I've already bought my copy!!!!!
XOXO
Sharon

Christine said...

I would not be here today without your help. You are a wonderful friend and awesome writer. Thanks for everything you've done to help me!! And I KNOW you will be celebrating your first release very soon.

XXOO

Anne Gallagher said...

Congratulations, Christine! This is so fantastic, and I'm so happy for you. I LOVE the cover, (that man is just too hot) and the blurb is enticing. I'm going on vacation next week, and will definitely put this on my list to read on the beach.

Yay you!!!

Christine said...

Thank you Anne! I hope you enjoy the story and that your vacation is lots of fun!!!

:)