It’s Not Never Blog Tour ~ Exclusive Author Interview with Louise Gregory.

Hello, Sunshines, I have the huge pleasure to be today’s stop on the blog tour for; It’s Not Never by Louise Gregory & N.G.K. I am super excited to be sharing this new up and coming book with you all, this book sounds wonderful, before that I have an exclusive author interview with Louise Gregory we are chatting about writing, listening to the Archers and ice cream – what’s not to love about that 🙂

Firstly, I want to say thank you to Louise Gregory for the invite to this tour.

Author Interview

Hi Louise, Welcome to Chicks, Rogues and Scandals! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me today.

Thank you for having me, great blog name btw 

Aww, thank you!! ~ Firstly, what five words would you use to describe yourself?

Extroverted, opinionated, passionate, lazy, worrier

Can you tell us a little about your latest/up and coming release?

Of course! It’s Not Never is a contemporary love story set against a backdrop of space travel. The protagonists, Jessica and John, are astronauts on their way to become the first humans on Mars. Though relationships between the crew are forbidden they can’t help but fall in love. Although it’s set partly in space, it’s not science fiction, we just loved it as a backdrop. The idea is that love happens anywhere at any time, even when its really inconvenient. And it’s fascinating watching the protagonists wrestle with fulfilling their dream to go to Mars, and this intense love they feel for one another.

It’s Not Never is co-written from dual perspectives with my writing partner N.G.K. One of the benefits of that is you genuinely get male and female perspectives, not women imagining how men talk together or men writing about their fantasy women. It’s available on Kindle on 30^th April, and paperback on 28^th May.

That sounds amazing!! ~ When not writing, what do you like to do to relax?

I describe myself as a fan of the 3 Rs – reading, writing and running. I’ve been a voracious reader since I first learned to read. I rarely watch TV, but not in a snobby way, I read all sorts, and rarely high brow, but I much prefer to read than watch TV or films. I like to run, which isn’t particularly relaxing but is essential for my mental health, and for helping me think through plot holes. I also like to write imaginary author Q&As while on my runs too! I also love listening to The Archers, it’s a masterclass in storytelling.

If you could have a holiday home anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Definitely somewhere warm. I hate being cold so much! I also love being near water. Sea, river ora large lake will do. I have a soft spot for Italy and gelato, and speak rudimentary Italian so probably there.

If you could have one of your books made into a film, which book would it be and who would play your lead character’s?

I only have one book but I think It’s Not Never would make a great film. My writing partner actually writes like a film director. I can just read on a page how he is visualising the story in his head, it’s gorgeous. It would be perfect for screen though because the love story is a real slow burn with lots of significant longing looks. There’s only so many ways you can write “he smiled at her” or “she looked into his eyes”. My co-writer and I talked about casting for the film, and I am afraid my lack of TV and film watching means most of the actors I know are from the 90s, so I’ve gone with Joseph Fiennes for John (though about 15 years ago). N.G.K. wants Kate Mara for Jessica, who interestingly was in the film The Martian.

When writing, do you plot or do you go with the flow?

I’m mostly a plotter, I like to know what happens in scene as I am about to write it, though I don’t write in order. I write the most exciting bits first! I’ve always been sceptical of writers who talk about characters ‘doing what they want’ but I have actually been pleasantly surprised on the few occasions I’ve winged it how much the story does actually write itself if you let it.

What three tips would you pass on to an aspiring author?

Being traditionally published isn’t the be all and end all. Self or indie publishing can be really motivating as you KNOW your book will be published
But you have to be prepared to market the backside off it. And even some traditionally published authors are being asked to do the lion’s share of their own PR.
Don’t be afraid of feedback, seek it wherever you can and take it graciously, it will be your best gift.

Fantastic tips, thank you for sharing ~ If you were hosting a dinner party which three people would you invite?

I’m having a girls’ night with lots of wine…

First up is Michelle Obama. I’ve read her biography and she is so smart, hardworking and determined; she’d be really inspiring to have at the table.

Next is Caitlin Moran. I don’t always agree with her opinions, but she is very funny and an amazing writer. She and I are about the same age and I remember reading her first book that she wrote at about 15 with absolutely envy. I bet she’d be brilliant to share a bottle of wine with.

Dolly Parton. What a legend! She is just such a smart, savvy business woman. She doesn’t give a hoot what people think of her, and has a reading scheme for children in the UK. She has to bring her guitar though.

Fantastic choices ~ Your book is a love story that is set against a backdrop of space travel. Would you ever want to go to space?

No, not at all! Apart from being afraid of heights, sitting on tons of explosives and generally just dying, from everything I’ve read about the lives of astronauts in space it is really repetitive and hard work. And as I said in one of my earlier answers I’m really lazy! I’d much rather sit on the sofa with a book than do anything else. My co-author N.G.K. would do it in a shot though. I’m interested in the psychology of space travel, he actually wants to do it.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me today, I have just one more cheeky question, just for fun; What is your favourite snacking food?

I do love chocolate ice cream, specifically Haagen Dazs Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream <awaits sponsored delivery> but in reality the thing I snack most on is cereal. I like sultana bran with ice cold skimmed milk, which sounds quite wholesome but is actually full of sugar! I can satisfy my sweet tooth and not feel too unhealthy. Ice cream is always good though.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog. I hope your readers fall in love with this book as much as I did while writing it.

My pleasure, I am sure every will love the sound of this book as much as I do ~ Thank you, Frankie x

About the Book

It’s Not Never by Louise Gregory & N.G.K

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Publisher: NGK Media

Release Date: 28th, May 2021

From the worldwide bestselling author NGK, and Louise Gregory, a new contemporary love story based around the first human mission to Mars.

A timeless love story.

Ambitious and hardworking, astronaut Jessica Gabriel refuses to let love get in the way of becoming the first person to walk on another planet. Or maybe she is just afraid of losing her best friend?

Fellow astronaut, John Eden, is determined to prove he is more than his family name. Yet his insecurities might cost him his place on the mission.

Neither of them are looking for love, and mission protocol forbids it. But love doesn’t follow the rules, and the two friends have to decide whether they want to risk everything they’ve worked for to be together.

Its Not Never – Official site of It’s Not Never

Amazon.co.uk: It’s Not Never: A Love Story

About the Author’s

Louise Gregory is the debut co-author of It’s Not Never, and uses her extensive background in psychology, coaching and team dynamics to create multi-layered characters with deep rooted feelings and motivators.

Louise lives by the “three r’s” – reading, writing, and running, all of which she would do more of were it not for her addiction to social media. She lives in the Cotswolds with her husband, two daughters, and a cat who is plotting to kill her.

N.G.K. is the best-selling author of seven books, including the popular Harry the Happy Mouse and Ridgeway Furrow series which have collectively sold over a million copies around the world. It’s Not Never is his first book for adults.

N.G.K. lives in the Forest of Dean with his wife, two children, and Lulu the cat.

Social Links

Instagram: Louise Gregory (@louisegregoryauthor)

Twitter: Louise Gregory (@lougregorybooks)

Instagram: NGK Author (@ngk.author)

Website: ngk author, ngkmedia.com

Website: Its Not Never – Official site of It’s Not Never