19 Jun 2015

A scrumptious pie. A long distance guy. 4th of July fireworks guaranteed.

Lauren Hauser has it all…nearly. With a shiny new job and sparkly new engagement ring on her finger, the only thing she’s missing is her gorgeous new fiancé by her side. Should she be worried? Jack’s kisses are as sizzling as always and, sure, long distance is hard but, she and Jack are solid, right?

Of course the stress of planning a wedding—or not—is nothing compared to the stress of baking an apple pie. Because it’s not just any apple pie that Lauren must bake for the 4th of July contest; it’s her grandmother’s famous, award-winning apple pie! Yet Lauren is determined to make this pie her own and a little apple pie should be no problem for the Hauser clan dessert queen…!

But with her new job taking up so much time, a prize pie to perfect and the growing distance between her and Jack, Lauren begins to wonder if she can really have it all… Only one things for sure, there’ll be fireworks this 4th of July!

Gina Henning currently resides where bluebonnets line the highways in the spring, but she prefers the rock flower anemone from under the sea. Above the ocean's surface Gina likes to dance with her three boys and travel to exotic places like the grocery store with her husband. Her pooch Schatzi is a mix between German Shepherd and possibly pig. One of Gina's favorite pastimes is running. She recently completed her one-and-done marathon. At the end of the day her glass of wine is always half-full.

If you could work with any other author, who would it be and why?

Ooh, this is a great question. But how do I answer it? There are so many writers that I would love to co-author with. I’ve thought it would be fun to exchange chapter for chapter and tell a story between two different points of views, but to choose one in particular. I’m not sure.

What would be a typical working day for you? When and where do you write?

Most of my writing is done at night when my boys are in bed. If I write during the day, then I go someplace where my boys can play either outside or an indoor play area. There have been a few occasions, where I was working on a deadline and my husband has taken our boys camping so that I can write non-stop.

What is the hardest part of the writing for you?

I think making sure that I’m pushing the story forward and keeping in mind of the conflict. This is always the top concern. While writing, I always focus on the idea of making my readers feel something, whether it be happiness, laughter, maybe even despair, and I especially hope that they swoon.

When and why did you first start writing?

I’ve been writing since I was very young. I began my first book over fifteen years ago, I was working in an office all alone and had quite a bit of downtime. With this “extra” time, I began my first book and let my imagination soar. I plotted out an exciting adventure and with each word, I stepped further into this completely different world. I could smell the ocean air and feel the sun on my skin. In reality, I was crammed into a cluttered space with paint that was peeling from the walls and a not so pleasant musty office smell. But, writing this story took me to paradise.

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

My first published book How to Bake the Perfect Pecan Pie, came about from the idea of traveling by this pecan farm on the way to see my mother. This story of this woman who had to get pecans from this particular farm began to unravel in my mind and I jotted down different aspects of the plot and wrote it out.

Are you a big reader? If so what are you reading now?

Yes, I love to read. I just finished the final installment of Kierney Scott’s Crossing the Line Series, such great books! I’m currently finishing up Blame it on the Fame by Tracie Banister, I have read her other two books Twin Piques and In Need of Therapy and truly enjoyed them both.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

My advice would be to write everyday no matter what, whether it be as simple as a text to a friend and to find a really great critique partner.

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