Connie Cox with GIVEAWAYS!

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What do you love most about writing for HarlequinMedicals?
I really love the artistic freedom I have writing for Harlequin Medical Romance. No topic is off limits. We write some very real-world themes in a very realistic way—and the best part—they all end up happily-ever-after, renewing faith in humanity time and time again.
What do you think makes a good story?
A good story makes me see things in a different way or gives me a bigger world. A good read stays with me years after I’ve finished the book.
Who is Connie Cox?
I love this question. I think too many of us start off doing what we think the world wants us to do, being who are family and friends expect us to be and I think that’s very limiting. For many years, I worked as an electrical engineer and I quit to follow my bliss. I’m a writer. I was born to be a writer. It took me a long time to figure that out, though. And I had to face a lot of opposition when I made such a drastic career change. But that opposition made me stronger in who I am. I’m growing into myself more each day.
Anywhere you haven’t travelled you would like to go?
My mother tells me my first words were ‘car-car’and ‘go-go’ so I started off not wanting to sit still! There is so much of the world I want to see—and see again. I love New York and go there as often as I can (which is sadly, hardly ever). I did the bus tour speed race through Scotland and parts of England and would love to go again at a more leisurely, less touristy pace. I want to see Ireland . The good thing about being a writer, though, is that I go somewhere every day for my job, even if that somewhere is only in my mind.
What one item do you always pack when you travel?
My credit card! I used to worry that I would forget something vital, until one day, I realized all material things are replaceable or we really don’t need them to start with. So, with fingers crossed that I won’t really need it, I make sure I have my credit card and I never forget about the paybacksl! <G>
Tell us a little about your current release …..
Return of the Rebel Surgeon was so intense to write! It is set in New Orleans , which is one of the most exotic places in the world and right in my own back yard. The story is about true love during high school that didn’t survive the test of time. But fate gives them a second chance. Only, a whole lot of life has happened between now and then. So will history repeat itself and they end up going their separate ways, or will love conquer all this time? 
 
My medical romances always deal in real world issues and the issues in this book are raising a teen with autism. I have several friends who have children with autism and this book is a testament to their constant, loving parenting skills. The book also explores the physical demands of being a surgeon and how fragile that career can be because of the demands the job places on the surgeon’s body as well as his psyche.
I’m giving away two books to two readers: Return of the Rebel Surgeon and my debut book, now out of print, The Baby Who Saved Dr. Cynical. So let me hear from you!
Oh! And mark your calendars for my next release, in March 2013: His Hidden American Beauty.
You can find out all the scoop about my current and upcoming releases at my website: www.conniecox.com
Also I’m very chatty on facebook and would love to friend you there: www.facebook.com/conniecox
And I always appreciate reviews on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes and Noble, too!


Chat with Connie on Twitter or Facebook!

52 comments:

  1. Hello Connie,

    I find medical romances a very substantial read because they always have touch on issues of human interest as well as the plot of the story. Some of the best reads I've had lately were in the medical romance line. They are romances but they deal with topics like transplant patients and their plight, the death of a child, really sensitive issues. I think they can give a really positive message to readers that they are not alone with their problems and that there are many people who suffer in their everyday lives. But that doesn't mean that there is no hope. The best message of all that comes with medical romances is the message that the healing power of love can work its magic and make life more joyful and more liveable. You are doing a terrific job. Well done.

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    1. Thamks, Maria! My friend calls my stories, 'issue books' and maybe they are (but not on purpose!). But I think that dealing with the issues of life makes us all grow stronger, including my story characters. And giving hope is something we all should do, right?

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    2. Hi Maria!

      I agree, I also find Medical Romances thrilling and informative!

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    3. Welcome to Romance Book Haven, Connie! I hope all my friends here would make you feel welcome too!

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    4. You've got great friends! I've felt VERY welcome!

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  2. Maria you have taken the words right out of my month I agree with you,medical romances having the issues of human interest is what keeps me going back for more. It makes the books and characters seem more real somehow.

    Connie your books are stunning,keep up the great work.

    Desere

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    1. Awww, thanks, Desere! You've got me blushing!
      One of the joys of writing is connecting with the human condition, then making the stories turn out the way I want them to!

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    2. You made a valid comment, Desere!

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  3. I love your definition of a good story. I think all the great ones have that in common and your books look like they fill that bill!

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    1. Gosh, Shelly, what kind words!! I really put my heart and soul into my writing. I'm hoping it shows, at least a little, from the pages as you read them.

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    2. Hi Shelley!

      Thanks for reading along and for your comment!

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  4. Sounds like such a good book, Connie! Congrats!

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    1. Hi Cherie!

      Thanks for coming by!

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    2. Thanks, Cherie! I am so thrilled to be writing for Harlequin/Mills & Boon!

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  5. I love when a book deals with real issues along with the main plot line itself. I've had quite a few kids diagnosed with autism in my classes over the years and a loving parent really makes all the difference! Can't wait to read the book :)

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    1. Hi Jemi!

      Hope you get to check out this book!

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  6. I love books that deal with real issues too. And yes on the credit card. But my husband learned the hard way, make sure you let the card company know when you are going out of country. He didn't do that, and his card was suspended. Fortunately we had mine, since my card company didn't go into panic mode.

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    1. Good tip on the credit card and travel! What a mess that would be!
      In my medical romances, I often juggle realism vs fiction. I usually tilt toward realism. I"ve got so much respect for those that deal with the issues in real life, I don't want to play it too easy-cheesy, you know?

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    2. Hi Stina!

      Very good advice on the credit card. On my recent trip to US something similar happened to me.

      Thanks for coming by!

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  7. Connie, I love that you had to fight to be the true you. That takes a lot of courage. And I like the second chance premise. I'm a sucker for those. :)

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    1. Thanks, Janet, for the kudos on being true to myself. It's amazing/surprising who is and isn't supportive. And I love second chances, too. Who among us hasn't grown thru a mistake and wished we could have a do-over?

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    2. Hi Janet!

      Thanks for coming along and reading this post!

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  8. So glad you found your bliss! Congrats on your books!

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    1. Bliss is a wonderful thing, Lydia! Thanks! To tell you the truth, I didn't even know I would find it until I did. It's all in that 'be true to yourself' thing. Thanks for the congrats! I'm so lucky to be doing what I love!

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  9. It's great that these imprints exist so that books with various topics get exposure. I love New Orleans. What a great background. The book sounds fantastic. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

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    1. Medical romances really do get to cover a wide range of topics--and I push the boundaries as hard as I can. I love New Orleans, too. So exotic--even to this Louisiana girl!

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    2. Thanks Medeia for reading and for your comment!

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  10. Rebel Surgeon + New Orleans... what an intriguing mix!
    I've never been to New Orleans but I've heard lots about the place...
    Congratulations on the book!

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    1. You will have to visit, Michelle! Winter and Spring are best! Summer is HOT!! (Like my rebel surgeon)

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    2. Oh, yes, Michelle! Rebel Surgeon is super hot!

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  11. I have to admit that one of my favourite cities to read about is New Orleans. New Orleans in a medical romance - sounds irresistible. Issue books is a good description, I think, Connie.

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    1. Put New Orleans on your bucket list! You won't be disappointed! Glad you like the issue book description. I like books w/ some meat in them, myself!

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    2. Let's make a date, Maria, and have a vacation in New Orleans!

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    3. Now THAT sounds like fun Nas. That's a plan for the future...

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  12. It sounds like a good book. I like medical themes- it's definitely a draw for me.

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    1. Medical themes have such drama and high emotion! I love writing them! Thanks, Rose, for giving me validation--always much needed in this writer's life!

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    2. Medical romances for me, Rose, means Grey's Anatomy and reading one is just like that!

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  13. It's great to meet Connie! Wishing her all the best!

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    1. Hi Karen!
      Thanks for you best wishes. Greatly appreciated!

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  14. I never read medical before, read the excerpt it's so interesting :)

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    1. Yea! You read the excerpt! Thanks for letting me know! I wondered if anyone ever did. You must try a few. We all write very differently. I'm sure you'll find favorite authors among us!

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    2. Hello Eli!

      Thanks for coming by!

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  15. I enjoyed reading this interview. I like your first words! Cute!

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    1. Hi Sherry! I'm as much of a rebel as my rebel surgeon, so artistic freedom is a HUGE deal for me. I've been so lucky that my editors let me run with whatever ideas I come up with--then support me and help me make those ideas even better! Such a great group of professionals to work with at Mills and Boon!
      Thanks for reading my interview. Nas asked good questions!

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    2. Thanks for reading along, Sherry!

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  16. I have to admit that especially with the medical romances, the happily ever after ending is essential! I won't read it unless I know there's a happy ending.

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    1. That's the great thing about Harlequin/Mills and Boon. You always get a happily ever after!
      B/c my people have to work through so much to get there, I often cry while I'm writing the end (Maybe I shouldn't admit that. It's kinda embarrassing.)

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    2. Awww...Connie! I cry when I'm reading, probably shouldn't admit that as well!


      Thanks for reading along, Lynda!

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    3. Thanks, Nas, for letting me know I'm in good company!

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  17. Love how there is a specific romance set in the medical world proliferated by gorgeous doctors and nurses and all things medical! Yay!!! I do hope love conquers all in the Return of the Rebel Surgeon!!

    Yes, never leave home withouth your credit card!!

    Take care
    x

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You can discuss your romance novel addiction too!