Mr. DiPasqua: Ladies and Gentlemen, the dance has begun!
I’d like you to help me welcome my first guest at the A MIDNIGHT DANCE Blog Party–Mr. Galen! He’s married to the wonderful and talented Shana Galen. She writes Regency Historical Romance for Sourcebooks. They’re looking very sharp on their wedding day, aren’t they?
Mr. Galen: Shana calls me Ultimate Sports Fan (USF) if that tells you anything. Although I am not the biggest sports fan in the world, because I do not watch Plane Racing or Bass Fishing on TV, but pretty much anything else. Ok, I do watch Bass Fishing sometimes, but not that often. Well, I did watch Plane Racing on TV once, but that doesn’t really count. So yes I pretty much watch anything related to sports on TV. The few hours a week I am not watching sports, I am working in Healthcare.
Mr. Galen: We met at a dinner for my best friend’s wife, who also happens to be a writer. Mr. Sophie Jordan and I were roommates in college. Shana had just signed her first contract and so I told her that the “wealthy published author” should pay for all 8 of us. She did not think that was very funny. However, she grew to like me more as the evening wore on.
I knew she was the one because she was hot and seemed to like me, so I said what the heck, let’s get married. In all seriousness though, we had a strong connection very quickly and she was everything I ever wanted in a woman, smart, caring, loving, and of course hot!
Mr. Galen: I had not yet met my wife when she got the call, but I am sure I was watching sports on TV at the time, or attending a sporting event, or at the very least thinking about sports at the time.
My first reaction was that I thought she was rich and should buy six strangers and a couple of friends dinner at a sushi restaurant in Houston. After that, I learned what reality was and learned as much as I could about Romance Writers, since I would be dating one.
Mr. Galen: e) I have no idea. I don’t read her books because there are no sports in them 😉
Mr. Galen: a) Prince Charming of course. I even called to let her know I’d be an hour late because I was at an Astros playoff game. Obviously this was at a time when the Astros were good, unlike today. In spite of my tardiness, we had a nice dinner and conversation that led to some Romance (just nice kissing, get your mind out of the gutter. It was a first date for goodness sake.)
Mr. Galen: a) and b). Also I think of football, volleyball, soccer, tennis, golf, and my daughter. My daughter, because she cannot say “ball.” She says, “Bapp.” Even though I have told her no less than 157 times that it is pronounced “Ball.” That’s ok though, she is only 21 months, so I will cut her some slack.
Mr. Galen: I have been a Romance Husband for five years now. The best advice I can give a new RH is to give your wife the time she needs to write. Make sure you do whatever it takes to give her the time she needs to get her writing work done. I have learned that there is always something to work on. New proposal, chapters for the WIP, a synopsis for the new three book series, blogs, website updates, revisions, critiques, and even twitter and facebook for fans.
Frankly, my dear wife is the type of writer that gets things done early, like making me do this blog five days before it is due. I don’t think she has been close to not meeting a deadline ever. A little exaggeration, but not by much, so the advice would be encourage your writer to finish early or just shut up and stay out of her way.
Mr. Galen: I usually answer “I am the inspiration for the love scenes and the men on the cover.” I mean if they are going to be ridiculous enough to ask the question, I will give them what they want.
Mr. Galen: I think she would say “Dave” from Reality TV Bites, one of the Chick Lit books she published about five years ago as Shane Bolks. Dave was very much into sports, and I was, of course, the inspiration for the love scenes in that one as well. Little known fact: I came up with the title for that book. It must have been the key to the book’s success.
Mr. Galen: Well as long as it is between us guys, then I guess I will talk about it. My wife has a horrible secret that not many know about…..she is ….a Vegetarian. I know, the hell that I must go through being married to someone who does not eat meat. I am a carnivore mind you, so this is a mixed marriage. Even in this day and time, some people don’t approve of such things, so I keep it a secret. She doesn’t even eat fish, can you believe that. “I don’t eat anything that has a face”, she always says. Choosing restaurants is a nightmare and I don’t even think about asking her to cook a steak for me.
In all seriousness though, I love my wife in spite of her obvious error in judgment by CHOOSING not to eat meat. She has been a Vegetarian since she was 13 years old when she found out how veal cows were fed and killed. I won’t tell you how long she has been a Vegetarian because I don’t want the writing crowd struggling to do the math on her age, and if I did she might murder me. So I will play it safe and say she has been a Vegetarian her entire adult life. I admire her conviction and the fact that she has never once tried to make me become a Vegetarian.
Mr. Galen: Shana Galen’s upcoming release is entitled Lord and Lady Spy and is due out in September. It is an exciting, action packed adventure that is loosely based on Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the movie starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie from a few years ago. My wife claims I had nothing to do with the book, but as I recall I helped brainstorm ideas for this one, so I think it is her best yet. Others agree with my assessment as it has been recently named one of Publisher’s Weekly Top Ten Romances in their Fall 2011 Preview issue. Of course as always, I am the inspiration for the love scenes and the cover model is loosely based on me, VERY LOOSELY.
Mr. DiPasqua: Now that you mention it, I think I resemble that guy on the cover of A Midnight Dance. Well, maybe if you squint a little. Okay, okay. . .a lot. But you folks don’t want to hear that, do you? You want to know about the great giveaway. Check this out:
RULES:
To win you must:
1. Ask a question or leave a meaningful comment below—We’re men. We can take it. So fire away! 🙂
2. You MUST be a follower/subscriber of Lila DiPasqua’s blog (through Google Friend Connect).
3. Please indicate if you live outside Canada or the US. You can still leave a comment! Your comment will *not* count toward this giveaway, but *will* count toward the Grand Prize listed at the very bottom of this blog.
4. Winner will be selected at random on SUNDAY.
Ways to increase your odds at winning are found at the very bottom of this blog.
Mr. DiPasqua: Don’t forget to return tomorrow. Another RH will be here! Now, let’s hear your comments or questions! 🙂
Thanks so much for having us today, Mr. DiPasqua. Mr. Galen is at work, but he promises to check in later.
Loved the post, Mr. Galen. I think you and my RH would get along very well!
No need to enter me in the contest. I will buy the book in September.
Love the wedding photo! I live outisde the u.s so don’t count me in this contest
What a great interview. I take it Mr. Galen loves Sports. lol
I loved Shana’s Blackthorn’s Bride and Good Groom Hunting. I really enjoyed the interview and you guys really took it away . And it’s only the first day. :)Keep them coming.
I always said it takes a fine man behind an Author to keep the wheels turning as she writes.. Or at least a god sense of humor.:)
GFC follower under Lucky47.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
What a wonderful interview! Love the wedding photo =)
Q for Mr. DiPasqua: Will this be a yearly thing? Absolutely genius idea!
Q for Mr. Galen: When you see your wife’s books on display at a bookstore, do you turn to the person next to you (if there is someone) and say “Yeah, my wife wrote those.” ?
____
GFC: Kati R @Romancing Rakes
romancingrakes(at)gmail(dot)com
US
I would have loved to have seen a snap-shot of Shana Galens expression when you proposed she pay for ya’lls sushi dinner. Great interview! I think the majority of married women alike would agree that most ‘husbands and sports’ are synonymous with each other. 🙂 Keep inspiring these wonderful ladies and their works Mr. Galen, Mr DiPasqa, because I thoroughly enjoy spending a few hours a week, day reading them! Have a great day!
Mr. Galen, you are a hoot and a holler! I totally believe you on your reasons to marry Shana (she’s hot and she liked you…what more does a man need?). Also, what do you think of Derek Jeter’s 3000th hit? Pretty impressive, huh? He went 5/5 that day. And before you comment, you should know my nickname is Mrs. Jeter, so a little respect, please!
Great questions Mr. D and excellent answers Mr. G. It was really fun to read this. But. A vegetarian married to a sports nut??? Amazing! LOL!
Great to hear from a RH’s POV, Mr. Galen. Being a RH requires patience and a sense of humor–you obviously have both! Terrific interview, Mr. DiPasqua.
Great interview Mr. Galen! It is always wonderful to see/read about supporting writing husbands. I know that I couldn’t make this crazy-writing-life work without my husband!
Natalie
Great interview. You make a lovely couple 🙂 I’m impressed that your wife allowed a 2nd date after expecting her to buy dinner for so many when you first met & then being an hour late for the 1st date due to a baseball game 😉 guess calling her to let her know helped a bunch and showed some potential for her to work with 😉
follower (FB & blog)/US
Mr. Galen, okay that will probably the only time I ever call you that. 🙂 Great interview. I want to know if you’re helpful choreographing her great action scenes? Do you help her act out the fights?
Thank Mr. Galen! Thank you Mr. DiPasqua! It sounds as though Shana has found the perfect match for her, with enough differences to keep it interesting. What’s the strangest thing a fan has ever asked?
Ha ha! Mr. Galen sounds a lot like my DH. He’s a sports fan too (lots of fantasy baseball and football), and he claims those publishers keep forgetting to send him his royalties for posing for the book covers of my romance novels!
I’ve been really looking forward to this launch and, I must say, I’ve been very impressed. I don’t think that anything has every been done like this before so, congratulations to all.
My question for Mr. Galen is “What is the best and worst part about being married to a romance author?”
Looking forward to all the future interviews.
dpd333 AT aol dot com
Great interview! I’m so sending this to my husband 🙂
Brandie
Great interview! :). Enjoyed reading it a lot!
Wow! Great questions for Mr. Galen to answer when he checks in later.
I’m so glad everyone can appreciate that I said “yes” to a date after our rocky first meeting. But Mr. Galen is really very sweet, so I gave him a second chance.
I LOVE everything about this post – so funny! And despite your differences, you’re clearly well matched! Mr. G, did you ever manage to turn your wife into a sports fan? (And, as a Cubs fan, thanks to the Astros for making us look not *quite* so bad. 😉
These are fantastic questions! Can’t wait for the answers! Reading this interview was so much fun. Thank you Mr. G and Shana for being here. You both look so lovely in your wedding photo!
Mr. D will be here later on…just as he was yesterday to respond to his questions! 🙂
Hugs,
Lila
I loved the interview. I see that your husband is a sport fan. My question is what is his favorite sport team? Mine is Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes football fan. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
That was fun! And I really need a distraction on this HOT day.
Mr. D.: did Mrs. D. help you with the questions, or did you work them out on your own? Will you be asking everyone the same questions?
Mr. G.: same question – did Mrs. G. help you with the answers, or did you work them out on your own? Ifyou answered on your own, maybe you should consider writing – maybe you & Mrs. G. could formally team up on a book. What sports from Regency England would you want to include?
sallans d at yahoo dot com
Mr DePasqua, thank you for hosting the Romance Party blog. This was a great interview and I’m looking forward to the others.
Mr Galen, you are obviously a “good sport” (pun intended) and there is no doubt that your beautiful bride is inspired by your fun and loving relationship. Stay in touch!
Laura T
heartoftexasbooks[at]yahoo[dot]com
Mr. DiPasqua and Mr. Galen –I think my husband would be much better commenting on this instead of me but he is watching a Red Sox game and can’t be distracted. This is an important discussion you are having so I took time off from watching a re-run of Jimmy Johnson coming in 5th at the race yesterday to here what you had to say. My husband will definately smirk and say “See all men think like I do” and having two grown sons and three grandsons I have to agree. Fortunately you both recognize what wonderful women and authors… Read more »
Mr D & Mr G, you guys are awesome.
Mr G, I met Shana in New York, and she’s such a lovely person. It sounds like you guys have a lot of fun together, and I love that you respect each other’s commitments without trying to change each other (like you not breaking in on her writing time, and her not trying to convert you to vegetarianism, even though it’s the best lifestyle in the world).
I live in London, so don’t enter me. But thanks for the entertaining post!
twitter.com/katrinalatham
I always like hearing how couples meet. Sometimes there seems to be a shortage of Prince Charmings out there.
I’m a GFC follower.
US resident
Hello Mr. Galen and Mr. DiPasqua,
You guys are awesome sports and thank you for sharing your views on being a RH. I can’t wait for more. Speaking of sports, I’m a die-hard hockey fan myself.
In the interview Mr. Galen you mentioned some differences between you and your wife which adds a nice balance to the relationship like she’s a Vegetarian (shh secret!) you’re not. I was wondering what is something you and your wife have in common? Maybe a love for cooking, gardening, board games etc.? I’m sure there are many =)
Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
LMAO OH BALLS…. if my boy toy was late on our first date Lets just say that the sports network would be his one and only girlfriend … Whom ever came up with the hubby chat idea must have been a woman coughLILAcought… The next moth is going to rock… thanks MR D and MR G…
Canada
Facebook follower of author page
Shared this blog post on facebook group wall ( the book pimps)
Susperia(at)hotmail(dot)com
Great interview Mr. D and Mr. G! Your blog really made me chuckle. Loved your wedding photo, Mr. G! I am wondering how and if you proposed to Shana, or did you both realize you were going to marry, so you never proposed?
I am a Facebook and blog follower of Lilah’s.
This comment has been removed by the author.
This is great!! Can’t wait for the rest of the series too!!
I am SO going to start using “RH” whenever possible!
Mr. DiPasqua and Mr. Galen – you made my day! I loved the interview and spent a bit of time laughing.
My question for Mr. Galen: Who does the cooking? Do you eat vegetarian, too? Does Mrs. Galen cook meat for you?
Oh, and I’m a bigger sports fan than my DH!
Very nicely done, gentlemen, thank you.
kacbooks at hotmail dot com
Great Interview Mr. G! I have to say that I absolutely love the questions Mr. D is askin’.
As for one of my own:
Mr. Galen, does being the husband to a brilliant Romance Author make you feel self conscience about your looks or are you confident?
GFC Follower
U.S.
My question for Mr. Galen and even Mr. DiPasqua..:) I’m assuming your wonderful Romance Wives each have a specific space in your homes such as an office or library they call their own….Do either of you have a similar space that allows you to reach into the depths of your being…such as a “Theater/Sports-Man Cave?” hehehhaha. Once again – fantastic start to a series of interviews I look forward to reading!
First of all I would like to say that I loved watching football, track and rugby. My boys plays those sports and I have learned it’s important to understand the sports they play to be able to talk with them and then grew to love watching them for shear enjoyment. Lately my eldest has been helping me understand soccer with the Women’s World Cup going on. Have you been able to get your wife to watch any sporting events with you?Also when brainstorming with your wife, have she ever used one of your ideas about a specific event or plot… Read more »
Mr Galen,
So wonderful to hear your voice today! Just a quick couple of questions-how many of your beautiful wife’s books have you read? How many of her books have you helped develop-i.e., plot or character discussions, critique, etc.? Thank you in advance for any information you can provide! By the way, you sound just like my husband. We have had directtv from day one of business because of nfl and mlb coverage!!!
Regards
Excellent interview! It made me wonder, you are steak, she is veggie. But, are you both sport? Have you been able to talk her into including historically acruate sports in her stories? BTW, interviewing romance husbands is a great idea!
jepebATverizonDOTnet
Hey everyone! I had a great time interviewing Mr. G. Shana, thanks for stopping by, too! I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s comments!
Kati–“Q for Mr. DiPasqua: Will this be a yearly thing? Absolutely genius idea!”
Is it a yearly thing?—I’m having so much fun, I may never stop. lol
Brandie—Great, we need more men around here!
Di–“Mr. D.: did Mrs. D. help you with the questions, or did you work them out on your own?”
The questions are all mine. She’s okay with me asking the questions. I know she’s curious about how I’ll answer them myself. lol
“Will you be asking everyone the same questions?”
Most questions are the same, but I toss in a different one now and then. Plus, these guys are all different, so you’ll get different responses to each question. 😉
Hello Everyone, I am excited to be here today. Thanks for all the wonderful comments. Kati R: I either tell people in the bookstore when I am on the Romance aisle “this author is great, you should buy all of them and give them as gifts” or “My wife wrote those books. You should buy one.” A couple of people have bought books, so my strategy looks pretty sound. Mrs. Jeter: Derek Jeter was impressive that day. Working his way up to becoming a Top 5 all-time Yankee, IMO. I think more people would have happier marriages if the men… Read more »
Jeanne M–“What historical female in history (you know 1800 – 1980) does your wife closely resemble either in their actions or attitues.” I hope you don’t mind if I go back a little further than 1800. Through Lila I’ve learned a lot about 17th c. France (that was when Cinderella/Sleeping Beauty/Beauty and the Beast were written.) Though I’m not suggesting my wife has ever been a courtesan, there was a remarkable woman back then named, Ninon de l’Enclos. Brilliant, captivating, charming and beautiful. She had the courage to live her life as she saw fit. She loved love–and wrote about… Read more »
Great interview today Gentlemen.
I’m still reeling from the comment of being an hour late for your first date. An hour late!!! Well, it must have been love; I familiar with the feeling. Hubs took me to a basketball game on our First Date and I despise basketball. No cost to get in, the other team didn’t show; our team won by default. Great! We all went for pizza and beer!
Hey, do either one of you have a Man Cave?
cindersmaria @ yahoo DOT com
GFC Follower
SC Resident
Facebook Fan
What a fun party! This is a great idea! Getting to know the men behind our lovely authors.
Mr. Gallen do you help out with the laundry and housework while you wife is writing?
lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com
Maryella and Artemis–With respect to the man cave—No man cave here. But I do have a special shelf…actually, when the kids pile their stuff on it, it turns out to be half a shelf. LOL
To everyone—Thanks everyone for all your wonderful comments about my interview and this blog party idea!
Glad you’re enjoying it!
I’m having a great time! Thanks again, Mr. G!
Hey There Mr G, Great interview Had me ROTFLO with all the Sports you watch don’t watch :}
So with Mrs G being a Vegetarian ( Gasp) Do YOU do the cooking ? Is there a Veg Dish you Will Not eat even if It doesn’t have a Face?.
I also thank you for being supportive of your Wife Fans . & yes I do believe you ARE the Inspiration for her Hot LOVE scenes .
have a good
one.
Ann/allba
What works…works! There are really no set guidelines for happiness in life and love. A vegetarian author and a sports-minded carnivore sound like a great opposites-attract match. Maybe you could write a book?!?
US Resident, GFC Follower, Subscriber
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
I am back….Had to cook dinner (Quesadillas) and then it was my turn to change one of Baby Galen’s “poopie” diapers. You know 25 year-old me would kick 35 year-old me’s ass if he knew I was calling it a “poopie” diaper. But I digress…. Chrisbails: My favorite teams are Houston Astros, Houston Texans, and Texas A&M Aggies. Di: I actually did write all of the answers myself, so thanks for the compliment. I don’t see us teaming up to write anything, but if we did, I would include Boxing as the sport that the book would be based around.… Read more »