Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, My name is Codi Gary, and I write Contemporary Romance for Avon Impulse. So far, I have a great little novella called The Trouble with Sexy, which was part of Kiss Me: An Avon Valentines Day Anthology released Feb. 2013 and my first full length novel, Things Good Girls Don’t Do releasing August 2013. I live in Southern Idaho, have been an avid bookwork for over 20 years, and fell in love with romance when I was in my teens. I love my family, small town life, white chocolate mochas, animals, and thunderstorms. I enjoy watching anything by Joss Whedon, The Big Bang Theory, New Girl, and a very long list of other awesome shows, as you can tell by my Pinterest Boards. I am kind of a social media junkie, although I’m still learning the ropes and love recommendations on “what to read” with others.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Things Good Girls Don’t Do is a Contemporary Romance Novel about a small town “good” girl who gets dumped hard and loses faith that her Prince Charming is out there. When the town bad boy catches her making a list of things she’s always been told she shouldn’t do, he offers to help her check off each item…especially the naughty ones. It is a funny, sweet, and emotional love story I hope readers will enjoy.
A couple of things inspired this book. I wanted the contrast between a “good” girl and a “bad” boy, and I kept remembering all of the old saying my mother used to advise me with; Do unto others, If you can’t say something nice, Oh what tangled webs…and with awesome country songs like Mama’s Broken Heart and Before He Cheats blaring in my ears, the story was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Besides my obsessive coffee addiction, my country music playlist, or my comfy Sheldon like spot on my loveseat? Oh you mean the WAY I write 🙂 I tend to write sassy with a touch of quirky and a lot of humor. One thing about my books is I love to laugh, and I hope that comes through in my style. I ADORE when my characters banter; quick witted barbs, sharp responses, and clever quips make me tingly all over…with happiness, geez!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gosh, there are so many, how do you chose? Rachel Gibson, Lynn Kurland, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and Christina Dodd are all biggies for me, but even historicals by Eloisa James and Julia Quinn have shaped the way I write and the stories I tell.
What are you working on now?
A Contemporary Romance for one of my Rock Canyon secondary characters. It’s about a single mother who bumps into her first love and complications (and sparks) flame up between them. At the same time, I am finishing a Valentine’s Day novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning the ropes, but I always get a little thrill on Tumblr when my posts are reblogged. The best thing I’ve found is interacting with other authors and promoting each other.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Take all the advice you can, and use it to make your book better. Get to know other authors and listen to their success (and sometimes not so successful) stories. Love what you write, because you will reread it fifty times before it’s ready.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your voice is unique. Use it.
What are you reading now?
I just read He Watches Me by Cynthia Sax.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m off to RWA next week to soak in all the information I can, and then back working on my Old Flame and Valentine’s Day WIP.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Of all time? Why do you have to make it so hard? If I’m being nostalgic, I’d say I’ll Love you Forever. I read it as a kid and now I read it to my kids, and I bawl everytime.
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