You Won't Need To Gamble on #RomanceGems Author Marcia King-Gamble! #FeatureFriday ~ THIS WAY HOME

Welcome, once again, to Feature Friday where I am joined by fellow Romance Gem writer Marcia King-Gamble. Marcia is sharing her romance THIS WAY HOME. But let's meet Marcia first...

What is the best thing you’ve learned about writing and/or the publishing business?

Writing is a business. As authors we need to mind our business. Writing and publication isn’t just about getting the stories in our heads out to our reading audience. It’s about marketing, distribution, and a host of other things. Dollars and Sense really.

Sadly, this is true. I'd love to spend all my time writing, but that's not how it goes. How do you balance the demands of your everyday life and your writing life?

Funny you should ask. Give a busy person more to do and she’ll get it done. I’m always scheduled pretty tightly, but I’ve always made time for an active social life. When I first started writing, I released as many as five books a year, and this was working for a traditional publisher, and having a stressful and very visible high-pressured job. I am a lot less productive now that I don’t have a 9-5, six day a week job. I’m most productive in the mornings and I am an early riser. Life balance is important. Every writer needs it. Too much computer time doesn’t make for a good writer.

Yes, as we all discovered in The Shining. Give us a brief glimpse at your road to publication.

I started out as a reader for Harlequin/ Silhouette. I read manuscripts from their slush pile (unsolicited manuscripts- no agent involved.) I did this for seven years and got really lucky. I met an editor who at the time was acquiring historicals (books I don’t write). Then the multicultural market opened up and she was the acquiring editor. My second submission was accepted, and I was offered a two-book contract.

That's awesome! Do you have a job outside of writing? What is it and how does it mesh with your writing?

For most of my life, I’ve always had a day job and a demanding one at that. I’ve been a manager in the travel industry and on a plane more often than I care to remember. It was beaten into my head by several authors, all far better known than me, “Keep your day job.” That proved to be exceptionally good advice. So few writers make enough money to live a luxurious life. Plus, the added expenses of health insurance, and having to create your own 401K. One misstep, one emergency, can clean you out.

Where do you live? Where would you love to live?

I’ve been fortunate to live in five states. Born in the Caribbean, grew up in New York. I’ve also lived in Hawaii, Seattle twice, New Jersey and now Florida. Overall, the Pacific Northwest still has my heart. San Diego is definitely on the non-bucket list, if only I could afford it.

Name your favorite children's story.

Cinderella, of course. I’ve always rooted for the underdog and fantasized about being swept off my feet by a handsome, dapper prince. No wonder I write romance novels.

What was your nickname growing up or now?

A little embarrassing, and I’m not sure how it got started. Miss Moosie is certainly not how I would like to be known. Goofy is another one. I was all arms and legs as a child. I still am.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

This one is easy. People who have no manners irritate the heck out of me. How difficult is to say “excuse me” when you sidle by in a grocery store? How about a simple “thank you” if I’ve taken the time to send you a gift? I shouldn’t have to call.

Good points! Let's find out more about THIS WAY HOME...

Blurb ~

Liza Hamilton left her upstate New York hometown to chase her dreams in New York City. But her success as a supermodel was short-lived when she was mugged in Central Park and her face slashed. The once-perfect face that made her a fortune now does not exist.

Determined to put this traumatic event behind her, Liza returns to her hometown and opens a vintage shop. Peace and quiet evade her when her long lost stepbrother also puts down roots there. Complicating things is an irresistible attraction between them, and a home Erik inherited that Liza thinks should be her mother's.

Strange things happen in their respective homes that turn out to be stops used by escaping slaves on the Underground Railroad. Although Liza does not trust Erik, the couple join together to find out what is happening to them.

Believing that Erik stole the home that rightfully belonged to her sister and mother, she continues to keep him at arms length. But a shared past, and homes with a history continue to throw them together. Can they trust each other? Will love prevail? Will their ghostly ancestors intervene?

Purchase THIS WAY HOME here:

Amazon:  

https://www.amazon.com/This-Way-Home-Updated-version-ebook/dp/B08XP1D525

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/this-way-home-marcia-king-gamble/1005839137

Bio~

Romance writer, Marcia King-Gamble originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This former travel industry executive has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. She has contributed to Michael Fiore’s DigitalRomanceInc and served as a moderator on the now defunct eHarmony advice boards. Having witnessed the bad, the ugly, and the not so good in relationships, she still prefers to write about happily ever after. Caring for her animal family keeps her grounded and sane.


Visit Marcia at www.lovemarcia.com or “friend” her on Facebook: http://bit.ly/1MlnrIS

Be sure to join her newsletter mailing list.

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Thank you, Marcia, for joining us today and sharing your work! Best wishes for THIS WAY HOME!