Today we've got a Q&A with author Christina George, and then we'll delve into The Publicist, the 1st novel in her current series
1. How do you think people perceive writers?
That’s funny because there is a “perception” about being an author. I think a lot of folks assume that if you’re published, you are immediately successful and those of us who know the market know this is the farthest from the truth. Ask any author who has been in the publishing industry for a while and they will tell you that it’s a rough road and an overnight success can often take years…
2. How do you feel about self-publishing?
2. How do you feel about self-publishing?
I love it, I think it’s a great way for authors to get their work out there. Look, not everyone will find their way to a major publishing house, that’s just not going to happen. Self-publishing, if it’s done right, can be a fantastic way to get yourself “out there” and start building traction for you, your career and your book!
3. When you get free time on the internet or you go to the library – what do you want to read about?
3. When you get free time on the internet or you go to the library – what do you want to read about?
Candidly I do a ton of research for my work so sometimes I just get lost on Pinterest. So sometimes it’s just a little break. But if I’m at the library I love digging through old copies of Publishers Weekly to see what I've missed about the industry :-)
4. What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?
4. What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?
“Do what you love and you’ll never work another day in your life.” I love it because it’s so true. If you love what you do it doesn't feel like work.
5. What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
5. What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
I love my work even though the industry is hard, I love promoting authors and I like to think that some of the books I've worked on have helped to inspire someone or change someone’s life. When you think about it that’s really huge, right? I mean how often do we get the chance to change a life?
6. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
6. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
That’s funny because it didn't. Well, that’s not to say that I didn't noodle with writing and poetry (which God-willing will never see the light of day!) but these stories really came out of life experience and also, I wanted to know I could do it!
7. What made you write a book about being a publicist?
7. What made you write a book about being a publicist?
First off I wrote this book because I am a publicist and I felt like this was such an interesting industry, with many stories to tell. A lot of readers have commented on how fun it was to see the inner workings of the publishing industry and, of course, there is romance, lots of that. But Kate’s job is tough and it sometimes takes center stage over her life, anyone who is in publishing can really relate.
8. Can you tell us about your main character?
8. Can you tell us about your main character?
I adore Kate, she’s my main character. She’s strong, she knows what she wants and she’s not afraid to tell it like it is. She’s also really dedicated to her authors which is so important in this line of work and she loves publishing. Despite the fact that the industry seems to be crumbling down around her, she loves it.
9. What is your next project?
9. What is your next project?
Glad you asked! I just finished up with book three in The Publicist series called Climax, and I’m very excited. It launches December 15, 2014
Series: The Publicist #1
Author: Christina George
Published: October 30/ 2014 by Author Marketing Experts (1st published November 2012)
Length: 5h54min/226pgs
Format: audio book
Genre: contemporary romance
Shelf: review
Rating: ★★★★
Back Cover Blurb:
Can one woman change an age-old institution like publishing? Probably not, but Kate Mitchell sure wants to try. As a publicist with a large, respected New York publishing house, Kate finds herself at the mercy of a broken publishing system, books that don’t always sell (at all) and author egos that are often, well, as big as the island of Manhattan.
Enter the star Editor, MacDermott Ellis. Tall, handsome, charismatic, married, and ready to save the day. Kate wants to do the right thing but her hormones seem to be driving her decisions. Then there’s Allan Lavigne, once a revered author, now as forgotten as yesterday’s news; and his nephew Nick, who wants to sweep Kate away from New York for another coast, California.
As Kate tries to navigate the landmine of publicity, the over-the-top author expectations, and the careful dance of “I’m sorry, your book isn’t on the bestseller list this week”, she also finds authors who are painfully overlooked by a publisher wanting more sex, more celebrities, and more scandal.
My Review:
My first thoughts? Holy cow! What a way to start the story. George draws you in right from the first scene, dropping you right into the middle of her heroine’s life. She continues her story in an intensely captivating manner that will have you racing forwards to find out how it ends. The short chapters add a quick, forward pace to the novel, while the author’s well written, emotional style really packs a punch. George combines interesting subject matter with realistic characters that you can actually identify with into a novel that I not only loved, but had me questioning why I think what I do. There are definitely aspects of this novel that some will find controversial or immoral. The author doesn’t skirt around these topics or sugar coat them to try to put her characters in a better light. She lets the chips fall where they may. This novel was like a breath of fresh air for me. I found that the real life, career based backdrop made it all the more poignant.
I really liked the main character in this novel. She was a bit of a paradox, even for herself. She was firm in her beliefs, but followed her feelings and these rarely coincided. Watching her come to terms with this was quite endearing. The over the top emotions from the authors is absolutely brilliant. It really shows a sharp contrast between everyday reality and the reality of the main character’s job. You can’t help but laugh, even though you feel for the main character. The narrator in the audio version definitely does the characters justice. She brings everything to life in an unforgettable way.
This is a book about books & life & romance. How can you get much better than that?
Christina George has worked in publishing for twenty years (give or take). Here’s what this book isn't. It’s not a slam against publishing (though it is broken) and it’s not a slam against authors (though some of them are crazy). This book is not autobiographical though many of the stories are true. No you won’t know which ones, cause it’s more fun to guess, right? George continues to work in publicity and helps authors because at the end of the day she does love books, she loves publishing, and she loves authors. She hopes you’ll enjoy this romp through Kate’s world as much as she enjoyed creating it.
I really liked the main character in this novel. She was a bit of a paradox, even for herself. She was firm in her beliefs, but followed her feelings and these rarely coincided. Watching her come to terms with this was quite endearing. The over the top emotions from the authors is absolutely brilliant. It really shows a sharp contrast between everyday reality and the reality of the main character’s job. You can’t help but laugh, even though you feel for the main character. The narrator in the audio version definitely does the characters justice. She brings everything to life in an unforgettable way.
This is a book about books & life & romance. How can you get much better than that?
Before you go!
Don't forget to enter the amazing tour wide giveaway.
Thank you so much for this review! I really appreciate the feedback, glad you liked the story!
ReplyDelete