Interview with author @courtneyhunt71

Interview with author @courtneyhunt71 

This week our guest author is Courtney Hunt as she answers some interesting questions. You can also vote for The Lost Art of Second Schances on Kindle Scout here. 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

An attorney by day, I live outside Washington, DC with my husband and son. Though I’ve been a scribbler all my life, I began pursuing publication when the federal government furloughed in October 2013. During the furlough, I finally lived my dream life as a full-time novelist. Once the furlough ended, I set about making that dream come true. In July 2015, I published my first novel, Forever a Bridesmaid, first in the Always a Bridesmaid series.

When not writing, I enjoy photography, sailing, and reading. I can never resist a craft store. After an early stint as a Disney cast member, I am also life long Disney addict.

Tell us about your latest project.

My second novel, The Lost Art of Second Chances, is currently a nominee in the Kindle Scout program for a publishing contract with Amazon. It’s about a woman who travels to Italy to fulfill her grandmother’s last request. When her childhood friend accompanies her, they find their second chance at love. (SmartURL)

I’m awaiting the story and developmental edits for Once a Bridesmaid, the second book in the Always a Bridesmaid series now. I’m currently writing the first novella in the Cupid’s Coffeeshop series which will publish at the rate of one a month in 2016.

What is your favorite book and why?

So hard to choose just one! Persuasion by Jane Austen because it contains one of my favorite tropes—a second chance at love story.

What do you like to do when you need a break from writing?

Walking always helps me to clear my head and power through any blocks. I also enjoy streaming series via Netflix or on DVD. I’m re-watching the US version of The Office right now. My sister just gave me the Golden Girls on DVD for my birthday so they’re up next. And, of course, reading. Though I love reading romance, I also read widely outside my chosen genre. I especially love to read writing craft books because I’m always working to improve my writing.

Where do you usually write? Do you write in silence or with music or other background sounds?

 I’m fortunate enough to have a home office and usually write there. Occasionally, I’ll go to Panera or to Starbucks for a change of pace. I usually write with instrumental music or my Coffitivity app playing. It mimics the sound of a busy coffeeshop. 

Who is your inspiration? What inspired you to become a writer?

My son is my inspiration. I want to provide a good model for him by chasing my own dreams. I’ve always been a reader and started reading romances as a pre-teen. All those amazing romance writers I read inspired me to become a writer myself.

What is your least favorite part of being an author?

Copy-edits. I’m not a particularly detail oriented person and all the fussy grammar and punctuation rules make me a little crazy. I admire people who have that skill set because I absolutely do not. Copy-edits, to paraphrase Anne Lamott, make me want to drink gin out of the cat dish.

What is your favorite part of being an author?

Brainstorming. I don’t participate in a formal critique group but, through the magic of the internet, I’ve connected with other romance writers all over the country. We have on-going Skype chats to work out our ideas. My favorite thing is when one of us writes: “I have an idea…” And then, we brainstorm together, following the rules of improv to always expand the idea. We take the “Yes, and…” approach to building the concept together.

What is your favorite motivational phrase, and why?

And I thought the favorite book question was tough! I love to collect quotes. In fact, I have a weekly Monday Musings feature on my blog sharing my favorite quotes. My favorite motivational phrase changes all the time but right now, I think it’s this one: “You can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.” –Jim Carrey.

Do you have a writing space? Tell us what it’s like.

Yes, my writing space is my home office, with a cherry wood desk and built-in shelving. The shelves are covered with writing craft books and all sorts of knickknacks from my various fandoms. Several years ago, my word of the year was “joy” so I have a small collection of ornaments and photo holders with the word “Joy” on them. I also have Trek, Harry Potter, Sherlock, Star Wars, and Disney items on display.

My desk surface is covered with cut-to-fit tempered glass. Beneath that I have various cards and photos on display, like a less messy corkboard. On the walls, I’ve hung the Winnie the Pooh artwork that formerly decorated my son’s nursery. Above the door, a vinyl wall sticker says, “Once Upon a Time…”  

It’s usually far messier than I’d like but I’d rather write than straighten up. I’m usually to be found here typing away on my MacBook Pro.

Author Bio 

Courtney Hunt is a recovering attorney. She lives outside Washington, DC and spent the last seventeen years working for the federal government, buying everything from satellites to copy paper. Courtney met her own Prince Charming (aka the Pilot) in a training class in 2000 and married him two years later. They have one son, Fox, who keeps life fun and full of surprises

From the day Courtney snuck her first romance novel (Partners by Nora Roberts) out of her mother’s library bag, she’s enjoyed reading about all the many paths to happily-ever-after. Though she’s always been a scribbler, a recent life change to be a write-at-home mom allowed her to pursue a writing career full-time.

When Courtney isn’t writing, she enjoys photography, sailing, and reading. She can never resist a craft store. After an early stint as a Disney cast member, she is a life long Disney addict. She’s also an avid fan of Star Trek, Star Wars, Sherlock, Harry Potter, Buffy…the list goes on. 

Blurb from The Lost Art of Second Chances 

Will her grandmother’s secret lead to Lucy’s second chance at love?

When Lucy Parker’s eccentric grandmother, Belladonna, dies, she leaves one last request. Lucy must return a beloved painting to a mysterious man in Italy, leading her on a journey into the past to discover long-buried family secrets that could change everything. . . .

Belladonna Rossi grew up as the queen of her small town in rural Tuscany. When World War II terrorizes the countryside, she helps the Monuments Men hide centuries of art in the warren of caves in her family vineyard. When she falls in love with one of the soldiers, will their love be able to survive in a war torn world?

When Lucy’s childhood best friend, estate lawyer Jack Hamilton, agrees to accompany her to Italy, will they find their second chance at love?  From the tiny town of Applebury, Massachusetts to the rolling hills of Tuscany, never-told family secrets unfurl in…the Lost Art of Second Chances.

Where to find Courtney Hunt 

Website 

Amazon 

Facebook 

Twitter

Pinterest 

“Thanks for joining me today. I’d love to hear your thoughts and I’d love it if you could use the little share buttons to share with your friends. I can also be found on Facebook * Twitter*LinkedIn* Google+ * Pinterest. Sign up for my newsletter over on the sidebar to the right, and you will be notified when my next book releases. When you sign-up you will also receive a FREE copy of Love on the Screen.”