Interview with Anne Whitfield:
Hi Anne. 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 latest work is my short story, A Love Past – a short story about a woman who finds a diary. From the diary she learns about true love and it helps her focus on what’s important and what she wants from her marriage and life.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
More historicals and short stories and perhaps one or two contemporary novels.
- How do we find out about you and your books?
My website: http://www.geocities.com/anne_whitfield/index.html
- How may readers contact you?
My email address is: a href="mailto:AnneWhitfield46@hotmail.com">AnneWhitfield46@hotmail.com
- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
I enjoy the complexity of love and romance.
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
Plenty. Living in an old farm house in the English countryside and touring manor houses really made history come alive for me.
- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
1997 is when I first thought to actually write a full length novel. I really enjoyed writing about the characters and I wanted others to enjoy them too.
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
If I’m not working full time I can write a first draft in about 5 months. If I’m working it can take a few months more.
- What is your writing routine?
After my children have gone to school, I’ll check my emails and then write for the rest of the day until the children and my husband come home again.
- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
I like to garden and read medieval novels. Go for walks.
- What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?
I want people to meet the great characters that are in my head and enjoy their stories.
- Where do your ideas come from?
Everywhere. Diaries, paintings, songs, places. So many things.
- Do you feel humour is important in women's fiction and why?
Everyone needs humour in their life. A lot of people read to escape troubles in their life, so humour can give them a lift whenever they need it.
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
I like love scenes to be real. They can be hard to write sometimes. You don’t want them to sound mechanical but nor do you want them to be too flowery.
- What kind of research do you do?
I have many, many reference books of the Victorian era and of the places I set my books, plus I have a wonderful uncle in England who sends me maps, booklets, videos and information that I need of certain areas. I try to visit the places where I set my novels if I can. To get a feel of the area.
- What does your husband think of your writing?
My husband and children are very supportive of my writing.
- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)
I am married to Mark and we have three great kids. I was born in Australia from English parents and spent three years in England.
- Fill in the blank favorites -
Dessert- Anything that includes choclate or ice cream
City- Sydney Australia
Season – Spring
Hero- Someone strong, funny, caring and independent
Heroine- same as above!
- Who are some of your favorite authors?
Catherine Cookson, Audrey Howard, Elizabeth Chadwick, Sharon Penman and many more.
- Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?
I would have to say the late great Dame Catherine Cookson. I found her books when I was a teenager and they transported me to another time and place and I fell in love with historicals. I wanted to write gripping books like hers, and Audrey Howard’s.
- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?
I’m a member of RWAus and my own online historical critique group.
- What do you think of critique groups in general?
I think if you find a good critique group then stay with it because they are rare. I wouldn’t be without my group. They’ve been so helpful and supportive. I’m very proud of my group.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully, writing full time and earning enough from it so that I don’t have to find a 9- 5 job.
- How many books have you written, how many have been published?
I’ve written four historical novels, five short stories and one contemporary short novel. I have three short stories published and three novels published.
- Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
I love them all. That’s a hard question to answer.
- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
Usually the setting and then the characters and story.
- What are the elements of a great romance for you?
A likeable hero & heroine.
- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?
They control me.
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
Having someone read your work and say they enjoyed it.
- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
I’ve no idea.
- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Just stick with it and learn as much as you can. Always ask questions. Join some good writing groups and a critique group that is supportive and helpful.
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:
Anne's Site
RaH Links:
Interview Review
Purchase Links:
Buy Anne's Books At Amazon
Buy Anne's Books at Blue Leaf
Buy Anne's Books at Vintage Romance
