Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Harris Channing

Interview with Harris Channing:

Hi Harris. 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.

I'm relatively new to the e-publishing world. I received my first acceptance last year. In June of this year my short stories, "The Groupie" and "The Body Double" will be featured in "Torrid Teaser Volume 30" with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. In July, my novella, "Speed Trap" will be available from WCP/T as well. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share my work with readers and am anxious to see if they will love my characters as much as I do.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

I write erotica now but my true passion is historical romance. I hope to get back to my roots and finish up a couple of works I have down on paper but not typed up on the computer.

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

I have attempted to get my name out in cyberspace since getting my acceptances and have a website — harrischanning.bravehost.com and I've even set up a myspace page — www.myspace.com/harrischanning.

- How may readers contact you?

Please feel free to contact me at my e-mail address. harrischanning@yahoo.com I'd love to hear from you.

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

My mom loves to watch old black and white movies. Sometimes I'd sit down and watch with her when I was a kid. The scene where the man finally kisses his lady always gave me the giggles. I guess, I'm simply a born romantic.

- What are your main concerns as a writer?

That I'll wake up one morning and not want to write anymore. It's become such a part of me, that if I lost the will, I wouldn't know what to do with myself!

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

A lot of my sense of humor comes out in my contemporary works. When I first started writing I didn't have a lot of life experience but as I've matured, more and more seems to come out in my characters. I think that can only be a good thing.

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

My novella flew out of my fingertips. I wrote that in a couple of months. My current book has been in the works since November of last year. It all depends on what's going on in the real world as opposed to my world! Also, some days the muse is out to lunch and I'm faced with a blank computer screen.

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

On occasion I'll attempt to set a schedule. I usually strive for a thousand words a day…but since it's gotten warmer outside, I've not made my goal as often as I would like.

- What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?

Oh, my goodness! My kid's TRY not to bother me but it's almost an instinct to see Mom on the computer and get into a fuss over a toy or a game. I'm surprised more of my dialogue doesn't start with, "Mommy, she called me a…"

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

Relax? What's that? In all honesty, my most relaxing time is when I'm sitting on the couch snuggling with my kids.

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

Absolutely. I think a good laugh is good for the soul.

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

No, not at all. To be quite honest, I surprised myself with the ease of which I wrote my first love scene.

- What kind of research do you do?

All kinds, Google searches, encyclopedias…any time you're writing a scene and that little voice in your head asks, "Are you sure that's for real?" you know it's either time to make a note to confirm or stop right there and find your answer. Not doing proper research is embarrassing and there are plenty of people out there just waiting to tell you you're wrong.

- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?

I would love to try my hand at a paranormal romance, but so far I've not been able to come up with an original idea...so many good ideas out there, and none of them are mine!

- Fill in the blank favorites -

Dessert—chocolate chip mint ice cream
City—Nashville
Season—Spring
Hero—Alpha male tendencies but vulnerability too.
Heroine—complex, interesting. She can be feisty but please, not bitchy.

- What are some of your favorite things to do?

I love to work on my flowerbeds. It's wonderful to see something as ugly as a plant bulb develop into a beautiful flower.

- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?

Yes, I’m n RWA member and an owner of my own crit group. Our motto is, "Honesty YES! Brutality NO!"

- What do you think of critique groups in general?

I think they are a valuable tool. I also think that you have to choose your partners carefully. Your work is like a part of you and if the person reading it doesn't respect you, it will be a painful experience. God knows I've had my head handed to me dozens of times. Unfortunately, it comes with the territory. Am I a better writer for it? Probably so, but be forewarned, there is a definite ouch factor.

- How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?

I have been writing on and off for years. Yes, I've always wanted to tell stories. I won a contest for a story I wrote in the sixth grade and I've been addicted ever since.

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

They definitely control me! If they don't feel like talking, there is nothing I can do about it. And if I don't listen when they are talking, the plot will disintegrate before my eyes!

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

Definitely. I took an eight year break and had my kids…next time it won't be so easy!

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

Getting to share my 'world' with others.

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

If you are truly a writer, you'll know it. You'll try to quit but you keep coming back to it. It gets into your blood and you'll be walking through the grocery store making up scenarios as to why the woman in front of you actually chose to wear that dress out in public. (Yes, I've done this). So instead of trying to fight it, embrace it. Join a critique group, read 'how to' books, write your stories and love your characters. If you don't take it too seriously, it's a whole hell of a lot of fun.

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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Buy Harris' Books at Whiskey Creek