Q&A with USA Today bestseller Stefanie London

Being a writer is a solitary existence—spending hours at the computer shutting out the real world in favor of creating imaginary ones. It's important to have the support and friendship of other writers, people who understand the highs and lows. Friends who can celebrate writing the words ‘The End’ and also commiserate spending hours editing a single paragraph one day, only to delete it the next.

One of the first friends I made in my writing journey was Stefanie London. We joined the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild on the same day and developed a quick friendship which has lasted almost five years and a move across the globe.

I’ve invited Stefanie to do a little Q&A.

Stefanie London is the USA Today bestselling author of over ten contemporary romances with humour, heat and heart.

Growing up, Stefanie came from a family of women who loved to read. Thus, it was no surprise Stefanie was the sort of student who would read her English books before the semester started. 

After sneaking several literature subjects into her ‘very practical’ Business degree, she got a job in Communications. When writing emails and newsletters didn’t fulfill her creative urges, she turned to fiction and was finally able to write the stories that kept her mind busy at night.

Originally from Australia, she now lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is currently in the process of doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, lipstick, romance novels and zombie movies.

How long have you been writing, and what (or who) inspired you to start?

I started writing in late 2012, although I have wanted to be a writer ever since I was a little girl. When I told my family that I was thinking of writing a romance novel, I got overwhelming support. My mum even went to our local charity shop and bought me a stack of Mills & Boon (Harlequin) books so I could get some inspiration.

I think I wanted to be a writer because of Agatha Christie, RL Stine, Ann M Martin and Francine Pascal. The Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley books dominated my childhood, and I moved on to Fear Street and Agatha Christie's mysteries as I got older. These authors were the ones who made me rush to the bookstore after school with my pocket money in hand.

What do you like best about being a writer? What is the most challenging part?

I love most things about being a writer. The flexibility to work when I’m feeling at my most energized is great. And I love love love being my own boss! I also love being able to do something creative every day, it makes me feel incredibly satisfied. As for the challenging stuff…probably trying not to compare my career to other author’s careers. I really think constantly comparing yourself is the death of creativity.

What are your favorite types of stories to read?

I’m a really broad reader. I love contemporary romance and romantic comedies, erotic romance, YA (especially fantasy and dystopian), anything post-apocalyptic (especially zombies!), crime and thrillers, mysteries, general commercial fiction, non fiction…the list goes on. Variety is the spice of life, as they say!

What 5 things should readers know about you?

1. I was born in Australia and, even though I live in Canada now, I still love my Tim Tams, Flat Whites, Lamingtons, Freddo Frogs and Caramello Koalas…but I hate Vegemite.
2. I love llamas. I have a little collection of stuffed llamas, one in particular that comes to conferences with me and always sits at my table whenever I’m signing books.
3. Because of fact #2, The Emperor’s New Groove is one of my all-time favourite movies.
4. Game of Thrones is the only TV show that I’ve watched every episode of while it was still airing.
5. I love hearing from readers! Interacting with people who love romance novels if one of the best parts of being an author, so if you ever want to catch me on social media or email to say hi, please do so.

Can you tell us a little about your book? 

Betting the Bad Boy is the third and final book in the Behind the Bar series. But not to fear, each book can be read as a standalone so feel free to jump in with whichever book takes your fancy! The series revolves around three sexy men who run a bar and restaurant in the funky suburb of South Melbourne, Australia.

Blurb:

Self-confessed perfectionist Paige Thomas isn’t used to failing. But when a critical error in romantic judgment sends all her big city career dreams crashing down, she scrambles to find a job—any job—to make ends meet.

Noah Reid may as well have “trust issues” tattooed on his forehead. Being raised in the foster system didn’t give him a positive outlook on relationships, but now he’s looking after his best friend’s bar for one month, and he can’t do it alone.

Things get steamy when Noah hires Paige, but she’s determined not to repeat her mistakes and she bets Noah that she can keep her hands to herself while they’re working together. Too bad for her, Noah is an expert at breaking the rules…

For an excerpt, reviews and buy links visit Stefanie's website 
http://stefanie-london.com/books/betting-the-bad-boy/

Thanks for joining us at Romancing the Genres, Stefanie!

Lauren James is a country girl at heart. Raised on a small property surrounded by animals, it's no surprise she writes small town romance with lots of love for creatures great and small.

Having failed fabulously at painting, sewing and playing guitar, she finally found her creative outlet in writing strong, quirky heroines, and tough, handsome heroes with gooey animal-loving centers.

Lauren lives on the outskirts of Melbourne, Australia, with her beloved rescue greyhound, Daisy.

You can contact Lauren via her website, Facebook or Twitter.