Sunday, February 12, 2012

V-Day with Anne Holly


Hi there! Thanks for having me. I’m very happy to be here.
1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.
I have been a published writer of romance and erotic romance for a little over a year, and am a lifelong reader of romance. I have seven short works and a novel out so far, and have another novel and a collection coming in 2012. I’m also a mother to a three year old human and a one year old cat, and a teacher. I’m from Canada’s east coast, and I love the water. I am also a fan of coffee and movies, in that order.
2-As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?
I do, whenever I can. I will sometimes not allow myself to read when I’m in first-draft-stage, to make sure I stay focused on my writing and to keep wayward influences out, but I think it’s essential that a writer be a reader first, especially for genre lit, like romance. 
What I read? Anything and everything. I read a lot of non-fiction for my job, and for fun, and I love biographies. I have a secret True Crime addiction. I am a fan of the classics, and am still catching up to about 1890 or so. I love Dickens, and Shaw, and Trollope, and, of course, Jane Austen and the Brontes. A little more recent, Graham Greene is wonderful, and was so prolific that I still haven’t exhausted his bibliography. My favourite contemporary fiction authors are mostly romance – Debbie Macomber and LaVyrle Spencer are my main favourites. 
3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?
To be honest, I force it. I know that might not sound like a good idea, but I agree with whoever (Philip Roth, I think) said that amateurs wait for inspiration, while professionals just get up and go to work. With a small child and a job, I don’t have the luxury of waiting for inspiration, so I just sit down and write, even if it’s stiff at first. It usually starts flowing after the first few hundred words. If need be, I just cut the rusty bits after I’m done for the day. I am a plotter and big on outlines, so I just take my daily scene assignment, and I do it. Bum-in-seat/fingers-on-keyboard is the only way I know to get over a slump. Now, we all need to know when we need a rest or a change, but often just doing it will do the trick for me.
4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?
Actually, I’m a homebody, so I think you can’t get much more romantic than that. You can circle the globe and not find anything as wonderful as you have within your own circle of beloved people. But if I had to choose, I would love to see all the coasts of Canada. I find the north incredibly alluring.
5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?


Dialogue is, I think, both the hardest and most rewarding thing to write. Fantastic if it comes out right, but devilishly tricky to make realistic and smooth. Also, the exposition – it’s hard to give readers the information they need without making it sound like a big info dump. That was the first hill I had to climb over in my pursuit of professional craftsmanship, and is still something every writer has to consider while writing.
6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?
Josie, from Strings Attached, I think. I envy her strength. I covet her northern ranch, and her independent life full of outdoor work. I wouldn’t say no to her Australian hunk, either.
7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?
I am a fan of romantic books and movies, and I love to curl up in a comfy chair in my PJs, with a nice creamy, flavoured coffee or a mug of jasmine tea and some chocolates or popcorn. This is particularly wonderful after a long, hot lavender-scented bath. I don’t have as much time to do that these days as I did pre-motherhood, but I still make the time to indulge myself. Recharging the batteries is important for everyone.
Thanks again for a chance to meet your readers. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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V-Day, an erotic romantic comedy for Valentine’s Day:
By Anne Holly
It all started with a serenade…

A family like Daniel’s and the solitary pursuit of musical excellence is enough to make a young man crazy. No wonder all Daniel Vouks dreams of is getting away. He knows his violin will take him places in life, but the only place he really wants to be is next door. He’s been in love with his neighbor since he was fourteen, but can he ever make her see him as more than just a lovesick kid?

V-Day is the story of a Valentine's Day weekend Daniel fears he may regret, but will never, ever forget.
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For more information about my Valentine’s Day erotic romantic comedy, V-Day, please see my holiday stories website: http://annehollyholiday.webs.com/valentinesdaytales.htm
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Anne Holly is a Canadian writer of romance and erotic-romance, as well as a mother and teacher. You may visit Anne at her blog or website, or find her on GoodReadsFacebook and Twitter  (@anneholly2010). Sign up for her newsletter here. Email: anneholly2010@gmail.com.

1 comment:

Lynn Chantale said...

Hi Anne, thanks so much for being here today. Please help yourself to the buffet and open bar. Both Chef and Tyrell are at your service.

I'll be adding V-Day to my TBR list. I love a good erotic romantic comedy.