Interview with Author Christi Barth and a Giveaway

Thanks Christi for taking some time to answer a few questions today - much appreciated!!

What inspired you to write Act Like We're in Love?

I spent much of my life performing in musical theatre and opera. There is a wonderful intimacy inherent to being in a cast that lends itself to a romance. I wanted to share with the world the absolute joy of being on stage. And the 'disdain' theatre actors have for movie/tv actors is very real, which gave me a conflict to work with right off the bat. It was a great way to close that chapter of my life.


Do you match your characters to real ones?

 If so, who do you see as Luke and Linnea? What is the standard disclaimer - all characters are fictional and any resemblance is accidental? Well, the characters are wholly created in my head, but I do use 'models' for the male leads - just easier for me to picture. Luke is based on Eric Danes (Dr. McSteamy from Grey's Anatomy) and Wes is based on Joshua Malina (Will Bailey in West Wing). It can be loads of fun surfing the net looking for hot men when I start a book!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

 I hate to write love scenes. Love to do them, but writing them is just awkward and hard. Only way it happens is with one (and only one!) drink next to me and Pink Martini playing in the background.
What book is currently on your nightstand?

 Oh, I'm not a one-at-a-time person. I've got Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts, The Spice Necklace by Ann Vanderhoof, and The Last Lie by Stephen White.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

 I'm a complete bookworm. Addicted to movies and cooking huge gourmet meals. I also spend quite a bit of time volunteering with our local Junior League. I've been on the Board twice, and am currently in charge of our biggest fundraiser, a boutique warehouse sale.


Have you ever acted?

For years and years and years. I have two vocal performance degrees, and did opera and musical theatre. Trust me, this is a very true behind the scenes peek at life in the theatre. I've done Guys & Dolls 3 times, so I know it inside and out! The fun part was once I decided to write a book set in a theatre, figuring out which musical to use that I could tie into the story. And that I loved enough to live and breathe for 6 months while writing.

Are you currently working on another novel?

Of course! I finished my third book Cruising Toward Love which answers the question can an unexplained breakup and ten years of heartache be cured by the romance – and endless buffets – of a tropical cruise? Right now I am at the beginning of a trilogy based in Chicago. The first book Planning for Love centers around a wedding planner - lots of room for bridezilla horror stories and hijinks!

Act Like We're in Love by Christi Barth

Linnea Larson is appalled when a Hollywood hunk is hired to star opposite her at her family's theatre. Known for playing a superhero onscreen, and a super stud offscreen, doesn't convinces her he has what it takes to share her stage. Due to a pact with her best friend, she never dates actors. Despite his fame, fortune and an endless string of women, Luke is dissatisfied with his picture perfect life. He escapes to his theatrical roots to find wary cast mates, a best friend convinced the show will ruin Luke's career, and an adorable costar who refuses to date him. Far from Hollywood's spotlights, can he find happiness in the footlights of a tiny Theatre? Despite Luke dragging her into his paparazzi nightmare, Linnea can't deny his irresistible charm. Their fling has a guaranteed expiration date. Why risk the inevitable heartbreak? Their job is to act like they're in love, but will they decide it's worth the leap to fall in love for real?

Christi is giving away one ebook copy of her book, Act Like We're In Love to one Minding Spot Reader!!

How to enter?

Leave a comment with your email, along with a book that is on YOUR nightstand.

Winner will be announced on November 25th.