Let's welcome Gloria! Thank you so much for stopping by and chatting with me.
What kind of research did you do for Braking Hard?
Most of my research involves searching the internet and talking with people (family, friends, and strangers). I love this aspect of writing. I’ve expanded my view on so many different topics in the last few years due to being an author. For Braking Hard, I also set out on a road trip along the Oregon Coast. It came in handy when I wrote several scenes including the one where Gage takes Eden on a romantic cliffside hike overlooking the coastal waters. And although I’ve never gone sandboarding, I’m eager to return to Oregon and give it a shot.
Are your characters based on anyone you know?
I’m fortunate to be surrounded by amazing women who inspire me. My mother and sisters have always been positive role models to me. When I create a female protagonist, I ensure she’s capable of taking care of herself. She may have flaws but she’s not helpless nor does she need to be rescued. In Braking Hard, Eden is a woman in a male dominated profession. She’s had some bad experiences with men and therefore has difficulty trusting. I spent a career working with a lot of men, and although there were a few jerks, most were great colleagues. The mechanics at Big C’s Automotive is an amalgamation of some to the guys I had the privilege of working with.
What do you prefer: ebook or print? Why?
I like the convenience of ebooks. I can hop on a plane with ten novels and not have to pay extra baggage fees. That said, there’s something special about holding a real book. I’m one of those quirky people who love sniffing the pages in bookstores. My husband supports me in so many ways, but there is a limit. I don’t blame him for walking away when my nose gets too close to a book.
What did you do when you received your first Acceptance Letter?
I squealed like a toddler, did a weird and clumsy happy dance, and popped open a bottle of Dom Perignon. I normally drink cheap wine. I never pay over ten dollars for a bottle of wine, but my oldest sister gave me a bottle of the expensive champagne when I retired from my career with the federal government. I saved it in the hopes that one day I would sign a book contract. It was well worth the wait and sharing it with husband made it extra special.
Sometimes the romance genre gets a bad reputation for being cliché and full of Fabios. How do you respond to that?
A love story is like being in a room of puppies, how can you not love it? But seriously, I believe that there’s a romance story for everyone. It’s simply finding a novel that resonates with you. So if any one has trouble finding a great romance novel, let me know. I’d be happy to make a recommendation.
Any advice for the aspiring authors out there? Particularly those who are feeling a little discouraged?
There’s a lot of ups and downs with life in general and writing is no different. It’s tough to put yourself out there, but you need to go for it. Be patient, soak in all the knowledge you can, and keep plugging along. Completing a novel is a big deal so celebrate when you finally type the end.
What is your favorite book?
This is a tough one. Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin blew me away and I love anything by Jay Crownover and Penny Reid. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is also a favorite. But if I’m forced to pick just one, I would choose Us Against You by Fredrik Backman. I love his writing style and how layered his characters are.
Blurb
Gage O'Neill is an all-around nice guy and an
Adonis in coveralls. With a thriving automotive business, a gorgeous girlfriend,
and his ADHD under control, life is pretty incredible. But when he loses a loved
one, Gage's perfect world unravels. Prone to bad choices, he's desperate to
quell his rash behavior. Thankfully, hiring a curvy mechanic is the one
impulsive decision he's gotten right.
Eden
Sampario is destitute as a result of a confrontation turned violent with her
former employer. When Gage mistakenly offers her a job, she readily accepts.
But soon she wonders if she made the right decision. Resisting her sexy boss proves
more challenging than an engine rebuild. Her only other option? Give in to temptation
and risk not only her career but also her heart.
Welcome
to Big C's automotive shop, a place where more than cars overheat.
Excerpt
He
relaxed as the woman came back into view. She hadn’t moved, other than to offer
a forced smile at him. He didn’t mean to stare, invading the woman’s privacy, but
he couldn’t look away. Her eyes, beseeching and beautiful, yet without any
spark. Her vulnerability beyond raw, verging on potent.
The words grief and sorrow flashed at him like flipped over
cue cards from childhood. He reminded himself of the circumstances. It was a
wake after all. Not everyone got plastered and told ill-humored jokes to mask
emotions. But this was a different kind of grief. It went beyond that which had
emanated from the employees of Big C’s and others who knew Elroy. The woman’s
sorrow so intense, so forceful, he felt her profound loneliness. There wasn’t a
name or a way to describe what he witnessed in those big brown eyes of hers,
but it existed in the same way the moon existed during the day. Her grief
radiating from a place no armor could protect, from deep within, bursting
directly from her soul.
He too experienced this level of pain, not only today but
every day since Elroy left this world. Plenty of people missed the old
mechanic, but until now, he hadn’t thought anyone ached like he did. Elroy’s
life meant something extraordinary to this woman. Something which brought her
here. To a hole in the wall bar, in a town so small, businesses shut down for funerals.
Buy Links
Author Bio
Gloria Joynt-Lang was born in France and raised in various locales throughout Canada. Before she started writing contemporary romance, she worked in the criminal justice system—technically spending time behind bars.
As a Canadian, she’s fanatic about hockey, poutine, and apologizing.
She currently resides in rural Alberta with her husband and their two dogs.
Gloria Joynt-Lang was born in France and raised in various locales throughout Canada. Before she started writing contemporary romance, she worked in the criminal justice system—technically spending time behind bars.
As a Canadian, she’s fanatic about hockey, poutine, and apologizing.
She currently resides in rural Alberta with her husband and their two dogs.
Social Media links
Website
Goodreads
Amazon Author Page
Thanks Amber for hosting me.
ReplyDeleteAnytime! I'm happy you stopped by. :)
Delete