Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

This weeks interview is with

Georgia Coffman!

How long have you been writing?

I wrote my first short story as a freshman in high school, but I'd been doodling with words before then. I've been writing on and off since then, but I decided to commit to a writing career almost five years ago when I started graduated school. I earned my master's in writing in 2017 and haven't looked back.

If you've written several books, which is your favorite?

I've only published one book so far, with a second in the works. I think this second one is my favorite because it pushes my limits and is also a hate to love romance, which is my favorite kind. It releases in April.
*I've written three others, though, that were really just a way for me to develop my voice and craft. As of right now, I only plan to publish one of those in the future. :)

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

Romance for sure! I like to read all kinds of romances - contemporary, new adult, paranormal, suspense. But my favorite to write are definitely contemporary and new adult.

How do you get in the mood to write?

I write in the mornings. That's when I'm most productive and creative. I like the stillness of the morning, just before the sun rises. My mind is quiet, save for the characters and their story. With a steaming cup of coffee and my laptop in front of me, I'm ready to tell that story before the stress of the day overpowers the characters' voices.

How do your characters come together?

This is a fantastic question! I'm still fairly new at this, so my writing process is still coming together, but I find I like to create characters that complement each other. So, if they have similar goals, drive, etc., they feed off each other. If a hero is lacking in one attribute at the beginning of a story, the heroine is strong in that regard and helps the hero grow. And vice versa. This way, the characters 'fit.' I don't like to force chemistry and compatibility. I feel it's hard for a reader to relate and be engrossed in their relationship if it's forced. So, I like to develop characters in ways that they can grow together.

How do you get your ideas?

I read and watch movies a lot. I also really like stand-up comedy. They pay attention to the minute details of everyday life, and it's fascinating to me how they create jokes based around the. They're things average people might miss. It's interesting to me how jokes and storylines come full circle during a set, and I like to incorporate similar strategies and structures in my stories. Not just with the humor I insert, but with other plot points as well. I also get my ideas from meeting new people and learning their stories. From getting out of my comfort zone and seeing what happens, how I feel, how it sparks an epiphany. Ideas are all around us :)

What do you admire the most about the writing world?

This is difficult. There are many people I admire in the writing world for different reasons, for sure. Many of them have helped me grow in various ways. I admire Jennifer Probst, Kandi Steiner, Rachel Van Dyken, and many others. Colleen Hoover is definitely up there too. Her writing transports me with every story. I can't read one of her books without knowing I have a full free day because once I start reading her words, I won't be able to stop. I hope to have the same effect on people with my stories. To read something I write and feel like they're part of the story and of the characters' journey.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I like reading and watching movies and TV shows with my husband and dogs. We also like to take the dogs to the park or lake. Fitness is also a big part of our everyday lives. Other than that, I have a full-time day job as a receptionist.

Have you always been creative?

Yes - I've always liked drawing. I used to draw portraits, and then I started painting a few years ago. Now, I mostly just write since I don't have a lot of time to do much else.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

Honestly, and I'm sure some might roll their eyes HA, I haven't. If I'm having trouble writing, it's usually because I'm stressed, overwhelmed with life, distracted, procrastinating because I know I need to write an emotionally draining scene, etc. I'm prone to letting the distractions get the best of me and keep me from writing because the distractions are easier. Writing is hard, and I'm not always in the mood for that challenge. I find that if I do yoga, go for a walk, or lift weights, my mind clears, and I'm much more ready to get those words in. I'm always glad I do it too because at the end of the day, no matter how difficult the day is or how off my writing feels, I find peace and joy and fulfillment in writing.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

I think the most important piece of advice for me to give at this point is to write without a filter, worrying about how you'll market it, what category it fits into, etc. There's so much pressure and fear when it comes to writing in the first place, so why add more stress before you've even written the book? Write the story that's in your heart the way you want to tell it, and the rest will fall into place.

What is your dream writing location?

A balcony overlooking the beach where I can feel the soft breeze that brings with it the salty smell. Add a comfortable chair, a cup of coffee with French vanilla creamer, and I'd be in heaven!

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

Why strippers! Although I only have one book out so far, it's the first in a series which follows a group of strippers from a Vegas male revue show. The idea seems very unlike me, I guess HA. When the idea for this series came to me, though, I had to start writing it. It's fun, sexy, and heartfelt. There's a lot of drama to explore when strippers and Vegas and love are involved :)

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

Sebastian Davis. He's funny, vulnerable, and sexy, and he's also a dreamer on top of all that. I like that he brings the best out of the heroine in Strip for Me. I'd want to be his friend.

What do you think makes a good story?

Other than an intriguing plot, I think the characters can make a good story. I am invested in a story when the characters are relatable, likable (even when I don't want to like them!), interesting, raw, etc. If I can feel for the characters like they're my friends, I tend to enjoy a story that much more.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I'm not sure, honestly. I went through various phases - I wanted to be an actress, a doctor, a baker, and a zillion other things. As a young teenager, I wanted to be an author, but once I started high school, I wanted to be a radiologist. I actually earned a bachelor's degree in biology and had plans to go to medical school, but it didn't work out that way. I'm much happier doing what I do now!