Hi all,
Well, it’s Friday, so yay for weekend, especially when I have the lovely Gigi Kern visiting to answer my nosy questions and chat about her new release, Finding Aaron.
Hi Gigi, it’s great to have you here! So, let’s start with you telling us a bit about yourself.
I’ve moved a lot for my day job. I don’t think I’m your average romance writer. I spent two years in Iraq and four months in Afghanistan and worked and lived in nine different cities/states. Originally from New York, I still miss the food and the New York Mets (So close). I LOVE my TV shows, books and movies! And I’ve gone to Comic Con in San Diego, CA for three years in a row.
Ooh, I’m jealous already – would love to get to Comic Con… one day! Was there a specific moment where you first knew that you wanted to be a writer?
It started in my 8th grade writing class. I had to write an essay so I decided to write one about my Dad’s experiences as a US Marine Field Artillery Mechanic in Vietnam. I started writing essays, and then in 11th grade I wrote a poem that was inspired by Elie Wiese’s Night. That was the catalyst I needed, and I’ve been writing creatively ever since.
Sometimes it just needs that initial spark, doesn’t it? Do you have a particular writing routine, or any special rituals?
I wish. I write when the inspiration hits. Which I know is not what you should do. Convention says write every day. Except my muse only want to come out and play when it wants. (New York stubbornness) I can write 15 -30 pages in one shot. My first novel was all long hand, but Finding Aaron was a combination of long hand and typing. I don’t always write in sequence. And I normally create a list of must have scenes and go from there.
I’m with you on that one, muses can be tricksy lol. Tell us about the genre you write in, and what drew you to it.
My current novel is a Gay (M/M Romance) Contemporary Romance novel. I was working for someone in the publishing industry and she sent me a box of books she received from a romance convention. There it was, my first M/M Romance novel, and I’ve been reading ever since. My first novel is a supernatural thriller. I didn’t think. An idea for this book came to me and I decided to run with it and here we are.
It’s lovely when the idea just runs away with you! Are there any particular authors or books that have really inspired you?
Robert Ludlum, Jack Higgins, Joan D. Vinge, Frances Miller, Patricia Potter, David Hagburg, David Feintuch, Lightning by Dean Koontz, A Wrinkle in Time series and VC Andrew’s Heaven and My Sweat Audrina. The books and authors that I have to re-read always.
What five things could you never do without?
TV with DVR
Books
Ipad
MacBook Light
Notebooks and pens (1 item:)
Yup, think we definitely have to count those as one 😉 Tell us a bit about your new release.
Finding Aaron is the first book in the Finding Home Series. It’s about Aaron, who hasn’t had the best of lives until he meets his best friend Ryan Foster and his best friend’s family. Ryan’s Uncle TJ couldn’t stand Aaron the first time he met him while TJ was home during leave from Iraq. But something happens between the Aaron and TJ, and everything changes. This is part one of their love story. Part One (Finding Aaron) is them finally finding each other and letting the sparks explode. Part Two (Finding Love – which I’m currently writing) is what happens now that they are together. In the mix is Aaron’s Learning Disabilities, Panic Attacks, and childhood trauma, plus TJ’s PTSD. Makes for an interesting journey.
Wow, definitely sounds like they have some challenges there (fingers crossed for the HEA). Where did your inspiration for it come from?
Great question! Except I’ve already forgotten. Lol. It will come to me later.
Hehe, well as long as it comes from somewhere, that’s all that matters really. What did you find most enjoyable about writing it?
I love Aaron. And I love Aaron and Ryan’s relationship. But the exciting thing, was being with TJ as he finally sees the real Aaron and falling in love with him as much I do.
Aww, that sounds lovely. What was the hardest part about writing it?
Knowing where to end the book. I thought maybe it should be longer, however, when I first came up with the idea I knew it needed to be two parts. It was so hard to say, “Okay, now Stop!”
Yeah, though pesky characters just don’t know when to shut up sometimes lol. Speaking of, who’s your favourite character in it? (I know, I know, favouritism!)
Ryan. Ryan is the best friend everyone wants. I love Ryan so much that he will have his own book, Book Four, Finding Ryan. I’ve already mapped out the synopsis. Can’t wait to write it.
Sounds fun. Why should we run out and buy it right now?
It is a sweet love story. I’m not saying there isn’t angst and a couple of hot scenes. But at the core of Finding Aaron, it’s about Aaron finding a home with people who love him. I hope you take the ride and Happy Reading!
Well, in case you’re not convinced yet (and I know I am!) here’s the details on Finding Aaron 🙂
Blurb
At 23, Aaron has aged out of the foster-care system and is now a struggling college student. Between his severe Learning Disabilities, ADHD and past trauma, every day is a struggle.
Three years ago, Aaron’s world got a whole lot brighter thanks to his new best friend, Ryan Foster and his family. The Fosters have taken him into the fold. That is, everyone except for Ryan’s Uncle TJ.
When Aaron and TJ meet, sparks fly.
TJ, 31, can’t stand his nephew’s flamboyant, in your face, blue-haired, rainbow loving, best friend. He knows he shouldn’t be so judgmental but after spending five years in Iraq and Afghanistan, his patience is buried under a mountain of guilt and loss.
TJ’s animosity toward Aaron always stresses Aaron out going home to the Foster’s for the holidays but they are the only family he has. He just needs to put up with TJ. He can do that, right?
When something happens that neither one wants to acknowledge, it may just be the catalyst needed for the sparks to explode.
What happens when TJ lets himself see the real Aaron? And, can Aaron let TJ past his defenses, when he’s barely holding on.
~ 33,000 words – GAY Romance, heat level low.
Aaron and TJ’s story continues in Finding Love which will be available in 2016.
And if you’re wanting to grab yourself a copy for the weekend, you can hold of it here:
Amazon US – https://kdp.amazon.com/amazon-dp-action/us/bookshelf.marketplacelink/B017LFD5VC
Amazon UK – https://kdp.amazon.com/amazon-dp-action/uk/bookshelf.marketplacelink/B017LFD5VC (UK)
iBooks – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1055712667
NOOK – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940152751444
KOBO – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/finding-aaron
And for more updates feel free to visit Gigi Kern at her Official Author website at http://www.gmkern.com
Hope you have a great start to the weekend x
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