Interview With Author Gia Hartley
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am new to the self-publishing / author industry. I have been writing short stories my entire life and even wrote a few children’s books – one for each of my children (never published). I have been spending my time learning about marketing and self-publishing and finally got the nerve to put the pen to the paper, so to speak, and published my first novella in October 2025. I’ve since released two full length steamy contemporary romance books, with my 3rd on the way February 2nd.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Faking It with the Ex-SEAL. I myself am a Navy brat and have always been fascinated by men in uniforms. This story is about a former SEAL who is “hiding out” in a small coastal town. His service dog needs medical attention and “Luke” meets the local smart and sassy veterinarian, Harper. The chemistry and banter is nearly immediate.
It’s a love story with a little bit of adventure rolled up when a ghost from Luke’s past threatens his new found love interest and things get real!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do my best writing after midnight. I’m old school and use pen and paper – picture the old typewriter and crumpled up pages on the floor as I try to get the first draft of a new book written. But I have graduated to using a laptop for efficiency. When I’m stuck, though, I pull out the pen and paper. My desk is a mess, but I straighten it up every evening (or morning as the case may be) so that when I come to sit back down for the next session, I can start fresh – I lesson I learned from my mom.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like so many different books, it’s hard to pick one favorite author – but I do have some favorites. David Baldacci for the suspense thrillers, and Jeannette Walls for real life drama. One of the best in the psychological thrillers category has to be Freida McFadden. And then there’s the contemporary romance category – Tessa Bailey, Elsie Silver, Ana Huang, and K.C. Crowne.
What are you working on now?
I’m super excited about the book I’m working on now, because I’m going to venture into the Contemporary Romance, Mafia Lite category. I grew up on movies such as the Godfather Series, and with more recent shows like Tulsa Kings, I just can’t get enough. I emphasize the word “Lite” though, because one notion that I drew a hardline in the sand with was the dark romance or cruelty – my MMC will NEVER be cruel to the FMC and there is no violence to children or innocents.
My first book in that sub-niche is due out March 2, 2026.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since I am new to the business and I am self-publishing, I am still learning all the ins and outs of marketing. I have mostly shared my new releases with companies that share free or discounted books via their daily newsletters. I’ve tried Written Word Media, AwesomeGang.com, and most recently Robin Reads and Ereader News Today. I also send out my own email/newsletter to subscribers on nearly a daily basis. I have learned to “swap” with other new or self-published authors as well – basically, I’ll share your new release if you share mine.
I’ll get back to you on how successful each site and method is.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up and surround yourself with good people. There’s enough sand in the sandbox for all of us – share your tips, tricks, and strategies for writing, editing, publishing, marketing, etc. – stay connected with each other and cheer for each other. My experience is – I’m not in this alone. In fact, I’m standing on the shoulders of giants who paved the way for me and have shared their insights so that’s what I hope to do for others.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Why is there never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over.
or Maybe – A good deployed is better than an excellent delayed.
or Maybe something I heard just this evening in a small group I belong to – You’re responsible for the effort, not the outcome.
What are you reading now?
David Baldacci’s “Nash Falls” series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I mentioned earlier, I’m working on a Mafia Lite, contemporary romance book. That one is due out March 2nd. I think I’ll see what readers think of that one, then take a look at the 4 books I’ve published up to that point – a Billionaire CEO, an ex-SEAL military guy, a bad boy with a good heart, and then a Mafia Don – I’ll probably try to narrow my focus after that to give the readers what they want. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about – engaging and satisfying the readers. They are the reason I get to live the dream.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible
The Outsiders
Hope for the Flowers by Trina Paulus
Taken by the Rival Don – my March release!
Author Websites and Profiles
Gia Hartley’s Social Media Links
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