Author Name: Kayla Perrin
Website: www.kaylaperrin.com
Genre: Romance and mainstream women’s fiction
Latest book in shops now: A Season of Miracles BET Books

Before we begin this interview, I need to check that you’re still grounded and that your head isn’t swollen from all of your success, so with that in mind, what was the last thing you bought at Target, and do you know how much a loaf of bread costs? (grin)

Hey, do they actually have Target in the U.K.? They don’t have them in Canada, where I live, but I do shop at an equivalent—a store called Zellers. And I bought LOADS of stuff there over the holidays. Most recently a “Diva Karioke” machine for my 3-year-old who is a little star. As for the loaf of bread, my men servants always buy them and never tell me the price—sorry!

Actually, we don’t have Targets in the UK… yet. *g*

What were your favourite books as a child?

I am currently suffering from post Triple Deadline Dementia, and drawing a serious blank. I can only say that I loved to read, and read voraciously—everything. It’s the main reason I started writing my own books from the time I could first hold a pencil. Judy Blume was one of my favourite authors, though (and I’ll have an essay in a collection of essays about how she affected young women’s lives next year…).

Did you read romance books as a teenager?

Actually, I didn’t! Well, I did read a lot of Sweet Valley High, which had romance plots in different books in the series. So if that counts, yes. But I didn’t read my first Harlequin romance until my early twenties—at which point I thought, “Hey, I should be writing these!”

I guess every girl read SV High books when they were teenagers huh?

What does a typical day as a writer consist of?

Ha ha ha ha ha. Okay, now that I’ve stopped laughing, I have to ask—are you serious? Well, I suppose you are. So. Well. It definitely consists of procrastinating until the sun goes down.

At least when I’m trying to write the first draft. It’s easy to be distracted since my daughter isn’t in full time daycare (something I need to rectify!) and she wants my attention pretty much the whole day. Plus, no matter how I might try to change my schedule, I create best at night.

Try writing at night and getting up in the morning to be a mother. I’m constantly sleep-deprived. Which is when I need my men servants to rub my back with exotic oils just to alleviate all my stress!

I’m liking the sound of your men servants Kayla, can I borrow them sometime? *g*

Name your top five favourite books of all time.

To Kill A Mockingbird, The Chrysalids, Are You There God It’s Me Margaret, Envy (by Sandra Brown), and Where Are The Children?

Which authors are you glomming at the moment? (reading a lot of?)

Oh, just discovered Carl Hiassen! He sets his hilarious mysteries in Miami, a place where I lived for a while and adore. Also, since a writing partner and I have set a chick lit mystery in Miami, I thought it was fitting to start reading his stuff. I didn’t know he was so much fun. I’m having such a blast reading the Carl Hiassen books that I know I’ll be disappointed when I get through them all.

Do you have other close romance writer friends, and if so who are they?

I have lots of romance writer friends, and my closest is Brenda Mott, who is my writing partner for the chick lit novel I mentioned. The book is called How To Kill A Guy In Ten Days, and I have to say, it’s hilarious!

Nina Foxx is one of my newest friends (don’t ask about the cruise to the Bahamas…!) Tina Wainscott is also a great friend, and each year we throw the Wild and Wacky Be A Diva Party at the Romantic Times convention—which is quite scandalous and lots of fun. I’ve met practically all the big names at various conferences, including Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Susan Wiggs, Jennifer Crusie . . . and the list goes on.

Ooh what a name dropper, lol! Bahamas eh, my imagination’s just gone wild!

When did you realise that you wanted to write books, and who or what inspired you?

Honestly, I have been telling stories since before I could hold a pencil, and started writing them as soon as I was physically able. My desire to write has been with me right from the beginning. I even sent my first book to a publisher when I was 13 years old!

How long has it been since you first got published?

My first book hit the shelves in 1998. I got that contract at the end of 1996.

How did you get your first book published? Did you have a mentor?

No mentor! I’m the type of person who tends to work alone and I want only the editor’s input! No critique group for me, thank you very much. When it comes to stuff like grammar, I never had a problem, as I was an English major.

I knew instinctively that I had what it took to become a published writer, once I put my mind to it, which I did on January 1, 1996. It was my New Year’s Resolution to have a publishing contract by the end of the year—and I did! What helped me was going to the national RWA conference and meeting with editors and agents. I met an editor from Genesis Press there who requested my book (which I told her was written, but neglected to tell her it was written as a screenplay).

After frantically writing the book to meet her requested deadline (September), I heard in December that they were offering me a 2-book contract.

Which of your books do you feel that you are best known for?

Definitely If You Want Me. I get more fan mail about that book than any others, and if I meet people who have read my books, it’s usually that one. Also, a lot of people know me for The Sisters of Theta Phi Kappa (mainstream), which was an Essence Bestseller.

Have any of your books been optioned for a movie?

So far, one - Sweet Honesty. Unfortunately for me, Viacom bought out BET just before they were going to go into pre-production for my book, and everything was put on hold. Currently, two producers are very interested in another couple of my books: Sister’s In Pink(sorority hazing leads to murder) and Getting Even (launching Harlequin’s Spice line in May).

Earlier this year, Harlequin bought Arabesque books from BET, what were your thoughts on this, and what do you consider are the pro’s and cons of such a move, and also, what do you think the future holds for Arabesque books now?

You know, I’m not really sure. Harlequin is a powerhouse, so I’m sure the books will see much wider distribution. I also think that with them buying BET, it shows that they know African American romances are here to stay.

I like that an author’s backlist (like mine) should be get a second chance at life with hopefully larger distribution. But, in a way, I’d prefer to see Harlequin incorporate AA romances into their other lines, which they are doing to a small degree.

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the advantages and disadvantages of shelving African American romance books, separately from general romance books, what are your thoughts on this? Should AA books be shelved separately, or should they be kept together?

I think that a combination of both options should be explored. Some stores definitely benefit from the separate section. The patrons who want those books head straight there and find a whole lot to choose from. But in more multicultural stores, I think it’s wise to do a combination of both separation and integration—to reach as many customers as possible.

If you could have a one-to-one conversation with a famous historical figure, who would it be with and what would you talk about?

Oh, great. You’re throwing in a serious question. Well, I’d have to say Jesus. I’d love to talk to Him and ask all the questions of the universe that we currently don’t have answers to!

Something along the lines of how come we women bleed for a week, without dying you mean? *g*

What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your writing?

First and foremost, I want a career for many years. If I achieve that, then it’d be a career-high thrill to hit the New York Times Bestseller list.

How has the romance industry changed from when you first started writing, and which of these changes were you happiest/unhappiest with?

I see a lot more diversity now with ethnic characters (African American, East Indian, Chinese, etc) and the biggest change is the move toward chick lit. I actually like this change. I find that change helps keep things fresh and interesting and I’m devouring lots of chick lit as well as romance these days.

In this day and age, do you think it’s possible for new romance writers to make it without having some kind of presence on the internet?

I think it is possible. Especially if your publisher gets behind you and promotes you in a seriously big way. That said, and internet presence is certainly helpful. I need to revamp my website, which I hope to do soon.

In your experience, what would you say was the most effective method of marketing a romance novel?

Hmm… Advertising in Romantic Times Magazine.

Which of your books is dearest to your heart, and why?

I’d have to say my first book, Again My Love. That’s my baby. My firstborn.

I first stumbled upon your work in a Mother’s Day anthology, published by BET, since then, I’ve noticed that you seem to write in a lot of anthologies, was this a deliberate choice on your part, and if so, why?

It wasn’t a deliberate choice, but I’m happy to do it because, like your own experience proves, a new reader can find me through an anthology she might have picked up because of another author. They’re also short and sweet and fun to write.

I’ve always wondered about this, but as an author, once your books are published, do you actually go back and read them yourself, and if so, are you able to enjoy them, or do you perhaps see things that make you want to chew your own arm off in frustration? (grin).

You know, I can’t say I’ve re-read one of my books in its entirety, but I definitely will pick one up, open to a passage, and read. And yes, I’m entertained! I’m usually pleasantly surprised, and sometimes amazed at what I wrote in terms of not remembering I actually wrote that.

For me, it affirms that my stories come from somewhere deep inside of me I have no control over until I’m in front of the computer. There are some books that I definitely cringe a little at wishing I could re-write something, but I don’t obsess over it because I can’t change it, so what’s the point?

Has anything a reviewer or reader said or written about you changed the way you write?

Yes! One reader once told me I used “Oh my God” too much. Since then, I try to cut down on the usage, but it’s a common expression people use every day, so I can’t eliminate it entirely.

Earlier this year, RWA attempted to try to define romance, and it caused a bit of a furore round the romance blogosphere, due to the limitations of the definitions. What were your thoughts on this at the time, and do you think it’s possible/necessary to define romance in a way that doesn’t exclude other sub-genres?

I’m all for opening up the definitions. I think the romance genre is growing up to reflect the times, at least where the reader and writer are concerned. We’re not babies. We can handle some “blurring.” If you read Gimme An O! then you know that the hero is technically married when he gets involved with the heroine.

A reviewer wrote that had she been reading for pleasure, she would have closed the book at that point, but since she was reading for review purposes, she kept going, and was glad she did because she said she thoroughly enjoyed how the story played out—something she would have missed if she judged the book by the “constraints” of the romance definition.

When was the last time you went overseas and where did you go?

The Bahamas. On an author cruise put together by TJ Butler. This is where I roomed with Nina Foxx …

Oh aren’t you gonna spill? Pretty Please?

Who are your favourite romance hero and heroine of all time?

Does it have to be in a book? Because I love Bo and Hope from Days Of Our Lives dearly and will always love them as my favourite romantic couple.

I’ll let you have Bo and Hope *g*

What kind of characters would you say you typically wrote?

Hmm… Characters with issues of trust.

If only one person could read your book, who would that be? (as in the person who you would want most to read your book)

My father!

If you had to pick, who would you say has been most influential within the romance genre?

Nora Roberts.

What was the last movie you saw?

At the theatre: After the Sunset. At home: Cheaper by the Dozen. Hilarious!

Name your top five favourite romantic films.

When Harry Met Sally, The Mirror Has Two Faces, While You Were Sleeping, How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days, and I’m drawing a blank. There are so many to choose from! Just realized that I chose all romantic comedies. I also loved the combo of Before Sunrise/Before Sunset.

What was the last book you read, and did you enjoy it?

I read Paranoia by Joseph Finder (his High Crimes was made into a movie with Morgan Freeman). I was BLOWN AWAY by this book. It was over 500 pages and I didn’t want it to end! I also love the suspense genre quite a bit.

Have you ever written a book that you didn’t particularly care for, and do you cringe if you see people picking it up to read it?

I don’t cringe. But I have some that I’m less fond of. Usually, I get lots of mail re those with people telling me how much they love them! Like Fool For Love.

What do you enjoy most about being a writer?

My flexible schedule.

What do you least enjoy about being a writer?

The fact that my flexible schedule leads to a lot of procrastination.

As well as being a successful writer, you have a major interest in drama. You’ve appeared in several stage shows as well as films, and you’ve also worked behind the camera. Is the movie industry, an area you’ll continue to be involved in along side writing, or is it something that you’ve put on the back burner for now?

It was on the backburner, but now, I’m really feeling the urge to find a way to produce and direct my own film. Furthering this dream is a new program I picked upt that helps you edit videos and pictures to make your own DVDs. Over the last 5 days, I’ve made around 10! I was up till 6 a.m. this morning working on that—not my revisions for my book (shh! Don’t tell my editor!). I really want to find a way to produce a feature film within the next two years.

As you’ve been there, done it, and have the badge to prove it, what is the number one advice that would you give to aspiring writers out there?

Don’t give up! Persistence really is key.

Since all authors are readers, too, do you have any books you’ve especially enjoyed over the last year or so that you’d like to recommend to readers who’ve enjoyed your books?

Paranoia by Joseph Finder, The Givenchy Code by Julie Kenner, Skinny Dip by Carl Hiassen and everything else he’s written! I can’t say I read a lot of romance last year, but that’s okay.

Finally, when’s your next book due out, and what’s it about?

I’m really excited about my next book, Getting Even. It’s launching Harlequin’s new SPICE line and it’s what I like to call erotic chick lit. Don’t look for any real romance though (the big clue is that the title is GETTING EVEN).

Three women who are screwed over by the men in their lives plot some delicious revenge. It’s a lot of fun, and it hopeful in terms of a romantic note, but I wouldn’t call it a romance.

Thanks so much for taking the time out to answer these very nosy questions!
Your welcome. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my men servants are waiting….

Ooh please, don’t let me hold you up *g* Thanks Kayla!

OK, that’s it for this week, next week, Julia Quinn will be in the hot seat! (Hopefully) *g*

Ciao for now!

Poor thing…

Picture courtesy of Eve *g*

So, I was having a heated ‘debate’ with the Tall Guy about our National Health Service (NHS). My argument was that us Britons don’t know how lucky we are, that anybody who desperately needs to be treated will be treated first, and questions asked later.
Not like the American system, where they virtually check your wallet before they determine, whether they’ll let you live or not.

He argued that, at least Americans don’t pay the same rate of income tax as we do in order to support the ball and chain that the NHS has become. He also argued that waiting lists grow longer every year here for vital organ operations.

He has a point, as do most of the other Britons who use the same argument, but as far as I’m concerned, there’s a certain security in knowing that if the love of my life was rushed to hospital with a life-threatening injury, the medical staff at any of our hospitals would do everything they could, to make sure they could save him first, rather than checking to see if he had adequate health insurance.

The US do lots of things better than us Brits, but I’m afraid that looking after their people aint one of ‘em.

*Cough* Katrina anybody? *cough, cough*

Check out the size of that effing needle!

I’ve often wondered why people get involved with drugs in the first place. This is obviously very naïve of me, but I’m not talking about your down and outer, who’s chance of avoiding drugs is usually very slim.

I’m not even talking about celebrities and sports stars ( Ben Johnson anyone?) with more money than God, who quite frankly should fucking know better.

No, I’m talking about people who should know better, but somehow don’t.

I’m talking about your average professional. Doctors, lawyers, POLICEMEN!

I was once told that people in the above professions are some of the worst offenders.

How the hell does that compute? (Mind you, I’ve often thought one of the partners in my local GP surgery was on drugs, but that was mostly because he had seriously bad hair.)

Actually, I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

A friend of mine is married to a policeman. I’ve known them for absolutely donkey’s years, and I recall being somewhat shocked when my friend’s husband decided to light up a spliff (weed) whilst I was in their house.

I tried to not have an opinion on this, but I just couldn’t do it. This was a man who’d sworn to uphold the law, and he was making a mockery of those very laws.

I obviously asked him what the fuck he was smoking.

He told me that it was good for stress. WTF?

In a world where drugs has literally taken over, it sickens me to learn that we can’t even trust the law-makers in our land.

I think I must be one of the only people I know who hasn’t ‘experimented’ with any type of banned substances. I was just never interested when I was younger (yes I was called a pussy, but at least my brain cells are more or less intact), and I’m still not.

Quite frankly, I’d rather have a Cornish pastie. Lots of calories, I know, but at least I’m not tempted to fly off a fucking building because I think I’m superman.

Also, what’s that whole shooting up thing about? I find it difficult enough to have a tetanus jab. I’m certainly not about to volunteer to have a needle shoved into my arm every day.

Sheesh.

Author Name: Sharon Sala
Website: http://romanceauthorspage.com/sharonsala/
Genre: Romantic suspense
Latest book in shops now: The Chosen

Before we begin this interview, I need to check that you’re still grounded and that your head isn’t swollen from all of your success, so with that in mind, what was the last thing you bought at Target, and do you know how much a loaf of bread costs? (grin)

Okay… the last thing I bought at Target was a T-Rex dinosaur mountain (for my 4-year old grandson’s Xmas present), and the bread I buy is $2.19 a loaf. I’m picky about bread. It has to be whole wheat or at least cracked wheat. None of that gummy white stuff for me.

Sharon, I have to tell you that your book, The Way To Yesterday inspired me to write the first ever gushing fan letter. It was an amazing story, where did you get the inspiration for Daniel’s character?

I got the inspiration for The Way To Yesterday from a dream. That’s where almost all of my stories come from. Daniel’s character was such a sweetheart. I used my son, Chris, as a pattern, though, because he’s such a great dad to his three little girls.

Have you ever been approached by a film company, to option any of your books for the big screen?

I’ve had people who worked in the film industry express interest in some of my stories, but nothing’s ever come of it.

What were your favourite books as a child?

My favorite books as a child were the Zane Grey stories and the Tarzan books. I liked adventure stories a lot.

Did you read romance books as a teenager?

As a teenager, the Emilie Loring and Grace Livingston Hill were the ones I liked best.

What does a typical day as a writer consist of?

A typical day for me is answering email in the morning. Doing shopping and running errands during the day and writing the most in the evening and at night.

Name your top five favourite books of all time.

I don’t know if I have five favorite books of all time. I don’t reread books much. Once I know what’s going to happen, the story has lost most of the interest for me. But, if I had to make a list, the Holy Bible would be on the list, as would my old Better Homes and Garden cook book.

Too many favorite recipes that I used to make for my kids who are now all grown up. Also, Palomino by Danielle Steele, because it was the first romance book that made me want to write romance. Another book would be the family history book that my mother and a cousin compiled. It’s not just a “family tree” book, but a book with funny and poignant stories about the people who were my ancestors.

It’s humbling to know that, but for them and their sacrifices, I would not be who I am. And the last favorite book I guess I would put on the list is a little Golden Book with a character named Grandpa Bunny Bunny. It was an Easter book that my children absolutely loved and I can still remember them climbing up into my lap with that book to be read.

Which authors are you glomming at the moment? (reading a lot of?)

I haven’t been reading a lot of anything at the moment, because I don’t allow myself the luxury when I’m on deadline. However, I love James Patterson’s mysteries, Patricia Cornwell’s mysteries, and Lisa Jackson’s romantic suspense stories. Also the J.D. Robb series that Nora Roberts writes. All spectacularly good stuff.

I have to agree about Cornwell and JD Robb!

Do you have other close romance writer friends, and if so who are they?

My closest friends are romance writers, and high on the list is Janis Reams Hudson, who has been my best friend and savior through 2005, which turned out to be the saddest year of my life. I lost my fiance, Bobby, to liver cancer at the end of June and my Auntie two days later also succumbed to cancer.

Wow, tough year indeed, I was really sad to hear about your loss Sharon, let’s hope 2006 is a much better year for you.

When did you realise that you wanted to write books, and who or what inspired you?

I don’t know exactly when I thought about writing, but as I said earlier, Danielle Steele was my first inspiration. I wrote my first book of any kind in 1980, then another one in 1981 and stuck them under the bed because they were so bad. However, the bug had bitten me.

How long has it been since you first got published?

My first book came out in 1991.

How did you get your first book published? Did you have a mentor?

I just sent my book to a publishing house and the first place I sent it to, bought it. No, I didn’t have a mentor. I had to trust my own judgement in everything. However, Kate Duffy was my first editor and I valued her guidance greatly.

Which of your books do you feel that you are best known for?

I’m not necessarily best known for a single book, so much as a style of books. My stories are very emotional, contemporary and dark, but with really wonderful characters to love. Readers comment a lot about a book called Jackson Rule, and another book called Out of The Dark.

Both very good books!

If you could have a one-to-one conversation with a famous historical figure, who would it be with and what would you talk about?

My one-on-one conversation with a famous historical figure would be with
Eleanor Roosevelt. I think she was a woman ahead of her time.

What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your writing?

My ultimate goal in writing is to write stories that my readers can identify with.

How has the romance industry changed from when you first started writing, and which of these changes were you happiest/unhappiest with?

The industry has changed a lot since I got in the business. There are less publishing houses to submit work to, stricter guidelines in which to do it, but you still have to be able to tell a good story to get the book sold.

I think I’m happiest about the quality of work that’s being published, and least interested about the e-books. I still like to hold a book when I read, and feel the paper between my fingers. I work so much at a computer that I do not enjoy reading from one for entertainment.

In this day and age, do you think it’s possible for new romance writers to make it without having some kind of presence on the internet?

I really can’t say how much impact the internet has on the romance industry other than to provide another way to purchase books. I’m not particularly pleased about the fact that used copies of my books go up for sale on the internet almost before they’re available in the stories.

I don’t get any royalties on resales. Just the initial few cents per book for original sales, so you can understand where I’m coming from.

I know a few authors who would agree with you actually Sharon, so you’re not alone on this.

In your experience, what would you say was the most effective method of marketing a romance novel?

In my experience, the most effective method of marketing a romance novel is to leave it to the experts, which happen to be my publisher.

Which of your books is dearest to your heart, and why?

I have a couple that are near and dear to my heart. One of them is Sweet Baby. Another is Out of The Dark, and also The Chosen.

I’ve always wondered about this, but as an author, once your books are published, do you actually go back and read them yourself, and if so, are you able to enjoy them, or do you perhaps see things that make you want to chew your own arm off in frustration? (grin).

Once in a while I will go back to one of my books and reread a particular scene just to visit the characters. It sounds strange, but I do miss them when the book is finished.

Has anything a reviewer or reader said or written about you changed the way you write?

Despite criticism, comments and suggestions from reviewers and readers, I write what I want to write, the way I want to write it. If they like it, then wonderful, but if they don’t, then all that means to me is that book wasn’t meant for them to read, that it was written for someone else to enjoy.

Good philosophy.

Last year, RWA attempted to try to define romance, and it caused a bit of a furore round the romance blogosphere, due to the limitations of the definitions. What were your thoughts on this at the time, and do you think it’s possible/necessary to define romance in a way that doesn’t exclude other sub-genres?

I have no comment regarding the definitions of romance. If people want to define it and categorize it, then that’s their headache. There are sub-genres of romance that I enjoy and there are some that I absolutely hate, so.. it’s personal preference after all.

A lot of well known authors who first wrote within the romance genre, seem to have moved away from traditional romance, and are now writing paranormals, suspense etc. (e.g. Linda Howard, Catherine Coulter) Why do you think this is?

This question has to do completely with the one before. Romance is romance, whether it includes suspense, erotica, paranormal, gothic, etc. I don’t know why the other authors write what they write, but I know why my style has changed some over the years.

I would sincerely hope that I’ve learned to tell better stories in fewer words, and that I am now allowed to write the kind of stories that I want to, not necessarily what my publisher wants me to write. I have always like the gothic, paranormal, suspense stories more than just straight character driven, family sagas…
therefore, I’m writing what I like to read. Not trying to keep up or change with the business.

When was the last time you went overseas and where did you go?

The only time I’ve ever been overseas was to Italy. I was in Milan, Naples and Positano. Memorable cities for a memorable trip.

Who are your favourite romance hero and heroine of all time?

My favorite romance hero and heroine of all time? Vincent and Catherine from the television series, Beauty and the Beast.

Oh I loved Vincent and Catherine!

What kind of characters would you say you typically wrote?

Typically, I write dark, tortured hero/heroines who have to overcome some big issue in their life before the story ends.

If only one person could read your book, who would that be? (as in the person who you would want most to read your book)

If only one person could read my book, I would want it to be the person who intends to make all of my books into movies.

Good answer *g*

If you had to pick, who would you say has been most influential within the romance genre?

I have no idea who the most influential person in the romance genre is. My friends would be laughing at me now as I’m writing this, because I am constantly oblivious as to what’s going on in the industry. Half the time I don’t know agents from editors and never know what house is looking for what style of work.

What was the last movie you saw?

I can’t remember the last movie… maybe Hidalgo with Bobby before he died.

Name your top five favourite romantic films

Top favorite romantic films. Oh my. The Last Of The Mohicans with Daniel Day-Lewis, Ghost with Patrick Swayze. The Ghost And Mrs. Muir, Out Of Africa and Sleepless In Seattle.

What was the last book you read, and did you enjoy it?

The last book I read was the latest Harry Potter book… the Half-Blood Prince, I think it is.

Sweetbaby is one of my favourite books ever, can you tell me where you got the inspiration to write such a moving story?

The inspiration from Sweet Baby came from an incident that happened to me when I was six. School was let out early one day without notice, so when I got home, my family was gone. We lived far in the country and I was so scared. Convinced that I would never see them again. I didn’t even realize that I’d used that for the basis until the story was over and published.

Have you ever written a book that you didn’t particularly care for, and do you cringe if you see people picking it up to read it?

No, I’ve never written a book I didn’t like. I wouldn’t have turned it in otherwise.

What do you enjoy most about being a writer?

I most enjoy the freedom of being able to work at home, and to share the stories in my head with people who love to read.

What do you least enjoy about being a writer?

My least favorite thing about writing is the length of time between turning in a piece of work and getting paid for it.

Oh yeah, I never really gave any thought to what kind of impact that might have on authors before…

As you’ve been there, done it, and have the badge to prove it, what is the number one advice that would you give to aspiring writers out there?

My best advice to anyone wanting to write is join a writer’s group. It is without doubt the best thing you can do for yourself. After that, sit yourself down and write.

Since all authors are readers, too, do you have any books you’ve especially enjoyed over the last year or so that you’d like to recommend to readers who’ve enjoyed your books?

No, I can’t recommend a particular book other than ones I’ve mentioned earlier, by writers I admire. Just read. It’s the best hobby a person can have.

Finally, when’s your next book due out, and what’s it about?

My next book is called Nine Lives by Sharon Sala, and it will be out in the fall of 2006.

Sounds great Sharon, thanks so much for taking the time out to answer these very nosy questions!

You’re very welcome. Thank you for showing the interest in my and my work, and I hope this hasn’t been delayed too long for you.

Don’t worry, I totally understood, smooches!

Okey dokey then, that’s it for this week, next week, I’ll either have, Kayla Perrin, or Julia Quinn, in the hot seat! Until then, au revoir dudes!

Last week, I met with the producer of a fashion exhibition that’s usually held in Los Angeles.

I met with her, because this year, they are holding the show in Manchester, England.

We got on like a house on fire, and I happened to mention that the Tall Guy and I were contemplating going to California for our hols this year.

She got very excited about this, due to the fact that herself, and her partner live and work in Los Angeles.

This was supposed to be a business meeting, but we totally digressed, and she was so enthusiastic about her home town that by the time we parted company, she’d extracted a promise from me that I’d call her when we were ready to book, so that she could advise me on the best places to stay. Nice woman.

So The Tall Guy and I have decided that Los Angeles will be our main holiday destination this year. We’re just going to pretend that the crime and violence that’s usually associated with this city is nothing but a vicious rumour.

So Kate Rothwell, (bless her cotton socks) kindly sent me two of her books, Somebody To Love, and Somebody Wonderful.

This is the review for Somebody To Love.

Here’s the blurb:

Araminta Woodhall used to be the family cook for the Calverson family, before she went off to work for a dickhead, called Linder Kane. She is an effing brilliant chef, who has ambitions of eventually owning her own restaurant some day.

Whilst Araminta’s catering for one of Kane’s notorious gaming parties, she runs into Griffin Calverson, (our hero) her best friend’s brother, with whom, she’d already had a run-in with, on several occasions.

Griffin wants to get into Araminta’s knickers, and she, his underpants, but because of her upbringing and her heritage (she’s mixed race, erm half-caste, aargh shit, she’s half-white, and half-black … or something), she’s reluctant to do the nasty with him. (sigh)

It is on this same night that she discovers the true extent of Kane’s treachery and cruelty. Kane had been keeping Olivia, his mistress captive in the house, and beating her senseless, whenever he felt she was getting out of line. When Araminta (shit I keep wanting to call her Ara) discovers Olivia, she vows to help her get away from Kane. (I’d have been tempted to leave the whiny cow)

Anyway, Araminta’s dickhead boss, Kane, starts being more of a twat than usual, and Araminta eventually leaves his employ, and Griffin is the one who ultimately helps her to escape him.

Araminta obviously thinks that Griffin has ulterior motives for coming to her aid, but in order to help Kane’s fragile mistress, Olivia, she reluctantly accepts his protection.

Araminta fights her attraction tooth and nail, but she eventually give in to her baser instincts, and has a good old tumble between the sheets, with Griffin. (It took long enough dammit!)

Although Araminta loves him, she vows that she will not make the same mistakes as her mother, so becoming his mistress is out of the question as far as she’s concerned, thus it’s up to Griffin to prove that he truly loves her.

My Verdict.

I found Somebody To Love quite hard to read, purely because Araminta got on my second tit. I think she was supposed to be portrayed as a strong woman, but she never really came across as being particularly strong. She came across as a woman, who seemed to let life and events dictate her actions.

I could understand that she didn’t want to be used and abused by Griffin, thus she kept him at arms length, but on the other hand, she went to work for a man, who wasn’t above murder, and beating women. What kind of fucked up logic is that? OK maybe she didn’t know he was a twat when she originally went to work for him, but I still couldn’t forgive her for staying with him for so long, and refusing to give in to the lovely Griff. Yeah, yeah, I know she she stayed for Olivia’s sake, blah blah effing blah..

I thought it was fairly obvious that Griffin was a decent bloke, plus he was rich, and quite frankly, she wasn’t, so why not just go for it? I guess I just wasn’t convinced by her motivation for not wanting to shag him senseless.

On the plus side, I liked Griffin. I liked the fact that he never tried to hide his feelings from Araminta. I hate the kind of conflict that has the lead characters playing push-me-pull-you, all the way through a damned book. There’s nothing guaranteed to piss me off, more than conflict that can be resolved with a conversation or two between the hero and the heroine.

The book itself was well written, (even if Araminta needed a good kicking or two), the plot was mildly interesting, and the chemistry between Araminta and Griffin was convincing, and had the heroine not been so wish-washy (yes Kate she was!), I would have enjoyed the book a lot more.

Overall, Somebody To Love was ok, but I wasn’t blown away by it.

Barge carrying the Northern Bottle-nosed Whale

A bottle-nosed whale lost its way , and somehow ended up in the Thames River in central London yesterday. It was there for over twenty-four hours, and seemed to be getting more and more disoriented, so today, rescuers decided to intervene. The magnificent mammal is currently on a barge on the way back to the sea.

Godspeed Mr Whale, and I hope you get well soon. I’m sure you’ll be with your family again in no time at all…

UPDATE:
The whale has died. I’m absolutely gutted.

Author Name: Catherine Anderson
Website: www.catherineanderson.com
Genre: contemporary and historical romance
Latest book in shops now:

My newest release is on the shelves right now, Summer Breeze. Fabulous reviews thus far, by the way. I was holding my breath. Now I’ve let it out. Big happy sigh.

Oooh after I read Keegan’s Lady, that’s next on my list to buy!

Before we begin this interview, I need to check that you’re still grounded and that your head isn’t swollen from all of your success, so with that in mind, what was the last thing you bought at Target, and do you know how much a loaf of bread costs? (grin)

I’m laughing. The last thing I bought at Target was a pair of snow boots for a teenage girl from our Christmas giving tree at church, and, yes, I know how much a loaf of bread costs. I went shopping for groceries just tonight. Didn’t buy bread, though.

Have you ever been approached by a film company, to option any of your books for the big screen?

I had one nibble from Hallmark, but nothing ever came of it. Big, sad sigh.

Hey, give it time, Annie’s Song may make it onto the big screen yet. *g*

What were your favourite books as a child?

Peter Pan (I pretended to be Tinkerbell most of my early childhood), Cinderella, Pinocchio, Snow White, and The Night Before Christmas, which I made my mother read to me even when it wasn’t the Christmas season.

Did you read romance books as a teenager?

No, but I did watch a few romance films, as in lots of them, and I wrote romances as a teenager as a hobby. My best friend had to listen to me read them aloud, bless her heart.

What does a typical day as a writer consist of?

All the things every other working woman does, except that I write for a living. I do laundry, make the bed, tidy up, dress, and go to my office. Right now I’m making mashed potato soup! We had a bunch of mashed potatoes in the fridge, so I got on the Net to find recipes. I found some good ones!

Mashed potato soup? Is that like an American thing?

Name your top five favourite books of all time.

Uh-oh, the question I dread and never answer. To do so would be to say one friend of mine is more precious to me than another. I know the people who wrote my favourite books of all time, and I love them.

I also know and love the people who didn’t write my favourite books of all time, but wrote other books. I wouldn’t hurt the feelings of a friend for anything, so I’m sure you understand why I keep that information to myself. Sorry.
OK, I’ll let you off with that one. *g*

Which authors are you glomming at the moment? (reading a lot of?)

Right now I am so busy trying to get my own book written that I’m not reading much of anything. No time!

Do you have other close romance writer friends, and if so who are they?

I live on a ridge in a remote area, and over the years, I’ve fallen out of the habit of keeping in touch with my writer friends and rarely get to see them. When I do, it’s lovely!

Three who helped me in different ways early on in my career are Stella Cameron, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Ann Maxwell. I also greatly enjoy the company of Christina Dodd, Susan Wiggs, whom I haven’t seen in years, and countless others. During the Get Caught Reading at Sea cruise, I had a lot of fun catching up with old friends and making new ones.

I blogged a while ago about the lack of books featuring blind or deaf lead characters, and an author suggested Annie’s Song. I went to Amazon and ordered it. One word. AMAZING! I am now in the process of gobbling up your backlist. Why did you decide to write a book like Annie’s Song, in a time when romance writers in general, traditionally tend to shy away from lead characters with physical disabilities?

I wrote Annie’s Song because life touched me, and I believed and still believe that what moves me in a beautiful way will also move others. I took a big risk because I believed that. And my readers didn’t let me down.

Annie’s Song received an award from Waldenbooks, and I will treasure it always. I was inspired to write Annie’s Song by a little deaf girl. I was her teacher. Her name was Tina, and knowing her changed my life. Over the time that I spent with her, I fell so in love with her, and she gave me a new understanding of deafness and how it impacts one’s life.

I vowed to write a book someday about a deaf girl if I ever became a published author. When that day finally came, I wrote several books before keeping that vow. The rest of the story you already know.

You also wrote Phantom Waltz, which I expect was more of a challenge due to the extent of the heroine’s disabilities. I recall wondering how you were going to deal with the intimacy issues between Ryan and Beth, (which I thought you handled excellently btw), did you worry that your readers might have been put off by the love scenes between these two people, and what research did you have to do to make sure you got the whole physiological aspects right?

I had to do a lot of research—doctors and nurses—but I especially paid attention to personal journals of people with paraplegia. I never worried about readers being put off by the love scenes because the essence of the story was focused on the deep emotional attachment between the two characters, not about sexual gratification.

Bethany would have been happy with Ryan, regardless, and Ryan loved her so much that fireworks weren’t that important to him, either. The fact that they found ways to enjoy physical intimacy with each other was the topping on the cake, so to speak.

When did you realise that you wanted to write books, and who or what inspired you?

I wanted to write books before I knew how to spell my name. My mom was a writer, and I used to play with my dolls at her feet, creating my own little stories, while she clacked away on an old Underwood typewriter.

She gave me a love of the written word, and her faith in me encouraged me to become a writer. I was also fortunate enough to marry a great guy who supported my writing.

How long has it been since you first got published?

My first sale was in 1986. I believe the book, Reasonable Doubt, a Harlequin Intrigue, was published in 1988, but I’m not sure of the year.

How did you get your first book published? Did you have a mentor?

I went to a writer’s conference and attended a class taught by Stella Cameron. She encouraged me early on, and others helped me out, too. I finally got published by working hard, being willing to do revisions, and not giving up when the manuscript was floating around at Harlequin for almost two years.

Which of your books do you feel that you are best known for?

Hmm. That’s a good question, and I have no idea how to answer it. I think my readers could better tell you which of my books I’m best known for writing.

OK guys, anybody else think they know the answer to this?

If you could have a one-to-one conversation with a famous historical figure, who would it be with and what would you talk about?

I wouldn’t want to speak to a famous figure. I would want to talk with a woman from an ordinary walk of life about her daily routine, the fashions of the day, her favourite recipes, her social activities, and her feelings about love and marriage.

What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your writing?

Writing has been very good to me, and I don’t really have any goals except to do my best to write meaningful, enjoyable books that my readers will love.

How has the romance industry changed from when you first started writing, and which of these changes were you happiest/unhappiest with?

The romance industry has become far more sophisticated, I think, and I love the fact that romances can now touch on real-life issues and needn’t be all fluff. Romance writers today are, in my opinion, putting out some of the best fiction in the marketplace, well plotted and beautifully crafted. We’ve come a long way, baby.

I totally agree with you on that Catherine.

In this day and age, do you think it’s possible for new romance writers to make it without having some kind of presence on the internet?

Absolutely. To make it in today’s marketplace requires the same thing as always, a great book. Everything else will follow.

In your experience, what would you say was the most effective method of marketing a romance novel?

Marketing strategies help the sales of a wonderful book, but I can’t honestly say which strategies work the best. It’s a changing marketplace, and what works one time may not work at all the next time.

I think the most important thing a writer can do for herself is to write the very best book that she can. I firmly believe that strong writing, well-crafted stories, and a distinctive voice will win out in the end.

Which of your books is dearest to your heart, and why?

When asked this question, I always start to say this or that book is my favourite, but then I remember another book and then another that are also precious to me. In truth, no one book is dearer to me than another. I put my heart into each and every book that I write, and each is special to me in some way.

Well my fave is Annie’s Song *g*.

I’ve always wondered about this, but as an author, once your books are published, do you actually go back and read them yourself, and if so, are you able to enjoy them, or do you perhaps see things that make you want to chew your own arm off in frustration? (grin).

I learned the hard way (from wanting to chew my arm off in frustration) not to read recent titles. Writing is an ever-changing process, and I could keep editing a book, revising the scenes, and messing with it forever. A couple of years ago, I did read my out-of-print single title books, and enough time had passed that I could enjoy them without feeling a compulsion to change them.

Has anything a reviewer or reader said or written about you changed the way you write?

No. I have been deeply affected by reviews, both negatively and positively, but I try never to let one person’s opinion encourage or discourage me to change my style. I think that would be a grave mistake.

Instead I try to remain true to the things in my writing that brought me to the dance, and when I dance the last dance, I hope to still be employing those strengths. If a writer alters her voice to please a few, she runs the risk of altering the very things that make her work distinctive.

Earlier this year, RWA attempted to try to define romance, and it caused a bit of a furore round the romance blogosphere, due to the limitations of the definitions. What were your thoughts on this at the time, and do you think it’s possible/necessary to define romance in a way that doesn’t exclude other sub-genres?

I wasn’t aware of the debate and can’t really comment on it.

A lot of well known authors who first wrote within the romance genre, seem to have moved away from traditional romance, and are now writing paranormals, suspense etc. (e.g. Linda Howard, Catherine Coulter), why do you think this is?

I can’t speak for other writers. I can say, though, that I’ve enjoyed the results. The two authors mentioned above have written some great books. Perhaps it’s a case of evolving style and voice, or maybe their interests and passions have changed. Who can say?

When was the last time you went overseas and where did you go?

My last overseas trip was to Australia. It’s been a while since I’ve taken an international flight. Next we hope to visit New Zealand.

What kind of characters would you say you typically wrote?

I try to create real people, struggling with real issues.

If only one person could read your book, who would that be? (as in the person who you would want most to read your book)

If only one person could read my book, I’d choose myself.

Good answer, I’ve never had that one before!

If you had to pick, who would you say has been most influential within the romance genre?

Kathleen Woodiwiss is considered to be the mother of modern-day romance.

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the advantages and disadvantages of shelving African American romance books separately from general romance books, what are your thoughts on this? Should AA books be shelved separately, or should they be kept together?

That’s really a marketing question, and I’m not qualified to answer it. Where do AA novels sell best, and where do they get the best exposure? It seems to me that more readers would find the AA titles and read them if they were shelved with other romances. When I go to a bookstore to find a book, I head directly for the romance section. If, say, a romantic suspense novel were in another section, I might never see it.

What was the last movie you saw?

Polar Express.

Name your top five favourite romantic films.

Somewhere in Time, Gone with the Wind.

Have you ever written a book that you didn’t particularly care for, and do you cringe if you see people picking it up to read it?

The only book I’ve ever felt that way about was an early title that got absolutely butchered by an editor during revisions. Then the editor quit, another took her spot, and I was asked to revise the revisions, putting much of the book back to the way it had been in the first place.

By the time I finished the final revisions, the story felt like a patchwork quilt to me with ravelled edges. I have never read it, and when I see it, I shudder and keep walking. It is not my work, but the work of two editors.

Lol, sorry but I just had an image of you walking quickly past this particular book, wearing a long raincoat with big old sunglasses on!

What do you enjoy most about being a writer?

Being able to do what I love to do and being allowed to follow my dream.

What do you least enjoy about being a writer?

I least enjoy unkind reviewers who seem to derive pleasure from trashing a book. I have been fairly fortunate in that regard, but harsh reviews upset me, even if they aren’t reviews of my work.

My heart goes out to the writer who got bashed. I believe all reviewers should remember that theirs is only one opinion and that someone else may completely disagree. I also believe that a master reviewer is someone who can comment honestly on a work of fiction without slashing it to pieces.

As you’ve been there, done it, and have the badge to prove it, what is the number one advice that would you give to aspiring writers out there?

Keep writing and don’t get discouraged! Secondly, don’t fall into the trap of revising one story, over and over and over.

Finally, when’s your next book due out, and what’s it about?

My newest release, Summer Breeze, is on the shelves right now. It’s about a young woman who hasn’t stepped foot outside her home in over five years and the man who suddenly appears on her doorstep and turns her world topsy-turvy.

Thanks so much for taking the time out to answer these very nosy questions!

Thank you for inviting me to be interviewed. I’m honoured.

Well, that’s all for now folks, next week, I’ll have Sharon Sala in the hot seat!

Erm… so I realise that it’s author interview day today, but I ran into technical difficulties. Hopefully I’ll be able to post Catherine Anderson’s interview tomorrow. (As soon as I find the bloody thing! Goddamn Auto-Archiving!!)

In the mean time, I’m off to bed, I’ve given myself a headache looking for the effing thing. Sheesh!