Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Meet Author Nancy Henderson



I want to welcome fellow Champagne Books author Nancy Henderson as my guest blogger today. Nancy has three Historical Romance novels and one Paranormal Romance published with Champagne Books. I've asked Nancy a few questions so that we can get to know her and bit more about her writing.

I love to know what prompts authors to sit down to write that first book. And I love 'what were you thinking' questions. So, tell us: What were you thinking when you sat down to write your first novel?

Tough question! I guess I was thinking what I always do when beginning a book “What if?” What if two people from two different worlds fell in love? What if there were conflicts? What if each of their goals conflicted? After I can answer those questions, I have a novel!

I love your answer. I think all fiction begins with a 'what if' question, and then imagination takes over. It's exciting. Where do you find your story lines for your books?

Ideas hit me unexpectedly. Usually when I’m driving and can’t write them down.

I hear you, Nancy. I've learned to use the record option on my cell phone and transcribe it later.

Who are the people who make up your group of supporters and cheerleaders? How do they show their support and encouragement?

My family is great support. My mom taught me the love of books, and I have no doubt that love started me writing. Also my readers are great support and encouragement. When they ask me about a certain secondary character, when I’m going to write their story, things like that are always motivating.


What would you like readers to know about you on a personal level?

That I love books as much as they do. I love to talk to readers about books and characters.


What are your favorites?

Chips or Chocolate?
Anything chocolate

Summer, Winter, Spring, or Fall? I love summer, spring, and fall. I’m not a winter person at all. I just don’t like being cold!

A traveling vacation, or stay at home and relax? I’d stay at home and relax with my two cats.

Dancing the night away or sitting by a cozy fire? Sitting by a cozy fire. I have two left feet. LOL

Soda or wine? Actually coffee. I’m not sure how many pots per day I drink. Over two, I know for sure.

Where do you settle in to write? Please tell us a bit about your writing space and how you work.

I have a small writing office. It looks like a cave because it’s so cluttered with books, pictures of places I’ve been, and of course my two cats walking all over my desk.

Please tell us a bit about your latest novel.


My latest novel, Stranger In His Bed, is a historical romance. A spy for the British, Cat Sterling is used to living dangerously. Despite having a bounty on her head, she never expects to be shot in the line of duty and left for dead.

Angus French had enough problems without finding a near-dead woman on his property. A Revolution was coming, and British sympathizers have just burned down his tavern. The last thing he needs is to be caught housing a woman who’s working for them.

The price on Cat’s head will more than pay for the damage done to his business. He never expects Cat to see him as security and kindness, two things she’s never had in life. And he never expects to learn that Cat has a few secrets of her own.

Stranger in His Bed sounds intriguing and action-filled, as well as a great romance. One for my 'to be read' list, for sure. Would you like to share something about your current work in progress?

I’m currently writing two historicals, both set in the Adirondack Mountains in New York in the 1870s. Kind of a small town pioneer story with lots of quirky secondary characters.

If you could go back and do one thing differently in your writing career, what would it be and why?

I would write more, find more time to write, make it more of a priority. I’d write despite the dishes overflowing in the sink or the carpet needing vacuuming.

Where can readers find you on the web?

I’m all over. LOL. My website is: http://www.nancyhenderson.com/
My twitter address is http://www.twitter.com/nancyehenderson
My blog address is http://nancyhenderson.blogspot.com/

Any other thoughts you'd like to share with readers or with aspiring authors?

For readers I would say, never stop reading. Read in all genres because you never know where you’re going to find that next favorite author. For writers, I would say never give up. Writing is the most difficult profession out there, at least in my humble opinion. Keep writing. If you stay at it long enough, you will get published. Just a matter of time.

Thanks so much for having me, Linda!

Nancy, thanks so much for being here today and for sharing your work and a bit about yourself. Folks, I hope you'll pop over to Nancy's website and check out her books. Maybe I'll bump into you there.

11 comments:

Tami Winbush said...

Got to love getting to know one of my favorite authors. I think I would leave my 4 at home and go on vacation. :)

Want mine?

Nancy Henderson said...

Thanks so much for the interview, Linda!

Nancy Henderson said...

Thanks so much for the interview, Linda!

Infogypsy said...

Read through the interview earlier today and your book sounds very interesting, Nancy. I'll check it out - judi

Kate George/Bodacious Betty said...

Nice interview, I love the image of your cats walking over on the desk. I always have dogs under my feet. Great in the winter, too hot in the summer. In fact I just kicked them out!

I love to hear other author's "what if" scenarios. It's great that our imaginations come up with such different ideas when faced with that question. It leaves us with an unending supply of story options!

Kathy said...

I like the premise of your book Nancy. I'll have to buy a copy and read it. I love stories like this. Hope you make a best seller with it.
My cat brushes by every so often I noticed last night when I turned from the desk there she was lying in the floor. Then this morning sometime early she was demanding someone get up and pay attention to her. I told her go back to sleep it was only 5 am.

Carol said...

I especially admire anyone who writes full length historical romance because it involves so much research of the times and of the language spoken. I sidestep this by combining some of my stories with a modern plot. Using an ancestor of a character fulfills that longing for me. Carol McPhee

http://carolmcphee.webs.com

Lyn said...

Hi, Nancy--lovely interview, and your book sounds very interesting. That era fascinates me. Yep, gotta read that book. Thanks!

Verna LaBounty said...

Love your ca comments. What if? is a good prompt for not only getting started but also for working out of a block. I challenge myself to think of the most outlandish answer and then strike some middle ground for plot ideas.

I do like historical fiction - will check out your title.

J K Maze said...

I would love to read your book. It sounds so exciting, and I'm puttingit on my list. The two you are working on also interest me. I love historicals, ones with spies, and those in the wilds, like the Adirondacks.

Joan

linda_rettstatt said...

Thanks so much, Nancy, for coming by today and for an insightful interview. Much success with your new release.

Linda