Kristin Rockaway
Author Interview - Kristin Rockaway
Author of Smart Girl Summer
Smart Girl Summer is the story of Abby Atkinson, a PhD student whose career has
come to a grinding halt after her graduate adviser steals her research and screws her out of a summer job. Strapped for cash and eager to escape her problems, she accepts a position as a traveling tutor – which will require her to spend six weeks sailing across the Mediterranean on a superyacht, teaching math to the daughter of billionaire Richard Vale. According to the tabloids, Richard’s a playboy, but once Abby gets to know him, she realizes that might not be the case. And while she tries to keep things strictly professional between with her boss, their hearts have other plans.
Author Interview - Kristin Rockaway
Author I draw inspiration from: I take bits and pieces of inspiration from many different authors, but I’d say my biggest influence is Sophie Kinsella. She’s got a distinctive voice and a wicked sense of humor. In my opinion, she’s the absolute queen of rom-coms that straddle the line between romance and women’s fiction.
Author Interview - Kristin Rockaway | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: On the balcony of a cruise ship!
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Queenie, the title character in Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams. She’s so funny and genuine and thoroughly endearing. I think she’d keep us entertained while we wait to be rescued.
Author Interview - Kristin Rockaway | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: When I was four years old, I wrote my first “novel.” I don’t remember the title, but it was about two French cows that lived on a farm. I wrote it in pencil and bound it with staples, and I was really proud of my accomplishment. I think that’s when I caught the author bug.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: While there’s nothing like the tactile experience of turning the pages of a printed book, I have become a convert to the ebook lifestyle. It’s undeniably convenient – the ability to borrow books from the library in an instant, or take your entire TBR on vacation with you.
The last book I read: I recently finished Nothing But the Truth by debut author Holly James and I’m in the middle of Jodi Picoult’s latest, Wish You Were Here. (Click here for my list of Best Jodi Picoult Books)
Author Interview - Kristin Rockaway | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: For brainstorming or untangling tricky plot problems, pen and paper. For everything else, computer.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Melody Joo from Loathe at First Sight by Suzanne Park. I like friends who tell it like it is, and she’s definitely no-nonsense.
Author Interview - Kristin Rockaway | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: Software engineer. Before I made the shift to writing, I worked in software development for almost fifteen years.
Favorite decade in fashion history: The present moment. I love the way body diversity is celebrated and comfort is prioritized over pretense.
Place I’d most like to travel: I’d love to do an extended tour of the Mediterranean, just like Abby does in Smart Girl Summer: Barcelona, Mallorca, Saint-Tropez, Capri. Now if I can only find a billionaire who’ll let me borrow his yacht…
My signature drink: Coffee with almond milk. I can’t live without it.
Favorite artist: Romero Britto. His bright, colorful art is all about spreading joy, hope, and love.
Number one on my bucket list: I’d love to get paid to be a travel writer. I incorporate a lot of travel-related themes into my novels because I love exploring new places – both in real life and in my writing.
Anything else you'd like to add: Thank you so much for hosting this interview on your blog!
Find more from the author:
I'm @kristinrockaway on Twitter and Instagram.
Author Bio: Kristin Rockaway is a native New Yorker and recovering corporate software engineer. After working in the IT industry for far too many years, she finally traded the city for the surf and chased her dreams out to Southern California, where she spends her days happily writing stories instead of code. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, taking naps, and planning her next big vacation.
