Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I write Viking and Georgian romance with a recent dip into hot contemporary romance. Viking romance is my first love and the genre I’m drawn to the most. That said, I still love writing Georgian and contemporary romance. Sometimes I need a break from the Norse hammers in my head.
I’m a hybrid author…traditionally published and a late-comer to self-publishing. I’ve written 7 books (2 will release later this year).
One crazy thing I’ve done is take a deep dive into research. Last summer I did an “Eat Like a Viking” series of blog posts. I cooked Viking meals as taken from a Viking cookbook written by two Nordic researchers. I made cheese, mead, unique breads, and veggie dishes along with meat. And yes, my family ate the food!
The big surprise? Vikings ate their kale! It was a key veggie for the big men along with turnips. Who knew?!?
This summer I’m switching gears and doing an “Eat Like a Georgian” series. I have European cookbooks with historical tidbits and recipes from the 18th century (the era of my Georgian romance novels). Stop by and check out my blog at ginaconkle.com.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Lady Meets Her Match is a loose play on Cinderella. Like all the books I write, the characters kept showing up in my head. I didn’t plan out the series so much as the characters took the lead and showed me what their story was.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No. I like music to play according to my mood and the story. In winter I like to have a fire in the fireplace.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My first favorite was the grand dame Kathleen Woodiwiss. She put romance on the map! Her novel ‘Wolf and the Dove’ was my first “adult romance” that I read. I was enthralled!
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new Georgian series set in 1753. I can’t say much more than that at this time.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth is the best.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Write. Write. Once you’ve finished that first book, set it aside and start another related book (i.e. to create a series because if readers fall in love with the world you created, they’ll want more of it). After a time, go back and revise the first book. Keep polishing it until it’s ready for submission or self-publication. Lastly, ask yourself if writing is your hobby or your profession. There is no right answer. However you answer, act accordingly.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing.
What are you reading now?
Deep Work, a non-fiction book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Possibly the 1753 proposal in progress.
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?
Yikes! That is tough! I know one would be the Bible. I’ve read it 3 times. The others? I’m not sure.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gina Conkle Website
Gina Conkle Amazon Profile
Gina Conkle’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account