Gina Giambalvo-Glockler is a debut novelist with a love of romance, hockey, Taylor Swift, and shoes that are probably impractical but absolutely worth it. A proud Italian American, she writes warm, funny stories about second chances, blended families, and the kind of love that proves it’s never too late for a great adventure. When she’s not writing she can be found researching Italian designers, developing skincare products, watching the Philadelphia Flyers, and spending time with her rock star husband, drummer Nigel Glockler of the British heavy metal band, Saxon. Lift Off to Love is her first novel.
Author Q&A
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Stand by Stephen King
The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler
The Godfather by Mario Puzo
What are you working on now?
I’m actually working on two books right now: Carrie and Mike’s story, which will be Book #2 in the Bella Pelle series, and then Book #1 for completely new series – I’m really excited about both of them!
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Gosh, I was always a big reader, starting from the age of three. I learned to read quickly on the Dr Seuss books, and it took off from there. I started writing this year – I had an idea and a dream!
What inspired you to write your first book?
A literal dream. I was fascinated by the Artemis II mission, and one night I had a dream that I was dating one of the crew members. When I woke up, I told my husband about it – he said, “Where was I?” and I said “Oh, you were dead, so I was finding love again.” He replied “Well, I can’t even be mad about that. That’s a great story – you should write a book.” So, I did!
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I think the main message is that there are always second chances in life – and love. And that the older you get the more you want something to be easy – no angst. There doesn’t always have to be drama to have life be full of passion!
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
So much of Bella is me, actually – Italian American, hockey fan, Taylor Swift fan – many of Bella’s fashion choices in the book came from my own closet!
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I’ve had some really good feedback from readers, so I would probably take a few of their ideas on board but overall, I’m really happy with the book, so I don’t think I’d change anything regarding the storyline. Mainly spend a bit more time on editing, things like that.
Do you write an outline before every book you write?
Oh yes, I keep a file with notes – basic story premise, then names of the characters, backgrounds – and as I write I go back and add notes to that so I always a quick reference if I need it.
What is your favorite genre to read?
I love all kinds of books, but right now I’d say I’m mainly reading romantasy and cozy mysteries. And biographies.
What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?
That my actual job is a product developer for a major skin care brand. And that I really am married to a rock star – my husband is the drummer in a British heavy metal band!
Connect with Gina online at https://ginagiambalvoglockler.com
Lift Off to Love is available for purchase on Amazon.