We at Book Obsessed Chicks and the ROMANCING THE GOLD COAST event are very proud to share with you our spotlight on one of our talented Featured Authors, for the October 2020 event,
Gina Conkle.
1. Please tell us a
bit about yourself and what you write.
Hi! I write Viking and Georgian romance. I know…a crazy
combination. Those sub-genres spring from my love of all things Viking and from
a love for the 1700s.
My official author bio: Gina Conkle writes adventurous Viking romance and sensual Georgian romance. Her books offer a
fresh, addictive spin on the romance genre, with the witty banter and sexual
tension that readers crave. She
grew up in southern California and despite all that sunshine, Gina loves books
over beaches and stone castles over sand castles. She’s married to her favorite
alpha male, Brian, and when not writing, Gina occasionally gardens and cooks.
2. How and why did you
become a writer?
Since 5th grade I knew that I’d write books. It
was a matter of when. I wrote my first book, Norse Jewel, in 2003/2004 because I decided “it’s time.” I revised the
manuscript over the years but I wasn’t directed about my career—until New
Year’s 2012. That holiday changed everything!
My husband told me he was going to quit his job. I
supported his decision, but I said I ought to get a regular, full-time job in
one of my previous careers, either teaching or biotech. His response stunned me:
“You’re a writer. I think you should write.”
The shocker is I hadn’t put a lot of effort into getting
published. But Brian saw something and encouraged it. He’d even bought my
domain name as a Christmas gift.
3.
Was it hard for
you to get published?
In short, no. Everything changed when I got serious about my career in 2012. Later that year, I
signed with my agent, Sarah Younger of Nancy Yost Literary Agency, and sold my
first book. A few months later, my first Georgian romance series sold as well.
4. Who are your
favorite authors and what do you read in your spare time?
Julie Anne Long is one of my favorite romance authors. She
writes beautifully. Eloisa James is another. I also love Kate Quinn’s
historical fiction (her Empress of Rome series).
When it comes to picking a book, I’m a mood reader. With
romance, it all depends on the trope, the hero, and the setting. Sometimes I
want a lone wolf hero, other times I want a great marriage-of-convenience love
story. I read mostly historical romance with a side of contemporary.
I balance my fiction habit with non-fiction. I follow
historians and archaeologists, so when my favorites publish papers or books, I buy
or read their research.
5. What hobbies do
you have?
I like to cook recipes from the eras in which I write. I
enjoy gardening, but really, I’m a dabbler. Recently, I started collecting
ancient coins and traveling more.
6. What is the
hardest thing about being a writer?
Working alone. Solitude is double-edged—perfect for
writing, dangerous for writing.
7. If you weren’t an
author, what would you do?
I’d teach.
8. Favorite hero and
heroine from your books? Why?
Gah! That’s like asking me to pick a favorite kid! I love
them all.
9. Favorite hero and
heroine from another author’s books?
I love, love Villiers from A Duke of Her Own by Eloisa James. Another favorite is Jack Dalton
from Zoe Archer’s Sweet Revenge.
10. What’s your
favorite food and drink?
Unfortunately, I love all kinds of food, and it likes me.
With beverages? In the morning, good coffee is a must. In the evening, you can
lure me with red wine (Malbec).
11. Why are you
looking forward to Romancing the Gold Coast?
I’m looking forward to spending
time with readers and other authors, talking about all things romance (and what
a gorgeous setting!).
12.
Social Media
Links
