Good morning! Please welcome guest author Dena Garson. Though I will be away for most of the day, please feel free to leave comments for Dena and I will post them as soon as I return. Thank you!
~Kate
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
The characters or a scene in my head showing me the characters doing something. When that happens, I always have to go figure out who they are and why they were doing whatever I saw them doing.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Definitely a plotter. I’m a process improvement specialist at my day job, so I think very linear.
What do you like best about writing?
The creative outlet for all the scenes or ideas I come up with. Makes me feel a little less crazy to know there is a reason for all those pictures in my head.
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
Promotion. I’m an extreme introvert and it’s difficult for me to put myself in front of people. I love my stories and I’m happy to share them with people, but I’m not one for shouting to the masses “Hey look here! I have this really great book you should read!” Uggg.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of epublishing?
ePublishing is great for both the author and the reader. I love that my books can get through the editing and release process and get on the electronic bookshelf so quickly. As a reader I love it for the same reason, but also because it keeps some of the costs down for the publisher which can be passed on to the reader who can then buy more books!
Would you tell us about your latest release?
My most recent release, Mystic’s Touch, came out in February. I’m very excited about this book because it has some fabulous characters that I hope to be able to spin off into books of their own. It is a fantasy romance with a sensual heat level.
Here’s the blurb:
When Prince Ceros returns home to take his place on the throne, he falls prey to a mysterious malady that leaves him unable to speak or move, though his thoughts and awareness remain intact. Danet, a talented healer, realizes the prince is alert inside his body. The two are able to share thoughts telepathically. Unfortunately her connection with Ceros may bring unwanted attention to her abilities and result in her banishment from the city.
Their unique bond grows as Danet races to find a remedy for the prince’s condition. Desire turns to love, which makes Danet fear for their future when he awakens. They seek out the villain attempting to take the throne and endeavor to find a way to stay together.
What are you working on now?
I have two manuscripts that I’m working on. One is a follow up to Mystic’s Touch. The other is a Native American, historical romance with paranormal elements (I keep joking that I’m not sure what else I could put into this book!) But I’ve also been asked to write a novella for a new series coming out next year, so I’ve started outlining a story idea for that. What can I say? I multi-task!
Do you have an excerpt from your latest release you would like to share?
From Mystic’s Touch:
Are you one of those men who think every woman needs a man to watch over her?
No. I—
Just because society has dictated they expect girls to marry by their twentieth year and have little ones a year or two later doesn’t mean I have to comply.
That’s true but—
I’m not a simpleton. If I had met a man I wanted as a mate, one who was capable of capturing my interest both physically and mentally, I would be joined with him.
I’m sure you—
As it stands, I have yet to meet such a man. And until I do, I won’t just throw myself in the path of every available man just so I could say I was mated. Danet folded her arms across her chest and harrumphed to herself. Actually it wasn’t really to herself since Ceros could hear pretty much everything that passed through her thoughts.
Are you finished?
She took a deep breath. Yes.
Good. What I was trying to say was that you seem to be a talented, intelligent and caring woman. I’m surprised that a dozen or more men haven’t come along and turned themselves inside out to impress and please you just so they could have the privilege of being with you.
Oh.
I respect your decision to help your father at his clinic. It is probably rewarding work that you do. But I also know what it’s like to lie awake at night and wonder how much more rewarding life would be if there were someone it could be shared with.
Danet swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. His admission mirrored her deepest longing. One that she kept locked down and rarely examined so she wouldn’t be reminded of what she might be missing. It was too risky to allow anyone to get close enough to discover her “gifts”. Especially when she didn’t know the extent of them herself. The idea of passing unknown abilities on to a child made her gut clench.
She clamped down on her thoughts and her feelings before Ceros picked up on them.
You know you’ll only tempt my curiosity by trying to hide things from me, he told her.
Would you share one of the sexiest or most romantic lines from one of your books?
From Mystic’s Touch:
Danet knew it was pointless to resist. She was destined to make love with Ceros. She would deal with any consequences later. For now, she would gather these precious memories and hold them close to her heart.
Reaching up, she touched her hand to his cheek. When she lifted to press her lips against his she whispered, “Then wake, my prince, and take what you want of me.”
Do you prefer writing your heroes, your heroines or do you like writing both equally?
I am more comfortable writing heroines. I always have to ask male friends of mine if guys would say or do the things I’ve written.
Would you tell us about yourself?
I’m a mother of two rowdy boys (14 and 10). They play a lot of sports so I can often be found on the practice or game field. I do still have a day job, so writing is not a full-time pursuit for me. But I believe my writing keeps me sane!
What are your favorite genres to read and write?
Romance for sure. Within romance, I read pretty much everything except mystery or inspirational. But in all honesty, I’ll even read those if someone tells me they found a good one. I learn toward paranormal and/or fantasy though.
As for writing, I’ve written contemporary, paranormal and fantasy romance. I’ve also written a couple of non-fiction articles!
Where can we visit you online?
Website: http://www.denagarson.com/
Blog: http://denagarson.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dena.garson.7
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DenaGarson
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/dgarson
Amazon Author Central: http://www.amazon.com/Dena-Garson/e/B007ER5E58/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
I make beaded jewelry in my spare time. Unfortunately, my free time is becoming fewer and further between these days.
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
I have a list of places to see on my bucket list that covers two pages. A dream vacation would be a month-long tour of Europe that includes England, Scotland, Ireland, Greece, and Italy. Just to name a few!
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
You can start and stop with Thor. I have a HUGE crush on Chris Hemsworth’s version of him.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Homemade mashed potatoes. My mom knows my grandmother’s secret recipe – they are the best in the world! YUM!
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have a black Labrador/Golden Retriever/Collie mix named Sadie. She’s a wonderful dog and companion and so gentle. I also have a furry pig, er, I mean a grey tabby cat named Bijous. She thinks she owns the house but loves my youngest son more than anyone.
Contest –
I’m giving away an author swag pack and a pair of hand-made earrings to one visitor to your blog. To be entered, just have your visitors leave a comment telling me what their favorite book of all time is (and your email addy). On Sunday, April 27th I’ll draw a name as the winner.
Social
Thanks for sharing the Q&A! Oh boy… my grandmother used to make the best Mashed Potatoes!
Fav book of all time… that is a hard one… I have enjoyed so many through the years… okay maybe the first romance I bought for myself, Catherine Coulter’s Sherbrooke Bride. 😀