(picture Gigi and her "Miracle Man")
Obviously, I read a lot. I love a good love story. I love to see a story evolve and to get lost in the characters. Then there are those books that you just relate to. Maybe the story line isn't your life, but the concept of it is. There can be things in the story that speaks to you in a way that no other has. Gigi's book did that for me. I read this book and fell in love with it. The book touched me in a way few have.
After briefly chatting with her, I knew I had to have a Q & A with her. Her it is. I hope you enjoy it.
RB: When did you start writing?
GA: Since high school. I majored in Journalism in College. When I had my scrap booking phase I composed poems for my kiddos.
RB: Was writing something you always wanted to do?
GA: Yes, loved it. I should have tried harder being a news reporter...but after one day being assigned to cover the police beat I was like "Oh no! This chick can't write about dead people!"
RB: The military storyline, how much was autobiographical?
GA: My hubs served in the Marine Corps for 7 years. He instilled in my kids the importance of loving your country and to respect the people who protect and sacrifice their lives to make this country safe.
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RB: What prompted you to write and publish Unbreakable?
GA: I felt it's a story that needs to be told, not because it happened to me personally but more so to get the word out that amidst life's greatest storm there's ONE Supreme Being that is faithful to help you get through it. Also, to share to everyone the importance of having hope, faith and believing in the power of love in all aspects of life.
RB: Who are your writing influences?
GA: Hmmm, It's not a person per se, it's more about what moves me to write. So, I have to say "life and it's challenges". Life has a lot of twist and turns, challenges and such that it's not really that hard to be inspired to write.
RB: With all the emotions that take place in the book, how long did it take you to write it?
GA: It was actually ready to be published a couple of months before I decided to hit the magic button. I thought it was going to be hard to write about it because sad memories will be remembered and old wounds will hurt again but to my surprise writing about it was therapeutic. Once I started writing about all the hospital scenes my fingers were gliding across keyboard. All my emotions just poured out from my heart to my fingers while my tears well....let’s just say I had to have a towel next to me. LOL
RB: Growing up did you have a favorite book? If so what was it?
GA: My favorite book was Diary of Anne Frank. A very sad book to read but it opens your eyes to the ugliness of war.
RB: As a reader, do you have any favorite books that you MUST recommend? Which ones?
GA: Hands down Slammed Series, Ruin and Toxic, Maybe Someday, The Fault In Our Stars. I cried like a baby reading them. It's raw and it impacts you emotionally in a way that it'll leave you almost empty but full at the same time. Talk about book hangover!
RB: Since publishing Unbreakable, how has your life changed?
GA: I'm less fearful of sharing HIM and what HE's done in my life. The added bonus is I gained more friends who understands my "craziness" and gets my humor.
RB: What is the most important thing, you have learned about yourself since starting the writing process?
GA: I learned to accept "criticisms" in a positive way. But more importantly I learned to control the need to be "in control". I think the need to control everything is in our DNA, and in the writing world that control goes bye bye when you hit publish. You can't really control what people will think, what they'll say so sitting back and letting go, well let's just say it's a new learning curve for me. I also learned to believe in myself, in the story I created and not focus so much on how well it'll be received, though that thought always pops in my brain.
RB: What reaction did you get from friends and family for writing the book? What was their reaction when they read it?
GA: Most of them were shocked because I never talked about it until it was published already. My mom well she was shocked about the "sex scenes" and probably prayed the rosary one too many times. LOL.
Michael and Chrys(cover models) for those who don't know, Michael is my hubs nephew and Chrys is his wife. This story is so close to my heart that I want it to stay within the family. At least for me seeing their faces on the book helps me to remember the importance of family and in having a good support system.
RB: At any point did you want to stop writing because it got too hard?
GA: Oh yes! But just to step back and regroup to get my emotions in check. I've deleted some scenes because to me it was too personal. I want to keep that part to myself and my hubs. Not finishing though didn't enter my mind. I know once I started writing I have to finish.
RB: How did your husband feel about the book?
GA: Hubs was just as emotional as I was. The inspiration for this book is my hubs actually. When I said "Miracle Man" I truly mean that in the real sense of the word. My hubs is my own personal "Miracle Man". There will be a lot of snippets about him in my next books. At least for me, I've never known anyone who has gone through so much in life and is still swinging. My brother in law thinks "Unbreakable" is our love story but hubs is just the inspiration behind the book. His diagnosis, his service in the Marines, his siblings not being match, the three months time frame and surviving cancer are the only things real in Unbreakable everything else...I created.
RB: The book has so much religious symbolism. How was it writing a romance novel with Christian symbolism?
GA: It was both hard and liberating at the same time. In the back of my head I was constantly asking myself how it will be received but I talked myself out of it and pushed through because I can't deny what HE has done to me...to my family. It's a fine line that I constantly have to remind myself I can't cross. I'm lucky I have an editor who puts me right back on track. And I'm just glad the readers got the message. Using the symbolism helps get the message across. The Cord of Three strands is a perfect example, readers can relate to that.
RB: Was it hard mixing faith and a romance novel?
GA: Oh yes, it's like walking on a mine field. I don't want it to be too preachy it's a turn off and i don't want it to be too secular that it goes against what I know is true. It's almost like making coffee, at least for me, it can't be too strong or too weak, finding the balance is the key. You can't have the "holier than thou" attitude.
RB: As a woman of faith how do you explain your enjoyment of the genre you read and write?
GA: Again, it's a balancing act. When I read I do with two glasses. One as a woman and the other as someone who has certain beliefs. Also, I go in without judging. I try to see it from the characters point of view and I balance it out with what I think. At times I find myself thinking while reading "Oh geez, if only I can be as brave as this character". Let's talk FSOG, automatically people think its a porn book but for me its not. It's a story about a man who grew up not knowing the real meaning of love and how to show it. He thought physical control is the only way but when the right person came along it was life changing. Fate intervened and he was able to learn to love himself and how to give love in the real sense of the word with a few kinkiness on the side. It's about knowing the truth and applying that truth in life and reading books that may not fall in line with certain "religious beliefs" well, an open mind is what we all need. It's in understanding that we learn not in passing judgements.
RB: What is the most difficult part about writing a book?
GA: I think for me one of the hardest part is separating yourself from the characters you write. It's hard because more often than not your personality bleeds through your characters. I'm glad I'm surrounded by people who can tell me when I'm crossing that imaginary line. Also, I think one of the most difficult part is waiting on the readers. I have this need to talk to each one and ask what part of the book they liked or what they want changed. Another thing would be picking the right team, from your editor to your betas. My editor is like my second husband. I'm very blessed my editor loves me.
RB: The book has so many powerful moments. The characters grow due to the battle they are facing. Was their growth in the story; your growth?
GA: I have to say yes and no. Yes, because the circumstances were almost identical. So, Trish growth as far as her faith is concerned certainly was mine as well. With Jake, he was angry, afraid for Trish, and controlling in the beginning much like how I was. However, after experiencing all emotions, just like Jake, the focus is back on what needed to be done.
No, because Trish's fear stems from past losses while I'm blessed, and I thank God everyday that I haven't experienced that kind of loss yet. With Jake, I would definitely not do what he did to Trish. Pushing someone you love away may be a guy thing because of his desire to protect her. But definitely not me. I wanted to slap him upside the head while writing that scene.
RB: The connection that Trish and Jake experience and the way you wrote about it, has me thinking it’s something you may have experienced. Do you believe in love at first sight?
GA: I don't want to say I don't believe in love at first sight because I'm sure there are people out there who has experienced it including hubs. He said as soon as he saw me he knew he had to know me. While I am fifty fifty on "love at first sight" I do believe in "FATE" and the "READINESS OF THE HEART". When Jake saw Trish it wasn't "I want to marry her right now" it was more like "I need to get to know this chick with more than just a hello" or "she's the one I want to take a leap of fate for" kind of thing. (Listen to ONE HELLO, one of the songs in Unbreakable playlist.) Fate plays a huge part in our lives no matter how much you fight it, hide it, ignore it, much like what Trish was doing, it will happen because its her destiny to be with Jake. When I met my hubs he was at the right place, at the right time, with the right frame of mind and so was I. How that happened, well, HE made it happen.
RB: What is the most romantic moment you have experienced?
GA: Hmmm, Hubs leaving roses and chocolates at work is one. But one I cherish the most: the comfortable silence we shared when we were at the Rose and Healing Garden at City of Hope. A lot was said without us uttering a single word.
RB The wedding scene was beautiful. What was the inspiration for it?
GA: Hawaii, the place where my sister got married, it was so peaceful I know I just have to put that in the book somehow. The Cord of Three Strands just represents what all married couple needs to survive the challenges of life. And for the rest my imagination just took over.
RB: Do you have anything to add or tell your fans?
GA: To my new friends I just want to thank each and everyone for their support. I truly appreciate the encouraging words because it helps when I second guess myself. I hope they are just as excited as I am for Unmistakable. I hope I don't disappoint them.
Gigi, Thank you so much for taking time to do this. I am happy, excited and grateful. This is my new 1-click author. I can't wait for the next installment. All best to you always.
I invite you all to please read this beautiful book. You will NOT be disappointed.
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