Please join me in welcoming YA author Karole Cozzo! We met through the Sweethearts of YA (which is currently on hiatus) and I’m excited to have her here.

Karole lives outside Philadelphia with her husband, two kids, and Vizsla. In addition to writing, Karole works as a School Psychologist at an area high school. Hobbies include running, party planning (celebrate everything!), crafty projects, and Target.

Her latest novel, The Game Can’t Love You Back, is a sports romance and sounds absolutely adorable.

Here’s the blurb:

Eve is used to being the odd woman out. As the only girl on her school’s baseball team, she knows exactly how to put sweaty, macho baseball players in their place, and she’s learned to focus on one thing and one thing only—being the best pitcher she can be.

But when a freak accident forces her school to be absorbed by the neighboring town, Eve has to contend with a new group of guys who aren’t used to having a woman on their team. And the new team’s star pitcher, Jamie, has no interest in being ousted from his throne. He can’t afford to give up his starting slot to a new pitcher—especially to a girl.

As the competition between Jamie and Eve starts to heat up, so does their attraction to each other. Can they keep their heads in the game, or will they end up getting played?

You know you want this!

Buy TGCLYB here!

Now for the fun stuff!

What’s your favorite genre? Do you read what you write?

Contemporary YA, and yes, I read what I write. I’ll branch out occasionally, in the spirit of book club or trying something different, but I’m a contemporary YA girl at heart, and I don’t really try to fight it.

It took me a long time to admit that contemporary romance is my favorite, and it can be challenging to read other genres!

What’s your favorite part about writing?

That “nailed it!” feeling when the scene you envisioned so clearly in your head has been successfully captured on the page. Otherwise, hearing from readers of course. Readers should never underestimate how much it means to authors to hear from them.

I agree 100% about hearing from readers. I want everyone who’s read my books to tell me what they think—even if they didn’t like it.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

I struggle with plotting. The character development, the emotional conflict, that all comes naturally. But I sometimes struggle with coming up with plots that are engaging or “high stakes” enough or closing up plot holes that pop up.

I sometimes struggle with this too. I have a friend who is a plot genius, so I rely on her help.

What’s an activity unrelated to writing that you love?

Planning theme parties for my kids and family. 🙂

That sounds like so much fun! I’m not sure I’ve ever hosted a theme party.

Who’s your biggest cheerleader?

My writers’ community – I’d be lost without them! I don’t know if anyone else can truly commiserate over the emotional roller coaster that is the publishing industry the way fellow writers can.

This is so true!!

Now I’d like to play a fun little game called This or That. As a writer, I find that a lot of interviews ask the same questions, so I always appreciate sharing something new about myself. I’m super excited about these questions—and I hope you enjoy them!

Introvert or extrovert?
Most people who know me consider me an extrovert, but considering the amount of time I spend in my own head, I consider myself an introvert.

Morning or night person?
Up and at’ em; guaranteed to be passed out on the couch by 10:30 at the latest.

Morning or night person?
Morning

Coffee or tea?
Coffee and lots of it.

Sweet or salty?
Salty (and crunchy).

Eternal summer or four seasons?
Four seasons, although I’d get rid of winter if I could.

Mountains or beach?
Beach

Dogs or cats?
Dogs

Over 5’5” or under?
Under

Left or right-handed?
Leftie

Hoodie or yoga pants?
Usually both together

Okay, this is crazy! You and Kayla, my first two interviewees, are both left-handed and under 5’5″. We definitely need to start a club!

Karole, thank you SO MUCH for spending time with us! To my readers, you can find Karole online here:

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