T Gephart - A Fine Line Between Obsession and Admiration

Posted on 22nd of May, 2019 by Naomi Bolton

T Gephart is a USA Today and International bestselling author from Melbourne, Australia. With an approach to life that is somewhat unconventional, she prefers to fly by the seat of her pants rather than adhere to some rigid roadmap. Her lack of "plan" has resulted in a rather interesting and eclectic resume, which reads more like the fiction she writes than an actual employment history. She'd tell you all about it, but the statute of limitations hasn't expired yet. But all those crazy twists and turns have led her to a career she loves—writing romantic comedy. As our Author of the Day, Gephart tells us all about her book, #1 Crush.

Please give us a short introduction to what #1 Crush is about.

It's a fine line between obsession and admiration, and Tia isn't certain on which side of the line she stands. One thing is for sure, she needs to meet Eric Larsson—the Hollywood movie star that makes her insides twists.

Eric Larsson doesn't even know she exists.

Can Tia make her dream come true without her mug shot being broadcasted on the five o'clock news?

It’s the ultimate “fan” fantasy, the idea of being able to meet your celebrity crush. Of course, not all meetings are as we picture them and Tia’s is no exception.

What inspired you to write this book?

My own meeting with my “celebrity crush!” Of course, it didn’t go down the same as it did for Tia but I loved the idea so much and thought it would be fun to play with it and take it a little—or maybe a LOT—further.

Tell us more about Tia Monroe. What makes her tick?

She has BIG emotions. She wears her heart on her sleeve and believes anything is possible. She loves adventure and doesn’t do anything by halves.

What makes Eric Larsson such a great catch?

He’s sweet and funny and despite being a celebrity, he has a real side to him. Of course he is also unbelievably gorgeous with an outstanding body, but once you get past that, you see he has an amazing heart too. Oh, and a cheeky side as well.

Readers say that your characters are hilarious and sweet. How did you pull this off?

I don’t write books with the intention of anything other than telling the story, so I have no idea LOL. I think if you keep true the character and follow their path, then they will embody something people can relate to. Both Tia and Eric were funny and sweet, their were hearts in the right place and both of them slight crazy, I’m glad I did them justice.

Besides writing, what other secret skills do you have?

My lips are sealed. #KeepingThemSecret

Any amusing story that happened to you as an author?

Tia dreams about meeting a famous actor... which famous person would you like to meet and why?

For me it was Alexander Skarsgård, and I did get to meet him. I absolutely loved him in True Blood, and think he’s wonderful. He was so incredibly sweet and lovely, it was a pleasure meeting him.

Both Eric and Tia have hidden agendas. Why did you create the story this way?

I just didn’t want it to be predictable, no one likes a story they already know the ending too. I also think in “real” life, we all carry our own hidden bag of stuff be it an agenda, expectations, or emotions. I wanted the characters to feel real.

Should this ever be turned into a movie, which famous actors would you imagine in the lead?

Ooooooo I have no idea. Obviously Alexander Skarsgård was my inspiration for Eric but based on the age of the characters, that would be difficult. I’d say whoever could bring their “essence” to life. Tia would have to be quirky and a little crazy and Eric would have to be tall, sweet and gerogous.

How much fun do you have coming up with these story lines and characters?

Each book is its own adventure. #1 Crush was an abosolute pleasure to write, it let me just take "the line" most people wouldn't cross and jump right over it. I laughed most of the time I was writing it, half the situations are so ridiculous but also very endearing—it was pure joy to be in their world.

What are you working on right now?

I’m writing a rock star romance about a no name band (not famous LOL) from Pittsburgh, PA whose lead singer is thrust into the spotlight when a social media posts he makes goes viral. He finally has the world watching, it will be interesting to see what he does with the attention.