Welcome, Marisa! Where are you from originally and where do you call home?
Hi, Reese! Thanks for having me. 
I was born in South Korea, adopted and raised in New Hampshire, and call home wherever my hubby happens to be.
We know you love writing. What other hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
I WISH I had time for hobbies. Is Twitter considered a hobby? I love to read.
What kind of stories do you typically write? Do you write in any other genres?
I write contemporary romances where my characters find out they love each other during that moment when they also really need a friend and they realize that person is there for them.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer and how’d you get started in your writing career?
I’ve always loved writing, but I didn’t get started in writing as a career until I met Judi McCoy (*sniffles and smiles*) and she told me about RWA.
Tell us about your path to publication. A year ago you were ready to give up your dream of being a writer. What changed that?
OH! That’s so completely true. I’ve blocked the unpleasant details, but I will say this: I start so many projects until about page 50, and then I lose interest or lose hope or lose confidence. But when my best friend helped me finish a manuscript, I realized I could do this, and I wanted to do this more than anything. I also realized I couldn’t write exclusively. I needed balance in my life. So instead of quitting completely, I found my balance. Once I realized I couldn’t control things out of my control, I became a much happier person.
What advice would you give to other writers who may be discouraged and ready to give up?
Advice is such a funny thing. But I will say what someone said to me, though this advice might not be for everyone: “If you really want a career in publishing, then do what needs to be done to make it happen.” I will add this, “within reason,” because we all need balance.
Tell us a little about The Valentine Challenge.
The Valentine Challenge is my first ever published anything! It’s a contemporary romance novella, and because it’s so short, it’s really just about one moment in two people’s lives when they realize they need each other and they are there for each other, and they fall in love because at that moment, instead of giving up or leaving or not caring, they take the time to be with that other person.
Tell us a little about the characters and what inspired you to write this story.
Stacey and Marsh are so completely loosely based on two of my friends, and one weekend while my husband was in class – he’s working on his Ph.D. – I opened my iPad and instead of playing on Twitter, I wrote a novella.
Let’s talk about that three-book deal that turned everything around for you. Who is the publisher? What is the overall premise of the stories? When will they be available?
Entangled Publishing – and Liz – took a huge chance on this debut author, and let me add that I have the most amazing agent ever! The books are my South Beach Books, and the novella released last February. The first Entangled Indulgence (category-length) releases this September, and it’s about a Country singer and a cafe owner.
What can we expect from Marisa Cleveland in the future?
Ooooh, that sounds so intriguing! I’d love to know that as well. Expect that I’ll still be blogging. It’s so much fun and a great way to find new authors to read, and of course, I’ll still be addicted to Twitter and Facebook, though lately I’ve discovered Pinterest and Tumblr, so… help?!?
The Valentine Challenge Summary:
Stacey Bradford believes in love, but when her hot boss, Marshall Royce, decides to close her best friend’s flower shop – days before Valentine’s Day! – Stacey declares war.
Intrigued by Stacey’s devotion to her friend, the hearts and flowers holiday, and belief in true love, Marsh issues a challenge – prove love exists or deliver the closing documents to her friend herself.
Stacey never could resist a challenge, but when Marsh makes Valentine’s Day the deadline for their deal, Stacey must decide how far she’s willing to go for love.
Excerpt:
“In your note to me, you said you don’t date your staff.”
He swallowed. “I don’t.”
“This is a date.”
He shook his head. “This is a…”
She wrinkled her nose at him and waited while he paused.
He grinned. “Okay.”
“Okay? That’s your answer?” She stepped into his personal space. “I want you to say it.”
She couldn’t read his expression as he regarded her for a long moment. When his hand wrapped around her upper arm, she let him tug her toward him. His words brushed over her cheek. “Date. This is a date.”
Bio:
Marisa Cleveland loves to laugh, hates to cry, and does both often. As a writer, she writes. Every day. Perhaps because she married her best friend, her adult romance novels focus on playfully naughty relationships developed through friendship and family-oriented values. She loves to connect with other writers and readers.
Connect with Marisa Cleveland online:
Website: http://www.marisacleveland.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/marisacleveland
Facebook: http://facebook.com/marisacleveland00
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6937874.Marisa_Cleveland
Where to buy The Valentine Challenge: A South Beach Novella:
