Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Tracie Peterson is Marsha Pratt! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)
This week Denise Hunter is in the spotlight! To win a copy of her Trouble with Cowboys, leave a comment on this post!
Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?
I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 23 years. We have 3 sons ages 13, 16, and 20. I’m currently suffering from testosterone poisoning.
And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…
I’m a romantic at heart so it’s only natural that I write novels with a strong romantic thread. I’m a believer in happily-ever-after, but I’m also intrigued by what makes people tick, so my books always delve into the psychology of the characters.
How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?
I started dreaming of writing when I was in my early 20s but, newly married and juggling college, then kids, I put my writing dream on the back burner. I was visiting my dying grandfather in the hospital in 1996 when God gave me a wakeup call. One day it would be too late for me to pursue my writing dream. I had a dream, but I needed a plan. A couple weeks later, I began writing my first novel.
After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?
Two years. That first novel did get published (a real blessing!), but believe me, I’ve accrued plenty of rejection slips.
Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?
Unfortunately, I can’t even depend on coffee! I had to give it up when I developed adrenal fatigue. Green tea is a poor substitute, but it’s all I’ve got. ☺ Routine is critical for me. I don’t think I’d get a word written without it. My goal each day is 6 good pages (“good” is so subjective, isn’t it?) After I get my boys off to school, I do my devotions then write. Okay, maybe a little email first. I write until my goal is met, then I give myself a little checkmark on the calendar—it’s my version of a “well done” sticker.
What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?
I’d have to say my best buddies (and authors) Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, and Diann Hunt. We’ve been friends and brainstorming partners for years. Colleen and I are also critique partners. It’s priceless to have someone reading my story as I’m writing it. We can bounce ideas off each other, and if (okay, when) we get stuck, we can talk it through with each other.
Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be?
More or less. I think the biggest surprise is how much time an author has to spend on promotional stuff.
What are your biggest distractions?
Email and Facebook.
What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?
Least: promotion. The thing I love most is getting to work at home. My schedule is flexible so writing has allowed me to have my own career and also be a stay-at-home mom.
What is the role and importance of an agent?
The left side of my brain is kind of broken, so I’m thankful for an agent who can handle all the legal stuff. I can’t even figure out what the contract says half the time, so her input is invaluable.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Writing is a craft, so study it and practice, practice, practice. You will get better, and if you keep at it, good things will happen.
Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.
Ugh! My least favorite part of being a writer. ☺ Here goes: Annie Wilkerson is contracted to write a lovelorn column for Montana Living—only trouble is, Annie’s never been in love. When she hires smooth-talking ladies man Dylan Taylor to help, she gets more trouble than she bargained for.
Give us your favorite paragraph from The Trouble with Cowboys.
She paused a minute, her heart skittering across her chest like a marble over a hardwood floor. She told herself she had no choice. She told herself she could handle Dylan Taylor and his flirtatious ways just fine. Then his hand closed over hers, and she felt the same shiver run through her as last time, and no matter what she told herself, she knew she’d just signed up for all kinds of trouble.
What’s on the book horizon for you?
Next I’m starting a new romantic series set in the Midwestern river town of Chapel Springs, IN. The first book, Barefoot Summer, is due out June 2013.
Last question, how can readers find you and your books?
My books are available at most bookstores and Amazon, etc. You can learn more at my website: www.DeniseHunterBooks.com. I’m also hosting a Facebook party later this month. Be sure to go here to get all the information, sign up to win a Kindle and RSVP for the party!
Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)
Thanks so much, Suzanne!
I am so ready to read this book!!! I love this series & all of Denise Hunter’s books!
I would love to win! It looks like such a great book!
The Trouble with Cowboys sunds like a great book. ejs8741@hotymail.com
Denise is one of my most favorites. I would love to win this book.
Sounds like a great book, I’d love to win it.
I would love to win!! Denise Hunter is an excellent writer!
Thanks for the awesome chance to win!
I have always loved cowboys, period! I married one who became a preacher and now a missionary – still got my cowboy!
I love finding new authors. This is a fun way to get to know them. I look forward to reading Denise’s books and would love to win Trouble with Cowboys…sounds intriguing! Thanks for the opportunity…Linda M.
I have enjoyed reading other book by Denise. I haven’t started this series yet, but I know I will enjoy it once I can find the time 🙂
I’m sorry to hear of your current ailment. How does one find out about that and treat it? Praying you are feeling better soon.
I am looking forward to the FB party, they are always so much fun and you learn a lot about the book.
thanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel 🙂
This sounds like a book I’d like. I’ll have to find it!
I would love to read this book it sounds so interesting.
Would love to win this book! I’m always looking for new authors!
This looks like a great book, even if I don’t win it I will be reading it.
I am so looking forward to reading The Trouble with Cowboys !! Thanks for the heads up…sounds like it will be so much fun to read !!! I love learning about an author that is new to me…just can’t read too much !!
Thanks for the opportunity to win Denise Hunter’s book, The Trouble with Cowboys .. thank you Rosemary Foley
I would love to win this book, The title is an attention getter for me.
I don’t have alot of money to buy books so it would be awesome to win this one.
The book sounds great. Look forward to reading it.
Love the statement about the poisoning from the men!
And I love the cover of the book. It looks vintage. 🙂
Doreen
I haven’t had the pleasure of reading any books by Denise yet, but will definitely place this at the top of my “To Read” list. Love the interviews you do with various authors. They become real to us readers!
Would LOVE to WIN a copy of this book !!!! Thank you very much for your contest .Blessings ,Dana
A terrific sounding book to get lost in during one of these beautiful Autumn days. I would love to win a copy. Thank you!
How fun it would be to win!! I love her books, just finished “A Cowboy’s Touch”!!! Thank you for the opportunity to enter to win!!
I haven’t had the opportunity to read any of Denise Hunter’s books. Just wish to win this book so that I can become one of her followers. Love reading, especially good Romance stories.
This book sounds wonderful! I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance to win it.
I would love a copy of your book…..thanks for the chance to win one!
I am in SUCH need for a good book to snuggle down with! This looks awesome! Keep writing!
Would love to win this book.
I have never read a book by Denise Hunter. I would love to try one of her books soon. Enjoyed the interview she gave you Suzanne.
I would love to read your story. Thanks for the chance!
Love reading your books and I only recently discovered them! I am always looking for new christian authors and I believe I saw your name on one of the authors FB pages mentioned above! I also noticed you have been married twenty three years …I will be celebrating my 23rd wedding anniversary this sunday! Hard to believe how times flies and so happy for you that you persued your dream and we all get to enjoy your work!!
I love Denise’s writing and would LOVE to add this book to my library!
Would love to win this book – always looking for new authors to read!
Looks like a great read~ would love the opportunity to enjoy it! Blessings on your work.
I would love to win. Thanks for the chance
I would love to win this book..I think its going to be a good romantic story!
The Trouble With Cowboys, sounds like a book for me! My love has always been for horses and reading. Thank you for the great interview! I can understand how promotion is a side of writing that isn’t the most likable, but if you didn’t promote your books, then we wouldn’t know about them! Thank for the opportunity to enter the contest.