Romance Author Gemma Brocato Finds Peer Support, Wants to Pay it Forward
As a writer, Gemma Brocato has paid her dues, spending many years as a copywriter in the insurance sector. Today she’s living every writer’s dream: working as an author full time.
Despite the fierce competition in the publishing industry, she has found support from other romance authors. “That’s something I want to pay forward,” she said. In this Q&A, Brocato, a 2012 finalist in the Golden Pen contest (romantic suspense category), talked about the biggest lesson she has learned in publishing and her advice to aspiring authors.
Q: What is "Exposed to Passion" about?
A: When photographer Rikki Salerno meets school teacher Sam Kerrigan, sparks fly and the romance sizzles. But when an overzealous parent and a few bullying students go out of their way to ruin Sam’s reputation, the harsh glare exposes a secret Rikki’s kept from the man she’s come to love. Now, she must put her full-color future on hold to deal with the black-and-white necessity of clearing Sam’s name.
Q: What inspired you to write this book?
A: This book is the third in my “Five Senses” series. I’ve wanted to write Sam Kerrigan’s story since I first met him while writing the first book. When I made him a teacher, I knew I wanted bullying to be the central issue he’d deal with during the course of the book. It was easy to transform Sam into a respectful, considerate high school teacher who truly cares about his students and will champion them.
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
A: I’m really not very interesting to talk about. I’ve always thought I’d like to write a book, but I never made time to do it. I worked and was raising two teenagers. It got to a point when my kids were in high school that I was able to quit my job. I found I missed being busy though, so that’s when I first started scribbling a story. A move overseas led to writing that first full-length novel. Oh, I really didn’t know anything about how to write, but that story just poured out of me. I’ve learned a lot since then.
Q: What's the biggest lesson you've learned in publishing so far?
A: At least in the romance genre, the writers I’ve met are generous, supportive, and will go out of their way to help and guide you. When you’re new to this business, the learning curve is very steep, and there are no safety ropes. But many authors I’ve met will help. And that’s something I want to pay forward.
Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
A: It’s a marathon, not a sprint. You should take time to enjoy the ride, but keep writing. Your audience will definitely want more.
To celebrate the release of “Exposed to Passion,” the author is giving away a prize package worth $185, which includes a digital copy of the book, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a $15 Starbucks gift card. The drawing will run through Nov. 20. One lucky U.S. winner will be picked by Rafflecopter. To enter, visit: www.Gemmabrocato.com
"Exposed to Passion" is available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Kensington Publishing, iTunes, Kobo
To learn more about Gemma Brocato, go to: www.Gemmabrocato.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gemma.brocato
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GemmaBrocato
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7229886.Gemma_Brocato