Interview with Susan Rossini, Author of Rookie

What can you tell us about your new release, Rookie?

Rookie combines three of my favorite things: Hockey, romance and family. Matt and Mia are so sweet on their own, but sparks fly when they are together. This is a little sister/forbidden romance that will take the reader on a wonderful journey filled with entertaining scenes set in Denver, humor and a happily ever after that will melt hearts.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My bestie. She first introduced me to romance a couple of years (or decades) ago, and has always encouraged me to write. Jules is mentioned in the acknowledgment section of each book, which may become a problem if I end up writing 20 books. The twentieth book acknowledgment could read something like, “Jules—thank you for inspiring me. The socks you gave me for Christmas kept my mootsie-tootsies warm during my 3:00 a.m. writing sessions.”

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

Ever? Yikes!

The Bible (I know it’s cliché, but what an important part of my life.)

The Letters of Noel Coward

Man’s Search for Meaning

Pride and Prejudice

Paradise (I must list the first-ever romance I read!)

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

F. Scott Fitzgerald would be a marvelous first guest!

*Would you say you were more of an observer or a participant to collect the background for your books?

*What advice would you give to today’s generation?

*Bernice Bobs Her Hair had a tremendous impact on me after reading it. What can today’s youth – especially young women – learn from this tale?

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

While looking at my Amazon Bookshelf and seeing four books published lights me up like fireworks on the 4th of July, the overall writing process is my favorite. When I shift into the writing groove, I’m filled with joy when the words flow and chapters are completed. Then, I find even more delight in the editing process because I can see the story grow roots. Flashforward to sending the manuscript to my editor, and the sheer excitement I have working through each section of the book with her is incredibly fulfilling. I’m a sap, but I love it all.

What is a typical day like for you?

That darn day job gets in the way at times. I work long hours in a high-pressure field, so I oftentimes have to get creative about finding time to write. Early mornings, late at night, and even while sitting at softball fields while watching my bambina play are all moments I find time to write outside of working and the family. Speaking of family, my peeps are the cornerstone of my life, and I treasure our Sunday dinners, cocktail hour with the hubs at sunset, watching my kids be goofballs and having entirely too much fun together, hanging out with my parents and everything in between.

What scene from Rookie was your favorite to write?

The final scene at the hockey rink was my absolute favorite. I don’t want to give anything away, so I will provide you with the inspiration for the scene…

Going to Colorado Avalanche hockey games, we have incredibly loyal fans and some of them are wildly creative. A wonderful part of the game is actually before it even starts when some of the fans line the glass to share their handmade posters with the players as they warm up on the ice. Because hockey players are the best in professional sports, they frequently engage the fans by tossing them pucks and even taking selfies from the ice. I thought the concept of the fans showing the players their signs would be an incredible start to Matt and Mia’s happily ever after at the end of Rookie.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

― Viktor E. Frankl

Susan Rossini is the author of the new book Rookie.

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