Alexis: Today we have Historical Western Romance author, Andrea Downing who is giving away a copy of Dearest Darling to one lucky person who answers her question below. Welcome Andrea!
Andrea: Thanks so much for having me here
today, Alexis. It's much appreciated.
Alexis: It’s our pleasure :-) So tell us why did you choose this
sub-genre of romance?
Andrea: I didn't choose it—it chose me! For as long as I can remember, I've been in
love with the west, fascinated by it.
Unfortunately, I got side tracked and lived in England for a very long
time, but when I came back to the states, I learned how the Brits had started
most of the large cattle companies out west, back in the 1860s. So Loveland, my first book, came
out of that and the other books followed, and the more I write about the west,
the more involved with it I get. It
becomes self-perpetuating!
Alexis: I can tell you love writing about it.
What are your favorite traits of the two main characters in Dearest
Darling?
Andrea: I love the fact that my hero, Daniel
Saunders, is very decisive but also kind.
He makes up his mind and nothing will sway him, though he's capable of
seeing his own faults and admitting when he's been wrong. But he's gentle, too; I can see him being a
very good father, a good example to his children. As for Emily Darling, I love the fact she
takes what life throws at her—literally—and makes the best of it. She's been brought up in a male-dominated world
yet isn't afraid to break the mold and take chances.
Alexis: Wow, a man who admits when he’s wrong,
definitely hero material ;-) What was the strangest thing that inspired a story
for you?
Andrea: I have a women's fiction novel (with
strong elements of romance, as they used to say in RWA), Dances of the Heart,
coming out in February. It's original
title was 'Texas Two-step' but I changed it when I saw how many other books
were available with that title. Well,
the Texas Two-step actually inspired the story.
I was thinking that I'd like to learn that dance, and the next thing
that popped into my mind was to set a book in Texas with the dance playing a prominent
role, and then I thought 'two-step' could also imply two couples. So, you'll have to wait for February to see
the results!
Alexis: How fun! Though I have to say,
couples two-stepping is the hardest dance I’ve ever learned. I even find the
waltz easier :-} As a writer, there are so many things to learn. Speaking of
learning, what was your first writer’s conference?
Andrea: I don't know whether it counts as a
conference or not, but I'll say it was the Writer's Retreat that The Wild Rose
Press had at the Silver Spur Ranch in Bandera, TX. I'm not a person who does well in situations
where I don't know anyone, so this was a fantastic way to get my confidence
up. I specifically did not want to attend
any conference until I had a book
under my belt to give me a bit more self-assurance, so mixing with fellow
authors from TWRP in such an informal atmosphere was great, and Editor-in-Chief
Rhonda Penders and her editors were all very welcoming.
Alexis: Now that sounds like my kind of
retreat. What a great experience. Now of all the books you’ve written so far,
who is your favorite character?
Andrea: I'm still in love with Jesse
Makepeace from Loveland—sorry, Daniel!
Maybe one day I'll revisit that story and finish it since I know
everything that happens to him and Lady Alex.
Perhaps all authors have a life-long attachment for their very first
book.
Alexis: Thank you so much for visiting,
Andrea. It’s a pleasure to have you.
Andrea: Thanks again for having me here,
Alexis. I enjoyed this interview
immensely.
Alexis: Check out this excerpt from Dearest
Darling
He strode
back out of the barn to the house. A yellow glow shone through the back window,
an inviting warmth, and he edged closer with care. The net curtain hardly gave
Emily the requisite privacy for a bedtime routine. She sat on the edge of the
bed, back to him, in her nightshift, brushing her hair.
He stood
enthralled, transfixed as the brush came down the length of her hair, that
wheat-straw hair, plowing lines through it as the brush made its way, and then
rose to the top once more to start its path again. It was like silk, waves of
silk or satin, and he could only imagine what it might be like to touch it so,
to feel lengths of it, have it slip through his fingers, have it fall over his
face if she lay above him.
His manhood
hardened at these visions, a yearning in his groin. The desire for her ran
through his blood as he remained still, observed the way her hand held the
brush, her thumb running the length of the handle, her fingers gripping, moving
the brush through her hair, the fine strands like filaments caught in the
lamplight. And when she stopped, tossed her head faintly, the very slight
motion stirred the curtain of hair as one, over her shoulder. He gasped, had to
catch his breath.
Buy Links:
About Andrea:
Born
in New York, Andrea Downing returned in 2008 from the UK where she lived for
most of her life. Having traveled extensively throughout Europe, Africa and
Latin America, she now divides her time between NYC and the east end of Long
Is., punctuated by frequent journeys out west---the area of the USA she loves
best. Her first book, Loveland, was a finalist for
the 2012 RONE Award for Best American Historical. Her 2013 short story, Lawless
Love, was also a finalist for the RONE Award as well as the
International Digital Awards. A novella, Dearest Darling, part of The
Wild Rose Press Love Letters series, came out Oct., 2014. Also forthcoming Feb.
2015 is Dances of the Heart, a women's fiction novel. All are
published by The Wild Rose Press.
LINKS:
WEBSITE AND
BLOG: http://andreadowning.com
Twitter: @andidowning
https://twitter.com/AndiDowning
Email: andidowning@gmail.com
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=124888740&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic
AMAZON AUTHOR
PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Andrea-Downing/e/B008MQ0NXS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Alexis: For
a chance to win a copy of Dearest Darling, answer Andrea’s question below. Good
luck!
Andrea: What was the name of Daniel Saunders'
intended bride?
Thanks again for having me here today, Alexis. I can't wait to see who wins the copy of Dearest Darling.
ReplyDeleteDaniel's intended bride was Ethel Darton. I'd love to win the book!
ReplyDeleteNot giving away the answer, Jana, so we'll see! Thanks so much for taking part, though. ;-)
ReplyDeleteEthel Darton, but he may be better suited for Emily:)
ReplyDeleteAh, well said, though I'm curious as to your reflection that he is better suited for Emily. Very interesting comment! Thanks
DeleteGreat interview, ladies. I enjoyed it and can't wait to read the book. You don't have to enter me in the giveaway, since I already have a copy :) I just wanted to stop by and say hi.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you so much for that, Dani-Lyn. Lonely no longer!
DeleteGreat interview! I love your comment - ' I didn't choose it—it chose me! '
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your book.
Thanks for your support Louise. Much appreciated!
DeleteWonderful interview ladies.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela---glad you liked it.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne!
DeleteGreat interview, Ladies. And I love the Texas Two Step. There must be at least a dozen different ways to do it, but they're all fun. Best of success, Andrea.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lynda--and thanks again for the great review of DEAREST DARLING
DeleteNice interview. Ethel Darton
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Thanks for joining in!
DeleteI find it torture reading the interviews and about the books. Will I ever get to all the books I want to read.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good one, Andrea.
Exactly my sentiments, Brenda. Of course I hope you'll find time to read this one!
DeleteThe winner of a copy of Dearest Darling was Valerie Clarizio. Thanks to everyone who commented.
ReplyDelete