Julie Benson stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the fourth book in the Wishing, Texas, series, To Marry a Texas Cowboy!
Category Archives: Author Feature
ALL THE STARS IN MONTANA: Release day blog featuring author Debra Salonen + GIVEAWAY!
Hello, my friends,
I hope you are doing well in these trying times.
I live in California, which, sadly, has had more than its share of wild fires recently. As I write this blog, my eyes are watering and a weight on my chest reminds me not to step outside. Gray-brown smoke has become our new norm, but I’m hopeful that by the time you read this, our nearby #Creekfire will be under control, and all the other blazes across the west will be out.
One of the beautiful things about writing a series set in Montana is…it’s set in Montana! The air there is clean and clear, and the clouds indicate weather changes by virtue of season—not impending evacuation. Yes, disasters happen in every state, but right now in certain parts of California, we have three seasons: Winter, Spring and Fire. Sigh.
This summer, my daughter visited western Montana—not far from Marietta. Here are few images she took that added to my sense of place—and to my escape–while I was writing my new release: ALL THE STARS IN MONTANA.
Whether I’m writing or reading a book, the setting becomes my virtual reality. And much the Property Sisters of Montana series is set in one of my favorite Montana towns: Marietta.
With this series, I added a new place of business in downtown Marietta: Brandel’s Baubles, Treasures and Fine Art, which was introduced in MONTANA BLUEPRINT FOR LOVE, became a centerpiece of MEET ME IN MONTANA when heroine Amber fell in love with the store—and the owner’s son, and also plays a role in ALL THE STARS IN MONTANA.
Here’s a snippet from this book:
Jade couldn’t remember ever being this nervous around Zach. He seemed right at home in her old hometown—more than she had any of the times she’d come back since Dad’s health scare. “What time is check-in?”
He glanced at a black-and-lime green, rugged-looking watch that didn’t look like his normal style at all. “Three. Have you stayed at the Graff?”
She made a raspberry. “Time and money conspired against me. As did the fact my mother would disown me if I came to town and checked into a hotel. But I’ve eaten there, and they did a great job on Ruby’s wedding in the courtyard. I wrote a glowing review on Yelp.”
“I probably read it. I like getting the lay of the land before I arrive in a new place.” He stopped at Baubles’s oversize picture window to study the whimsical, yet classy, display that included a rope hammock stretched at an angle with an arrangement of summery items: fishing poles, rusty roller skates, a red, white and blue tricycle, and a scattering of hardback books. “Reading in a hammock on a summer day. What a cool idea,” he said before taking a step back to look upward at the second story. “Brandel’s Baubles, Treasures and Fine Art. It’s just how you described it. I wonder if Amber bought any of Darel’s camels. We should go in and see.”
“Another time?” Jade knew her mother was scheduled to work today, and she’d been avoiding her parents since her arrival for a reason. Her sisters didn’t call her a “blabbermouth” for nothing. “Did I tell you the second-floor apartment remodel is being changed to commercial space to house the offices of Trey’s new digital magazine?”
“Yes. You told me.”
As in…he’s the one who suggested getting a grant for the work. Duh? What is wrong with my head? ‘Baby brain’? She’d heard Ruby and Amber use the term to explain their current lapses in memory or normal thought processes. Just what I need. More mental challenges. As if having a butterfly brain wasn’t bad enough, now I really could be pregnant.
She watched him run a hand across the building’s quarry rock exterior. Weather and age had added to its stature. A shiver passed down her spine, as though he were touching her. She loved his hands. His touch. Him?
She looked away, not ready to answer that sixty-four-million-dollar question.
“I’m glad Property Sisters picked this building as a project. Every fine lady deserves a facelift.” He did a slow three-sixty. “And you can’t beat the location. I’ve always loved the idea of converting existing space into something fresh and new. Very European. This should be a nice boost to the overall rebirth of the downtown area. What do the locals think? Progress can be a tough sell in some parts of the country.”
The question made her stop dead. “I…I don’t know. The newspaper did a nice feature on Ruby and Boone’s new ‘Right-Size’ homes.” She frowned as she watched traffic pass. Mostly trucks and all-wheel vehicles. Is that a Prius? Ruby drove a Prius before she and Boone got married. But nothing about the cars or the pace hinted at progress and change. “I was in such a hurry to leave Marietta, I honestly haven’t given my hometown much thought over the years. I’d come back for the holidays, of course, but Dad’s health crisis was the first time I’d stayed for longer than a day or two.”
He took her hand again. “From an outsider’s viewpoint, I’m picking up a good strong revivalist vibe here. And it hasn’t snowed once since I arrived.”
“You mean three hours ago?”
In another scene, Jade and Zach meet for lunch at the Main Street Diner—a very popular and frequently visited location in Marietta. (In my very first Tule book, MONTANA COWBOY, an important scene that introduces the hero from second book takes place here.) Here’s a quick snippet. Who doesn’t love Flo?
“Hello…Gabriella,” Zach said, when he spotted the embroidered name on the hostess’s uniform. “I’m supposed to be meeting a friend…” He hooked the bow of his sunglasses into the gap of his three-button Henley and nodded toward a blonde sitting alone in a booth halfway across the room. “That girl.”
“Oh, Jade McCall. Lucky you. Right this way.”
She picked up two laminated menus and set off at the snappy pace of someone who was there to work and get things done. As he followed, Zach cataloged a few first impressions: the Main Street Diner was clean and bright with a sort of modern Old West vibe, exposed brick, and an old-fashioned counter with stools at the back. Every spot was filled too. That—and the lack of parking out front—spoke for the viability of commerce in Jade’s hometown, which, he had to admit, gave off a certain hospitable western charm.
“Here you go,” Gabriella said, waiting for Zach to sit before handing him a menu. “Enjoy.”
His heart almost leapt out of his chest when he looked into Jade’s anxious, worried eyes. “Hello, beautiful. You remind me of someone I know in California. Mind if I join you?”
She gave him a dry look. “Has that line worked for you before? And”—she leaned sideways to glance under the table—“what’s with the hiking boots?”
He shrugged. “I don’t own a pair of cowboy boots. But somebody—you, I think—told me it snows here a lot.”
“In winter.”
The sparkle of amusement in her silvery-green eyes made him want to lean across the table and plant a big “She’s mine” kiss on her perfect, pink lips. Unfortunately, their waitress chose that moment to drop two sweating glasses of water in front of them. “Hello, folks. What can I get’cha to drink?”
The woman was no spring heifer, as Jade might say. Her beehive hairdo seemed straight out of another decade…or ten. But her friendly smile made him feel welcome. Until she turned her attention on Jade and said, “Well, lookee here. It’s Jade McCall, isn’t it? I haven’t seen you in forever and a day. How are you?”
Jade’s gaze shot to the woman’s chest, but a thin sweater with three-quarter sleeves covered her nametag. The panicked look on her face said she didn’t have a clue to the woman’s identity.
Zach stuck out his hand. “Hello, there. Zachary Masters. And you are?”
“Flo. You’re new here. I’d remember that face.”
Jade’s eyes sparkled with amusement and gratitude. “Flo. Nice to see you again. You’re right, it’s been too long.”
Flo glanced back and forth between them. “Guess you’re back for that TV business I’ve been hearin’ about. Is he the…what do you call the main star? The talent?”
Jade’s cheeks turned pink. “He’s very talented, but he’s not in the show.”
“Yet,” Zach said. “I’m angling for a walk-on.”
Jade rolled her eyes and said under her breath, “One can dream.”
Flo coughed. “Drinks?”
“Water’s good for me,” Jade said.
“Me, too. Gotta keep my wits about me where this one is concerned,” he added for Flo’s benefit.
Jade’s shoe connected with his ankle. Hard. He was glad he’d chosen to wear hiking boots.
Wouldn’t you love to meet up at the Main Street Diner for lunch some day? We could talk about books and catch up on all the news in Marietta. I wonder what those Zabrinskis are up to now? I would order the same thing Jade did: bacon burger with sweet potato fries. Tell me in the comments below, what would you order for lunch at the Main Street Diner? Live large, I’ll pick up the tab. ;-)
And to celebrate my new release, I’ll pick also one winner from those who respond to receive a $10 Amazon gift card.
Happy reading, my friends. Stay well and please pray for all those amazing firefighters and first responders working so hard in all the critical areas across the country and especially on the West coast.
Deb
Tule Author Q&A: Sasha Summers discusses fall activities and dogs!
Sasha Summers stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the second book in The Welsh Sisters series, Pumpkin Patch Sweethearts!
THE SLIDE INTO RUIN: Release day blog featuring author Bronwyn Stuart + GIVEAWAY!
Gosh book 2 of my Daughters of Disgrace series has come around quick! It seems like only yesterday I was answering questions about The Road to Ruin and now here we are with The Slide into Ruin right on the horizon. Some of you who read that last interview I gave for book 1 might be a little confused when they pick up book 2 because all I seem to bang on about these days are fierce heroines looking after themselves like it’s no one’s business! Eliza is a little different than Daniella was. I absolutely hate it when the heroine in a romance novel is a victim but sometimes the circumstances behind the why’s are more important than the their start in the book. A victim of circumstance is a different beast altogether.
You see, Eliza’s father, the Duke of Penfold, has abandoned his children to their fate. He gambled away their legacy on bad decisions and terrible advice and now owes a very large sum of money to some very awful fellows. Intending to sell Eliza’s younger sister to pay the debt, Eliza forges a marriage bargain for herself to save her sister and hold onto the title for her brother who is nearly of age. That’s who Eliza is, she is the protector of her siblings but what happens when Eliza herself also needs protecting in this world of powerful men and their games? Enter Darius!
Darius is an ex-pirate (we met him in book 1) who has turned his sights to legitimacy in business but is illegitimate in truth and England knows it. He also now owns the debt Eliza’s father and his no-good friends were to repay which means he essentially now owns Eliza. The only way to keep her and her siblings safe is to go through with the marriage and collect the inheritance bestowed on her by her late mother so he can repair his storm-battered ship and sail everyone back to Boston and out of harm’s way.
But don’t think Eliza will go to her fate easily! She is as fierce as her strength will allow her to be since she’s been going without for the sake of her family. She holds an Earl and his heir at gunpoint. She enters a house full of pirates with her young and impressionable siblings. She forged a marriage contract not even fully knowing who she will have to marry or even if he would come to collect! She takes on an Earl, a magistrate, a notorious villain and a new husband. Eliza’s quiet strength and her determination is what makes her a notable heroine in my eyes, and hopefully in yours too…
Publishers Weekly called The Slide into Ruin ‘pitch perfect’ in their starred review and readers are loving Darius and Eliza, and their bumpy journey to reach their happily ever after.
And stay tuned for book 3 coming soon! Rose Clairmont is the daughter of a careless earl but is also a smuggler who needs no help from anyone until a villain begins to harass her cargo off the coast of Dover. Who better to appeal for help than Anthony Germaine, the son of a notorious pirate, brother to the infamous Daniella? Her plans hit a snag when she discovers Anthony upholds the law and has no plans to help her break it!
Tell me your favourite lead female (in books or screen) for a chance to win one of two ebooks of The Slide into Ruin! Winners will be drawn at random at the end of the week.
Enjoy!
Bronwyn Stuart.
Tule Author Q&A: Nikki Prince talks friends with benefits!
Nikki Prince stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the second book in the Undeniable series, It’s Work!
Both It’s Work and It’s Complicated include friends with benefit relationships. Is this your favorite trope to write?
Friends to lovers is a fun trope to write. I can’t say it is the only trope that I write, but when I thought of the idea with It’s Work first the other two stories blossomed from it. I think the idea of love being right in your face and you not seeing it is kind of fun to play with. I mean it honestly has to mess with the mind in some ways because this person is a friend…you want him/her, and you fool yourself into thinking that the sex is enough. But it isn’t…it is fun to watch the characters journey and the struggle they feel.
How do you relate to Âine and Darian, and how do you hope readers will relate to them?
I can relate to the feeling of wanting a friend and then struggling with the fact that, that person is a friend and being afraid to lose the friendship.
Where and when do you get most of your writing done?
I honestly can write anywhere. Which is a godsend for me. I’m a multitasker and also a single parent of two teens. I’ve been published since 2012 when my kids were the ages 9 and 8 and was blessed with children who knew when I was writing so they gave me some space. I write at different times of the day because sometimes things can come up. I mostly write on my laptop in front of the television or the radio on as background sound is usually needed. On occasion I will write in complete silence.
How did your experience writing It’s Work differ from book one, It’s Complicated?
With this story I had a bit more knowledge as far as the heroine’s and hero’s job. I have worked at a college as well as been a teacher (Middle school).
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently in between grad school classes and trying to get some works in progress done. So not really reading much of anything but my own work.
About the Author
Nikki Prince is a single mother of two, who’s always had a dream to be a published author in the romance genre. Her passion lies in raising her children as readers, gaming, cooking, reading and her writing. Her mother can now breathe easy about the child who used to get in trouble because she was hiding books everywhere and reading when it wasn’t appropriate.
Nikki’s a multi-published author with several epublishing houses. She loves to write Interracial romances in all genres, but wants to let everyone know to not box her in, because there is always room for growth.
Nikki’s also a member of Romance Writers of America National chapter. She is also a member of the online chapter Passionate Ink RWA, The Beaumonde RWA, and the Rainbow Romance Writers (RRW). She holds a MA in English and Creative Writing and on her way to a second MA in English.
Tule Author Q&A: C.J. Carmichael loves Montana and second chance romances!
C.J. Carmichael stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the first book in The Shannon Sisters series, A Cowboy’s Proposal!
Where did you get the inspiration for A Cowboy’s Proposal?
Just to be clear, this is a re-issue of a book I wrote for Harlequin Superromance almost 20 years ago. When my rights reverted I went back at the story with the idea of freshening it up a little—but ended up doing a lot of revising and rewriting.
I feel a lot of inspiration for this book and the entire Shannon Sisters trilogy comes from the setting. I just love Western Montana, the big sky, the rugged mountains, and the small towns…truly one of the last best places!
This is an emotional second chance romance. What drew you to this trope? What’s your favorite trope to write?
I enjoy writing about characters who have some history, it gives you some meaty emotional material to work with. In the case of A Cowboy’s Proposal I wanted to write about a woman who’d been deserted by her fiancé on her wedding day. What would that feel like? And how could a man come back after such a big betrayal? I knew Cathleen and Dylan would both have to be pretty special people to make their reunion work.
A Cowboy’s Proposal is a contemporary romance, but you also write mystery books. What is different about writing mysteries vs contemporary romances? Which one do you enjoy more?
Whether I’m writing a romance or a mystery I like my stories to have a strong narrative drive (i.e. a compelling plot line!) If I’m bored in my story, then I assume readers will be too. A lot of my romances do have elements of mystery woven through the romance and this is definitely true of A Cowboy’s Proposal.
What was your favorite scene to write and why?
Cathleen is a very free-spirited and strong character and I loved writing this scene where she is driven back to the bed and breakfast where she lives (and where the hero, Dylan, is temporarily staying) by Dylan’s nemesis James Strongman. She is just getting out of James’ vehicle when…
Dylan stepped out of the shadows.
“Where you’re concerned, James, yes, I am dangerous. Cathleen, however, has nothing to fear.”
James inhaled sharply and took a step back. “Damn it, Dylan! Where did you come from?”
“Never mind about me. I want to know what was going on here. Why are you giving my fiancée a ride home? What happened to her Jeep?”
Cathleen stepped into the circle of light cast out from the porch. “Did you just call me your fiancée? You’re about twelve months late with that. I’ll get a ride home with who the hell ever I want to, cowboy. And it’s no business of yours.”
Finally she was showing him some anger, so much better than the cool indifference of last night. Despite the grim circumstances, Dylan just had to smile. “A technicality, darlin’. We both know you’re going to forgive me. Eventually.”
“And stop calling me darling!” She pointed a finger at him then whirled on James, who was telling Dylan that he couldn’t come back after twelve months and expect to have any rights to the woman he’d left at the altar.
“Am I an oil well now? No man has rights to me! And certainly not you two!”
James’s veneer-thin confidence cracked at that. He held up his hands. “Fine. I was just trying to look out for you.”
“I appreciate the ride, but I can look out for myself.”
After muttering something Dylan couldn’t hear, James got back into his truck and drove off.
“Hm. I see my stepbrother hasn’t changed much. Still a conceited know-it-all. What was that about people keeping quiet about me out of respect for my mother?”
“I have no clue. If you hadn’t stepped out from the shadows and gone all Raylan Givens on us, I might have been able to find out.”
“Do I really remind you of Raylan Givens?”
They’d watched Justified together. All six seasons. He knew how hot she found Raylan Givens. “Stop joking about this. It isn’t funny.” She picked up a cushion from one of the wicker chairs and went to pummel him with it.
But the combination of passion and tenderness in his eyes—even as he held his good arm in a protective arch above his face—made her stop to catch her breath.
She dropped the cushion. What was she doing? She had to get control of herself. “I mean it, Dylan. Stop grinning at me.”
“I’m smiling from admiration, not humor. I’d almost forgotten what a good temper tantrum you throw. I thought maybe you’d grown out of it. Kind of glad you haven’t.”
Cathleen looked embarrassed. “I was provoked. You both had it coming. Especially you. Don’t you ever pretend to have any claim to me again. We turned the page on that chapter, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
“I know, darlin’. But sometimes, when you really love a book, you go back and revisit some chapters. Especially the good ones.”
What are you currently reading?
I just finished a crime caper by John Grisham called Camino Island. It was fun but not twisty enough for me. And speaking of reading…when my girlfriend Myrna and I turned sixty last year we set ourselves a challenge of reading 60 books and doing 60 hikes starting on my 60th birthday in March 2019 and her 61st birthday in September 2020. I’ve been documenting my books and my hikes on Instagram so if anyone is interested in all the books I’ve read in the past 18 months you’ll find them there…and my reviews are on Goodreads.
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 45 novels in her favorite genres of romance and mystery. She has been nominated twice for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, as well as RT Bookclub’s Career Achievement in Romantic Suspense award, and the Bookseller’s Best honor.
She gave up the thrills of income tax forms and double entry book-keeping in 1998 when she sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance. Since then she has published over 35 novels with Harlequin and is currently working on a series of western romances with Tule Publishing. In addition C. J. Carmichael has published several cozy mystery series as an Indie author.
When not writing C. J. enjoys family time with her grown daughters and her husband. Family dinners are great. Even better are the times they spend hiking in the Rocky Mountains around their home in Calgary, and relaxing at their cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana.
Visit C.J.’s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
Tule Author Q&A: Barbara Hannay discusses the Outback Brides and Wirralong!
Barbara Hannay stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the fourth book in the Outback Brides Return to Wirralong series, A Nanny Called Alice!
Where did you get the inspiration for A Nanny Called Alice?
I have always loved writing “fish out of water” stories and I often bring city girls into the outback. This time it was fun to dump a heroine from a completely different country into this almost alien environment. Sadly, there have been some real-life stories about outback muggings, but I was determined to provide a hero and a happy ending for Alice’s situation.
Are your characters set before you begin writing or do you let them develop as you go?
I know the basic core of my characters before I start and I like to make sure they’re plunged into a strongly emotional situation, but I mostly write organically and discover more about them as I write.
Did they ever surprise you?
Alice’s relationship with Tom’s nieces, Freda and Ivy, certainly surprised me. Alice had no experience of being a nanny and felt quite out of her depth, so it was fun to watch her learn on the job.
How does Alice differ from your other Outback Bride, Jenna?
Jenna is a confident and successful lawyer and brings a high level of expertise when she arrives in Wirralong. Alice is almost the opposite, with no university education and limited life experience. She’s on a journey to widen her horizons and discover her true purpose.
What has been your favorite part about writing stories in Wirralong?
I’ve loved the chance to contribute to the wonderful Wirralong community that my fellow authors have created. And after writing longer, more complicated, multi-generational stories, it’s been fun to write these shorter stories that focus on one couple. I’ve enjoyed the chance to dive deep and aim straight for the heart.
What are you currently reading?
Ah! I’ve been caught up with another deadline, but now I’m rewarding myself by reading the first book in this Return to Wirralong series – Kelly Hunter’s gorgeous Matilda Next Door.
About the Author
Barbara Hannay is a former high school English teacher who was first published in 1999. Since then she has written over forty books for Harlequin and has published eight single title novels with Penguin Australia.
With more than twelve millions copies sold worldwide, Barbara’s novels have earned her five RITA nominations from Romance Writers of America and she won a RITA award in 2007. She is also the recipient of two Romantic Book of the Year awards in Australia and one of her novels is currently being developed as a television movie by Brainpower in Canada. Barbara lives with her writer husband on a misty hillside in Far North Queensland.
Tule Author Q&A: Paris Wynters discusses how she keeps track of characters and more!
Paris Wynters stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the second book in the Navy SEALs of Little Creek series, Matched!
If you could spend the day with Inara or Anthony, who would you choose and what would you do?
I would choose Anthony because I cannot sing and since Inara loves to sing that wouldn’t go well. Haha. As for what we would do, probably cooking lessons or spend the day exploring restaurants or farmer’s markets. Plus, with his sense of humor I know I’d be laughing most of the day.
This is the second book in your Navy SEALs of Little Creek series. Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?
There are challenges and benefits on both sides. The first novel is always hard because I am getting the world set up, understanding and researching areas I do not know, etc. But the subsequent novels are easier in that aspect because it’s like returning home. But the challenge is also not to make each book sound the same either. So, both can be challenging, just in different ways.
Are your characters set before you begin writing or do you let them develop as you go? What did that development process look like for Matched?
I’d like to say they are set beforehand. But they also tend to veer off as I write and put them into different situations. I knew Tony and Inara pretty well from book one. At least at their core. But the developmental process became looking at their core wounds, their backstory, what made them who they were. Because I knew I was writing a series, I had to know who the men in the group were at their core right from the beginning so I didn’t run the risk of sticking myself into a corner I didn’t want to be in or not being able to fully develop the characters the way I wanted to. But Inara also had to be developed from early on because she is Taya’s best friend and appears in book one. I actually have an excel sheet for each character, things they say, important information that occurs in each book, etc. It helps me keep track of all the information I need to make sure I am consistent.
What do you want readers to take away after reading this story?
We all have a past, things that affect us. Some of that has to do with the relationships we have with our parents. Those experiences and relationships define us early on. I think what I want my readers to take away is that we all experience this and it makes us who we are—both our strengths and our weaknesses. And that we are who we are meant to be because of this. For example, Tony has some faults because of what happened with his mother and how he chose to handle it. But his loyalty, his devotion to his sisters growing up, his ability to love, and so many other aspects of him also developed because of his relationship with his mom. Everything has both positives and negatives, and we should embrace that.
Where and when do you get most of your writing done?
Most of my writing occurs at home in my office. I try to write every day but the times vary depending on what is going on and how I am feeling. Some days that occurs early in the morning and other times later in the day. When it is a sunny day, I love to get work done first thing so I can enjoy the rest of the day outside.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished reading Kelly’s Siskind’s The Beat Match.
About the Author
Paris Wynters is an adult romance author repped by Tricia Skinner at Fuse Literary. She lives on Long Island (in New York) with her family, which includes two psychotic working dogs. Paris is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago.
Paris and her son are nationally certified Search and Rescue personnel (she is a canine handler). She is a huge supporter of the military/veteran community. When not writing, Paris enjoys playing XBOX (she is a huge HALO fanatic and enjoys FORTNITE), watching hockey (Go Islanders), and trying new things like flying planes and taking trapeze classes.
RED HOT TEXAN: Release day blog featuring author Katherine Garbera + GIVEAWAY!
Hello! I’m so excited to be on the Tule Blog today to talk about Red Hot Texan! This book was a long time coming. I have been watching Red and Emma dance around each other in my previous Last Stand releases. So when the time was finally right to tell their story I couldn’t wait to get these two together. They are a classic opposites attract story. Emma is a totally indoors bookworm. Red is very outdoorsy and dyslexic. When they were kids Emma helped him in school with reading, they’ve always been friends, but recently there has been an undercurrent of something more.
Red had no idea how to get Emma to notice him as a guy and not a friend. She’s not his usual type of woman and for Red that meant leaning on what he knew—fishing. I know, right?! Only a guy would think of something like that. But it makes sense to Red and honestly it worked for him!
Here are the tips he used and some of his notes on how to make it work for Emma.
Emma was guided by relationship lessons she learned from reading books especially Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Here are her thoughts:
I had so much fun writing this book. I hope you enjoy reading it! I think most of us here are readers so please share your favorite book that you wish someone would recreate a scene from for you.
(GIVEAWAY CLOSED) I’ll pick one winner from all of the comments to win a paperback copy of Red Hot Texan!
Tule Author Q&A: Dakota Harrison talks about relatable characters and tropes!
Dakota Harrison stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the second book in the With Love, From Kurrajong Crossing series, The Talk Around Town!
How do you relate to Emma and Gabe, and how do you hope readers will relate to them?
Hi everyone! When I wrote Emma, she came to me fully formed, which is unusual for me with my heroines. Often they make me work for what makes them tick. She was smart, shy, and a little bit sassy, but with a vulnerable side that endeared her to me. Emma wants to start over, fresh, and with a clean slate. I think she portrays that part in all of us that’s scared to let people see the real you, at least at first. Gabe is just a big softy, with a sadness lying just beneath the surface that he might not be enough for a long-term love. I think he shows that part of me that tries to do the right thing, but sometimes messes it up royally. I hope readers see how genuine they are and connect with them on that basic level.
This is a fun fish out of water romance. What drew you to this trope? What’s your favorite trope to write?
I wanted to explore the what-if of how would different people respond to a new girl being thrown into their friend group, a city girl at that, and how that would affect their peer relationships, relationships that had been in place for decades, particularly when more than one person was attracted to her.
My favorite trope would be friends to lovers, equally with forbidden love. I’m a sucker for older heroines and younger heroes. I think the dynamic is so at odds with what we’ve been brought up to believe is what’s expected, and I love playing with the idea and seeing what happens.
What was your favorite scene to write?
My favorite scene in the book would have to be the one where we meet Ralph. He’s such a character and really rounds out Emma and her fears. We see Gabe, Darby, and Emma and how they react to not only each other, but to an external stimulus.
What do you want readers to take away after reading this story?
I want readers to feel hope. Hope that things really can be all right in the end, no matter what life may have thrown at you, and that there are people out there who have your back, who put you first with no expectation of gain on their own end.
What are you currently reading?
I love reading and writing Science Fiction and Fantasy romance in my limited spare time, and have just finished a SciFi Romance Soulless by Kate Rudolph (it has a wonderfully unique premise).
I’m also almost finished Fiona M Marsden’s The Price of Duty, a lovely royal romance. Boy, does she make them work hard for the HEA!!! But so very worth it. ☺
About the Author
Dakota lives in a (not so) sunny part of Queensland, Australia, with her human and fur kids, and harbors a strange love of UGG boots. K- and J-Pop feature heavily in her home, especially when drafting her novels, drawing inspiration for her heroes from the music videos and anime, much to her children’s delight and her husband’s sufferance. She loves writing both alpha and beta heroes, all of whom she tortures and makes fall to their knees before their heroines and beg for mercy.
