Q&A with Lisa Berne

Describe yourself in five words or less.

Curious, creative; reader, writer, dreamer.
 
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Gonna Fly Now” from Rocky. Because perseverance is an important quality for a writer.
 
Name one thing you won’t leave home without.

Besides the necessary cellphone, wallet, and lip gloss? A little notebook and pen. (I know you said one thing, but this is plainly a writer’s indivisible unit of oneness.) Inspiration can strike at any time, and for me paper’s better than apps for jotting down notes about my writing.
 
Name three things on your desk right now.

A thesaurus. A couple of houseplants, which I’m sneakily categorizing as “greenery,” because I also want to mention my stack of Post-it Notes, without which I am considerably less productive.
 
What types of scenes are your most favorite to write?

I love writing scenes in which characters are talking and there are all kinds of things they can’t — or won’t — say embedded within their words, whether it’s because they’re wrestling with their emotions, unaware of their deep true feelings, constricted by the etiquette of the time, other people are around, and so on. Which means that in what seems like a simple conversation, the subtext can be deliciously complicated.
 
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

I’m not the first to suggest that reading — widely and voraciously across multiple genres, both for pleasure and with an analytic eye — is a necessary component for someone wanting to become a writer. There are also a lot of great, insightful books and blogs on the subject; I particularly like Stephen King’s On Writing, Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, Gwen Hayes’ Romancing the Beat, and Chuck Wendig’s bracing, blisteringly unsentimental approach to the writing life.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

With pleasure! Coming this summer is the second book in the Penhallow Dynasty series: The Laird Takes a Bride, featuring Scotsman Alasdair Penhallow, who’s forced by an arcane decree to marry and ends up with spirited Fiona Douglass. They’re both very resentful of the situation, and don’t find each other particularly attractive or appealing . . . which is, of course, a highly inauspicious way to begin a marriage. But it’s a very fun way to set a love story in motion. 
 

Q&A with Cathy McDavid – A Baby for the Deputy

How did you come up with the relationship between Aaron Travers and Melody Hartman? 

There seems to be a trend these days for young couples to “hang out together” rather than date --- at least, that’s what I hear and what my daughter tells me. I gave Aaron and Mel difficult romantic pasts, which made the idea of a no-strings-attached relationship appealing to them, then complicated things with an unexpected pregnancy because, well, life is complicated.

What is your favorite part about writing Western Romance books?

I truly am a lover of all things western. I owned horses most of my life, grew up watching Bonanza and Big Valley reruns, and lived the western lifestyle for many, many years. For me, there is no sexier, more appealing romance book hero than a rugged, good looking cowboy.

Do you have any traditions you enjoy during early Spring?

You mean besides the mandatory spring cleaning and yard work? Absolutely! I always attend the Glendale Chocolate Affair in February and Tucson Festival of Books in March where local romance writers host two to three days of mega booksignings. I love connecting with readers, both new and those that drop by every year for my latest release. Plus, I’m surrounded by books and authors.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Like a lot of authors, I started writing at a young age. For me, it was in high school (I actually won a contest for a children’s book I wrote and illustrated). I didn’t seriously, however, until twenty years later. And it wasn’t until I finished that first book that I realized I’d found my passion. Two years ago, I quite the corporate world altogether to write full-time. It’s been a dream come true.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Two weeks of intense planning and three months to write the book from start to finish. Of course, I always wind up trashing some of those carefully constructed plans in favor of better ideas that strike me along the way.

Where do you get your idea to write about an unplanned pregnancy?

My publisher loves unplanned pregnancy books, as do readers! Plus, I really do enjoy writing them ☺  All kidding aside, I try to give my couples big, game-changing obstacles to overcome and, let’s face it, an unplanned pregnancy is pretty game-changing. I find writing believable reasons for how a couple finds themselves in this particular predicament and believable scenarios for how they cope with it to be challenging. Then, there’s the love story. My guy is going to do the right thing in the end, but he’s going to do it out of love, not just a responsibility.

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

I’m in the process of writing my forty-second book. I had to look this up. My more recent favorites are Come Home, Cowboy and Rescuing the Cowboy. My all-time favorite is The Gate to Eden, a western historical. It still remains the book of my hear.

What book are you reading right now?

The Sapphire Pendant --- a young adult novel by Audrey White Beyer from 1961. Part of my ongoing goal to read classics, especially young adult classics.

What are your current projects?

I’m currently writing the third book in my newest Mustang Valley series, The Bull Rider’s Valentine. I’m also working on a proposal for a new three-book series in addition to writing a novella for release this summer. Yes, these books will all feature cowboy heroes. What can I say?

What advice do you have for writers?

My best advice is to carefully consider the advice you receive. Gather as much information as you can from a wide variety of sources. Then, be extremely selective when choosing what to follow. Opinions are free and they vary greatly. Trust your instincts. Follow only the advice that makes the most sense to you.

Q&A with Sara Orwig – Reunited with the Rancher

Describe the relationship between Tom and Emily Knox. Were there challenges in writing it?

Reunited with the Rancher is about an estranged couple whose young child has died.  My vision for that book was that losing a child has to be one of the most agonizing, disruptive events in a marriage.  It was a challenge to write about such a loss and so much pain.  The love between Emily and Tom has to be deep and lasting, strong enough that they can’t give up even in such a traumatic situation. 

What is your favorite part about writing Contemporary Romance books? 
 
My favorite part of writing contemporary romance is just that—it’s contemporary.   There is an immediate feeling about contemporary—it’s today and what is happening now.  It is current places and fun background things like limos and rodeos and terrific makeovers.

Do you have any traditions you enjoy during early Spring?

Early spring means my husband and I can get the garden ready for flowers and some easy-to-grow veggies.  We love and raise roses.  My favorite rose bush is a Chrysler Imperial.  Early spring means I can walk outside.  One spring tradition is at Easter the family gets together for the grandkids to dye eggs and bake a bunny cake.   

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 
 
When I was growing up, I never thought of being a published writer.  As far back as I remember I loved books.  It didn’t occur to me to try to become a published writer until after I was married.  I wrote and sold a short story and then started writing books.

How long does it take you to write a book?

My writing schedule isn’t routine.  I had children and now grandchildren.  I’ve taught in high school.  I’ve also taught at the University of Central Oklahoma.  Later I worked for a state agency where I retired three years ago, so I don’t have regular hours or a regular schedule. When I travel, I carry an iPad.  I have a laptop and a PC.  I write in airports, in the mountains, wherever I have some time.  There isn’t a regular, consistent amount of time. 

Where do you get your inspiration to write about a heartbreaking past and a hidden family secret?

Stories come out of living, going through the happy times, as well as the painful moments.  I’ve known sorrow and I’ve known joy, so that all goes into my feelings about what happens to characters in my stories and how they deal with life.

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

I had my 100th. book out in July 2016, Expecting the Rancher’s Baby, Harlequin Desire.  This year in January, The Rancher’s Nanny Bargain, Harlequin Desire, was out and now this March, Reunited with the Rancher, Harlequin Desire, will be book #102.

My favorite Desire book is a Texas Cattleman’s Club book, The Playboy Meets His Match.  My favorite of all 102 books is a Harlequin Regency Romance, The Fairfax Brew.

What book are you reading right now?  

I’m currently reading several.  Sometimes I read more than one at a time.  I’m reading an old book that I love and read over and over again: The Joyous Season by Patrick Dennis.  I love that book because I can laugh all the way through it.  I’m also reading Maureen Child’s The Baby Inheritance, Karen Booth’s Pregnant by the Rival CEO and Maisey Yates’s Take Me, Cowboy.     

What are your current projects? 

My May book, The Rancher’s Cinderella Bride, Harlequin Desire, is the third book in a series called Callahan’s Clan, about Texas best friends whose relationship changes to their surprise.  The fourth and last Callahan’s Clan book, The Texan’s Baby Proposal, Harlequin Desire, will be out this summer and then I’ll have a new series called Texas Promises.
 
What advice do you have for writers?  

My most important advice for new writers would be to network with other writers.  Go to writer’s conferences and enter writing contests. Advice for writers in general is to stand up often if you sit to write.  Walk, swim, go to the gym, whatever works.  Exercise is essential for me.  

Q&A with Cynthia Eden, Abduction

How did you come up with the relationship between Sheriff Hayden Black and Jillian West?  

I wanted to create characters who’d met under extreme circumstances—Jillian and Hayden immediately sprang to mind for me. In many ways, the two characters are opposites—and it’s those opposite traits that draw them together.

What is your favorite part about writing Romantic Suspense books?  

I love writing romantic suspense novels because I enjoy including twists and turns for my readers. I’m all about action in my stories—and romantic suspense novels help me to keep an action-focused plot.

Do you have any traditions you enjoy during early Spring?  

Heading to the beach is a must for me each spring. I’m lucky to live along the coast, so as soon as the temperatures start to climb, my toes are usually in the sand.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?  

Too long ago to remember! I’ve always wanted to be a writer, and even when I was a small kid, I was creating stories. I loved to change up the ending to fairy tales.  

How long does it take you to write a book?  

It typically takes me about six weeks to write a book—but I have been writing full-time for over ten years now. So I have a rhythm when I write, and I’m able to use that rhythm to stay on pace with my deadlines.

Where do you get your inspiration to write about a foiled kidnapping to tip off the plot?  

I actually saw a news story about the FBI’s CARD team (Child Abduction Rapid Deployment), and once I learned about that group, I was completely inspired. I knew that my heroine had to be a part of that team, and as I developed her character, I realized the reason she was so passionate about helping victims…well, it was because she’d been an abduction victim herself.

How many books have you written?

Do you have a favorite?  At last count, I’ve written over 90 books.  I don’t have a favorite though—when I write a book, *that* book I am writing is my favorite. I am absolutely in love with it while I write.  And then I finish that novel and start a new one. The new book then becomes my favorite…it’s a cycle that never ends.

What book are you reading right now?

I’m reading JUSTICE ASCENDING by Rebecca Zanetti.

What are your current projects?  

I’m very excited about my “Killer Instinct” series with HQN. The first book in that series, AFTER THE DARK, will be launching next month—this is a very dark and sexy romantic suspense series.

What advice do you have for writers?  

Write the stories that appeal most to you. Keep writing and keep reading and never, ever give up on your dreams.

Guest Post: Amber Leigh Williams, Wooing the Wedding Planner

There’s a scene in the first segment of Wooing the Wedding Planner where the heroine, Roxie, and the hero, Byron, get into a lively…we’ll say “debate.” This “debate” takes place in the kitchen. The subject is knives and how to use the various selection of blades from the butcher block. Trivial, you say? Who fights over something as silly as how to use a knife? However, some might find this passage interesting or, er, familiar. By some, I mean one person, specifically. My spouse. He and I have squabbled over the same subject for years. We’ve had this “debate” over and over for well on a decade. Perhaps because of his repeated instruction on how to use a paring knife versus a boning knife and the multitude of band-aids I’ve gone through as a result of accidental nicks and slices I’ve given myself because I refuse to admit that he is…perhaps…somewhat (arg!) right, that I chose to immortalize this argument in print as well as some other notable kitchen disasters of which I am now fond.

Like Roxie, the wedding planner, I never learned to cook. For years, I planted myself firmly at the writing desk at dinnertime and let the aforementioned spouse cook for both of us. Then something happened, or someone. He was a beautiful, alien creature. Seven pounds; twelve ounces of squalling newborn perfection. When I met my son, something happened to me. There were endorphins. There was panic. There was delight. I learned that you could laugh/cry/snort/sob all at the same time – and often. And there was something else; something the mountains of parenting and birthing books hadn’t warned me of. The sudden overwhelming desire to COOK for this creature. And, weirdly enough, his father. I grew up at my mother’s table where there were delicious home-brewed meals aplenty. The idea of letting my boy grow up eating freezer meals sent me scrambling for the library in haste. I devoured cookbooks. I read Julia Child’s My Life in France again and again, making notes in the margins. I joined Pinterest. And, through years of stops and starts, successes and failures, I became something of a decent cuisinier. 

Often as writers, we draw on personal experience to flesh out our characters and bring weight to their experience. While writing the first draft for Wooing the Wedding Planner, I saw Roxie starting a new life after her divorce. I saw her desperately trying to reinvigorate her thirst for independence and learn a new normal. I also saw that she was oh-abouts thirty. “Throw away the take-out menus and buy yourself an apron,” I told her. “You’re in for a foodie adventure!” (Yes, I have conversations with imaginary people. Why do you ask?) 

The scene where Byron walks in on Roxie in the first of many cooking disasters as well as the one where she stays up through the night trying to cull the perfect apple pie from her oven is dedicated to the harried bathrobe-clad woman my sleepy and baffled husband has been known to find standing over the stove at 3 a.m. “What are you doing?” he asks me, shaking his head. “I’m cooking,” I respond as I stir the hambone soup I’ll still be standing over at noon the next day. I still don’t know where it comes from. It’s more than the domestic chore or duty of a bygone era of housewives. I adore cooking for my family. I love providing enjoyment over a meal as well as sustenance. In its own way, it’s an expression of love, appreciation, even gratitude for their presence in my life. 

Yet, through the years, something else happened. Something funny. For some, cooking comes naturally. For others, it’s like learning a foreign language. For Roxie and me, it was the latter. Why do we persist? Because we grow through it. We improve upon ourselves. Because, believe it or not, we enjoy it for ourselves – the challenge of it. For us, cooking is love, as is food. And the fact that the brave men in our lives spend a few extra minutes exercising everyday so that they may test our various carbo-loaded and dessert-laden wares is the essence of requital. A toast to them both and to us! 

For the latest news on Roxie, Byron, and my latest Harlequin Superromance as well as all the latest foodie adventures from yours truly, find me at www.amberleighwilliams.com

Q&A with Donna Michaels

How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

Right from the birth of The Men of At-Ease Ranch series concept, I knew from discussing with my editor that the heroine in the second book, Her Secret Ranger, was going to be the sister to one of the other heroes. The mistaken identity trope went into play, because the hero would never “knowingly” mess with another Ranger’s sister. It made for a little bit of fun trying to keep the two men from meeting.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I enjoyed writing all of it. I really did. The characters practically wrote the book themselves. It was every author’s dream type book. They were funny and sweet, hot and hardheaded, and then I got to revisit the characters from the first book, including Lula Belle. Yep, this was one of my all-time favorite books to write. I wish they were all this fun and easy.

Name three things on your desk right now.

Three things on my desk, besides my laptop and mouse, are:
1. Halo, my cat. She’s half on my lap, half on my laptop desk. Bless her. She’s been diagnosed with inoperable cancer, so if she wants to lay on my work, I let her, I just have to try to type around her, like I am doing now. ☺

2. Coffee mug with the phrase: Writer’s Block: When your imaginary friends stop talking to you.

3. My phone so I can keep up with the messages from authors about parties I’ve agreed to do, and of course, texts from my kids.

What are some books that you enjoyed recently?

Trouble with Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis. I’m so freaking excited it’s going to be made into a movie!! I love all her books. Can’t get enough of Jill!

What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

When I’m not writing, if I have some me-time, I’ll either read or watch TV. I have a lot of shows I usually have to catch up on once I meet my deadline. Halo likes this too, because she gets to have my lap unobstructed by the computer.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

I just finished writing book 3, tentatively titled: The Right Ranger. In it, I got to have fun causing a little chaos to Cord Brannigan who is Beth’s brother and Brick’s best friend. He’s been kind of quiet, unsmiling, and a little controlling in the first two books, so it was fun to dig into why and give him a heroine who is a bit independent.