Today we’re highlighting debut author Stefanie London, who has a Harlequin Kiss out in July! Don’t miss your chance to grab Only the Brave Try Ballet in print–or wherever ebooks are sold on July 1st!
Seven Things Writers Want To Know!
What got you interested in writing?
It sounds so cliché but I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. I learned to read quite early because my grandmother and mother were both avid readers and they always encouraged reading in our house. In fact, on the very few occasions I was grounded as a child my punishment was that my books got confiscated (well, my Dad always threatened but I don’t think he ever had the heart to go through with it).
I used to write and illustrate my own books as a kid. I went on to take as many English subjects as I was allowed in high school and then I filled every possible elective in my Business degree with literature subjects. It’s just something that’s a part of me.
What has been the most useful thing you’ve done to get to this point?
Let other people read my work. This can be incredibly daunting for a new writer, but having people read your work and provide you with feedback is the best way to learn. I started slow, at first it was just my mum because I knew she would be kind no matter what. Then I joined a writers group and started to share my work there. Having positive feedback from other writers is what gave me the courage to submit my work and allowed me to work on the areas which were not as strong as they could be.
Available July 2014!
What is the one thing you wish you’d learned sooner?
It’s not something I learned so much as something I’ve done. I wish I’d started sooner. I worked on so many other creative projects over the years because I thought being published was not something I was capable of. But once I sat down and started I grew quickly and am continuing to grow as a writer. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you find something that you’re passionate about.
Which book or blog or site or conference or contest would you recommend for new writers?
There are so many wonderful resources out there! I joined the Harlequin Forums early in my journey and learned a lot from the wonderful people who frequent the boards there. I also recommend joining your local romance writing group or association, because you can find very specific and useful information about writing for the romance genre from those groups.
What drew you to Harlequin?
The Harlequin brand is something I’ve been familiar with for a long time. They used to sell Harlequin books at our local newsagency and I would stand there and read the back covers while my mum ran her errands. I think read my first Harlequin book in stealth when I was about twelve or thirteen, and the idea that I could be part of a brand with such a rich history was very exciting.
What did you do when you got the call?
I cried. Seriously, I bawled my eyes out (I think the pure disbelief had made me a bit emotional) and then I called my mum. After I’d composed myself (somewhat) my husband took me out for celebratory champagne at a bar close to our apartment. I remember sitting there wondering to myself if I had just dreamed it all up.
We thank you, Stefanie, for getting up the courage–much like your hero, football hero Grant does when he tries ballet!
You can find out more about Stefanie at her blog, by following her on Twitter as @Stefanie_London, or on Facebook or Goodreads.
20 replies on “7 Questions for New Author Stefanie London”
What a nice interview! All the best, Steph! Can’t wait to read your work.
Thank you, I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading your debut as well, Stefanie. (Is it less than a week until release?)
I popped into your blog way back in May 2013 and I’m still in love with your writing journey! Here’s to many more future book birthdays! 🙂
Yes, less than a week although there have been a few ‘on shelf’ sightings already – eep!
Thanks for your lovely comments on my blog 🙂
Well done Steph. Pre-ordered my copy of your book and looking forward to finally getting to read it in its entirety.
Yay! I hope you enjoy the full version 😀
So excited for you and that I can say I knew you when. I do laugh that you say you wish you had started earlier. I was in my mid-forties. Imagine what I could have done if I’d started even ten years earlier.
So proud of you, hon! You’ve done a great job and I know you’ll have a wonderful writing career. You’re just getting started.
Thanks for your constants support, Kari. You’re such an amazing friend.
I think many writers wish they’d started earlier, though I do love that the writers I meet are so diverse in age. I think my local writers group has an age range from ate 20’s up to 80!
I’m so happy for you! I can’t wait to read your book. Those of us on the Writer’s Circle can say we knew you when. 🙂
Thanks Carol, the Writer’s Circle has helped me so much. I think it’s representative of what a fabulous, supportive community romance writers have. I cant wait to see more people from that group published!
What a great article, Stefanie! And yep, I’m so proud of you and proud to be one of the lucky ones who ‘knew you when’. 😉 Looking forward to your debut, since I’ve only been teased with snippets on the Work In Progress board, before you sold! Congrats on your success ~ I’m so happy for you! 😀
Thanks Gina, I hope you enjoy the full version! Fingers crossed for you as always x
Hi Stefanie. This is the first step to a great career. This is the right time for you. Congratulation on your release of Only the brave try ballet.
Thanks Jan! It’s a very exciting time, hard to believe it’s here already.
So excited for you, and I just know everyone is going to love it.
Likewise!! So thrilled we got to have our books come out at the same time.
Congratulations Stefanie. Really looking forward to reading your debut story – it sounds great. And I LOVE that cover! PS. I wish I’d started sooner too…
Thanks Andie, I adore the cover too – the team did a fabulous job.
I’m looking forward to your debut too 🙂
What a thrill to finally see your name on the cover of a book! Congratulations and looking forward to reading your debut!
Thank you so much, it was a huge thrill.
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!