Self-Publisher’s Showcase: Today we are joined by G.L. Ross, author of Turbulent Passions: Book 1 in the Flyboy trilogy and today’s release Burning Desire, Book 2 in the trilogy. Welcome to the Showcase, Gayle

G.L. Ross: Thanks for having me.

SPS: For any of our readers that haven’t come across your work previously, can you take a moment to tell us all a little about yourself?

GLR: I am a first year romance author. I presently have 2 books released and another will release Sept. 16^th. I’m a proud native Texan and single mom of a senior in college.

SPS: What are your perfect writing conditions, and how often do you write?

GLR: Perfect is on a balcony looking at the waves of the ocean and the beach, but there aren’t many opportunities for that in Texas! I try to write three days a week, but when I write I often get lost in the writing and forget the time. I’ve written where I saw the sun set and rise.

SPS: Can you put your finger on the moment where you decided that you wanted to publish your work?

GLR: I’ve always wanted to write. I had college professors who encouraged me to write and publish, but it wasn’t until my son went off to college that I found the time and courage.

SPS: Why do you think it is that you have decided to work in the genres that you have, and do you see yourself ever writing in other genres?

GLR: I have the beginnings of a teen series in the works. Plus, I have a children’s book on the market under another name. I love writing romance, because I’m able to create a relationship with more strengths than weaknesses. I create women who find their ability to conquer the world. I’m still looking for my Prince Charming, so this allows me to have romance in my life…ha-ha.

SPS: Turbulent Passions is the first book in the Flyboy trilogy, can you tell us about the novel?

GLR: Turbulent Passion is a sexy, steamy love story, with biting your nails suspense. Lance is an alpha-male Air Force pilot presently working at International Air. Lisa is a naïve, recent college graduate searching for a career. Lance and Lisa’s love story introduces the reader to: Texas and the great city of Austin, country music, Tex-Mex food, male dominance, redemption, Air Force camaraderie, lust, love, sexual heat, along with an ending that leaves the reader eager for book two of the Flyboy Trilogy, Burning Desire.

SPS: Is there a particular reader you feel the books would appeal to?

GLR: Anyone who loves romance and suspense. I’ve had men write reviews who thoroughly enjoyed the book. Couples have read the book together and husbands have sent me thank-you messages for lighting a fire under their wives! People tell me they love the airline humour and the insight into Lance’s egomaniacal brain. Women also relate to the tug-of-war Lisa feels between her sexual desires and her faith.

SPS: What’s the story behind your protagonist Captain Lance Miller, how has his past shaped the person we meet?

GLR: Lance is a military man. He is used to being in control. Lance is also very aware of his looks and charm. He has had ladies throwing themselves at him since his high school quarterback days. But, a certain woman, a goddess, has haunted his dreams since the age of thirteen, because of these dreams every female, through the years, has been compared to his goddess and no one has ever matched up.

SPS: Lisa is the other major player. From where did you draw inspiration for her character?

GLR: In some ways Lisa reminds me of myself when I was younger. She is a “good girl” who wants to please everyone and her faith guides her actions daily, until “Captain America” crosses her path. Lisa wants a good guy, with strong morals, who will attend church with her, put her first in his life after God, and have children with her. She wants the picket fence. But, Lance causes her to doubt everything she has ever dreamt of and introduces her to a side of herself she was unaware of, a hidden part of Lisa.

SPS: Both harbour secrets, are we right to expect a bumpy ride as the novel’s title suggests?

GLR: There is definitely a bumpy ride for these two whether in the air or on the ground. They both have insecurities and demons in their lives. Neither one will be happy and secure until they learn to love themselves first and confess their secrets to each other. Their relationship is definitely turbulent and very passionate.

SPS: How did you find concluding your first novel, did you try to tie things up or did you prefer questions left answered?

GLR: There is a huge cliff-hanger. If you haven’t read Turbulent Passion, yet…you are fortunate in the sense you will not have to wait for book two! My readers have sent me daily messages begging for book two! Book 2, Burning Desire, is released today, so then they will start the campaign for the final book in the trilogy, Crosswind. LOL. I also released a novella series two weeks ago, A Rose Has Thorns, to fill the time gap while waiting for the next book in the trilogy. I try my best to keep my fans happy!

SPS: What can we expect from Burning Desire; the second instalment in the trilogy?

GLR: Captain Lance Miller has finally discovered and captured the Goddess of his dreams. Life is everything he ever dreamt it could be and more. He’s a Captain with International Air, owner of an Italian Winery, and master to his beautiful Lisa Price. But, life can never be this good for very long, right? Burning Desire picks up at the heart wrenching cliff-hanger. Lisa’s Flyboy has introduced her to her wild, uninhibited side; a side that’s eager to discover new adventures inside and outside the bedroom. Lisa’s life is unfolding in front of her beautifully, until she discovers a secret – a secret she desperately needs to share with Lance, but will fate allow her to reveal her secret to the only man who has ever truly owned her heart? We won’t know until after the cliff-hanger…I love cliff-hangers. Numerous times in reviews they mention I am the queen of cliff-hangers. LOL.

SPS: Did you finding the writing process any easier second time around?

GLR: I found my writing has improved. I hired an editor, for a second set of eyes. He taught me a lot. My problem is my thoughts race faster than my fingers. Plus, a section of a book may inspire an idea for a future book, so I stop to put those ideas on paper. It’s not ADD, but it’s definitely creative brain overload.

SPS: Have you introduced any new characters that we can look forward to meeting?

GLR: There are a couple of new characters. One of them is super cute and entertaining. I think the audience will love Miss Ethel.

SPS: Will it be a novel that concludes, or will it be a set-up for the third and final instalment in the Flyboy Trilogy?

GLR: Now you know there will be another cliff-hanger! Crosswind, book 3, will give the readers the happily ever after ending they desire.

SPS: We do like to take a look at covers and the stories behind them. Can you tell us about how your cover for the Turbulent Passion came about?

GLR: I searched numerous pre-made covers on websites for Indie authors. I kept rejecting everything because it didn’t give me an airline and sexual romance feel. After about 200 covers, I saw this one on GoOnWrite.com and knew immediately it was the one, but I ran it by my beta test readers for feedback. When Lisa Renee Jones, my mentor and friend, said my cover was one of her favourites I knew I found the right one.

SPS: What can we expect next from the pen/keyboard of G.L. Ross?

GLR: Books, books, and more books! Crosswind, book 3, and sequels to my novella, A Rose Has Thorns. I also have lots of ideas for more romance novels, but I really want to finish my teen series before I begin another novel/series.

SPS: Was the Self-Published/Indie-Published route always your preferred route for your work?

GLR: I wasn’t even aware of the Indie realm, until Lisa Renee suggested it to me.

SPS: Has the experience so far been all that you thought it would be?

GLR: Every day I learn something new. I know I drive people crazy with all my questions, but I am a perfectionist. I also want my books in front of as many readers as possible. I would love to one day, soon, be able to write as a full-time job. I know I’m making marketing mistakes along the way, but the only way to learn and succeed is to try.

SPS: If you could give one piece of advice for someone looking to get into writing, what would it be?

GLR: Write what you love. Be prepared for rejection and sometimes hurtful reviews, but remember no one will ever please everyone. Be proud of your writing and listen to those who enjoy your work. Learn as much as possible in advance about marketing, editors, etc… Go to conventions and listen to already successful authors. I am beyond thankful for the help and wise advice I’ve received.

SPS: Before we bring this interview to a close, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…

GLR: I absolutely must mention Lisa Renee Jones and her numerous books and series. Her Inside Out series is incredible and in development for cable tv. I also enjoy fellow Texans Katy Evans and J.Kenner. (Lisa Renee has a TX connection, too.) There are so many authors I love to read – too many to list. This is an exciting time for romance readers.

SPS: Thank you for joining us today, Gayle, and all the best for the future.

GLR: My pleasure. Thank you for spreading the word about Indie authors!

SPS: For more information on G.L. Ross and her work, please do visit her Author page here.