Q&A With GiGi Blume

Hi Gigi! I’m so glad to have you on my blog and to get to know you a little better! As you know, I’m a HUGE fan of romcoms. I recently read The Friend Act and fell in love with your characters! Tell us a little more about your books!

Thanks for having me. I love your blog.

I’m happy you liked The Friend Act. It’s part of my Backstage Romance series which is inspired by Jane Austen’s works. So far I’ve covered Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Mansfield Park. My next Austen-inspired book will be Northanger Abbey but I don’t have a date for that yet.

I read that you used to be a professional wedding singer! That is such an interesting job, what was it like? How did you get from that to writing books?

The singing gig was a natural progression of what I’d been doing for years, having been in bands and choirs my whole life. While I love singing, I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I remember writing the screenplay to Batman the Musical in fifth grade. Because of my desire to write for the stage and screen I joined the drama club in middle school and fell in love with theatre and by extension, musicals, singing, and playing guitar. Now it’s kind of come full circle. I didn’t so much get from singing to writing as a transition, but rather one phased out as the other moved to the forefront.

Tell us about your love of musical theater and how has that inspired your writing?

Musical theatre is such a huge part of my being, I can’t help but write about it. I think if I ever write about aliens in space, musical theatre references will still sneak in there.

I recently found out that you design book covers as well and they are beautiful! How did this get started for you?

Gosh, I’m such a Jack of all trades. (and master of none) I just love art so much and used to do chalkboard art for a local coffee house. My friend, author KG Fletcher (she’s also a singer/actress) asked me to design one of her covers a while back and I completely turned her down. I didn’t think I had it in me. But she was persistent and wouldn’t take no for an answer. So I caved and made her cover. But I told her, “Never again. That’s a one time thing.” Famous last words. I think I’ve designed five covers for her now. LOL. And in learning how to use photo editing programs and Procreate, I decided to start a cover design business for the frugal indie author. It’s fun and a good distraction when I have writer’s block.

What was the first book you published and how was your experience?

My first published book was Confessions of a Hollywood Matchmaker, the prequel novella for the Backstage Romance Series. There was a huge learning curve so overwhelming, I think I blocked the experience from my memory. When I look back to that time, I see myself as a little kid who had no clue what she was doing. It kind of makes me cringe, especially when I look at my super lame marketing from those days.

What do you do when you are in a writing slump?

I love to listen to the autumn acoustic playlist on Pandora while I take walks. The music gives me inspiration for scenes. Sometimes though, I just need to zone out to Netflix and give myself a break.

What do you want readers to know about you?

Um, I guess that even though I have a stage performing background, I’m not an extrovert. I’m one of those people who hides when someone’s at the front door. So don’t come over because I’ll pretend I’m not home. LOL

How about some favorites!

Musical? GAH don’t make me choose! Phantom Sound of the Godspell Pirates

Food? French fries

Movie? Pride and Prejudice 1995

Book? Pride and Prejudice

Author? Jane Austen (Are we seeing a pattern here?)

Show? Midsummer Night’s Dream

Scent? Almond soaps and lotions

Person? My son and daughter.

Describe your perfect day.

Sleep in. Hubby makes my favorite breakfast. Hang out with my awesome teenagers. Walk along the beach. Read a book. Finish the evening with Shakespeare in the park or some other theatrical show.

Finally, tell us more about your new romcom series coming this year!

I’m over the top excited about this series. It’s a spin-off of The Friend Act where we get to know Francesca’s six irresistible Latinx brothers. They’re hard working, fiercely loyal to family, and if they can ever slow down for romance, watch out ladies. Prepare thyself for all the juicy tropes. You’ll need to grab a fan and a tall glass of ice water because the Precio Brothers are muy picante and when it comes to love, these hotties Mexi-CAN.

*closed door PG-13

AHHH, I love this so much GiGi and I can’t wait to read your newest series! Thank you so much for telling us about yourself and what makes your books so unique in the romcom genre 💕 I absolutely love your niche and your love for Jane Austen!

Friends! If you want to keep up with GiGi and her books then go and follow her on instagram.

Check out her cover reveal for her new romcom, Messy Love below!