Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Renee Hagar

Interview with Renee Hagar:

Hi Renee. 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.

It’s called Going Topless and is published by Siren Publishing (www.sirenpublishing.com). The book is an erotic chick lit set in Europe, and follows the story of three women looking for love and themselves. I love doing European locations as they are very romantic.

Here is a blurb: Susannah never thought she'd end up 39, widowed and alone. Then her sister takes her on an impulsive trip to Amsterdam where a hot younger man reawakens her sexuality. But can she learn to love again?

- What can we expect from you in the future?

I have a new erotic contemporary series coming this year from Siren Publishing. The series is called Pleasures, Inc. and it revolves around a male escort service. The first book, Guilty Pleasures, will be released in the coming months.

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

You can visit my website at www.reneeknowles.com or join my monthly newsletter. It’s filled with fun, author interviews, recipes, trivia, and of course, info on my upcoming books. To join, just send me an e-mail at renee@reneeknowles.com and simply put “Newsletter” in the subject line.

- How may readers contact you?

I love to hear from readers! You can e-mail me at renee@reneeknowles.com

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

Romance novels offer such hope and bring so much fun to life. They highlight one of the best experiences one could ever hope for—love. I’ve been hooked on them for years, and when I began my first manuscript, it seemed only natural that there would be romance in it.

- Who would you say has influenced you the most?

I am very influenced by the writings of Jane Austen, Eloisa James and Julia Quinn. Now, you might notice that these are all historical romance authors, while my current release is a contemporary women’s fiction. But what attracts me the most about these authors is their ability to bring a character to life. They have such wit and spunky dialogue in their writing, something I try to emulate in mine.

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

I think, though my writing is not based on my life, I put a lot of my personality and life experiences in it. For example, my current release, Going Topless, is set in Amsterdam. I’ve lived in Europe twice and have visited Amsterdam a couple of times. Plus the main heroine, Susannah, is a woman closing in on forty, who is seeking new challenges in her life. I am very much at that same place—although my challenges have more to do with my inner self than romantic life.

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

I write everyday. I try to write at least 1500 words a day. But sometimes life can interfere. Yet, I am fairly disciplined about it.

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

It’s very important to keep your life in balance, and this requires you to relax sometimes. I’m not always good at it, but what really helps me is yoga. Yoga and meditation both have a great way of keeping your life in balance.

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

I think humor is very important! It’s an important coping mechanism, and if your characters can’t laugh at themselves and life, then they take themselves too seriously.

- What does your husband think of your writing?

He is very supportive. I am blessed. He doesn’t even blink when I am working in our living room (though I have a nice, cozy office) and kick him out until I’m done. I don’t know what I did to deserve him.

- What are some of your favorite things to do?

I love to travel, and my husband and I have been all over the world—Europe, Asia, Canada, and many places in the US. I also love yoga and walking, and of course, reading!

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

I have always written, even when I was a little girl. And I’ve always told stories, and made up stories for myself. When I was little, I would wonder “what if?” about everything. Drove my parents nuts, but definitely is an advantage when you are a fiction writer.

- What will your next book be about?

My next book is called Guilty Pleasures, and is the first in a series. It revolves around a male escort service. I expect it to be out in the middle of 2008, but don’t have a firm date yet.

Here is a short blurb: Diana Grady stayed away from love, pouring her energy into making her escort service, Pleasures, Inc., a success. Until she hires sexy, intelligent Nick Duvane. She can’t resist Nick’s sensual words and steamy caresses. Then she discovers Nick is an undercover reporter who could destroy her company—and her heart.

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

After my dad died almost two years ago, I couldn’t write any fiction. I stopped cold. He had been sick for a long while. It was a very difficult time and the joy had gone out of writing for me. But last summer, I took a look at a manuscript I’d started before his death, and I revised it. This became my debut release, Going Topless. And now, I am so happy to be back to writing.

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

When someone reads your work and is touched by it. The readers make it all worthwhile.

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Publishing is a difficult business, and it can sometimes be painful and frustrating. But if you believe in yourself and your work, and are always striving to do more and be better, than you will succeed! Never give up!

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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