Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Margrett Dawson

Interview with Margrett Dawson:

Hi Margrett. 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 have two stories ready for release at Ellora’s Cave. One is a full length book, Bella Donna, the sequel to Secret Services which was released toward the end of last year. Both books are twentieth century historical romantica. If you’ve read Secret Services you will remember Lady Emma Houndsdale. In the first book Gillian, the heroine, told us that Emma was at all the best parties, kicked the highest in the Charleston and was generally considered a 'goer.' She might even have her eye on Johnny Westmarland.

But in Bella Donna Lady Emma Houndsdale has sworn off men, casual sexand a free-wheeling lifestyle in 1930's England. When her cruise ship sinks off the coast of Mussolini's Italy and she is mistaken for her dead maid, she finds herself the prisoner of a dashing and dangerous rogue with secrets all his own. Marco Antonioni whisks her from her life of sheltered privilege into a world of risk, lust, and betrayal, where every move is a test of loyalty. He opens her eyes to sensuous delights and forces her to reevaluate all she has known about men and life. Together they dance through passion and danger in a land rife with volatile politics.

Bella Donna is scheduled for release August, 18, 2004.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

About a month after the release of Bella Donna you can expect to see Heat, a Quickie. This story is quite different. It is set in an African game park and is the story of a shapeshifter lioness who finds her mate.

Sara Parker stalks the wilds of Africa, battling her ferocious dual nature.She is one of the chosen, the Siri Mtu, at times human, at times Serah the lioness, protector of the innocent creatures of the savanna. But time is running out. Ruthless poachers hunt the nearby elephant herds and her feral nature is growing stronger, flaring with the heat of sexual desire, threatening to overwhelm her and steal the last shreds of her humanity.Only a mating can save her or damn her.

Daudi, the magnificent, virile and strong head of the lion pride, is drawn to the scent of her growing need. He wavers on the precipice of breaking the taboo against Lion and Siri Mtu mating. But that path will rob her of all humanity.

In the wilds of Africa viable human men are hard to find.

Dr. Jack Wilding suffers severe migraines. So when his doctor suggests time away from Seattle, he is drawn to Africa to study the animals of the savanna.

There he meets Sara, a woman so intoxicating that he feels immediately connected to her by an intense, life-altering passion .

But Sara has a secret. A secret tied to his own past. A secret that could scare him away, and damn her to life as Serah the lioness with little memory of her humanity.

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

I have a web site: www.margrettdawson.com where I post reviews, excerpts and contest news.

- How many readers contact you?

By email at margrett@margrettdawson.com

I have a new mailing list (***** @yahoogroups.com)

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

Certainly, when they encourage me to continue to write what pleases them. I’ve never had anyone upset by what I write, so far.

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

I grew up devouring Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart and Jane Austen. I particularly loved “fictionalized history” where real people are brought to life. So much of the past is woven in a mesh of love stories and passions that change the course of events. Since ancient times we have known that one of the most wonderful, mysterious things on Earth is ‘the way of a man with a maid’ as the Bible says, Every society recognizes the delicate, intoxicating dance that takes place between a man and a woman. Who doesn’t desire to find a soul mate, experience passion in a beautiful, romantic process? Romance is the very warp and weft of life. Can you wonder that I love to write about it?

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

I was born and brought up in Europe and history to me was a part of life. When I completed my degrees, I was immersed in the literature of France and Germany. Much of that literature is about the relationships between men and women, much of it rather cynical. In subsequent years, I lived in six different countries in Europe, North America and Africa. With a foot on both sides of the Atlantic, I can draw what I need from either well of information. In nearly all the places I have lived, I have been a ‘stranger’ either by birth or language. This creates a new mind set and way of observing life. It gives a wealth of experience to draw on, enriching my life as well as my writing.

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

This is a hard question. Since I’ve been writing erotic romance, (since 2003) I have written two novels, a short story and a Quickie. I am half way through a novella, so I guess that is about a complete book and a half per year.

- What is your writing routine?

I have an on-line critique group and should send a half chapter every two weeks. Generally speaking I can do this, except when I’m traveling. I try to write most days, sometimes only a few minutes, sometimes for a couple of hours. I used to think I couldn’t write in short, fifteen minute segments and always envied people who wrote on the edge of the kitchen table or during lunch hour. Then circumstances forced me to do the same, and needing a long uninterrupted period of time, is no longer a valid excuse.

As you can tell, my life doesn’t allow me a set routine and I don’t beat myself up over it. I have deadlines to meet and I meet them however I can.

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

You can tell from my last answer that I tend to go with the flow. I have a rough outline of my story but do a lot of writing ‘by the seat of my pants’ As the story progresses and I get to know my characters, my road map becomes tighter of course.

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

I read a lot. I have many friends all over the world and stay in touch by email. I also travel extensively. I exercise regularly, love to entertain.

- Where do your ideas come from?

An excellent question! I wish I could answer it! I can’t say for sure they come from real life, or from a situation I’ve heard of...Generally speaking, a character comes to me and I see him of her in a particular situation. Then it’s what if?? And the story grows...

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

Well, if I didn’t approve of them, I wouldn’t be writing erotic romance <g> I like a well written love scene and try to learn from other skilled authors what makes a particular scene work. They have to be love scenes of course, not just erotica. I don’t find them very difficult to write, although I have to write a love scene on its own, not just flowing on from the preceding scene. That is, I know that is the scene I’m going to write and sit down to do that and nothing else. Then I try to put myself in the skin of the character and it seems to flow naturally.

- What kind of research do you do?

I research the historical periods I’m using. For example in Secret Services and Bella Donna I read a fair amount about the rise of Hitler and of Mussolini. I do some language checks to make sure I’m using appropriate words for the time, but I’m anxious not to bog the reader down with too much detail, so I use as few things as possible for flavor and coloring. Usually far less than I have in my notes.

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

I have a masters degree in French Language & Literature, I was a teacher, a consultant and a school administrator. I also volunteer in Africa assisting teachers in schools.

I am happily married and have three children: one married, one engaged and one in a committed relationship.

I am active in my church and writing is my major pastime

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

I am a member of RWA and my local chapter. I used to have a critique group where we met every two weeks, but that has folded for a number of reasons. I now have an on-line critique group whom I love dearly,.although I have never met or even spoken to any of them. I belong to a few author/reader loops and of course my publishers’ lists.

- What do you think of critique groups in general?

I think if you can find some people you can trust, they are invaluable. It is always a leap of faith to start a group, as I did with my on-line friends. Some people have had bad experiences, but the potential for improving your writing and storytelling skills is, in my opinion, well worth the risk. You need to be clear about the ground rules and the purpose of the group and go for it!

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

I have always wanted to write, but I started seriously about fifteen years ago

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

I have written six full length books and a few short stories. All have been published under one or the other of my writing names

- Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?

I love the heroes and heroines of both my Margrett Dawson books that have been published. And I’m growing quite attached to the hero of my novella that I’m writing now. He’s a Victorian remittance man who is pulled through an antique mirror on Halloween and is the answer to all the needs of the heroine!

- Any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

One basic word: WRITE. You must write and keep on writing. I would strongly advise attending conferences, the talks are worth a great deal as is the networking potential. Published writers are usually most generous with their suggestions and recommendations. If you can, join a group of writers who have the same goals as you and if possible a critique group for individual feedback. I also entered a lot of contests when I first started and received reams of excellent advice. Of course there’s also the possibility of getting feedback from an editor if you place in a contest.

- Thank You, Margrett. We appreciate the time that you have taken to give us this interview. We shall be watching for more good reading from you and hope you will keep us informed. We will be glad to pass the information along to our readers. Thanks again.

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

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