Romance at Heart Magazine Interview: Author Anita M. Whiting

Interview with Anita M. Whiting:

Hi Anita. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...

- Please tell us about your latest book.

My newest book, The Stanton Curse, is a paranormal romantic suspense by Double Dragon Publishing. The story is best explained by the blurb on the back of the cover. Ireland. Home to incredibly green grass, rocky shores and magic. And evil. It was fear of facing that evil that had kept Cassie McGuire away for ten long years. Away from her father, her aunt, and the man she had left behind. Yet she couldn’t deny her ancestry any longer, or her supernatural powers. Those powers were telling her it was time to deal with her destiny. A destiny that could set her family free or, if she failed, could forever condemn them to The Stanton Curse.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

I have just signed a contract for my newest book entitled A Killer’s Agenda. It is about a clairvoyant female private investigator that helps a man investigate the death of his aunt. A death he firmly believes was not the accident the police think it was. In the process they discover their have been six other similar deaths stretching across state lines and ultimately they discover none of them were accidental and all of them are connected.

- How do we find out about you and your books?

My URL is http://anitawhiting.tripod.com/. In addition, if you type Anita M Whiting into your search engine, my url as well as other information will come up.

- How may readers contact you?

My email is timwhit@netlink.net and I love to hear from readers!

- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?

Absolutely. Oftentimes, as an author, I am too close to the story to see the flaws. It’s always nice to receive good comments and reviews but sometimes the most helpful are the ones who point out those flaws I’ve missed.

- Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?

The one I loved to hear the most is “I can’t put it down!” That tells me I’ve succeeded in my goal which is to pull my readers into my stories.

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

Actually, what I write is a lot more than just a stock romance novel. I loved those when I was younger but, as I grew older, my tastes changed and I wanted something meatier, more involved. All of my books have several subplots as well as strong suspense throughout. Because I love Nora Roberts as well as Grisham and Dan Brown, I think my writing tended to lean toward their styles.

- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

I know that I find it easier to write about things I feel comfortable with. Therefore, I find myself setting my books in locations I am familiar with. I always try to make my stories believable and it’s so much simpler to describe a scene or location when you’ve been there.

- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?

I’ve always had the writing bug. Even in grade school I wrote poetry and short stories. I had a teacher in the sixth grade, a very strict nun no less, who liked the way I wrote and went out of her way to encourage me. In high school I was editor of the school newspaper and I have written several articles that were published in local papers. However, it took my husband’s business slowing down for me to attempt a full length novel and I found I truly enjoyed the challenge.

- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

Usually about three months to actually write the story and then probably another several weeks to reread and edit it before I submit.

- What is your writing routine?

I find I write best early in the morning before everyone is up or late at night after everyone is in bed. Too many interruptions otherwise!

- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

I usually just go with the flow. Since my children are older, it’s easier for me to stop and write when it works for me. Of course, if it’s a choice between writing or cleaning house I’ll write every time!

- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?

I’m a big Cleveland Indians and Brown’s fan as well as a Cavalier fan since LeBron James joined us. So, when the games are on, I’m usually center stage with my husband and kids. Of course, I love to read and still do every chance I get.

- Where do your ideas come from?

I’ve been asked that many times and I’m not sure I have an answer. I love suspense so oftentimes the first thing I do is invent my killer and the murders, crimes etc… then I fashion my hero and heroine around them. I like my plots to have layers so usually either the female or male has issues of some sort as well.

- Do you feel humour is important in women's fiction and why?

Yes I do. Especially in the types of books I write because I like to build tension and suspense but there is a need to temper that with the everyday humor most people have in their lives. Again, that believability factor.

- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?

To me, one of the most wonderful things to read is a well written love scene. Personally, I keep my love scenes mild to moderately sensual so it’s an even greater challenge to pull the reader into the emotion but when I succeed (after rewriting a whole lot) it gives me much satisfaction.

- What does your husband think of your writing?

My husband and children are very supportive and very proud of my accomplishments. I don’t think I would have been as productive without their support.

- Do you ever ask him/her for advice?

Once in awhile but, since my husband isn’t a paranormal romantic suspense fan, I take his suggestions with a grain of salt!

- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)

I am an obstetrical nurse and have been for almost thirty years. I love what I do and since I work three twelve hour shifts it gives me time to spend on my writing on my off days.

- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?

Nora Roberts, Grisham, Dan Brown, Crichton in that order.

- Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully on bookshelves everywhere as is most author’s ultimate goal.

- How many books have you written, how many have been published?

I have written five books, four of which have been or are being published. Irish Magic by Whiskey Creek Press, Letters From The Heart by New Age Dimensions, The Stanton Curse by Double Dragon Publishing and my newest, A Killer’s Agenda is to be published by Samhain Publishing.

- After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and read it?

I have and sometimes I look at it and am amazed that I actually wrote it. Of course it seems more surreal when you see your name on the cover and hold it in your hands.

- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?

For me, as I’ve mentioned, the story as in the villain, victims etc… first and then the setting and characters.

- What are the elements of a great romance for you?

Strong colorful characters, a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat and a satisfyingly climactic ending.

- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

A little bit of both I think. Once I establish their personalities I try very hard to keep true to how I think they would react in scenes throughout the book.

- Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?

I haven’t so far but that’s probably because I write at my own pace. If I had deadlines to meet I might not be as free and easy about things. Of course I wouldn’t be upset if I had a contract for a lot of those deadlines!

- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

I thought it was to see my name on the front cover of my book but I changed my mind after I attended the Epicon convention in San Antonio in March of this year and my book, Letters From The Heart won for Best Romantic Suspense. To have fellow authors give me such a reward was the highlight of my writing career thus far.

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Stay true to your dreams. Don’t let the rejections discourage you because there are just as many publishers out there as there are opinions and sooner or later, if you truly believe in your talent, you’ll find the one that’s right for you.

Thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

Author Links:
Anita Whiting

RaH Links:
Interview Review Coming Soon

Purchase Links:
Buy Anita Whiting's Books At Amazon
Buy Author's Books at Double Dragon
Buy Author's Books at Whiskey Creek