Q&A with Sarah Creech

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

The research process! I explored the history of country music through the wonderful scholarly texts of Bill C. Malone and I drew so much inspiration from tales of Opry romances and curses, friendships and heartbreaks. Country music is the most neglected of all music styles in scholarly work due to its complicated regional history, but it’s far and away the best narrative music genre. I’m grateful for Malone, who dedicated his scholarly career to studying the roots of country music and beyond. Through Malone and other important writers, I discovered the romantic relationships between Martina McBride and her producer husband and George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Those romantic/working relationships have long fascinated me since I’m in a marriage with another artist. 

I also researched the on stage duet relationships between superstars like Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner and all the complications that arise when a romantic link is missing. I had the pleasure of being granted access to the Frist Library in the Country Hal of Fame in Nashville, TN, where I listened to the earliest recordings of the Grand Ole Opry, found the first draft of Waylon Jennings’s autobiography, which I promptly read it from start to finish, and explored all the microfiche a writer could want about the country music industry. I’m fascinated by independent labels like Big Machine (Taylor Swift’s label) headed by Scott Borchetta and 3rd Man Records headed by Jack White and how they operate in a town where multi-national corporations hold most of the power. I read through many newspaper clippings and explored the trajectory of the country music industry from the 60s to current day and all the disruptions along the way like rock music, the Vietnam War, and the rise of pirating technology. 

On one of my last days at the Frist Library, Jack White and his entourage walked into the room where I was the only person granted access on that day. He’s much taller in person and extremely charismatic. His energy animated the inanimate objects in the room. He told me I was pretty. And I thought, the nerve of that guy! He said that to me because he’s Jack White, because he could. Still, for a full hour I was deeply distracted. A few weeks later I found out he was there to pick up one of the earliest known recordings of Elvis. A friend of Elvis’s from before he was famous found the record in his closet, and Jack White had it digitally re-mastered at the Frist Library. And I happened to be there when it was all finished. Meeting Jack White and researching in Nashville became a turning point for the novel. The night before I was set to head home from this research trip, I had a dream that I’d forgotten my current manuscript on an elevator that would never come back down to me. I knew my dream was telling me to start over, to make it bigger, to try and capture all the light, charm, and magnitude of Jack White’s presence and Nashville at large. 

Beyond book research, I found myself drinking lots of whiskey with great musicians who generously gave me just enough access to their lives to inspire the characters in this book. Chance McCoy of Old Crow Medicine Show and J.P. Harris of J.P. Harris and the Tough Choices were so open and helpful that I’ll never be able to thank them fully. 

If you could trade places with anyone for just one day, who would you be?

Dolly Parton

A la Twitter style, please describe your book in 140 characters or less. 
About the rising Queen of Country and the Top 40 superstar she used to love. 

Where did the inspiration for this book come from?

A few years ago I was sitting at a local honkytonk joint called the Thirsty Beaver here in Charlotte, NC, where I live. This is an iconic bar in Charlotte, and proudly sells the most Jim Beam in the entire state. The bar is run by two fabulous brothers who created the idea for this place before the Plaza Midwood neighborhood was as cool and in demand as it is now. They had no idea if anyone would come to a bar playing Hank Williams, not Blake Shelton. There’s a velvet Kenny Rogers poster on the storage room door and a Charlie Pride hologram on the wall. (I tried to capture the charm of this place in my novel. The Thirsty Baboon is an homage to this place.) 

So I was sitting on a barstool at the Thirsty Beaver, drinking a whiskey neat, and waiting for J.P. Harris and The Tough Choices to start playing. I’d seen J.P. play once before in Galax, Virginia, on a snowy evening where couples came out for a two step. He promised me his show at the Thirsty Beaver would be a lot more raucous. And he was right, of course. I remember sitting on that bar stool, watching him perform with his sleeves of tattoos on display and his big black beard grown out before all the hipsters were doing it and I remember his passion for the roots of country music, for playing covers by the greats like Merle Haggard and Hank Williams. This rebellious musician and all his respect and passion for the tradition really struck me. I thought, What if I guy like this could become really famous in Nashville? And that question sparked the beginning of The Whole Way Home. The book doesn’t follow the exact trajectory of that question, but I’m glad to report that J.P. Harris is well on his way to turning that what if into reality. Now he’s so busy touring that the guys at the Thirsty Beaver can’t book him anymore! We’re all proud of him. 

How long have you been writing, and what (or who) inspired you to start?

I wrote and illustrated my first book of poems in the 4th grade and my first novel in the sixth grade, and I’ve been writing ever since. My mother was a voracious reader. I have many memories of walking into her bedroom in the evenings and on the weekends to find her reading paperbacks in bed with many more scattered on the floor. She was a single, hard-working mom of four girls with no help from my father. I knew how stressed and difficult her life was and I remember drawing the conclusion that books gave her comfort, peace, just like reading Roald Dahl, Shel Silverstein, and Amelia Bedelia did for me. Books were magical, and I wanted to participate as a creator. 

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Treat the first ten years like an apprenticeship. Be impatient for success and patient with your failures. Don’t quit.

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Thank you so much for reading on all formats, for building community through books, and for keeping word of mouth promotion alive and well. Without you, writers work in a silo. 

Q&A with Ann Marie Walker

Favorite writing place. 

Honestly it varies from book to book, but Black Tie Optional was written almost exclusively at the corner table of my local Starbucks and I have the gold star rewards to prove it haha.

If they could sit and write in a different country where would it be? 

I've had the chance to visit the UK recently and as a result am thinking of basing my next series there. Maybe it's my love of Hugh Grant rom-coms, but after a few days in Notting Hill, the ideas were flying!

Co-writing have you done it with another author, if not, would you?

The first series I wrote, Chasing Fire, was co-authored with Amy K. Rogers. It was a wonderfully collaborative process but we always knew I would write solo as well (hence publishing under both our names versus one pen name) due to Amy's demanding "day job".

Name three things on your desk right now.

Coffee mug (a necessity), cell phone (a distraction), and a frame with a print of the first fan art someone ever made based on one of my books (a reminder).

What are you favorite types of stories to read?

Romances, especially ones with humor. I remember reading Beautiful Player at the hair salon and I literally laughed out loud. It was such an amazing feeling, which is why I couldn't have been happier when Library Journal used that exact phrase to describe Black Tie Optional.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

The second book of the Wild Wedding Series will feature Olivia's best friend Cassie as the female lead. All the characters from BTO will make appearances along with a few new ones as well. The first chapter is actually included at the end of book one, but here's a little teaser:

ICING ON THE CAKE

Cassandra Miller doesn’t have time for men. She’s far too busy preparing to open a cupcake shop with her silent partner and best friend, not to mention catering her brother’s wedding. And let’s face it, it’s not like Prince Charming is going to stroll into the bakery and sweep her off her feet.

Henry has been a Prince his entire life but for one wild wedding he wants to be nothing more than an “Average Joe”, or in this instance, “Average Hank”. But when a case of mistaken identity and a batch of burned cupcakes ends in a night of passion, Cassie and Hank must decide if theirs is a recipe for disaster or the makings of true romance.

Q&A with Cheryl Etchison

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I really enjoyed the early interactions between Michael and Kacie for this book but especially the scene where they have sex the first time. The conversation is so shallow and matter-of-fact since they’ve agreed to just use each other for sex.

I also loved the argument between Michael and his sister-in-law. Bree has been more like a sibling to him for so many years that it’s only fair they’d argue in the same way he and his brother argue. Politeness be damned!

What gave you the most trouble with this story?

When I started this book, I hadn’t planned on Michael suffering from PTSD. But when I began the editing process and reading it from the beginning, I realized all the clues were there. He doesn’t really talk about his issues although it’s clear those who know him best realize something is a bit off. And whenever the suggestion is made that he speak to a therapist, he blows it off because he doesn’t believe his problems are bad enough to warrant treatment. Which I think, sadly, is an accurate representation for so many of those who serve in special operations units.

Name three things on your desk right now.

A small crystal pig with pink wings named Penelope. I have always loved the expression “When pigs fly!” and have always taken great pleasure in proving people wrong.

A two-year-old fortune that says “You’ll never know what you can do until you try.” I found it in my fortune cookie at a time when I was debating whether or not I was read to query literary agents.

A small Galah figurine given to me by the Australian family I lived with while on foreign exchange in high school. They had rescued an injured Galah, which is a type of cockatoo, and taught this bird to say my name. That damn bird made me crazy because he would sometimes escape when I came home from school and then proceed to hide high up in a tree while calling my name over and over, taunting me.

If you could have dinner with any three authors (alive or dead), who would you choose and why?

My first instinct was to say Jane Austen, but I fear she’d end up being a disappointment and ruining my perception of her. Ernest Hemingway would have to be my number one since his personal life was as exciting as his stories. Second would be Dorothy Parker since she had zero problem saying exactly what she thought. Throw in the fact she was blacklisted in Hollywood, I can only imagine the dirt she knew. Number three would have to be Stephen King. I’d love to know what his childhood was like and whether or not his own writing gives him nightmares.  

What are you favorite types of stories to read?

I absolutely adore historical romances. They are always my go-to read when I’m in a bad mood or a writing rut. I love all that despite a ton of societal rules, there were women who willingly ignored them and threw caution to the wind. Personally, I like to think had I lived during the Regency era that I’d have been one of those women who wore pants and rode astride and basically thumbed her nose to everyone who dared say “You shouldn’t do that!”

How long have you been writing, and what (or who) inspired you to start?

There was a built in desk in my bedroom growing up and it being the only desk in the house, that’s where the Selectric typewriter lived. When I was in elementary school, my mother would write youth soccer recaps for the local paper and when she was done I would sit down and mimic her. I don’t recall ever writing fiction. Instead, I wrote recaps of the Olympics and Super Bowls. In school I always excelled at creative writing but it wasn’t until I was in college, at the encouragement of a professor, I switched from Accounting to Journalism. After graduating, I always wrote for work, but never for myself. Then when my oldest was born, I quit writing altogether for about six years until I found an online community and began writing fanfiction. Through that I made a friend who was a member of RWA and encouraged me to attend the national conference with her in 2011. The rest is history.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

When I began working on this story five years ago, it was the story of a doctor who’d just left the army and was trying to find his way in the civilian world. Sadly, my hero was, in a word, boring. He was too nice. Too polite. He was just… ugh. But I kept at him and gave him a brother and father and he began taking shape. By the time I actually started to like Michael MacGregor, I realized his story would be better if his younger brother’s story came first. So I went back to square one and began working on ONCE AND FOR ALL. When I returned to Michael’s original story last year, I had to scrap most of it because some scenes were more like Danny and other scenes were more like Lucky (the hero in HERE AND NOW). So I had to practically start completely over, but this time I knew exactly who Michael MacGregor was and what he’d been through.

What do you do when you are not writing?

As a mom of three, I’m usually pretty busy when I’m not writing. There’s always a kitchen to be cleaned or laundry to be folded or a kid to be driven somewhere. And now my oldest has her learner’s permit and I’m the one she drives with the most. So that’s always fun. Not really.

Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

I love that I was given the opportunity to bring Michael and Danny’s mother to life in this book thanks to my editor suggesting I include a flashback. If there is one couple I would love to write, it would be their parents. I would love to see Mac MacGregor fall head over heels in love with Lily.

Q&A with Tara Kingston

Can you tell us a little about your book?

I’d love to tell you a bit about When A Lady Dares. The story is set in London during the late Victorian era, a few years after Jack the Ripper roamed the alleys of Whitechapel. The heroine of the story, Sophie Atherton, is an undercover agent for a secret government agency called upon to pursue criminals who pose a threat to England—cases that require specialized expertise and resources beyond the realm of Scotland Yard. Here’s a brief summary of the story:

In Victorian London, a daring female agent confronts a notorious rogue, but who’s seducing who?

Sophie Atherton knows a liar when she sees one. Perhaps because she’s so skilled at deception herself. Searching for clues to a string of mysterious deaths, the secret operative for the Crown has connived her way into a phony medium’s confidence. When a dashing archaeologist seeks out the charlatan’s services, Sophie suspects he’s after more than a long-lost heirloom. Their electric attraction storms her defenses, but loving the rakish scholar would threaten her investigation and the life she’s crafted.

Gavin Stanwyck is a man on a mission. Masquerading as a treasure hunter to trap the spiritualist, he's drawn to the medium’s enigmatic assistant. As treacherous forces close in, passion awakens his hardened heart—he’ll protect Sophie at all costs, but he cannot give her his love. Uniting to survive a sinister plot, they must tear down their defenses and learn to trust their hearts.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

It’s a tie between three songs, depending on my mood:
Paperback Writer (The Beatles)
Don’t Stop (Fleetwood Mac)
Roar (Katy Perry)

Name one thing you won’t leave home without.

My e-reader…I always have to have a great book on hand.

Name three things on your desk right now.

My laptop, a variety of multi-colored post-it notes with my scribblings on them, and a very old folder with Han Solo’s picture on it, just because… after all, who wouldn’t want a large picture of Harrison Ford on their desk?

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

When I’m not writing, I love to spend time outdoors with my husband. We ride our bicycles, hike in the state parks near our home, take long walks, and generally, enjoy nature. I also like to head to the beach every chance I get—a day at the beach is good for my soul. I enjoy watching a good comedy, and in the fall, I love getting together with friends to watch football and cheer on my favorite team.

If you could have dinner with any three authors (alive or dead), who would you choose and why?

Jane Austen —I’d love to discuss her inspiration for Mr. Darcy and get her thoughts on a matter of great importance—who’s the better Darcy—

Colin Firth or Matthew Macfadyen? For the record, I’m Team Firth. 

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley — She wrote Frankenstein… need I say more? Discussing her inspiration for the novel and the characters would be fascinating. I’d also love to get her opinion on the great portrayals of the monster in film… who’s her favorite—Boris Karloff, Christopher Lee,

Peter Boyle, or Robert DeNiro? Personally, I have a soft-spot for Peter Boyle’s portrayal in Young Frankenstein (or is that Fronk-en-steen?)

Charlotte Bronte — Jane Eyre is one of my all-time favorite novels. I’d be thrilled to discuss the inspiration for Mr. Rochester with the author who created him…simply fascinating!

What 5 things should readers know about you?

~ I am hopelessly devoted to Fox Mulder and have watched every episode of the X-Files.

~ I can cook, but it’s a pretty rare occasion when I make anything from scratch. I’d rather be writing, biking, walking, laughing at a good comedy, reading on a beach, reading on my porch, painting furniture… pretty much anything but standing in the kitchen.

~ I do not like sad movies and books. I’d much read a happily-ever-after or enjoy a movie comedy or a rollicking adventure—Raiders of the Lost Ark is one of my favorite movies of all time. The adventure, the gorgeous hero (yes, I adore Harrison Ford, as evidenced by the fact I possess a years-old folder with Han Solo on the front), and the touches of humor make it an ideal movie for me.

~ We have two kitties who were incredibly innocent-looking when we adopted them from the shelter, but the pair quickly began to compete for the title of “bad kitty”. We’ve actually had to child-proof a cabinet in the kitchen to keep one of them from opening the door and walking right in, and trust me, you do not want to see what they will do to a bag of treats that’s left out on the counter. But they make up for their naughtiness with their sweet, loving ways. They really are cuddle-bugs.

~ As a child, I loved to read Nancy Drew books non-stop. Even then, I enjoyed stories with clever heroines and a good mystery. This has definitely carried over to my own novels. I love to read and write romance with strong heroines and an air of mystery threaded through the story.

Q&A with Martha Kennerson, Always My Baby

What is your favorite part about writing for Always My Baby?

The best part of having the opportunity to write Always My Baby was having the ability to showcase a real friendship between China and Alexander. Even when things start to change between them, and their lives start taking them in different directions, safe guarding their friendship remains their priority.

What are the traits you admire most in China and Alexander?

I admire China’s ability to wrap the vulnerability she thinks her love for Alexander brings out, in her confidence and independence. 

How long does it typically take for you to write a book?

It typically takes me two months to create the story and two additional months to make final edits.

What else do you love to do besides writing?

Other than writing, I love spending time with family and friends enjoying good food and music. 

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

I’ve always written in some form or another throughout my professional career. Only in the last five years have I been able to bring my desire to write romance to fruition.

What is your favorite thing about writing contemporary romance?

I enjoy writing contemporary romance because all the places I can take the story. I love the creative freedom it gives me.

What are a few of your favorite books? Do you have any recommendations?
I have an eclectic taste when it comes to my choice in books. I’m a big fan of romance and mystery. As far as recommendations goes, for all things romance, you can’t go wrong with any of the Harlequin novels; there’s something for everyone. When it comes to mystery, I’m a big fan of Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series.

What book are you currently reading right now?

I don’t read for pleasure while I’m working on my own book. However the book I finished just before I started my current project was Sister Betty says I Do by Christian Comedienne Pat G’Orge-Walker.

What future projects are you working on?

I’m currently working on the third installment in my Kingsley of Texas series.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

The one piece of advice I’d give new writers is to write. Just write. Don’t worry about anything other than telling your story. 

Q&A with Delores Fossen, Lucas

What is your favorite part about writing LUCAS?

LUCAS is the 12th book in the Lawmen of Silver Creek series so I really enjoyed visiting with all the cowboy heroes from the previous stories. It was like going home to a family reunion.

Is there anyone who you based Lucas and Hailey off of, or who you drew your inspiration from?

I was inspired by Rayland Givens from Justified. I thought he had that edge that I wanted Lucas to have.

How many books have you written? Is there one that you would consider your favorite?

LUCAS is my 88th published Harlequin, and I’ve written 12 other books. It’s so hard to pick a favorite, but I think for now it’s BRANDED AS TROUBLE, an HQN that comes out July 1st.

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

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember, but I didn’t begin writing seriously until my kids were old enough to start to school.

What is your favorite thing about writing contemporary romance?

It’s fun to “build” the ranch where my cowboy heroes and heroines live. And, of course, the best part is creating happily-ever-afters for them.

What is the biggest misconception about your genre?

That the books are easy to write and all the same. They’re very different, and they’re definitely not easy. It takes a lot of work to pull a story together.

What are a few of your favorite books? Do you have any recommendations?

I have SO many favorite books and authors. I love B.J. Daniels, Julie Miller and Lori Wilde. I also read Stephen King and Dean Koontz.

What are your future projects are you working on?

I’m working on three new HQN books for my Wrangler’s Creek series. They’ll be out in 2018.

Do you have any tips for people suffering from writer’s block?

I think it helps to make a schedule and then stick to it. That way, I know what I’m supposed to be doing every day.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Write as much as you can and experiment with various ways to do the same scene. That’s how to learn the best way to tell the story.