Welcome special guest: author Donna Hatch ( @donnahatch @WildRosePress )

Hi all! Grab a cup of tea – or whatever it is you like to drink – and check out this interview! Today we have author Donna Hatch visiting. She's another featured author at Arizona Dreamin' - Arizona's first romance-reader event! http://arizonadreamin.wordpress.com/ Donna Hatch’s writing awards include the Golden Rose and the prestigious Golden Quill. A self-proclaimed history geek, Donna frequently escapes to romantic worlds of yesteryear. The mother of six children, she patterns her heroes after her husband of over 20 years, who continues to prove that there really is a happily ever after.

So, Donna, what inspired you to become a writer?
I don’t know that any one thing inspired me to write. I always had stories in my head and I started writing them down when I was about 8 or so. When I was about 14, a friend ended a letter with the words; “I hope you make the best seller’s list.” I didn’t even know what she was talking about at that time. In 7th grade, an English teacher encouraged me to finish a novel I was working on and suggested I could publish it. But I had no idea what to do or how to do it. Many years later, I joined a writers group and got the guidance I needed.

When did you attempt your first story? What length was it? What's become of it?
At the age of 8, I started with short stories about camping, or spending the night with a friend. Later, I moved on to mysteries and spin-offs from favorite TV shows or books. I wrote my first full-length romance novel when I was 15. And no, it will never see the light of day! I also wrote articles and short stories for a high school independent newspaper. My first novel was probably about 70 or 80 thousand words and it was basically fan fiction. My first original novel was about 130 k words and I wrote it when I was a sophomore in high school. Many years and revisions later, I finally published it with the title Queen in Exile.

How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
Stories? About a dozen. Novels? Three. But I also have dozens in incomplete stories and novels, plus two that were lost during a computer crash. I know back up everything in at least three places.

What genre(s) do you write in? What drew you to write in it/them? What’s your favorite genre of all to write in?
I write romance, in the subgenres of fantasy and historical fiction—specifically Regency. I love romance because the main part of the plot is the relationship and how they overcome the barriers between them to finally get together. I also really thrive on the happily ever after. Fantasy and historical is wonderful because it’s a true escape into a totally new world.

What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
The worst was 'Write what you know.' What it should be is: 'Write what you love and want to know about.' The best is to be persistent. That’s a major part of getting published.

How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
Rejection letters hurt no matter what. The first few made me crazy and I always went back through my manuscript to find out what I could do to improve it…which isn’t a bad idea, but since literature is so subjective, a rejection doesn’t always mean there’s anything wrong with a story, it just didn’t work for that person. Now, if I get a form letter rejection, I whine to my critique partner and to my husband for a day or so, eat a lot of chocolate, then I get over it and get back to work submitting and writing. If the rejection letter is personalized, I do the same first few steps as form letter rejections, only I consider if what the editor/agent said has any merit to my work and consider whether or not anything needs to be changed. When I get acceptance “letters,” which are either emails or personal phone calls, I let out a squeal, dance all around, tell all my friends, family, authors on my writers’ loops, and generally make a lot of noise. I also go out to dinner with my hubby or my critique partner (or both) and eat chocolate. Notice chocolate works great in both cases. :)

In regard to the book you’re promoting, which actor and actress do you envision playing the roles of your hero and heroine? If there’s a villain or other characters who are pertinent to the story, who would play those parts?
Hugh Jackman would make a great Jared but he’s a little older than Jared is in the book. Maybe Zac Efron the way he appeared in The Lucky One, but with darker hair. For Elise, maybe Keri Russell or Kiera Knightley.

The book you’re promoting, is it a stand-alone story or part of a series? If it’s part of a series, please list the order the books need to be read in for maximum reading enjoyment.
It’s book two of the Rogue Hearts series. Book one is The Stranger She Married, and book two is The Guise of a Gentleman. Book three is not yet titled. I have six book planned for this series. Inspiration for the first book is hard to nail down—it was a combination of things. I often wonder about the other side of a story, and about the back stories of secondary characters in movies and books. I also like to ask “what if…?” What if the Phantom were a gentle, loving soul trapped in a scarred body? What if Christine fell in love with the Phantom instead of the handsome young aristocrat? Anyway, my story started out like that and then took on a life of its own. I love romances, love triangles, and a twist of intrigue, so that’s all in there.
   Book two was inspired by a secondary character in the book, Jared, the hero’s brother, who was a pirate and walked into the story so fun and fully formed that I had to give him his own book. He sorta demanded it. Writing his story was a lot like running after him writing what he did as fast as I could. When I had to take a break to proof my galleys for the first book, I started dreaming about Jared so vividly that I found it very distracting.

*** Now for some fun info… ***
What’s your favorite color?
I love pink and blue equally. I guess that makes me a two timer.

Are you a cat, dog or both kind of person?
Definitely cats. I have three, although it’s a long story why. I only meant to have two, but well, it happens. Okay, I confess, at the moment, because of one our cats had a litter of kittens, I currently have eight, but five will be leaving in a month or so and we’ll be back down to three. Then everyone will get fixed so there won’t be any more kittens at our house, tempting us to keep them because they’re so cute.

Which do you prefer: rain or sun & warm weather or cold weather?
I love cool, rainy days because in Arizona, we have so few of them that they are a treat. And I love the smell of rain on the desert!

Are you a morning person or night owl?
I’m naturally a night owl, but my children’s school schedule makes that hard to do, so I keep the morning person schedule under extreme protest. I can’t wait for summer vacation!

*** About Donna's book… ***
The widowed Elise is a perfect English lady living within the confines of society for the sake of her impressionable young son. Her quiet world is shattered when she meets the impulsive and scandalous Jared Amesbury. His roguish charm awakens her yearning for freedom and adventure. But his irrepressible grin and sea-green eyes hide a secret.
   A gentleman by day, a pirate by night, Jared accepts one last assignment before he can be truly free. Elise gives him hope that he, too, can find love and belonging. His hopes are crushed when his best laid plans go awry and Elise is dragged into his world of violence and deceit. She may not survive the revelation of Jared’s past…or still love him when the truth is revealed.
   “Combining Jane Austen with swashbuckling adventure, The Guise of a Gentleman is a fine specimen of pirate romance!” ~ NY Times bestselling author Jennifer Ashley
Order directly from The Wild Rose Press
Available in paperback or Kindle at Amazon
Available in paperback or Nook at Barnes and Noble

***Find Donna here***
Website
Twitter
Facebook

Thank you for joining us here today, Donna! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your work.

Donna says...
GIVEAWAY! Only lucky commenter will receive a free digital copy of my Pirate Regency romance novel, The Guise of a Gentleman. If you want additional chances to win, “like” my Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/RomanceAuthorDonnaHatch. You can also receive another chance to win by following me on Twitter http://twitter.com/donnahatch. Entry period into the drawing will be open from today, May 29, to Monday, June 4. I will draw a winner after 6 PM pacific time on June 4 then contact them, so remember to leave an email address! Good luck!

Welcome special guest: author Judy Duarte

Today we have author Judy Duarte visiting. Judy sold her first book in 2002 and has published more than forty more novels since then. A two-time Rita® finalist with MULBERRY PARK (2009) and ENTERTAINING ANGELS (2010), she was awarded two Maggies and a National Reader’s Choice Award for her heartwarming stories. Judy lives in Southern California.

So, Judy, what inspired you to become a writer?
I’m an avid reader. Back in 1996, I began wondering if I could write a book of my own. So I purchased a computer and played around with a story idea. Before long, I was caught up in creative process. I found Romance Writers of America, and the rest is history.

When did you attempt your first story? What length was it? What's become of it?
In 1996, I began work on LEGACY OF THE HEART, a historical romance that takes place on a wagon train. That 90,000 word manuscript was my very first attempt at writing. It’s now under the bed, hiding amidst the dust bunnies.

How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
I wrote three more historical novels after LEGACY OF THE HEART. And I’m hopeful they’ll eventually be published. In fact, one of them was a Golden Heart finalist in 2001. I recently revised that manuscript, and my agent is currently trying to sell it.

What genre(s) do you write in? What drew you to write in it/them? What’s your favorite genre of all to write in?
I write contemporary

romance for Harlequin Special Edition, one of their home and heart lines. I also write inspirational women’s fiction for Kensington. If my historicals take off, I’ll be writing in that genre, too.
Writing different stories for different publishers allows me a change of pace sometimes, while still providing the readers with heartwarming reads.

What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
The best was: Never give up on your dream. It will happen, but not if you quit writing.
The worst was… Hmm. I can’t say that I’ve ever gotten any bad advice… Well, if I did, I filed it away as unimportant and kept dreaming and writing and submitting.

How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
Selling a book leaves me with a high that lasts for days. Even after more than forty sales, it’s still a thrill to learn that a publisher wants to buy my book.
As for rejections, I’ve found that putting them aside for a few days or a week gives me a better perspective. I usually revise with the rejecting editor’s comments in mind and resubmit a better proposal the next time around.

In regard to the book you’re promoting, which actor and actress do you envision playing the roles of your hero and heroine? If there’s a villain or other characters who are pertinent to the story, who would play those parts?

In THE RANCHER’S HIRED FIANCEE, I described the hero, Ray Mendez, as looking enough like Antonio Banderas to be his younger brother. The heroine, Catherine Loza, could be played by Katherine Heigl.

The book you’re promoting, is it a stand-alone story or part of a series? If it’s part of a series, please list the order the books need to be read in for maximum reading enjoyment.
THE RANCHER’S HIRED FIANCEE is book 2 in a series called Brighton Valley Babies. The first book, A BABY UNDER THE TREE, was released in December of 2011.
This series is a spin-off of the Brighton Valley Medical Center series and The Texas Homecoming series. But this book—and the series—all stand alone.

*** Now for some fun info… ***
What’s your favorite color?
Green—at least, these days.

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Strawberry—especially if it’s homemade!

Are you a cat, dog or both kind of person?
Both! Sadly, Tina, our cat, hates dogs with a passion. So we haven’t had the heart to adopt a new pet.

Would you/have you own(ed) a snake or some other exotic pet?
No, I haven’t wanted any kind of scaly or exotic critter.

Which do you prefer: rain or sun & warm weather or cold weather?
I love cold, rainy days, especially if I can stay inside.

Are you a morning person or night owl?
I love the wee hours of the morning, when the household is quiet.

What’s your favorite day of the week?
Sunday, which is a day for church and family.

What’s your favorite number?
Ten.

If you could live anywhere in the universe, where would it be and why?
Heaven would be awesome. Other than that, I’m happy just where I am. :)

If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?
Wow, that’s tough. All the important modern conveniences need batteries or electricity or some kind of power source! So how about a lighter, a knife, a spear, a hammer and nails…

*** About Judy's book(s)… ***
Fake Fiancée…True Romance!
    The Antonio Banderas look-alike standing on the porch in Western gear wasn’t at all what actress Catherine Loza had expected. But when the tall, dark and totally irresistible rancher asked her to play the role of his fiancée to get the local matchmakers off his back, well…it was an offer the actress couldn’t refuse.
    Brighton Valley mayor Ray Mendez thought he’d come up with the perfect plan. But as his fake engagement awakened stirrings of real romance—and real passion—he soon found himself wondering if he could persuade his costar to make their arrangement of convenience permanent. A proposal from the heart—and a baby on the way!—might just convince her that he was for real…
    Brighton Valley Babies—A new generation of cowboys—and cowgirls!—is on the way.
The Rancher’s Hired Fiancée
Harlequin Special Edition
By: Judy Duarte
Coming out ~ June 2012
ISBN: 978-0-373-65675-2
Pre-order here: Amazon.

***Find Judy here***
WEBSITE

Thank you for joining us here today, Judy! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your work.

You're welcome! I'd also be happy to host a contest. I'll give autographed copies of my backlist--including MENDOZA'S MIRACLE, book 3 in the Fortunes of Texas, a Harlequin Special Edition, March 2012--to three lucky commenters.

Welcome special guest: author Vijaya Schartz ( #FF @Vijayaschartz )

Today we have author Vijaya Schartz visiting. Award-winning author Vijaya Schartz is a daredevil, a world traveler who brings exotic settings to her writing. She writes girls with blasters, guns, swords, and adds a kick to contemporary shape shifters, futuristic and historical romance. Her compelling stories will keep you entranced, turning the pages until the last line.

So, Vijaya, what inspired you to become a writer?
I always wanted to write. I read fluently at age three and started writing poetry at six. I read extensively as a teen, and I admired authors, especially the classics. Although I thought I could write, I didn't realize at the time that writing could become an occupation.

When did you attempt your first story? What length was it? What's become of it?
My first poem at age six was a rhyming Christmas tale, but after so much time and so many travels, it disappeared long ago. Just as well. It was probably humiliating.

How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
My first book published, Ashes for the Elephant God, was the fourth novel I completed. Later I rewrote the other books and they are now published as well.

What genre(s) do you write in? What drew you to write in it/them? What’s your favorite genre of all to write in?
I like to write action and romance, whether it's in futuristic, historical, or contemporary settings. Although I am known for my sci-fi romance, I also have contemporary romantic suspense novellas, paranormal shape shifters, and I'm working on a medieval fantasy series based on authentic post Arthurian legends.

What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
Best: write every day
Worst: write what you know. I would say write what you want to know, because through research and travel you can become familiar with anything, if you are passionate about it. I write about space travel, yet I've never been in space. That's a big item on my bucket list.

How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
You can't please everyone. Rejection is a fact of life. As long as my readers love my books, I can handle rejection. I celebrate both with chocolate and wine. For acceptances, I do a little dance around my home office. Sometimes I shriek, often I sing. I treat myself to a nice French Restaurant.

In regard to the book you’re promoting, which actor and actress do you envision playing the roles of your hero and heroine? If there’s a villain or other characters who are pertinent to the story, who would play those parts?
My April 1st release, NOAH'S ARK, is the prequel to the Chronicles of Kassouk series. Kostas, the hero, is a Space Marine with a terrific physique and a deadly secret. For him I would picture some hunk like John Cena of The Marine action movies (love the cleft in the chin) or maybe The Rock. My heroine is a no-nonsense ship captain with sassy short blond hair and daddy issues. She is an optimist with a good heart. I could see Charlize Theron in that role.

The book you’re promoting, is it a stand-alone story or part of a series? If it’s part of a series, please list the order the books need to be read in for maximum reading enjoyment.
NOAH'S ARK is the prequel for the Chronicles of Kassouk series. It takes place centuries before the first book. It's the story of the human settlers who colonized this farflung planet. Book One in that series is White Tiger, Book Two: Red Leopard, Book Three: Black Jaguar, Book Four: Blue Lioness. All these books are available in all eBook formats. Noah's Ark is coming to eBooks April 1, 2012, and White Tiger, the first in the series, is coming to paperback this spring, to be followed by the other books in paperback soon after.

Thank you for joining us here today, Vijaya! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your work.

Vijaya says, "I always have a contest going on my website. Just click on CONTEST at top right at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com."