Interview with Author Elaine Levine:
Hi Elaine. 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.
RACHEL AND THE HIRED GUN is the first in my Men of Defiance series about the hard-edged men who settle in the frontier town of Defiance...and the women who tame them!
Here’s the blurb:
Running from a brutal past to the father she’s never met, Rachel Douglas must rely on the survival skills of the hard-edged gunman her father sends to guide her across the rugged terrain of the Dakota Territory. But Sager’s got another plan…and a blood debt to settle.
Time doesn’t always heal all wounds. Sometimes it takes a little vengeance.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
I have lots more books planned for this series. The next story, tentatively titled, AUDREY AND THE VIRGINIAN, is on my editor’s desk now. I’m hard at work on the third in the series, tentatively titled, LEAH AND THE AVENGER.
- How do we find out about you and your books?
You can always visit my website for my latest book news. And stop by ;www.MySpace.com/ElaineLevine now and then to see where I’m guest blogging or doing a book signing.
- How may readers contact you?
By email at elevine@elainelevine.com or snail mail at PO Box 159, Eaton, CO 80615
- How many readers/fans contact you?
I’m receiving lots of wonderful responses from readers. I love hearing their impressions of the book, so keep them coming! You can reach me at elevine@elainelevine.com.
- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?
They do, of course! Defiance is a fun town. The men and women who settle there have to overcome significant challenges--issues that resonate with my readers. They’ve already surprised me by asking for stories with many secondary characters--they’ve gotten me thinking...
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
I write romances because I have a deep-rooted yearning for closure. We don’t get enough of it in life, so it’s wonderfully satisfying to see characters we’ve come to love experience it in their stories.
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
I have a ball writing the love scenes. My stories are about healthy, romantic relationships. Sex is a natural part of what happens when a man and woman bond. I want my readers to experience all the love and passion the hero and heroine are experiencing.
- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?
I have many stories planned in this series. But a ways down the road, I could see writing some ghost historicals--gothic, spine tingling tales!
- What does your husband think of your writing?
I’ve been writing, intermittently, for 25 years. My husband has always given me the time and space I needed to build my dream.
- Do you ever ask him for advice?
I do all the time. My hubby is very patient. He loves the what-if questions I pose to him. And he’s even gotten to the point where he’ll call my attention to a handsome man or lovely young woman when we’re out and about. He’s gotten quite good at recognizing hero and heroine material!
- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?
I belong to RWA and a local chapter, Colorado Romance Writers, where I’m currently serving a term as President.
- Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
I love them all. I learn so much as a writer and an individual with each book I write. I get to understand life a little better with each one. And each character has his or her own unique issues and foibles. I get to fall in love over and over, with each character and each book.
- What are the elements of a great romance for you?
I love emotionally complex characters. I like stories that go into deep POV. I want to feel what they feel, physically and emotionally. As a reader--and a writer--I like to become the characters and live their stories.
- What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest for you?
Writing is the hardest part of writing. I love having a finished book, but I’m an expert at not writing. It takes every ounce of focus I have to stay on task. And yet, when I’m in that zone, the words just come.
- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?
They definitely control me. I set out to write a certain story, then they take it over. They always surprise me. I love the writing best when I’m discovering the story as I type it.
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!
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