Spotlight on Gina Conkle, Norse Jewel and $50 Amazon GC Giveaway!

Under the Spotlight today is author Gina Conkle and there's a chance to win $50. Amazon GC!

Gina’s a lover of history, books and romance, which makes the perfect recipe for historical romance writer.  Her passion for castles and old places (the older and moldier the better!) means interesting family vacations.  Good thing her husband and two sons share similar passions, except for romance…that’s where she gets the eye roll.  When not visiting fascinating places, she can be found in southern California delving into the latest adventures of organic gardening and serving as chief taxi driver.

Connect with Gina on the web:

Website   Monthly Newsletter      Facebook      Twitter    Pinterest

 Let's read Gina's answers to our spotlight questions!

What do you love most about writing?

I love the escape…take me away to another time and place.  Crafting your own stories is as good as reading, only there’s work involved.  It’s ideal when the characters take over and tell the story. That’s the best part.

What do you think makes a good story?

 For romance, a good story pulls you in from page one.  I think a sense of urgency makes the difference as well as a great first line.  Next, the reader needs to love those characters. You want to stick with them, and you remember them long after you’re done. Another important story aspect, put the characters in such difficult situations that you think “they’ll never get together.”  Yet, the impossible is accomplished in a totally believable way.

I also like it when I learn something new. 

 You write about exotic places – what is your ideal holiday destination?

 I’d like to return to Colmar, France and show my boys the amazing history there.  And my other dream spot is a hike along Hadrian’s Wall. I guess I’m not really a “tropical resort” person, but my family out-votes me on that.

Anywhere you haven’t travelled you would like to go?

 I’d love to go to Iceland in the summer (never been).  My husband and I are in complete agreement about Iceland, but other things keep getting in the way.

 What one item do you always pack when you travel?

I bring a blank journal or notebook with me. Lots of lag time in airports and the funny thing about “down time” is that’s when ideas flow.

 Tell us a little about your current release …..

 Norse Jewel tells the tale of Helena, a slave woman who wants her freedom and Hakan, a Viking chieftain who wants to lay down his sword for a peaceful farmer’s life.  Old loyalties and betrayal change everything amidst a clash of cultures.

Before summer ends, Hakan and Helena question what they want, asking: How much would you pay for love?

 Thanks so much for having me on your blog! I appreciate you and your readers for sharing part of your day with me.

About Norse Jewel

Norse Jewel

A stolen woman of rare qualities...

 Seized by marauders and taken to the icy northlands by the wolf-eyed Viking warrior, Helena will do whatever it takes to earn her freedom and return to France.

A mighty Viking Chieftain…

Betrayal has turned Hakan’s heart to ice, but the spirited Frankish maid warms him in a way he’s never known. The spell she weaves leaves them both breathless, but can he keep his promise to return her home even if it means he’ll lose his precious jewel forever?

Read Reviews

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Giveaway:

  Win $50 Amazon Gift voucher-click on the rafflecopter link below to enter!
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