Author Interview: Adele Downs of Santa to the Rescue
1. What made you want to be a writer?
I’ve been writing since I was nine. I used to lie on my stomach for hours on my bedroom floor and write poems and stories in a copybook with a #2 pencil. My senior year in high school, my English teacher urged me to write for publication. Pleased by her encouragement, I started submitting to newspapers. My first story was published in a Sunday magazine at age 19. I can’t explain what compels me to write; it’s just something I’ve always done. Perhaps it’s in my blood, since I come from an artistic family.
2. Who is your favorite author?
I have several favorites, so it’s hard to choose only one. I go through phases where I’ll read everything an author writes and she becomes my favorite. At present I’m bingeing on Lisa Gardner thrillers.
3. What is the name of the last book you read?
Maggie’s Man by Alicia Scott (a.k.a. Lisa Gardner, before she switched from writing romance to writing thrillers).
4. Tell us about yourself in 3 words?
Loyal, organized, dedicated
5. What is your favorite activity?
Reading. I read every day. I also like watching TV and movies. Since I also need exercise, I walk the trails near my home or use my treadmill. I have a detachable desktop for my treadmill that allows me to write or read while I walk.
6. If your book could be made into a movie? Which actors would you have play the main two characters?
I guess if we’re going to dream, I’d ask my readers to choose a hot young actor and actress. Then I’d know they were the right choices for the story. My characters are in their early twenties, so I’d want A-Listers for the roles, of course. “)
7. Who is your favorite character in your book?
I love my heroine, Heather Longhurst, but Jamey Tucker, the firefighter hero of SANTA TO THE RESCUE, is my idea of the perfect man. He’s strong, big-hearted, and honorable. Writing his character was pure pleasure. I hope readers love him as much as I do.
8. What's in your TBR ( to be read) pile?
Too many books to list! My book shelves are stacked (romance, thrillers, and mysteries) and my Kindle is chock full. I’ll read them all and keep buying more. I have eclectic taste in books and love to read. (Don’t we all?)
9. What are 3 of your pet peeves?
Aggressive drivers, people who talk in the theatre during a movie, those germ-ridden stylus pens we’re forced to use for credit card signatures.
10. What's your favorite ( cats or dogs), ( coffee or tea), and what's your favorite food?
Dog, coffee, lobster with melted butter.
Thank you so much for hosting me on your terrific blog. It’s a pleasure to be here!
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Book Description:
Firefighter Jamey Tucker knows three things in life to be true: an honorable man doesn't go back on his word; never hurt a woman; and lasting love isn't a myth. But with his recent move to a new job at Appleton Fire Station, the long hours don't offer hope of finding the love he’s looking for.
When Jamey meets beautiful pediatric nurse Heather Longhurst after hearing her sing Santa Baby in a supermarket aisle, he offers her a promise he discovers he can't keep. Heather has been betrayed by men in the past, making it hard for Jamey to gain her trust. Determined to find a way to win her heart, Jamey uses firefighter engine-uity and Heather's favorite song to prove he's got Christmas spirit she can believe in all year.
Excerpt:
She laughed out loud this time, and the sound of her voice rang through the air, pure and clear. He could listen to that voice for hours. “These are for my kids at the hospital. I’m an R.N. at County. We’re decorating the pediatric ward. And spoiling the children too, a bit. I’m baking cookies for our holiday party on Saturday.”
She held out her hand for a handshake. “I’m Heather Longhurst.”
Jamey introduced himself and took her hand. He told her what he did and where he worked. Her skin felt soft against his palm, though her grasp conveyed confidence and strength.
He cocked his chin. “What kind of cookies?”
“Chocolate chip, of course. Is there any other kind?”
Jamey shook his head. He could almost taste melted dark chocolate and smell the aromas of fresh baked flour, eggs and sugar filling her kitchen. His mouth watered. He hoped she couldn’t hear his stomach rumble. He hadn’t eaten in over fourteen hours. “No ma’am.”
Heather returned a lopsided grin. “You’re not from around here, are you?”
“Southern Indiana, born and raised.”
She moved out of the way of an elderly couple trying to pass with their half-filled shopping cart. Jamey moved too and they strolled together toward the exit. “I’ll make a plate of cookies for you, if you stop by the hospital to pick it up.” She said.
Jamey smiled at her, his heart lifting at the turnaround in his day. “That’s the best offer I’ve had since I moved to Appleton.”
“You’re new in town?”
“Been here almost three months.”
“Glad to meet you, Jamey Tucker. See you about one o’clock?”
“I’ll be there. Count on it.”
“I will.” She smiled back and their gazes locked. His mood soared with the realization she was flirting with him. The day had definitely taken a turn for the better.
About the Author:
Adele Downs writes contemporary romance inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist, published in newspapers and magazines inside the USA, UK, and Caribbean.
Adele is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter where she serves as past-president. She has written several articles for RWR magazine (Romance Writers Report), the trade journal of Romance Writers of America, and has presented workshops for writers.
When Adele isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Adele_Downs
Visiting from the unschooling momma. Thanks for the giveaway. http://www.heartofaphilanthropist.com
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