Could you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in writing?Sure! I’m a forty-something mother of two, wife of one, dog-lover, Yankees fan. I’ve loved romance novels ever since I stole my first one from my grandmother when I was about 13. I had always worked as a writer in PR and advertising, but didn’t start writing fiction until I was a stay-at-home mom. My goal was to write the kind of romance I would love to read—realistic characters who had families, jobs, friends—normal people, in other words, not billionaires or actors or vampires (or billionaire actor vampires), though I do love reading those types of characters. But a big, memorable love story about two regular people…that was what I wanted to write. Fools Rush In, my first book, seemed to strike a chord with readers, and I’ve been writing ever since.
How was the road from idea to publication for MY ONE AND ONLY?The road was pretty smooth! I wanted to write a divorced couple, and I wanted them trapped together. The harder part of the process was giving them enough reason for both marrying young and divorcing…and enough reason to want to try again. That took a little soul-mining, but I think it was well worth it. I love writing that blend of pathos and humor, and this book has that in spades.
Was there any inspiration in your life that sparked the idea of writing this book?Well, no. I’m happily married and have been for a nice long while. But the idea of a reunion story has such appeal—you read all the time about people finding each other after a long time, whether on Facebook or at a high school reunion. And the power of first love is so overwhelming; it’s one of my favorite things to write about.
Have you ever read a book that changed your life? Every book I’ve read has had an impact on me, good or bad, big or small. When I love a book, I carry it in my heart for a long, long time…maybe forever. I’ve read books that have felt like a friend, made me laugh, made me cry, informed me, upset me, inspired me…but I can’t say that I could point to one book and say, “There it is. The one responsible for everything.”
Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about?UNTIL THERE WAS YOU will come out this November, and I’m very excited about this book, as it contains my first ever foray into the hero’s head. This is the story of the return of the bad-boy who now has to face up to his past while trying to raise a teenage daughter. The heroine is someone he knew from way back when…someone who always thought there was more to him than his reputation…right up until he breaks her heart, though not in the way you might guess. The two of them have to find out what’s different now, and what’s still the same. I had a lot of fun writing the hero’s point of view—I have a huge crush on this guy—and I really love the heroine (and her dog. And her family!).
I’m also working on a new book featuring a character readers have already met, as well as a return to a place a lot of readers loved. But I’m not sure I’m supposed to say too much about that just yet. Sorry!
Thank you so much for having me today!
As part of this interview, the publishers are offering up a copy of MY ONE AND ONLY to a lucky reader! Simply fill out the form below to be entered!
Details:
- US Only!
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- Contest ends Saturday, April 16 at midnight.
