An Interview with...Elizabeth Rolls

Elizabeth Rolls lives in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, in a beautiful lush valley full of apple, pear and cherry orchards. She moved there a couple of years back, escaping from the city and it’s just gorgeous. The property is small, only five acres, but has room for two small noisy boys, three dogs, two cats and several woolly things masquerading a environmently friendly lawnmowers.
Before thatshe lived in Melbourne, which was fun, but she and her husband always wanted to live in the country and now they do.
She has been married to an ex-nuclear physicist – don’t ask! for the last 17 years and they have two rowdy little boys, commonly described as “feral”.
Most of her friends think they have far too many animals, and everyone knows they have far too many books.
She grew up moving around a fair bit. Elizabeth's father was in the army and every few years the family had to up sticks and move on. She was born in England, expelled from kindergarten in Melbourne, started school in Papua New Guinea and finished school in Melbourne.
After taking a degree in Music Education she taught music for several years while her husband finished his Ph.D.

Although many writers know they want to be a writer from an
early age, was there something in particular that made you decide to
pursue your dream? A job that was driving me insane. I missed my Masters thesis. A friend who read the first draft of my first book and persuaded me to submit it. But I’d always loved writing and I always had stories unfolding in my head. Ever since I was little. I didn’t write them down much after I left school, but they were still there and eventually it just got to the point where one of them had to come out.
How long after you first started submitting did it take for
you to have your first book accepted? You really don’t want to hear the answer to that, do you? Just give me a moment to get under cover . . . I sold my first book. But before people start lobbing hand-grenades, can I point out that selling your first book is not all roses. You don’t know a blessed thing about the industry. You have no idea about the editing process and you certainly have no idea just HOW you managed to write a book. And you have a husband who thinks that writing books must be easy! Along with all these authors who want to kill you. Added to that all your mistakes are out there. In public. Mind you, plenty of people love that book so it’s not all bad. I did the best I could with it at the time, so I refuse to feel bad about it.
Can you share a special recipe? Either one that your characters
make in your latest book, or one you often make? Richard and Thea don’t really get anywhere near a kitchen in this book. Although, no, Richard does. But he only heats up milk. A special recipe .. . . okay, my family really likes this one. My sister-in-law gave it to me.
Elizabeth’s Choc Chip Cookies
1 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon of milk
drop of vanilla essence
4 oz melted butter
Beat well with a fork and add;
2 cups self raising flour
1 cup of choc chip bits
Mix together. Roll into little balls and place on prepared baking tray. Flatten slightly with a fork. Bake at 350-375F for about 10-15 minutes. Let harden for a few minutes on the baking tray and then transfer to wire racks to cool. If you eat them too soon you burn your mouth on the choc chips – or so my sons tell me.

Perhaps I should point out that this recipe is NOT for anyone on a diet. Kids love them, not to mention husbands. Also they are dead easy for children to make. You just have to help with the melted butter. You can add nuts as well as the choc chips if you like. Macadamia is gorgeous.
What attracts you to your time period? I love the sense of a society about to change. Change is already happening in the form of the Industrial Revolution and the Napoleonic wars, but more change is on the way politically and with the coming of the railways in 1825.
Writers often use photos of movie or tv stars for inspiration,
who has been the inspiration for some of your heroes? I must be a bit odd. I don’t actually use photos in that way. Not of people anyway. I’m more likely to see a picture of a place or house and start imagining who lived there. Or I read some odd snippet of information and stories start to form around it. I know many readers don’t like blow by blow descriptions of the characters – they find it constraining. I seem to be the same way with photographs of potential heroes. And heroines for that matter. If I find one that reminds me of them, that’s another matter. My characters tend to walk into my head fully formed physically. Reading about someone is far more likely to inspire me than a visual image.
Who are some of your favourite romance authors? Jo Beverley, Anne Stuart, Nicola Cornick, Joanna Maitland, Helen Kirkman – this is in no particular order, and the list is by no means complete – Anne Gracie, Elizabeth Lowell, Jennifer Crusie, Linda Howard. I have many favourites and I seem to be adding to that list all the time.
When you are not writing what do you do? Try to get to three exercise classes a week to counteract all that sitting on my backside. Read. Drive my sons to and from various after-school activities – I usually write while I’m sitting in the car. I’m on a couple of local committees too. It’s much harder to remain anonymous in the country. I really love to spend time enjoying our garden.
What are some of your favourite movies? An Affair to Remember, The Philadelphia Story, Notorious, Charade – yes all right; I love Cary Grant. To Kill a Mockingbird – we watched that the other night and I sat there during the courtroon scene getting weepier and weepier. Gregory Peck can always get my heart rate up. To Catch a Thief – Cary Grant again, and I just love it when my husband gets antsy about Grace Kelly swinging around the cliff tops in that car. It’s quite an experience to hear him yelling “Slow down! Slow down! You’ll miss one!” Loved Lord of the Rings to bits. My sons love them too, so every holidays we have a Viewing. The Shrek movies. Wallace and Grommit – The Curse of the Were Rabbit . . .
Can you tell us about your future books? I’m just finishing up the story of one of the secondary characters from A Compromised Lady. I started thinking about Julian quite a while back, possibly because he became important in ACL. He’s been quite an interesting character, because perhaps more clearly than any of my other heroes, he is full of the prejudices of his time. Especially the ones pertaining to breeding. He likes well-bred dogs, well-bred horses and has been taking it rather for granted that his so-far-hypothetical bride will be equally well-bred . . . After that I have a few murders planned and I would love to write another novella. I like writing novellas. They are a lovely change of weight and pace.
What does your writing cave look like? A total mess. I clean up at the end of each book and in between if I get really badly stuck. That’s usually the point where I decide my editor needs a synopsis and I tidy up my mind, plot and the mess at the same time. I have a desk for the computer and one for old-fashioned scribbling which works really well for me. Large parts of my recent books exist in literal manuscript. I will admit that if scribbling is involved I work in the garden, weather permitting.
What is about the heroes from that time period that excites
you? My aunt thinks it’s because of the skin tight pants the men wear – she says you can see what they’re thinking. I love the fact that in those days a man could still – just – get away with fighting a duel. It lends a certain edge to any argument over a woman!

What is the worst thing about being a writer? Sitting on my behind all day! I am very aware that having such a sedentary job is having an appalling effect on my jeans size. I’ve found a local exercise group and started working out.
What is the biggest challenge you face when you are writing a
book? The beginning, middle or end? Yes! It depends on the book. The middle, let’s face, it always sags. Usually I need to take it apart and do something drastic to it. Like cut half of it out. The beginning is rarely the same beginning that I started with. Sometimes the original opening ends up as backstory. Or sometimes it gets axed completely. For A Compromised Lady I tried about half a dozen openings. I feel that I’m in good company though, since I read that JK Rowling did the same with the first Harry Potter book. I need to write myself into it and find out about my characters that way. As for the end, it can take me ages to figure out exactly HOW to end it, but once I’ve worked it out the writing generally happens fast. It’s often a minor plot point that will hold me up, something I have to work out how to make it happen physically. With A Compromised Lady the main difficulty was working out why and when certain things had to be revealed to Thea, and/or Richard, and the reader. At one stage just about everything was revealed to Richard right near the end. That just wasn’t working, and when my editor read the draft, she said that I needed to work that out. Space the revelations better. A very helpful comment, because it also helped with the structure, driving the plot from one stage to the next. I have a really good editor.
The bit I love the most is the final polish, pulling it all together and, hopefully, knowing that you’ve got it as right as you can.

Many thanks to Elizabeth Rolls for chatting with the Harlequin Historical Authors.

Buy
A Compromised Lady

also available as an e-book.

An Interview with...June Francis

Medieval Historical and acclaimed saga writer, June Franic is English, was a war baby, used to work as a cash clerk, has been married forty-three years this month, and has three grown-up sons. She started seriously writing for publication at the age of 40 and has had twenty-one novels published and her twenty-second and twenty-third will be out this year.

We are delighted that she has taken time out of her bvusy schedule to speak about her latest North American release --Rowan's Revenge. It is available as both as print and e-book versions from e-harlequin.

Although many writers know they want to be a writer from an early age, was there something in particular that made you decide to pursue your dream?

We got a new vicar at our church and his wife did some writing for a religious programme on local radio. I told her about my dream and she encouraged me by involving me in writing for and editing the church magazine. The next move was her encouraging me to join the local writers’ group. My husband was also willing to let me have a go

How long after you first started submitting did it take for you to have your first book accepted?

It took two years but I had two books accepted at the same time by M&B Masquerade imprint. I just kept rewriting them.

What attracts you to your time period?
I’d had a dream after watching a children’s programme set in a castle. So I decided to write an historical set during the Barons’ Wars in the time of Henry III. It was a period I didn’t know at all and I knew I’d enjoy doing the research. My next one was set a little later during the reign of Edward I and mostly set in North Wales and Cheshire. I’ve crept up over the years but can say I still enjoy writing books set in the Middle Ages. My latest books are set in the fifteenth century. I do like my heroes and heroines to have an adventure and I just enjoy the intrigue, the religious background and the wild places where there can be ancient stones - I also like the clothes.

Writers often use photos of movie or tv stars for inspiration, who has been the inspiration for some of your heroes?
I don’t use photos for inspiration but I do have a weakness for dark curly hair and blue eyes. When I was a teenager I had a pash on Tony Curtis in ‘The Thief of Baghdad”. I also liked Richard Todd in the Elizabethan movie “The Sword and the Rose”. He was also in “Rob Roy” but is probably most famous for playing the war hero, Guy Gibson in “The Dambusters” Don’t get me started on the voice of Richard Burton in “The Robe” or Robert Taylor’s sword play in “Quentin Durward” More recently, well about twenty years ago - there was Robert Powell playing Jesus. My husband believes he’s the real one who helps me with my love interest.


When you are not writing what do you do?
Very little housework. I cook, swim, walk, watch television with my sons or husband - depending what’s on. I listen to music and occasionally lunch with my sister or writing friends and go on holiday with my husband. But I spend more time writing than doing anything else, including sleeping.

Can you tell us about your future books?
I am not a planner. I think no further than the next one or two. My next book out is ‘Tamed by the Barbarian’ and after that ‘Enslaved by the Witch’s Daughter‘ which is set in 1475. My hero, Jack, is a merchant adventurer, who has spent six years as a slave in Arabia. He’s a scarred man, physically, emotionally. My heroine, Lady Anna is a widow and is accused of being a witch like her mother. I also write sagas for another publisher and these are much longer than my hmb. I have just finished one of them set towards the end of the Great War and its aftermath. My next saga I’ll be starting soon and it’ll be set in the early twenties and called Tilly’s Story. I haven’t thought up the plot for my next HMB, but it could be set just after the Battle of Bosworth, beginning of the Tudor period. I just might have a French heroine and English hero - or as I’m going to Perthshire in Scotland for a few days in July with my sister, I just might have a Norse-Scottish hero and English heroine and the period could be early than 15th century.

What does your writing cave look like? It an alcove in our bedroom and gets terrible untidy. I have a map of Chester on the wall behind my chair and a family tree of the houses of York and Nevill in front of my desk. I like to have pictures round me and a few ornaments and a stuffed cat, Bagpuss on my monitor.

What is the worst thing about being a writer?
Not being able to go out in the sunshine when one’s got a deadline. There’s also that the job is hard work for not really a lot of pay and people believing it’s either a doddle or you earn six figure sums. I wish.

What is the biggest challenge you face when you are writing a book? The beginning, middle or end?

Having just finished a book - I’d say the end. I kept rewriting that last chapter but my agent had read it and says that she loves a happy ending. It went off to my editor, Suzy, yesterday, so fingers crossed I’ve got the ending right.

Many thanks June. And remember Rowan's Revenge is currently avaialble in the US. Tamed by the Barbarian will be a September 07 release for Mills and Boon Historical.

An interview with...Cheryl St John

Cheryl St.John is the author of thirty Harlequin and Silhouette books. Her first book, RAIN SHADOW was nominated for RWA’s RITA for Best First Book, by Romantic Times for Best Western Historical, and by Affaire de Coeur readers as Best American Historical Romance. Her 2005 HH, HIS SECONDHAND WIFE, earned another RITA nod. HH LAND OF DREAMS, SSE THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, and HH PRAIRIE WIFE each won RT’s Reviewers Choice Awards. Many of her Special Editions made Waldenbooks Top Ten and HH BIG SKY BRIDES anthology climbed to #35 on the NYT list. In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real life situations.”

Cheryl's latest The Preacher's Daughter is currently available at all good local bookshops, on e-harlequin and as an e-book.

Although many writers know they want to be a writer from an early age, was there something in particular that made you decide to pursue your dream?

The defining year for me was the year my youngest daughter went to first grade. I had been at home raising four children spread out over several years and felt the void of sending the youngest to school all day. Until then I’d been playing at writing, keeping handwritten notebooks and dallying with the stories like a hobby. Then and there I decided that I was going to actually do what I’d always dreamed of doing and write an entire book. I started it in October and finished it during that school year. I had the time of my life. I had no idea what I was doing, so it had no plot or conflict and the villain was wishy washy, but the characters were fun and I enjoyed creating a romance. I even submitted the manuscript to every publisher and agent I could find. Only years later did I understand how embarrassing that was. I did everything you’re not supposed to do. Who knew the time period was unmarketable? Who knew you weren’t supposed to bind your submission in a pretty folder? The story is as yet unpublished, though some day I’d like to rework it.



How long after you first started submitting did it take for you to have your first book accepted?

A lo-o-o-ong time. As I said, I started submitting before I was ready, before I’d discovered a writing group or Dwight Swain. I was writing for about four years before I found a local writers group. I was fortunate. I generous lady and talented Avon author named Diane Wicker Davis started my local chapter. She read my stuff and showed me how to make the stories better and the writing stronger. I lucked into a critique group with another published author, Barbara Andrews (who now writes with her daughter as Pam Rock) and she and the group encouraged me. Once I learned the techniques to write to sell, it took about another three years.


What attracts you to your time period?

For me the appeal of Americana and westerns is the simplicity of the time and the durability of the men and women. Life was difficult. People were determined and resilient. I watched westerns from the time I was a kid and learned to appreciate the charm and strength of a cowboy. The ever-present themes of good verses evil are the foundations of those universally appealing types of stories. Who doesn’t love to root for an underdog? Who doesn’t want to see the bad guy get his comeuppance?

The rancher/farmer’s sweat and blood are imbedded in his land--as deeply as the riverbeds and the roots of the ancient trees. It may have been his father’s before him, or he could have broken his back to earn it. In any case he will die to keep it. Solidarity. And any man who would pour this much passion into his land, will love his woman even more ardently.

To nearly all women I’ve spoken to on the subject of cowboys, physical appearance plays a major part in the attraction. The reality was that dungarees or Levis were not exactly ‘slim cut’ or sexy; they were stiff and probably dirty, and few real cowboys fit the image of the Marlboro man, but our fantasy cowboy has a lean backside in a pair of tight-fitting jeans, long legs, and that ever-present Stetson pulled low over his eyes. Ever notice how a pair of chaps invariably draws the eyes to the uncovered sections of denim?
Our man wears his Colt strapped to his thigh, the holster rides his lean hips, his spurs jangle--this dangerous guy exudes sex appeal. The western hero is a hard body due to demanding work on the range, riding and roping, chasing outlaws, stopping the runaway stage, and sleeping on the ground. He’s untamed, a little wild, and a lot sexy. He doesn’t need a gym membership or a treadmill.

Who are some of your favourite romance authors?

Dangerous question for any booklover, isn’t it? This list could be huge. I was a Stephen King fan and read horror, true crime (Anne Rule) and westerns, the latter primarily written by Louis L’Amour. I read Dean Koontz back when he wrote under a woman’s name. Through a bookclub I discovered Catherine Cookson and Nora Lofts and had a peep into the possibilities of great storytelling plus a romance. The first romances I deliberately bought because they were romance were by LaVyrle Spencer and Lisa Gregory/Candace Camp/Kristin James, Jude Devereaux and Erin St.Claire (Sandra Brown). I was hooked. I found Maggie Osborne and Pamela Morsi. I loved everything Jill Marie Landis put her hand to. Laura Kinsale came of the scene and I found her stories irresistible. Ad to those greats writer Theresa Weir/Anne Frasier, Janet Evanovich, Kristin Hannah, Megan Chance,Catherine Anderson, Linda Howard, Alexis Harrington, Sharon Sala, Laura Lee Ghurke, Eloisa James, Penelope Williamson, Emile Richards, Robyn Carr, Jane Goodger, Rachel Nelson and more.


What are some of your favourite movies?

* Hope Floats
* Sommersby
* Pay It Forward
* Return To Me
* The Con
* Bounce
* Quigley Down Under
* The Love Letter
* Winter People
* Lonesome Dove
* Far & Away
* Phenomenon
* Mrs. Winterbourne
* Paradise
* High Road To China
* At First Sight
* Notting Hill
* The Fulfillment of Mary Gray
* A Star is Born
* While You Were Sleeping
* The Substitute Wife
* Face Off
* The Bone Collector
* The Wedding Date
* Music & Lyrics


What does your writing cave look like?

Messy. Papers everywhere. Books all over. I’m known far and wide as a collector and my office reflects that particular gene as much as any room in my house. In my office have a curio full of old and new dolls: Barbies, My Scene, Ginnys, Disneys, Madame Alexanders, and any others I can’t resist.

There are framed writing awards on the few visible walls—most of the wall space is taken up by bookcases. The color of the walls is called Strawberry Pot, it’s a soothing and inspiring teal, my favorite color. I have a comfy rocking chair piled with pillows, a TV on an upper shelf, a counter full of office machines like copiers and printers and two computers. My book covers are thumb tacked to the bulletin boards that back my desk area on three walls, along with pics that readers have sent. I have half a dozen oil lamps, a row of Angel Cheeks, framed photographs of the cutest kids ever, a jeweled tiara and paperweights. A vintage globe that belonged to my grandmothers sits atop one of my cabinets. There are many things I love about my space, and one of them is that it’s sound proof. You can actually hear the difference when you come into the room—the effect created by four walls of books.



When you are not writing what do you do?

Probably not sleeping, LOL My husband and I like to garden together, so many of our weekends are spent creating arbors and gardens and soon ponds. We love to shop flea markets and browse antique malls. More often than not you could find me selecting paint, then watching him roll it on or arranging a spot in the house just so. I like to make interesting displays of vintage collections and have so many I have to change them out to enjoy them. I’m a movie junkie, so late night I watch movies (and take plotting notes—it makes me feel like I’m working).


Can you share a special recipe? Either one that your characters make in your latest book, or one you often make?

I love to bake and also collect cookbooks and recipes. This is my summer specialty. We have oodles of family on hand all the time so I make this about once a week, believe it or not.

Cheryl's Easy Strawberry Shortcake

For years I made angel food cake from scratch and only recently did I discover the mixes are awesome! I buy the angel food cake mix that only takes water. Other mixes require egg whites, but that one is so simple, that's why I like it. Some of the store brands are really good. Bake the cake according to the directions, but bake it in a 9 x 13 pan that you've lightly sprayed with cooking spray.

While it's baking clean and slice 1 - 2 pints of strawberries. (I've also used frozen with excellent results.) While the cake is cooling, prepare a large package of sugar-free strawberry jell-o. I use crushed ice (cause it's on the door of my fridge and easy) added to the cold water to speed setting up. It will still be liquid. Add the strawberries to it.

Use a large meat fork or a knife and poke holes all over the cake. Use the utensil to pull the sides away from the pan. Stab it up really well. Then pour the strawberry and jell-o mixture around the sides first, then over the top. You may have to use a big spoon to distribute the liquid and fruit evenly.

Cover it and immediately refrigerate. It takes only a couple of hours to set up if you need it right away. I've made it at the last minute or the night before with perfect results.
Serve with whipped topping

Many thanks to Cheryl for taking the time and trouble to answer our questions.

AN interview with...new author Michelle Willingham

Michelle Willingham's first book, Her Irish Warrior is published this month. It is a stirring tale set in medieval Ireland. Michelle Willingham has since sold several other books set in the same time period. So everyone will be able to get more of her hunky Irish warriors as she calls them.

What attracts you to your chosen time period?

I visited Ireland several years ago and was drawn to the mysticism of the country. Scottish medieval romances were very popular, and I wondered why I hadn’t seen many Irish medievals. After visiting the castles and experiencing such wonderful hospitality from the people, I decided to research medieval Ireland. I learned that there was an Anglo-Norman invasion in the 12th century, and I could easily envision an Irish warrior paired up with a reluctant Norman bride.

What is about the heroes from that time period that excites you?
There’s a raw wildness to the medieval time period. Men had to be stronger and more protective of their families. And who doesn’t love a sexy hero who can wield a sword?

What is the worst thing about being a writer?
Forcing yourself to sit down in a chair every day whether you want to or not. But it’s also the best thing because sometimes the magic happens and you look back, excited at what you’ve done that day.

Although many writers know they want to be a writer from an early age, was there something in particular that made you decide to pursue your dream?
I wrote my first romantic short story at the age of twelve. It was terrible, but I loved the feeling of looking back on a story I had created. In high school, I teamed up with a friend and we wrote a 90-page romance. We used to critique each other’s chapters during American History class. It’s a good thing we were never caught! I started seriously pursuing publication in 2002, after the birth of my son. I had written four children’s books and was receiving positive rejections from editors. But my true dream was writing romance. I realized that I didn’t want to give up on the dream, and so I decided to go for it.

How long after you first started submitting, did it take for you to have your first book accepted?
It took four years total. I wrote 4 books in two years, and the second book took over two years from submitting the original proposal to the Call before it was bought. I’ve since sold the third book, and my agent is helping me find a home for the fourth. The first book will never see the light of day. It needs to be destroyed, and thankfully it was rejected!

What is the biggest challenge you face when you are writing a book? The beginning, middle or end?
All of them! In particular, when I start getting close to the end, I develop “Fear of the Ending.” My writing starts to lag a bit until finally I bite the bullet and force my way past it. My first drafts are bare-bones, and the second draft involves the most work. I’ve been known to delete 50 pages and add 75 (which is rather frightening!) I love the third draft because it’s mostly just polishing and tweaking.

When you are not writing, what do you do?
I teach sixth grade American History and English during the day, and I’m also the mother of two children, ages 5 and 3. I have to balance family time with writing in the evenings, due to my day job. Thankfully I have a very supportive husband who doesn’t mind me going off into my writing cave while he watches sports.

What are some of your favourite movies?
I like movies with strong, sexy heroes. Last of the Mohicans, Gladiator, Braveheart, and the Patriot are among my favorites.

Who are some of your favourite romance authors?
LaVyrle Spencer is my role model. No one writes emotion the way she does. My other favorites include: Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Julia Quinn, Jude Deveraux, and Johanna Lindsey.

What does your writing cave look like?

I mostly write on my laptop, so I move around the house depending on my mood. My “office” is being converted over to a bedroom, so I am now a nomad. The worst place to write is in the kitchen. You tend to reach for snacks without realizing it!


Can you tell us about your future books?
The Warrior’s Touch is a companion book to Her Irish Warrior and it’s the story of Connor MacEgan. It’s a “wounded hero” story and I have a particular love of this novel since it’s one of those rare medieval books that doesn’t take place in a castle. I’m delighted that it will be available in September 2007. The third book in the MacEgan warriors series is Her Wild Irish Rogue (the title may change). It’s actually a prequel about the warrior king Patrick MacEgan and the arranged marriage he makes to save the lives of his people. It is tentatively scheduled for January 2008

An Interview with...Stacey Kayne

Stacey Kayne is one of the new forces in Western historical romance. Specializing in the adventerous wild west, Stacy brings her love of the past vividly to life on the page of her novels. Her first book Mustang Wild was well received and her second book --The Bride of Shadow Canyon is currently available in bookshops.

What attracts you to your chosen time period?
I have a passion for rugged, dusty westerns, so in many ways, setting dictates the storyline for my western historical romances. The wild, wild, west…..what’s not to love? In a lawless untamed setting, the sky is the limit—that’s one aspect I love about westerns. My mind is constantly searching for ways to submerge my characters in the beauty and grandeur of the American West. While writing my first western, Bride of Shadow Canyon, I discovered that an adventurous setting with ever-changing untamed scenery is a driving force of my imagination.





What is about the heroes from that time period that excites you?
Rugged, wild, resilient--there’s such an elemental connection between a western setting and my heroes, and my heroines for that matter. It’s the adventurous spirit of the characters, their sense of purpose, determination and loyalty that is a major draw for me. I enjoy a hero with steadfast yet misguided convictions, and watching him grow and evolve throughout the story as love works through his rough exterior and into his tender soul.


What is the worst thing about being a writer?
I love being a writer—I’m actually allowed to spend hours lost in my thoughts, building on daydreams. If I had any complaint it would be the hours of being imobile; lack of circulation. It’s been a challenge to find a balance between the hours I spend in front of the computer and forcing myself to get up and get the circulation flowing. To help me out, some of my writing pals and I formed a walking group—teenagers aren’t the only ones who can tie up the partyline! We set a time each day to talk about our books, brainstorm, and fire up our treadmills. There’s nothing like group guilt to get you to put on those walking shoes!

Although many writers know they want to be a writer from an early age, was there something in particular that made you decide to pursue your dream?
Honestly, until six years ago, I never even imagined I’d write a romance novel…or any kind of novel—heck, I wasn’t even a reader! But I have always been a daydreamer. It wasn’t until six years ago, when I bought my first computer and headed back to college, that I attempted to put those daydreams into words. While sitting in my American History night class I had this vision of a women in buckskins, surrounded by the windswept grasses of the Sierra foothills, and instantly began trying to figure out who she was, where she was going, why she was in danger, how was she going to get her man… That night I decided to try and capture my daydream on paper. It only took one night of watching my characters come to life on a computer screen to get me hooked! I found my passion. By the time the sun came up, I had a hundred pages of what would become my first historical western romance novel.

How long after you first started submitting, did it take for you to have your first book accepted?
My agent told me I popped onto the western market about two years too late. We sent out my first submission four and a half years ago. After a year of hearing that no one wanted westerns, I began writing a new genre. Just as I was about to embark on a new round of marketing, a friend suggested I submit my westerns to Harlequin Historical--finally, a publisher who appreciates WESTERNS! Three weeks after submitting MUSTANG WILD, she sold!



What is the biggest challenge you face when you are writing a book? The beginning, middle or end?
When Stacey-Vision kicks in it’s like watching a movie, the rest of the world falls away and I’m gone for hours. My problem is I can’t write fast enough and I never know what to write first. I do absolutely nothing in a linear fashion. With my current manuscript, the second “BRIDE” book, the very first scene I wrote was the last chapter of the book, then I sketched out a few middle chapers, whichever scene is the most vivid in my mind. I generally have a solid visual for the entire story and start by sketching out the major turning points of the story. Once I have a solid flow for the story and the voice and personality quirks of my characters, I’ll start fleshing it out, molding and merging the chapters together and brushing in the scenery. I clean as I go---by the time I write the last word in the last scene (no telling what chapter that will be), the book is finished. My biggest challenge with writing is trying to balance book world with the rest of my life, the pesky stuff like housework and cooking. Luckily, I have an ultra supportive family.

When you are not writing, what do you do?
I'm not sure if keeping up with active teenage sons is a hobby, but it can sure be a blast, and is where I like to be when I'm not staring at the computer screen. I used to enjoy painting, sewing and running a skill saw—before I started writing my mom and I used to peddle our crafty creations at craft shows; wood work, toll painting and such. These days writing takes up all the time in between being a mom.

What are some of your favourite movies?
A Walk In The Clouds, Pirates of the Caribbean (first one), Maverick (of course), iRobot, Young Guns (of course), The Wild, Wild West (with Will Smith) – I love adventurous movies that can make me laugh.

Who are some of your favourite romance authors?
I began reader romance six years ago, when I realized I was trying to write a love story. I quickly fell in love with westerns by Dorothy Garlock, LaVeryl Spencer, Elizabeth Lowell, Linda Lael Miller…currently I’ve enjoyed contemporary romantic suspense by Kathleen Long and Roxanne St. Claire and western historicals by Pam Crooks and Cheryl St. John.

What does your writing cave look like?
The great thing about having a laptop is that I can paste this picture to the door of my office, pretend it still looks like that, and go write in the living room or the on the back porch where I can see the mountains :-) But this is what the desk in my office used to look like, one day in July…before writing deadlines hit. The cowgirl hat was gift from my hubby the day I sold MUSTANG WILD, and the handsome bear resting his boots on my printer is Mustang, a celebration gift from my writing pals.

Can you tell us about your future books?
MAVERICK WILD, the second story in my “WILD” series, will be released later this year. Chance Morgan will meet his match, and tries to outrun her (*he can try*).

BRIDE OF SHADOW CANYON also has a follow-up title, tentatively titled BRIDE OF VENGEANCE. As Juniper struggles to overcome his past as a gunslinger, a girl who lost her father to his gun has grown into a woman, and she’s after vengeance.

Upcoming release dates will be posted on my website: http://www.staceykayne.com/

An Interview with ....Pam Crooks

Pam Crooks writes well-received Westerns. Recent novels have included Her Lone Protector and Wanted. Wanted is currently out in the UK. Pam has taken time out of her busy schedule to speak with the Harlequin Historical Authors blog.

What attracts you to your chosen time period?

I grew up in the sandhills of western Nebraska, and it’s ranch country out there. Cowboys and farmers everywhere. Lively celebrations like NebraskaLAND Days and Cheyenne’s Frontier Days are held annually. Their rodeos, country music and tons of good, family fun still help keep the Old West traditions alive.

What is it about the heroes from that time period that excites you?

There’s something about the cowboy and the code he lives by. The way he honors a woman by removing his hat in her presence. His fierce devotion to the land. His willingness to work hard and get dirty to fight the elements. Watching a cowboy on the back of a horse is appealing, too!

What is the worst thing about being a writer?

Deadlines. Ugh. That pressure to let life go by without you while you strap yourself into the chair and write the necessary number of pages to meet your goal. I’m easily distracted, and if I didn’t have a deadline, most likely the book wouldn’t get written. At least, not on a timely basis.

Although many writers know they want to be a writer from an early age, was there something in particular that made you decide to pursue your dream?

When I was pregnant with my first baby 30 years ago, my mother gave me a copy of THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER. The romance genre was just taking off back then, and that book sucked me in, made me want to devour more. And the more romances I read, the more I wanted to write some of my own.

How long after you first started submitting, did it take for you to have your first book accepted?

It took me a long time. Nine years, unfortunately. I hit every roadblock a writer could hit--lost manuscripts, agents who didn’t submit my work (I went through 3 agents during that time.), editors who left and so on. But I wanted to be published more than anything, so I stuck it out. Thank goodness, I had a life back then. Through all the long months of waiting and rejections, I raised four little girls and stayed active in my RWA chapter.

What is the biggest challenge you face when you are writing a book? The beginning, middle or end?

The beginning is always hard. And writing the synopsis for the book’s approval is hard because the book isn’t written yet, and I don’t know what’s going to happen yet. (I’m a seat-of-the-pants kind of writer.) Every book needs a strong beginning to set up the story for several hundred pages of conflict.

Then, of course, the middle is hard because it seems like I’ll *never* get to the end. Thankfully, the end goes fast when I get there and is very satisfying because I’d managed to pull it all off.

When you are not writing, what do you do?

I work fulltime in the emergency department of a medical center. At some point, I hope to write fulltime, but with retirement in my next decade, I want to make sure the 401(k) plan is good enough. I love spending time with my little granddaughter on the weekends, too.


Who are some of your favourite romance authors?

Suzanne Brockmann, Nora Roberts and Linda Howard, hands down. But I’ve recently discovered Linda Lael Miller--she’s great with details and gives a wonderful western feel to her books.

What does your writing cave look like?

I have a nice big room downstairs, painted in pretty lavender with my book covers hanging on the wall. My office is my home inside my home. I love it. The only thing it lacks is a window. As if I need something else to help me procrastinate!

Can you tell us about your future books?

I’d love to. UNTAMED COWBOY is coming in July. I’m writing its sequel now, which will be released sometime in Spring, 2008. In between, though, I’ll have a Christmas novella out in October, 2007. My story is titled ONE MAGIC EVE, and I’ll be in with Cheryl St. John and Jenna Kernan. Writing this Christmas story was great fun--maybe my favorite so far.

Of course, I’d love everyone to visit my website: http://www.pamcrooks.com/ Be sure to sign up for my newsletter, too.

An Interview with... Anne Herries

Anne Herries is a firm favourite with many Harlequin Historical readers. The 2004 winner of the RNA's Romance prize, she is once again a finalist for the prize with her Regency -- An Improper Companion. This month, Anne has a book out in both Harlequin Historicals as well as Mills and Boon Historicals. She kindly took some time out of her busy schedule to answer some of our questions.

1. What attracts you to your chosen time period?
I write all time periods, from Anglo Saxon to WW11 and the occasional modern story, but Regency is a favourite. It is partly to do with the clothes, I think, though I like the manners very much. It all depends on the idea that comes for the story, which always suggests its own period. I enjoy the cut and thrust of conversation that can be taken two ways and is often amusing when writing Regency.

2. What is about the heroes from that time period that excites you?
I like laid back Englishmen who have exquisite manners and a sense of honour but also a wicked sense of humour. I also like swashbuckling pirates and that type of hero, but I think the cool English hero who is hardly ever ruffled but always comes to the rescue is my favourite.

3. What is the worst thing about being a writer?
Having a book refused. Each book you write is like a child. You give birth to it painfully, with a lot of blood sweat and tears, as well as laughter, and if it is rejected it hurts like hell for a while. However, most of us have to go through it and you just have to pick yourself up, grit your teeth and do it all over again.

4. Although many writers know they want to be a writer from an early age, was there something in particular that made you decide to pursue your dream?
I don't think I thought about it until I was in my thirties, because I was always too busy doing other things. I was very imaginative as a child and always making up stories in my head, but putting them on paper didn't occur to me until I had to stay home with my beloved dog. He couldn't get out much and hated being left so I read and knitted until I was bored. I then decided to write my book, and the first one duly went off to M&B - who sensibly lost it, or so they said when I asked nine months later. It was such awful rubbish that they did the only sensible thing and denied all knowledge. I learn quickly though and my second completed book was accepted by Robert Hale. It was a year or so before Devil's Kin was taken by M&B and longer before I got a second accepted. However, once I got into my stride I did OK.

5. How long after you first started submitting, did it take for you to have your first book accepted?
I think it must have been about a year before the second one actually went to a publisher. I re-wrote it eleven times!

6. What is the biggest challenge you face when you are writing a book? The beginning, middle or end?
I always know how a book will end and once started at the end, and then wrote the beginning and joined the two bits up. However, I wouldn't recommend it and I start at the beginning these days. If you aren't too sure where you are going the middle bit can be a bit daunting, because it is often slower than the dashing start we all try for and endings are always satisfactory. I don't usually have too much trouble anywhere, but if I do I go back and revise the first chapters and that usually sorts out any problems I have. Of course my editors sometimes want changes, and that can be difficult when you first look at what they want, because it may mean rethinking something you thought was a must. I have learned not to think in the negative. It can be done, it just takes some thought and work - and the biggest thing is to accept that they have the right to ask for changes. The publisher pays for everything. They put their name to the book as much as the author and they have to sell it to make the business pay so it is silly to sulk because they want to change a name you like or something similar. Just get on with it!

7. When you are not writing, what do you do?
I like shopping, especially for shoes. I enjoy going for a nice walk with my husband, and we walk a lot in Spain where we take holidays as often as we can, which is about four times a year. There I swim, walk, read, do a little bit of writing and go out for meals. I also like watching good films on TV - like the Jane Austen season. I also like the Internet, blogs and email - perhaps too much.


8. What are some of your favourite movies?
Gone with the Wind. Wuthering Heights. Jane Eyre etc. I also enjoy good crime films. I like watching Midsomer Murders.

9. Who are some of your favourite romance authors?
I am a big fan of the classics and Margaret Mitchell, but if we come to modern authors there are a lot of them. I review books with some friends for Romance authors. and we always give favourable reviews. I have no interest in hurting people, especially authors like myself. So I set up the redrosesforauthors review site in order to give something back to a career that has been good to me and help authors, particular those who are just starting. I have recently reviewed Nicola Cornick, Fenella Jane Miller, Marina Oliver, Karen Rose Smith and lots of other authors. Not just regency but magic and all sorts, and I loved quite a few of them. I could never say one was my favourite because tomorrow I shall read another book that will blow my socks off.


10, What does your writing cave look like?
It looks as if a bomb hit it! I have books everywhere, not quite floor to ceiling but nearly. My husband complains the bookcase is too heavy. I have a lovely modern flat screen computer he bought me for my birthday and also a lap top. My desk at this moment is barely visible from the clutter, and finished manuscripts cover most of the floor. Most people peep in at the door and run away.

11. Can you tell us about your future books?
I am in the middle of writing a single M&B Regency title, because I've done several series for them, but after this one I have to finish the third in the Dynasty trilogy. The first came out in USA this month - Forbidden Lady. I am not sure when it comes out here, because there is a Regency trilogy scheduled for later this year, and I think they want two other Regency stories after that. For Severn House I am writing a crime series set in the 1920's and I had a wonderful review for the first from Booklist yesterday so I am still glowing. I may write some sagas for someone, but that is in the future. Mostly it is M&B and the crime that I have in mind for now.