Interview with Author Roseanne Dowell:
Hi Roseanne. 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.
Designed by Destiny will be released August 5 from Red Rose Publishing Fate – kismet – whatever it is, it turned Interior Designer, Wendy Seidel’s world upside down. From a chance meeting at the airport to Florida and back to Ohio, Wendy can’t believe the strange circumstances that put her and Bill Johnson together.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
In September Another Day will be released from Red Rose Publishing and next year, I have several books coming out with MuseItUp Publishing – Double the Trouble in March, Strange on the Shore in May, A Second Chance in June, May I Have this Dance in July and Connection of the Minds in September.
- How do we find out about you and your books?
My books are listed on my website www.roseannedowell.com I also have a blog, http://roseannedowellautor.blogspot.com.
- Do you allow readers to contact you? If so, how do they reach you?
Readers can reach me at rodow62@yahoo.com. I’d love to hear from them.
- What are some of the most memorable questions/comments?
From a review on the Examiner.Com:
Ginger Simpson wrote - Time to Live Again by Roseanne Dowell is a breath of fresh air for those readers who tire of the young beauties with perfect bodies who portray the heroines. You may even find yourself identifying with Rose's emotions and insecurities. This story is a feel good read that proves that with love and caring, all things are within our grasp. Kudos to Ms. Dowell for such a heart-warming story. You can read the complete review at: http://tinyurl.com/367on3z
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
I think all authors have a little of their personality and life experience in their books. Time to Live Again, I lost my parents and a sister just like Rose, but I also lost a brother. Did I lose my husband, no – thank God. But I understood Rose’s pain. Did I become a recluse, no and I don’t think I would if my husband did pass away. Also, unlike Rose, I have six children and they all live nearby.
- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
I’ve actually been writing off and on for years, but it wasn’t until about 8 years ago I started to write and submit seriously. At one of our book club meetings, we were discussing things we regretted not doing. I said I regretted not writing. That’s all it took. Everyone said it wasn’t too late and they were right. I began writing and submitting my work. Short stories and articles first and then novels.
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
That varies from book to book. Some flow easily and I finish the first draft in no time. Others take a little longer. Sometimes it depends on how much research I have to do and how many times I’m interrupted.
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I just go with the flow. Sometimes I get up in the middle of the night to write. When the muse hits, I’ve learned not to ignore it.
- Does your family bother you when you are writing - are there constant interruptions?
I’m fortunate that my family is grown and on their own. Since most of them all hold full time jobs during the day, they don’t even bother me by phone. My husband, on the other hand, just retired and sometimes he forgets himself and talks to me while I’m writing. Usually I give him a look and he quits.
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
I enjoy a good love scene. By love scene, I’m not talking about the actual act. I don’t mind reading some foreplay, but I really don’t have to know every detail. I don’t write it either. I believe in closing the door, so to speak. Readers know what happens.
- What kind of research do you do?
That depends on the book. For Double the Trouble, I contacted the Chief of Police of Twinsburg, Ohio – who by the way was very cooperative. I’ve contacted owners of Fabric Stores, Cemetery Organizations and a lawyer. I’ve also gone to most of the cities I’ve written about.
- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.
As I said earlier, I have six children – 3 girls, 3 boys in that order. I have 14 grandchildren – 9 girls and 5 boys and one great grandchild – a boy. I enjoy embroidering and quilting, especially combining the two. Recently, I made embroidered squares and put them together for quilts for each of my grandchildren when they have kids. So far I’ve given one out. I have to make one more for the 14th grandchild, since he only recently joined us.
- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?
I enjoy Nora Roberts (doesn’t every romance author) Mary Higgins Clark and Lisa Scottoline. Besides romance, I love mysteries.
- What do you think of critique groups in general?
Critique groups can be very beneficial. I belonged to one when I first started writing. The important thing is to keep an open mind. If two or more members of the group say the same thing, then take notice. Changes might be necessary. Now I have a writing buddy and we send our work back and forth to each other.
- Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?
Unfortunately, I think all writers experience it one time or another. I put the manuscript away and concentrate on something else. Last time I experienced it, I revised three of my other books and submitted them. It worked, they were accepted.
- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Writing is hard work. It’s full of disappointment. After you work so hard and finish your book, finally submit it and you get a rejection. That’s hard to handle. But if you’re serious about your writing, you’ll keep submitting. Writers can’t not write. It’s in our blood. It took years before I sold my first book. I sold magazine articles and short stories, but that novel eluded me. Well let me tell you, my husband had to scrape me off the ceiling when I got that first book contract. It’s an incredibly awesome feeling. It still is.
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:
Website Email Blog
RaH Links:
NO RaH Links
Purchase Links:
Buy Roseanne's Books at Amazon
Buy Roseanne's Books at Red Rose
Buy Red Rose Publishng Books
Buy Roseanne's Books at Muse It Up
Buy Muse It Up Publishing Books