Interview

Hi Anne, 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?

My debut novel and Golden heart finalist, WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE, has just been released by Samhain Publishing, and I couldn't be happier! It's a deeply emotional Beauty and the Beast story with loads of sexual tension.

He's a reclusive toymaker trying to atone for his sins. She's a hunted
woman, secretly hired to mend his heart. One magical Christmas, these two lonely people learn that love can heal the deepest scars, but the price may be their lives.

I hope this suspenseful story of hope and redemption will touch people's hearts and haunt their dreams the way it has mine.

When did you know you first wanted to be an author? If you could change one thing about the way you write a book, what would it be?

I knew I wanted to be a writer the moment I learned how to write, probably even before that. I penned my first book at the age of eight and never stopped. I've always had stories inside me, and nothing gives me more pleasure than sharing them with others.

If I could change one thing about the way I write, it would be to spend more time plotting up front. I'm more of a seat-of-my-pants writer. When I begin writing a book, I know my characters, the conflict, a few key turning points, and usually how the book will end, but that's about it. The rest, I discover along the way. Once my characters start talking, they tell me where to go. It's an exciting journey for me. Still, it would be interesting, not to mention easier, to have a complete roadmap before I start.

A new writer comes to you and says: "Anne, I want to be published.  What do I need to do?" What do you tell her?

First and foremost, learn your craft. Like with any career, there's a
learning curve. You never stop growing or improving, and there are always techniques you can glean from more experienced authors that will allow your work to shine. We're particularly lucky in the romance industry because we've got Romance Writers of America. I can't tell you how much I've learned being a member of RWA these past ten years.

Second, don't give up! Believe in yourself and in your vision. It's a very subjective business. Just because someone rejects your manuscript, it doesn't mean the next person won't love it. I firmly believe it's all about perseverance. You only fail if you quit.

Third, don't underestimate the importance of a strong high concept. Many editors and agents will request your manuscript based on a query letter. You need to be able to hook them with one or two paragraphs, and that's very difficult to do without a compelling high concept. In many romance novels, the hook is the emotional growth of the characters and the development of the love story. Unfortunately, this is very difficult to convey in a couple of sentences. That's where high concept comes in. If the premise is interesting and the conflict is powerful, you're more likely to get a request.

Finally, always challenge yourself. Look at the market, at what's selling, and ask yourself: how can I capitalize on that and still do something different? Trends are important. They tell us what the market wants. But by the time a trend is set, hundreds of books have been written in that particular style or genre. You want to aim for something different, while still giving readers what they're looking for. That's what will set you apart.

Every writer dreams of getting the call. How did you celebrate?

My husband took me out to dinner. Of course, I was so excited I could barely eat a bite! I'm still waiting for the champagne and Godiva chocolates.

What is the one "bell and whistle" feature on your computer that you couldn't live without? What about the one that you never, ever use?

I would die without my e-mail program. I'm absolutely addicted to it. I
spent a couple of weeks in Greece last summer and went into severe
withdrawal. I'm not exactly sure which feature I never use because, well, I never use it!

Where is the one place you haven't visited yet that is definitely on your list of "must see"? What about a trip you took that you would love to take again?

I've always wanted to take a trip to Spain. It looks so romantic! I also
wouldn't mind visiting the San Juan Islands, since WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE is set there.

I'd definitely go back to Hawaii. I spent my honeymoon there and absolutely loved it. I still remember the smell of flowers in the air. That was the first thing that struck me when I got off the plane.

Oh, oh. Junk 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?

Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate!

Which room in your home is your favorite? Which one would you love to wave a magic wand and change?

My favorite room is my bedroom. I recently redecorated, and I'm quite
pleased with the results. If I had a magic wand, I would change my office. Just one flick of the wrist and I would be organized. No scattered pages on the floor, no forgotten coffee mug on the desk, and plenty of pens when I need them!

How did you and your husband meet? Where did he take you on your first "official" date?

We met in university. We were in the same finance class. He made fun of the fact that I'm left-handed, then offered me a stick of gum to make up for it. The rest is history.

On our first official date, we took my ten-year-old brother to the fair. My husband dared me to ride the spinning apples, and I nearly threw up on him. How's that for romantic?

What is this romance writer's idea of the "ideal romantic evening"?

Martinis at sunset. A romantic stroll on the beach. Or simply cuddling in front of the fireplace on a cold winter's night.

How do you describe Anne Hope? How does Anne Hope's husband describe her?

Obsessive. When I'm writing a book, I just can't seem to get it out of my head. I go crazy with edits, second-guessing everything. When I send out a submission, I give myself cramps over it. I guess it's all par for the course. On a personal level, I'm energetic, outgoing, and driven.

I just asked my husband how he'd describe me and he said ditto.

MORE FUN…

Who is the person who has had the biggest influence on your life? Whom will you pass this "influence" on to?

My husband. He's always supported and encouraged me. He's the one who told me to quit my job and follow my dream. I'll always be grateful for that. When someone has faith in you, it inspires you to have faith in yourself.

If I could pass that influence on to someone, it would be my children. I
want them to know that no dream is too big and that there is nothing they can't achieve if they set their minds to it. I want to be there to help and support them, to bolster their confidence, and teach them to reach for the stars.

What is the one food you hated as a child that you now love? What is the one your family hates that you wish they loved?

Soup and salad. I was never too excited about them when I was a kid. Now they're part of my staple foods.

I wish my husband didn't refuse to eat pasta. It's so easy to make! And I wish the kids would eat anything besides pasta.

What is the one article of clothing you wish you had ten of?

Shoes, and ten wouldn't be enough! I need a pair for every outfit.

And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question: what is your favorite comfort food?

Did I mention chocolate?

There is nothing quite like it, huh!  Thank you, Anne, for taking time to “chat” with us, and continued success with your writing!

By Brooke Wills

Romance Junkies Publishing Editor

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