Ahead of her new YA contemporary, Playing Her Secret Crush, Casey Griffin dropped by The Nerd Daily to discuss her new novel, writing, and the road to becoming an author.
Tell us a little about yourself, such as where are you from and what you love!
When I’m not working in the north as a heavy equipment operator, I live in Southern Alberta, Canada with my family. Of course, I spend all the time I can writing, but when I’m not, I love traveling with my family, and geeking out by playing video games and catching up on my favourite shows like Game of Thrones.
Playing Her Secret Crush sounds like a cute contemporary! What can readers expect?
It’s a fun, light-hearted story that involves gaming and a comic convention—two of my fave pastimes. However, at times the book also deals with heavier emotions like loss, grief, and of course, love. Hopefully, I’ve created a nice balance for the reader to leave them smiling at the end.
Were your characters or story inspired by anything in particular?
The story was definitely inspired by my time spent playing video games and knowing people who spend a lot of time playing online games. I wanted to tell a story about geeks like me and have a little fun, but at the same time, I wanted to tell a story that matters.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I loved it from the start. But the first time I truly realized it was when my first attempt at a book was a flop. Even after receiving A LOT of rejections, I was still able to pick up a pen again and write my next book, and the next, and the next with still no success. When I kept going, I knew then that it couldn’t be for anything but love of writing.
How did you become an author? What was your journey like?
Long. I became a writer after reading so many books that inspired me and made me say “I wish I could write like that.” It took me a couple of books before I made it to the finals in the ABNA contest and received the notice of an agent. But that book wasn’t “the one.” It took a couple more before I got my first contract. Seven years of writing in total. But the journey doesn’t end just because I’m published. There will always be ups and downs, but so long as I’m learning, I’ll be moving forward.
When beginning a new writing project, what is your process?
I always start with a pitch and a synopsis. If it feels like I have a story from start to finish, I flesh it out with a detailed outline. I usually write on a tight deadline, and since my day job keeps me pretty busy, I don’t like to waste time. An outline lets me know if there are any obvious problems in my story before I even begin writing, so I can fix them before I get off track.
Why romance?
Because love gives meaning, passion, and purpose to both stories and life. It also makes me smile, and I want to make my readers smile. My favourite movies, well…besides superhero movies, are rom-coms.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Don’t stop. Never stop writing, making mistakes, learning from them, and growing. You’ll get there eventually. Everyone’s journey is different, so just take it one step at a time.
What are you currently reading? Any book recommendations?
I’m just finishing up Danika Stone’s Internet Famous. Next on my long list is Whenever I’m With You by Lydia Sharp, Love Beyond Opposites by Molly E. Lee, Just One of the Royals by Leah and Kate Rooper, and once my husband has finished with it, The Core by Peter V. Brett. Of course, I’m also looking forward to Pat Esden’s His Dark Magic, and Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga.
What’s next for you?
I always have something on the go. Currently, I have both a YA contemporary and an adult romance in the works. I like to keep my options open and to keep the creative juices flowing in both genres.
Find Casey Griffin on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can find Casey’s books on Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
Thanks to Entangled Publishing for arranging this opportunity with Casey Griffin!
Have you read any of Casey Griffin’s books? Will you be checking them out? Tell us in the comments below!
Playing Her Secret Crush by Casey Griffin | Goodreads
All her life, Katie has been chosen last for everything: the last picked on the playground, the last picked by her absent father, and definitely the last picked by boys—even her secret crush, Alex, friend-zoned her. This senior year, Katie is determined to come first.
But then Alex asks her to help him find a date?!
Alex has been living life in the fast lane, but he’s ready to slow down—with a girlfriend. The last person on earth he’d consider? The girl his brother developed serious feelings for before he died: Katie. The only way Alex is going to get over Katie is by falling for someone new. And who better to help him find his new crush than the girl he can’t stop thinking about?
What can possibly go wrong?
