AuThursday – Gabbi Grey

FTLOFM GG BannerPlease welcome Gabbi Grey to the Clog Blog!  Let’s dive right into it, shall we? Gabbi, tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I work for the government by day and write by night.

How do you make time to write?

Fortunately, I have a nice long commute and try to fit in some writing every trip.  Also, my little dog is my only familial commitment so I have more time to dedicate to writing and editing than if I had children or aging parents.  I have great admiration for writers with multiple responsibilities who manage to fit writing into a busy life.

Do you believe in writer’s block? 

I have a mental illness and there are times when writing is very difficult.  As for writer’s block, I sometimes have to move on to another project for a break.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it. 

I studied English and Theatre in university so had plenty of exposure to literary fiction.  When I started writing, though, I discovered I had to give my characters a happy ending.  I’ve been writing romances ever since.  I also read romance, reveling in the guaranteed happily ever after.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? (*e.g. Indie, traditional or both)

Currently, I am traditionally published.  I’ve been fortunate to find homes for my short romantic stories.  I am hoping to soon publish a full-length book.

Are you an Introvert or Extrovert? How does this affect your work?

I am an introvert through and through.  My biggest challenge is attending writer conferences and interacting with other writers and industry professionals.  I put on my best face and try to make the most of the opportunities.  Networking can be an important part of the business but also the most challenging for someone like myself.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“Writing a book, just like building a library, is an act of sheer defiance. It is a declaration that you believe in the persistence of memory.” Susan Orlean author of The Library Book

What advice would you give to aspiring writers? 

Persistence and a good editor.  I have been writing seriously for almost six years but only when I started working with a freelance editor did I really begin learning the craft.  I’m a much better writer because of finding the right person to work with.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share?

Genre: Erotic Romance

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Excerpt from For the Love of Max:Max cover

Procrastinating was getting him nowhere. She was either home or she wasn’t. She was either going to kick him off her property or she wasn’t. She was either going to let him in or she wasn’t.

Wiping his damp palms against his jeans, he sauntered up the steps and knocked.

The door cracked, but the safety chain prevented it from opening fully. He glimpsed a veil of long, black hair.

“Maxine?” She squinted. Damn. The sun behind him was bright in her eyes, casting him in deep shadows.

“It’s Dodge. Remember me? I brought you home after the company Christmas party?” After Garth got wasted and abandoned you? Happy to step in, Dodge had driven her home, trying not to look at her gorgeous legs encased by her tight silver skirt and sheer pantyhose. Red-blooded man he was, he’d adjusted himself when she looked away and had done his best to hide his erection when escorting her to the door.

“Wait.” Say something that’ll keep her talking.

“I—”

The door closed, opening a moment later.

Dodge was a sucker for sun-kissed light-brown skin, wavy long black hair, almond-shaped dark-brown eyes, soft cheekbones, and a pert nose. The bangs were new as was the yellowing bruise on her cheek.

Damn.

Ducking her head, Maxine’s hand shot to the bruise.

He gently touched her chin, and when she didn’t recoil, he tipped it, forcing her gaze to his. “The man is an animal. I’m not like him.”

The smile was tentative. “I know.” Soft words, replete with meaning.

Not going to send him away. Yet. But he needed more.

Maxine extended her hand, which he gratefully took. The electric shock shot through him, so strong he expected a blue arc between them.

Her cheeks flushed, her gaze flying to his before lowering. She tried to pull away, but he held tight.

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