Curtain Call – Author Interview with Hope Bolinger

 

Today we will be visiting with Hope Bolinger, co-author with Alyssa Roat of Curtain Call.

 

About the Book

Book: Curtain Call

Authors: Hope Bolinger & Alyssa Roat

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 5, 2022

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?

Click here to get your copy!

 

Author Interview

Welcome, Hope! So glad to have you with us. Let’s get started.

Q: What advice would you give your pre-published self?

A: My best advice would be to enjoy the journey and have patience and perseverance. I don’t think my younger self know quite what I was up against. Publishing can be really tough, and I wish I could’ve let her see everything that was involved in the process. Not to scare her, but to prepare her.

~ Oh, my! I agree with this advice wholeheartedly and wish I could tell my pre-published self a thing or two.

Q: What genre do you write in and why?

 A: Oh goodness, which ones do I NOT write in, haha. In terms of published books—and not anthologies—I write in middle grade, young adult, and sweet adult romance. And please don’t ask me which one is my favorite to write! I simply cannot choose!

~ I hear you! It’s like choosing our favorite child.

 Q: If you are multi-published author, which book was the hardest to write? Why?

 A: I have a book in the spring titled A Country of Their Own. It was dedicated to my grandmother, who passed away right before I wrote it. I injected so much of her into it, that it felt like a battle with my grief to get it finished. You can find more about that title here: https://www.endgamepress.com/store/p/a-country-of-their-own

 ~ I can only imagine how hard it was for you. Thank you for sharing that with us.

 Q: What is your favorite part of your newest released book?

 A: I loved that I was able to put 60+ shows of theater knowledge into a book! I often will interject theater into the plots of books, but never to this extent. If you would love a backstage perspective on theater, definitely go check this one out!

~ Who wouldn’t love a backstage peek? I can’t wait to read it.

Q: Are you at work on a new novel? Can you tell us a little about it?

 A: I am! Alyssa and I are writing the fourth one in this series, titled Getting Reel. Immediately after that, I have to write a contemporary YA with inspiration drawn from Phantom of the Opera. Then immediately after that, I have a contemporary spin on the Book of Esther I need to write. Let’s just say deadlines are wonderful things, but definitely stressful things!

~ Wow! You have a lot of exciting books coming up.

Thank you for your time today, Hope. It was a pleasure getting to know you. Wishing you well with this and all your upcoming projects.

Here’s more about Hope and Alyssa.

 

About the Authors

Hope Bolinger and Alyssa Roat are the authors of more than twenty books both independently and co-authored. They have worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as agents, editors, writers, journalists, and publicists.

When not writing, Hope is a theatre nerd who loves to hike, and Alyssa is a history geek and game enthusiast. Both are proud cat moms. You can learn more about them on social media @hopekbolinger and @alyssawrote.

More from Alyssa

When you think of calling, what comes to mind? Pastoral calling? A call to missions?

What about a call to theater?

Hope and I (Alyssa) found ourselves with a feeling of calling from a young age. We both felt the Lord leading us to writing and publishing.

I, for one, didn’t listen too well at first. Writing? But I wanted to serve God! I wanted to live a life that mattered for God’s kingdom! So instead, I studied math and science to prepare for a future in the medical field so I could work in medical missions.

The problem was, I didn’t enjoy it. Words beckoned to me. Books and writing gave me deep joy other endeavors never quite could. But if I didn’t go into traditional ministry, how was I supposed to serve God?

In Curtain Call, our characters struggle with calling. Griffith feels pressure to be a missionary like his brother. Hadassah feels obligated to be a good wife and mother like her own mom and sister. But they never feel quite as alive, quite as themselves, as when they’re on the stage. Is it possible that God might…want them there?

As you may have guessed, I eventually learned that God calls all of us to different things. He put the love of words inside of me. He guided me to writing, and doing what He has called me to do brings the greatest joy of all.

As Hadassah and Griffith in the book struggle with identifying their calling, I pray that we all may explore the unique joys and talents the Lord planted within each of us. We hope you enjoy reading Curtain Call as much as we enjoyed writing it. May His still, small voice lead you on the adventure of a lifetime.

 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 5

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

deb’s Book Review, November 7

Inklings and notions, November 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9

For the Love of Literature, November 10 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 12

For Him and My Family, November 13

Susan K. Beatty, Author, November 14 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, November 15 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 15

The Sacred Line, November 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 17

Guild Master, November 18

 

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Alyssa and Hope are giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card and copy of each of the three books in the series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/22670/curtain-call-celebration-tour-giveaway