BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Stranger Than Fiction: Classic Romantic Suspense

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Emelle Gamble to talk about her novel, Stranger Than Fiction (first published in March 1989; this edition 8 August 2015, Posh Publishing, 206 pages), a Romantic Suspense, book one of the Classic Romantic Suspense series which comprises of five novels in total.

This series was originally published by Harlequin Intrigues in the 1990s and is now available in ebook format.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | The Series | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A very warm welcome to Emelle Gamble; thank you for joining us.

Here at BooksChatter we love music; do you have a music playlist that you used in Stranger Than Fiction, or which inspired you whilst you were writing it?

"I always listen to Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones when I write, or the beautiful and heartbreaking final last album, Songbird, from Eva Cassidy. Favorite Dylan is Blood on the Tracks album, Stones must listen to song is Miss You. Those choices all have the right mix of yearning and sexiness I need to get through the rough and inspired parts of writing!"

What was the inspiration for Stranger Than Fiction?

"I was fascinated by book publishing before I became a published author. From the outside it looked glamourous and intriguing, and once I was in, I found it was much more like all other businesses. But the STRANGER THAN FICTION storyline was one universal to all people, boiling down to ‘who can you trust’?"

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I am a never say die person. When I want to know something, or accomplish something, I seldom give up, much like Claire, our heroine in this book. My darling hubby, Phil-the-fist, once famously said ‘you don’t lose until you give up’…I live by those words."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Stranger Than Fiction - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"Tammy Seidick is my go to cover artist.

We wanted to brand this series of five books (released for the first time in eBook) with the classic romantic suspense elements… setting, suspense and romance.

I think she’s fabulous. Check out all 5 covers if you get a chance – I think she did a great job showing those elements in a beautiful and different way with each book."

Why should we read Stranger Than Fiction and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"I don’t think this book or series is unique. It’s a classic tale with a well-structured and motivated plot, interesting characters and setting, and a believable romance. Most of the Harlequin Intrigues published in the 1990s followed this format, and I’m proud to have been one of their authors during that time.

If you like interesting plots you probably can’t immediately figure out, and cozy mystery type complicated secondary characters, you should read this book. And the other four. HA! Writer as marketer, that’s the reality in the 21st century!"

Who would you recommend Stranger Than Fiction to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I would recommend to any reader who likes mystery and non-steamy romance. It’s very tame by the standards of today’s graphic language and sexual content, but is a complex and interesting mystery and pretty lovable heroine and hero."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"All of my stories are about ordinary women in extraordinary circumstances. I think it was Alfred Hitchcock who explained the allure of that very well… we like the ordinary person using their wits to get out of a shocking set of circumstances.

These five classic romantic suspense novels started that trend with me, and I write those kinds of books still.

In my biggest selling book – SECRET SISTER, a woman has to figure out a way to convince her husband who she is when an extraordinary twist of fate changes everything about her.

In MOLLY HARPER a woman goes searching for the daughter she gave up for adoption and is shocked to find the child is now a world famous celebrity.

In DATING CARY GRANT a woman having trouble with her husband moves out and begins dating the ghost of Cary Grant. Yes, that Cary Grant.

HA! So you see the trend: something magic always happens to my ordinary gals. Interesting stories to write, and I hope interesting and ‘can’t put them down’ stories to read."

What is in store next?

"I am going to continue where I started with three more Romantic Suspense novels – one is finished and two more are begun. I was reminded how much I like this mix of suspense and a new love affair… trust is so important to love, so when you throw in danger, and murder, it ups all the emotional stakes.

Thanks so much for hosting me. Readers, please let me know what you think of these retro romantic suspense books – and remember STRANGER THAN FICTION is free, so give it a try."