Wistful Wednesday

Interview and Giveaway with

Ann Christine, author of 

Safari Moon

Thank you for taking the time to interview with us!  Christine’s newest release is Safari Moon writing as Ann Christine. Her full length contemporary romance novel became available in paperback (or e-book) is now available as print, ebook, kindle and nook!

Interview:

 When/how did you know you wanted to write?

After I read my first historical romance, I knew I wanted to write. I wanted to create my own story with awesome characters. I learned that it wasn't and easy process.

 How long did it take you to become published?

I started writing in ninety-two and was published in ninety-eight. So it took me six years and multiple rejection letters.

 How long does it usually take for you to research a book? Write the book?

The time it takes to research a book varies with each story and is direct relationship with my previous knowledge of the setting and the time period. A story generally begins with the characters who are then put into a setting and a time period. If this is the second or third book in a series, the research usually goes much faster. If I'm really concentrating on my writing, I can usually finish a 100,000 word novel in about 6-8 months. I might start my research from something I've read, such as the haunted castle book I have. Most of my research is completed as I write the novel.

 Is there any character in your books that you can really relate to?

I don't have characters in my stories I can relate to. My stories are mostly historical romances, Safari Moon being an exception, so it is difficult to relate to someone who lives in another century. In Safari Moon there are aspects of Nyssa's character that I can relate to, however. Nyssa is steady, a hardworking and she love riding her bicycle and touring all over the world. These characteristics are in some way my own.

 What advice do you give to those who are just starting out or trying to become published?

Don't get discouraged. If you get a rejection letter or a critique from a contest, try to look for the positive as well as learning from some of the suggestions.

 Where do your story ideas come from? Do you use people you know as characters sometimes or even sometimes a certain event from real life happenings?

My ideas come from everywhere, books I have read, people watching, places I've been and so much more. Yes, in Safari Moon the secondary characters, Candace and April, are two very real people in my life. I have been jazzercising with them for almost thirty years. Their names are in the book; however, the characters are not based on the real people. Also in Safari Moon Nyssa's bicycle tour business was taken in part from experiences my parents had on their bicycle tours.

 You just recently were published. How does it make you feel?

I love knowing other people will be reading my books and falling in love with the characters who spoke to me for months.

 Getting back to your books coming out soon. Tell us a little about what to expect from them.

Safari Moon is funny in places. When Solo is confronted with his "willing, eager, and able women, he just doesn't know how to be polite and shoo them away at the same time. Some of the women go to very unusual lengths and pull some comical stunts to get his attentions.

 When and where can we purchase your books?

My books are available at Rogue Phoenix Press—www.roguephoenixpress.com, amazon, Barnes and Noble as well as All Romance.

 What are you reading right now?

I am just finishing the third book of The Game of Thrones series by George R.R. Martin. While this is a well written book, I'm beginning to feel as if I'm reading the book just to see who is going to die next. If I like a character, I dread reading the chapter in their point of view because I don't want them to read about their death. So why do I keep reading? I want to know who will win the game.

 Are there any authors (living or dead) that you would name as influences?

I'm influenced by the exceptional writing of many of the romance authors I have met and read. Authors such as Stella Cameron, Susan Wiggs, and Heather Graham.

 What was the book that most influenced your life — and why?

Probably Pirates Pleasure by Heather Graham influenced my life the most. This was the first romance book I ever read. When I finished reading it, I knew I wanted to write romance.

 If you had a book club, what would it be reading — and why?

A Sci/fi book, Blood Veins by Brian Young. Not only is Brian my son and I would like to see him sell lots of books but this book, his first, is a really good read.

 Give us three "Good to Know" facts about you. Be creative. Tell us about your first job, the inspiration for your writing, any fun details that would enliven your page.

My first job, other than babysitting, which I hated, was as a lifeguard/swimming instructor. It was fun getting paid for something I loved to do. I coached synchronized swimming and while my team only competed a few times, we put on a water show at the end of every summer season at the pool.

My second job became my career for thirty years. I was hired as a 7th grade math/science teacher at a middle school in Stayton, Oregon. I met my husband here. He was a 6th grade teacher. The kids were soo... excited when we became engaged.

When my children were small I did colored pencil portraits of them. I think it must be time to start on the granddaughters.

 What else do you want your readers to know? Consider here your likes and dislikes, your interests and hobbies, your favorite ways to unwind — whatever comes to mind.

Love to unwind with exercise. I know most people hate it, but it releases those great chemicals called endorphins into your brain. Those chemicals help your creative side as well as making you feel good and give you more energy. So what do I like to do? I used to swim. Now I walk outside with my walking partner, or run on the treadmill when the weather is not so good and jazzercise. Those are my favorites. Hobbies include knitting, needlepoint, reading and photography.

 What are your experiences with publishers and agents?

My first editor was Kate Duffy at Kensington. I was so thrilled to talk to her and yes, when the call and say they want by your book, it is heart stopping. Because my characters in the two books she bought did not stay in one place very long, she called me a "frequent flyer" In a nice way.

 What's your next project?

Rebel Heart, a futuristic romance, is set to be published in June this year.

 What do you think is the most important characteristic of a prolific writer?
Goal setting and a just sit down and do it attitude.

 Some authors start out with a plot in mind, others with characters whom they’ll follow to reveal the theme. What works best for you and why?

Characterization first then basic plot and then detailed scene analysis.

 Do you use a pseudonym? More than one? Why?

Safari Moon is written with the AKA AnnChristine, which is actually my first and middle name. I decided to use an AKA for my contemporary romances so people would not be confused between contemporary and historicals.

 Many writers have had success writing in different genres. Do you think it is difficult to switch over to another genre?

I love to switch genres. It brings new energy into my writing. And no I don't find it difficult.

 When did you start writing?

Early nineties.

 Where did you receive your most valuable lessons in becoming a writer?

Beginning with RWA Chapter meeting then continuing with my critique partners.

 Do you belong to a critique group or have a critique partner? Which do you prefer?

Yes, my critique group is made up of four writers. We have been together for about ten years. I love them and their advice.

 Would you recommend critique groups to other writers? If so, what elements, in your opinion, make a successful writer’s group?

Every beginning writer should establish an honest support group. It helps if writing experience is about the same. A writer needs someone who can evaluate their writing honestly without passing judgment or taking away the writers voice and replacing it with their own.

 Do you ever look back and think, "I wish I had written this differently?"

Many times I have wished I had done something a bit differently. I believe this is part of the evolving process. I am a better writer now than I was ten years ago.

I'd like to thank the MLM blog for hosting Safari Moon today. And I hope all of you who come visit today will leave a comment. I love to hear your thoughts.

Blurb:


Solo St. John, a wildlife photographer, is preparing for a trip to Alaska.  Suddenly, Solo finds women of all sorts invading his privacy, his home and his office, all cooing nonsense words and blatantly throwing themselves at him.  Solo doesn't know why, and he has no idea how to rid himself of the persistent women.  He finally decides to beg a favor of his best buddy Nyssa Harrington.
In love with Solo for the past ten years and knowing he doesn't return her feelings Nyssa doesn't want to talk to Solo.  She knows if she accepts his phone call, she will not be able to resist the temptation to hope again.  




Excerpt:



It didn’t take much to envision him, half-naked, sleepy, in bed, and wrapped in the redhead’s arms.

“Nyssa?” His sexy voice brought her out of the spell she’d almost smothered herself in.

“Get your hands off my husband!” Nyssa’s voice blurted out but her few crisp words had the desired effect. The lady’s hands dropped to her sides and her lips moved in a pert little moue.

At least Solo had the presence of mind to take advantage of her verbal warning. Standing, he neatly dumped the woman on her rounded derriere onto the couch.

If Nyssa hadn’t felt such outrage, the scene could have been construed as comical. But she did feel intense indignation and a possessiveness she wouldn’t analyze at the moment.

“Your husband?” The female cooed unbelievingly. “Now why do I find that hard to believe?”

“What a surprise darling.” She turned to Solo. “Is this one willing, eager, or able? Or perhaps a combination of all three?” She did try to push the anger from her voice. But then she thought it was a nice touch and if anger got rid of the female it was worth the embarrassment.

“Of all the nerve!”

“Yes, my wife does have--nerve. Among other things.” Solo still stood, open-mouthed, as Nyssa made her way across the room.

Nyssa ran her hand up Solo’s arm and endeavored for sultry instead of anger in her tone. “Sorry the plane took so long. Just like you asked, I bought a silky little black thing for bed.”

There were a number of things that could go wrong. For starters, Solo could deny the relationship, and then of course the redhead could figure out she lied. Somehow she didn’t expect either scenario.

“Pumpkin,” Solo said with a husky little growl in the timbre of his voice.

Pumpkin?

“Would you like a glass of wine?”

Before she had a chance to answer, he had maneuvered around discarded clothes and tumbled furniture to make his way to the kitchen and back with a glass, and was now pouring. He grinned from ear-to-ear and she felt a real sense of accomplishment.

“I tried to tell her I was spoken for, but until you showed up she didn’t believe me.”



Born in Medford, Oregon, novelist Christine Young has lived in Oregon all of her life. After graduating from Oregon State University with a BS in science, she spent another year at Southern Oregon State University working on her teaching certificate, and a few years later received her Master's degree in secondary education and counseling. Now the long, hot days of summer provide the perfect setting for creating romance. She sold her first book, Dakota's Bride, the summer of 1998 and her second book, My Angel to Kensington. Her teaching and writing careers have intertwined with raising three children.  Christine's newest venture is the creation of Rogue Phoenix Press. Christine is the founder, editor and co-owner with her husband. They live in Salem, Oregon.

Website:  http://christineyoung-romancewriter.blogspot.com/
Rogues Angels blog:    http://www.roguesangels.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Young/350132315013316
Twitter   http://twitter.com/#!/achristay
Publisher:  http://shop.roguephoenixpress.ieasysite.com/productinfo.aspx?productid=SAFARIMOON

Now for the giveaway!

Ann Christine will be giving away the following prizes:

* A Safari Moon bookmark to one randomly drawn commenter at every stop.
* ebook copy of The Gift (part of A Valentine Anthology) and Star Crossed (part of St. Patricks Day anthology) to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
* One commenter during the tour will win the right to have a character named for them in her next release--either Ghost Dance (a western historical romance) or Rebel Heart (science-fiction romance)
* Two randomly drawn commenters during the tour will each win a $25.00 GC to Starbucks
* The host with the most comments (excluding the author's and the host's) will win a $15 GC to Starbucks