Hope Bolinger – Story Behind the Story, Romantic Real-Life & Character Interview – Part 1 of 1

Shannon here: Hope Bolinger shares the inspiration behind her latest Contmporary Romance, Curtain Call, along with insight into her real-life romance and her characters’. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for an e-book copy of Picture Imperfect. Deadline: Nov 19th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Hope:

Can a female author write a male character perspective?

This was a question Alyssa and I asked ourselves when I started to write our romance series together. But having quite a few male characters under my belt for previous books, I couldn’t wait to write the character of Griffith for Curtain Call. Although he and I do have a number of differences—him being a male and me being a female for a start—I’d love to point out where we share our similarities.

Patience with a Significant Other

Griffith is known for his extraordinary patience with Hadassah (our heroine of the story). She has had a difficult past, and he knows that he should approach anything relationship-wise with caution. He waits for her to say, “I’m ready,” before they start dating.

Things ended up playing out the same way with a guy I’m dating now. We’ve both brought a lot of difficulties of our pasts to the table. And we’ve exercised a lot of patience. We won’t move until the other person is ready.

A Love for Theater

I was so excited to offer readers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of theater that we don’t often get to see in books. Having performed in over 60 productions, you could say that theater is my second hobby, nearest to writing.

Griffith also loves theater. Like me, he writes and acts. And unlike me, he directs (but I hope to direct my concept for Our Town soon).

Difficulties with Calling

When God called me to publishing, I asked, “Are you sure?” When publishing turned out to be far harder than anything I could’ve planned for, I asked, “Absolutely sure?”

In the same way, Griffith questions his calling into theater. His family disapproves, and he hasn’t made all that much money from it. Griffith and I relate to the woes that come early on in the career, when people don’t quite believe in you yet.

A Love of Popcorn

Who doesn’t love popcorn. Definitely not me, and not Griffith.

I cannot wait for you to meet this cinnamon-roll of a man in Curtain Call! May he warm your heart like the perfect mug of hot cocoa.

Real-Life Interview:

• Are you open to your own romance?

So I am, and am actually very excited to be heading to California to meet with a guy I’ve been chatting with. Everyone is cheering me on, so I’ll have to keep y’all in the loop. I’m not making any calls about romance yet, but he is an absolute sweetheart.

• What’s the number one quality you’d require in a mate?

The guy and I actually talked about this on the phone the other day. I think the biggest things would be that someone reflects the qualities seen in 1 Corinthians 13. Patient, kind, not envious, etc.

• What’s the one habit or lifestyle that would make you run the other way?

Someone who tries to make the relationship move too fast. I’ve been on a number of dates where it was clear the guy simply wanted to find a woman, any woman, and slap a ring on her. If a guy is patient with me, it tells me that he thinks I’m worth the wait.

• Where do you dream of spending your honeymoon?

Honestly, anywhere in the national parks! I love to hike, and I love nature. I’m really not a touristy kind of honeymoon girl.

Character Interview:

• Where is the most romantic place your hero and heroine have ever been?

This is going to sound hilarious, but actually on a stage. They both have a knack for theater, and they end up sharing a stage kiss together.

• Do your hero and heroine have a favorite romantic restaurant?

They both love meeting up at the local coffee shop She Brews. Our hero actually works there as a side gig.

• What simple gesture does your hero do that melts your heroine every time?

Honestly? He’s patient with her. She’s experienced quite a few harrowing situations with men. So she appreciates that he lets her take her time, and only makes a move when she feels ready.

Question for Readers: Have you ever been in a play? When and what play? Would you do it again? If not, would you like to test your acting prowess? Why or why not?

Bio: Hope Bolinger is a Managing & Acquisitions Editor at End Game Press and the Founder of Generation Hope Books. More than 1400 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer’s Digest to Keys for Kids to HOOKED to Crosswalk.com. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams. Twenty-one of her books are under contract or out now with traditional publishers, and she hopes more of her stories will find a home soon. She has also contributed to twelve other books. Learn more & connect: Hope’s Website

About the book – Curtain Call:

With their future in theater on the line, can a newbie actress and overwhelmed playwright put on a production to remember?

Part-time thespian Griffith Williams can’t seem to do anything right in his parents’ eyes, especially compared to his brother, a missionary in the Dominican Republic. But if he can pull off the biggest play of the year, the Christmas play, he could win a job as a full-time director, and prove to himself—and his family—that he hasn’t mistaken his calling to the arts.
Would-be actress Hadassah Wright spends her days teaching and corralling her many, many younger siblings in a large homeschool family. Her only escape seems to be through marriage to a childhood not-so-sweetheart—until a casting call for a local play provides an opportunity to act, perhaps for the last time.

When the two end up as leads in the play, the chemistry they feel isn’t just on the stage. Hadassah finds refuge from familial pressures through helping Griffith at the theater, and Griffith finds a kindred spirit in Hadassah’s longing to pursue the art she loves.

But when an envious stage manager, a director with far too many demands, and a relentless suitor threaten to derail the show, will the curtains close on any chance of romance?

Get your copy now!  Curtain Call

Come back Nov 11th for Peyton Roberts!