Today I have the pleasure of chatting with fellow Hunter Romance Writer Ann B Harrison/Ari
Harper.
Hi Ann/Ari and welcome to my blog.
Thanks for having me Sandie, I love visiting.
Can
you tell us a little bit about yourself? ?
I swear I was born with a book in my hands and have
never put it down. A lifelong love of reader has finally culminated in
achieving my dream of writing...and publication.
I lives in the beautiful Hunter Valley with my own
handsome hero of many years. I've always loved the ups and downs of life in
small communities and I shares this with readers in my rural romances.
Strong sexy heroines with a good dash of sass thrown
in feature in my stories, whether they are rural or young adult. Of course
these women need an equally strong hero. Bring on the outback hero and watch
the passion ignite.
When not writing I enjoys reading, gardening,
walking my very large dog Hugo and fighting with my computer.
1. You have a new release out, what is it
about?
Changling is Book Two in the Curse of Kin
series. In Book One, Witchling we watched Nera come into her powers and take of
the family curse. In Changling we get to see where her best friend Sully fits
into the picture. When they realise what he is and his fate, the race is on to
save him.
2. How did you come up with the idea for your
novel?
Book one in this series is the first story
I wrote. I never had plans on becoming a writer until the day I actually sat
down and put pen to paper so to speak. It all began with a sentence running
around in my head about a dream and wouldn't let go. After months of trying to
push it away I finally gave in and started writing.
3. Do you plot your novels or fly by the seat
of your pants type of girl?
Definitely a fly by the seat of my pants
type of person. But, now I've decided to attack a single title romance I have
to do some plotting to make my word count. I'm finding that a bit of a
challenge to tell you the truth.
4. How long does it normally take you to
write your first draft?
Novellas 45k, around four weeks. Single title
takes me about eight weeks.
5. Who are your favourite authors?
I have way too many which is bad for my
bank account. In romance I can't go past Nora Roberts/J D Robb, Paranormal,
Deborah Harkness, YA I love Abbi Glines. And that is just this week. Next week
I may discover someone different.
6. You have had an offer from Hollywood to
turn your novel into a movie, who would you have play the lead roles? Why?
IF and it's a big if, that ever happened I
think I would like unknowns. I've seen what happens when an actor gets stereotyped,
they can't get away from their character. I want mine to me themselves, not
someone from Harry Potter.
7. Who would like to direct it?
Angelina Jolie. She is so talented. Forget
she has one of the worlds sexiest men as her partner, I only look at the
talent.
- Can you give us a small
extract from your novel?
Sure.
"I am just so sick
of having you in my face," I shot back. "I can't sleep, eat, or do
anything without you there. From the moment I was born, you were with me. Maybe
I just want some time to myself. Is that so hard to understand?"
Bones
stared at me through my outburst and stormed from the room, his mouth set in an
angry line and his fists clenched by his side. I watched him go, feeling the
gaze on the back of my head accusing me of once again biting the hand that
saved me. I sat quietly for awhile, collecting my thoughts. I knew I would have
to be the one to apologize again. It was my mouth that got me into trouble.
Again. Bones had done nothing wrong. He never did. It was just my sense of
independence that was offended, not thinking I needed the shadow I had been
given at birth.
I
swung my feet over the edge of the couch, preparing to stand. The black spots
appeared in front of my eyes and I swayed. I put my hand out to stop my father
coming to help. "Stay here," I said getting to my feet.
I
stood until I felt a little more stable and slowly made my way to the door. I
grasped the wall and paused for a minute, then I made my way up the stairs to
the workroom where I thought Bones would be.
At
the open door, I paused and leaned on the frame for support. Bones was leaning
on the workbench, his back to me. His shoulders and back were tense. I saw the
minute that he sensed I was there. The subtle change in his stance was enough
to alert me. Slowly he turned to me, opening his dark pain-filled eyes.
I
trembled with what I saw, knowing I was the one responsible for the pain he was
feeling. How many times in my life had I wished that I could take back what I
said once it was out of my mouth?
He
stepped toward me. I tried not to flinch as his face came barely inches from
mine. "Didn't you say enough downstairs, Nera? Do you want another shot at
me?" he asked in a very quiet voice. His gaze flickered over my face
taking in the blush that I could feel creeping up to my hair line.
"N-n-no,
no. I um, I came to apologize," I stammered.
He
lifted his hand and ran his finger down my cheek. His gaze stayed on mine and I
shivered under his touch. His free hand came up and cupped my other cheek as he
touched his nose to mine.
My
stomach plummeted to my toes and my mouth worked to talk, no sound coming out.
Slowly, his lips brushed over mine, lightly touching and tasting. My eyes
closed and my breath caught. My body was not doing what my brain ordered as my
hands crept up and circled his back.
That
was all the prodding he needed. His mouth crushed down on mine, the feeling
knocking the breath out of me. As I responded, my mouth hungry for his, he
pushed me away, breathing heavily and held me at arm's length. He was shaking
his head, looking horrified at what we had done.
"Sorry,
I'm so sorry," he mumbled before running from the room, leaving me
standing against the wall.
I
was gutted. I had let myself be pulled into his moment, only to be rejected. I
did what any normal girl would do. I ran to my room, threw myself on the bed,
and cried my heart out until there were no more tears left.
9. Now the most important question. Where can
we get a copy of your novel?
You can find Ann at any of the links
below. Don’t forget to stop by and say “Hi”.
Thank you Ann/Ari for joining me today. All the best on
your new release.
Sandie
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