Wednesday 20 February 2013

Wednesday Wisdom with Donna Gallagher - a footy fan!

Today I have fellow Aussie, and Total-e-bound author Donna Gallagher visiting...and I ask the tough questions!

Take it away Donna!

Tell us about your new release.

All my releases are quite new. Laura’s Light is book three in my league of Love series. It is the story of single mother Laura who, now that her son is grown, decides to start dating again. She accepts an invitation to dinner from ex rugby league player now commentator Trevor Hughes, a sexy younger man that has a few of his own demons to deal with.

How about telling us a little about your road to publication.


I wrote the first two books a few years ago but submitted Mandy’s He-man, the second book, to Total E Bound publishers last year. I was completely taken by surprise when my book was offered a contract. I really was expecting a rejection letter, but hoped that I would get some advice along the way. My editor, the wonderful Amy, requested I send her Caitlin’s Hero, which was also contracted and it went from there.
I love that there is a reader advisory warning for Caitlin’s book from my UK based publisher.

“Please note ‘footy’ in Australia refers to rugby league, not soccer.”


Where did you come up with the idea for this book? This book is part of a series. Have you always been interested in Rugby League?

It really was a case of waking up one morning and Brodie was in my head telling me his and Caitlin’s story. Half way through JT started on about Mandy. Laura’s Light is a little different because it was from Laura’s voice.

As for, how long have I been interested in rugby league? – Well my answer would have to be from my very first breath. I have many memories of accompanying my family to The Sydney Cricket Ground to watch the game of the day. The men in my family were members of the SCG - women were not allowed. My aunt would buy me cartons of flavoured milk and we would share vegemite sandwiches, crusts cut off, made by my grandfather - Pa captained Western Suburbs in 1928. 

How many more stories in the League of Love series?


That’s hard to answer Maggie, I’ve started book seven and book eight is also waiting to be told. I guess I will have to see what the voices have to say about it all.

How did you research for your story? Was it fun?


No research, I just wrote what I was told ;)

What was the hardest part about writing this book?


The writing part! Leaving school early may not have been the best idea, my grammar and punctuation skills are atrocious.

What was the easiest part?

Listening to the voices. I loved what was unfolding before me and fell in love with each new character.

Favorite Scene?

Hard question, I love so many. Obviously the sexy ones are great but maybe the scene where Laura’s grown son, Rookie the new star of the Jets rugby league team, realises that his mother is dating an ex footballer.  

Where can readers find out more about your new release?

Well, my website would be a good place to start all the information, release dates, buy links and blurbs are there.
http://www.donnagallagherromance.com

What are you working on now?

Riley’s story, Caitlin’s brother all grown up.

And now for the personal questions-

Favourite toy? Umm! *blushes*

Favourite food? Champagne…Oh wait! That’s not a food, Pasta.

Favourite author/s?  N.j Walters hands down.

Favourite season?  Winter of course, footy season.

If you could invite any two people, famous or not – who would you invite to menage with you?
David Boreanaz (Angel) and Steve Price (retired player)


---------------------------------------------------------------

Bio:

Sydney-born Donna Gallagher decided at age 15 that life needed to be tackled head on and left home.
In her twenties she married a professional sportsman, her love of sport -especially rugby league - probably overriding her good sense. The seven-year marriage was an adventure filled with the emotional ups and downs of having a husband with a public profile in a sometimes glamorous but always high-pressure field.
In what could be called a mid-life crisis, Donna woke one morning to the sound of voices in her head - and her League of Love series was born.

Blurb: Laura’s Light

Forty-two- year- old single mother Laura Harris devoted more than half her life to raising her son. She remembered the concept of having sex but it had been aeons since she’s actually been a participant - especially with a real flesh-and-blood partner. But it’s time to reclaim her life. Her son is a man now. And the rising star of the Jets rugby league team. Their future is brighter than ever and, for the first time, financially secure. But Laura is starting to think agreeing to have dinner with Trevor Hughes could be biting off more than she can chew. Not that she can’t see herself taking a nice big chunk from the absolutely gorgeous thirty-four-year-old sports commentator’s rump, he’s one prime piece of masculinity! She just isn’t sure how or when the whole sex thing will become an issue. She can’t even get past the what-to-wear step. Let alone the when-to-take-it-off stage…

Trevor Hughes usually avoids the woman with substance - he has enough of his own demons to deal without trying to care for anyone else. But there’s something about the upbeat, sexy, one-woman-dynamo Laura Harris. The woman is pure sunshine and happiness. And that’s surprising when you look at what life has handed her. Nothing seemed to dampen Laura’s spirits and she quickly becomes someone Trevor needs in his life…Until misunderstandings come between them. Can Trevor put things right?


Buy link:
http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2001
http://www.total-e-bound.com/authordetail.asp?A_ID=251

Personal links:

http://www.donnagallagherromance.com 
http://facebook.com/donnagallagher63 
https://twitter.com/donnag63  
http://donnagallagherromance.wordpress.com/

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, Donna
Vegemite sandwiches? Really? Didn't they ruin the games for you?

Looking forward to reading the entire series of the League. (So far, I've only finished Book 1, and 2 & 3 are on my TBR list.)

Alison B said...

Sounds great. Looking forward to reading them.

Paul McDermott said...

The appeal of Rugby League? That's a VERY easy question to answer!

"Rugby League is a gentlemens' game played by thugs. Rugby Union is a thug's game played by Gentlemen"

On the other hand, I've seen players of BOTH codes leave the field for a 'bloods' injury, have 15 stitches in their forehead at half time, and come back to play the rest of the match ... compare THAT to the woossie wimps earning millions playing 'soccer'!!!

Unknown said...

Oh Jess! But Vegemite "puts a rose in every cheek..." Or so the song says.

How can you not love the black yeasty extract? Mmmm!

Anonymous said...

Great interview, Donna. I really can't wait to read this series!
And you're working on book 7!? Holy crap, my TBR list is going to be a mile high by the time I'm done adding your books to it. :)

Congrats, Donna!

~Jen

Virginia E said...

Most of the Rugby around here (USA left coast) is either Union or sevens. But I do have to agree with you on the scenic appeal.

Anonymous said...

Hi Donna

I love rugby league and I love your stories I have read Caitlin and Mandy's stories and I have Laura's on the TBR pile and am really looking forward to it

Have Fun
Helen
See ya soon in Brisy

Unknown said...

Great to see so many comments, a big thank you to Maggie for hosting me today.

Paul I'm not a huge fan of soccer but I respect the skills and dedication involved for any sportsperson to reach the elite level of their chosen sport. And David Beckham is easy on the eye.

Thanks Jen and Helen, you made my day.

Virginia Lol!
Cheers
Donna

Author H K Carlton said...

Great Interview, Donna and Maggie. Keep those voices coming!
Continued success with the League of Love series.
Cheers,
H K