Q&A with Author Victoria James: The Rancher's Second Chance

I am so happy to be chatting again with my dear friend Victoria James on the release of her heartwarming and at times hilarious contemporary romance, THE RANCHER'S SECOND CHANCE.

Widowed rancher Cole Forrester is all about running his family's ranch and guarding his heart. The last thing he's looking for is love, but when his little sister can't make it home to handle some of her wedding details, he's forced to entertain the event planner, Melanie Simms. 

Melanie is everything he's not even remotely interested in: she's high-society, complicated, and high maintenance. But when he's stranded with her at his remote cabin in the Colorado mountains, he realizes he's seriously underestimated her. She's hiding something about her past from him, but despite everything, he finds himself falling for the last woman he ever expected, and the first woman to make him want to give his heart and risk everything...  

AMAZON | B&N |KOBO | iTunes

Congrats on your newest release, The Rancher's Second Chance! Can you tell us a little about the book?

It’s about second chances and trust. Cole Forrester a strong man with a very tender side. He’s a widower and he’s closed himself off to finding love again. In comes Melanie Simms, good friend to his little sister. Melanie is a woman who has it all together on the outside, but she’s running from a past that continues to haunt her. The last thing Melanie wants is to be married-especially to a man of power and authority. But Cole is a man that has a softer side that allows her walls to come down and let him in. When their future is threatened Melanie hopes that he chooses her and the love they've found...

I love the rustic setting of this book. Was there a real location that served as inspiration?

It was set in Colorado, so I did some online research. I also researched working cattle ranches in the area. It’s a beautiful area, so the description came easily.

Cole is one sexy hero, and he's also the first cowboy you've created. In trying something new, where there unforeseen challenges?

The biggest thing was confidence. I have read soooooo many romances with cowboys (I consider that part of my research ;-) but when I actually sat down to start this story, I struggled. I didn’t know if I could actually ‘write’ a cowboy. They are a tad intimidating ;-). My confidence grew the more I got to know Cole and his character just evolved naturally after that.

Melanie had such a sad childhood and she's been holding out for the right man. Why is Cole "the one" for her?

I think Cole has everything that Melanie would need from a man: he’s trustworthy, protective, tender, loyal. He has such a soft side and Melanie knows she can trust him. Cole also passed the ‘hero-test’ that Melanie and her sister devised-and I’m not going to reveal anything else about the test!

I must ask... Can you ride a horse?

Does sitting on a horse posing for a picture when I was six years old count? No, I can’t ride a horse! But it’s on my bucket list! Hmm…maybe we can meet up one day at a ranch and take riding lessons!

Do you have a particular favorite scene or character in this story?

Well, I love Melanie and Cole…but the secondary characters really grew on me. Mrs. H and Gage turned out to be hysterical characters that I’d never really planned. They took on a life of their own. In fact, my editor liked Gage so much that she asked me if I’d write his book. Which of course, I will! Gage’s story is tentatively scheduled for January 2015! I’m looking forward to revisiting The Tall Pines Ranch again…

Can you share what you are working on now and what readers can look forward to seeing from you next?

Right now I’m working on a story that’s a little different for me. It’s due in April and scheduled for release in November 2014 with Indulgence. This summer, the last book in the Red River series is due out and I’m so excited to finally be able to share Evan’s story with readers. 

Read an excerpt from THE RANCHER'S SECOND CHANCE:

“You look hotter than I expected.”

            Her eyes widened, and she looked over at him. Their horses were standing close together and she could almost touch his thigh. His compliments always seemed to come out of left field, and they were impossible not to physically react to. It was hard concentrating on the horse and the cowboy at the same time.

            “I guess this is a good time for me to admit that this whole cowboy thing you have going on is a very good look.”

            His deep, rich laugh made her smile. “You do realize I’m not trying to make a fashion statement, right? This is my livelihood.”

            “Of course, I get that you’re not dressing up in a Halloween costume,” she said. “But it does work well.” She tilted her head to the side and tried to hide her smile. He was fun to tease and flirt with and she enjoyed making him laugh. There always seemed to be a hint of surprise on his face when he let go and laughed.

            “Mel?”

            She tried not to smile as she raised her eyebrows, signaling for him to continue.

            “I find you irresistible. You are insanely gorgeous and since our night together at the cabin I have thought of you all day, every day. That night ended way too soon. All I want to do is taste you, feel your body against mine. And if you have any doubt…” He paused, his brown eyes holding hers with their intensity. He took her hand in his warm one and placed it over his heart. He held it there and she squeezed her eyes shut as she felt the rapid beating of his strong heart. “If you have any doubt, know that this is what happens the second you walk into a room.”

You can learn more about Victoria and her books on Facebook, her website, www.victoriajames.ca, or follow her on Twitter @vicjames101.  

 

December Releases

Happy Holidays everyone! December is here, and you know what that means....more holiday romances! Check out the newest releases:

'TWAS THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS, by Olivia Miles

A romantic inn. . .a white Christmas. . .hot cocoa by a roaring fire. . .it all adds up to a perfect holiday romance from Special Edition debut author Olivia Miles!  

A storm is about to shake up Holly Tate’s quaint lifestyle, and the Nor’easter scheduled to hit the small town of Maple Woods, Connecticut will have nothing on the upheaval real estate tycoon Max Hamilton creates during his week-long stay at The White Barn Inn. Since inheriting her grandmother’s house five years ago, Holly has poured her heart and soul into transforming the old mansion into a successful inn, hoping to be able to save enough to buy the property when the ninety-nine year lease expires on Christmas Day. 

Unbeknownst to Holly, Max has a different plan. But as attraction builds and emotions stir, will Holly’s contagious Christmas spirit have him changing his mind? Or will Holly be forced to start the new year with no home or business, but instead, only a broken heart?

AMAZON || B&N


And a special re-release... THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHRISTMAS BABY, by Victoria James

Jackson Pierce didn’t make his fortune entertaining every half-cocked idea, especially one involving diaper changes. Not even the cute brunette who links him to the baby in her arms can crack his icy heart. 

A baby on the doorstep is the least of Hannah Woods’s problems—she has to find the baby’s uncle, or the child will end up in foster care. She sleuths her way to the reclusive CEO’s doorstep only to find six feet of holiday sexy—and a door slammed in her face. But when Jackson comes around and urges they marry for little Emily’s sake, Hannah finds herself falling for the jaded billionaire and wishing for a holiday miracle of their own…

AMAZON || B&N


 

Victoria James: Does the Journey Really Matter?

At the beginning of September, I had a book deadline moved up-big time. I needed to finish the manuscript by October 7th. I was a *tad* panicked. Usually I have at least three chapters of a manuscript started-this manuscript had nothing. There was a synopsis, but that was it.

I thought the only way for me to tackle this deadline would be to plot.

Yes...the panster needed to become a plotter.

I have always been secretly envious of plotters. They seem so calm and organized. Glancing at their notes, writing in such a dignified, orderly manner. I should love plotting. I was meant to be a plotter. I mean, I thrive on organization in every other area of my life. I hate chaos. I love neat and tidy. Order. Plotting = Order.

I know Natalie Charles did a fab job at transforming herself into a plotter, due to necessity. I was thinking I should really give this a try.

First, I was going to buy index cards (I'd heard some plotters talking about these things, and I swear I was always so envious of the idea of neatly written cards. Some plotters even say they shuffle them around if they need to move a scene). OMG, this plotting thing is irresistible...

Here's the breakdown of my 7-day attempt at becoming a Plotter:

Day One: Buy Index Cards (I also bought these cute, bright pens which I thought would be perfect for colour-coding chapters/scenes/themes). Organize. Think. Make notes on synopsis. Doodle a few happy faces and hearts.

Day Two: Begin to plot...with new pens...chapter by chapter. Send email to Olivia Miles stating how great I think this plotting idea is (Olivia is the master plotter) and how I should have discovered this so much sooner. My life was now going to be so much easier! I had discovered the joys of plotting!

Day Three: Sit down to write a new scene that just popped into my head while driving kid #2 to school. Ooops, that scene wasn't anywhere in the stack of index cards! Rifle through index cards, make a new index card for new scene and insert it into the pile. Perfect. I can do this. Mental note: remember to refer to the damn cards before you start writing.

Day Four: Look at the index cards. Frown. Index Card 1A, written in pink pen is telling me to start the book with the heroine on the front porch. Hmmm. I'm not really sure that's how I want to start the book. Hmm. Scratch out a few things and start the book a different way.

Day Five: Look at index cards and try and write in order. But I rarely write in order. I eventually get there, because of course the story needs to be tied together, but I usually get down a bunch of scenes that are begging to be written. Frown. Drum fingers on desk. This writing out of order, whichever scene you feel like writing, does not sound like something a plotter would condone. Especially because the scene I write isn't in the index cards. It's a new scene. Which would lead to changes in the rest of the scenes-which means my perfectly plotted book... It's okay, you can still do this. Go back to Index Card 2A written in green pen and write the scene, like the card is telling you to!

Day Six: Glance over at index cards that have now become coasters for my coffee mugs and mumble a few curses in empty office at the cards.

Day Seven: Make all the pretty cards into paper airplanes and fly them, one by one from your desk to the four corners of your office, maybe with the occasional 'screw you' as one does a nose-dive on your desk.

So what's the point of my rambling? Don't try and change what isn't broken. I have always, always had scenes in my head about characters before the book was ever started. When I sit down to start that book, those are the first things I write. Or, most often, when I open the document those scenes have already been written because I had jotted them down and then saved them for when I was ready to start the manuscript. I'm always afraid that if I don't get those scenes written, I'll lose the passion and emotion I'm feeling for them. Often this leads me with a manuscript that is comprised of tons of scenes that need to be tied together. Or characters, that halfway through the manuscript decide to do something else. I can't deny them! I'm able to do that. It works for me. It may not be the cleanest, easiest way to do it, but it works. The manuscript gets written.

You write the way you write, and just because someone else's method looks like the 'right' way, doesn't mean it's right for you. We all have a point A and a point Z...does the journey really matter?

In case you're wondering, yes, the manuscript was handed in...

What about you? Are you a plotter wishing you could be more carefree and just let loose and write (though after reading my methods above, I can see why you'd be thinking 'hell, no!') Or are you a panster, secretly wishing you could change? Or are you just happy with  your method?

Q&A with Victoria James: The Best Man's Baby

I am so happy to be chatting again today with my dear friend, the lovely Victoria James, on the release of her third book, THE BEST MAN'S BABY. When Victoria and I first started sharing work, the partial of this book was one of my first impressions of her writing, and let me say: I was hooked. The opening scene grabbed me right away, and set the momentum that carried through the rest of the book. So without further delay...

Florist Claire Holbrook has always played by the rules her entire life, but breaks them to spend one night with sexy lone wolf Jake Manning, a man she's adored since she was a teenager. Six weeks later, things get complicated when she discovers they created a bond that will last a lifetime

Jake has never played by the rules. Getting Minister Holbrook's daughter pregnant wasn't part of any life plan, but he won't run from his responsibilities. He'll step up and be the best man he can, even if he doesn't have a clue where to begin. The more time he spends with Claire, though, the more he wants her, and the harder it is to get close, because that would mean sharing the one thing he hasn't with anyone--the truth and his heart.

AMAZON || B&N || Goodreads

Welcome, Victoria, and huge congrats on your newest release! Can you tell us a little about THE BEST MAN'S BABY?

The Best Man’s Baby is book two in my Red River Series.  It’s about two opposite people facing the repercussions of what was supposed to only be a one night stand. Claire is the ultimate good-girl, and Jake…well, he’s the town bad-boy. Their journey to HEA is filled with self-discovery, passion, laughter and heartache. They are both really strong-willed characters, neither of them willing to back down and surrender their beliefs. But they’re also both holding onto some painful memories, and Jake has a secret past that he must finally confront before moving on with Claire.

There were several memorable moments in the book, and I have a few choice favorites. Do you have a personal favorite?

I have two favorites…the first is in chapter one and I’d really hate to give it away, but it involves Claire finally getting up the nerve to do something impulsive and taking charge of her life. Unfortunately for Jake, it’s a little embarrassing ;-) 

My other favorite was the epilogue…I know people either love them or hate them, but as a reader and as a writer, I adore epilogues. And I really wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Jake and Claire yet, especially as a happy couple.

Were there any parts of this book that were more challenging to write?

While so much of this book was light-hearted, there was a darker side to it. When Jake has a confrontation with his brothers and then finally opens up to Claire about his past, I found myself struggling.  He was such a great hero to write-I really felt for him, and all the pain that he kept buried for so many years. So when he finally opens up to Claire and bares everything, completely vulnerable in front of her…well, he broke my heart. He’s the bad-boy with a true heart of gold. Lucky for him, Claire was the perfect woman to help him heal ;-)

When you began the Red River series, did you have Jake and Claire's story in mind, or did it evolve as you wrote book one?

It definitely evolved. I knew that Claire and Holly were these childhood best friends, and of course the two of them had their crushes on the brothers, but that was about it. Jake and Claire’s characters were really dynamic and just came to life as I wrote A Risk Worth Taking, and I remember getting really excited by the prospect of writing their stories. 

The town of Red River is so charming. Was it inspired by a real place that holds special meaning to you?

Yes, Red River was inspired by a little fishing village I have been going to with my family since I was a child. It’s quaint, and everyone knows everyone…it has a lift-bridge, just like the one in Red River, and it’s on the shores of Lake Erie. Now that I have my own family, my husband and I take the kids a few times throughout the year.

This is your second book in the Red River series, and you have one more planned. Any hints into what we can expect in book three?

Ah, book three…I just turned it in a few weeks ago. If you follow my blog you’ll know that the youngest Manning brother proved to be the most difficult to write. There is a lot of angst and heartache in book three-of course with a HEA…but the journey to get there was a rough one. All the favorites are back of course, and there is another wedding in the book (probably not who anyone is expecting!) along with some brand new characters. I think I’ve left Red River and the Manning’s in a very good place…

Sadly, the Red River series will end with the third book. What can readers expect to see from you after that?

Right now, I’m working on another Indulgence. It’s a little different for me-no small town setting or scenario.  This book is set in France...in a castle. Brand new characters, new families, new setting, glamour…I’m kind of in love with it at the moment ;-)

Thank you so much for chatting, Victoria!

For more information on Victoria and her fabulous books, follow her on twitter @VicJames101, on Facebook, or at www.victoriajames.ca

The People-Pleaser Learns a Lesson, by Victoria James

I'm a people pleaser. I'm one of those people who has a hard time saying no. I like making friends, family members, readers, editors, etc. happy. Two young children and ageing parents ensure that there is always someone in need of something. I hate letting people down and often will take on more than I can realistically handle. But somehow I find a way to get it all done, and I get an enormous high when I do. I know this is something many people can relate too-especially moms. Usually, I somehow find a way to swing it. Well, the last month has been a huge lesson for me...

I had a hundred balls in the air, and this was the first time in a long time I wasn't able to juggle. I got sick, and in typical 'mom' fashion I just ignored it and kept going, full speed ahead (thank you, coffee addiction). Anyway, my husband finally convinced me to go the walk-in clinic (I didn't bother making an appointment with my regular doctor-because who has the time, right?). I received a prescription for antibiotics five minutes later and was on my way. Or so I thought. A few days later I was getting progressively worse and in between popping antibiotics was chugging coffee and Advil's.

That Saturday night, I was at Whole Foods with my son picking up some takeout because we had friends coming over for dinner and I was too wiped to cook (see, that was what I thought was taking it easy. It didn't even occur to me to cancel). Anyway, food bought, on our way to the parking lot and I just stopped. Suddenly, it was like all the pain I was denying I was in, couldn't be hidden anymore. All I could feel was the intense throbbing in my cheekbone, like someone had taken a chisel to it and was carving out a new mountain. I had a hard time making conversation with my son (luckily, he talks a mile a minute and barely noticed) and the drive home took intense concentration. We arrived home, I dropped the groceries on the kitchen floor and mumbled to my husband that I needed to sit. Kids were scavenging through the bags (every time groceries come home, it seems they turn into these ravenous little monsters who haven't seen a morsel of food in days) and the noise level was reaching a disastrous level. I was having a hard time concentrating on anything, even simple conversation. Hubby put the kids to bed and then tried to figure out what was wrong with me. My symptoms were all over the place-my cheekbone killed, my teeth ached, my 'bite' had changed and I couldn't line up my teeth properly, and I felt despondent. The poor guy thought I was having a stroke. We did cancel on those friends, and I went to bed (without eating a scrap of that delicious takeout-a true sign something was wrong). The next morning at the urging of a friend who's had a root canal recently, I called the 'after hours' number on the back of the dentist's business card and explained my symptoms. At this point I really thought I was dealing with a root canal. It sounded like that to him as well-considering the tooth movement-and he prescribed an antibiotic and said to go see him next week. This was somewhat reassuring and frightening at the same time because I'm totally afraid of dentists and dental work. I just realized how long this post is going on...sorry, will try and wrap this up!

These antibiotics were starting to work and by the time I went to the dentist a few days later I was beginning to feel human again. He took X-rays and saw...nothing. Nothing. Then he examined my mouth-my bite had changed, because a tooth (the one I thought was infected) had lowered in much the way it does when the root is infected. Anyway, as he's looking inside my mouth he asks me if I'm under a lot of stress. Hmm. What was I supposed to say? I'm a romance novelist, small-business owner, and mom? I felt a little ridiculous. So I just kind of shrugged and he told me I was grinding my teeth and had actually shifted that tooth. He then shaved off some enamel so that tooth would be even and I need to go back for a follow-up. That medication he prescribed was working for my sinus infection and after a visit to my regular doctor-and some more X-rays/ultrasound, found my left sinus blocked. I received a referral to a specialist and now it's wait and see. Fingers crossed this will clear up and sinus surgery isn't a must.

So, very long, long story, short? Don't ignore your body-get whatever it is dealt with as quickly as possible and take the time to rest. Don't feel guilty for admitting you can't do something (this is the hardest-I still feel horrible for asking for help). I cut out all social media for a few weeks (that feels very strange actually). I was honest with my agent and editor who were very understanding and now I'm playing catch-up. Take some time for yourself-go for a walk, take a bike ride, get yourself some flowers if no one else buys them for you :)

I'm so grateful to be feeling well again...and I'm trying to say no to the five thousand requests I get on a daily basis to help someone out with something...um, that being said, I'd better run: the two-year-old has just whacked older brother on the head with Hello Kitty dollhouse...

Q&A and Giveaway With Author Michelle Smart

I’m so excited to welcome debut author, Michelle Smart to our Hot Seat today!

This is a huge year for Michelle, with debut releases from Entangled Publishing Indulgence and Harlequin Presents.

Michelle’s debut book Indulgence book, TEMPTED BY TROUBLE has been receiving awesome reviews.  I've just finished reading it-and loved it!

As far as Marco’s concerned, wild child Pippa has ruined his life once and he’ll be damned if he lets her do it again. But it’s hard to reconcile the adolescent he knew with the mature, beautiful woman who stands before him. Soon he's questioning if everything the media is claiming about Pippa is the truth, or if he should trust his heart.


Socialite Pippa Rowantree has always provided excellent fodder for the UK’s gossip rags. After another unfortunate scandal sends the gossips into a feeding frenzy, her shamed family retaliates by forcing her into hiding at old family friend, Marco Capello’s lush Caribbean estate—literally the last place on earth she wants to be.

Available Now:
Amazon  Amazon UK B&N

 

 

I’m so very thrilled for you, Michelle, congratulations!

Thank you so much, and thank you for having me here!


Q: Michelle, can you tell us a little bit about your journey to publication?

It’s been a long journey involving plenty of rejections and a huge learning curve – I wrote my first book five years ago. Somehow, last year, it all came together and I was contracted with both Harlequin Mills & Boon and Entangled Publishing. This is my debut release.


Q: Can you tell us the difference between what you write for Indulgence and Presents?

The main difference is that my Presents books have a much darker side to them.


Q: What are some of the challenges in writing for two different lines?

The processes are so very different! It’s all the little things – for example, I write in my own voice of English/English for Presents but with Entangled I have to use American/English, so I have to Americanise my spellings (see, that would become Americanize!) and make sure I don’t use colloquialisms that can get lost in translation. But it’s more than just that – everything’s different.


 Q: How do you balance writing, social media/promotion, and family?

Badly. These past couple of weeks are the first time I’ve really had to deal with promotion and it’s eaten into everything, especially my writing. At least I’ll know what to expect next time and will, hopefully, be able to manage my time more effectively (oh look, there’s a flying pig!).

Normally it’s much easier to manage everything and everything runs like clockwork (oh look, there’s another flying pig!).


 Q: Can you tell us a little about your writing process?

I’m a complete pantser. I tend to get the kernel of an idea, dream up the characters, and then off I go! It’s such a wonderful feeling running with an idea and making it all the way to the end of the book without any pause or hesitation. At least, I assume it’s a wonderful feeling. I’ve yet to make it to the end of a book without rewriting sections, hitting the saggy middle, and thinking at least a gazillion times that what I’m writing is a pile of pants.


 Q: What is a typical work day like for you?

I get the kids to school and am back home by 9am. I get the minimum amount of housework done that I can and am generally sat down with my laptop by 10am. I’ll procrastinate for an hour or so and then write until around 3pm. I then collect the kids from school and do family stuff until around 8/9pm, and then I’ll sit down again and write until around midnight. As you would expect, I never allow myself to be distracted by trivial things such as twitter, or get lured into playing Angry Birds. Honest.


Q: Can you tell us what you’re busy working on now and what/when your next release will be?

I’m currently working on revisions for book two with Presents – book one releases on the 23rd July and is entitled The Rings That Bind. And guess what? It’s available for pre-order at all good book selling websites, ha ha ha!

Visit Michelle Smart's website:

http://www.michelle-smart.com

Follow her on Twitter: @chellebellwrite

Facebook Page

Goodreads






Thank you so much for being here today, Michelle. Once again, I’m just so thrilled for you and wish you nothing but success! Be sure to check out Michelle's book, I'm sure you'll love it! And don't forget to enter the giveaway below!

Thank you for having me!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will be given at the end of Michelle's Blog tour to one international winner.

Q&A with Author Victoria James: A Risk Worth Taking

It is always a pleasure to chat with my good friend and fellow HPT member Victoria James, and I am delighted to have her with us in the hot seat this morning in celebration of her newest release, A RISK WORTH TAKING. For those of you who love a great reunion story or small-town romance, Victoria's second release won't disappoint. I read the book cover-to-cover in one sitting, and only found myself let down when I reached the last page and realized the story was over. Well, lucky for readers, this book is also the first in Victoria's new Red River Series!  

Interior designer Holly Carrington worked hard for her success. Then tragedy struck, leaving Holly the sole guardian of her infant niece. Now she’s swapped her designer purse for a diaper bag, and is going ahead with plans to renovate—and sell—her childhood home in Red River. But facing her past also means coming face-to-face with Quinn Manning all over again...

Quinn was the object of her girlhood crush—and heartbreak— and is more gorgeous than ever. He’s also the only person qualified to oversee the renovation. Now they’re butting heads every step of the way... and their attraction is more electrifying than ever! But once the house is sold, Holly needs to return to her real life. And falling for Quinn all over again is one risk she can’t take...

AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | iTunes

Congratulations on your newest release, Victoria! Can you tell us a little about your second book, A RISK WORTH TAKING?

Thanks so much, Olivia!

Sure, A RISK WORTH TAKING is about second chances at first loves, letting go of fear, and the finding the inner strength to persevere.  It’s set in the fictional town of Red River.  I love small town settings so I had a blast creating some eccentric, nosy townspeople.  My heroine, Holly returns to Red River after living in the city for ten years.  She thinks she’s back to sever ties with Red River once and for all.  She is there to renovate her grandparent’s old Victorian house and then sell it.  Quinn and Holly both have very strong personalities, so when it’s time to collaborate, sparks fly-especially because they have so many unresolved feelings from the past.

This book is the first in a series. What can we expect from this series?

Family drama, passion, emotion, and humour.  The heroes and heroines are the types of people you’d meet in real life, with problems and insecurities that anyone can relate to. 

Did you always plan this book to be part of a series, or did the other ideas come after you wrote this one?

When I cast my hero, Quinn I knew he had two brothers and I knew I’d want to write their stories.  As I wrote RISK, his brothers sort of came to life and their personalities really emerged.  I kind of had an idea that I wanted to get Holly’s best friend, Claire and the middle Manning brother, Jake together.  I’m busy working on the last Manning brother’s book-and he’s quite different from his older brothers-he’s much more difficult, lol.

If you had to pick one scene in the book that was your favorite, which would it be?

Definitely the night of the big rainstorm.  I don’t want to give too much about this scene away, because it ties in a few different threads from the book and I’d hate to spoil it.  But, Quinn and Holly’s personalities really clash that night, and the exhaustion and emotional toll of everything they have been dealing with culminates into, well…you’ll have to read it to find out!

What inspired you to write this book?

I wrote this book a few years ago and I’ve re-written it once before it was bought by Entangled.  Someone very close to me had suffered through many losses and I was in awe of her and her husband’s strength and faith.  People who go through really traumatic losses and go on to live life to the fullest really inspire and humble me.  I find that kind of strength of character admirable, and I’m desperate to see people who’ve gone through so much receive the best possible happily ever after-in real life and in fiction.

Small-town settings are always my favourite to read and write.  We have a place we go to regularly to that is on Lake Erie, it’s in a small town, and every time I go I’m inspired.  We take the country roads to get there and I find it so scenic and so relaxing (well, if the kids are sleeping in the backseat.  If they’re awake, it’s not really a relaxing ride).  Red River is loosely based on this town-including the old lift bridge that Holly mentions in the book. 

With your debut already under your belt, can you tell us what you learned from that experience and how it shapes the release of your second book?

I’m still learning.  But I vowed that this time around I’d be less nervous.  I was a basket-case last time.  I really want to have fun this time, and not be ready to hurl whenever a new review is posted.  I’m normally a very positive person, so I need to apply that attitude to my writing career as well.  I need to crush the insecurity and enjoy the ride!

If you could give any piece of advice to an aspiring writer, what would it be?

Write what you love, and not what you think you should be writing.  Sometimes I think when you’re just starting you can get so caught up on targeting specific lines (if you write category) and you can be so focused on the guidelines that you forget to let your characters tell their story.  You might discard ideas that you really want to explore because they don’t fit.  Be true to your voice, true to your real passions.   And of course, never give up.

Can you tell us what you are working on now and what we can expect from you next?

I’m working on a few different books at the moment-which is exciting and a bit crazy at the same time.  I’m trying to finish up the third book in the RED RIVER SERIES, while also working on a really special project for Entangled as well.  The second RED RIVER book will be released in July, and then the last book in the series will come out in November.  

Thank you so much for chatting with us, Victoria!
To learn more about Victoria, please visit her at www.victoriajames.ca