Hi, Sharon! Tell us about BUSINESS NOT AS USUAL.
Hi there! Thanks for this opportunity!
My latest book, BUSINESS NOT AS USUAL, is my debut romcom, and it was a fun project to create. The story is about Dreamy Daniels, a financially challenged, quirky, and fun-loving woman who loves life but has had a hard time at it. On top of that, she was recently publicly dumped by her attorney boyfriend who claimed she wasn’t cultured or sophisticated enough for him. His words crush her, and Dreamy decides to take a break from men and work on herself. That includes rebuilding her confidence and focusing on some of her personal goals like finishing her degree in Public Administration and starting her nonprofit. Oh, and she’s determined to finally win the lottery since it’s at an all-time high. Lol. Who doesn’t dream of winning the lottery?
In the meantime, Dreamy catches the eye of a venture capitalist, who also happens to be the son of a famous movie star. She is shocked by his advances. She thinks - What does a guy like him want with someone like her when he can have any woman in the world? He’s the total package and so far out of her league, Dreamy can barely handle being in his presence. She and Karter are from 2 very different worlds and that’s abundantly clear almost immediately. But she wants nothing to do with another wealthy man. Been there. Done that. She’s not falling for his charm, but fate has other ideas, and Karter doesn’t give up easily.
What inspired you to write this hilarious romantic comedy? Did you incorporate any pieces of your own life (or people you know) into this novel?
This story idea came to me one day when the Powerball lottery was like $600 million, and I was thinking about playing. Lol. Then I thought, what if one of my characters - someone who needs a big break in life - won the lottery, and Dreamy Daniels was created. So many of us dream about what it would be like to win the lottery or come into a lot of money. I thought it would be fun to show someone actually winning it, while also allowing them to fall in love with someone who didn’t need money because they already had it.
Hmm…did I incorporate any parts of my own life into the story? I don’t think so…except, I do have a list of what I’d do with the money if I won the lottery. But first, I have to remember to play. Lol.
How would you describe the dynamic between Dreamy and Karter?
I love Dreamy and Karter together because they balance each other. Dreamy is a free-spirited, fun, and quirky woman who just loves life. She makes a friend wherever she goes. Now that I think about it, she reminds me of my sister in that regards. Lol. As for Karter, he’s more serious and in control. He takes his responsibilities (and life) way too seriously but that’s his personality. He brings stability and support to Dreamy’s life, and Dreamy brings sunshine and joy to his.
What was it like writing a love story about two characters who come from such different socioeconomic backgrounds?
Throughout the story, I actually enjoyed putting a spotlight on the differences when it came to their socioeconomic backgrounds. Your question reminds me of a quote from the story - “It’s just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as it is a poor one.” It’s what Dreamy’s mother told her years ago, but Dreamy didn’t think so. As a matter of fact, she thought that was “a load of crap.” Lol.
But anyway, we often look at others and think they have it made…or feel sorry for those who seem to be struggling in life. There were so many things to ponder when taking Dreamy and Karter’s different socioeconomic backgrounds into consideration. How they spoke, how they dressed and carried themselves, and what type of people they hung around with—were only a few details to consider. I really tried to show just how different they were but, in the end, their differences were what bonded them. Dreamy’s strengths were Karter’s weakness and vice versa. Where Karter excelled, Dreamy struggled. In the end, they completed each other. They were perfect together and learned from each other’s backgrounds to become better…more well-rounded individuals. They truly got to see how the other half lived and determined that it wasn’t all rosy for either of them.
The protagonist in this novel, Dreamy Daniels, fantasizes about winning the lottery–was it fun playing out that scenario?
Yes! I’m sure I’m not the only one who has wondered what it would be like to suddenly win an obscene amount of money. When I do remember to play the lottery, I have visualized what it would be like to hear/see my numbers pop up on the TV screen. Lol. So, I took those thoughts (and how I imagined how other people would act) and I let it play out in the story. The scene where Dreamy finally wins the lottery is hilarious (to me – lol). It was one of my favorite scenes to write. Some parts were a little over the top, but I laughed all the way through it because I really do think most of us would lose our minds (in a good way) if our numbers won!
Having written a romantic comedy, what are some of your favorite romance novels?
Hmm… though I wrote a romantic comedy, my favorite genre is romantic suspense. Lol. BUT I love all things romance. Off the top of my head, some of my favorite romance novels include: Commitment by Nia Forrester (NOTE: it’s probably more women’s fiction, but it had a BIG dose of romance throughout), Hot Shot by Kennedy Ryan, and almost anything by Roxie Rivera, and Kaylea Cross, to name a few.
What do you hope readers take away from Business Not As Usual?
Business Not As Usual is a fun, feel-good story that has heart. I hope readers are reminded to not judge someone only by the way they look on the outside but take time to actually get to know a person’s heart before passing judgment. I also hope readers, while reading the story, are mentally taken away from their everyday life and have the opportunity to laugh out loud. It would also be great if the story sparks something inside of a person that makes them want to revisit some of their own dreams and desires.
As an avid reader, I love when I can just curl up with a book and forget about some of my responsibilities (and deadlines) and just enjoy a good read. Hopefully, this story will do that for someone.
What’s next?
Whew! Busy, busy, busy. Lol. I have several projects in the works. Next up for me is COMMITTED (Atlanta’s Finest series – romantic suspense). This story is a where-are-they-now type of story of a couple of my characters who are fan favorites (Laz and Journey). I’m also adding to my Reunited Series (finally) and that book is a romantic suspense and is entitled CASINO HEAT. It’s a second chance/sports romance. And I have another romcom in the works entitled IN IT TO WIN IT. This one is a spinoff from Business Not As Usual and some of the characters make a cameo appearance in IN IT TO WIN IT. Readers can learn more about these stories and more by visiting my website - http://sharoncooper.net.
A woman learns the hard way about mixing business with pleasure in this hilarious new romantic comedy by USA Today bestselling author Sharon C. Cooper.
I am beautiful. I am confident. I am lovable. I am a lottery winner.
This is the mantra that will get Dreamy Daniels through each day until she makes it big. So what if she lives in a seedy part of Los Angeles in a house that’s one earthquake away from crumbling, or works an unfulfilling secretarial job while struggling to finish her bachelor’s degree? All Dreamy needs to do is win the lottery, which she’s been entering in as a weekly tradition with her grandfather. When she catches the attention of her boss’s potential investor, Dreamy has to remind herself to focus on her career goals so she can be her own boss. Who cares if he has the social grace of the Duke of Sussex and the suaveness of Idris Elba? No distractions allowed.
Growing up with a father who is an A-list actor and a socialite mother, venture capitalist Karter Redford lives in the world of the rich and famous. Instead of attending movie premieres, however, he prefers spending his time helping the less fortunate, backing start-up companies and investing in cutting edge ideas. Karter is used to his life revolving around work, but when he decides he wants someone to share it with, he falls for someone his mother would never approve of: hilarious, quirky Dreamy, who has goals of her own…but also isn’t a wealthy, upper-crust socialite. Though it’s clear they’re from different worlds, their relationship might just be his greatest investment yet.
Romance Contemporary [Berkley, On Sale: April 5, 2022, Trade Size / e-Book, ISBN: 9780593335253 / eISBN: 9780593335260]
Bestselling author, Sharon C. Cooper, is a romance-a-holic, loving anything that involves romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies or real life. She writes contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. When Sharon is not writing or working, she’s hanging out with her amazing husband.
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