What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Heartbreak Hitter?
Rick, the main character from Heartbreak Hitter, had a minor role in Swinging Strike, book one of Cessna U Wildcats. He was drafted after his junior year and didn’t make any other appearance until he was mentioned in book three as being called up to the Boston Bears. I wanted him to have his own story, so when the Cocky Hero Club opened for submissions, I jumped at the chance. I knew he’d be a perfect match for a grown-up Hailey from Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s book, Park Avenue Player. Therefore, a fake relationship, baseball romance was born.
What’s your favorite scene from your new release, Heartbreak Hitter?
My favorite scene would be the “paint scene.” Hailey may work as a journalist, but she’s an artist at heart. One night, Rick surprises her while she’s painting. Let’s just say things get hot enough to melt paint.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Romance is, hands down, my favorite genre to read. It’s only natural that I write what I love
What book did you expect to hate, but end up loving?
Hmm, I usually don’t start books I don’t think I’ll like, but I’ll go with Crimson Legacy by Michelle Bryan. It’s a dystopian/ fantasy book, which isn’t my favorite genre at all, but the author has a way of pulling you into a story. Once I started reading her work, I was hooked.
Which books would we be surprised to find on your shelves?
I think people would be surprised to find titles by Stephen King on my shelves. My passion will always be romance, but when I was younger, I did love a good thriller once in a while.
If Heartbreak Hitter is turned into a movie, who would you cast to play the characters?
So I’m going to go off course and pick an actual baseball player. James McCann from the Detroit Tigers would fit Rick’s profile perfectly. For Hailey, I’d choose Odeya Rush. I think she exudes the right amount of confidence needed to play Hailey’s role.
What will your next writing project be? Will we see these characters again in a sequel or spin-off?
I’m working on Caught Looking, which is the fourth installment in the Cessna U Wildcats Series. I would love to include Rick and Hailey in the extended epilogue, but I would have to get permission to use those characters since they are part of the Cocky Hero Club.
