Hi Andrea and welcome. I am so glad you could join us here at RomanceJunkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?
I was recently working on a romantic fantasy but my muse stalled out. I hope to complete it at a later time. Right now I am going at full pace on a contemporary romance. This one is about a young woman whose superstar sister has died in a tragic accident and left my heroine with custody of her two young children. But the greedy ex is fighting for custody of the children - and their wealth. The hero is reluctantly appointed by the court to sort out the mess. They both have issues from their past to deal with as well as a sizzling instant attraction to one another. In this story, I'm exploring how people can learn to accept themselves, as well as love, despite their perceived failings.
If you could change one thing about the way you write, what would it be...even though you know you will keep doing it the same way forever?
Write faster. I keep trying and believe that someday I will be able to produce 3 or more books a year with the same quality.
Do you always write in the same spot all the time, or do you roam from room to room, area to area as the mood strikes?
I move around my home as well as out to Starbuck's or the library. It's much easier to focus on my writing when I'm away from the house.
A new writer comes to you with her first rejection letter. She is devastated. What do you say to her to put it in a better light?
Rejection is inevitable, but she doesn't want to hear that. I remember thinking I had written the best novel ever and that first rejection felt personal. But this is where perseverance and courage come in. She has to be willing to continue to write and submit even though it’s scary. Those rejections are actually a sign of your professionalism - to your fellow writers as well as the IRS! Lol!
Which room in your home is your favorite? Which one would you love to wave a magic wand and change?
I'd change the room I use as my office. I would like it to look like some of the home offices I see in magazines and on those makeover shows.
Yahoo! You wake up and look out your window into your driveway, and there is a new car sitting there! All for you!! What does this new
vehicle look like?
Hm. Either a new customized van or a Harley. Call it my mid-life crisis but I'm dying to have a big old hog so I can ride the highways with the wind in my face!
Oh, oh...Fast food munchies strike! There is no avoiding them...but the good news, fat grams and calorie content have been waived! What are you going to fill up on?
Pizza. With all the toppings and extra cheese.
Describe the "perfect" hero? What about the "perfect" hero for you?
I write about the kind of man I love so the answer to both questions is the same. A devastating smile and rock hard body. A sense of humor. The ability to listen and sympathize, a protective nature. Quiet self-confidence that masks a deep, hungry need for the woman of his heart.
What is this romance writer's idea of the "perfect romantic evening"?
Talking and talking followed by hot love-making.
How do you describe Andrea Jackson? How do Andrea Jackson's family and friends describe her?
I say: Absent-minded, loving, insecure, smart about abstract things, hopeless about daily life.
Others say: she's quiet, nice as in pushover, imaginative, scatter-brained, insecure.
MORE FUN...
We all love Thanksgiving! So, tell us...it's a pressing question...all
about cranberry sauce!!! Jellied or Whole Berry? Homemade or
canned? Which do you prefer?
Whole berry, homemade. It's so easy to make, it's a crime to not try it.
What is your favorite breakfast food?
This varies from week to week. Just so it's packed with carbs and warmth.
Which do you prefer - a head rub, neck rub, back rub, or foot rub?
Back rub.
What is your favorite kitchen gadget or appliance?
The crockpot, without a doubt. It frees a writer from a few minutes of domestic distress.
And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this
question: what is your favorite comfort food?
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies! Next best thing to homemade is the ones Subway restaurant sells.
Oh, gosh! I haven't had those in years! Yum! Thank you, Andrea, for spending time with us--it has been a lot of fun. Best of luck with your writing!
