I'm so excited to have Karina Buchanan here on my blog today with her new release, Daring To Love.
Welcome Karina. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Karina Buchanan and Daring to Love is my debut novel. I live in Northern Ireland with my husband and two boys. I'm a stay at home Mum, so the writing stops me from going completely insane.
What is the most romantic thing your significant other or anyone has done for you?
A couple of years ago, for our anniversary, my husband bought me a new engagement ring to replace the old one which had worn away to nothing. The new one has three diamonds and he told me they represented our past, present and future together. Actually, I think I wrote that into a story somewhere…
Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
Will I get thrown out of the writers' club if I say no? Lol I do like to wear comfy clothes though, when I'm writing.
What are your pet peeves?
Rude people. I can't stand people who are plain nasty.
Cats or dogs?
Definitely dogs! I have a six year old collie cross called Maisie who is slightly mad (like the rest of the family).
White wine or red?
Very sweet white wine.
Coffee or tea?
Very sweet white tea J
Vanilla or chocolate ice cream?
Chocolate. What's the point in having vanilla?
What are 4 things you never leave home without?
An umbrella – the constant rain in Northern Ireland is the reason the countryside is so green here. Lipgloss – I'm not a real girlie girl but I like my gloss! And of course a notebook and pen – I prefer to do all my writing longhand and you never know when an idea will strike.
Laptop or desktop for writing?
Laptop. Then I can curl up anywhere with it
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
Sundays seem to be the perfect day for writing for me. Hubby makes Sunday lunch then he and the boys watch football on the telly, while I disappear into the bedroom to do some writing.
If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?
I've had a long hard think about this one. At first I just wanted to jump in with the names of good looking men but I think I'll go with Jackie Collins – who could keep me entertained with celeb gossip, Bruno Mars – to serenade me and Joe Manganiello – for obvious reasons ;)
An actor you have a crush on?
At the minute, it is definitely Joe Manganiello. He plays Alcide, a werewolf, in True Blood and he is a major hottie.
What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?
My favourite show is definitely True Blood. Not only is it choc-full of eye candy but I love the paranormal element to it and it made me go out and buy all Charlaine Harris's books.
What made you decide to be an author?
I always enjoyed writing, even at primary school. It was the only thing I ever wanted to do as a career and it means I can work from home.
How did you choose the genre you write in?
Between my Gran and Mum, there was an abundance of romance novels available when I was growing up, I'm sure that had something to do with it. And I just enjoy a good love story with a happy ending – it makes me all mushy inside
Are you a panster or a plotter and why?
I'm a mixture of both. I start out with a rough idea of where I want to go but usually, as I'm writing, the characters choose a different path
Is there a particular author who may have influenced you?
I love the Irish author, Maeve Binchy. She writes lovely romances but she also manages to weave the lives of so many characters into her work that the reader cares about, it amazes me
What is your all time favorite book?
I would have to say, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I think it was the first 'proper' novel I read and one of the few books I would read over and over again. It has everything in it – mystery, drama, a brooding hero and of course, romance
What is your favorite sentence or quote in your new release?
That would have to be where Andrea tells Matt to turn around so she can 'slap the gold star on his backside for a job well done!' It's the sort of thing I say to my other half when he tells me he's washed the dishes like it's a major achievement
How much trouble did your characters give you while writing your new release? Which one?
I found Andrea pretty easy to write, she's a straightforward sort of girl who lives life by the rules so she doesn't get hurt. But Matt gave me a bit of trouble. I really had to dig deep to discover the reasons behind his daredevil lifestyle and what drove him on. I did torture him a bit…
Where do you get your ideas from?
Ideas come to me out of the blue. Sometimes it can be a tiny detail in a newspaper article that can weave a whole story in my head. Other times, a long drive in the country will give my imagination time to run wild because we have such beautiful scenery here that's the perfect backdrop for a love story.
How did you choose your title?
I started off with the title 'The Daredevil and the Dietician' and the ladies in my crit group, UCW, came up with the somewhat better title, Daring to Love, after a brain storming session.
How do you cure writer’s block?
When I'm really stuck, I leave the writing for a few days and do some reading. That usually gives me time to think and nudge me on. Failing that my UCW ladies usually get the whips out! Lol
Do you have any advice for an aspiring writer?
Write! You won't get anywhere if you don't finish anything and with every ms you write, your voice will improve
What sacred advice have you been giving by another writer?
When I was in my 'I can't do it', whiny stage, a very wise author gave me a reality check. She said 'If you think you can really give up, do so'. As all us writers know, those voices in our heads won't let us quit. So, I stopped feeling sorry for myself and got writing.
Where can your readers stalk you?
I'm on Twitter @karinabuchanan1
Tell us about your new release
Daring to Love
Andrea Macleave is determined to lose her 'Miss Stuffy Knickers' nickname with a rappel down Ireland's famous Europa Hotel, for the hospital where she works. Risk taking goes against everything she believes in and it takes a kiss from her hunky instructor to send her on her way. With her wild side let loose, a one night stand with the action man seems the perfect antidote to her staid life.
Excerpt
"I should have known you couldn't handle your drink." With the devil in him, Matt pushed the buttons guaranteed to re-activate his Andie.
A frown, a purse of full pink lips and she took the bait. "I'll have a whiskey if you're buying." The determination to prove him wrong blinded her to the goggled looks she garnered and the sudden quiet at the table.
He couldn't help his smile getting wider, the more irritated she became. "One whiskey, coming up. Jimmy give me a hand getting these in, will you?"
I've a good mind to get you fired!" Matt hadn't noticed Andrea following him over to the bar. At the sound of her sexy, pissed-off voice, he slowly turned his head.
She stood, ram-rod straight, giving him clear appreciation of long, lean legs. They seemed to go on forever in those spiky black heels she had swapped for her trainers, even if she still had to look up at his six foot four frame. The figure-hugging jeans would bring a grown man to his knees but he would prefer to see her in something to better show off those pins.
The rose tint in her cheeks gave away her embarrassment at being so openly admired and coming across as a letch was not how he wished to be perceived. Nevertheless, he did enjoy throwing her off guard.
"You should be thanking me really." He wound her up and let her go.
"Thanking you?" She crossed her arms across her chest, drawing the V of her top down to give a tantalizing peek at her cleavage. "I should have you arrested for the way you behaved, never mind getting you fired."
"It got you over the edge, didn't it? You were so caught up, being ticked off at me that you didn't have time to think about what you were doing."
"In that case, turn around."
"Why?"
"So I can slap the gold star on your backside for a job well done! Do you seriously think that's a good enough reason for your behavior? Is that the way you carry on with all your clients?"
"Only the pretty, obstinate ones. As for having me fired, well," he backed his elbows onto the bar, "I do the charity rappels voluntarily. It's difficult to replace a trained instructor willing to work for free but if I caused you so much offense, do what you must."
Her delicious mouth opened and closed and he was assaulted with memories of tasting her. And how good it would be to do it again.
"Since it's for charity and all, I suppose I'll let the matter drop. Forget it happened." The defensive arms slackened and fell to her sides. With the thaw setting in, Matt impulsively stepped forward, to invade her personal space.
"Are you sure that's what you want, Andie?" If he could forget his rules for one night, she could stop pretending she didn't want him.
Instead of seeing the look of longing staring back at him, her pupils narrowed. "Where do you get off calling me 'Andie', anyway? My name is Andrea." She lifted the tumbler of the finest whiskey from the bar, knocked it back and stalked back to her friends.
Matt King never was one to back away from a challenge.
Thanks Donna, I had fun
You are so welcome, Karina. I had fun too! Daring to Love sounds HOT! Thank you for being here today.
AVAILABLE NOW @ Soul Mate Publishing: The Swan Cove Murders Release Date January 25th: Secrets of Jenkins Bridge
