Warning – possible spoilers! (Tiny ones, though, and I’ll try to avoid even those; I swear I’ll give my best not to ruin it for you… :-))
Ginny Baird was new to me author. I’ve only recently stumbled upon one of her books, First Bride to Fall, the first in the Majestic Maine series. And I adored it!
It was one of those books that come at the exact right time, swallow you completely and you can’t stop reading (or in my case – listening) until the very last page. I cannot wait to continue the series. In fact, I’ve just been approved for the ARC of the second book – Second Bride Down; fingers crossed I enjoy it as much as I did the first one!
Anyways, besides making me want to read the rest of the series the sooner the better, First Bride to Fall made me wonder about the person behind it. As I’ve mentioned, Ginny Baird was a new author to me, and I wanted to know more about her writing process, what inspires her and where she plans to take the Delaney sisters next.
I am so happy and grateful she agreed to answer all of my questions. Here’s what she had to say…
Author Q&A with Ginny Baird
I loved First Bride to Fall! What part of the book was the most fun to write?
Oh, thank you so much for saying so! That warms my heart. There were lots of fun parts in this story, but one of my favorites had to be the banter between Nell and Grant. Even as I was writing it, some of it cracked me up.
Any teasers for the rest of the Majestic Maine series?
Yes. Misty’s story, Second Bride Down, is up next! I’m so excited for its release this October, when readers will learn if Misty and Lucas (who’s basically crushed on Misty forever) will finally get their chance.
That leaves Book 3 to Charlotte of course, but if any of the sisters can handle Aidan Strong, it’s tough-as-nails Charlotte. Aidan has an unexpected trick or two up his sleeve, but – not to be bested – so does she. It’s a wonderful plot, and I hope readers will snap up the book when it comes out in June 2023, rounding out the series.
Weddings are a central theme in many of your books?
I do have many wedding and bride books, it’s true! Most recently, I’ve written the Blue Hill Brides series and this new Majestic Maine series for Entangled Publishing. I guess there’s just something extra wonderful about brides and grooms achieving their happily ever afters.
Where do books come from? 🙂
Oh my, all sorts of places. Sometimes I just come up with a title I love and try to build a story around that. At others, I’ll think of a character (the heroine or hero) and what their life is like and what sort of person might make their perfect match.
Travel to different locations can totally inspire me, too. Blue Hill Brides and the Majestic Maine series were both inspired by trips to Maine I took with my husband.
When did you start considering yourself an author?
Wait. I’m an author? Pinch me! Ha-ha.
The truth is I still sometimes find it hard to believe that people actually like my stories and want to buy my books. When someone emails me or posts on social media that they love my books and have read several, I’m always flabbergasted—and so, so honored. I have to say, getting the chance to share my happy and uplifting stories with the world is like a dream come true.
What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?
Ooh, for sure one of my favorites is walking into a store and actually finding my book on the shelf. It’s always a little heart-stopping to believe I really did it and somehow got my book out there into the marketplace. The experience is a little surreal too. I know the book is mine and that I wrote it, but it’s so hard to believe when I see it for sale with my own eyes. Pretty wonderful too!
My least favorite part is probably a lot of authors’ most favorite part. I have a really hard time with author talks and book signings, because—even though I don’t seem that way to many—I’m actually very shy among people I don’t know well. I’m always embarrassed, and feel like I’m asking a lot, for someone to hear me speak. Seriously, sometimes I’d rather sink into the floor than read my own work aloud, but I know many authors who are amazing at public presentations, and totally love them.
What’s the funniest thing a reader ever said to you?
I’m not sure if it’s funny or more curious, but I do sometimes have people come up to me and say, “Oh, you’re Ginny Baird? I read your book.” Then, that’s all they say… Nothing more. Not that they enjoyed it, or anything like that, which leads me to believe that they probably didn’t. Ha-ha.
But that’s okay. To each his or her own, and readers’ tastes vary so widely. I’m just grateful when readers give my books a chance.
If you could be a character in one of your favorite books, who would you be?
This is a really fun question. At the moment (because this is the series I’m engaged in), I think I’d like to be Charlotte Delaney from the Majestic Maine series. I like Charlotte. She’s got a lot of spunk and smarts. 🙂
Which book have you reread most times?
My own book or someone else’s? Lol. Sometimes I’ll go back and reread parts of my own books, and I’m shocked to learn I can’t recall the nuances of what happens next. I get all swept up in the tale and start turning pages faster. It’s a little hilarious I guess to become enthralled by my own book, but it does make me feel good about having others read it. It’s like, hey! This story isn’t half bad! Lol.
Concerning other authors, my top rereads are from Sophie Kinsella, her non-Shopaholic series books, such as Remember Me?, I’ve Got Your Number, Can You Keep a Secret?, Twenties Girl. She’s so funny! I just love everything about the way she writes.
What are you currently working on? What can we expect next?
Another fun question! I’ve already shared that Second Bride Down (Majestic Maine Book 2), which is Misty’s story, releases this October 2022. I’m also excited about Charlotte’s tale, Last Bride Standing (Majestic Maine Book 3), which comes out next June. In between those two Majestic Maine series books, I have a really amazing standalone book releasing with Sourcebooks Casablanca in March 2023 called Right Girl, Wrong Side.
Right Girl, Wrong Side is about two warring families forced to share a fancy beach house due to a bidding mistake in a society auction. The adult son and daughter were friends in high school, but their business rival moms refused to let them date. Now, with both families in a forced-proximity situation, things heat up between these two star-crossed lovers. Her family’s Hispanic and his is not, and there are some serious culture wars going on.
My late mom was Puerto Rican, so this is a story very close to my heart. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming book, and I invite everyone to please read it, because I think you’ll love it. It’s funny, and touching, and romantic, and proves yet again that—even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds—love can conquer all.
#MyFavoriteBookish Tag with Ginny Baird
Favorite trope: Enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, second-chance romance. Three-way-tie! LOL.
Favorite character: Bridget Jones
Favorite movie adaptation: Under the Tuscan Sun
Favorite book cover: Right Girl, Wrong Side
Favorite book ending: Last Bride Standing (Majestic Maine Book 3)
Favorite time of the day to read/write: Before bed to read, afternoon to write.
Favorite place to read/write: In bed to read, in comfy living room chair or at the kitchen counter (standing or sitting) to write.
Favorite snacks while reading/writing: M&Ms or hubby’s chocolate chip cookies.
Favorite bookish drink: Coffee for writing, red wine for reading.
Hardcovers or paperbacks? Paperbacks
Buying or borrowing books? Buying
Bookmarks or dog-ears? Bookmarks – I now have so many as promos for my books! Lol.
Audiobooks – yay or nay? I’ve not yet gotten into them, but appreciate their popularity!
TBR or mood reading? Selecting from the TBR, depending on my mood. 🙂
I’m currently reading: Verity by Colleen Hoover. Just finished: The Guest List by Lucy Foley.
