Archive for the 'Interviews' Category

The Write Side of Life

January 24, 2008 | Interviews

ST: Hi Everyone! We’re back with M.C. Halliday to learn more about her writing. What’s a normal day like for you?
MC: In the winter, I’m up at 6:30 every day and put coffee on to brew as my email accounts load and the dogs spend some time in the back gardens. Once I have coffee in hand, I spend an hour or two answering or sending emails, then I check my calendar and projects list before planning my day according to deadlines. I work until 4:00 or later, and then try to relax or catch up on household duties or errands. In the summer, I begin my day at 5:00 and head outdoors to garden in the early afternoon. My evenings are spent in the gazebo I erected in the far rear gardens, with my digital recorder at hand.

ST: With your busy life how do you find time to write?
MC: Oh, my life is dedicated to writing. I seldom holiday or do much else, I’m happiest when writing or researching or plotting. My tarot sign is Hermit and I think it suits me quite well.

ST: Are there any quirks you have or do before or while you’re writing?
MC: Atop a shelf on my desk, looking out a window to the northeast, stands a large fierce red dragon to ward off bad chi. That’s rather quirky to us in the West, isn’t it.

ST: Who or what encouraged you to write?
MC: Simple desire, compounded over years of suppressed need and I reached a point where it was do or die, literally. I had been suffering from physical ailments that flared most on my face (I looked like monster at one point) and went into a severe depression that worsened when I lost my lifelong Siamese companion, and sat with a bottle of pills asking myself, “What would make you NOT do this?” Immediately, the answer was writing. I quit my job, stopped dating and sought to heal with my deepest desire forefront.

ST: Where do you get the ideas for your novels?
MC: Always, a sudden inspiration comes to me. The words follow as though I hear a whisper as I write the prologue. Next comes the characters, which I seem to know inside and out as I begin. I can see them, hear the tone of their voices and sense their motivation. Then I look to the pivotal point in their life that creates who they are and why they feel/act as they do.

ST: How do you research your books?
MC: Thank heavens for the internet, especially in the last few years as it’s much improved. I can find hundreds of sources for much of what I would like to know before plotting: structure of the society, rights of men and women, clothing styles and fabrics and personal toilet, modes of transport and costs, industry and art, maps for the era and common names of people and places, language and speech patterns, entertainment and amusements, housing and furniture. Any facts or information must be confirmed from at least three other reliable sources. It helps a great deal when I have first hand knowledge of a place, such as London and all southern England.

ST: Who is your support group?
MC: My older sister was my first support. She has encouraged me through the last seven years and remains steadfast. My best friend is also an avid support and reader, she will beta read at any time and give her precious, totally unbiased opinion. Recently, I joined an online writer’s group that has also proved valuable.

ST: Thanks for all your time, M.C. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
MC: You’re welcome and I’ll be here bright and early!

ST: Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

Author M.C. Halliday Tells All

January 23, 2008 | Interviews

ST: Hi, MC Halliday, welcome and thank you for visiting with us this week.
MC: Sloane, it’s my pleasure! Many thanks for asking me here.

ST: Tell us about yourself.
MC: Originally from the UK, I now live in colonial country. My cottage is snugly nestled in a mountain valley at the edge of a forest. It’s peaceful here, with bird songs when it isn’t raining and croaking frogs when it is! I like to garden using both wild and cultivated flowering plants, bushes and trees. I’m a fair carpenter and an artist in a variety of mediums. I also dabble in photography and use some of my photos in creating my book videos.

ST: Your latest novel, A BRIBE AGAINST THE INNOCENT, is out. Let’s show everyone your intriguing cover.

ST: It looks to be an exciting read. Please tell us about it.
MC: The Detective Inspector Octavia Cambridge series feature a middle-aged Inspector with the London Met. These are noir psychological mysteries containing romantic elements. Also, they are knife sharp, shocking who-dun-its!

A BRIBE AGAINST THE INNOCENT was nominated for Best Mystery Novel at the 2007 P&E Readers Polls. This is brief description of BRIBE:
Remarkably, the methods of a recent murder match a bizarre murder twenty years ago. The latest victim proves to be an enigma and Inspector Cambridge has only an old photograph to advance her investigation. As the enquiry progresses, hideous secrets are revealed that led to suicide and murder.

ST: How did you come up with the story lines?
MC: BRIBE came about as I wanted to read a mystery featuring a woman in her mid-forties, dealing not only with her detective job but everything else in her life. So, I decided to write one with the notion of a series. In each subsequent book, more is revealed about Octavia and we see her trying to cope with her dear mother suffering from progressive dementia, and attempting to make the right decision about romance midst a murder enquiry. I also wanted to create really unusual murders and reveal more information about likely suspects, so I devote a chapter delving into each person of interest.

ST: And where and can we buy the books you have out and your upcoming book, THE KING’S DAUGHTER ?

MC: Dark Eden Press is my publisher for the Victorian Courtesan’s Memoirs trilogy.
I CAME UP STAIRS is out now from Dark Eden Press.

Dark Eden Press is my publisher also, for the DI Octavia Cambridge Mystery series:
A BRIBE AGAINST THE INNOCENT
http://www.darkedenpress.com/genre_mainstream_myst-crime.html

A LION FROM THE FOREST is scheduled for March release:

Samhain Publishing has scheduled THE KING’S DAUGHTER for release on February 5th: http://samhainpublishing.com/coming/the-kings-daughter

This is a fantasy romance that takes place in medieval Eire. A dark sorcerer is secretly spinning a web of black spells around the King’s daughter. To achieve happiness and attain her destiny as woman and witch, the maiden must conquer evil and ultimately face her own terrible blunders.

ST: How did you and your publishers come together?
MC: After years of rejection that my tales did not agree with accepted romance formula or my writing was ‘too different’, I submitted to epublishers where far more chances are taken with concept and style. Here, I would like to make special mention of Dark Eden Press. The publisher contracted my tales as they hold a belief in distinctive voice and unique style. Without them, most of my books would still be simply manuscripts.

ST: What made you decide to be a writer, and specifically, why noir detective mysteries along with historicals? The genres seem worlds apart.
MC: I suppose my answer to why I became a writer is the same as other authors; I felt it in me from a young age and had notebooks filled with my scribbling. Then I needed to give it up and make my way in the ‘real’ world until I could not deny my truest desire.

Why different genres? I enjoy exploring the lives of women through the ages, almost becoming the heroine in my mind’s eye. My aim is to convey the language and style of the period to evoke the feeling of being immersed in a particular time.

The Victorian Courtesan trilogy begins in the 1860’s and I wished to capture the era in the heroine’s view of her world and chose to write the memoirs in first person.

My noir contemporary detective mysteries are a huge challenge, requiring not only a complex plot of horrendous murder and the unraveling of clues, but I have chosen to explore each character intimately in alternate chapters beginning with the Prologue. This entails finding the most meaningful moment in their lives and how it has impacted on who they became, then weaving this into mystery. DI Octavia Cambridge is featured in the first chapter and every second chapter after, ending with the Epilogue. I use the differences in speech in my mysteries also, to convey individuality to the characters.

“The King’s Daughter” is written, where possible, using words and phrasing from Middle English to capture the essence of 1000 AD. I attempted to write the tale without modern words and found most from before the 12th century are still in use, only the spelling has changed or the root meaning has altered slightly.

ST: How long have you been writing?
MC: Give or take, seven years…I took a year off about four years ago as my submissions were either rejected or the publisher folded and I needed some time to regroup. It helped a great deal just to garden or paint, and curl up with a book. Eventually, I became inspired once again.

ST: How many books have you written?
MC: Written or accepted for publication? You see, I wrote a few contemporary romance suspense novels and one farcical tale of an odd detective firm before penning two Detective Inspector Octavia Cambridge Mysteries and plotting two more. Then I penned THE KING’S DAUGHTER. When that book was completed, I was compelled to write A Victorian Courtesan’s Memoirs. Again, the Prologue came to me, this time in the voice of the heroine that became the first book, I CAME UP STAIRS. Before I was half finished the lengthy novel, I knew her tale would become a trilogy.

ST: Which is your favorite and why?
MC: Each heroine is my favorite! They possess incredible strengths and dire weaknesses, but seek to overcome their troubles and find love. The path of life is not easy for any of us and although there may be smooth trails, my heroines often find the road terribly rutted and lose their way. It is the bravery required to keep going that I adore finding in each woman.

ST: Your books are wonderful. I’m happy to say that I’m the proud owner of several of your books and love everyone of them. I also bought some as Christmas gifts for friends. Looks like you need to get back to work, M.C. We’ll catch up with you in the morning if you’re available.
MC: I’ll be here!

ST: Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

Gazing into the Crystal Ball

December 21, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Hi everyone, we’re back for our last day with Elaine Charton. Elaine, tell us, what does the future hold for you?
EC: Hopefully lots of books to be written.

ST: I’ll support that! If you had one wish that would be granted, what would it be?
EC: Enough money so I could quit my rent paying job and stay home and write full time.

ST: What’s in the works for the future?
EC: I’m in the process of reformatting Pandora’s Justice and Mac’s Man and submitting them to Swimming Kangaroo. I just finished the first draft of a ghost story about a haunted bed and breakfast called The Pink Lady. It’s a very rough draft and needs more work before it can go anywhere. Plus, I have a few more ideas on the burner. Some Paranormal, some suspense and some both.

ST: Thanks, Elaine, for spending so much time with us. It’s been a great week and I’ve enjoyed learning more about you. The very best to you in the future and keep us posted on your future releases.
EC: Will do, Sloane. Thanks for having me. I’ve enjoyed it immensely.

ST: I’ll be back tomorrow with a nice announcement. Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

Author, Author, Tell Us More

December 20, 2007 | Interviews

ST: We’re back with Elaine Charton this morning. Elaine, please describe your writing space.
EC: Right now it’s a folding table in the office I share with my husband. Or at the kitchen table. Thank god for laptops. I do have a marvelous old fashion wooden desk that belonged to a family friend who was a journalist. It doesn’t fit into the office but I want to redo our back room and put it in there. That will be my writing space.

ST: Do you find writing to be fulfilling? If so, in what way?
EC: Yes. To see your characters come to life on paper is the best.

ST: What’s your favorite part of writing?
EC: When the characters won’t shut up and then take the story somewhere you least expect it to go.

ST: What do you absolutely hate about being an author?
EC: The blank screen.

ST: In your opinion what’s the most important thing for a new writer to learn?
EC: Basics, grammar, spelling, punctuation. I know because I am the most grammatically challaged writer around.

ST: Your website is cool. I recommend everyone cruise over to www.elainecharton.com and check it out. How did you decide on the content and design? And please tell us more about your “emcee”.
EC: I had someone help me with that, but the final decision was all mine. As well as the decision to include Miss Lucy, my black cat, as guardian of my website. She gets lots of comments. 🙂

ST: Why do you think a website is important for authors?
EC: It’s a way to connect with readers and other authors to find out just what is going on out there.

ST: Thanks for all the information. Hopefully we’ll see you tomorrow?
EC: Definitely, bright and early!

ST: Until then…

Happy WRiting!
Sloane

The Write Side of Life

December 19, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Good morning, Elaine. Tell us what’s a normal day like for you?
EC: I’m up at 430 am. My husband and I work close to each other and we have to be in at 6am so we drive together. I get out at 2:30, pick him up and come home. Except for those days I go to work out. After dinner I try and write. If I have time before dinner, I’ll try and answer emails. Otherwise, I’ll do those before going to bed. Weekends is when I get most of my writing done.

ST: With your busy life how do you find time to write?
EC: Very careful planning and understanding friends and family.

ST: Are there any quirks you have or do before or while you’re writing?
EC: I do like to have music to listen to and I try and specify it to the book. For instance, with EZ Lovin’ it was almost nonstop George Strait.

ST: Who or what encouraged you to write?
EC: My husband, my friends. my mother-in-law, yes my mother-in-law.

ST: Where do you get the ideas for your novels?
EC: Everywhere really. I actually got an idea for one story in a furniture store!

ST: LOL. Now that’s creative. How do you research your books?
EC: Very carefully. 🙂 I don’t go nuts but I try and be as accurate as I can be. My husband is a former reference librarian so he is a great asset if I have trouble researching something.

ST: Who is your support group?
EC: My husband, my friends Linda Wisdom, Susan Baxter and Linda Parisi. Also the members of both the Tucson and New Jersey Romance Writers.

ST: I know linda. She’s a great author too. Thanks for stopping in this morning, Elaine.
EC: My pleasure. I’ll see you in the morning!

ST: Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

Elaine Charton Tells All

December 18, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Hi, Elaine Charton, welcome and thank you for visiting with us this week.
EC: Thanks for having me Sloane,

ST: Tell us about yourself.
EC: I grew up the only girl in a family with five brothers. I live in Arizona with my husband of almost 24 years and our two spoiled cats. Yerbalot aka Yerbie and Miss Lucy. Miss Lucy is the guardian of my web site. We have no children but between his sisters and my brothers we have 14 nieces and nephews and one great-nephew.

ST: With Christmas just around the corner you must be one busy lady! Let’s take a minute from your schedule and show everyone your gorgeous cover for your latest novel, EZ Lovin’.

ST: I love a man in a moustache! EZ Lovin’ looks to be an exciting read. Please tell us about it.
EC: Glad to!

Ezechial Zachariah McAllister is a true Texan from the top of his Stetson to the tip of his leather boots. Known to his friends as EZ, he works for U.S. Customs out of Boston. Abigail Fairfax is a very proper Bostonian and the owner of the newest art gallery in the city. She agrees to let EZ use her townhouse for a stakeout to try to catch an art smuggler, but letting him masquerade as her lover proves to be more than she’d bargained for. How long can Abigail resist until she succumbs to EZ’s Texas charm and the masquerade becomes real?

ST: How did you come up with the story line?
EC: Actually it was the character who came to me first. Believe it or not I had a dream of this man leaning against the wall, smiling. Imagine a Sam Elliott clone. All he said in the dream was “Evening Ma’am.” I couldn’t get him out of my mind and it went from there.

ST: And where and can we buy EZ LOVIN’?

EC: It’s available on my Publishers Web Site Swimming Kangaroo Books in both electronic and print format. I am also very excited to announce it is also available in print on Amazon.com

ST: How did you and your publisher come together?
EC: Actually, it was my husband who introduced us. He has a book coming out next year with them. When I decided to leave my previous publisher, he mentioned me to his publisher. I sent her EZLovin and the rest as they say is history.

ST: What made you decide to be a writer?
EC: Well, I had always been making up stories, usually revising the end of books and movies if they didn’t end the way I wanted them to end. I was taking a college English course that ended up being more of a creative writing class. Both my professor and my husband encouraged me to continue with my writing.

ST: How long have you been writing?
EC: A little over 15 years

ST: How many books have you written?
EC: Five books and one novella

ST: Which is your favorite and why?
EC: I get asked that a lot and it’s a hard question. I like the characters in EZ and the two books after it. But I think I have to say Man in the Mirror is probably one of my favorites. It was my first paranormal and basically wrote itself. Unfortunately, it’s no longer available. However, it may find another home in the future, you never know.

ST: I for one hope it does. I enjoy your books and don’t want to miss one.
EC: Thank you! I have to go now. It seems Miss Lucy is demanding I get back to work. LOL

ST: Thanks, Elaine. We’ll see you in the morning to learn more about your writing. Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

Gazing into the Crystal Ball

December 6, 2007 | Interviews

ST: This is our last day with the lovely Linda Sole, a marvelous author you’ll definitely want to read. Here’s her latest covers to refresh your memory.

ST: Hi, Linda. Tell us, what does the future hold for you?
LS: Just to keep writing for as long as the books are published and enjoyed. I once hoped to get to the top of mainstream, but that didn’t quite happen. I am popular at Mills & Boon and I am doing well so I think that is where I shall stay. I’m not sure about ebooks. I’ve had fun with them, but how far I want to go is something I haven’t yet decided. I would like to spend more time in Spain this next summer.

ST: If you had one wish that would be granted, what would it be?
LS: It would be that both my husband and I keep healthy.

ST: Good wish and I hope so too. What’s in the works for the future?
LS: Oh, I have loads of books coming through the pipeline with all my publishers. I am writing a trilogy for Severn House and may then do another crime book. I’ve already talked about the next contract with M&B, though I am in the middle of a five-book contract with them at the moment. I have several ebooks coming through soon. Love Is Not Enough is an Anne Herries coming from Severn House in January. And I had books coming out all next year from M&B.

ST: Thanks, Linda, for spending so much time with us. It’s been a great week and I’ve enjoyed learning more about you. The very best to you in the future and keep us posted on your future releases.
LS: Thank you for having me, Sloane. This was a great interview to do and I’ve enjoyed answering the questions.

ST: Have a great week-end everyone. I’ll be back Monday. Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

Author, Author Tell Us More

December 5, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Good Morning, World! We’re enjoying a snowstorm, just in time for the holidays. Here’s the cover for another of Linda’s books, Justice is Served.

ST: Hi Linda, and welcome back. Please describe your writing space.
LS: Oh dear, do you really want to know? My study is an upstairs bedroom. It overlooks a small wood where squirrels and birds play. However…there are books everywhere. I am gradually sinking under the weight. Thank goodness for ebooks! I have two computers and two desks set at right angles. The top is covered so that I hardly have room to put anything – must get some of this sorted! There are piles of manuscripts all over the floor and loads of files with things I can never find when I need them. Chaos would be a good way of describing its present state. I shall tidy up soon…promise!

ST: Do you find writing to be fulfilling? If so, in what way?
LS: Yes, very much so. I love the English language and sometimes I like the words to flow almost like poetry. If I can write something that makes me cry so much the better. It has become very important to me. I am not sure what I would have done with my time had I not discovered this wonderful gift I have been given.

ST: What’s your favorite part of writing?
LS: I think the moment I know a book is good. In the middle it is so hard to get it just right and sometimes I think what the hell am I doing? It can be frustrating and tiring and you feel like chucking the whole thing – but then comes that perfect moment when you know it is good. It may need a few tweaks here and there, but you know you’ve achieved what you want. The next best thing is seeing the book in print and getting the cheque!

ST: What do you absolutely hate about being an author?
LS: Rejection slips, especially the routine ones. Don’t they know how hard we work?

ST: In your opinion what’s the most important thing for a new writer to learn?
LS: That you have to listen to your editor when one takes the time to tell you something. You may hate what they say, but they are usually right. If they think something is wrong it is. You can change it in your own way, but take notice of their advice. A good editor is worth his or her weight in gold!

ST: Your website is cool. I recommend everyone cruise over to www.lindasole.co.uk and check it out. Or just click here. How did you decide on the content and design?
LS: I have someone who does it for me. The one we have now has evolved over several years, things added as I come up with them. We are planning a change and I’ve seen the first outline. I wish I could do it myself because I would change it all the time, but I’m not that good with computer stuff yet. However, my blog is my own.

ST: Why do you think a website is important for authors?
LS: The Internet plays a big part in modern life. I believe that most authors could benefit from a website and I am sure most have them. I know that my HMB royalties have gone up considerably these past three years. Part of that is because of the Romance Prize I won, part is because the books are getting better, and part of it is I believe down to the fact that I do more promoting on the Internet. The biggest part of that is my website. The hits to my site have doubled in the past year. I think that must be down to promoting.

ST: Please tell us about your review/interview site and how you select your candidates.
LS: Red Roses For Authors/Reviews. I began this when I came to ebooks and realized how important reviews are to ebook authors. Mills & Boon books sell if they are on the shelves, but ebooks need to be out there on the Internet. I saw how thrilled some authors were to get a review and I read the plaintive emails from some that didn’t get any. I think all authors deserve to be reviewed. We can only do a few, but we often choose new authors. We do review authors who already have a name, but many of the ones we feature will not have been reviewed before and for many it will be their first book. Red Roses For Authors/Reviews never gives a bad review. If we do find one we can’t give a positive review for we just put it to one side. We are there to help authors not to hurt them! We are small but one day I hope more reviewers will join us and then we can do more. Our first Christmas Awards are up and the nominated authors are a mixture of paperback and ebooks. Here’s the site http://redrosesforauthors.blogspot.com.

ST: It really is a good site with fair reviews. Please check it out. How’s tomorrow looking for you to spend some time with us, Linda?
LS: I’ll be here bright and early for your time!

ST: Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

The Write Side of Life

December 4, 2007 | Interviews

ST: We’re back with Linda Sole. Here is her marvelous 4 ANGEL REVIEW from Fallen Angel Reviews;

Daddy Loves Belinda by Anne Sole is a great suspense story. From the beginning, the reader is routing for Georgie to find the clues to solve the multiple mysteries that seem to be coming at her all at once. Ms. Sole doesn’t give the reader much chance to rest before the next incident occurs to unbalance Georgie and set her on to another path. And while all the mysteries are occurring, Georgie must also decide if she wants a relationship with Fernando who is from a different world than Georgie’s or Steve who has been her best friend for years. I was so caught up with the story I read right through my dinner!

Reviewed by: Stephanie B.

ST: Congratulations, Linda!
LS: Thank you. I must say I am quite pleased.

ST: What’s a normal day like for you?
LS: I get up and have breakfast and then walk up to the village shop and buy papers, milk, post letters and parcels to readers who enter my competitions. I then start writing or do some promoting. Mid morning I have coffee with my husband. I break for lunch, which we eat together and I return to the computer to finish the work I’m doing. I usually come down an hour or so later and we talk, watch the TV together or sometimes go for a walk. In the evening I pop up and answer email that has come in since lunch and then we have tea, just something light. We don’t bother with going out much at night, because we prefer to relax at home. When I’m not working we go shopping in the mornings. Once a week we go to the sea and sometimes have lunch out, sometimes it is fish and chips, which we both love. In Spain we go out much more, but even there I do some writing.

ST: What a wonderful schedule. Are you stringent on your schedule?
LS: I make time for writing each day, even if it is only a few pages. If I can’t work at the computer for some reason I do a bit by hand and then copy up the next day. Writing is important to me and I am lucky enough to have help with housework, of which I do very little these days. Every now and then I have a blitz, but mostly someone else does the hovering and puts washing in the machine.

ST: Are there any quirks you have or do before or while you’re writing?
LS: No, I am not someone who needs motivating, or very rarely. If I do get stuck with a particular piece of the story I write by hand, because it is slower and I can let it come as it likes rather than sit staring at a blank screen. Fortunately, this does not happen often. In fact if I had more time to spare I could write even more.

ST: Who or what encouraged you to write?
LS: No one at the beginning. I think most people thought I would give up or the books wouldn’t be published. When my husband realized I was serious he encouraged me and does so all the time these days. There was an editor at Mills & Boon in England who helped me learn my trade and to be professional. She was my agent when I went mainstream. We are still in touch even though I don’t use an agent now.

ST: Where do you get the ideas for your novels?
LS: I sometimes feel stirred by beautiful music, which start me thinking, but these ideas lay dormant for a long time and sometimes come out when I’m not even thinking about writing. My usual way is just to think it is time I did another Regency and then I sit down and doodle a bit with ideas until the synopsis comes. This always changes as I write, because I write by the seat of my pants as they say. I just think of a heroine in a certain situation and then throw lots of obstacles in her way. However, the book never comes to life until I write the first scene for the hero. I almost always go back to the beginning and start with the hero once I have him alive and kicking.

ST: How do you research your books?
LS: I normally use books rather than the Internet. I have found that they are sound and sometimes the Internet isn’t. On occasion you can’t find what you want anywhere else but I am wary of relying on the net too much. With the Regency setting I have years of reading stored in my head so I just research historical dates and facts to make sure. I also watch factual programs on the BBC when I can, because they are good and usually very accurate. Pictures of the period are also good.

ST: Who is your support group?
LS: My editors are always good to me. I can email them or phone if I need to and they usually pick up any sill mistakes I make so that I can correct them before the books go to print. My husband is my rock. He is always there for me. I have writing friends I email a lot. I had one wonderful friend I used to talk to on the phone all the time, but unfortunately she had a stroke a year ago. I miss her a lot and her lovely books.

ST: I’m sorry to hear about her and wish her a speedy recovery. Will you be with us tomorrow?
LS: Definitely!

ST: Until then…

Happy Writing!
Sloane

Need some Sole to Warm you?

December 3, 2007 | Interviews

ST: Good morning everyone. This week we have multi-published Linda Sole with us.

ST: Hi, Linda, welcome and thank you for taking the time to chat with us.
LS: It’s nice to be here! Thank you for the chance.

ST: Tell us about yourself.
LS: I am English, happily married and a dedicated writer. I spend more time than I should at my computer, deserting my poor husband. One of these days I shall slow down, but that is easier said than done. When I do get time to relax, I like to walk, eat out, preferably at a table overlooking the sea, and I enjoy swimming. I love animals and birds and I’m nutty about squirrels!

ST: Your latest novel is out. Let’s show everyone your gorgeous cover.
LS: My latest ebook is Daddy Loves Belinda/Anne Sole/Dark Eden Press, which is a mystery romance. My latest Linda Sole hardback is a crime story/ Justice Is Served/Severn House publishers and my latest Anne Herries is a trilogy about three sisters. Marianne & the Marquis, Married By Christmas and Marrying Captain Jack. These are Regency romances. But the book that I should like to Feature today is the Daddy Loves Belinda/Anne Sole/Dark Eden Press. Here’s the cover;

ST: I like the cover. It looks to be an exciting read. Please tell us about it.
LS: This is a story about Georgie, who is a journalist writing hard, hit you in the face stories, but when she is caught up in a real life drama that brings her grief she is determined to get to the bottom of things. She has no idea of how dangerous that will be or of the secrets she will uncover from the past.

ST: How did you come up with the story line?
LS: I always think this is the most difficult question to answer, because for me writing just comes. I decide what I want to write about, let it ferment in my mind for a while and off we go, sometimes like a steam train for the first draft.

ST: And where and can we buy ?
LS: The ebook Daddy Loves Belinda/ Anne Sole/ is available from Dark Eden Press . My Linda Sole titles are available from Amazon or Severn House. My Anne Herries books are available from bookstores in England for short periods but mainly from Amazon and sometimes the Harlequin website.

ST: How did you and your publisher come together?
LS: I started writing as Linda Sole in the late eighties and wrote for several mainstream publishers like Century and St. Martins Press in USA. Then I sent a book to Severn House and I have been with them for mainstream ever since. I first wrote for Harlequin Mills & Boon in 1979 and I had twelve books published. I moved to mainstream in 1988 but in the mid nineties I began sending to Mills & Boon again, and since then have published in the region of forty books altogether with them. The ebooks are a new thing. I sent my first to Triskelion on impulse because I wanted to publish some books that were not likely to make it into paperback, and since then I’ve sold about eight or nine books to ebook publishers, which are gradually coming through.

ST: What made you decide to be a writer?
LS: I was always making up stories in my head as a child. It was inevitable that one day they would go down on paper. I was blessed or cursed with a vivid imagination!

ST: How long have you been writing?
LS: My first book was published with Robert Hale in 1979. I suppose I had been trying for a couple of years before that.

ST: How many books have you written?
LS: I have about eighty books published, but since I’ve written quite a few that haven’t been published that figure could be considerably higher.

ST: Which is your favorite and why?
LS: That is very difficult to say, because I have done such different stories. My most successful book was Lovers & Sinners/Linda Sole/Century. I earned a lot of money from that one. However, I love some of my Mills & Boon Romances. A Damnable Rogue/Anne Herries won the RNA Romance Prize in 2004, but I think perhaps my favourites are always the ones that I have just finished. At least until the next time. I loved the first book I had published. The Witch Child/Lynn Granville/Robert Hale but it probably isn’t to the same standard as today’s books.

ST: You also write under the name Anne Herries. Why?
LS: Herries came from the Rogue Herries by Walpole that I loved as a young girl. And Anne has always been my favorite name. I use a lot of different names so that all my publishers have their own and there is no conflict of interest.

ST: Does it ever get confusing for you?
LS: Not at all. My various personnas are quite individualized.

ST: Thanks, Linda, for your time. Are you available in the morning?
LS: Certainly, but remember your morning is my afternoon. LOL

ST: Until tomorrow…

Happy Writing!
Sloane