Interview with romance author: Lorraine Heath

Would you please introduce yourself and tell us what made you decide to write romance?

I always knew that I wanted to be a writer, but I wasn't exactly sure about the types of stories that I wanted to write. I had no interest in reading romance novels. I had a misconception regarding what the stories were about. In 1990, I had to go out of town on business, and I ran by the bookstore to pick up a book to read on the flight. I went straight to the bestseller section and Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer caught my eye. Flowers on the cover, the back blurb sounded interesting. I was halfway finished with it, when I realized it was a romance. I fell in love with the story and the genre. I knew it was the type of story that I wanted to write. Before the year was out, I had written my first story. Not that it will ever be published, but it was a beginning.

What was the inspiration for your September 2007 release 'Just Wicked Enough'?

While researching my earlier books with English settings, I ran across a cartoon that appeared in The Times of a lovely, elegant woman standing over an old man kneeling at her feet. The caption read, 'American heiresses, what will you bid?' It was making sport of the Americans who were desperately trying to raise their social status by marrying British lords. And I thought what fun it would be to have a practical English lord who decided that being bidded on was the way to acquire a wife.

How did you get your ideas for the series Rogues and Roses?

I wanted to begin a new series. The above idea came to me, but I didn't want to start the series with that story. I wanted three rakish lords, each of whom didn't want to get married, but needed to get married. And American heiresses had money. But I thought it would be fun if one found himself more attracted to chaperone. That's what happened in A Duke of Her Own.

Do you do research for the books you write?

I do a great deal of research, reading contemporary nonfiction about the time period as well as books written during the time period. For A Duke of Her Own, I read a book written in the 1920's that explained how chaperones were to carry out their duties. While it was a little later than my time period, not much had changed.

To date, which book has been the most difficult to write? Of all the books you've written do you have a favorite?

They're all difficult while I'm writing them. My favorite is usually the one I'm writing at the time.

Do you usually outline your stories before you write them, or do you 'go with the flow'?

I definitely go with the flow. I usually have an idea of where the story is going, what the conflict will be between the hero and heroine, but I never know the details that will need to be resolved along the way to make the story work.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It depends on the story. It's really difficult to say. My contract allows for 9 months, but with promotion and other books I write, I usually spend less than 9 months writing it.

What is the best thing about being a romance writer? Do you have any fears about writing?

The best thing about being a romance writer is having the opportunity to visit with all these characters in my head every day. My fear is that the story will never be the best it can be, will not live up to what it should be for the characters, and that I'll disappoint readers.

What are you working on next?

Right now, I'm working on my June 2008 release, In Bed With the Devil. But I'll wait to discuss it until it's finished.

What books do you enjoy reading? Do you have a favorite?

I love reading romance. Morning Glory is my favorite. Followed by Wild at Heart by Patricia Gaffney.

When away from writing, What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I have so little spare time right now. I go to movies, watch a little TV, and read whenever I can.

Any tips about writing and getting published?

Write what you love to read. Don't let rejections stop you from reaching for your dream.

Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for We Really Dig Romance Novels.

Check out the Lorraine Heath books we have.

Author website: http://www.lynsaysands.net/