Today, Lisa Brown Roberts joins us to talk about her latest release, The Replacement Crush, her path to publication amd her advice to writers still working to make their publishing dreams a reality. Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the post for a chance to win a signed copy of The Replacement Crush + some fun swag!
Hi Lisa! Welcome, and thanks so much for coming to Thinking to Inking! We're so excited to have you here! Tell us a little bit about THE REPLACEMENT CRUSH.
This book is my love letter to everyone in the romance community: authors, bloggers, and readers. It’s a book about books, and one girl’s love of romance novels, along with her own story of being blind to the perfect hero who’s right in front of her.
It’s also a love letter to adorkable nerds, Star Trek, and friendship.
How did your writing process for The Replacement Crush differ from other books you've written?
My process has improved with each book I write, but some books are harder to write than others. This one was honestly a true joy to write and most days the story came easily. I had a rough outline and knew my characters very well, though they surprised me, too. Dallas in particular had one very big surprise up his sleeve I didn’t see coming, but it’s spoilery so I can’t say what it is. Let’s just say it surprised Vivian, too.
How do the ideas for your stories come to you? How did you come up with the idea for The Replacement Crush?
Most of my story ideas start with the characters who start talking to me. I may have a very vague idea of a story, but as soon as a character shows up, they tend to take it over and the plot morphs in unplanned ways.
For this book, I really wanted to write about a book blogger who knew all about romance novels but not much about true love. And I liked the idea of her making a list of “safe crushes” that were all wrong for her.
What (if anything) surprised you most about the publishing process for this book vs. your first book?
The publication of a first book is overwhelming. You’re learning the whole process as you go, developing relationships with your editor and publicity people, second-guessing and worrying over so many details – at least I did.
This book’s publication process was smooth and fun. It’s the fourth book I’ve done with Entangled, and my editor and I have a great working relationship. We talk through changes, often via funny text convos, and I know she always has the end goal of creating a great book, so I trust her suggestions for changes to the book. I love the marketing and publicity staff at Entangled, and the authors are a tightknit group, too, giving each other lots of support.
That’s not to say I still don’t freak out before publication. I woke up at 3:00 a.m. one morning after a ton of ARCS had been shipped to librarians, convinced I’d misspelled the name of a Star Trek character. I ran down the hall and booted up my laptop to double-check the galley proofs and confirm the correct spelling online. It was fine, I was just having a pre-publication freak-out, which I do for every book.
What advice would you give writers still working to make their publishing dreams a reality?
I always tell people to never give up. If you’re meant to do this, you won’t be able to give up even if you try. I know, because I tried to stop but always came back to it. Find community whether it’s through organizations like RWA or SCBWI, or just another writing friend, find your tribe. They will keep you sane and buoy you up when you need it.
Also, write every day if possible. Nora Roberts says it best: “Butt in chair.”
What are you reading now?
I always have several books going at once: Kindle, hardcopy, Audible….
At this very moment- Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, Bite Me, Your Grace by Brooklyn Ann, and Olivia Decoded by Vivi Barnes, another Entangled author. Her book releases the same day as mine, so we’re release day sisters J. I was lucky enough to get an early copy to read.
Who's your favorite character from The Replacement Crush?
That’s like picking a favorite child or pet! I love them all. Of course I love Vivian and Dallas, but today I’m going with a side character- the sexy surfer Toff who’s one of Vivian’s best friends. He’s lovable, loyal, and really needs a girlfriend. I hope I get to tell his story someday.
If you could be one character from any book or movie, who would it be?
Probably Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice.
Congrats on the launch of your latest and greatest, and thanks so much for stopping by!
Thanks for having me on the blog!
About The Replacement Crush
The Replacement Crush by Lisa Brown Roberts
Out September 6, 2016
Publisher: Entangled TEEN
True love can’t be strategized.
After book blogger Vivian Galdi’s longtime crush pretends their secret summer kissing sessions never happened, Vivian creates a list of safe crushes, determined to protect her heart.
But nerd-hot Dallas, the sweet new guy in town, sends the mission and Vivian’s zing meter into chaos. While designing software for the bookstore where Vivian works, Dallas wages a counter-mission.
Operation Replacement Crush is in full effect. And Dallas is determined to take her heart off the shelf.
About Lisa Brown Roberts
Lisa Brown Roberts still hasn't recovered from the teenage trauma of nearly tweezing off both eyebrows and having to pencil them in for an entire school year. This and other angst-filled memories inspire her to write YA books about navigating life's painful and funny dramas, and falling in love along the way.
Her almost forever home is Colorado, though she occasionally pines for the days when she lived within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean. Her house is full of books, boys, four-legged prima donnas, and lots of laughter.
Giveaway Information
One (1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Replacement Crush, Nerd glasses necklace, button, signed poster, bookmark, and Spock Funko Pop!
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