TINA DONAHUE Scavenger Hunt + Interview!

Interview with Tina Donahue

Conducted by Sassy Brit

Quick note to our dear readers, hope you have a pen and paper ready, as your TBR book list is going to grow after this! Also, below the interview are the details of how to join in with the scavenger hunt! *Excited scream!*

SB: Good morning and welcome, Tina,

Thank you very much for returning to AR and agreeing to be interviewed. I promise I'll be gentle with you! I'll start by asking for a brief synopsis of your latest book, if I may?

TD: Hi, Sassy – I’d love to tell you about my latest – it’s called Deep, Dark, Delicious and it’s a wickedly sensuous feast. Here’s the blurb:

Eden DeCarlo may have narrowly lost Miami’s best chef competition and the prize money she desperately needs, but she has caught the eye of dangerously virile Rafael Zayas, one of the judges and a wealthy restaurateur. Despite her vow not to let any man derail her life, Eden’s captivated by Rafe’s imposing masculinity, then challenged by the business deal he offers. He’ll invest in her new venture if, for one month, she can satisfy his culinary expectations and the sexual attraction they both feel. Dominant and unashamed, Rafe knows what he wants when it comes to carnal pleasure and will spare no seduction to have Eden in all the ways he demands – naked, wanting, submissive. Within thirty days, he will teach her the delights of yielding to passion, relinquishing all control to him and fulfilling her deepest, darkest and most delicious desires.

 

SB: Sounds fantastic! We will be reviewing Deep, Dark, Delicious soon, so I'll let you and our readers know as soon as it's up! Now, what got you into writing books?

TD: Genetics, I guess (LOL). As a kid, I read everything I could, even cereal boxes if nothing else was available. By the time I was nine or so, I was composing and illustrating my own stories and selling them to parents in the neighborhood for their kids.

SB: What is the most favourite thing you enjoy about the writing process? How about the least favourite?

TD: My most fav thing is being able to live with my characters. Their lives are never dull! My least favourite thing is trying to work out a plot that’s just not cooperating.

SB: What is the last book you read and what are your quick views on it?

TD: No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy – absolutely excellent. What powerful imagery. What a plot! Makes my hair stand on end.

SB: I have that, and agree it is a very cleverly written book!

If you had the chance to get everyone to read one book that you totally love, that was not your own, what would it be and why?

TD: Other People by Sol Stein. First of all, he writes the story in first person, but it’s also multiple POV. Very unusual. Secondly, there’s a great deal of wit in it. And the love story between Tomassy and Francine is simply incredible. I’ve read this book again and again and I never grow tired of it.

SB: I'm going to have to check that one out! Thank you for adding to my TBR list.  Okay, so, which of your own stories is your personal favourite, and why?

TD: Wow – that may be hard to say. Whenever I begin a new story, it becomes my fav because with each tale I learn a bit more about writing and perfect my craft. So, I’d have to say the novel I’ve currently finished is my favourite. However, the one I’m starting to plot may also be. :)

SB: Would you mind sharing what your current WIP is, the genre and how far into it you are, please?

TD: I’ve just finished another contemporary erotic romance. I should have it on my editor’s desk sometime this week. It has a passionate storyline, what I like to call “Heat with Heart”. There’s steamy sex scenes but also a fulfilling romance.

SB: Another one for my list! Have you ever had one of your characters take your story into a different direction? What happened?

TD: Happens all the time. I begin to plot and I see the story in my head. Then I begin to write and the characters take over. I let them. It’s their story and if I tried to mold them to a synopsis or an outline the story wouldn’t have as much punch.

SB: Now, for a few non-writing questions. If I were to look in your fridge right now, what three most unusual items would I find, if any?

TD: Raw peanuts and almonds – I like nuts :)

A jar of dill pickles that’s about two years old – I keep forgetting to throw it out

A hunk of cheese I got as a gift but I may regift it to someone else since I don’t like the flavor.

SB: Are you a morning person or a night owl?

TD: Morning.

SB: Cat or dog lover?

TD: I love both – but I’m a little more partial to cats

SB: I love both, too. I do have dogs, and would love some cats, but they don't see eye-to-eye with felines! They see them as food more than anything. :)

What is your favourite quote?

TD: “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” – Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931)

SB: Oh, I love that one! Now, I'm sure everyone asks you this, but I have to ask - I see you have modeled professionally, and appeared on billboards, do you have any pictures, or would you like to share which company you were advertising, please?

TD: One of the pictures is on my website: www.tinadonahue.com – I was about four or five at the time. I was modeling for a milk commercial for a Ralston Purina company. I’ve also modeled for Keds and other products.

SB: If you could have anyone around for tea and scones, dead, or alive, who would it be and why?

TD: Lawrence Sanders – before he passed he wrote great, great thrillers. I don’t believe anyone is better than Sanders in that genre.

*Scribbles down the name, and adds to TBR list.*

SB: What is the best information you could give aspiring writers?

TD: Read everything you can, not only the types of stories you want to write. Then write, write, write. And finally, no matter the opposition you face, whether it’s from publishing houses, editors, critics, or fans – never give up.

SB: Finally, where can we find out more about you and your books?

TD: At my website: www.tinadonahue.com – click on “About” “Books” and “Reviews” it’s all there! :)

SB: Thank you, Tina. That was fun. I really enjoyed interviewing you. Good luck with your next book. Do come back and let us know when it is published! 

Scavenger Giveaway Instructions

Slightly different to normal, since this is also a scavenger hunt - Open to UK/International entrants. --STARTING as soon as the details are posted in the comments section. The first reader to contact TINA with all four questions answered correctly will win.  

1. To enter - please follow the AR blog (publicly) 

             2.  Look out for the questions in the comments section!!

That's it. Good luck! As usual you may, Tweet, Digg , add this comp to your blog, sign the AR Guest book! etc. THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK!

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