Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Reno Nevada’s own Cowgirl Romance Writer Lilly Christine has authored nine titles in the McGreers Series with McGreers #7 “Last Chance, Cowboy” and McGreers #8 My Kinda Bull released October 2016.
Coming Soon, readers return to Lilly’s birthplace for “Philadelphia Stories” a four book Holiday Series. “New Year’s Baby!” will debut November 2016.
“Crashing Into Tess”, Lilly’s first novel, garnished the prestigious Toronto Romance Writer’s “Catherine” Award, and is a 2014 GDRW Bookseller’s Best Finalist in Best First Book and Best Contemporary categories. Other titles in the McGreers series include Crazy On Daisy ( #2) Right Kinda Bull (#3) Designs on Daphne (#4) Loving Lulu (#5) Whole Lotta Bull (#6) McGreers Special Edition “Candi For Christmas”, Last Chance, Cowboy (#7) and My Kinda Bull (#8)
About those McGreers…hard-working boys endeavoring to deserve the women they crave, my lifelong fascination with the American West is media and travel driven. As a six year old, I regularly tuned into “Big Valley” for a dose of Barbara Stanwyck’s tough, outspoken “Virginia Barclay”. Heck, how did she get those big, strapping boys to behave? Second grade riding lessons on a paint pony Beauregard and Johnny and Jane West’s paperboard ranch provide the setting for all of my cowgirl fantasies, competently executed via heroines Tess, Daisy, Daphne, Luanne, Janie and Lindsay…..
When not hunched over my laptop dreaming up female leads in sassy dialogue with dashing male counterparts, I’m strolling the Truckee River with my new rescue Chihuahua, Sir Edwin Saint Francis Chesapeake. Pets feature prominently in my life and they’re always in my novels, too. After all, a girl is only as good as the horse, pup, kitty or chicken she comes home to!
I’m always available for book-signings, readings and appearances, especially to benefit my reader’s favorite animal shelters and rescues. Please email me at lillychristine13 (at) gmail.com or find me on FB.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My Kinda Bull just released this month. I loved the idea of doing an opposites attract on the topic of climate change. Christina and Heath have other differences, too. She’s hispanic, and was hungry as a child, whereas he was born to wealth and privilege. I played with a role reversal too; she’s a college student, more interested in hookups than a relationship, while he’s ready to settle down. Here’s more:
Activist Christina Rodriguez and geophysics engineer Heath McGreer are on opposite sides in North Shore Alaska, and the rift only widens when her expose photos put him in jail!
Heath’s made a fortune in fossil fuels, but the destruction in the gulf didn’t sit well with him. He’s been thinking about a new career, and can’t help admiring the risks Christina’s willing to take to set things right with the planet.
100% dedicated to the cause, Christina’s is nobody’s fool. Sure, it’s nice to think some perfect, enlightened guy might have her back some day, but she Heath are complete opposites! What does the rich enabled rich playboy really want with her, anyway?
Back at Red Rock Ranch, tempers ignite and sparks fly. . . Then the combustion lands them between the sheets!
Like the other McGreers, it’s steamy hot, a tiny bit comedic, and full of loveable, realistic characters.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a pantser; I write the first third of the story with an idea of how it will end, then figure out the key conflicts and climax. I generally write for three of four days, than leave off. The first two thirds take longer, and the last three or four chapters usually go quickly, though I often have to work so my endings aren’t too abrupt. When I get frustrated, I build a story board on Pinterest and start liberally populated with images of story details. My McGreers series is linked, and I love catching up on past characters in new stories. For instance, Hank and Daisy ( Crazy On Daisy, McGreers #2) got married in Whole Lotta Bull ( McGreers #6) and the backdrop of their wedding worked as an effective foil for Lindsay’s difficulty committing to Ty, even though by then they have a child together. Each McGreers story is like a season in the McGreer’s television series. Which I would love to have happen!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Jackalope scene with the Tarleton twins in “Crashing Into Tess” McGreers #1 is a nod to the barbeque scene in “Gone with the Wind”. Jane Austen’s “Emma” inspired the plot for “Designs on Daphne” McGreers #4. For dialogue, you can’t beat Jennifer Crusie. I love Rachel Gibson’s plot and character descriptions; she nails tiny gestures so well, you are brought right into the scene. Megan Crane writes with such a strong voice, and if I’m going to cry, it’s no doubt reading a Jane Porter Tule romance. She knows how to tug at the heartstrings!
What are you working on now?
Jane Ireland, a divorce attorney, and Derek Dawson, a filmmaker, make their appearance in Philadelphia LOVE #1, New Year, Baby! my November 2016 release, to be followed by a Valentine, St. Patty’s Day/Flower Show and 4th of July novellas in 2017. All are linked characters. I’ll pair of Jane’s ex husband, a bit of a jerk named Win, her best friend Elizabeth, a single mom, and then Derek’s sister, who happens to be the Mayor of Philadelphia, in an interracial romance with the Chief of Police.
I also have a “Bad Boys of Tahoe” series coming, and the first novel in Egypt Island, a New England coastal setting is complete as well. Oh! And since I spend a lot of time in California, I started a Sonoma Series, which takes place in wine country!
There are plenty more McGreers coming, too!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still looking for the magic touch!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Sure! Learn as much as you can from books, websites and the work of authors you admire. Good story, dialogue and character development is an art, but plotting is a science!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up!
What are you reading now?
I just finished Molly O’Keefe’s INDECENT PROPOSAL, which I loved!
What’s next for you as a writer?
This is going to be my busiest year, with many new releases.
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?
Jane Austen~ Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park and Emma!
Author Websites and Profiles
Lilly Christine Website
Lilly Christine Amazon Profile
Lilly Christine’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account