Here is my interview with Desiree Holt

Name  Desiree Holt

Age   78

Where are you from Originally Bangor, Maine but now live in the great state of Texas

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc  

I am a graduate of the University of Michigan, I have three grown children (two of them married) who enrich my life. I have been ;published since 2006 and love what I’m doing. Besides writing my two passions are reading and football. In past lives I’ve worked for local weekly newspapers, spent ten years in the music business managing performers, worked in public relations and fundraising at both a public and private university. I also managed special events including a Star Trek convention (that was truly wild!)

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I am about to launch, with Kensington Publishing, a football romance series (remember I said I am addicted to football?). The first book releases July 7 although it is now up for preorder. But in June there will be a major blitz to get the word out. The other big news is that I am creating an action adventure series for Decadent Publishing set in Alaska, to debut in 2016. And finally, later this year, looked for revised versions of The Protectors from The Wild Rose Press (although I think the series will have a new name.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I always wanted to write. Forever. I love reading and I was hungry to create my own stories. I tell people my brain is always busy. I’m a storyteller. But to actually sit down and do it I had to wait until I was retired. I wrote my first manuscript in 2004 and after 137 rejections signed my first contract in 2006.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I think always, but mostly when I signed that first contract, the book released and people actually bought it!

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I read my first romance, a romantic suspense , in 2004, Cry No More by Linda Howard. I wrote Target in an effort to create my own hero like Diaz, the hero in Cry No More. But that wasn’t the first book I sold. It took me five years to whip it into saleable shape!!

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

My books are all character-driven. I might have a glimmer of an idea for a plot, but mostly I start with the hero and heroine, and sometimes the villain, and then play the What If game. What if they did this? Or that? Or something different.  And the story kind of unfolds from there.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Usually the title comes from what I finally create as the story. Although sometimes I’ve actually started with just a title that really stuck in my brain and then had to find a story to go with it!

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Maybe that good guys can always win? Oh, and you can always count on a Happy Ever After from me.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

I try to make all of my books totally realistic., no matter what the subject. For example, for my action adventure books, I have visit a gun manufacturer, a place the armors cars for high ranking people, met with police, sheriffs, FBI agent, Navy SEALs, former Delta Force and Marines, plastic surgeons…you name it. Oh, and of course lots of ranchers and cowboys. And I have visited ranches to learn their operations first hand. When I create an idea for a story, I do a lot of research first. Even for my BDSM stories. I have visited private dungeons as an observer and met with people who were willing to answer my questions. I think you cheat your reader if you try to fake it, unless you are writing a fantasy.

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Hmm. Giving away secrets here! Finding Julia is based on a real love story. Jungle Inferno is based on a real life Delta Force mission. And the heroine in Aftershock is based on me. grin

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

I have had so many authors help me I’, not sure I could point to one.  They’ve been very, very good to me.  But I would say my writing has been influenced by authors as diverse as Linda Howard, Joey W. Hill and Brad thor.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Viper Game by Christine Feehan, the latest in her Ghostwalker series

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Well, I wouldn’t exactly call her new any more but certainly Marie Force.  Terry Hays who write political thrillers. Madison Sevier. And I am always looking for new authors to read.

Fiona: What are your current projects?

I am writing a paranormal to be included in an anthology, Romancing the Wolf, finishing Book 2 in the Game ON series, Line of Scrimmage, working on Book 3 in my rock star series, Falllout, revising all four books in The Protectors series, another Naked Cowboy and another Rawhide. Hope I didn’t forget anything!

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Cerise Deland, my buddy and critique partner.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. Most definitely.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No. I change a lot when I am in editing but once it’s done I love it.

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I just remember as a child, maybe around 8 or 9 making up stories and telling them to my dolls. My mother encouraged me. She was an avid reader and I think would have made a great writer. I can’t remember a time I didn’t want to write.

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Always the first chapter. I want to give the story a good kick start and grab my readers.

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Wow. I have so very many it’s hard to name. I guess Marie Force, whose McCarthys of Gansett Island series is so wonderfully warm and real. And consistent. She has now lows in her writing. Joey W. Hill who writes the most incredibly beautiful erotic BDSM stories. Carly Phillips, whose stories always make me smile. Linda Howard’s earlier books.

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

Not as much this year as I have been. I’ve attended a lot of conventions to connect with readers. This year I cut back a little and next year I plan to attend only four.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Different cover artists, depending on the publisher and if it’s a selfpub. But I can list a few of them for you: Syneca Featherstone, Scott Carpenter, Dawn Dominique, Diana Carlile, Croco Designs.

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Like I aid before, getting that first chapter right. I work very hard at it.

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Chuckle I learned that writing is not for the faint at heart! But I do learn a little bit from every book I write, whether it’s about the subject matter or about the kind of people I create.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Work hard at tour craft, write every day even if it’s only a page, join a good critique group and never, ever give up.

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I love all my readers, every single one of them. Where would I be without them? They are so responsive and receptive. They make every bit of this worthwhile. I hope they are all with me for a long time and continue to by  my books as they have.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No, lordy it was so long ago. I think it was Lassie Come Home.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Sad stories make me cry but then so do parades! A good joke always makes me laugh and so does a happy ending.

Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?

Sam Elliott. I think he’s the sexiest man alive.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?

She loved life and wrote books that gave pleasure to many people. And she was a good friend. And I guess that says it all.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

Not really. In the fall I watch ever single football game. OH, and I like to do crossword puzzles and read.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

Tops on the list are Blue Bloods, The Voice, Dancing With the Stars, The Blacklist.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Food: pizza and Chinese food! Colors: blue and earth colors. Music: mostly country/country rock

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

You know, I can’t imagine. Writing is my life.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

Blog: www.desiremeonly.com

Web site: www.desireeholt.com

Amazon Page http://www.amazon.com/Desiree-Holt/e/B003LD2Q3M/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1