HER SWEETEST FORTUNE
by USA Today bestselling author
Stella Bagwell
Sophie Fortune Robinson is on a mission. The word around the office watercooler is that the boss’s youngest daughter is intent on landing Mr. Right by Valentine’s Day—and that she has her eyes, and heart, set on a certain hunk in Marketing.
But when she enlists her longtime pal and coworker Mason Montgomery to teach her how to get a man to notice her, little does she know she’s already captured his attention!
Now Mason’s in a real bind! He has just a few short weeks to fight his way out of the “friend zone.” On his agenda: convincing sweet Sophie that he is the real man of her dreams! Will Fortune smile on true love’s venture?
Q&A with Stella Bagwell
- How did you come up with the friendship/relationship love triangle as a plot?
Actually, the plot was suggested by the editors as a part of a special continuing series. As the author, it was my job to breathe life and personality into the characters and their story.
- What is your favorite part about writing for Her Sweetest Fortune?
My favorite part of writing Her Sweetest Fortune was putting two friends together and watching their confusion and surprise as the attraction builds between them.
- Any tips for readers hoping that a special someone was more than just a friend?
If that special someone goes out of his way to do something thoughtful for you, then he probably has more than friendship on his mind!
- What was the first book that made you cry?
While I was still in high school my brother gave me a set of Ernest Hemingway books. When the hero of A FAREWELL TO ARMS lost the love of his life, I definitely cried. To this day I still can’t watch the movie or I’ll start sobbing.
- How long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
That all depends on the setting of the book and the plot. If it’s a place or plot I’m familiar with then a week or two of research is plenty. When writing continuity the research always takes longer because you have to make sure characters, setting details and plot lines match those of the authors stories going before and after your own.
- How do you select the names of your characters?
For me, choosing names for my characters is one of the most time consuming part of writing a book. I want the name to define my character’s personality and at the same time I have to be careful not to choose a name I’ve used in a prior book. If something doesn’t immediately pop into my head, I’ll reach for the telephone directory and search until I find a name that feels right.
- If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
I would probably be doing the job I held before I became a writer, which was a hairdresser. By the way, a treasure trove of stories goes through a beauty salon!
- Do you believe in writer’s block?
I think a writer’s mind can go on a lazy streak or be distracted by outside influences. But I personally don’t believe in writer’s block.
- What is your favorite thing about writing contemporary romance? My favorite thing about writing contemporary romance is definitely the happy endings and the hope that the future will be filled with love.
- Are you excited for Valentine’s Day?
I always look forward to Valentine’s Day. After being married for nearly forty-six years it still melts my heart to get flowers and romance from my husband!
About the author:
STELLA BAGWELL is a USA Today bestselling author who has written close to 90 books for Harlequin. She lives on the Texas Gulf coast with her husband, where the winters are mild and the summers sweltering. Along with her writing, she stays busy helping her husband care for their 10 horses, 11 cats, and a flock of gulls that always seem to know when it’s feeding time!
Great Q&A!! ,shared on all my socials!!